It was a nice peaceful day and the riders were enjoying it by attacking Ryker convoy of ships. A Hunter from a support ship was trying to shoot Hiccup down with a ballistas, but was having very limited success.
"Fishlegs, flaming boulder!" Hiccup yelled as a catapult launched a flaming boulder.
Fishlegs flew straight towards it and Meatlug ate it in one gulp. "See, girl?" said Fishlegs. "I told you we'd have time to eat."
Astrid then came flying in torching one of the catapults. "Arrows coming next, guys!" Astrid yelled.
The Hunters aimed their arrows at Astrid and the twins, but as they fired Hiccup, Ragnar and Snotlout flying and nowhere and blocked their attempts with their armour. Fishlegs then fired a lava blast causing them to scatter.
Ragnar flew into was one of the support ships and Skull gave out a massive roar that forced all the Hunters to cover their ears. Then after a twins flew by blasting the ship while the Hunters were distracted.
Ryker was watching everything from his flagship using his spyglass and he was starting to get annoyed.
"Hey, bud, let's set these guys free," said Hiccup.
Toothless then fired a plasma blast at the deck of Ryker's flagship and flew straight into the hold. From there they ran through the break and opened every single cell. The captured dragons follow them as they exited the ship.
To say this annoyed Ryker and Dagur would be an understatement.
"I keep saying, 'Don't underestimate them,'" said Dagur to Ryker. "And what you do? You underestimate them!"
Astrid then fired several spikes at them, Dagur dodged them behind the massed, but Ryker blocked them with his wrist guard without even looking.
"Someone is giving them information. Someone who knows our every move," said Ryker looking up as Heather flew by.
Have got a quick glimpse of Ryker and judging from the look he gave he was starting to suspect her. She needed to prove that she was on his side and saw Snotlout flying past over support ship.
"Sorry about this, Snotlout," she said and blast the sea stack he was flying towards knocking him off of Hookfang.
"Hookfang!" Snotlout screamed as he fell.
Fortunately, the twins appear in graph and just before he fell into the ocean.
"Well, that had to be embarrassing," said Tuffnut.
"You knew you had such a feminine scream?" said Ruffnut before flipping him onto Barf and Belch's back.
Heather then began to chase them down blasting them to make it look convincing that she was still one of the Hunters and unfortunately it was much to the twins' expense. Ruffnut was then blown off Barf, but Hookfang managed to capture before she fell into the ocean.
"Really?" said Snotlout taking Ruffnut's place. "Her, he saves?" Hookfang then soared past them. "Thanks a lot, Hookfang."
Ruffnut to take Snotlout's place on Hookfang. "I know I'm not as stocky or annoying as Snotlout, let's try and work together, okay?" she said to Hookfang.
She then forced Hookfang to fly down towards flag ship and they're supplying boulder from one of its catapults. However, they were not able to dodge the net launcher and they fell into the sea.
Heather groaned, this is not what she wanted.
"They're down! Pull them aboard," Dagur ordered.
While they were busy pulling Ruffnut aboard, they didn't notice the deck being covered with green gas.
"Okay, Snotlout, you gas, I spark," said Tuffnut.
"I got it, I got it! Okay," said Snotlout as the Hunters realised too late what was going on.
Next there was a huge explosion that knocked Dagur and the Hunters of their feet.
"Yes! How awesome are we?" said Tuffnut.
"Um, let me think," said Snotlout pondering. "Totally awesome! That's who we are."
"All right," said Tuffnut high-fiving Snotlout.
Ruffnut and Hookfang then reappeared looking extremely exhausted and wet.
"Hey, when you're done handing out the Viking of the year awards, you mind getting us outta here?" Ruffnut asked.
"Shall we?" Snotlout asked Tuffnut.
"We shall," Tuffnut replied.
The three of them then flew off as Ryker's flagship was on flames.
Snotlout looked at Tuffnut. "That was—"
"Indescribable!" Tuffnut yelled.
"You!" said Ruffnut glaring at Snotlout. "Get off my dragon."
"Uh, actually, my boy, Snot, and I are gonna hang for a bit," said Tuffnut. "You know, relive the glory of battle. You don't mind riding Hookfang, do you, sis?"
"Ugh! Come on, Hookfang," Ruffnut growled.
Hookfang apparently wasn't too happy either, because he was snarling at Snotlout.
Meanwhile the flagship, Ryker and Dagur had just experienced Astrid soaring right past them.
