Have Dragon Will Travel Pt. 2
Hiccup and Toothless watched as the Berserkers began pulling Heather and Windshear down. Toothless tried several time to break the chains but they were just to strong. Then just as Dagur was about throw a net over Windshear, there came the familiar sound of a diving Night Fury. Then several plasma blasts shot through the air. They shot passed the chains and hit the wenches. The wenches bust into pieces and Windshear was able to shake off the chains. Heather hung on tight as her dragon joined Toothless. They watched as Tenor dived at the ships again, blasting the sails. Then Tenor landed on Dagur's ship. Several of the other Berserkers ran at him. Tenor sank his venomous teeth into their necks one by one, they all dropped dead. Dagur looked at Tenor with real fear.
"It could be you next," Tenor hissed. Then he spread his wings and took off. He was long gone before the other two dragons could catch up. Heather steered Windshear back towards the fleet.
"Heather don't," Hiccup called, blocking her with Toothless.
"I can handle Dagur," Heather said.
"But this is suicide," said Hiccup.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes," said Heather.
"And are you willing to sacrifice Windshear too?" asked Hiccup. Heather paused and looked down at Windshear.
"I may not get another chance like this again," Heather said.
"There will be another opportunity," Hiccup said. "I promise." Heather looked from Dagur to Windshear. She gave an annoyed grunt. But she reluctantly steered Windshear after Toothless. They flew back in the direction of Dragon's Edge.
They flew above the clouds in complete silence. Heather was slowly cooling off after the events. Windshear was still thinking about what Tenor just did. He had moved so fast that she still didn't get a good look at him. But she admired him for his bravery and his brain. She decided that when she got back to Dragon's Edge, she would get Tenor out of the shadows. She wanted to see what he looked like. Serenity would help for sure.
"Johann told me what happened," Hiccup said after a while. "Dagur wiped out the whole village."
"Then you know why he has to pay," Heather said.
"I do," Hiccup said. "But you don't have to do this alone."
"I don't know," Heather said. "It seams I'm destined to be alone. First I get separated from by birth parents..."
"What? You were separated from your birth parents?" Hiccup interrupted.
"When I was a baby," Heather said. "I have very few memories of them. My father gave me this." She took out a hollowed out, ivory horn that had rope tied around it.
"I know it's supposed to mean something, but I don't know what," she continued. She put the horn away. Windshear turned to Toothless.
"That Tenor is a very impressive dragon," she said.
"He is," Toothless said.
"What are the chances of me getting him out of the shadows?" Windshear asked. Toothless shrugged.
"Depends on how much patience you have," he said. "You also have to convince him that you're not going to bully him because he looks so different." Windshear considered. She thought it through the rest of the flight.
Back at Dragon's Edge the riders had woken up to find Hiccup and Toothless gone and their dragons locked up. They released their dragons. No one was very pleased. Tenor landed in front of the stables.
"Tenor where were you?" asked Astrid.
"I was saving Heather and Windshear from Dagur," Tenor said. "If all went well your friends should be right behind me. Now I'm going to go check on Serenity. Heather locked her in the yurt last night."
"She locked all our dragons up too," said Snotlout." Tenor turned around and flew back out. He landed at the yurt. He heard someone pounding on the door. He ran up to it.
"Serenity, are you there?" he called.
"Tenor! Thank Draco it's you," Serenity said. "Can you get me out of here?"
"Stand back," Tenor said. He heard Serenity move away from the door. When he felt like she was a safe distance, he shot the door open. Serenity came out looking scared. She threw her arms around Tenor's neck.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes," Serenity said. "I tried calling for help but no one came."
"That's because Heather locked up the other dragons and I had to go save Heather and Windshear from the Berserkers," Tenor said, draping a wing around her.
"She scares me Tenor," Serenity said.
"It's okay," Tenor said. Serenity sat in her chair and tired to catch her breath. Tenor grabbed her water canteen from beside her medical bag and handed it to her. She drank some and it helped her calm down. Tenor laid beside her, vowing to not let her out of his sight until he knew that he could trust Heather.
