The Dragon’s Song

Chapter Five Missy

“We’ll go on ahead, dear. Don’t be too long,” my father said before leaving the sitting room.

I joined him at the front door, and together we stepped outside, beginning the long walk to the schoolhouse. My heart was still racing from the morning’s news. Mother’s promotion felt unreal—shocking, yes—but also something I’d hoped for, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Grandpa would have been so proud if he were still alive.

“I can’t believe it,” Father said softly, awe in his voice. “Promoted at last. And to lead the same quadrant Arturo once did.”

He rarely said my grandfather’s name aloud anymore. Arturo Berkshire had been deeply loved in the 7th Quadrant, a man who led with firm judgment but benevolent fairness. As General, he had not only commanded armies but also acted as mediator, judge, and jury for the petty disputes of the people. The captains of each village could handle smaller quarrels, but anything larger rose up the chain of command—first to the General, then, if need be, to the king himself.

Mother had been settling disputes for years, and I had often watched her work. I had also spent countless hours in Father’s workshop, learning the basics of leathercraft. Not many women pursued such a trade, but I wanted to understand it, and if I were chosen today, that knowledge might one day prove useful.

“Still nervous?” Father asked, falling into step beside me.

“Maybe a little,” I admitted with a small laugh. “If I do get chosen, I’ll have so much to live up to. Grandfather was legendary—him and Excaliver both. Living up to that… it feels impossible.”

Father placed a hand on my shoulder. “Then make your own path. Become a legend in your own right, if that’s what you want. Whatever happens, your mother and I will stand by you.”

“Hey, Missy! Mr. Berkshire! Wait up!”

I turned to see Penny, my childhood best friend, running toward us. Her long blond braid had come loose, strands of hair flying into her flushed face, but her blue eyes sparkled as always.

“What’s the holdup? Everyone’s already at the schoolhouse,” she panted.

“We had an unexpected messenger right after breakfast,” I said. “Everything’s fine. Mother sent us ahead. She’ll be along soon.”

“I’ll leave you girls to chat,” Father said with a smile. “Don’t be long—they’ll want to start once your mother arrives.” With that, he quickened his pace up the path.

Penny leaned closer. “What messenger?”

I lowered my voice. “Don’t tell anyone—but Mother’s been promoted. She’s the new General of our quadrant. They’re announcing it at the Choosing, since the whole village will be there. The messenger who came is also her replacement as Captain.”

“WHAT?!” Penny shrieked, bouncing in place.

“Hush!” I hissed, grabbing her arm. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

Penny clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide, then whispered, “I’m sad my father wasn’t chosen for Captain—but honestly, he never wanted the position. And just wait until your grandmother hears! She’ll be overjoyed.”

At the mention of Grandma Genevieve, my heart squeezed. After Grandpa’s passing, she had moved in with my uncle Lance and his family. Excaliver had vanished into the skies to mourn, and Grandma had decided she needed a fresh start. From Lance’s letters, she was thriving—helping with the younger children of their village, finding new purpose.

“If I’m chosen today, I’ll have to visit her. I want her to meet my partner,” I said as we reached the schoolhouse door.

Inside, the air was thick with voices. The room buzzed with anticipation as villagers milled about, waiting for the Captain to begin the ceremony. Some were first-timers, come of age at last. Others were older, returning for another chance after years of waiting.

“Benny’s not trying again,” Penny whispered. “He’s getting married next month—wants to start a family. After three attempts, he decided it was time to give up.”

“I don’t blame him,” I said. “If I’m not chosen, maybe I’ll work as Mother’s assistant. Being General comes with endless paperwork, after all.”

We slipped along the back wall—standing room only. My eyes swept the familiar classroom where I’d spent so many of my childhood days. In winter, this place had bustled with lessons of reading, writing, and numbers. Now, in summer, it stood ready for a different kind of lesson—the kind that might shape a life forever.

The king’s decree required every child to be educated, but families paid only what they could afford—through goods, labor, or skill-sharing. Wealthier families sometimes sponsored others, though Mother often had to step in to ensure fairness. I smiled, remembering how often I’d trailed her into those negotiations.

“It looks like we’re the last ones,” I murmured to Penny. My pulse quickened, knowing how soon the crowd would learn of Mother’s new rank.

Just then, the door opened. Mother stepped inside, golden scale gleaming proudly on her chest like a medal.