The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Book 6: Chapter 165

Voleardens coming for a visit, Vur said, turning his head towards the three drunken women. An endless number of bottles lay about them. They had the space in their root bracelets for all the drinks, but they couldnt be bothered to put the empty bottles away.

Wait, what? Malvie asked and stood up. Instead of climbing to her feet, she fell onto her face. She lifted her head up to look at Vur while she lay crumpled on the ground. When?

Soon, Vur said. Fern says Voleardens getting dressed.

Fern? Malvie asked. Her brow furrowed. Are you talking about Voleardens right-hand dragon, Fulferminis the Clawed Lightning?

Not sure, Vur said and turned his attention back onto the dragon tablet. Let me ask.

Malvie stared at Vur, and after a bit, he turned to look at her. Vur nodded, and Malvies expression darkened. Is he coming too?

Yes, Vur said and tilted his head. Why? You dont like him?

I doubt theres any phoenix out there who likes him, Malvie said and shook her head. Hes fast, and in large-scale battles, he loves interfering with fights. When a phoenix is about to win, hell appear and ruin that victory. If a phoenix is about to escape, hell appear and sabotage their plan. It wouldnt be incorrect to say every phoenix whos fought on a battlefield hates his guts; he never fights unless he has an advantage.

Oh, Vur said and nodded. No wonder why he seemed smart.

A bitter expression appeared on Malvies face as she struggled to stand. If Voleardens coming here, I cant remain drunk like this, she said as she settled with sitting down on the floor with her legs crossed instead of standing.

You drank a lot, Erin said, stretching out the last word. Like a lot a lot. You have a method to sober up quickly?

Yes, but its not pretty, Malvie said. As such, Id like to ask for some privacy.

Theres plenty of unoccupied trees, Lindyss said. Her face was completely flushed. Find one and do what you have to do. The cursed elf narrowed her eyes. Or Vur can have his chat with Volearden while the three of us stay inside and keep out of his sight. I doubt he knows were here; Vur doesnt include details about anything unless hes asked.

Are you calling him a bad conversationalist? Malvie asked, turning her head towards Lindyss.

The cursed elf shrugged. Take what you will from what Ive said.

Malvie shook her head. Alright, she said. Since expunging all this alcohol out of my body isnt going to be a pretty sight, I might as well not do it. The disguised phoenix turned to look at Vur. Vur, can I ask you for a favor? If you say yes, Ill be Tafels mentor for a day and answer any questions or doubts she may have about phoenix techniques.

Vur looked at Tafel before nodding at Malvie. Okay, he said. What do you want me to do?

When Volearden comes over, I need you to get him really, really drunk, Malvie said. Get him even more wasted than I am now. Rather than bringing myself back up to peak condition to face Volearden, itll be much easier to bring him down with your help. Oh, you need to get Fulferminis drunk too. The disguised phoenix stood up before staggering and falling onto her chair with a thump. She looked at Vur. How is it? Easy enough, right?

Why does it feel like itd be easier to beat her and force her to teach me? Tafel asked, staring at the disguised phoenix whose gaze was focused more on the wall than on the people directly in front of her view.

Vur turned and blinked at Tafel. Should we do that instead? he asked.

Youd take advantage of a drunken phoenix? Malvie asked and pursed her lips. Whats wrong with the two of you? Even if youre whispering and Im disguised as an elf, that doesnt mean I cant hear you. She turned her head and glared at Lindyss, causing the cursed elf to raise an eyebrow.

Why are you looking at me like that? Lindyss asked.

When kids behave like rogues, its usually the influenceor lack thereoffrom the adults in their lives, Malvie said. What kind of chaperone are you? Youre supposed to be watching these children, and here you are, irresponsibly drinking with someone you just met today. Its no wonder why they have no qualms about beating people to get what they want.

You dont like how I chaperone, so what? Lindyss asked and shrugged. You want to fight about it? Loser drinks three bottles.

Malvie shook her head. Volearden and his right-hand dragon is about to arrive, she said. Theyll see us fighting, and that yellow weasel wont be able to resist jumping in. She picked up a bottle and shook it before tossing it aside once she realized it was empty. She picked up another bottle and exhaled as she used her bare hands to remove the cork. Well go with your plan. We hide here while drinking, and when Vur gets Volearden and Fulferminis nice and drunk, Ill make my appearance.

Even if you wait for them to get drunk, itll still be two against one, Erin said and hiccoughed.

Nonsense, Malvie said and gestured towards Lindyss with her now-open bottle. As a fellow phoenix, theres no way youd let those dragons maul me, right? Upon seeing the cursed elf take a sip from her bottle instead of responding, Malvies expression stiffened. Her brow furrowed as she asked, Right?

Lindyss didnt reply.

Malvie sighed and shifted her gaze onto Vur. Remember how the plan was for you to get Volearden and his sidekick drunk? she asked. Well, Im afraid I miscalculated, and it turns out I need you to fill them full of alcohol until they cant even move.

And then youll teach Tafel? Vur asked.

Thats right, Malvie said. She exhaled and sank back in her seat. If only every dragon were as easy to negotiate with as you, the towers would be at peace.