"How'd it go with Windshear?" Serenity asked. "Did you say hello to her?"
"I did," Tenor said. "But I stayed in the shadows. She does seem very nice."
"Well that's a start," Serenity said. "She may be the one for you." Tenor perked his ears up.
"Well, I don't know," he said, nervously. Serenity stroked him gently.
"At least try," she said.
"Okay," Tenor said. He took a deep breath and dozed off. Serenity finally calmed down after her near heart attack.
Hiccup, Heather, and their dragons landed at the stables. The riders instantly began shouting angrily at Heather for locking up the dragons. She took it all without complaint. Then Hiccup got them to quiet down.
"I'm sorry I locked up your dragons," Heather said. "I didn't trust that you guys would let me go after Dagur."
"Trust must be earned Heather," said Fishlegs. "With both people and dragons."
"Thanks for understanding Fishlegs," Heather said, smiling at him.
"We've got your back Heather," Hiccup said. "You're one of us."
"I stocked up Windshear's stable with plenty of slugs," Fishlegs said. Suddenly all the other riders, minus Astrid and Hiccup, began advancing on Heather. She looked badly overwhelmed. Astrid quickly rescued her.
"Lets go have some girl time," Astrid suggested.
"Good idea," Heather said, gratefully. They went out side, passed the sleeping dragons. They went towards the woods, Heather spotted Serenity outside giving Tenor a scrub down.
"Why don't we invite Serenity?" Heather suggested. Astrid looked over at the yurt as well.
"Um, Serenity isn't really the ax throwing type," she said.
"Oh," Heather said. "But let's go say hi to her anyway, I still have to apologize to her." She lead the way to the yurt and Astrid followed. Serenity and Tenor looked up when they approached.
"Hey Serenity," Heather said.
"Hello Heather, Astrid," Serenity said. "What brings you here?"
"I wanted to apologize for locking you up," Heather said. "I hope I didn't scare you too much." Serenity paused.
"It's okay," she said. "I'm over it now." She stroked Tenor's neck. Heather turned to Tenor, realizing this was the first time she saw him up close in broad daylight.
"This must be Tenor," she said.
"Indeed," Serenity said. She scratched Tenor's ears.
"Wow, he's amazing," Heather said. She reached her hand out to him and paused. Tenor looked at her with hard look. Then he placed his snout in her hand. She stroked him gently.
"I've never seen a dragon like him," Heather said. Serenity gave a sad smile.
"He's the only dragon in the world that looks like this," She said.
"I'm sorry Tenor," Heather said. "It must be so lonely for you."
"More than I can say," he said. Serenity went back to brushing him and Heather saw the picture of a unicorn sewn on the back of her riding jacket.
"Did you do that?" Heather asked pointing. "The white horse?"
"I did," Serenity said. "But it's not a horse. It's a unicorn."
"A unicorn?" Heather said.
"It's a creature of magic," Serenity said. "They look like horses, except they have a horn on their foreheads. The dragons often tell me I'm like a unicorn, they have healing abilities."
"That's pretty impressive work," Heather said.
"Thanks, sewing helps me as a dragon healer," Serenity said.
"Well anyway," Astrid said. "We're going off for girl time." Serenity looked curious.
"What's that?" she asked. Heather and Astrid looked at each other in surprise.
"It's where girls hang out, no guys allowed," Astrid said.
"Oh, I see," Serenity said. She stroked Tenor again.
"You can come if you want," Astrid said. "But we'll be doing a lot of ax throwing."
"No thank you," Serenity said. "I plan to go flying later, after Tenor goes running."
"Ok, we'll see you later then," Astrid said. Serenity waved as they left. Then she started to take Tenor's bridle off.
Windshear wondered through the outpost minding her own business. She spotted Serenity and Tenor outside the yurt. Serenity removed his bridle and he ran off into the woods. Windshear smiled. She felt like this was a perfect opportunity to get him out of the shadows. She spread her wings and took off after him. She followed him from above. He ran fast, she had to admit. He didn't have his saddle or armor on. He didn't see her above him.
