Chapter Eleven
Talen stood on the deck, staring into Viggo's eyes with a cold hatred. The Hunter's face was roughly patched up, though it still had some dry blood on it from what Teeth had done to him during their fight. Honestly, it was probably the most hits anyone had been able to land on him.
Small snowflakes fell through the sky, with the deck of the White Wake being lightly dusted with snow. The overcast sky was a perfect similitude of the attitude in the air. Tense and dreary. On the bow of the ship, were Viggo, Ryker, and a handful of their men; on their knees with their arms shackled behind their backs. They had been placed there until Talen was ready to deal with them. After hearing what Viggo did to Teeth, he had to take half the day to calm down and to truly get into the mindset of punishing the oath breakers.
Now, it was finally happening.
Teeth herself was standing alongside her dad, out of her armor and obviously looking bandaged up. Her hand that stopped Viggo's blade was wrapped up in a ball of cloth, keeping her from being able to use it. She too glared at the Grimborns with a look that could kill.
The Riders were also there, with their dragons alongside them; waiting to see the fate of the Grimborns. Hiccup, though glad they weren't a threat anymore, was secretly hoping they wouldn't kill them. Death wasn't an acceptable answer to him. Though he had little to say in the matter. It was entirely Talen's deal, given that his daughter was almost killed, and Viggo had broken a pact to begin with.
Letting out a long sigh, Talen shifted his cloak to reveal his two silvered longswords. Walking up to Viggo, he simply gestured for him to stand.
Letting a smug smirk grow on his face, Viggo simply shrugged as he slowly stood up. Looking back at Talen with a soft, confident expression, he simply waited for the silvered warlord to speak.
"Well…pup. Have anything to say in your defense? Any last thoughts as to why I shouldn't end you right where you stand? You and your men?"
"What can I say that will change your mind?" He quizzed, still maintaining a careless expression. "You've already decided mine and my brother's fate. I guess if I had anything to ask, it's to spare my men. They were only following orders."
Talen's eyes narrowed as his hand naturally grasped the hilt of one of his swords. Being the one Teeth crafted for him. "Why did you betray our pact? You knew the consequences…"
"You think I didn't have a plan? That I didn't expect you to come after us?" Viggo replied, turning to where Ryker was kneeling. "We had a proposition for you. One that would make you very profitable."
"If I were seeking profit and riches, I would have stuck to raiding islands." Talen growled. "You know what I value over riches. Loyalty and honesty. Which you have neither."
"But such trifle notions usually hamper business." Viggo quickly defended, smiling at him with an innocent look. "Talen, you've known me since I captained my very first dragon hunting ship. I'm all business. And me being killed, is definitely bad for business."
"Then you should have thought of the possible consequences." Talen growled, slowly drawing the sword out of its sheath. "You've lost everything on a gamble."
"I told yeh…" Ryker growled, glaring at his brother.
"Talen, Talen…" Viggo replied, marching up to him. Stopping just feet in front of him, he shrugged. "How can I lose everything, if you never took it? Or destroyed it? I still have fleets out there. I still have dragons imprisoned on a massive island. I haven't lost everything. Not yet at least."
Talen scowled at him, seeing what he was doing.
"I understand what I've done is unforgivable in your eyes."
"Not just his." Teeth spoke up, glaring at Viggo. "Our entire tribe and clan feel betrayed by you and your brother."
"Of course!" He acknowledged. "And what will they gain if you simply end me and my brother right now? Nothing."
Talen glared at him, still holding the sword to his chest.
"If you'll let me, I have a suggestion that will satisfy your demands, and let me continue to breathe. I won't say live, because I will have truly lost everything. My life will be ruined forever."
"Speak quickly. Before I grow tired of you." He snarled, prodding his chest with the sword tip.
"Let me show you where I keep all my dragons and treasures. You can take them all for you clan. I'll give you the location of my shipyard, so I can't rebuild anything. I will be a broken man. I will never be able to replace or achieve what I've achieved." Gesturing to him and Ryker, he asked Talen. "What will be more satisfying to you and your people? Killing us? Or ruining us to live hopelessly."
"The fact that you'd prefer that over dying is why I don't want to." Teeth called out, limping alongside her dad. "Just kill them. The Riders can take care of the fleets and remnants of Viggo's men."