"Finish her!" Ryker ordered.
Heather knew she had no choice and chased after Astrid cutting across a path. Astrid looked at Heather knew she had no choice either.
"Single spine shot, girl," she said to Stormfly.
"Sorry, Windshear, but this need to look real," said Heather to Windshear.
Stormfly then fired a spite straight towards Windshear and it hit her tail. This caused Windshear to lose balance and land on Ryker's flagship.
They watched as the other riders retreated no doubt back to their base. Astrid looked back at Heather and couldn't help but feel concerned, but that was nothing in comparison to Ragnar's feelings. He didn't like the idea of putting her in danger and there was no more danger than acting as a spy for them it would only a matter of time before they realise the truth.
Heather then began to examine Windshear. "It's okay, girl. Just nicked you."
Ryker then approached her and crossed his arms. "What were you doing up there?"
"You have something to say, Ryker?" Heather glared.
"Something didn't look right," he said.
"Hey, which part? You giving her a heads-up I was there? Or are you doing nothing, leaving the exposed?"
Ryker growled and drew his sword. Fortunately, Dagur showed up and grabbed his arm.
"Now, now. Let's not get crazy," he said.
Ryker scoffed. "You're talking to me about crazy?"
"Let me put it another way. If you touch one hair on my sister's head, I'll run you through and where your rib cage as my battle armour."
Ryker grunted and sheathed his sword and then one of his Hunters appeared.
"We're heading back to the island," he said.
"On whose orders?" Ryker asked.
"Viggo's. He's waiting."
Ryker expression suddenly changed it almost looks like fear and then he looked back at Heather and Dagur.
"Good. We'll let him settle this," he said.
"Whoo," said Dagur.
"What you know about Viggo?" Heather asked.
"Oh, just that he's pretty much the opposite of Rykie," he said.
"How so?"
"Svelte. Smart. And, when I say smart, I mean supposedly cleverer than me, which is almost inconceivable, it's very hard to fathom and I'm still gonna need some proof," he laughed uncontrollably and Heather just smiled nervously. "It's impossible. Who could be…" He then start and look serious. "But that's what they say."
He then leaning closer to Heather. "Oh! And he loves the art of the kill. Loves it! And when he puts you to sleep, he's like a fart of wind, you never seem coming."
Heather just gave him a black expression. "What does Ryker say about him?"
"Not much. I think the big boss scares the little guy. Scared of his own little bro." He then looked at Heather with sympathy in his eyes. "Sad. Nothing worse than a family rift."
He then gave her a big hug much to Heather's embarrassment. "Oh, uh…" she said.
"How great is it that you're here, huh? That we're here? Together?" He then pulled away from her and she smiled at him nervously and then he looked at her seriously. "What were you doing up there?"
Heather was quite worried, but then Dagur laughed. "Ha! Gotcha! You are too easy." He sighed and pulled her in close. "Now, let's go meet this…" He then acted all big and tough. "Viggo Grimborn. Ooh, now I've got the shivers."
As he walked away Heather put on a serious face, this was the moment that she had been waiting for. The moment where they can capture Viggo and put an end to the Dragon Hunters.
Later that evening at Dragon's Edge, the Riders had just returned to the stables. Strangely enough Snotlout was still riding on Barf and Ruffnut were still mounted on Hookfang.
"Did you see that look on Ryker's face?" said Snotlout, before Ruffnut shoved him off Barf's neck. However he quickly recovered and his face was full of excitement. "I was like, 'Tuff, now!' And you were like—"
"'Your wish is my command, Snotman!'" Tuffnut finished dramatically. "And then—"
"Bam!" they both yelled.
While the two of them were praising one another, Hiccup, Astrid and Ragnar were discussing Heather and how her cover had almost been blown.
"We have to pull Heather out," said Astrid. "If I hadn't reacted her cover would have been blown."
"I wanted her out after the Snow Wraith incident," said Ragnar. He hadn't quite forgiven Astrid about even the fact Heather was a spy from him, but he never got it in the way of missions.
Hiccup on the other hand wanted to keep her therefore little longer. "I wanted her out weeks ago and somebody talked me into—"
"I know I did," said Astrid. "But, things were different then."
"How?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, because things don't seem different to me," said Ragnar.
"It's way too dangerous," said Astrid.
"It's always been way too dangerous," Hiccup pointed out.
"Astrid you've got to admit that we do live dangerous lives," Ragnar pointed out.