"Hey Tenor!" she called. Tenor stopped dead and didn't look over his wing. He quickly dashed into the shadow of a nearby tree. Windshear landed and turned to face him. Again all she could see was his green eyes.
"Thanks for your help out there," she said. "It was a bit scary but impressive."
"My pleasure," Tenor said, Windshear couldn't tell if he was smiling or not. "I'm Dagur's worst nightmare."
"How come you're hiding?" Windshear asked.
"I've been made fun of a lot when I was younger," Tenor said. "Because of the way I look. I figured if no one can see me, then they can't make fun of me."
"I won't make fun of you I promise," Windshear said, softly "You can trust me." Tenor didn't move. He looked at her with nervous eyes.
"Please?" Windshear asked. "Surly you can't look that bad." Tenor looked at the ground for a minuet. He sighed and got to his feet. He cautiously stepped towards the light. He hesitated, then stepped out of the shadows. He didn't come out very far. Half of him was still in the shadows, but Windshear saw enough. She took in his black scales, his slender build, his long neck, and his kind, young face. He was taller than her, and he looked like he was built for speed.
"Well, you certainly do look unusual," she said. "But I don't mean that in a bad way."
"You don't know how hard it is to be like this, and find a mate," Tenor said. "The female dragons want nothing to do with me. They avoid me because they fear me, or they're jealous of me."
"Well, they don't know what they're missing," Windshear said. "I don't see anything wrong with you." Tenor looked at her, and perked his ears up. He decided to risk it.
"I don't suppose, you would..." he stopped. He didn't need to finish, Windshear saw the question in his eyes. She wanted so badly to say yes and end his suffering, but she had to be honest. She looked sadly at the ground.
"I'm sorry Tenor," she said. "But you see, I am not yet fully grown. I'm not ready for a mate." What little hope there was in Tenor's expression, was quickly replaced by deepest despair.
"Oh," he said quietly. He went back into the shadows. He laid down and put his head on his paws.
"But I do still want to be your friend," Windshear said, hoping to make him feel better. "Can we still be friends?" Tenor looked at her, and nodded slowly. Windshear beamed.
"Thanks," she said cheerfully. "I really do like you Tenor, you're so cool." Then she noticed that he still wasn't smiling. He curled into a ball, hiding his head under his wings and wrapping his tail round himself. Windshear wondered if she dared get closer to him. She carefully went into his shadow, he didn't move. She went a bit closer and laid beside him. She cautiously put a silver wing around his shoulders, he still didn't move. Being this close to him, Windshear now hear him crying softly.
"Hey," she whispered gently. "Don't cry. I may not be the one for you, but she's out there waiting for you. Don't give up, you're going to find her I just know it." Tenor continued to sob.
"If I didn't look like this, I would have found her ages ago," he said. "I feel like I've asked every female dragon in the world, and every single one of them t-t-turned be d-d-down." His voice broke and he sniffed.
"Have you asked a female Night Fury?" Windshear asked.
"I've never met one," Tenor said. "I've only met one Night Fury in my life, he's a male, and dragons don't believe in homosexuality."
"I met a female Night Fury once," Windshear said. "When I was a new born. She was much older than me, but still an adolescence. I don't remember her name. All I remember is that her parents and my parents knew each other. Her father was the leader of a huge squadron. She also had yellow eyes, like he did. She would be about your age now." She looked down at him. Tenor had come out of his wings. He still didn't look happy, but at least he had stopped crying.
"So, don't give up," she said. "There are plenty of female dragons out there, and one of them is for you." Tenor took several deep breathes and calmed down. Windshear still saw tears of despair roll down his face. Windshear felt like crying as well, seeing him so lonely, but then she remembered that her tears were poisonous. She nuzzled him gently. She strained her thoughts for a different subject, something to cheer him up.
"Your rider is very beautiful," she said.
"She is indeed," Tenor said. "She's the very best."
"You must really love her," Windshear said. Tenor nodded. He managed to smile a little.
"And she makes you happy," Windshear said, it wasn't a question. Tenor nodded again. He used the edge of his wing to wipe his tears away. Windshear nuzzled him again. Just then she heard Heather calling her. Windshear got to her feet and left the shadows. Tenor stayed where he was. Heather approached them; followed by Astrid and Stormfly.
