The Dragon’s Song

Chapter Two Ma

The smell of cooked sausage and eggs drifted through the air as I waited for my twenty-five-year-old daughter to come downstairs for breakfast. Today would be a long one. With the Choosing ceremony, it could take several days before all the unpartnered dragons tested the new potential warriors.

Are you ready for today of all days to begin? My partner of thirty years asked silently in my mind. I've heard from some of the partnered dragons flying with the unpartnered ones-- there will be at least thirty dragons to contend with this year.

"Thirty?" I asked. "That's more than double last year. Why so many unpartnered now?"

As you know, we dragons mature faster than you humans, Bellisama replied. By ten years of age, we're considered adults and may begin looking for partners--- though many of us wait a few years to see how other pairs fare. Ten years ago, there was a surge of hatchlings-- my daughter, Lilasia included. And with the battles along the borders growing more aggressive, some warriors have been lost. A few of the dragons coming today are older, having lost their partners in the past couple of years.

I knew she spoke the truth. A dragon in mourning rarely sought a new partner immediately; often they grieved for years before returning to the villages. Bellisama herself had admitted many times over the years that I was not her first partner, though she has never said how many had come before me. I never pressed. Humans forget. Dragons remembered.

"Will Lilasia be among today's group?" I asked, thinking of the lilac-colored dragon who had been born in our very barn fifteen years ago, when Missy was just ten. Lilasia had followed my daughter everywhere as a hatchling, trailing her through the village like a lost pup. I secretly hoped she would return today-- and that she might choose Missy.

As a matter of fact, she will be here, Bellisama answered. It is my hope as well that she chooses Missy. We've long known Missy can hear Lilasia's song. But that doesn't mean she will be the only one to hear it.

"We can only hope," I murmured. Lilasia had always been curious, constantly questioning and watching Missy grow up.

Footsteps sounded behind me and I turned to see my daughter step outside, chamber pot in hand. Even now, I still saw the little girl she once was-- mud-brown hair like mine, strong chin, and her father's striking blue eyes.

Through the window, I caught sight of my husband standing with Bellisama, rubbing her eye ridges just the way she liked. Her tail swayed slowly back and forth in contentment.

Turning back to the stove, I thought of our long marriage. Though my husband could not hear a dragon's silent speech, he had always been part of their world. His leather working was as vital as any warrior's sword-- armor, saddles, tack. He met Bellisama and me only two months after our pairing, and he's stood by me through every campaign, every transfer, every rank I've risen to. His craft followed us everywhere, always in demand.

It is not unheard of for a dragon warrior to marry outside the order. Rarer still to wed someone who could not hear dragon speech. But he and Bellisama had formed their own understanding, and over the years, their bond had only grown.

The door opened again, and my husband came in, brushing off his hands. He had been secretive of late, keeping to his workshop, working on something he refused to reveal. I let him keep his mystery, trusting he meant no harm.

"Hello, dear. Breakfast smells wonderful," he said, kissing my cheek. Then, turning to our daughter, he smiled. "You ready for today? Remember, no matter what happens, we will always be proud of you."

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Missy replied, grabbing a plate and piling it with eggs and sausage.

"Bellisama says that at least thirty dragons are coming this year." I told them. "So be prepared. The ceremony could last days."

I kept one secret to myself-- that Lilasia would be among them. Missy would find out soon enough.