The First Sharing Shield — Under the meadow gate, Bram tucked a tiny brass bell behind his belt buckle. It was not for scaring dragons—between us, there were no dragons on that road. Read the full story →
Under the meadow gate, Bram tucked a tiny brass bell behind his belt buckle. It was not for scaring dragons—between us, there were no dragons on that road. It was the bell from his baby spoon, saved because its bright ting made his little sister laugh. Bram wanted to carry it in the parade, but the captain said, “Both hands ready!” So Bram held his sword high and his big plain shield out front, while the grass hissed around the stones.
Then the marching drums boomed so loudly that no one heard the children cheering. Bram’s happy secret felt too big to keep. He tapped the bell against the inside of his shield: ting! The sound bounced wide and shiny, and everyone answered with claps, whoops, and stompy boots. Ever since then, knights carry broad shields not only to guard, but to share brave joy; if you spot Bram’s belt buckle, keep the secret ting.
