Finding Balance 4

Note: this is most likely going to become nsfw.

Dagur's visits weren't frequent but Hiccup could count on him showing up at the weirdest possible times at least twice a day. The days seemed to drag on. It was at least a week's voyage from the Edge to Berk by boat, a day by dragon. The riders had been half a day past the Edge when they were captured by the Hunters, tacking on an additional two to three days boat ride to Berk. So a seven day trip had turned into nine, possible ten depending on weather. To Hiccup if felt like a life time. According to Dagur, who wasn't a reliable source in Hiccup's opinion, the other riders had duties around the various ships they were on, primarily cleaning and small tasks to keep them out of trouble. Viggo verified as much when Hiccup asked about his friends so Dagur became more reliable than Hiccup could have hoped for. The Berserker never stayed long. He'd slip in, check on Hiccup - going as far as pinning the younger man down in order to check his right leg and make sure it was healing properly. It took all Hiccup's will power not to fight or scream when the deranged lunatic insisted on checking his injuries personally. Dagur was far from gentle but he seemed to be trying. He even found Hiccup's prosthetic and gave it to him when he was certain the rider's right leg was strong enough for him to stand on it - for short periods of time. Of course it might have helped that Hiccup had kneed him hard in the stomach. It earned him a punch in return and a new bruise but it was worth it to have his prosthetic back. And Dagur hadn't gone Berserker and actually beat to a pulp or anything, just a minor retaliation before he caught himself and stopped with a mumbled apology.

The book Hiccup had hid under his pillow was an old journal. The runes were slightly different from the runes used on Berk but Hiccup eventually figured it out and was able to translate it. It held secrets about the Dragon Eye, with sketches and discriptions and functions other than lighting the lenses. It was everything Hiccup could have possibly ever wanted. The problem with the book was that it tended to take up Hiccup's entire focus. Dagur delighted in surprising him every chance he got. It was a miracle that Hiccup managed to hide it before Viggo learned he had it.

"I honestly didn't think it would be that old and boring," Dagur announced, plopping down on the bed next to Hiccup. "I just wanted to give you something to do. You looked bored to the world."

"It's not boring, it's informative," Hiccup objected. He barely paid Dagur any attention. The Berserker always invaded his space and gave way too enthusiastic hugs. Hiccup tried to shrug him away but Dagur was having none of it.

"That's just another word for boring," Dagur grumbled. He plucked the book out of Hiccup's hands and threw it on the table. "Look, we'll be at Berk in the morning."

Hiccup blinked in surprise. It felt like forever since he and the riders were captured. "He actually kept his word?"

Dagur shrugged and got off the bed, seeing there was no way he could get the younger man to snuggle with him. When they were little Hiccup would snuggle, but that was a long time ago, before Toothless and the riders. "Yeah. He really wants to talk to Stoick. I think Ryker is on the verge of killing the twins." He gave a goofy grin. "They over waxed the deck of his ship. People were sliding everywhere!" He stretched his arms over his head and cracked his back. "Anyway...I'm raiding the galley, want anything?"

Hiccup was pretty sure he wasn't going to get used to this new Dagur any time soon. "No...er...thanks."

"Your loss." And like every other time, Dagur slipped out the window and closed it behind him.

For the next few hours Hiccup was alone.

. . .

"There he goes again," Ryker grumbled.

He had come to give Viggo an update on their prisoners - the twins were driving him mad. They were on two completely separate ships, nowhere within sight of the other yet both had managed to wax the decks of the ships they were on to the point no one could walk on them. How they got their hands on so much wax or where had come by it was a mystery. The men were petitioning him to throw them overboard. For now they were locked up and sewing new blankets for the crew.

He watched as Dagur silently and quite stealthily climbed over the rail of the back of Viggo's ship and darted into the shadows.

Viggo didn't bother looking away from his map. "He does it twice a day. When the sun rising over the horizon and just before it sets. He thinks the darkness covers him," he explained.

Ryker gave a snort. "And why haven't you stopped him?" he asked.

"Because, dear brother," Viggo began as he rolled up the map. "It's keeping him occupied. He's become the riders' messenger. He bounces from ship to ship, checking each of them, laying claim to each of them then returning to let Hiccup know everyone is well. He gives them hope."

"Which can prove deadly," Ryker countered with a low annoyed growl.

"Or play them into our hands. They become reliant on him and he on us," Viggo explained. "We have his sister. He can't reach her. He relies on us to keep her safe. Don't worry, big brother, Dagur's not a threat. Not yet." His dark eyes followed Dagur as the Berserker managed to move to a nearby ship. "Find Savage. I want to know more about Dagur's relationship with Hiccup. And send a message to our friend. He'll have even more information about the two. Perhaps something we can use to keep the two from becoming too cozy with one another."

"Do you trust him?"

"No, but he is one of our higher paying clients. If he wants our services I want information."

Ryker frowned and folded his arms across his chest. "We'll never get it in time. We're only a few clicks from Berk."

"True, but it may come in useful. Tell the men to keep an eye on Dagur but not to interfere. And bring Savage to my office. It's time we had a talk with the former Outcast." He paused as he turned away. "And use discretion, Ryker. I want Savage on our side and I want him truthful."

With a huff, Ryker nodded. "You think you can convince him to join us."

Viggo chuckled. "Every man has their price. Fetch him while I check on our guest."

"You treat the boy like a pet," the elder Grimborn growled. "He belongs in a cell."

"Oh Ryker," Viggo said, shaking his head in bemusement. "We have in our possession a master of dragons. You do not break someone so unique as you would anyone else. He is neither dragon nor a normal Viking."