"There you are Windshear," Heather said, stroking her dragon's snout. "Where were you?" Windshear turned and looked back at Tenor. He watched them silently from the shadows. They all looked at him.
"What are you doing out here?" Heather asked. Tenor huffed.
"I like time by myself," he said. "Where are you lot off to?"
"We're going flying," Astrid said. "Show off our skills." Both Windshear and Stormfly seemed thrilled.
"Will you come too?" Windshear asked. "I don't want you be alone." Tenor narrowed his eyes. He seemed hesitant.
"Come on Tenor, you love to show off," Stormfly added.
"This is true," Tenor agreed. "I'm not sure I'm allowed though." He looked at Heather and Astrid.
"I don't suppose I'm allowed to tag along?" Tenor asked them. Heather and Astrid exchanged a glance. Tenor got to his feet and came to the edge of the shadow.
"Well, it's a girl's only time," said Astrid. Tenor snorted and pawed the ground.
"I thought so," he said sourly. He spread his wings and took off, before they could say anything. Windshear and Stormfly watched him fly away, feeling so bad for him. Heather and Astrid mounted their dragons and took off.
Tenor flew back to the yurt. He felt better when he saw Serenity sitting in her chair, waiting for him. She looked up when she landed, and smiled at him. He smiled back, happy to have at least someone left who still wanted him. It didn't take Serenity long to noticed the lonely look on his face.
"Tenor what's wrong?" she asked. Tenor looked at her.
"It seems I'm not wanted today," he said.
"Why, what happened?" Serenity asked gently, getting to her feet.
"I asked Windshear to be my mate," Tenor said. "She turned me down. Then Heather and Astrid wanted to go flying. I asked to join them and they said no." He hung his head. Serenity threw her arms around his neck. Tenor hugged her back. She smelled so lovely, and so familiar.
"How about we go flying, just the two of us," she whispered softly.
"I would like that," Tenor said. Serenity got her saddle and put it on Tenor's back.
When he was saddled up, Serenity mounted him. Tenor spread his wings and took off. They flew around Dragon's Edge. They did acrobats in the air over the ocean. Tenor felt better, but not yet happy. Not even doing his favorite tricks made him happy. They flew up to the snow covered mountain and landed on the summit. From this height they could see for miles. Tenor took off and shot straight down the mountain side. When he reached the tree tops he snapped open his wings and soared over the island. Serenity held on tightly.
Heather and Astrid were also doing acrobats. Stormfly and Windshear hovered in the air to take a short break. Just then Serenity and Tenor flew by at high speed. The two female dragons watched them.
"It's not fair," Windshear said. "That those two have to be excluded because they're different."
"Yeah," Stormfly agreed. "I don't think Serenity has any friends, at least no human friends." They both watched Serenity and Tenor fly over the ocean, alone. They flew back to their yurt. Heather watched the black dragon, an idea forming in her mind. Dagur was afraid of him, she figured the dragon would be useful in her next attack.
"Wait there for a second," she said to Astrid. "I'll be right back."
She steered Windshear towards the yurt and landed next to it. Tenor and Serenity looked up when they landed. Tenor pinned his ears back and lowered his head.
"Hey Tenor, I wonder if I might ask you a favor," Heather said. "It concerns Dagur." Tenor narrowed his eyes.
"I suppose," he said.
"Go ahead Tenor," Serenity said. "You are the best fighter I know of." Tenor looked at her with a worried look.
"What about you?" he asked. Serenity stroked his snout.
"Don't worry about me Tenor," she said. "I'll be okay." She went and sat in her chair. Windshear beamed when Tenor joined her and Heather. They took off and rejoined Astrid and Stormfly.
"Why'd you bring him for?" asked Astrid. Tenor scowled at her.
"Is there something wrong with me Astrid?" he asked, bitterly.
"What? No," said Astrid.
"Come on I want to show you guys something," Heather said. She steered Windshear out towards the horizon. Tenor and Stormfly followed.
