by Dane Bagley
John was all in. The more that Aiden warned him, the more that he gave him an out, the more that John was sure he wanted to do this.
Aiden had studied the flight of the dragon back to its lair. Getting all the way to the lair was probably impossible, but they could get close. It would take months, and they would have to be prepared. There was certainly no room for error.
Rams and mountain goats were occasionally visible fairly high up the mountains. They would provide meat, and it meant that there must be some water, and some vegetation available. The climb itself would be treacherous, they’d need to nourish themselves.
When not honing their skills, hunting, or sleeping, they wound cords—long and powerful. It was not certain that they would have materials to make cords as they ascended up the mountain. They each had a sword, they each had a bow and many arrows. They made several spears. It was time to climb.
More than once they started to ascend and found themselves stuck. They would descend and try from a new location. Hunger, thirst, and fatigue were their regular companions. At times the sun baked them unrelentingly and they could find no shelter. At other times the rain would bash against them without mercy and they worried whether they could keep from slipping to their doom. Still, with the rain came water and for a time their thirst was abated.
The goats and the sheep were no fools. The conditions provided such little opportunity for concealment for the hunters and climbers. Still, Aiden was the best and John was hardly a lick behind him. They managed. As if it were somehow possible, these men became stronger and more powerful, the more they endured.
Dromreign had not left its lair in well over a year since it had annihilated Agedon. Aiden’s calculation was that it must not be long before it struck out again. He wanted to be ready for the dragon. They pressed on.
Eventually they reached the highest plateau that they could. It was the spot that he’d picked out many moons before. The lair was in sight, perhaps within reach of his best flung arrow. Aiden and John settled and made ready their weapons and trap.
Another month went by before there was a stir. But Aiden’s calculations were correct. The beast had recovered, awakened, and was ready to eat.
John was in awe as he watched the great dragon fly from its lair. Its darkness and ferocity mesmerized him. Then came the stench, washing down the mountainside. It was putrefying and John felt sick. He held his breath, then coughed and sputtered. Aiden indicated for him to remain silent. They watched Dromreign disappear over the tree tops below. When it was gone, they hastened to prepare for its return.