"So?"

"We observe and learn and find his weakness." He strolled toward his cabin. "You'll see, Ryker. Hiccup is much more valuable as an ally than an enemy. First we deal with his father. I have it all worked out. Now bring me Savage."

He left Ryker to do as requested and decided to check on his charge. Usually he made enough noise to alert Hiccup of his comings. He enjoyed the way the boy seemed to scramble to hide something he found of interest, allowing the youth to think he was clever when in reality he was playing into Viggo's hands.

Waving the guards aside, he took the handle to his door and slowly, quickly opened it. The hinges were well oiled and didn't so much as make as a sound as he opened it. His foot steps were light, every creak and soft board memorized after years of having this vessel as his flagship. He knew which boards to avoid. Hiccup did not.

The soft click of a metal foot followed by a soft thumb could be heard within. Ah...so Dagur found the rider's prosthetic. Not that it mattered. Judging by the groans and cussing, Hiccup couldn't get very far with his damaged leg. Viggo waited and listened inside the small corridor between the door and his bed chamber.

A small frustrated whine could be heard before a loud thump and cry followed by more curses then shuffling. Viggo waited a few moments linger until the labored click and thump returned, signalling Hiccup was walking about again or at least trying.

"Impressive, I wasn't expecting you to be walking for a few more days," he purred softly, startling the youth. He grinned at the wide eyed look the boy gave him and how he automatically reached for a book on the table.

Hiccup stopped himself before he could touch the book. Taking a deep breath, he calmed his racing heart. "I have a high pain tolerance. I was using my prosthetic from the day I woke up from a coma. Mine you I was in a coma for three weeks so it had some time to heal but..."

"An amputated leg is not the same as a cut," Viggo agreed, his gaze wandering to Hiccup's prosthetic leg. "It must have taken quite some time to learn how to walk again."

The boy shrugged and hobbled to a nearby chair. "Not as long as you'd think. I had Toothless to help me."

Viggo hummed softly to himself in thought. The scar on his neck burned with a distant memory. A dragon had not helped him, it had nearly taken his head. He had learned to be more cautious since then, not to trust the beast or the people meant to protect him. They meant nothing to him now, just business. Yet here this boy sat, trying to act all grown up and not afraid of his situation when with just a word Viggo could have him, his friends, and his precious dragons slaughtered and not lose a night's sleep from it. There was something to be admired about that type of courage.

"He must be a very special dragon," he mused watching as the boy relaxed, if only a little. "Very interesting reading material." He tapped the book Hiccup had no doubt been reading and trying to hide the last few days. Viggo smiled as the youth's shoulders tensed. "My grandfather used to read it to be before bed as a child. Not at all as accurate as I used to think. Dragons evolve just like men."

"I..." Hiccup began, not sure if he should apologize or tell Viggo off. He had been a been injured, captured and locked away in Viggo private chambers unsure what was going to happen to him or his friends. He had no clue if they were going to be killed or raped or anything. It may be a nice room but it was still a prison regardless. "I want to see my friends," he suddenly demanded.

Viggo nodded. "You will. Tomorrow, when we've reached Berk. Besides, Dagur has been running about checking on all of you the last few days. Surely he's given you news of their wellbeing."

Hiccup's eyes narrowed. "You knew?"

"Yes. I should have him executed for treason."

"He's not one of your men. He's the chief of the Berserkers and as I understand it YOU went back on YOUR word, not him," Hiccup argued, unsure why he was defending Dagur but feeling the need to.

A soft laugh escaped Viggo. "And what do you think he would have done if I had handed you over to him, hmm?" He stepped around the table and up to Hiccup. "Oh my dear, you are so naive. I've seen the way he looks at you. Ryker has seen it. You should count your lucky stars that I decided to save you from him. He may be able to sneak in here but he knows better than to try anything." He touched the youth's cheek, causing Hiccup to recoil and stumble back until he fell back on the bed. "You should consider yourself very lucky."

Hiccup inhaled sharply and scrambled as far away from Viggo as he could. His hip screamed in protest and the sudden pain caused his eye sight to blur for a moment but he didn't care. There was something suddenly frightening about Viggo and the way he loomed over him. Hiccup didn't mind being touched but when Viggo's fingers touched his cheek it seemed more like the way Dagur would touch him; almost possessive and sexual in nature. Hiccup had learned to deal with Dagur but Viggo was something wholly new to him. He didn't pursue Hiccup, didn't try touching him again, instead he watched Hiccup with those dark hauntingly brown eyes as if searching for something within him, tearing away not only his clothing but flesh in search of his soul.

It was a frightening moment and all Hiccup coukd do was stare back, trapped in Viggo's gaze while fighting to keep his face blank and fear hidden.

"Oh? And you still wqnt me to believe you're not planning to attack Berk and hold us hostage?" he said, his jaw set and eyes challenging. "Stoick the Vast won't take kindly to an entire armada invading his shores. And Berk has more than enough riders to take you out."

Viggo's face softened. "Oh? Perhaps under normal circumstances, but consider is only child was injured and we saved him from losing his other leg...your father is more than happy to speak with me. We've been corresponding since your capture. He's very anxious to see." Viggo turned away and headed back toward the door.

"If that was true he'd have come by now with the other riders," Hiccup argued, not believing in the least that his father would knowingly leave him and his friends in the Hunters hands, especially if Stoick knew his son was hurt."

The man nodded. "He should be arriving within the hour."

Hiccup stared at him flabbergasted. "He's coming?" A smile lifted his lips. "You're so dead."