They flew far away from Dragon's Edge. Everyone but Heather and Windshear were confused as to where they were going. Stormfly noticed that Tenor also looked worried. He was no doubt worried about his rider. He also looked quite sad.
"What troubles you sir?" Stormfly asked. Tenor exhaled a huge cloud of smoke.
"Astrid doesn't want me tagging along does she?" he said.
"She does," Stormfly said. "She's just confused as to why Heather suddenly asked you to come." Tenor heaved a sigh.
"I like Heather," he said. "She's nice. She sees nothing wrong with me, or Serenity."
"I don't see anything wrong with you two either," said Stormfly. "It must be a human thing to exclude the one that's different." Tenor murmured in agreement. They were approaching the island where Heather's campsite was. They landed and the two riders dismounted. Tenor folded his wings.
"What are we doing back at your campsite?" Astrid asked. "Did you forget something?"
"No," said Heather. She went to the cliff, she seemed to be looking for something. Tenor spotted the shrubs rustling and could smell something. He went into a crouch, snarling. The others looked at the shrubs, Tenor prowled closer. The shrubs rustled again. Like a panther Tenor pounced with a loud roar. He fleshed out a startled Trader Johann and pinned him to the ground with his paws. Johann shook like a beetle on its back.
"Trader Johann?" said Astrid.
"Ms. Astrid, good to see you," Johann said timidly. "If you'd be so kind to get this dragon off me." Astrid pulled Tenor by the reins and pulled him off. Heather helped Johann to his feet.
"Ms. Heather thank Thor you're okay," Johann said. "I was worried when the Tiny Terror kept returning with the letters I sent. Then I came here and saw that your camp was abandoned I feared the worst."
"I'm fine," Heather assured him. Astrid exchanged a glance with Tenor.
"Would some one like to explain what's going on," Astrid said. Heather and Johann turned to them.
"You see Ms. Astrid," Johann began. "If you need spices, cured leathers, or hard to apprehend information about a certain Berserker, I'm your man." He held up a map of the area. There were several red X's on certain parts of the map.
"And if you need a brave warrior to take out that certain Berserker," said Heather, whipping out her switchblade ax. "I'm your girl."
"So, he's got the information and you've got the ax," Astrid said, stroking Tenor's neck. "Now what?"
"I have discovered that Dagur is acquiring a new armada of ships," Johann said. "They are equipped with dragon proof wenches and catapults. I happen to know when and where this exchange will take place."
"If we strike now Dagur won't stand a chance," Heather said. Astrid looked unsure. Tenor on the other hand looked interested.
"Now I see why you turned down my ofer to summon the Draconian squadrons," he said. Heather smiled at him.
"Thank you Johann," she said. She and Astrid got back on their dragons and took off. Tenor followed them. He flew beside Windshear.
"I look forward to seeing you in action again," she said. "You were quite impressive last time."
"Thank you," Tenor said. "I suppose I should be worrying about other things, besides my own suffering." Windshear looked at him but didn't say anything.
They arrived at the outpost sometime later. Heather found the riders in the arena. The only ones not found were Hiccup and Toothless. This didn't falter Heather's plans. Astrid and Stormfly landed next to the yurt with Tenor. Serenity was in her chair, curled into a tight ball. Tenor lowered his head and nudged her.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked. Serenity sat up and latched onto Tenor's head.
"Yes, I'm okay," she said. "How are you?"
"I'm doing much better," Tenor said.
"Where's Hiccup and Toothless? Do you know?" Astrid asked.
"He flew off for Berk shortly after you left," Serenity said. "I'm not sure what it was about."
"Thanks," Astrid said. She and Stormfly took off.
Down at the arena, Heather told all the riders her plan to infiltrate Dagur's fleet. The riders seemed hesitant to go into battle without their leader. Tenor seemed to be the only one who was interested.
"We can defeat Dagur and his armada," Heather said. "But only if we act now." The riders exchanged a glance.
"Thing is," said Fishlegs. "I don't think it's such a good idea to go into battle against Dagur's entire armada without Hiccup and Toothless. They're the strongest and Toothless is a Night Fury." Heather sensed she was losing her backup.