"This has gotten crazy, guys," said Astrid. "And, she hasn't even met up with this Viggo character."
"Exactly. Viggo Grimborn leads the Dragon Hunters," said Hiccup. "If we can take him down, the whole Dragon Hunter army will be without a leader and they will collapse."
"And if we keep in there too long they going to discover that she is a spy and Astrid have a bit of experience what it's like being in a Hunters prison cell," Ragnar pointed out. "I know capturing Viggo is important, but are we really going to risk Heather's life?"
As they were talking Snotlout and Tuffnut were busy laughing and complementing one another.
"You are so tough and nutty," Snotlout laughed.
"And you are so lout and snotty!" said Tuffnut.
They then began rolling one another as they wrestled playfully.
Astrid and Ragnar were still trying to convince Hiccup about how dangerous Heather was putting herself in.
Astrid looked at Hiccup. "If something happens to Heather—"
"Nothing is going to happen to her. She's way too smart for that," said Hiccup. "And if she thought for a second that they were onto her, Windshear would get her out. Besides, would you think she would do if we try to pull her out of there?"
Astrid and Ragnar looked at one another and they both knew the answer to that question. "Exactly," said Hiccup. "She'd never go for it. You have to remember that."
The conversation was interrupted when they saw Snotlout and Tuffnut rolling by on a wheelbarrow. It then came to a sudden stop and they were both thrown off it.
"Best time ever!" they yelled.
"Oh, my Thor," said Snotlout.
"I can't believe you just said that!" they said at the same time. "Me neither!"
Snotlout shrieks. "Did we just think each other thoughts?"
"Uh, I think we just did," said Tuffnut. "'Cause that's what I just thought."
Snotlout then placed his hands on his shoulders. "You know what that means?"
"I have no idea."
"We just became…" He then began to talk like he was doing a singsong. "Official best friends."
"What?" Tuffnut gasped. "I have never had an official best friend! Always unofficial acquaintances."
"Well, you do now. Come on," said Snotlout. "Bring it in, but this time, for the real thing."
They watched Snotlout and Tuffnut hide one another which was extremely disturbing.
"It's good. It's good, it's real. It's real enough," said Tuffnut.
Astrid had enough of this. "Ugh! Will you two please take it somewhere else? I can't hear myself think!" she said as she walked off in a huff.
Tuffnut then looked at Snotlout. "Hey, you wanna go someplace where nobody can tell us off?"
Snotlout looks like the teary eyed. "I thought you'd never ask."
Later that night there were in a cave along with Barf and Belch. Snotlout just stared at it speechless.
"Uh, it's perfect," he said. "Where did you find this place?"
"Oh, I like to say it found me," Tuffnut shrugged.
"Great story. Now, what shall we call this Shangri-La?" Snotlout asked.
The two of them pondered for a moment and the two of them got the same idea. "'The Awesome Viking Cave Clun North Easy,'" they said at the exact same time.
The two of them gasped and looked at one another. Then they pulled one another into a hug.
"This is too real! It's getting so real," said Tuffnut.
The two of them broke apart and laughed.
It was late at night and Ryker had docked ship on an island that could only be the Dragon Hunters base of operations. As they made their way to the tent that was located in the dead centre of the island, Heather noticed dozens maybe even hundreds of dragons in chains or in cages.
They made their way inside and there sat at the table was a handsome young man with short black hair and brown eyes and was sporting a goatee. On the left side of his neck there were three scars no doubt from a dragon and his face was deeply calculative as if he was trying to find their fatal flaws just by looking.
He was wearing a black tunic with red scales on his shoulders and around his waist. He also has spiked shoulder pads and a silver belt buckle with Dragon Hunters' tribal crest on it, and black wrist guards.
Heather also noticed that he seemed to be fiddling with game pieces from a game board. It only took several seconds to realise that the game board belong to Mace and Talons. Now she never played the game herself she knew that it was more the test in the game to future chiefs to test their battle strategies as if there were facing against the real battle.
"They say there are two ways to be fooled," he said as he fiddled with one of the pieces. "One is to believe what isn't true. The other is to refuse to believe what is." He looked at them with a slight smirk. "'Mace and Talons.'"
He then got up and made his way to them. "I began playing with my grandfather when I was just a boy. I always insisted upon being the Honourable Viking Chief. I could never understand how he bested me time and time again."
He chuckled and Dagur and Heather exchanged looks. "For years, I assumed his skill transcended mine. I believe what wasn't true. But, you see, in 'Mace and Talons,' as in life, the line between good and evil is often unclear."
