"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." – Mahatma Gandhi

Chapter 19

My pain lessened slightly in the morning. After prodding from Harald, I obtained herbs from Allvaldi. Then we headed to the meeting hall to meet with Nikora and Viggo to discuss strategy. Ruffrunner and Leopold trailed behind us on the ground. We entered the room and came across a predictable scene: Viggo stood beside a Maces and Talons board laid out on the table with Nikora beside him.

"Oh, great," I said. "I was just thinking we should play Maces and Talons."

Viggo smiled. "Excellent. You have learned well."

"But I have a different idea from what you're thinking." I stood beside him and look over the board. "If we're going to beat Toki together, we have to learn to work together. So, we're going to play in teams."

"That's not a bad idea," Nikora said. "What are the teams?"

I turned to her with a smile. "You and me against those two." I pointed to the boys. "And we're going to beat them."

Viggo chuckled lightly. "I'm sorry, Brennda. You are mistaken. I may have taught you everything you know, but you cannot beat me."

"I know that. But I am not beating you; Nikora and I are beating you and Harald."

"Still not happening," Harald said. "If you're implying teamwork will make a difference, think again. I know all three of you very well, enabling me to work well with Viggo and predict the moves of you and Nikora. You may know Viggo and me, but your relationship with Nikora is lacking."

"That sounds like a challenge," Nikora said. "Face us if you're unafraid. We'll see who's 'lacking.'"

"Very well," Viggo said. "Don't say we didn't warn you."

"Let's spend a few minutes discussing strategy," I said. I walked to the end of the table with Nikora while the boys huddled together and started whispering.

"I assume you have a plan," Nikora said.

I smirked. "Of course. One of the most important lessons Viggo taught me is that every strength comes with a corresponding weakness, and it is your job to exploit your opponent's weakness."

"I like where this is going."

"Viggo and Harald both excel at long-range planning. It is what enables them to be great strategists and win nearly every game. However, that means their skills of adaptability are lacking. Normally this isn't a problem because they are able to control the game and their opponent's moves."

Nikora's eyes lit in understanding. "But they need to work together. They can't both be in control."

I grinned. "Exactly. We need to be more adaptable than them. We have to play unexpected moves that will catch them off guard and start a power struggle."

"I believe I have an idea."

We chatted for another minute about our plan. Then we returned to the game board and a confident looking pair of men. "Ready to lose?" Harald taunted.

"I thought I taught you not to underestimate me," I said.

"Enough talk," said Viggo. "Let us begin."

An intense game of Maces and Talons followed. As expected, Harald and Viggo appeared to take early control of the board. However, with some effort, Nikora and I managed to fight back. I saw the boys struggle with their diverging views. As the game neared its end, it appeared either side could win.

"This has been an excellent game, ladies," Viggo said. "I do appreciate the challenge. But I never lose." He moved a game piece and smirked triumphantly. "It will all be over soon enough." He glanced at Harald, who nodded in agreement.

"Is that so?" Nikora mused. "There is still one move left to me." Instead of continuing our previous strategy, she made what appeared to be a random move.

"That won't help you," Harald said, moving his own piece. "Viggo will win it for us."

I smirked. "I don't think so." I had followed Nikora's thinking, and I moved a game piece appropriately. My smirk widened at the shocked expressions from the men. "I believe this means we win."

"Impossible!" Viggo declared.

"How?" Harald cried.

"Your confidence was your undoing," Nikora said.

"We trusted each other and adapted when needed," I explained.

Harald looked from Nikora to me with narrowed eyes. "This isn't right. You two aren't supposed to get along."

My eyebrows lifted. "Since when do I do what I'm supposed to?"

"Congratulations, you two," Viggo said. "I don't know how you did it, but I assure you it will not happen again." Although he said that, he looked at Nikora the way Harald looked at me when he was proud of me for keeping up with him. Interesting...

"Come, Brennda," Nikora said. "Leave these two to analyze their defeat and join me for a walk."

"Alright." A walked sounded nice, and I was curious about what she had to say.

Harald watched us suspiciously. "I don't like this."

"I'm not going to hurt her," Nikora said.

"That's not what I'm worried about."