"I'm half Night Fury," Tenor said. "Or is that not enough?" Heather turned to Astrid. Surly she would still back her up.
"Tell them Astrid," she said. Astrid looked from her fellow riders to Heather, then back again. She seemed undecided.
"Look Heather," she said. Heather looked surprised.
"Not you too," she said. Then she glared at them all. "I guess all that talk about trust and having my back was all a lie." She gripped her ax. Then she turned to Tenor who was standing there quietly. Heather rushed over and grabbed his bridle, practically tugging on it.
"You'll help me won't you?" she asked, desperately. Tenor snorted.
"I'll help you," he said. "Now will you please let go of me." Heather released his bridle.
"Thanks," she said.
"Why Tenor?" Astrid asked. Tenor gave her a hard look.
"Maybe because I want Dagur gone," he said. "Maybe because I don't need a leader to tell me what to do." Heather got on Windshear. Tenor spread his wings and took off. Windshear followed. They landed at the stables and readied themselves. Tenor made sure his armor was nice and snug.
"I really appreciate your help on this Tenor," Heather said.
"Oh, not a problem Ms. Heather," Tenor said. "I love fighting bad guys." Heather looked over at the yurt where Serenity was sitting in her chair.
"What about your rider?" she asked. Tenor followed her gaze.
"She's the reason I'm doing this," he said. "The last thing I want is for Dagur to find out about her. If that happens Dagur will try to get his hands on her, I want to make sure that never happens. I refuse to go home with an empty saddle." He shuffled his wings. "Are we going or not?" Heather was about to mounded up.
"Hey," said Astrid. Everyone turned to find the riders lined up. Heather and Tenor exchanged a glance.
"Look, if we're going to do this it has to be a capture mission, not a kill mission," said Astrid. Heather seemed satisfied.
"We'll sink his ships and drag him back to Outcast Island," Heather said. "Let him rot there."
"Good plan," said Astrid.
"So what changed you mind?" Heather wanted to know.
"Hiccup," said Astrid. "He wouldn't want you to face Dagur alone." Heather smiled.
"Thanks Astrid," she said. She held up the map from Trader Johann. "And I know where to find Dagur."
"Than you won't need this," Astrid said. She snatched the map and pinned it to the side of the stables. "Now Hiccup will know where to find us." The riders mounted their dragons and Tenor followed them out to sea. They flew in formation, Heather and Windshear at the front. Heather told the riders her plan. She wanted Snotlout, Fishlegs, and the Twins to distract Dagur while she and Astrid snuck onto Dagur's ship. Heather then asked Tenor to take down any Berserksrs on the ship and pin Dagur to the deck. Tenor was chomping at the bit, itching to take out the bad guys. He was so excited that he forgot to tell his rider where he was going.
Back at Dragon's Edge Hiccup and Toothless landed at the base. They found it empty and silent. Hiccup became concerned. He had just found out something about Heather. He had found his father's chief seal on Heather's ivory horn. He flew it to Berk and asked Stoic about it. Stoic told him something quite surprising. Now Hiccup wanted to tell Heather before she did anything rash. The base was abandoned, he knew he was too late. Toothless spotted Serenity outside her yurt, Tenor was nowhere in sight. Hiccup followed his gaze.
"Maybe she knows where they went," he said. They went over to the yurt. Serenity was in her chair fiddling absentmindedly with the Dragon Eye. The first thing they noticed was that she was very upset.
"Serenity, what's wrong?" Toothless asked.
"Where's Tenor?" Hiccup asked at the same time, not realizing that Toothless had said something.
"I don't know," Serenity sobbed. "Tenor doesn't tell me where he's going anymore. He loves fighting more that me."
"You saw them leave?" Hiccup asked.
"Yes," said Serenity. "With Heather and Windshear."
