‘You’re making progress, keep it up. Then again, who am I telling this to? In your case, I can be sure you put your heart into everything you do.’ Bleist almost laughed when the dragon flushed crimson and began mumbling under his breath, not knowing how to react to the compliment. ‘Training with the cavalry will certainly help you, but riding lessons in Solvein might prove even more useful.’ Draco looked up and fixed his gaze on his master. ‘There’s simply more space for practice at the Academy, and there’s a track as well, so you can practise many aspects of riding.’
‘The master already knows that.’ The dragon looked a little downcast. It seemed he’d wanted to tell Darius himself that he’d been accepted, and now he’d lost some of his enthusiasm.
‘Nobody told me anything.’ Bleist shook his head. ‘I knew better than anyone how well prepared you were, and I had no doubt you’d get in. Congratulations, Draco,’ he added proudly.
‘Thank you.’ The dragon’s face brightened, but the blush on his cheeks deepened.
‘Now let’s go inside; I need to rest.’ Earl laughed, brushing off the sand that was still clinging to every crevice of his armour and clothes.
Darius didn’t even have the strength to climb the stairs to his flat, so he sank heavily onto the sofa in the sitting room. Meanwhile, his pupil had rushed off to fetch a letter from Solvein. Bleist envied the dragon’s boundless reserves of energy. A long sigh almost drowned out the sound of the door opening quietly. Oscar entered the room and looked at the earl with a hint of disapproval.
‘I’ve taken care of everything; all that’s left is the armour.’ The butler approached Darius, watching him closely. ‘It must have been hard.’
‘Awful weather.’ Bleist looked at the gloves lying on the table, only now realising just how filthy everything he’d arrived in was. ‘I don’t know how anyone can live in such heat.’ He stifled another sigh, as he couldn’t expect to elicit even a shred of sympathy from the butler. ‘And that was
