-You were lucky that the cut wasn't too deep.- The doctor had been complaining and making similar comments for quite some time. He was just finishing stitching up the wound, so the dragon wouldn't have to listen to him for much longer.- It was very close to the artery. - The medic applied the last stitch and cut the thread. Draco watched the process of closing the wound the entire time, trying to learn something from it. Of course, it wasn't the first time he had to undergo such a procedure, but the doctor stitched a little differently than what the reptile had known so far. - What was that anyway? - He finally asked, getting up from the bed.
-Marvax. - The master's short answer had to suffice. - Will he be all right?
-As I said, it was a shallow cut. Ragged on the surface, but the muscle was cleanly cut. - The doctor began to put away his tools.
-Where did the marvax come from so far north?- asked the priest, who had been silent until now. Apart from the medic, Darius and Sommenfell were the only ones present during the treatment of the wound.
-It's a good thing it was just starting to grow, because its claws weren't serrated yet. - The doctor looked at his work once more. - We managed to act quickly, so there shouldn't be any problems. - He took three opaque vials from the bag standing next to the bed. - Now listen carefully. - He turned to his patient. - The regenerative potion is to be drunk now. - Without waiting for a response, the medic uncorked the bottle and pressed it into the dragon's hand. - Drink up.
Draco drank the bottle, tasting a familiar flavour, but much more intense than the ones he had used before. Warmth flooded him immediately, with greater force. The potion must have been concentrated and of better quality. The boy grimaced slightly.
-There are worse ones. - The doctor just checked to see if the boy had drunk it all. - Then this one. - He shook a larger dark glass bottle. - Fonita healing potion in half an hour, no later. You need to add three drops of this other one to it. - He showed him a much smaller vial. - It's a painkiller and a sleeping drug. It will allow you to rest peacefully and sleep through the worst of it. Despite my efforts, alchemical preparations and, I suppose, the healing touch of our priest, the pain will be excruciating. By morning, your leg will be as good as new, but the night will be a nightmare. - The doctor smiled, seemingly sincerely. - Now my duties to Her Ladyship call, so I will check on you later. - The doctor left without saying goodbye to anyone.
-How are you feeling?- The master approached the bed. He no longer looked as frightened as before, but he was more tired.
-It hurts a little, but it's not bad.- The dragon glanced at the priest and lowered his voice.- I told you I've been through worse.- He repeated once again.- Even without all this, it would have healed.
Darius did not reply, only frowned with concern.
-Doctor Morrison will not be pleased if he finds you still awake.- The priest also approached the dragon. He looked at the wound, examining the meticulous stitches. -It shouldn't hurt, but try not to move.
Sommenfell held his hand over the injury and began to recite spells. Draco felt warmth flowing first from the healer's hand and then into his body. His thigh slowly began to warm up, which was a strange but pleasant sensation. Later, the warmth began to travel upwards, stopping at his slightly sore back, spine and lungs. His organs were quickly filled with healing energy, which flowed towards his head and ended its journey in the dragon's ears and eyes. The priest finished his incantations and staggered.
-You should have told the doctor that it's not just your leg that's the problem. - The clergyman shook his head disapprovingly.
-Draco?- The master looked at his student menacingly.
-The rest didn't bother me...- The boy lowered his gaze. Indeed, he hadn't even thought to mention his other injuries. His habits from Dagos had resurfaced.
-If anything ever happens to you, no matter how trivial it may seem to you, you must tell me. - Darius emphasised the end of the sentence. He seemed disconsolate, but more worried than angry.
-All right, master, - the dragon replied humbly. He didn't want Bleist to think he didn't trust him by hiding his condition.
-You should always seek help if you need it, - the priest looked a little better than a moment ago. - If you could help me, lad, shine a light on the wound so I can see it better.
Draco released a small amount of energy, suspending it directly above the injury. The clergyman looked at the stitches for a moment, then finally nodded.
-Thank you. It looks better than I thought.- Sommenfell turned partially to the Earl.- In the morning, we will only need to remove the stitches and apply a healing balm. I think tomorrow the doctor will decide if any other remedies are needed.
-I was afraid it would be worse. The wound looked terrible.- Darius took a deep breath.- Thank you, Reverend.
-You're welcome.- The priest glanced at the bottles left on the table.- I think it's time for the rest of the medicine.
-Three drops.- Bleist muttered, picking up both bottles.
-Oh, we all know that three won't be enough. - Sommenfell looked at the mage with pity. - While Doctor Morrison may have overlooked it, focusing only on the injury, you couldn't have thought I wouldn't notice while healing him. - The cleric looked at the boy, then back at Darius. - It's really not difficult to tell that Draco is a dragon.
Neither Bleist nor his apprentice knew how to respond to the priest. There was no denying his statement, and attempting such a blatant lie would have been inappropriate, to say the least. All they could do was agree.
-A dragon with magical abilities.- Sommenfell shook his head. -I didn't think it was possible, but it seems that nothing is impossible. It must have caused quite a mess in the capital.
-Not that much, - admitted Darius, picking up the vials. - Although it's not common knowledge. The Grand Master and the Marshal decided that it would be better for Draco to keep it a secret from the public. It will be easier for him.
-I suppose so, - the cleric nodded.
