a youngster, barely four years old, so he’s got another year to grow.’ Horvater did his best to convince the dragon of the beast’s virtues.
‘Nevertheless, he’s built differently.’ The reptile pretended to be pondering something. ‘He’s less slender, more stocky.’
‘That means he’s got plenty of strength!’ The merchant continued to gesticulate animatedly. ‘He’ll pull a loaded cart or even a carriage with ease. You needn’t worry about training him either, as I’ve been looking after him since he was a cub.’
‘Still, I’m most interested in his physical traits.’ Draco turned so that he was looking more at the merchant than at the bess. ‘I think my master would be interested in them too.’
The dragon could have sworn that Horvater’s eyes had lit up with gold, not magic, but the clink of coins. The man was already beginning to count his profits, hoping to offload the burden. The merchant cast a quick glance at Draco and the soldiers standing a short distance behind him, no doubt committing the coat of arms they all bore to memory. Although, given the merchant’s behaviour, it would be rather foolish to assume he hadn’t recognised the name Bleist.
‘Surely, such a respected expert would have noticed my bess' immediately.’ Horvater rubbed his hands together, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on the dragon.
‘I’d like to show him to my master, but it seems you’re leaving the capital.’ The boy feigned slight concern and cast a quick glance towards the beast.
‘Oh, I think we won’t be setting sail until tomorrow. Isn’t that right, Captain?’ Horvater turned to the ship’s commander, hoping for his support.
‘We were in the middle of negotiating the rate,’ the burly sailor reminded him. ‘How much were you offering?’
‘Thirty galleons per chest,’ the merchant blurted out.
‘Forty sounds better.’
‘Thirty-five,’ Horvater conceded bitterly.
‘What are you all staring at?! Get to work!’ The captain immediately began driving both his men and the merchant’s porters to work. ‘Move it, we don’t have all day!’ he added, walking off towards the ship.
‘We will definitely be