He then tapped the lantern with the game piece and it swung back and forth both shining light on the peace and covering it in shadow. "Black and white can become grey so easily. What one soul considers evil, another might consider righteous."
He then placed the piece down on the chess board and picked up another piece that resembled that of a mace. "The Honourable Chief who fails to see this is found to be…" He then knocked the Viking chief piece over with the mace. "The fool."
He then turned to Ryker and outstretched his arms. "Welcome. Brother!" The two brothers then hugged one another and once they pulled apart Viggo placed a hand under his chin. "You must be weary. The dragon trade is an exhausting business."
Then all of a sudden a Hunter came in and tossed another onto the ground right at Viggo's feet. "Even more so when profits wane because inventory goes missing."
He then pulled his blade and pointed it at the Hunter much the Hunter's dismay. "Uh, Viggo, I only borrowed the hide to exchange for food. It wasn't missing for more than a day," the Hunter said quickly.
Viggo pointed his blade at the Hunter's neck and then placed his sword underneath the hunted arm and lifted him up and looked him straight in the eye. Everyone could see the fear in the Hunter's eyes as he looked at the emotionless Hunter leader that was standing before him.
He then looked at the other Hunter and nodded and he began to pull the now relieved Hunter away.
"Oh, thank you, Viggo. Thank you," said the Hunter.
Viggo noticed the surprised look on Heather's face. "We're not animals," he said as he shaved his sword. "Rest. Much to discuss tomorrow." He then placed a hand on Heather's shoulder. "She can stay."
Dagur looked from Viggo to Heather and then left with Ryker.
Viggo looked at Heather. "Come. Walk with me."
They walked outside as they began to patrol the Hunters' base.
"My brother's treated you well, I trust?" Viggo asked.
Heather looked at him in curiosity. "You forgave that man. I wasn't expecting that," she admitted.
"Forgiveness. Not really a sound business practice, now, is it?" he said and then she heard the screams of the Hunter from earlier. He then led Heather towards the cliffs edge. "Trust, however, is imperative, Heather." They stopped just before it and Heather noticed that Viggo still had a hand on her shoulder. "And, there simply cannot be a traitor among us."
For one horrifying moment Heather believed that Viggo knew that she was a spy.
"A man will never know how far he's willing to go until he steps to the edge and looks down," he said as they got closer to the cliff. He then looked at Heather. "Wouldn't you agree?"
"Ah, I suppose, metaphorically," she said.
Then suddenly the cliffs edge broke apart and Viggo pulled her way. "I've always hated the use of metaphors," he said as he pulled her to safety and brushed himself down. "Now, down to business. I need your assistance, my dear."
Heather blinked. "You do?"
"Yes. In exposing this wrongdoer who is in our midst."
"Oh, of course," said Heather relieved that Viggo had no idea that she was the spy. "Do you have any ideas of who it is?"
"Unfortunately, yes," he admitted. "Ryker has always been a bit jealous of the power structure amongst the Dragon Hunters and his role in that hierarchy. That type of ambition can often cloud the mind."
"So, you think it's Ryker?" Heather asked.
"I'm not entirely certain," Viggo admitted. "See, your brother claims to know these Dragon Riders well, yet they always seem a step ahead of us. Now I would never suggest turning on one's own family—"
"But if Dagur is standing in the way of your… of our success, that is not to be tolerated," Heather finished.
"Couldn't have put it better myself. Nor is it tolerable if this wrongdoer is my own flesh and blood." He then smiled at her and they continued on their walk. "I'm so pleased that we are able to see eye to eye on this, Heather. I was going to ask if I could trust you, but you've made that question unnecessarily. Will you see what you can uncover?"
Heather nodded.
"Excellent. In the meantime, I'd like you to join me in a most delicate 'retrieval,'" he said as he stopped and placed his hands on her shoulders. "But, we must keep it to ourselves. Tell me, have you ever encountered a Flightmare?"
"As a matter of fact, I have," said Heather smiling. "And I can even tell you where to find one."
Viggo just smiled at her.
Meanwhile, at Dragon's Edge, Snotlout was sitting down at the cave that Tuffnut showed him. They just sat there awkwardly in silence, but that silence was shattered when they heard something outside.
Tuffnut tried to get to the entrance first, but Snotlout pushed him back and beaten to it. There standing outside was Ruffnut.
"Who is it?" he asked.
