people standing near him. A minor commotion broke out, catching the attention of both Captain Andersen and the merchant Horvater. Feeling their eyes upon him, Draco approached them.
‘Gentlemen, please forgive me, I didn’t mean to interrupt such a lively discussion.’ He bowed slightly, though with a touch of nonchalance. ‘Draco Ignis, apprentice to Earl Darius Bleist.’ He introduced himself.
‘But no harm done.’ A broad smile spread across the merchant’s chubby face. Curiously, his features did not match his thin, sinewy frame. Despite his loose-fitting robes, it was impossible not to notice how bony he was. Much of his appearance was clearly intended to distract attention from his figure: golden ornaments, garish patterns, various rings, and crystal earrings glinting with the light. ‘Bovart Horvater, a small merchant, at your service.’
'Captain Jens Andersen.' The ship’s commander tipped his hat. He seemed very strict, calm, formal and curt. He was dressed much like the naval officers the dragon had seen before, but unlike them, his uniform was light brown with leather trim on the elbows, cuffs and collar. It was clear he did not shy away from hard work on deck and was capable of handling the ship’s ropes himself. His weather-beaten face was also evidence of long periods spent outside his cabin.
‘I decided to approach because I was intrigued by your beast, Mr Horvater.’ Draco nodded towards the bess.
‘Oh, isn’t it beautiful?’ The merchant immediately sensed an opportunity. ‘A very strong and hard-working beast,’ he began to praise. ‘Calm, trouble-free and obedient.’ Even at first glance, he was mixing truth with understatements.
‘Certainly,’ agreed the dragon. ‘Only… how to put it… It looks a bit different from my master’s besses. That’s precisely what piqued my curiosity.’ He looked pensive. ‘Is it some rarer breed?’
‘Oh! I see the young master has excellent eye for detail!’ An even broader smile spread across the merchant’s face. ‘How lovely to meet someone who can truly appreciate the beast’s qualities. Please don’t mind his appearance; I assure you he is just as swift and agile as other besses. Besides, he’s still
