‘You can do it, I believe in you.’ Darius patted his student on the back. ‘Don't worry about anything.’
‘I'll try, master.’ Draco seemed to be trying to smile, so the Earl pretended that the boy had succeeded.
‘I'm afraid, my dear, that today you are your own worst enemy.’ Gizel got out of the carriage, holding Bleist's hand. ‘I saw you fight this morning, so I can guarantee that you can do it, and you've mastered practical magic at a level even higher than required.’ The elf approached the dragon and gently adjusted his collar. ‘Believe in yourself, because we believe in you.’
This time, Draco smiled sincerely. Darius breathed a sigh of relief, reminding himself to thank Gizel later. He may not have wanted to admit it, but he admired the fact that the elf always knew what to say, could find the right words and reach everyone. This was one of the reasons for her success in the intelligence service, at least until she had to take over the duties of Grand Duchess.
‘I'll try.’
‘Then go, so you won't be late.’ Bleist was surely sending his student to an exam.
Draco said nothing, just nodded and quickly headed for the entrance to Solvein. Darius watched the dragon until he disappeared behind the door. Today, the exams were to begin in the arena, so no one was waiting at the entrance. More carriages arrived and departed, dropping off students who had to take their exams. Many of the coats of arms were familiar to the Earl, but there were quite a few that he did not recognise. It seemed that everyone knew the carriage from Ed'heer. This was hardly surprising, since Bleist was probably the only one who harnessed besses to his carriage.
‘Maybe we should go too?’ Gizel took the mage's arm more firmly and looked suggestively up at the Tower of Light.
‘We have an appointment, I assume the duke will send someone to meet us.’ Darius glanced at the familiar walls. He had spent nine years in Solvein, so he always thought he knew
