Beyond the Dragon’s Teeth
Copyright© 2026 by Asa Strong
Chapter 2
After we left Grandfather’s quarters, Gait and I spent the rest of the day going over the provisioning plan for our journey.
At first, it was intimidating to stand next to someone so large. Gait stood at about twenty-six hands in height. He was broad of shoulder, and his arms looked like small tree trunks sticking out from his leather tunic.
I quickly found that despite his size, he possessed an easy confidence in himself and was soft-spoken and thoughtful.
After several chastisements for his formal behavior towards me, Gait loosened up somewhat, and I felt much more at ease in his company.
As we were going over the lists, Gait looked up at me and with a sheepish grin asked, “Sir Donta, your grandfather explained that you were going on a journey to try and find a way over the western mountains. Do you have a plan about how we are to accomplish this?”
I laughed and then said, “Gait, as far as anyone knows, no one has ever crossed over the mountains. I do believe we will be quite on our own. And please, stop addressing me as Sir!”
As I looked at Gait, I could tell he was thinking about something. Finally, he spoke.
“I know little of the western mountains, but it would seem that it would be a very desolate and inhospitable place.”
I nodded my head and then said, “Undoubtedly so.”
Gait continued on.
“Then I think we have a problem.”
I could see that Gait was having trouble getting to the point he wanted to make—probably because he was not used to dealing with nobility.
“Gait, please get to the point.”
“Donta, it seems that when I look over the list of provisions, there are way too many items for us to take with us. If the country is rough and hard to traverse, we will not be able to use a wagon. It will also be very difficult to carry this many items using mules. We would never be able to control them, or even take care of and feed that many animals.”
Grandfather and I had spent many hours compiling a list of all the necessities I would need. I thought we had done quite a good job of it, and was surprised to hear Gait’s assessment. But as I thought about what he had said, I realized we had not thought of transporting such a great store of supplies.
I thought of the quandary we were in. What were we to do? I asked, “I see! Now, what do we do about this problem?”
Gait and I spent the next hour going over the list. We pared it to the essentials that would be needed. As items were struck from the list, we ended up with a modicum of mostly dried foodstuffs, a small tent for shelter, and other basic necessities.
“This is not much, for such a long journey,” I said, stretching my arms.
We had been quite absorbed in the task for much of the afternoon, and the sun was close to setting as we finally worked our way through the list.
Gait looked up and said, “We could always hire men to portage our goods.”
“Yes,” I answered, “and they also would require food and sustenance to support them. No, I think it best if we keep our party to just the two of us.”
I stood up and stretched again and realized that I was very hungry. No wonder! We had been busy all afternoon.
“Gait, let’s get something to eat.” I announced.
Gait stood up, and with a somewhat sheepish look on his face said, “I will return to my father’s house then.”
Gait started for the door, but I stopped him.
“Gait, why are you returning to your father’s house? Is it to eat?”
“Yes, I do not wish to cause you any problem or embarrassment.”
“Aggghhh! Gait, please listen to me. Soon, we will be caught in the wilds of the far mountains. If we are to survive, we need to work well together. We need to be attuned to each other as if we were brothers.
“You have chosen to be my man. To me, that means that you are to be not only a trusted member of my household, but a friend and companion. If you are to protect and serve me, as my Grandfather desires, and as you have agreed to, then your place is beside me.
“You will eat with me, at the castle table.”
With a guarded tone in his voice, he answered, “Yes, Sire.”
I nodded, and then said, “And quit calling me Sire!”
His face brightened, a smile came to his eyes, and he answered, “As you wish, Sire.”
I shook my head. I could see that it would take some time before Gait was truly at ease with his new position.
Evening supper was interesting. My two brothers totally ignored Gait. It was as if he were not there. My father had asked Gait if he had freely agreed to be my man. When Gait assured him that was the case, he nodded his head and went back to attacking the roast in front of him.
My mother said nothing, but I could tell by her smile that she was glad to see I had a companion, especially one of such large stature.
Grandfather was quiet, but his keen eyes missed none of what occurred at the table.
After dinner, I informed Grandfather of Gait and my observations and actions earlier in the day. He immediately understood our problem.
Gait and I followed Grandfather to his chambers, and we had a long discussion about how to proceed.
In the end, Grandfather convinced us that the best possible way to continue with our plan would be to carry a limited number of supplies and a large quantity of gold coin. This would allow us to purchase what we needed along the way. Our only real concern was food and shelter. With two mules, we would be able to carry a considerable amount with us.
Gait asked and was granted permission to return to his family for the evening, to plead his farewell.
Early the next morning, I met Gait at the castle stables. I would be taking my horse, Lightfoot. I had been using him as my personal mount for the past year, and he was also accustomed to the altitude of Mountain Home.
Gait was another story entirely. His size required a large horse. After much discussion with the stable master, a five-year-old charger was selected. The horse, named Thunder, was easily six hands taller than mine.
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