approached the window. The garden seemed completely empty, as did the well-kept forest that surrounded it.
-Draco always tells someone when he goes out.- The earl muttered under his breath. He sighed heavily and leaned against the window shutter. On his way here, he hadn't encountered anyone, and as far as he could remember, the servants weren't in the habit of hanging around the manor. Darius took a few deep breaths, leaning forward. Something caught his attention: there were footprints of hobnailed boots in the freshly mowed flower beds. Someone, most likely a dragon, had jumped out of the window and walked through the bushes.
Bleist pondered. His apprentice was not the type to take risks or seek thrills. Moreover, the surrounding area was very peaceful, well guarded and safe. The manor house was a long way from the deep forests inhabited by magical beasts. The dragon was in no danger. The magician took a deep breath. He scanned the edge of the forest and the lawn once more, but saw nothing of significance.
Acting somewhat under the influence of emotions previously unknown to him, Darius followed his student and jumped out of the window. He quickly regretted it when he felt the leg of his trousers catch on the sharp thorns of one of the plants. He muttered a curse and stepped more carefully onto the lawn. He glanced once more at his student's footprints and headed in the direction they led.
The magician quickly approached the edge of the well-kept forest. Despite his best efforts, he saw no signs of anyone else's presence. Darius looked over his shoulder. He was already a good distance from the manor house.
-Draco.- He tried to speak a little louder than normal, but only silence answered him.- Draco!- He tried to raise his voice cautiously. Again, nothing. Bleist moved forward, entering the trees. He stopped after a dozen or so steps.- Draco!- He shouted into the forest.
Darius jumped when he heard something a few steps away from him hit the ground with a terrible crash, accompanied by the sound of breaking