"True. And I'm not going to spare them." Talen announced, making Viggo's face slightly fall. "But we still need to get their dragons. We agreed to split them with the Riders."
"Ah, Hiccup." Viggo commented. "He's always been a rival regarding cunning." Turning to look at him, he let his disarming smile grow on his face. "I've admired him since I heard of his exploits; more so when I actually faced him. You were wise to side with him and his friends. I never imagined he'd do something like that, but what's done is done."
"He's more honorable than you could ever have achieved." Talen growled, slowly drawing his sword back. Turning to Viggo's men, totaling to be seven, he then asked them. "What of you, whelps? Will you break an oath if offered one?"
They all shook their head, knowing they had little choice.
"Do you swear to leave these waters? To never hunt a dragon again?"
They all nodded fervently.
"Loose them and let them sail away on their vessel we captured." He announced. Then, pointing the sword at them, he growled. "If I see you broke your word. You'll wish that I had only killed you. If the Riders haven't shredded you apart first."
"N-n-no, sir! We w-won't sir!"
"Swear it!" He roared, making them back off from him.
Instantly, the Hunters grabbed their helmets and masks, throwing them at the feet of the Marauder Chief. Staring at him with wide eyes, they waited to see if that was what he was looking for.
"Get them out of here." He growled.
Viggo and Ryker watched as their men were un-cuffed and escorted to the ship they had taken for themselves, leaving them with Talen and Teeth.
"Now…as for you two. You are going to show us exactly where your dragons are. We'll take them, release half of them for Hiccup and the Riders, and then sail back to the Southern Seas. Where you two will work as slaves the rest of your days."
Teeth glared at Viggo. "It's better than what I wanted to do to you. And with what you were suggesting, its exactly what you were looking for, wasn't it?"
"How can we argue?" Viggo replied, shaking the chains that cuffed his hands behind him.
"Any of your men that don't surrender to us, will be killed. Be it on land or sea." Talen continued to say.
"As I would expect."
"Take them and lock them up in separate cells. Keep a guard with them at all times." Talen ordered.
A half dozen men walked up and escorted the two brothers away.
Talen, who continued to watch them be marched away, let out a long sigh. Shaking his head, he turned to Teeth, who was slowly sliding a fur coat on, thanks to Grange who was holding it up for her. "How are you feeling?"
"I'd feel better if we had just run them through." She growled, wincing as she began to button the coat up. "And when we get to warmer weather."
"We need their dragons. And Viggo is right. I'd feel better knowing we took everything away from him." Talen softly explained. "And I am going to run Viggo through after we're done. It's only Ryker we'll keep alive."
"Whatever, you're the chief." She huffed. Turning to the Riders, who were simply standing there waiting to approach her and her dad, she then asked. "And what of the Riders? What're we going to do with them?"
"Let's ask them…" He replied, finally letting a small smile grow on his face. Gesturing for them to come over, he simply waited for them to arrive.
"Chief Talen." Hiccup greeted, doing a short bow to him.
"Hiccup." He greeted back. "You've done more than just live up to our agreement. You even stayed to ensure that all was done. You even came up with the plan to stop Viggo and his brother. Thank you."
"Well, can't say we did it by ourselves." He admitted. Gesturing to Teeth, he then asked. "How are you doing?"
"I'll be better once my hand heals." She growled, glaring at it with frustration. "Can't work the forge until it does. Even then, I can't even repair my armor, or work on a new spear until I get home."
"Well, if we drop by the Edge, I can make you a new spear." Hiccup offered.
"We'll consider it." Talen announced, taking over the conversation. Looking over at Astrid with a warm smile, he shook his head shallowly. "Had I known exactly what you Riders were, I would have never kept you as collateral. You truly are more than just simple allies. You've rivaled some of our own islands regarding loyalty."
"We keep our word." Astrid affirmed, shouldering her axe.
"As do I." He answered back. "You're free to go. All of you. However…"
Hiccup froze and his heart stopped, unsure of what he was going to say.
"I'd like you to consider an option." Gesturing to the remaining men and crew that stood around them, he continued to say. "I would personally like to offer you a place among our clan. Though you wouldn't be related, your loyalty would be valued as much. We could bring you any dragons you'd like to study or train, and all we'd ask you to do is to maintain the peace around our islands. Not help us hunt dragons."
