The Dragon’s Song

Chapter Ten

Pa and I found Lilasia basking in the morning sun in the yard beside his workshop. Pa approached her cautiously; even though he had helped raise her, it was always best to err on the side of caution when someone who couldn’t hear dragons tried to approach one. But he needn’t have worried—Lilasia gently bumped him with her snout, silently asking for a good head rub.

Missy, I have something important for Papa Mark in the satchel around my neck. Could you get it out for me? Lilasia asked, shifting slightly so I could reach the satchel without disturbing Pa’s steady rubdown with his calloused hands.

“Sure thing,” I replied as I stepped forward and opened the satchel. Inside was a parcel and a letter addressed to Pa, sealed with the Leather Workers’ Guild insignia. My heart skipped a beat—had one of the Masters in the capital entrusted Lilasia to deliver this because Pa was listed in her extended family records? The Guild kept meticulous records on all dragons: births, deaths, mates, and their warriors’ families.

“Pa, there’s a letter in here from the Leather Makers’ Guild for you, along with a package,” I said aloud.

Pa left Lilasia’s side and carefully withdrew the letter. The fancy, looping handwriting bore the Guild’s official seal—an unmistakable sign of formality. He paused, his hands trembling. For years, he had poured his heart into his craft, studying how to treat leather with special chemicals and plants to make it as strong as dragon scale—or as close as possible. He had submitted his findings to the Guild years ago, knowing the Masters would test them ruthlessly: durability, cost, labor, and originality. Many craftsmen never reached Master rank. Even those who did often achieved it so late in life that they could barely practice their art anymore. Pa, though getting on in years, was still considered relatively young among leatherworkers.

At last, he broke the seal and read:

⸻

Mark Bershire,

We are pleased to inform you that, through vigorous testing of the chemical treatments you proposed in your patent, we can confirm that leather prepared in this manner becomes significantly more durable while still allowing the freedom of movement warriors and soldiers require. Already, the process has saved many lives in combat, and we trust it will continue to do so for years to come.

On your behalf, we have filed a complete patent with the King himself. Profits earned through its use will be added to your Guild accounts.

We are also pleased to proclaim that you have been elevated to the rank of Master of the Leather Makers’ Guild. We look forward to your continued research, improvements, and guidance to the next generation.

Sincerely,

Cuero Fabricante

HeadMaster, Leather Makers’ Guild

⸻

Lilasia trumpeted joyfully, her voice echoing through the yard as I threw my arms around Pa. Ma hurried outside at the commotion, no doubt warned by Bellisama, who lounged nearby.

“This is wonderful news, my love,” Ma said with tears in her eyes. “You’ve worked so hard for this.”

Missy, the package in the satchel is also for Papa Mark, Lilasia said, though her tone carried a strange weight. I asked a mage to craft this as a favor. It will allow him to hear a dragon’s silent speech whenever he wears it.

“What?!” I exclaimed aloud. Ma and Pa both looked at me sharply. I quickly explained Lilasia’s words, and they gasped.

“How is that even possible?” I whispered.

The mage told me such requests are rare—most humans can hear us naturally, Lilasia explained. But when he learned of Papa Mark’s discovery, and of his inability to hear us, he offered to help. He said it would make his work with dragons and warriors easier. Especially since we’ll soon be leaving for the capital, and with Mama Julie’s promotion, she won’t always be around to help translate.

Ma repeated Lilasia’s explanation aloud, and Pa ran to the satchel with trembling hands. He lifted out the package as though it were sacred. Inside lay a simple armband, plain but sturdy—exactly Pa’s style. Power hummed faintly from it, unmistakable even to me. For Pa, though, it represented a lifetime’s dream. He slid it onto his arm, and it tightened snugly as if shaped for him alone.

Can you hear me? Lilasia asked softly.

“Dear, sweet Lord… I can!” Pa’s voice broke, tears welling in his eyes. Bellisama padded over curiously, and when Pa turned toward her, her delighted hum confirmed she had been heard as well.

The heavy beat of wings filled the air as Solvon landed, his partner and family riding on his broad back.

“Is it true?” Solvon rumbled. Mark has been named Master?

“It is true, Solvon,” Pa said, lifting his chin proudly. “And thanks to your amazing daughter, I can now hear dragon-speech for the first time in my life—through the gift of this armband.”

Solvon lowered his massive head to inspect it, nostrils flaring. “This is the work of Merlo, the King’s mage, is it not?” he asked in awe.

Yes, Papa, Lilasia replied, pride ringing in her voice. I remembered your stories of him when I was little. If anyone could do it, I knew it would be him—and I was right.

“Today is a great day to be a Bershire!” Penny cried, sliding down from Solvon’s side to join us. “First a promotion to General, and now an elevation to Master—and the gift of hearing dragon-speech!”

I stood beside Lilasia, my heart swelling with pride for everything my family had achieved in so short a time… and wondered how I could ever live up to such a legacy.