I proudly watch my mother put Mr. Pillard in his place. His son, Johnathan, was no better than his father. Neither was his daughter Mathilda. Mathilda was the same age as me but a bully. She liked to throw her father's name around along with his money, pretending that she was just as important. Over the years, she has been given many marriage proposals, but has declined them all, claiming that none of them would be able to give her the life that she deserves. I think that most of her proposals were low lifes anyway, trying to get a foothold into her father's money.
"I have been informed that there will be at least thirty unpartnered dragons here today to partake in possibly finding a partner to help protect our shared homeland."My mother began. "Please note, that once you step forward as having heard the Dragon's Song and are chosen to be the dragon's partner, there is no going back. I implore you to ask to yourself if this is really something you wish to do. The warrior life is not an easy life. I have been lucky to find a loving husband who has a career that is in high demand no matter where we were sent to, but many are not so lucky. You will face the dangers of not only being a fighter but also as a dragon warrior comes with its own risks, both in battle and in your personal lives. You may be sent all over the kingdom, and may not see your families for months on end. It is a most daring sacrifice, but a sacrifice that has to be made."
Dead silence met my mothers words as many contemplated what they truly want in their lives. I have known since I was a child that I wanted to be a dragon warrior, and be a daughter that my mother will be proud of. But still her words had me thinking back on some of the things my mother had not been able to see and do with me because of her responsibilities. I always understood her dedication to the people of the village and the kingdom, but her words give new meaning to the word sacrifice. It was no joke.
I look around the rooom and see many faces that I grew up with and others that are from neighboring villages and towns that do not have a contingent of dragon warriors. The village of Susanna and its warriors help protect many of the surrounding villages and towns. It is not much of a distance when you fly with a dragon. While in other instances, it would take at least half a day by horse and wagon. There is at least two warriors stationed at each village or town so one can stay and protect while the other can get reinforcemnts if needed. Penny nudges my arm for me to stop my wandering mind and turn my attention back to my mother.
"With that said, there is no reason for you not to enjoy this experience even if you are not chosen. I know for a fact that local merchants have set up booths near the training field to sell their wares to the many visitors from the surrounding towns and villages that come to see the spectacle. Be aware that I will not tolerate any foolishness during nor after the ceremonies are done for the day. I expect with the number of dragons and potentials, this will take a few days. As is custom, those chosen will have two weeks to say goodbye to their families, settle your affairs if need be, and take the opportunity to get to know your partner. For it is a lifetime partnership and there is no going back. After the two weeks are up, you will be given a proper sendoff by the village before you head to headquarters to meet with the king and start your training." She finished with a flourish and indicated for everyone to start to head out to the training field.
Penny and I make our way out to the field. It is on the opposite side of the village from where the schoolhouse is, but it is a short walk. On either side of the main path of the village, vendors had booths set up selling a variety of wares. Knicknacks and toys to a variety of useful items like knives, armor, and food items. On the way, I spy Mathilda Pillard strolling down the path wearing a starched gown in reds and purples. She also had a matching parasol to protect her pasty white skin. She was turning up her nose at what she would call handicraft, items not worth her notice.
"Well, well, well, look who we have here." She said when she spied us making our way to the training field. "If it isn't Missy wussy and Penny the shy. Don't tell me a wimp like you is actually going to attempt to see if you get chosen?"
"Takes one to know one," I say under my breath. "And you are not? I thought you would love to try and get one dragons to chose you."
"Don't hold your breath. I am destined for better things than the drabby life of a warrior. It is too sweaty and not to mention dangerous!" She shied away at the word dangerous. "Though I might consider the position if I was chosen by your beautiful dragon sister Lilasia."
"Lilasia would never choose you in a million years, Mathilda." I snear. "She has more manners and grace in one talon than you do in your whole body."
"Missy, ignore her. There is no reason to get so worked up. She probably can't even hear a dragons silent speech, much less a Dragon's Song." Penny said placating her. "We need to hurry up before they start without you."
"You are right, Penny. Lets get going." I say and turn my back to Mathilda.
"Hmph!" Mathilda said as she walked past towards the training field.
We make our way to the training field where the choosing ceremony has been held for generations in our village. The rest of the year it was used for students who wanted to learn the martial arts, training dragon warriors, and any form of group exercise that you can think of. The area is big enough where dragons can be together with their human counterparts. Some of the children play a game with a ball and some of the younger dragons will join in and be goal keepers while the children try to get the ball past them and score a point. Its hilarious to see some of the children's antics while they try to come up with strategies to get past them. But it is also a beautiful thing to watch both humans and dragons playing together.
We arrive and Penny goes to sit with the other spectators. Since she is not yet twenty-five, she is not allowed to participate. She wishes me good luck and I take my seat among the other hopefuls. My mother walks up onto the main stage with her partner, Bellisama.
"Once again, thank you all for coming!" She says to the crowd of spectators and hopefulls. "For those of you who came from other villages, I hope you enjoy visiting our fair village and enjoy what our village has to offer."
"And without further adieu, let the choosing ceremonies begin!!" My mother shouts and Bellisama gives out a trumpeting bellow and a spout of flame so the incoming dragons come in to begin.