Astrid's Team

Tenor was on night patrol with Astrid, Hiccup, and their dragons. They were keeping an eye out for Dagur and his Berserkers who were still at large. Though they hadn't yet found Dragon's Edge, Tenor was so sure they were going to that he had hidden his rider Serenity in the caves on the snow covered mountain. The entrance to the caves were hidden so well that only the island's locals, the Night Terrors, knew where they were. Their alpha, Silvereye, had assured Tenor that she would be very safe there. Originally Tenor wanted to send her back to their homeland, Draconia, but Hiccup and the other riders said they still needed a dragon healer and translator. So he went to his second option and hid her away. Tenor felt assured knowing that she was safe, and well supplied with food and water.

The three dragons and two riders were wrapping up their night patrol. Tenor hadn't said a word the whole time. Hiccup could guess what was on his mind.

"Don't worry Tenor, Serenity's safe," Hiccup said. "We'll make sure the Berserkers don't get their hands on her."

"Besides, the Berserkers don't know where we are," said Astrid.

"I'm not taking any chances," Tenor said. "I'm responsible for her out here. If she's killed, I'll throw myself into Re's dungeons."

"Calm down Tenor, nothing's happened yet," said Hiccup. "Now, come on we should check on the Night Terrors." Tenor took a deep breath.

"Alright," he said. He followed them to the perches where the Night Terrors provided lookout. But when they got there they found the perches abandoned.

"Where are the Night Terrors?" asked Astrid. She looked at Tenor.

"Don't look at me, I'm not the boss of them," Tenor said. Hiccup suddenly got angry.

"Tuffnut!" he roared. He steered Toothless towards the outpost and landed at the training arena. Apparently the Twins had been playing with the Night Terrors, preventing them from doing their job. Tenor couldn't help but be amused.

"Guys, what are doing?" asked Hiccup, frustrated. Meatlug turned to Tenor, as the riders argued.

"How's Serenity?" she asked.

"I haven't checked on her yet," said Tenor.

"We haven't seen her a while," said Hookfang. "When are you going to bring her out again?"

"I would have brought her out tonight," Tenor said. "But some dragons can't keep a lid on their riders, and those riders distract the sentries." He glared at Barf and Belch.

"Hey come on PM, we don't see any Berserkers heading this way," said Belch, in defense.

"Besides, it's not like we distracted all of the Night Terrors," said Barf. Tenor sighed.

"I'll be back," he said. He spread his black wings.

"Can we visit her with you?" asked Meatlug. "She must be so lonely in those caves."

"Not tonight," Tenor said. "I'm just going to see if she's still sleeping. And she's got a few Night Terrors to keep her company."

"Oh, so your rider gets to play with the Night Terrors and ours doesn't," pouted Belch.

"She's not playing with them," Tenor snapped. He spread his wings again and took off.

He flew into the mountain caves, using his sonar to find his way. He flew down the long tunnel. Soon he landed in a chamber with more tunnels leading away from it in different directions. Tenor folded his wings and went down one of the tunnels. It was very short and let to a cave where his rider was sleeping on her camp bed. Two Night Terrors were perched on small ledges, talking amongst themselves. They looked up when Tenor entered.

"No trouble here Prime Minister," said one Terror. "She sleeps like a Hotburple, only not as loudly." She chuckled. Tenor approached his rider quietly and nuzzled her face. Serenity stirred and opened her eyes.

"Tenor?" she whispered.

"Sorry to wake you lovely," Tenor said. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright," Serenity said. She stroked his snout. "Are you staying this time?" Tenor sighed.

"I will, if you go back to sleep," he said, laying down. Serenity obeyed and closed her eyes. Tenor sat quietly watching her. The two Night Terrors went back to talking quietly. Suddenly Tenor heard a dragon land outside.

"Tenor, you in here?" Hiccup called. Tenor hurried outside before Serenity woke up again.

"Keep it down," he snapped. Hiccup, Astrid, Fishlegs, and their dragons were the only ones who knew Serenity was being hidden.

"Sorry Tenor," said Hiccup, lowering his lantern. "But Berk was attacked, we need to go check it out."

"Alright," said Tenor. "I'll be right back." He turned and went back inside. He informed the two terrors where he was going. Then he followed Hiccup and Toothless outside. They joined up with the other riders and headed for Berk.

It took them all night to reach Berk. The sun was well up by the time they reached it. They saw smoke billowing into the sky. The riders and dragons flew to the plaza where Stoic was waiting with Skullcrusher. The dragons hovered in the air. Hiccup was shocked and angry.