Astrid looked at Hiccup with a shocked expression. Heather and Fishlegs instantly began to shake their heads, knowing their answer already. The twins…well, they were busy looking at some of the dragon hunting equipment to pay attention to what was going on. Snotlout simply folded his arms and stared at Hiccup.
"I…I'm honored you'd offer us a position like that." Hiccup stammered, afraid that he would offend the Marauder. "But…w-we can't join you. Not while knowing that you still hunt dragons."
Talen frowned at the answer, making the Riders suddenly nervous; at least until Teeth stepped up.
"I told him that'd be your answer." She commented. "Though I will never understand your love for beasts that tear people apart, I can respect it. Given what you've done, and are willing to do for us."
Talen turned to her, knowing she was exercising her authority as future chief. And in a way, was glad she was doing it. Simply for the fact that she was showing them she intended to honor their agreement and pact as allies.
"All we ask, is that you remain as allies- no, as friends with us." She continued to say with a small smile growing on her face. Gesturing to Astrid, she quickly added. "Besides, I can't rest easy knowing that I haven't beat her. Yet."
Visibly relaxing, Astrid shook her head. "Guess we better have one more go at it. When you're healed and before you actually head home."
"Which will happen." Talen announced, again, taking over the conversation. "Hiccup, I realize that you and your friends are anxious to get home, and it would be wrong for me to ask you to go with us to Viggo's prison island."
"Not at all-"
Stopping him, Talen gripped his shoulder. "I know that you'd come, even if I didn't ask you. But I know how you'll feel in regards to how we'll treat Viggo."
Hiccup just stared at the Marauder, knowing he was speaking the truth.
"I promise that I'll release half of the dragons we find. Either in his fleets or on the island he's telling us about. After we do so, we'll pass by your island to say goodbye. And to let Teeth and Astrid spar one more time."
"I'll make sure he lives up to his word." Teeth teased, smirking up at him. "I'm not going to let Astrid believe she can actually beat me."
Looking at the two, Hiccup slowly nodded in agreement. "If that's what you'd like us to do, then we'll trust you. Like you trusted us."
Talen smiled, patting his shoulder. "I hope that someday, I'll be able to meet your father. He's raised a man with you."
Hiccup smiled at the compliment.
Astrid then walked up to Teeth, almost with a smirk on her face. "You know, when you do get healed, I expect an invitation to your island."
"Yeah? Maybe I'll just skip the invite and come to your place. I'll have the White Wake at my command by then!"
"Deal!" She laughed. Instead of shaking her hand, she grabbed her and pulled her into a hug, slightly jostling her.
Wincing in pain and embarrassment, she looked around before finally giving Astrid a light hug of her own.
As the Riders turned to their dragons, Snotlout quickly jumped in front of Teeth. "You know, Teeth. If you're still cold, I have plenty of fur coats and blankets at the Edge. You might want to consider dropping by to pick some up sooner than later!"
Teeth's eyes narrowed as she was about to rip into him, only to be stopped by Grange.
"That's thoughtful of you, Snotlout!" He laughed, lightly pushing her. "What do you say to that, Teeth?"
Teeth's glare instantly turned to ice as she looked up at Grange. Swallowing the hot anger that wanted to so badly come out, she choked out the words. "Thank you very much, Snotlout. I will…definitely…ugh, consider it."
Snotlout smiled at the thought, to which he winked at her and made a light kissing motion with his lips. Turning around to run to Hookfang, he didn't even notice her swing her fist at him, only grazing his vest.
At that, the Riders all mounted on their dragons, who were roaring and ready to go.
Talen, Teeth, and Grange all started to wave bye, as the dragons launched into the air.
Shaking his head, Talen watched Hiccup barrel roll Toothless as they flew straight up. "I wish they had said yes."
"To be honest, I'm glad they didn't."
Turning to Teeth, he raised an eyebrow to silently ask why.
"It would have changed the dynamic of our clan. The fact that it's possible to ride dragons. People would have sought to keep dragons, instead of hunting and using them." She explained. "It would have ruined our business, and frankly, would have hurt the trade between islands." Gesturing to the departing Riders and their dragons, she simply shrugged. "They're more valuable as friends, rather than members of our tribe."