"Let me in!" Ruffnut yelled. "Astrid is driving me nuts."
"No can do, poo. This is a private club," said Snotlout leaning against the cave wall. "To gain entrance you have to—" He stopped when Ruffnut showed him the Dragon Eye. "Hang on a second."
He then leaned in closer to Tuffnut and whispered, "It's your sister and she has the Dragon Eye. Should I let her in?"
Tuffnut pondered for a moment. "Well, I am kinda bored." He then started as an idea popped into his head. "Wait. We could do dragon shadow puppets."
Moments later, Tuffnut places hands together and was casting shadows on the cave walls from a combination of the light from the lantern and the Dragon Eye. In one hand he has to do dragon and in the other was that of a Viking.
"No! Stop! Stop!" he yelled mimicking the poor Viking that was going to be devoured by the Dragon.
Both Snotlout and Ruffnut were not exactly engaging in the show.
"This place is a dump," said Ruffnut, who was holding up the Dragon Eye.
Snotlout leaned back. "It's a fixer…" He stopped when he is back hit something sharp and he grabbed to discover he had just leaned back in a rib cage of some unknown animal. "Great bones, though."
Tuffnut finally stopped performing his rubbish puppet show and looked at his sister. "So, how'd you get your grubby little hands on that thing?"
"I just told one Mr. Hiccup Haddock that I was taking it. And because he puts his full and unwavering trust in me, he handed over with pleasure," she said.
Her brother and Snotlout gave a blank looks, because they knew in a million years that Hiccup would never trust Ruffnut with such an item or anything for that matter. She looked up and saw that Barf and Belch were giving her the same looks.
"Okay, fine. I stole it when he was chasing Bjorn Boar out of his hut."
Then they suddenly heard a loud gasped and turned to see Fishlegs pointing at the Dragon Eye opened mouthed. "What are you doing with the Dragon Eye?"
"Hiccup let us borrow it," said Snotlout.
"Yeah, he knows we have it," said Tuffnut.
"I stole it," said Ruffnut.
"I knew it," Fishlegs grumbled. "You know he doesn't like you guys playing with it."
"That's why it's fun to steal it," said Ruffnut as if that made it all right.
"Are you coming in or not?" Snotlout asked.
"Fine," said Fishlegs as folded his arms. "I guess someone should be here who knows how to use the Dragon Eye correctly."
Meanwhile, Hiccup, Astrid and Ragnar were meeting up with Heather on a sea stack. They then held the flapping of wings and saw Heather approaching.
"You sure you weren't followed?" Astrid asked.
"Positive," said Heather she hopped off Windshear.
Windshear then ran up to, Toothless, Stormfly and Skull excitedly and the four dragons began to play with each other.
Heather made her way over to the three Riders. "Besides, Viggo suspects Ryker and Dagur. He asked me to go with him to capture the Flightmare. Just me, Windshear and him."
Hiccup blinked. "Flightmare? Why would Viggo want the Flightmare?"
"I know, it doesn't make much sense," said Ragnar.
"Guys, you're missing the point," said Heather.
"They does that from time to time," said Astrid.
"No, we don't," said Hiccup.
"Yeah, we always stick to the important details," said Ragnar.
"Look, it's me, Viggo and Windshear," said Heather. "The perfect time for an ambush."
"I agree, but how exactly does Viggo think the three of you are going to capture the Flightmare?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, we could barely keep one at bay and that was with four dragons," said Ragnar.
"You haven't met Viggo Grimborn. He is a professional Dragon under."
"Right, but you're not going to actually let him capture it," said Hiccup.
"Of course not. That's what the ambush comes in," Heather explained. "You guys show up, gran Viggo and we set the Flightmare back on its path."
Hiccup crossed his arms. "Now all we have to do is find it."
"It follows a stream of growing algae as its food source. Last year, I spent a lot of time tracking it, pinning down its location every couple of weeks. I know where it should be and I gave that information to Viggo."
"Which made him trust you even more. Hmm." Hiccup then looked at Ragnar. "You've been very quiet what's on your mind?"
Ragnar crossed his arms and looked at them. "It's just that I had a vision a few days ago I saw a lot of fire and a Flightmare in a cage, but one thing that stood out was a man in black leather armour with three scars around his neck and had such a cold-hearted and calculative face."
"That's Viggo," said Heather.
"I'm just worried that this might just be a trap," said Ragnar.
"I told you he doesn't suspect me."