"Hiccup, I'm glad you're here," said Stoic.

"Who did this?" asked Hiccup. "Dagur?"

"It was a hit and run attack," said Stoic. "Catapults and a volley of flaming arrows mostly. Burned down a few buildings. Astrid, one of them was your parents house." Astrid took off before Stoic could finish his sentence. Tenor followed her and they landed in the plaza. They approached the pile of burnt lumber, that was what was left of Astrid's house. Astrid looked horrified and worried. Stormfly was staring sadly at what was left of her den. At that moment Gobber approached them, covered in soot.

"Not to worry las," he said. "Your parents are fine, they weren't home when it happened."

"That's an amazing stroke of luck," said Tenor.

"If they had been home though," said Astrid, with dread.

"But they weren't," said Gobber. Tenor turned to Stormfly.

"Sorry about your den," he said.

"That's okay," said Stormfly. "I still have the one on Dragon's Edge." At that moment Hiccup went up to Tenor.

"Tenor, I need your help to find Dagur," he said. Tenor perked his ears up at this.

"At your service sir," he said, saluting. The two dragons spread their wings and took off.

They flew north, far from Berk. Tenor and Toothless scanned the ocean with their sharp eyes. Hiccup looked with his spyglass. They said very little and kept their focus on the hunt. Then Toothless noticed Tenor's worried expression.

"You're worried about Serenity aren't you?" he said.

"Yeah," said Tenor I really hope nothing bad happens to her."

"Well, we're going to help you keep her safe," said Toothless. Tenor turned his attention back to searching for a few minuets.

"Thanks cousin," he said.

"I imagine this can't be too fun for her," said Toothless. "Being in the dark all the time. Not able to go outside."

"I'll bring her out, when there is no danger," Tenor said. "I won't keep in that cave all the time. Only when I have to go fight bad guys, and when Hiccup decides to get Dagur riled up."

"Well guys I don't see Dagur anywhere," Hiccup said. "Do you?"

"No," said Tenor. "But this happened yesterday, so I don't really expect to."

"You got a point Tenor," said Hiccup. "Lets get back to Berk. We'll head back to Dragon's Edge tomorrow."

"Ah, good," said Tenor happily. They turned around and headed back the way they'd come. Tenor led the way, as he was better at navigating.

It was sundown when they got back to the arena. They landed next to the other riders and dragons. Tenor yawned.

"No sign of Dagur," said Hiccup. "But then again, he did have a whole day's head start."

"Oh, well," said Tenor. "They'll be plenty of opportunities to fight him." He pawed the ground restlessly. At that moment Astrid and Stormfly landed in the arena. Astrid dismounted looking tired and distraught.

"How's your family?" Hiccup asked.

"They're okay," said Astrid. "But their house, the house I grew up in, is gone."

"Personally I would rather lose a house than a family," said Tenor.

"Okay gang," Hiccup said. "Dagur was last seen heading north. My guess is he's heading out of the Archipelago. We head back to Dragon's Edge first thing tomorrow. Everyone go back to your houses and get a good night's rest." They all disbursed. Astrid went over to Stormfly.

"Where are you guys staying?" asked Hiccup, concerned.

"I figured we'd bed down here," said Astrid sadly. She pulled her bed roll off her saddle.

"Oh, what a coincidence I thought we'd sleep down here too," said Hiccup enthusiastically.

"But you have a house, and nice warm bed," said Astrid.

"Yeah, but the way my dad snores, Toothless and I wouldn't get a wink," said Hiccup. It seemed all the riders we up for sleeping in the arena. Astrid was touched by this. Tenor decided to stay as well. He laid down and watched the other dragons settle down next to their riders. He was really missing Serenity now. He was also missing his two comrades, Re and Aurora. They were currently back in Draconia, building a huge wall around the nation's borders. Last Tenor heard, they were just about done. Once they were done they had promised to come out and visit Dragon's Edge. But until then, Tenor was on his own. He found it difficult to sleep. He watched the sun go down, and his old friends the moon and stars came out. Tenor never felt alone when they were out. He got to his feet and went out of the arena. He glided over the the ledge on the other side of the bridge. He looked out at the stars. The moon was a waning gibbous.

He must have lost track of time because he suddenly heard someone approaching him. He turned his head around and saw that it was his Astrid.

"Hello Ms. Astrid," he said, looking back at the stars. "What brings you out here?"

