Sitting in the carriage, Draco stared out the window, watching the changing scenery. At dinner, his master told him that in order to be accepted into the military class in Solvein, he would need a doctor's opinion confirming that he had no health contraindications. As Darius put it, it was just a formality that had to be ticked off. Fortunately, Bleist's friend, a doctor, had found time for an examination this very afternoon. The dragon was a little disappointed to have to give up his sword training, but he was curious about the visit itself, especially since they were going to the military part of the city.
They had just left the buildings of Rithien and were climbing the slope of Mount Soljan. The view of the city below was breathtaking. Draco couldn't take his eyes off the panorama, especially after he spotted the Emerald Pagoda rising in the distance and the city walls looming far away, with a green expanse behind them. The dragon was slowly beginning to recognise the places he had visited. The important landmark worked wonders, and the boy couldn't believe how little he had seen.
Darius smiled at his student's interest in the views and, not wanting to disturb Draco's fascination, quietly immersed himself in the papers he had with him. Every now and then he glanced at the boy, but did not speak unless asked. The reptile did not know what to ask and simply absorbed the view.
The carriage finally slowed down, then turned off the main path leading upwards and drove onto a partially artificial terrace surrounded by high walls. Draco looked around with even greater interest. They had just passed through a gate guarded by soldiers in blue uniforms. The dragon immediately realised that they were members of the Azure Guard, as their uniforms were the same cut as Darius's, while the private units from Ed'heer were dressed differently, more ornately. The guards had no embroidery except for epaulettes, an Atlantean star on their right shoulder and unit insignia.
They stopped, and outside, the sounds of everyday life could now be