"I know, but you may want you to think that," said Ragnar rubbing the back of his head. "Listen, I'm just worried about your safety and you been close to this guy isn't exactly helping."
"Rag, I appreciated, but I have to do this," said Heather placing a hand on his shoulder. She looked into his eyes and that one look told him that this hurt her just as much as it hurt him. "Listen, I better get back."
She then pulled out a map. "This is the algae trail. Follow it to here," she said pointing on an island on the map. "This is where we'll be."
"So will we," said Hiccup.
Heather then kissed Ragnar on the cheek and mounted Windshear before taking off. As she flew off Ragnar couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen.
Moments later, Hiccup led the other Riders to where Heather had instructed.
"Whoa! Heather's tracking and mapping skills are quite extraordinary," said Fishlegs looking at the map with an impressive look. "Is there no end to that girl's talents?"
"Hmm, can we just talk about the elephant in the sky for a second?" Tuffnut asked.
"No," said Hiccup.
"Cool," said Tuffnut. "Why do we think Viggo once the Flightmare so badly?"
"Maybe Viggo likes the way the algae stuff make you glow when you rub it all over yourself," Ruffnut suggested making her brother laugh.
"You know what? You may not actually be that far off," said Hiccup. "He's gotta be using its algae or its paralysing spray for something."
"We could ask him ourselves, if we were waiting for him when he gets there," said Astrid taking the lead.
They soon approached the island and landed tallest cliff. They reached the edge of the cliff and saw the Flightmare drinking from a small river covered in growing algae.
"There!" said Hiccup pointing. "Let's stay together. We need to make sure Viggo doesn't get near that dragon."
"How do we even know when Viggo's here?" Fishlegs asked.
Toothless then growled and Hiccup looked up to see a ship heading straight towards them and he knew instantly that ship along to Viggo.
"He already is," said Hiccup. He then turned and looked at the twins and pulled out a bag. "Okay, Ruff, Tuff, make sure you get enough algae—"
"…to lure the Flightmare away," said Ruffnut taking the bag. "We know."
"This guy never stops," said Tuffnut. "'Lue the Flightmare. Don't eat the algae.'"
"Ridiculous. I mean why would we eat the algae?"
The twins looked at one another and an idea appeared in their heads.
"Why wouldn't we eat the algae?" they asked one another.
The twins then mounted Barf and Belch and flew off.
Meanwhile, in Viggo's cabin, Heather was looking out the window.
"I can't see the algae trail, but we should be getting close," she said.
"Oh, we are, Heather," said Viggo. "In fact we're almost there. Exciting, isn't it?"
Heather just smiled.
Meanwhile on the island. Hiccup and the others were preparing for their ambush. But then Astrid noticed something quite frightening.
"Uh, Hiccup? You might wanna see this," she said.
Hiccup looked up and saw four more ships approaching them from the west and they too belong to the Dragon Hunters.
"Hiccup, you might wanna see this, too," said Fishlegs.
Hiccup turned once again and saw three ships approaching from the east like the others they belong to the Dragon Hunters as well.
"Uh, I don't understand, I thought Heather and Viggo were coming alone," said Snotlout.
"They were," said Hiccup. "Which probably means they're not coming at all." He then looked at Ragnar. "Looks like you are right."
"I won't say I told you so," said Ragnar as flaming boulders headed straight towards them. "Because I don't know can survive this."
"Everyone, look out!" Hiccup yelled as they mounted the dragons.
They just now we avoided getting hit, but it was close.
Heather made her way onto the deck of the ship she was on discovered the extra ships on both sides. She realised that this whole entire thing was a trap and that Viggo knew she was the spy all along.
"You set this whole thing up," she said turning to Viggo.
Viggo just smirked as he held up the Mace and Talons game piece. "He's called the 'impostor.' Some call him the 'traitor,'" he said. "I thought you should have it. As a parting gift. Pity, really. I had hoped you'd be a better adversary. And after we got off such a smashing start."
Heather turned when she heard an explosion coming from the tallest cliff on the island. She then drew out her twin blade axe and charged at Viggo. However, he moved with such speed that he ripped it from her hands and pulled her in pinning her down with her own acts against his body.
"How did you know?" she asked as he tried to break free from the hold.
"I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you," said Viggo. "You're no Dragon Hunter, my dear." He then looked at home mockingly. "Aw, don't despair. At least your friends will all be dead by the time we arrive."
That single sentence gave Heather the strength she needed. With her leg she was able to push the axe out of Viggo's hand and break free from his hold. She quickly re-claimed her axe, but when she turned to face Viggo he was gone.