-How much should I add? - Bleist returned to the subject of medicine.
-The dragon dose is twelve drops on average. Unless you're a venomous dragon, - the priest looked at the boy.
-A fire dragon, - Draco muttered.
-So fourteen. That should be enough, unless you're resistant to it. - The old man smiled. - Now hurry up, or our medic will be complaining for days.
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Darius stood at the window looking at the forest shrouded in the silence of the night. Today had proved to be quite a challenge. The mage could still feel the energy coursing through his veins, mixed with terror. He had not noticed the monster lurking in the forest, nor had Bellator, whom he was riding. While he could understand why he himself had not noticed the camouflaged monster, it was strange that it had escaped the attention of the three besses riding at the front. The mounts had very sensitive senses of smell and hearing, like all canines.
Bleist looked over his shoulder at the sleeping dragon. His calm, steady breathing indicated that the sleeping drugs had worked. Thanks to the quick treatment, the wound would be gone by morning, and the doctor did not foresee any complications, although he was irritated when he learned that Draco had not mentioned his other injuries. The moment the priest talked about the other injuries reminded Darius of his visit to Doctor Herpetes and his litany of old wounds sustained by the dragon. An unpleasant shiver ran through him, and he remembered the dragon's dispassionate tone of voice as he repeated that things had been worse and that he could handle it himself. Even without painkillers, Draco showed no reaction to a wound that would have caused severe shock in many people.
The door to the room opened quietly. The magician looked back and quickly moved towards it. His mother entered the room, assisted by her servants. The elderly woman leaned heavily on her attendants, taking slow steps.
-You shouldn't overexert yourself, - he said, offering his arm.
Madame looked at him from under her veil and shook her head.
-I am here because I believe I should be, - she stated bluntly.
Darius did not intend to argue. He humbly helped her sit down on one of the chairs. His mother dismissed the servants. They sat in silence for a moment.
-The marvax`s do not appear in Carh.- A strong will pierced through her weak voice. -They also cannot hide from the besses.
-I sent for reinforcements for the sergeant from the fortress.- Bleist lowered his gaze.- I also ordered an increase in patrols around the forest. Investigators from the city should arrive in a few days, so after examining the carcass, they will comb the area together with the army. They will have to find something.
-So it wasn't just me who found it suspicious. - The loud breath was hardly a sigh.
-I hope I'm overreacting, but I wouldn't want it to turn out that some tragedy could have been prevented. If the marvax came alone, we need to find out where it came from. It's worse if there are more of them.
-Working in the forest will no longer be safe. - The mother shifted her gaze from her son to the sleeping dragon. - How did your apprentice take it?
-Draco is strong and very resilient.- Darius didn't want to admit it openly, but the boy's high tolerance for injury could come in handy someday, especially in the military.- Besides... Besides, he's dealt with worse injuries before.
Madame did not answer, but just looked at the dragon.
-Follow your heart, and everything will be fine, - she simply said.
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Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
-You've been sitting here for a long time.- A muffled voice spoke.
Boom, boom, plop. The ball he caught fit nicely in his hand. He tossed it up and with a slight flick of his wrist sent it flying towards the opposite wall.
Boom, boom, plop.
-I'm thinking.
Boom, boom, plop.
-You're usually better than this.- The voice came closer and he could hear the sound of someone sliding down the wall.- It must be a serious problem.
-Because it is serious. Very serious.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
-Bouncing the ball won't help you, Pirce.
-I know, Ori. - The dragon rested his head against the reinforced door. - But I don't have much left.
The silence on the other side was disturbed only by the sounds of everyday life coming from outside. It was as if the world had conspired to show him that his dilemmas were not that important after all.
-This is my last year at the Academy, - he said finally.
-I know.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
-Then I have to serve five years in the mercenary wings.
-I know that too.
Boom, boom, plop.
-Five years, Ori. - He wanted to raise his voice, but he knew he shouldn't. - At least five.
-Everyone has to. -He could have sworn he heard a quiet snort through the door. -Neither surprising nor unusual.
-I won't be home for that long. -He lowered his voice, feeling he was close to exploding. -What will you do...
-I'll manage, Pirce. - The decisive answer betrayed Orion's stubbornness.
-I don't want you to manage. - The dragon finally snorted. - I want you to be able to get out of here.
-Our parents won't allow it.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
-They won't have a choice.- He growled.
-What do you mean?
-Father promised to grant me one wish if I became champion.
Boom, boom, plop.
-I wouldn't trust him.
-I don't. - He glanced at the door at the top of the stairs. - He'll have no choice if I threaten to tell everyone.
-It won't be easy.
-That's what I think.
-I didn't mean father.
-I'm more worried about him than the tournament.- He unconsciously clenched his hand around the rubber ball, almost crushing it.
-Don't do anything stupid.- Ori seemed to sigh.- Just try to do your best.- A short pause to catch his breath.- For me, too.
Pirce suddenly jumped up and prepared to hit the metal-clad door with all his might. He stopped himself at the last moment, well aware that he would only hurt himself.
-I'll get you out of here.- He pushed off from the tightly closed door and headed upstairs. He knew he had spent too much time here.
-Thank you, brother.- The words came from behind the door only when the other dragon could no longer hear them.