Nodding in slight agreement, he returned his attention to the dragons that disappeared into the grey sky. "Well, I'll have Gunjar question Viggo regarding the island's location, and then set a course there. Grange, I want you to escort Teeth to her room. Make sure she resumes resting and recovering. And also that she stays in one place."
"I might need a score of men to make sure about that." He teased, smirking at Teeth's scowl.
"Whatever you need, make sure it happens." He replied, turning to leave.
"Come on, I know you're hurting." Grange announced, gently guiding her towards the forge room.
"Errggh…you're annoying. Remind me why I want you as my right hand man?" She growled, walking with him. Wincing at the pace she started at, she reluctantly slowed down for her body.
"To make sure you don't do something stupid." He commented, walking alongside of her. "You know, like taking on Viggo and Ryker by yourself. They're the two leaders of a Dragon Hunting army! If I was there, I would have ignored your order you gave the Riders."
"I knew I could handle them. Wounded or not." She growled. "Viggo isn't a fighter. He's a talker. As soon as I grabbed him, it was over."
"Doesn't mean it wasn't stupid. You had Astrid and the other Riders there to help back you up, and yet you told them to watch. That isn't being inspiring or brave. That's being stupid."
"Hey, Grange? Next time you feel like telling me what's on your mind, do yourself a favor and don't." She snapped, wincing as she moved to fast for her body.
"I'll think about it next time." He teased, opening the door to the forge.
Groaning, she slowly slid the fur coat off and dropped it on the floor, not caring to hang it up. Sliding into her hammock, she simply lay there with closed eyes.
"Well, at least I don't have to tell you to go to bed." He teased.
"Shut up and let me sleep." Focusing on trying to get some shut eye, she felt something cold latch to her ankle. Her eyes shot open as she looked down to see that Grange had locked Astrid's chain to her leg!
"Grange!" She roared, seeing him snicker.
"Just obeying your dad, Teeth." He teased, holding the key up for her to see. "Give me a minute; I'm going to get something to drink. Be right back!" At that, he slipped out the door and closed it.
"Come back here!" She roared, gripping the cuff to try and pry it off. Her body instantly screamed at her with a sharp pain in the center of her chest. Feeling it hard to breathe, she reluctantly settled back into her hammock. "I'm going to kill him." She whispered, deciding to take the moment to actually get some rest. Closing her eyes, she let her mind drift to the recent events. Siding with the Riders, fighting the oath breakers, almost getting killed, and then ultimately making friends with those she'd never considered to be. Let alone actually having friends.
The thoughts were almost depressing, as she gave into the notion that she'd never really be able to see the Riders again. At least, as the White Wake's blacksmith. She'll be the Matriarch of the Wrathen Clan, and Chief of the Southern Sea Marauders. She'll never be the same Teeth that they've come to know her by.
Not sure as to why, but the thought was troubling to her; as she was dreaming of becoming chief most of her life. Shaking her head, she then focused on actually falling asleep and recovering, not being hard for since she was still pretty tired from the fight. As she gave into the darkness, she couldn't help but notice that her mind never really eased up at the thought that the Riders were actually gone.
"Ah, my captors…" Viggo replied, smiling at Talen and Gunjar as they walked into the room. Standing up, he met them at the bars of his cell. "I assume you're not here for a social visit, are you?"
"Where's this island, Viggo?" Talen growled, hating the coy attitude. Narrowing his eyes, he let out a quite whisper. "Don't make me wish I killed you earlier."
"Hm, that's the reason why I offered you this piece of knowledge." He simply replied with a shrug. "You'll want to sail North-North East." It's a smaller island with a large bay, made up of rocks and canyons and some trees. It's plagued with caves and caverns that are linked together. It was a natural prison that only needed doors to make cells."
"What about defenses?" Talen quizzed.
"Three ships are stationed there; a couple of catapults as well, though they shouldn't be a problem." He replied with a casual smile. "If they see me, or Ryker, they won't fire at you or your men."
"At least you'll be valuable for that reason." Gunjar growled as his eyes narrowed at Viggo's.
"I like to live." He replied with a shrug. "Tell me what you need, and I will do my best to provide an answer or a means for you."
Both Talen and Gunjar growled as they turned to leave. "Just hope that you're speaking the truth. You've already burnt that bridge, oath breaker."
