The Dragon’s Song

Chapter Seven Missy

I watched with pride as my mother put Mr. Pillard in his place. His son, Jonathan, was no better than his father, and his daughter Mathilda wasn’t far behind. Mathilda was my age, but she was a bully through and through. She flaunted her father’s wealth and influence, pretending it made her important. Over the years she’d received plenty of marriage proposals, but turned them all down, claiming none of the men could give her the life she deserved. Truth be told, most of them were only after her father’s money.

“I have been informed,” my mother began, her voice carrying over the silent room, “that at least thirty unpartnered dragons will be here today, each possibly seeking a rider to help protect our homeland. Please remember—once you step forward, having heard the Dragon’s Song and been chosen, there is no going back. Ask yourself if this is truly the life you want.

“The warrior’s path is not easy. I have been fortunate to marry a man whose trade is in demand wherever I’ve been stationed. But many are not so lucky. You will face not only the dangers of battle but also the risks that come with being bonded to a dragon. You may be sent across the kingdom, gone from your families for months at a time. It is the greatest sacrifice—and it must be made willingly.”

Her words hung heavy in the air. Silence followed, each person weighing her warning. I had always known I wanted to be a dragon warrior, to be the kind of daughter my mother could be proud of. But her words made me think of all the moments she had missed in my childhood because duty called her elsewhere. I had understood her service before, but now I realized just how deep the sacrifice ran.

I glanced around the room. I saw faces I’d grown up with, alongside strangers from neighboring villages that didn’t have their own warriors. Susanna’s dragon warriors defended more than just our home; we were protectors of all the outlying towns as well. With a dragon, travel was a short flight away. Without one, a journey that would take us minutes could take others half a day by wagon. Two warriors were stationed in each town—one to guard, one to fetch reinforcements if needed. My mind began to wander down that path of thought until Penny nudged my arm, pulling me back.

“With that said,” my mother continued, “enjoy this experience, even if you are not chosen. Merchants have set up booths near the training field for those visiting from afar. But be warned: I will not tolerate foolishness during or after the ceremonies. With so many dragons and so many candidates, the process may take several days. As is custom, those chosen will have two weeks to say farewell to their families, settle their affairs, and bond with their new partners. Afterward, we will send you off with honor before you travel to headquarters to meet the king and begin training.”

She finished with a flourish, then motioned for us to head to the training field.

Penny and I walked together down the village’s main path. Vendors lined both sides, their stalls piled with toys, trinkets, knives, armor, and food. As we passed, I spotted Mathilda Pillard sweeping down the path in a starched gown of red and purple, a matching parasol shading her pale skin. She sneered at the market stalls, dismissing everything as “handicrafts” unworthy of her attention.

“Well, well, well,” she said when she spotted us. “If it isn’t Missy Wussy and Penny the Shy. Don’t tell me a weakling like you actually thinks she might be chosen?”

“Takes one to know one,” I muttered, then raised my voice. “And what about you? Don’t tell me you wouldn’t leap at the chance for a dragon to choose you.”

“Hardly.” Mathilda sniffed. “I’m destined for greater things than the sweaty, dangerous life of a warrior.” At the word “dangerous,” she flinched. “Though…” she added slyly, “if your beautiful dragon sister Lilasia were to choose me, I might consider it.”

“Lilasia would never choose you in a million years,” I snapped. “She’s got more grace in a single talon than you’ve got in your entire body.”

“Missy, ignore her,” Penny said softly, tugging my arm. “She probably can’t even hear a dragon’s silent speech, much less a Dragon’s Song. Let’s go—we don’t want to be late.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, turning my back on Mathilda.

“Hmph!” Mathilda scoffed, strutting past us toward the field.

The training grounds had hosted the Choosing Ceremony for generations. The rest of the year, it served as a practice field for martial arts, dragon training, and group exercises. The space was vast enough for humans and dragons to train together. On quiet days, children played ball there, sometimes joined by young dragons who acted as goalkeepers. Watching them together—laughing, plotting strategies, celebrating victories—was always a beautiful sight.

When Penny and I arrived, she went to join the spectators, since she was too young to participate. She wished me luck as I joined the other hopefuls. My mother walked onto the stage with her partner, Bellisama, gleaming in the sun.

“Once again, thank you all for coming!” Mother called out. “To those who traveled from other villages, welcome! I hope you enjoy our home and its offerings.”

She raised her arm. “And without further ado—let the Choosing Ceremony begin!”

Bellisama trumpeted, a stream of flame bursting skyward as the first dragons swooped in to begin.