"Can't sleep," said Astrid. "Why are you out here?"

"I'm worried about Serenity," said Tenor. "I couldn't sleep either, so I came out here to visit some old friends." Astrid followed his gaze.

"The stars?" she said.

"Yes the stars," said Tenor. "Unlike most humans, the stars never lie. Nor do they judge."

"And Tenor, I know how you feel now, about Serenity," said Astrid. "When you're this far away, that's when bad things are more likely to happen to her."

"Hmmm," said Tenor, sitting on his haunches. "Usually you'd frown on me worrying this much."

"That was before my house burned down," said Astrid. "And my parents were at risk of getting burned to death."

"This town has gotten attacked by dragons for three hundred years," said Tenor. "Hasn't your house been burned down before?"

"Not on my watch," said Astrid, strongly. "It would only catch fire, but burn down completely."

"I see," said Tenor. "But your parents are alive, that's got to be something."

"Yeah," Astrid agreed. She looked at Tenor. "You don't have parents do you?" Tenor inhaled deeply.

"My parents left my egg on the castle doorstep," he said. "They're probably dead by now." Astrid flinched.

"I should've been here," she said. "I could've done something."

"Astrid, Astrid," Tenor said. "You can't be in two places at once. And even you could there's very little you could've done. That was a lot of fire being shot according to Skullchrusher. It was engulfed in flames before anyone could react."

"Tenor, what would do about this?" asked Astrid. "How would you get rid of this guilt."

"Me?" Tenor said, surprised. "I would accept the fact that this is has happened, be grateful that no one was hurt or killed, and make sure it never happens again." Astrid considered.

"Thanks Tenor," she said. Tenor nodded once, then turned and left. He was finally starting to get sleepy. He laid down and fell asleep.

The next morning the riders woke up a bit stiff. Tenor got to his feet and stretched. Hiccup went up to Astrid, who was still waking up.

"Didn't get any sleep?" he asked.

"No," said Astrid. "I was thinking, I couldn't sleep."

"Well, we're wings up in an hour," said Hiccup. "I'll carry your gear for you."

"I've made a decision Hiccup," said Astrid. "I'm not going back to Dragon's Edge, I'm staying here." Hiccup and the other riders were taken aback by this.

"Wait what? You're staying here?" Hiccup said. "When did you decide this?"

"Last night," said Astrid as she got to her feet. "I can't leave Berk defenseless again."

"Astrid, one dragon wouldn't have made a difference," said Hiccup.

"I know that," said Astrid. "So, I'm going to train new riders for a back up team. And I'm going to do it alone." Hiccup considered for a few minuets.

"Change of plan," he said. "Fishlegs, Snotlout, and the Twins head north and pick up Dagur's trail." Astrid crossed her arms.

"Hiccup, what part of alone did you not get?" she asked.

"Toothless and I are going to patrol around Berk and make sure Dagur doesn't double back," Hiccup explained.

"What do you want me to do?" asked Tenor.

"I need you to come with us," said Hiccup. "I know you want to check on Serenity but..."

"The sooner Dagur's defeated the sooner I can get her out of here," Tenor interrupted. "So, I'm game for anything." Hiccup smiled, satisfied. He turned back to Astrid.

"You won't even know we're here," he said.

"Okay," said Astrid. "That's assuming anyone would want to show up for our B-team." For some reason she sounded hopeful.

But half an hour later a bunch of vikings came to he arena. The riders and their dragons were in the spectator's area. They watched the activity below.

"Nice turn out," Hiccup remarked.

"Indeed," said Tenor. He glanced down at the group it included: Spitlout, Mulch, Bucket, Sven, Gothi, and Gustave. The riders turned and took off, Tenor followed Hiccup and Toothless.

"Hey, Tenor," Hookfang called. "You want one of us to check on Serenity for you?"

"Would you?" said Tenor relieved. "That would be helpful. But don't bring her out."

"You got it," said Hookfang. With that everyone disbursed.

Tenor and Toothless circled Berk. They kept their eyes open for anymore enemy ships. Luckily they didn't see any.

"What were you saying to Hookfang?" asked Hiccup.

"He offered to check on Serenity for me," said Tenor.

"You didn't have to hide her," said Hiccup.

"I don't plan on keeping her down there all the time," said Tenor. "I'll bring her out when there's no danger."

"Well I don't see any sign of Dagur," said Hiccup, changing the subject. "Lets go see how Astrid's doing."