We ignored him and set off for the exit. Ruffrunner noticed we were leaving and bounded behind us. I did not worry about the safety of the Night Light as we walked. Even if some of the locals would harm such a cute dragon, no one would do so in the presence of their leader.

It was not until we were hiking along a ledge that ran across the village that Nikora finally spoke: "Tell me, Brennda, what do you think of Auction Island?"

Her expression gave nothing away as to the intent of her question. Even if she was warming up to me, she was still difficult to read. "It's a pretty interesting place," I replied. "The village is unlike any other I've come across. It's a good place to get information, and many of the people are quite willing to make a fair trade. I'd love to learn more."

"I suspect your curiosity is not shared among your friends."

I frowned. Ah, so that was it. "No, it's not. They would all rather avoid this place. They seem to think it has an evil presence. I've never felt that way. Even if a lot of bad stuff has happened here, that doesn't take away from the good - or the neutral." I paused. "I supposed that's why it was inevitable I would have to leave New Berk. My thinking is too different." The irony that the chief's most notable accomplishment occurred because he thought differently was not lost on me.

Nikora glanced at me for a second before looking ahead, and I thought I saw a hint of compassion in her eyes. "I agree. You are different, and it is their fault for not seeing that as an asset. New Berk held you back. Here you are free - as long as you follow the few simple rules."

I smiled. It was true; I did feel free here. There was no one to warn me about getting too close to the pirates, and I didn't have to worry about the potential consequences of my actions on everyone else. I could make the decisions I felt were right. "Thank you for letting me stay here. But if I may ask, why are you so interested in fighting Toki? You didn't seem to be too eager to do so after he first betrayed you."

Nikora's eyes narrowed. "He attacked us, and I cannot tolerate that. I have not been idle; I spent time strategizing and testing different options. Nothing worked - until you and Harald rescued those dragons he needs. And if Toki is willing to attack Harald, he will certainly attack us in the future. We need to be prepared for him. I cannot allow anyone else to come to harm."

I nodded. "I get it. You want to protect this island and the people on it."

"Yes." Nikora came to a stop and gazed out at the village. "My father only dreamed of returning here to rule, and I made it a reality. Now I wish to preserve what I won. This is mine, and if I don't fight for it, who will?"

"We all will. Together. I'm sure everyone else feels the same way even if they don't realize it."

"You may be right. I did not realize it myself until you pointed it out." She turned and started down the path once again. "I do want to thank you for what you did. It took courage to stand up to me, and I am grateful for it. You are right; I would have regretted taking no action. Thank you for bringing Harald home."

A warm smile spread across my ace. "You're welcome. I can tell he's happy to be back. And a lot of people seem happy to have him back."

"Yes, he is well-respected. And they have recently learned I am harder to deal with when is gone."

"Oh, really?"

"It may not seem like it from Berk's perspective, but he is the advocate for less harsh tactics. He believes there is always a way around violence. Sometimes I agree with him and sometimes I don't, but the alternative perspective is very valuable. It ensures I can make the best choice."

"Kind of like Hiccup and Astrid," I mused. But now Hiccup was sounding more like Astrid, which messed everything up. "So, you don't see those traits of his as a weakness. Have you told him this?'

"I told him recently, yes. I know I should told him much sooner. I did not realize how much pressure he put on himself or how he was blind to his good qualities. I wish I had seen it." We reached the end of the village and started a loop around. Nikora looked at me with an expression softer than normal. "Thank you for being there for him when I couldn't - or wouldn't. Even I can see you have been good for him. You help him believe in himself."

"You really do care." I took a minute to think about what all of that meant. "Why did you ever let him leave? Surely you knew he had no ill intentions. You could have worked something out."

Nikora smiled ruefully. "My pride would not let me at the time. Besides, I had to let him go, and going along with his plan seemed the easiest route. He is the one person who has always been there for me - as a soldier and a friend. He is family, as you said. I knew the reason he wanted to leave was because he loved you, and I thought he would be happier with you."

"Well, you were half right." Harald had told me she knew the truth from the beginning, but it still amazed me to hear it from here. "He's best off with both of us."

Nikora gave me a soft smile. "I hope you are right."