She then heard shouts and looked up in time to see two hunters dropping down from the mast with their weapons held high. She blocked their attacks and look to them straight in the eyes as she was gonna turn all her rage upon them.
Up in the air Hiccup and the other Riders were moving into position to deal with the ambush the Hunters had laid.
"Now, on my command, fire," Dagur ordered from his ship. "Don't let them out of your sight this time."
Ryker was hanging bowstring of a ship as he began giving orders to his men. "Keep closing in on them. They'll lead us right to the Flightmare," he commanded.
From the air Hiccup wasn't liking their odds, there was just too many ships to deal with and there was also the problem with Heather, because they had no idea what had became other.
Meanwhile, on the island, the twins were unaware of the events that will going out on see as they made their way towards the Flightmare.
"Okay, just don't near its mouth," said Tuffnut as they carefully approached the river with a glowing algae. "Sprays this mist that can freeze you with fear the instant it hits you."
Ruffnut just stared at him. "And you know this how?"
Tuffnut shrugged. "I'm a fan."
Tuffnut then began to take some of the glowing algae into the sack. This did not get unnoticed by the Flightmare and it slammed its tail into the river splaying them with the algae.
"Do I get any on me? Am I glowing?" Ruffnut asked. "Because I really don't want this thing to see me as food."
"Eh, you're fine," Tuffnut assured not realising the Flightmare was approaching them. "How about me?"
"Same."
Then suddenly the Flightmare stood up and roared right into their faces. Instantly the twins ran for it and the Flightmare began to follow them.
"Go! Go! Go! Go!" Ruffnut yelled as they approached Barf and Belch.
Barf and Belch at once use their gas and spark attack to drive the Flightmare away, but it was just too nimble. The moment the twins mounted on their dragon they took off and the Flightmare followed them not close behind.
Meanwhile, the Riders were having problems with the Hunters ships. They were firing so many arrows it was hard to block them, especially for Astrid who didn't had any armour or any immunity to the tipped dragon root arrows.
Then out of nowhere whether twins flew past with the Flightmare not close behind.
"Not the way I would have done it, but that's one way to go," said Hiccup.
The twins were so busy trying to get away from the Flightmare, which was creating a ghostly trail behind it, that they were able to assist the other Riders. The Hunters were not just throwing arrows now they were throwing boulders and they were slowly gain surrounded.
They decided to flying close towards the ships and began blasting whatever they could, but it was only a temporary solution at best.
Heather meanwhile was to engage with the Hunters on Viggo's ship. She had just knocked one off the bridge and was now engaging the last Hunter. She then perform the most unexpected move, she tossed her axe to the hunter as he thrusted his spear and then grabbed his weapon.
She then began whacking him with the wooden pole of the spear and then tossed is another hunter that was charging towards. She then captured her act which was flown into the air and then disarms the fourth Hunter before knocking him off the bridge.
She then heard Windshear cry out and turn to find her in a cage and muzzled. "Windshear!" she yelled. "I'm coming, girl!"
She then made her way to the lower deck and stepping on the faces of the Hunters as she made her way towards the cage. She then opened the cage and quickly mounted Windshear. The Hunters prepared a fire arrows at her, but Windshear fired several spikes causing them to scatter.
"Nice job, girl," said Heather patting her on the head. "Let's go help the others."
The Hunters tried desperately to stop her from escaping, but was no good she was way out of range before the get a proper fix on her. From the bridge Viggo watches she flew off with a fixed expression, in truth he hadn't planned for her to escape, but it was of little concern.
The Riders are now grouped together once more and were still trying to avoid getting hit by the arrows and boulders from the ships. It was only a matter of time before they were overrun
"Hiccup, there's too many of them," said Astrid.
Just at that moment the twins blew by with the Flightmare close behind causing their own little bit of chaos with its missed.
"And the Flightmare really isn't helping," Fishlegs added.
Toothless filer plasma flat and just narrowly avoided taking a hit from several arrows himself. "We'll be fine as long as we stay from its missed."
"We need a new plan," said Ragnar as Skull blocked several arrows.
Hiccup agreed with Ragnar has the flu over to the twins they tried desperately to get away from the Flightmare.
"Hiccup, can't you just let it know we're the good guys?" Tuffnut asked.
"Yeah. Tell it to come in for the big win," said Ruffnut.
Hiccup looks at the twins and then look down at the river for glowing algae and idea popped into his head.
