the same place where they had parted ways with their masters. Darius, Gizel, Fiora, Matheo, and Captain Forth stood together in dignified solitude, no one even attempting to disturb them, and guests moving in the opposite direction of the room avoided them. Draco noticed that the captain was holding the master firmly by the arm and explaining something to him fiercely. Meanwhile, Gizel stood stiffly with a frozen expression of concentration on her face that made the hairs on the back of Draco's neck stand on end. In addition, the huge blacksmith, panting heavily and furiously, whom the completely pale dwarf was trying to calm down, did not improve the atmosphere at all.
The dragon stopped next to the duchess, and the elf approached his master. Both tried not to disturb them. Draco watched out of the corner of his eye as the captain whispered nervously and Darius listened to him with obvious reluctance.
-All right, all right,- Bleist finally said louder. -I understand, I'll try to control myself.- He looked his officer in the eyes, and after a moment, the latter let him go and stepped back, positioning himself a step behind the earl. The mage looked around and summoned his apprentice with a gesture.
-You've probably already heard what happened,- Darius said without further ado. -We'll talk about the details when we get back. Now, I kindly ask you to escort Gizel. - The elven lady flinched when he said her name, but this time, one glance from Bleist was enough for her to refrain from interfering in the discussion. -Later, until I return, don't disappear from your escort's sight. In addition to Ari and Cassius, you will take half of our cavalry with you. Seth has already arranged everything. In Ed'heer, tell Trace to increase the guards, I don't want any surprises. I have to stay here and see everything through to the end.
-Of course, master.- Draco quickly nodded, aware of the tense atmosphere.- Your Highness may I.- He turned to Gizel and offered her his arm. The elf gave Darius a strange look, but did
