the elf and, in a sense, for Atlantean intelligence, but not for Darius. All he could do was follow the rumours and information out of pure curiosity.
The mage sighed again. The comfortable bed was inviting and enveloped him in such an extraordinary way. He did not even know when he fell asleep.
‘. . . eist!’ Something tugged at Darius’s arm, but he ignored it, too absorbed in his dreams. Besides, he didn’t want to know what was disturbing his rest. ‘Mr Bleist!’ The next tug was impossible to ignore. The magician turned his head and opened his sleepy eyes. Standing by the bed was a butler, his dimly lit face expressing slight concern.
‘What's going on?’ Darius looked out the window, but it was completely dark.
‘A messenger has arrived from the Luminous Palace.’ The servant bowed and took a step back. ‘He says he has urgent news for your ears only.’
‘Give me my coat.’ The magician reluctantly got out of bed. He threw on his military frock coat to maintain at least some semblance of decorum. ‘Where is the messenger?’
‘He insisted on a quick meeting.’ The butler bowed again. ‘He is waiting outside.’
Darius cursed under his breath. It was rare for messengers to be in such a hurry, which meant that something important had happened. And the whole week off is ruined. He thought sadly and, not wanting to delay, went out to his small sitting room.
Right next to the door to the staircase stood a messenger in a City Guard uniform. The young boy kept glancing at the soldier from Ed'heer, who had to escort him from the gate. As soon as Bleist entered, the messenger almost ran up to him.
‘Good evening, Colonel.’ The watchman saluted, clicking his heels together. ‘A message for your eyes only from His Excellency Grand Master Tilion.’ He pulled a sealed envelope from his inside pocket.
‘Thank you.’ Darius glanced at the seal and broke it efficiently.
The message was short, just a few words written in familiar handwriting. A summons to appear immediately in the
