"We will go on ahead, dear. Don't be to long," my father said before exiting the livig room.
My father and I walked to the front door and headed outside to start the long walk to the schoolhouse. I may have been still in shock at my mother's promotion but am exceedingly happy for her. I know Grandpa would have been so proud of her had he been still alive.
"I can't believe she has been promoted at long last. And to lead the same quadrant as Arturo." My father said with awe in his voice. Father rarely said grandfather's name aloud anymore. He was much loved in the quadrant. He had led with a firm but benevalent hand that was much appreciated. The title of General also came along with the responsibility to oversee petty disputes between neighbors and act as a judge and jury on those who have committed petty crimes. Anything more serious was seen to by the king and his advisors.
The captains of each village can mediate disputes between different factions. But if the factions cannot come to an agreement it is sent up the chain of command. My mother has helped many settle disputes in her career and I have been an observer in many of them.
I had spent a lot of time in my father's workshop as well growing up. It is not a common trade for a woman to pursue but I at least know the basics. If I am chosen today, I take a lot of knowledge with me. Knowledge that can only help me in the long run. I hope.
"Still nervous?" My father asks as he comes up beside me. "There is nothing to be worried about. It is all up to the individual dragon on who they choose not the human. Dragons have a way of seeing into the heart of an individual person."
"Maybe a little nervous." I say with a small laugh. "I mean if I do get chosen, I will have a lot to live up to. Grandfather was legendary, as was his partner, Excaliver. It will be hard to live up to all of those expectations."
"Well you will just have to make your own path." Father said. "Become a legend in your own right, if thats what you want. But no matter what path you choose, your mother and I will stand by you!"
"Hey Missy, Mr. Berkshire! Wait up for me." A familiar voice from behind us hollered.
I turn around and spy Penny, my childhood best friend, running up the path towards us. She has long blond hair braided down her back with sparkling blue eyes. She appears winded with stray hair crossing over her face.
"Everyone is ready and waiting at the schoolhouse. What's the holdup?" She asks.
"We had an unexpected messenger right after breakfast." I reply. "Everything is fine and mother sent us ahead. I am sure she will be arriving shortly."
"I will let you girls chat. Don't be too long. I am sure everything will start once your mother arrives." Pa said and he started walking quickly up the path towards the schoolhouse.
"What was that about a mysterious messenger?" Penny asked as we continued walking down the path.
"Don't tell anyone, but my mother has been promoted to General of this Quadrant. They plan to announce it at the choosing ceremony since the whole village will be there." I whisper in her ear.
"WHAT!!!" She exclaims loudly and starts jumping up and down.
"HUSH!!" I intone. "Like I said, they want to do the announcement at the choosing ceremony. The same messenger is also going to be mother's replacement as captain of the village. He will be introduced there as well."
"I am sad that my father was not chosen to be captain, but also happy because my father has never wanted the position." She says as she calms down. "Wait until your grandmother finds out. She will be so happy for your mother."
My grandmother, Geneveve, moved in with my mother's brother, Lance and his family, after grandfather passed away. Excaliver had flown away to mourn after grandfather's funeral. I know my mother would have taken care of her if grandmother had wanted to stay in the home where she lived with grandfather; but grandmother decided that she wanted a fresh start and to make new memories in a new home. It meant that she had to move a few towns away, but from what we have gleaned from Uncle Lance's letters, she is thriving and has taken an interest in helping looking after the youngsters in the village.
"If I get chosen today, I will definitely have to make a special trip to visit Grandma so she can meet my new partner. I know she would love that." I say, as we reach the schoolhouse door.
Stepping inside I am greeted with a cacophony of sound. People milling around waiting for the Captain to begin the ceremony. Many people were those who finally came of age while the others are ones that have been through this before and have not yet been chosen.
"Benny has decided not to join this year since he is getting married next month. He wants to start a family." Penny says about her older brother. "I don't blame him either. He has tried three separate times. Sometimes you have to know when to give up and focus on the career he already has."
"You are right. I know that if I am not chosen today, I can probably become Ma's secretary or assistant. The title of general sure does come along with a lot of paperwork." I say as I remember helping my mother with small tasks around the village growing up.
Penny and I take a spot along the wall since it was obvious it was standing room only. I look around the room reminiscing how I spent my formative in this very classroom. With it being summer, school wasn't in session so the children can help their families on their farms. But during the winter months, this building is a hive of activity with children of all ages learning reading, writing and mathematics. In the kingdom, the king sponsors the education program, saying that every child should be given the opportunity to learn. Families are only required to pay what they can easily afford, either in products or labor. Labor could be in the form of helping maintaining the building. Another option is if someone is in a good trade, they can help teach their trade to others who might be interested. Also, a wealthy family can sponsor another family's children in exchange for labor if they so choose. But all exchanges must be fair. And sometimes my mother will be called in to arbitrate a fair deal.
"It looks like we are the last ones here," I say, wondering how much longer my mother would. I couldn't wait to see people's reaction to the news of her promotion.
Just as I think that, the door opens again and my mother walks in with her golden scale present on her chest like a medal for all to see.