"You guys are brilliant!" he said.
"I don't know about brilliant," said Tuffnut. "But we do have a certain glow about us." He then laughed at his own little joke. "Get it? 'Cause of our faces."
"And the brilliance is short-lived," said Hiccup rolling his eyes. "Follow me!"
He then led the Riders down towards the Hunters ships and be Flightmare followed suit. Ryker frowned as the Riders got closer towards them.
"He is persistent. You have to give him that," said Dagur.
"Yes, well, in this case, his persistence will not pay off," said Ryker confidently. He then turned to the approaching Riders. "Fire!"
The Hunters unleashed their arrows at the approaching Riders, but they dodged them. Then Hiccup for another bag of algae that the twins gave him and Toothless was holding two other bags of algae as did the other Riders.
As they flew over Ryker and Dagur's ship they tossed the bag straight at the Hunters covering them up with a glowing algae. Ryker looked at the algae and laughed.
"Oh, no! You got us," he said smugly making the other Hunters laugh. "We surrender."
"We surrender," Dagur laughed. "Good one, Rykie. Bring it on, Hiccup!" He then turned and looked at the glowing algae. "Hey, this stuff's cool. Shiny."
Then all of us suddenly Flightmare appeared and started knocking the Hunters around.
Hiccup flew above their ships with a smirk on his face. "Ryker, Dagur, I'd like you to meet my friend, the Flightmare."
As the Flightmare moved along Dagur's ship the nearby hunters started to get paralysed when its mist touched them.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Dagur yelled. "Get back to work. Shoot someone."
"They can't," said Ryker. "The mist from the Flightmare freezes its victims with fear."
Dagur sighed. "Perfect."
The Riders continued their bombardment with the algae and the Hunters ran away from the Flightmare as it approached. Heather then appeared doing her own damage the ships with Windshear.
"I'm so sorry, Hiccup," she said as she made her way to the Riders. She then looked at Ragnar. "You were right, Viggo did figure me out."
"We know. It's okay, he tricked all of us," said Hiccup. He then looked at Ragnar. "Well, most of us."
"What can I say when your father is Alvin the Treacherous you tend to know treachery," Ragnar shrugged.
Hiccup then looked at Heather. "Where is he now?"
"Still on a ship, I think," said Heather pointing at one of the ships.
Then they noticed several hunters were able to toss nets on top of the Flightmare.
"Its mouth. Get its mouth now," Dagur ordered. Quickly the Hunters placed the muzzle on the Flightmare preventing it from spewing its mist. "That's it! Yeah!"
Heather narrowed her eyes. "Sorry. Not gonna happen," she said.
Then before anyone could stop as she flew down towards Dagur's ship.
"Heather, no!" Hiccup yelled.
"Heather!" Ragnar yelled.
They watched helplessly as a Hunter fired a net launch at capturing both Heather and Windshear. Hiccup and Ragnar flew down to assist, but even with their armour they couldn't get anywhere near the ship with all the arrows shooting over their heads.
"Astrid, keep trying for Heather," said Hiccup as they retreated. "It's time Viggo and I were properly introduced."
"I'm with you," said Ragnar as they flew down towards the ship Heather had pointed out.
Astrid and the other riders tried to fly down to rescue Heather, but they can get anywhere close with all the arrows and boulders flying around. Astrid watched helplessly as she saw the Hunters taking Heather below the deck.
"We're numbered! Retreat!" she ordered.
The Riders followed her lead of the flu away from the ships.
Meanwhile, Hiccup and Ragnar had reached Viggo's ship, but once they landed they found the entire ship was deserted.
"Where is he?" Hiccup asked.
"Looks like he abandoned ship," said Ragnar.
Astrid then landed on the deck. "We couldn't get Heather. There were too many of them," she said as she dismounted.
"What about the Flightmare?" Hiccup asked.
"Gone."
"Viggo, too," said Hiccup. "Astrid, this guy isn't messing around."
"Yeah, this guy can give Loki a run for his money," said Ragnar with his hands on his hips.
"No kidding," said Astrid.
"Our dragons may not be enough," said Hiccup. "We're gonna have to out-think this guy, outsmart him somehow. Or Heather and Windshear have no chance of—"
"Don't say it," said Astrid quickly. "Please, just don't say it."
"One way or the other this guy is more dangerous than any person we faced, my father, Dagur, even Ryker and that's because this guy is using his brain not his fists," said Ragnar.