"Okay," said Tenor. They turned and headed back to the arena. Tenor landed next to Stormfly.

"Everything going swimmingly?" he asked.

"Pretty much," said Stormfly. "Astrid's making them ride brooms." They watched the humans running about with brooms between their legs. Astrid came over and stood beside her dragon.

"Why are you making them ride brooms?" Tenor asked.

"Dragon riding is hard and dangerous," Astrid explained. "I'm starting small. It's not all fun and games."

"Hmm, interesting," Tenor said. "All the of the best dragon riders I know didn't start with riding brooms. Did you know, that ever since Serenity started riding she hasn't fallen off once."

"Really?" said Astrid. "Not once?"

"Nope," said Tenor. "She's really good at riding." He spread his wings and took off to rejoin Hiccup and Toothless. Astrid went back to training.

Serenity sat quietly in her cave. A few Night Terrors were gathered around her chair. She was worried about Tenor, and wished he was in the cave with her, also safe. She didn't mind hiding. She didn't know what the Berserkers would do to her, and she wanted to live so see her dragons again. Tenor had promised her that she wouldn't stay in the dark forever. She had just dozed off when Hookfang entered the cave. Serenity beamed.

"Hookfang!" she exclaimed. She got to her feet and hugged his snout.

"Hey, Serenity," said Hookfang. "How are you doing down here?"

"I'm okay," said Serenity. "Where's Tenor?"

"He's back on Berk," said Hookfang. "They got hit by Dagur and Hiccup want's to hunt him down."

"I see," said Serenity. She sat back in her chair. "Well I'm glad you're here."

"Really I'm surprised you didn't protest against being hidden down here," said Hookfang.

"I know better than to protest against a dragon," said Serenity. "Tenor knows what he's doing. I trust him." She stroked Hookfang's snout.

"Well, I should be going," Hookfang said. "We're going out for another patrol." Serenity sighed.

"Alright," she said. Hookfang nuzzled her.

"Don't worry, once there's no more danger, we'll bring you out," he said. Serenity hugged him again. Then he turned and left. Serenity leaned back in her chair. A Night Terror nudged her hand and she petted him. She pulled out her sewing and got to work.

Back on Berk; Hiccup, Toothless, and Tenor were watching Astrid continue training the back up riders. They were now riding dragons. Mulch and Bucket were on a Zippleback, Gustave and Sven were on Monstrous Nightmares, Gothi was on a Gronkle, and Spitlout was on a Nadder. Astrid set up a target and had the trainees fire a single shot at it. They all tried it. Everyone but Spitlout hit it.

"They're good," said Tenor.

"Yeah they are," Hiccup agreed. But for some reason Astrid said they had all failed.

"We have to start from the beginning," she said. Tenor and Toothless exchanged a glance.

"What is she doing?" Hiccup asked, confused. "It's almost like wants them to fail. At this rate she'll never get done." He furrowed his brow in thought.

"I wonder," Tenor said.

"I'm going to go talk to her," Hiccup said. He left the spectator's area, both dragons followed. They entered the arena. By now the trainees had gone home.

"Hey Astrid, can we talk?" Hiccup asked.

"I'm busy Hiccup," said Astrid. There was a short pause.

"Look Astrid, I know what you're doing," said Hiccup.

"What are talking about?" said Astrid.

"You want these guys to fail so you have an excuse to stay on Berk," said Hiccup. "You want to stay on Berk to protect your parents."

"It's so interesting when that happens," Tenor said to Toothless.

"What is?" Toothless asked.

"When a child does a parent's job," Tenor said. "A parent is supposed to keep their child safe. Then at some point the child is doing the same for them."

"That is interesting," Toothless agreed. "You think it's going to happen to you?" Tenor looked at the ground sadly.

"I doubt it," said Tenor. "I'm usually the one doing all the rescuing." They turned back to listening.

"Astrid you can't protect them everyday for the rest of their lives," Hiccup said. Astrid said nothing. She wouldn't even look at Hiccup. He sighed in defeat.

"I'm gonna go to Dragon's Edge, check on those guys and see if they've spotted Dagur," he said. "I'll be back in a few days we can talk then." Astrid still said nothing. Hiccup went over to his dragon and mounted up.

"You coming Tenor?" he asked.

"No, I'll stick around here a while," Tenor said, casually. "See how this turns out."

"You sure?" Hiccup asked.

