Hiccup and the rest of the Riders headed to Berk to regroup. They needed to figure out where Johann was going to go next and how long they would have.

"Most likely Berserker Island," Astrid said pointing to the island on the map.

"It's the closest to Outcast Island. The rest of our Allies are beyond the fog bank. It's a five-day sail between the two islands."

"Berk is right in the middle," Snotlout pointed out. "What's stopping him from attacking here next?"

"Berk will be last, no doubt," Hiccup answered. "By the time he finishes with our Allies, Berk will not be able to ask anyone for help. They will have turned their backs on us if we don't stop him from killing someone of importance from their homes. Astrid is right; Berserker Island is most likely his next target. Snotlout, head back to the Edge get Dagur and meet us at Berserker Island. We still have enough time to prepare. He has three and a half days left of sailing."


Johann laughed with glee as he watched Hiccup and his band of misfits fly off to Berserker Island. Little did they know that it was the wrong island…


Hiccup, The Riders, and Berserker's readied themselves for battle. They spent two days sharpening and crafting weapons. The forge was working overtime. Those who could not fight were taken to various underground shelters.

Savage and his men had been released to help prepare for war with the promise of being set free and banned from the island as long as they help fight.

There was no time for breaks. Several women were running around making sure everyone ate and drank. Healers scrambled to gather herbs, bandages, and other essential items. Tents were set up in the forest so they could work.

Jorn convinced Astrid to be a combat healer, due to not having enough healers. She was skilled thanks to helping take care of Hiccup over the years. She knew how stitch, amputate, bandage, and make quick tonics.

Jorn was giving her a quick rundown on which stitch patterns could help slow bleeding faster as well how to properly apply numbing cream when Hiccup walked into their tent.

His face had a crestfallen expression. "We got the wrong island."

"Where?" Astrid asked.

"Shivering Shores," Hiccup answered. "Chief Vidar's wife and two-month-old son were killed. He's blaming Berk for not stopping Johann. Johann told him to give us a message. He has no order. He will attack whichever island he pleases whenever he wants to. There is no stopping him."

Astrid stepped away from Jorn and gave Hiccup a hug. She held him tight, reassuring him that it wasn't his fault.

She pulled away. "So what's our next move?"

"We separate. Riders for every island," Hiccup answered. "The A-Team is needed as well. Fishlegs and the Twins will head to Defenders of The Wing. You and Heather will go to Wingmaiden Island. Snotlout and Spitelout will be on Berk with Gothi. Dagur, Jorn and I will stay here. Gustav, Ryker, and Sven will defend the Edge. Bucket and Mulch will help deliver supplies to everyone. We'll communicate via Terror Mail with coded letters. The goal is to protect those important enough that their death would cause a rift."

"I should stay here with you," Astrid insisted.

"I'll be fine," Hiccup assured. "You and Heather are needed on Wingmaiden Island. Men can't stay there for very long. Who knows how long this will last. It could be days or weeks before his next attack. We have to have every island ready."


The next day the Riders flew their separate ways, ready to defend their friends' homes. They were prepared for a long separation. Letters would be sent only in case of emergency. There would be no sneaking away to see each other. Johann could have scouts watching. When they reached the destinations they would have to land in the dead of night, undetected.

Everyone had said their goodbyes the night before. They all hoped to see each other again one day. Hope was all they had right now. Hope would get them through the tough times ahead.

They were all aware that they might not come back. That they might never see their families or friends again. The dragons seemed aware of this as well and spent their last night together sleeping in pile keeping each other company.


Hiccup and Jorn sat in the Hall of Heroes half-heartedly eating the stew that had been prepared for everyone. The last to leave had been Astrid and Heather. Even though it has only been a couple of hours, Hiccup missed the feel of her lips on his.

"She'll be all right," Jorn promised. "She knows how to survive."

"I know," Hiccup said. "I'm still worried. Our wedding had been postponed for the third time since we were betrothed. It's like fate doesn't want us together, even though we're meant to be. I'm just tired of fighting. What's it going to take in order for us to be together? I know stopping Johann is important, but at what cost?"

"She could have stayed," Jorn pointed out. "Ruff could have gone with Heather."

"Tuff goes where Ruff goes," Hiccup stated. "They work better together. Separate them for too long and things get out of hand. Plus you need two people to ride a Zippleback in battle."

Jorn didn't say anything else. The two finished their lukewarm soups and headed their separate ways. Hiccup headed to the forge. Jorn went to the Healer's Main Tent.

There was still much to do and they had no clue how long it would take. Johann's attacks were going to be random. Everyone had to be ready.


Astrid and Heather landed behind the Wingmaiden's village as the moon reached the top of the night sky. They had spotted two scout ships on both sides of the island waiting for the right time to attack.

Fishlegs and the Twins landed on a secluded beach behind the Defender's volcano. There to greet them was Queen Mala, Throk, and a couple of their warriors. A mile out was a scout ship on the other side of the island.

Snotlout landed on Berk as casually as he could make it look. He was greeted by his father and the rest of the A-Team. He gave the A-Team Hiccup's orders. Gustav and Sven quickly packed and left for the Edge. Bucket and Mulch began loading crates with supplies. Everyone on Berk began to work through the night to ensure that their allies would have enough supplies.

Three Outcast ships sailed into Berk's docks with all that they could spare, promising to stay by their side. Johann was not going to weaken them.

War was coming, and the entire Archipelago could feel it.


Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews. It going to get a lot crueler and bloodier the further the story goes. I know who I want to kill and how I want to kill them. It's your job to guess who's next.

As always thank you for the continued support. Keep reviewing and following.

Special thanks to Draconicbeing2.0 for being an amazing friend and beta reader.