Beyond the Dragon’s Teeth
Copyright© 2026 by Asa Strong
Chapter 5
When I returned to camp, the dwarfs were busy with the preparation of the evening meal and taking care of the mules.
There was no merriment after dinner; the dwarfs’ loss of three of their kin made for a somber evening.
The following morning dawned dismal and dreary. The sky was overcast and a light rain was falling, and fog prevented us from seeing very far into the forest.
After a quick breakfast, our journey to the Cavern resumed. We slogged through the damp forest, keeping up a steady march. The constant rain, and dripping from the trees overhead was quite annoying.
Tag’ar kept to himself and we spoke little. He said no more about our discussion at the stream. I sensed that he was fighting an internal battle with himself, trying to come to some resolution. There was not much I could do, but leave him to his own thoughts.
For the next three days, Gait and I worked with the dwarfs—leading our horses and mules along with the rest of the troop. At night, the routine was the same: Unload the mules and horses, hobble, feed them, and rub them down. Then, a quiet meal was eaten before making our way to our bedrolls.
By the time we reached the Giant Hills, many of the dwarfs were becoming accustomed to having us in their party. They spoke to us more often, and Gait actually seemed to form a loose friendship with several of them.
The Giant Hills were a stark change from the dense forest. Our first glimpse was from the top of a steep hill, as we emerged from the dense foliage of the oaks. They appeared to be very large hills, domed on top, stretching to the northwest as far as I could see.
We camped that night beside a slow-moving river that flowed south through the Giant Hills. After dinner, I could see that the merriment we had encountered on our first night with the dwarfs had returned. There were many tales told and a few ballads sung.
As I listened to a tragic recital of a hero long lost, Tag’ar approached me.
“Donta, come, we must talk.”
He waited as I stood, and then we walked to the edge of the camp.
When I caught up with him, he turned and spoke.
“Tomorrow, we will reach the cavern of my clan. Do not be surprised at the poor reception you will receive. I say this to you as a warning. You and Gait must stay your hands from your weapons. I give you my pledge that you will have free passage through our land. The Council may not agree with me doing so, but they will abide by it. Not to honor a pledge freely given would be unthinkable for them.”
I didn’t fully understand his position, but then I also knew very little about the customs of dwarfs. I came to the conclusion that there was little else that I could do but follow Tag’ar’s suggestion.
“Tag’ar, I will speak to Gait. I feel that you have spoken truly and without prejudice; we will do as you say.”
Tag’ar nodded his head and returned to the fire. I went in search of Gait.
I found him arm wrestling with a dwarf. The dwarf was small in height, but had thick muscles in his arms, that were clearly showing the strain as he tried to move Gait’s hand.
The match was soon over. Gait easily pinned the dwarf’s hand to the log they were using as a bench.
“Gait, can I speak to you for a moment?”
Gait looked up, nodded his head, and then rose and followed me to the edge of the camp.
When we were out of range of the dwarfs’ hearing, I said, “I just had a talk with Tag’ar. Tomorrow we will reach their settlement. He has warned me that there may be many there who will not like the fact that he has brought us. Please, be careful not to cause any misunderstanding. Keep your sword sheathed. Listen not to what they may say or do. If we are attacked, then we will fight, but there is no need to go looking for trouble either.”
Gait nodded his head, and then said, “I will do as you say, but I will also not allow them to attack you.”
We came to an agreement and then we both returned to the warmth of the fire.
The next day, as we made our way through the hills, signs of dwarfs became common. Sides of the hills had been cut out to form small terraced fields, and small villages began to appear near the side of the road on a regular basis.
As our troop made its way towards the Cavern, many we encountered would stop and stare at Gait and me. There were no acts of aggression, but it was not hard to tell that many were not pleased to see us.
As the sun was at its zenith, we crossed over a rise between two hills. When we reached the top, the Cavern lay before us.
It was an impressive sight. Between two hills stood a massive stone wall, with a single large gate in the middle. The wall was huge in proportion, reaching toward the sky for an incredible distance. Atop the wall, there were defensive battlements with slotted vents for archers. As we came closer, I could see the massive stone blocks used for construction. How such large stones could be moved to such heights was astounding.
As we approached the gate, Tag’ar made his way to the front of our troop. The gates were open, but about a dozen dwarfs stood by guarding the entrance. Tag’ar walked forward and then said in a loud voice, “I, Tag’ar, Chief of the Carnath Clan, Son of Mo’tac, claim entry to the city of my clan.”
Two dwarfs in armor separated themselves from the group guarding the gate and came towards us.
As they came closer, they noticed Gait and then me. One whispered to the other, and he returned to the group at the gate. The other proceeded forward.
As he approached, the dwarf declared in a loud voice, “Hail Tag’ar, may your journey have been safe.”
The dwarf stopped, looked at Gait and me, and then faced Tag’ar.
“Why do you bring men to our city, Tag’ar?”
Tag’ar squared his shoulders and then said, “I found them in the great forest. They claim to have come from the East—from across the mountains. I have found them to be honorable and have given them my protection.”
I could see the surprise on the guard’s face. He also looked unsure about what to do. Finally, he said, “I have sent a runner to the Council; proceed with your guests to your abode. I’m sure the Council will contact you soon.”
Then, in a less conciliatory voice, he said, “Tag’ar, their behavior is upon your shoulders!”
Tag’ar nodded his head, and we proceeded forward.
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