Page 63 of The Dragoneers of Longbourn and Pemberley
The Purpose of Dragons
by our trusted correspondent, Scaleheart
In response to the inflammatory comments of Mr. Calwood:
Of all the animals in the world, the dragon is the most majestic, and the most useful. It is the great success of humans that we not only live in harmony with dragons, but tame them. Without dragons, Kinella would be weak. The dragons bolster our army, protecting us from invasion. With the stalwart dragons at home, our agricultural production is robust.
However, is that all our dragons are for? What is the purpose of the dragon?
Yes, the dragon provides monetary and militaristic advantages to our kingdom. But what is the nearer impact on us? I cannot speak to the impact a dragon has on every person, but I can speak to the impact dragons have had on me.
A dragon emerging from its shell is the most wondrous thing. It is not done with delicacy, nor with great flame. The hatchling breaks from its confinement in a sudden burst, then is tired, and falls asleep shortly. The greatest moments of my life have been holding these sleeping, little dragons, and knowing I will provide them security and love.
The dragons give us the opportunity to care for them. Our dedication to them is reflected back in their industry and flourishing. Though much has been written about the dragon as a symbol of fierce might, I prefer to see the dragon as a symbol of our tender nurturing. It is a symbol of how welcoming something into your life can pay large dividends, sometimes in unexpected ways. It is a symbol that devotion leads to fulfillment.
Though the derby is a dangerous and unruly tradition, even that can be seen as a healthy display of the dragon’s power. The dragons love to race, and so do humans. In this way we are alike, sympathetic. In the passion for flight, we connectwith the dragons on a level that is deeper than just a mutual respect or care. We connect on the plane of passion, the unity of goals and excitement.
The purpose of dragons is to be themselves — a product of what we made them, through domestication and through hatch-mothering. The purpose of dragons is to be excited about flight, and to show us the heights we can reach with them.
“He really loves the dragons, doesn’t he?” Valeraine said.
“Who?” Merna asked.
“Oh, Scaleheart. She has an affection for the dragons.”
“Yes, that’s evident. There’s passion that’s missing from others’ articles.”
“It’s folly, though,” Valeraine argued. “Scaleheart writes of the goodness of dragons, but doesn’t consider the harm. For example, the great divide which forms between the houses that can easily maintain their dragon population, and those that cannot — or those without dragons altogether.”
“Of course Scaleheart’s writings are full of folly. She never considers many things. But she’s still the best, because others consider even less. This is my favorite article because it asks a ‘why.’ It’s so philosophical and impractical and clever.”
“Just because someone asks a question does not make them clever.”
“What would you say the answer is then?” Merna asked. “What is the purpose of a dragon?”
“A dragon is our way of life. Without Lelantos, our house would be nonexistent. We would be poor farmers somewhere, of a wholly different sociality.”
“If we lost Lelantos tomorrow (heaven forbid), I fail to see what large difference would be made in our lives.”
Valeraine reminded herself that Merna often missed the larger picture, particularly of social ramifications. It would do no good to accuse her of being stubbornly foolish.
“Of course our lives would be different,” Valeraine said. “Our house’s status would fall with Lelantos. Our poor tenant farmers would be stripped of their easy livelihood, and we would all become destitute. Only luck would lead to us winning advantageous futures.”
“It wouldn’t be that bad for the farmers. Lelantos has been declining in strength and productivity for decades, and the farms have been likewise downsizing. We’re ready for his demise. Papa has almost finished a deal with Netherfield to acquire our tenants in the event of Lelantos’ death — or inability to work. They’ll be upheld.”
“They don’t need to be upheld by Netherfield. I’m getting us an egg; and a new dawn will come to Longbourn.”
“Hatchlings can take a decade to be tame enough to work with farmers,” Merna said. “In the meantime, our tenants would have to support a dragon’s feeding and care without the benefits. It wouldn’t be a new dawn to our farms, just a complication.”
“But think of future generations. They would have a dragon to help them, one from Longbourn house.”
“Yes, a generation from now, they would prosper. But, Val, our children will be fine either way, even if they don’t attend balls. Our tenants will be fine with Netherfield, as Papa has planned.”
“How can you and Papa have given up so thoroughly?” Valeraine said.
“We’ve looked to the future, and planned with practicality.”
“But you are not even trying —”