"Oh yeah, I'll be along later," Tenor said. Hiccup and Toothless took off. Astrid began cleaning up after training, with Stormfly's help. Tenor helped as well, not wanting to appear lazy. No one spoke as they worked. Astrid didn't seem to mind having Tenor around. Once they were done the headed for the exit.

"Thanks Tenor," said Astrid.

"Oh not a problem Ms. Astrid," said Tenor humbly.

"You can go back to Dragon's Edge if you want to," said Astrid. "See how Serenity's doing."

"Believe it or not, my loyalties aren't just to her," said Tenor. "No dragon and rider should be left behind. I'll go back, but only when you do."

"I'm not going back for a while," said Astrid.

"I'm aware of that," Tenor said, then he spread his wings and took off. He headed back to the village.

The next day Tenor watched the next training session with Stormfly. They had just started when Stoic flew in on Skullcrusher. They both looked concerned.

"Astrid, we just got a message from Hiccup," said Stoic. "The edge is under attack." Astrid called Stormfly over and mounted her.

"Let us come too," said Spitlout. "We can help fight."

"No," said Astrid sternly. "You're no where near ready for combat yet. Stay here, that's an order." Then Stormfly and Skullcrusher took off. The back up riders looked very disappointed. Tenor watched the two dragons fly away. An idea formed in his mind. He flew down to the arena and landed in front of the back up riders.

"Are you lot really going to just stand there and do nothing?" he asked, as he folded his wings.

"You heard what she said," said Sven.

"And since when have vikings done what they're told?" Tenor scoffed. They exchanged a glance.

"He's got a point," said Spitlout. "What did you have in mind black dragon."

"Now, that's better," Tenor said.

"But Astrid will get awful mad about this," said Gustave.

"Well, this was my idea," Tenor said. "I'll take the fireball for you."

"Thanks Tenor," said Mulch. Tenor nodded. Then he called their dragons and mounted them. The dragons spread their wings and took off. They all followed Tenor towards Dragon's Edge.

Back on Dragon's Edge, Astrid and Stoic arrived and helped the other riders fight the Berserkers. Fire, catapults, bolas, and arrows flew through the air. The dragons were able to hold their ground, but they couldn't drive the Berserkers off. Dagur fired a chain at Stormfly and snagged her leg. She struggled to get free. Astrid slid down the chain, ax ready. She fought the Berserkers, releasing Stormfly. But the Berserkers managed to grab her and hold her arms behind her back. Suddenly Gustave and Fanghook swooped in and fought off the Berserkers. Everyone looked up to see the back up riders flying towards them, with Tenor in the lead. With these numbers the riders managed to sink several ships. Tenor zipped from boat to boat blasting holes in their hauls. He also killed several Berserkers with his venomous teeth. In the end Dagur had no choice but to withdraw with his last two ships. The riders cheered in victory. They turned and headed for Dragon's Edge's arena.

Astrid wasn't pleased. She glared at the back up riders.

"You disobeyed a direct order," she snapped. "Who's responsible for this mutiny."

"His," all the riders said in unison, pointing behind Astrid. She turned to see Tenor landing in the arena.

"You told them to disobey me?" Astrid asked, shocked.

"I did," said Tenor. "And I regret, nothing."

"Tenor, that's not what they were trained to do," said Astrid. Tenor's eyes went wide.

"You mean they weren't trained to fight?" he asked, with mock confusion.

"No, they were," said Astrid. "But they were trained to follow orders."

"Hmmm," said Tenor. "From my observation of you vikings, you never do what you're told." He glanced at Hiccup for a brief second. "You do what's right and dam the consequences." Astrid considered this.

"You have a point Tenor," she said. She turned back to the back up riders. "What you did was dangerous and reckless. But it was also very brave, I couldn't be more proud to call you fellow dragon riders." They all cheered.

"Gustave, as the most experienced," Astrid continued. "I'm putting you in charge of the back up riders." Gustave punched the air in excitement. "I'm staying on Dragon's Edge. After all, I can't defend Berk by myself every second of everyday." She smiled at Hiccup, and he smiled back. The back up riders got on their dragons and took off. Astrid turned to Tenor.

"Good work Tenor," she said. Tenor beamed and purred.

"I love my job," he said. "I just Re and Aurora could have seen me do that."

"Well you did them proud Tenor," said Stoic. Tenor nodded.

"You should go check on Serenity," said Hiccup. "We'll begin repairs."

"You sure you don't need help?" Tenor asked.

"We're sure," Hiccup said.

"Fine," said Tenor. He spread his wings and took off, heading for the mountain.