My hands tremble as I bend down to pick up the golden scale and hold it with reverence. I glance at the royal decree.
To Julia Berkshire:
I, King Ronald II, hereby declare to all that you have been promoted to General of the 7th Quadrant. I hope this is to your liking for I have had nothing but good reports on how you have managed to run the forces in the village of Susanna. I hope you carry the same strength and leadership into your new role.
Sincerely, His Majesty King Ronald II
Affixed to the bottom of the page was the king's official seal. The next page contained a letter from the king who was a close friend with my father.
Dearest Julia,
I hope this letter finds you well. I know this may come as a shock for you. But I could not think of anyone better to continue the great work your father did as General of the 7th Quadrant.
The messenger before you is going to be assigned as the new Captain of Susanna. I want you to take the time to introduce him around your village and show him the ropes before you have to report to the capital and to me. Your main base of operations will be in Susanna as I know you have a kinship with the villagers. It also helps that Susanna is centrally located in your quadrant and that is why your father also set up his base of operations there.
I also send my condolences on your father's passing. He was a great man and leader. I was saddened at the news of his passing. I know for a fact that while he was at court, he was always bursting with pride at your accomplishments at such a young age.
Your partner, Bellisama, will also be promoted to the 7th quadrant's dragon council along with your promotion along with her mate, Solvan.
I look forward to your first report as General of the 7th Quadrant.
Sincerely,
His Majesty, King Ronald II
"What is your name, Captain?" I ask at barely a whisper.
"I am Captain Curtis Mitchell, at your service, General! My partner is Jessalinda." He says as he clicks his heels together and salutes.
I return is salute in acceptance of my new role in the kingdom.
All of a sudden there was a cacophony of sound. The dragons outside let out trumpeting sounds of joy and celebration while the humans inside the house let out shouts of surprise and congratulations. My husband was turned away but I could tell he was crying with happiness, for he knew how long I had been working towards this moment.
"I guess that this red scale now belongs to you, Captain Mitchell." I say, looking at the scale that I have held onto for the last five years.. "But how about we do the official handing over at the choosing ceremony. I think everyone will get a kick out it, plus it will give us a good opportunity to introduce you and your partner to the village."
"You won't get an argument out of me, General." Captain Mitchell say with a grin. "You are the upmost authority on the people and dragons of this village. I know that some of the warriors around here were probably hoping for being promoted to Captain either here or any other village when the announcement goes out for who is named the new general."
"I also give my condolences on the passing of your father." A new voice as gentle as the wind, speaks in my mind. I am assuming it is from Jessalinda. "I knew your father in my youth growing up around the royal court. He was always a courteous man with impecable manners when it came to us dragons. And he always had a kind word or words of encouragement for us youngsters."
I bow my head in thanks to the young dragon who could not be much older than Lilasia.
"You must be Jessalinda's first partner. But you look to be in your mid thirties." I say to the Captain. "Please pardon my asking, as others will probably be asking the same. But what makes you qualified as Captain when it is obvious this is such a new partnership?"
"No worries General. I was expecting that question and the answer is quite simple. I was a Captain for a legion of foot soldiers and have helped in many forays that involved dragons." He replies candidly. "The last foray left me injured and while recuperating I met Jessalinda, who was sent to help relay messages to and from the frontlines. We became friends quite easily, and when she was asked to help with the fighting she began her song and I heard it. Despite doctor's orders, I hopped on and went with her into battle to save some of my men that were caught behind enemy lines. Thus clearing the way for their escape."
"That is quite the story. I believe you but it wouldn't surprise me if some of the other warriors may question it at first glance." I say.
"The king expected the same thing. But Jessalinda would accept no other as her partner and neither would I. We saved over a hundred of my men with that one action. Even though it happen by accident, neither of us regret it. The king has blessed our partnership and figured with you making this your base of operations, it will help me in the long run with getting my feet wet, to be learning directly from someone that has lived in this village their whole life."
"The king always has a reason for doing the things the way he does, and I have never questioned it. And I won't start now." I reply. "But where are my manners. This is my daughter Melissa or Missy for short. She is participating in the choosing ceremony today and is hopeful. And this is my husband Mark. He is the local leather maker, so if you need any specialized gear made or armor, please let him know. My partner is Bellisama and next to her is her mate Solvon. His human family plans to meet us at the schoolhouse, so introductions will have to be made later."
"Its a pleasure to make all of your acquaitance." He replies with a small bow.
"Ma, we need to get going or we are going to be late."