Viggo smiled as he took a seat at his bench, watching them walk towards the door. Though they had separated him from Ryker, he knew his brother well enough that he would answer with the same things if questioned by the trio. Seeing them leave, he watched a young Marauder walk in and take a seat in a chair directly across from him.
Not saying anything, Viggo simply leaned forward on his knees, studying his guard. If there was one thing he could pick apart, was that the guard was angry. But it wasn't directed at him…at least, that was what he felt.
The two sat in silence for minutes, each staring at each other, as if in an intense competition of the quiet game.
Finally, the guard let out a scoff. "You couldn't have killed Teeth before you were captured?"
Taken back by the question, Viggo sat back against the wall with an intrigued expression. "I couldn't. Though I can assure you, I tried."
The guard simply scowled at him. "You were my best bet in getting rid of her. Now I'll have to think of something else."
Viggo let a calm smile grow on his face. His fortune was looking better and better with every conversation he was having. "Forgive me…" He began to say, acting like he was confused. "But sate my curiosity for a moment. Why do you want the daughter of your chief to be dead?"
"Because she replaced the chief's son…"
Viggo's eyes lit up at the response. Maintaining his composure, he let out a slight chuckle. "And…who was Talen's son?"
"Me. Mikael Wrathen."
"I see…" He replied, standing up from his bench. Walking over to the bars, he simply studied him even more. "And you believe that if I had killed Teeth, your dad would have accepted you?"
"What choice would he have? His only heir would be me."
"Oh? It's a birthright issue then…"
"It shouldn't be!" Mikael yelled, glaring at Viggo. "She's an adopted mutt, I am his true blood! I'm a real Wrathen!"
"Doesn't seem fair." Viggo consoled, looking at him apologetically. "You must be livid, being forced to live in your sister's shadow."
"I won't be forever…" He growled, gripping the hilt on his sword.
That was it. Viggo saw even more of an opportunity for him. "No. You won't be."
Mikael looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, wondering what he was meaning.
"I actually have a solution to your problem. Which in turn helps me."
"And you're telling me this because?"
"Because I know I can trust you. If I said I can guarantee a way to get rid of your dad and sister, would you swear allegiance to me?"
Mikael's heart skipped a beat. Was it really happening?
"Well?" Viggo asked, smiling at him.
Drawing his sword, he walked up to Viggo. Staring at him with almost pleading eyes, he fell to his knee and rested the sword on the floor.
"If you're a Wrathen, then that will mean more than death itself." Viggo replied with a sinister smile.
"It does. If it gets me what I want. What do you need me to do?"
"Attach this letter to a Terrible Terror." Viggo began to instruct, pulling out a small piece of paper. "Make sure no one sees you do it."
Mikael nodded, smiling widely at his fortune.
"Now, forget we ever talked. And when we arrive to the island, I need you to release me and my brother."
"Wait, why?"
Viggo smiled as he shook his head. "When the time gets closer, I'll tell you the reason. I'm going to assume you don't need this ship when you take over, do you?"
Looking a little distraught at the idea of losing the White Wake, Mikael simply shook his head. "When I become chief, I'll make a bigger one. And one that will sail with you and your brother."
Viggo looked at him with a surprised expression.
"I'm no fool, Viggo. The moment I let you and your brother go, you'll only stab me in the back." He replied. "Me being loyal to you, well…it's just business, isn't it?"
Viggo let a real, sincere, and evil smile grow on his face. Mikael was turning out to be quite the prize.
"If I prove my worth to you, and stay valuable, you'd not only have these seas to hunt on, but you'd have the entire Wrathen clan at your back, rather than trying to control you or your goals."
"If you can do that, I can assure you that you will receive more riches than you could possibly imagine…" Viggo replied.
Extending his hand, Mikael waited for him to grasp it.
Slowly, almost as a reward, Viggo took the hand and shook it.
"I'll send the letter after my shift." Mikael replied. "Until then, shut up and sit down. Prisoner."
"Of course, noble guard. Who I know nothing about other than he's the one watching over me…" Viggo whispered with a teasing tone. Turning around, he simply took his seat again.
Staring at Mikael, he let a mischievous smirk grow on his face. "Yes…" He thought to himself. "This is quite the fortune for me…"