"Thanks," Hiccup said. He turned and headed for the stables. Toothless stayed behind. He nuzzled Serenity
"We'll find him," he said. "I'm sure he doesn't love fighting more than you. I think he's fighting because he loves you. He wants to keep you safe from Dagur." Serenity took a deep breath. "He didn't mean to worry you, of that I'm certain." He reached into his saddlebags and pulled out a spare tail fin. He handed it to her. Serenity put the Dragon Eye down and accepted the tail fin. She used it to wipe her tears away. Hiccup came back with a scroll.
"They went after Dagur," he said. He got on Toothless and they took off. Serenity leaned back in her chair, the Dragon Eye on her lap. She watched Toothless fly away. She felt so alone and uncared about. She curled up into a ball and just cried.
The riders found Dagur's fleet. Heather, Astrid and Tenor came at them from behind. Snotlout, Fishlegs, and the Twins hovered in front of Dagur's ships just out of his reach. The ships fired their chains at them but missed. The dragons shot fire at the ships and also missed. Stormfly, Windshear, and Tenor landed on the side of Dagur's ship. The two riders dismounted and Tenor followed them onto the deck quietly. Tenor scanned the deck for Berserkers. Dagur was oblivious to the intruders, as the other riders were taking up all his attention. He was getting frustrated. Berserkers wondered about the ship. Astrid and Heather hid behind boxes and barrels, Tenor kept to the shadows. Heather gave him the go ahead. Tenor crept up on the closest Berserker. He bit him on the arm, killing him instantly and silently. There came a few more Berserkers and Tenor killed hem just as easily. Finally, Dagur was the only one left. Tenor prowled closer to him. The riders continued to distract him. When Tenor was close enough he let out a roar and pounced on Dagur, pinning him to the deck.
"I wouldn't move if I were you," Tenor hissed. Heather and Astrid came out of their hiding place, as did Stormfly and Windshear. Heather marched up to Dagur and pointed her switchblade ax at his throat.
"What are you waiting for Tenor? Kill him," Heather ordered. Tenor opened his mouth to fire.
"No, Tenor don't," Astrid said. "Heather, you agreed on a capture mission."
"I changed my mind," Heather said. "Dagur didn't just capture my village." Tenor turned his attention to the two riders.
"So, you have no problem killing dragons according to Hookfang," he said. "But you're squeamish about killing other humans." He felt Dagur try to break free and dug his claws into him.
"You have no problem killing humans but you do have problems killing dragons," Astrid shot back.
"I've killed dragons before," Tenor said. "I kill anything that threatens my rider, or my king and queen."
"Kill him Tenor," Heather said. "Then we can all go home safe."
Tenor turned back to Dagur. He opened his mouth again, exposing his venomous teeth. He slowly lowered his head towards Dagur's throat. Dagur looked scared. Suddenly Hiccup and Toothless landed on the deck.
"Stop," Hiccup shouted. "Tenor don't kill him." Tenor snarled in frustration. Heather turned on Hiccup. Tenor spotted another ship heading their way.
"Why would you stop me?" Heather asked. Hiccup pulled out the ivory horn and showed Heather the seal.
"This is my father's chief seal," he said. "My father gave this to Asvald the Agreeable as a gift for his new born daughter." Heather took the horn, lost for words.
"So what are you saying?" she said.
"I'm saying that Asvald the Agreeable is your father," said Hiccup. "And he's also Dagur's father, he's your brother." They all looked at Dagur, who also looked surprised to hear this. Tenor dug his claws deeper into his flesh.
"Heather you can't kill him," Hiccup said. "He's the only family you have left." Heather didn't move, nor did Tenor. At that moment the other ship pulled alongside Dagur's. Berserkers stormed onboard. Tenor knocked out Dagur, then launched at the other Berserkers. The riders got on their dragons, Heather among them. They watched Tenor fight the Berserkers. Within three minuets all forty Berserkers from the other ship lay dead at Tenor feet. He joined the others.
"That will give Dagur a good scare," he said. He then shot the wenches on the deck and the sail of both ships.
"Good job Tenor," said Hiccup. They spread their wings and took off.
They left the fleet far behind. Hiccup and Toothless led the way back to the outpost. Tenor flew slightly separate from the others. Windshear watched him the whole time. He didn't look at her but could feel her eyes on him. She couldn't help but find him impressive. She only wished she could be his mate, he was everything she wanted. From the look on his face, he still hadn't gotten over being rejected. She decided to make amens before they moved on.
