familiar silhouette of someone from Pircea's gang. He wasn't about to fall into a trap again or let them just forge ahead and force him to make another arduous escape through half of Dagos.
He passed a few more corners and stopped on impulse. He clung smoothly to the wall hidden on the side of the alley exit by an old, crumbling barrel. He waited.
After only a few seconds, he heard the footsteps of two people. They were careful, deliberate. He knew someone was creeping up, he already suspected who.
-Oh, come on already Collin!- growled one of the boys harshly.-I'm telling you he went the other way.
-I'll get him this time, Will.- replied a voice drenched with determination.-You'll see. All of you will see.
-Do you still think that if you bring the freak to Pirce you'll become one of his- he snorted- friends?
-Don't pick on me! You could try to get close to them too.
-Why would I want to? -Will asked in a weary voice betraying that this conversation had been had more than once.
-You know why! They're better. Everyone likes them, admires them...
-Yes, yes I know... You don't have to tell me that every time.
-Then why do you go to them with me!
-You know very well that if our mother hadn't told me to watch over you I'd be somewhere else.- growled an upset Will.-I'm going from here and you're coming with me. I promised our parents you wouldn't be late today.
-I have to...
-Let's go.
Draco heard some more exchanges of quick broken sentences, and then the brothers flew off leaving the young dragon with a rapidly beating heart. After a few minutes, he got up and moved on.
As soon as he was on one of the larger streets his luck left him. He immediately bumped into three of Pirce's drab men. Without thinking too much, he changed and momentarily took to flight. He made a graceful loop in the air and headed towards the harbour where he had last lost his pursuers.