When they got back the sun was setting. Tenor flew to the yurt. Serenity was still in her chair, still curled up into a ball. Tenor nudged her and she lifted her head and looked at him. Her eyes were red and puffy, she had been crying.
"Oh Serenity, I'm so sorry," Tenor said quietly. "Are you okay?"
"I think so," Serenity said, sniffing. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," Tenor said. "I always feel good when I'm part of a team."
"You got to be part of a team?" Serenity said. "That must have been nice." Tenor nuzzled her face and she hugged his head.
"I'm sorry I have to keep leaving you like this," he said. "I assure you I won't do it too often."
"You have a job to do," Serenity said. Tenor gently touched her face with his paw, being careful not to scratch her.
"Re and Aurora gave already me a job," he said. "To look after you and that's what I'm going to do." Serenity hugged his head again, gently stroking his neck.
"I love you Tenor," she said. Tenor pulled back slightly when he heard Windshear coming. Serenity stretched out slightly.
"Sorry am I interrupting?" Windshear asked.
"No you're not," Serenity said. "I'll give you two a minuet." She got up and went inside. Tenor looked at the silver dragon.
"I hope I didn't hurt you too badly," she said. Tenor sat on his haunches.
"No, not too badly," he said. "I've never been treated so nicely by a female before, except Aurora."
"Well, like I said; they don't know what they're missing," said Windshear. "And when you find her, she'll be so lucky." Tenor lowered his head sadly.
"If," he corrected. "If, I find her." Windshear walked up next to him and nuzzled his shoulder.
"You're going to find her," she said. "I know you will." Again Tenor looked like he didn't believe it.
"Thanks," he said nonetheless. "And thanks for being my friend. I don't have many, nor does my rider."
"Really?" said Windshear.
"She has dragon friends, but no human friends," Tenor said. "We're basically using each other as a crutch." At that moment Serenity came back out. She had splashed cold water on her face. She sat back in her chair. Windshear moved towards the base, then turned around. She smiled at the two of them.
"I have to find Heather," she said. "She plans to take off soon."
"You're leaving?" Tenor asked. Windshear nodded.
"Will you come see us off?" she asked. "As friends?" Serenity and Tenor looked at each other.
"Sure," Serenity said. She mounted her dragon and followed Windshear towards the stables.
They found Heather packing her saddlebags. She smiled when Windshear joined her. She strapped her saddlebags to Windshear's back. Astrid came up to them.
"So, I guess you're leaving," she said. Heather turned around.
"I am," she answered.
"Why?" asked Astrid. "You don't have to be alone anymore. It's safer here, and I'm here."
"I know," said Heather. "But I have a lot I have to figure out." She smiled and the two girls hugged. "Thank you Astrid, it was nice to have a friend again." Then she turned back to Windshear. The silver dragon was turned to Tenor.
"I hope you both find the love you're looking for," she said.
"Thanks Windshear," Serenity said.
"So, you don't have any friends to fly with?" Windshear asked.
"Well, I did have one," Serenity said. "long time ago. He was my best friend." Windshear looked surprised.
"Where is he now?" she asked, afraid of the answer.
"He was taken by the sea when we were only twelve," Serenity said. "I travel because I'm trying to distract myself from that."
"I'm very sorry," Windshear said. Serenity gave a sad smile and stroked Tenor's neck.
"Come on Windshear, it's time to take off," Heather called. Windshear nudged Serenity's hand. The dragon healer stroked her snout. Then Windshear turned to Tenor. She nuzzled him, then gave his snout a quick lick. Tenor blushed and bashfully pinned his ears back. Windshear joined her rider and Heather mounted her. They turned and took off towards the setting sun. Hiccup and Astrid watched them fly away.
"I'm sorry Astrid," Hiccup said. "I know you two were very close friends." Astrid put an arm around his shoulders.
"But I still have you," she said. Serenity turned Tenor around and flew back to their yurt, Tenor had finally found some hope.