And with that admission, I knew I could already claim victory.

The sun finally rose the next day. It felt heartening to see some light after all this darkness. Nikora thought this was a good time to call an assembly and speak to everyone about the impending threat. She sent Harald and me out to round up the stragglers.

We were walking through the forest when we head rustling ahead of us. "Watch out," Harald said in a low voice. He stood in front of me protectively and waited for the visitors to show themselves. We were still cautious around the residents because they were not used to me yet.

Five pirates jumped out of the trees. At first they appeared menacing, but one of the pirate's face brightened when he saw me. "Hey, Brennda!" he called.

"Morvin?" I said. Harald appeared stunned as I jogged over to meet the pirate. The others lowered their weapons but still eyed me warily. "How are you doing?"

Morvin grinned. "Great! I heard about your successful escapade. Congratulations! You have to tell me the whole story."

I smiled at this. "Maybe after the meeting. You're all coming, right?"

"Of course. Wouldn't miss it."

Harald looked from Morvin to me, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "How do you two know each other?"

"We met when she came to ask for our help before setting out to rescue you!"

"He's the one you helped save the day Randel attacked, remember?" I said.

Harald nodded slowly. "Yes, I remember." He looked Morvin up and down. "You seem different."

Morvin smiled. "So do you." He shrugged. "People change."

"I see..."

"We really missed you, by the way. All of us." Morvin looked around at the others, who nodded.

I smiled at Harald. "He says you were a great leader. I didn't realize how much your men respect you." And from his expression, neither did he. I shook my head in dismay. "I understand wanting to look tough, but all of you could benefit from expressing your emotions every so often."

Morvin scratched the back of his neck. "We could work on that. But isn't there a meeting we should get to?"

"Yes," Harald said. "Let's be off."

We made our way to the meeting hall, which was already full of pirates and dragon traders. Harald and I joined Nikora and Viggo up front. The queen wanted to introduce us and give us a chance to speak. I still did not know what I would say.

Once Nikora gained the attention of the group, she began, "It is time we prepared to take on the threat before us: the pirates Randel and Toki." A murmur broke through the crowd, but Nikora's harsh look silenced them. "They have already attacked us once, and you can be sure they will attack again. This enemy will take more than strength, wit, and determination. We must come together and defend our home. These three here with me have already scored one victory against Randel and Toki, and I will rely on them in the future. No one is to harm them or their dragons." She turned to Harald, but he did not move.

"I'll go first," Viggo said. He stepped forward to give his introduction.

Meanwhile, I pulled Harald aside and whispered, "What's wrong?"

"I can't do this," he said in a low voice. "Maybe Nikora can forgive me, but they-"

"Harald!" I placed my hands on his shoulders and looked straight into his eyes. "This isn't New Berk. These are your people. You can reach them just like you reached Morvin. Speak from your heart."

Harald still seemed uncertain, but he nodded. "I'll do it, but I need more time."

"Sure. I'll go next." I gave him a small smile and then turned to watch Viggo.

"And my friend here would like to say a few words," Viggo said. He moved aside, allowing me to take his place.

I took a deep breath and looked out over the crowd. Some appeared curious while others were skeptical. I was unsure if they would accept me, but I had to follow my own advice. "Hello, everyone. I'm Brennda Axel, previously a dragon rider of Berk. I know we had our differences in the past, but I am determined to defeat Toki and Randel. They are enemies of all of us, and we have to unite if we want to win. I look forward to working with you." Many of them appeared unconvinced, but this was the best I could do for now. I needed to spend time with them individually later and get to know them better. "And Harald is also eager to help us win the fight, right?" I looked back at him with an encouraging smile.

Harald walked past me, and I moved back to stand beside Viggo. He stood confidently, though it took him a few moments to speak. "An introduction is hardly necessary. You already know me. But..." He swept his gaze across the crowd. "I must apologize for leaving so suddenly. If you want to know my reasons, you may speak to me personally, but the important thing is that I am back. And the others are right: we have to defeat Toki and Randel... my father. They are ruthless and won't stop at anything to get what they want. They don't care who they have to hurt in the process. But I won't let them hurt anyone here. Not again.

"I know a lot of you may have lost faith in me, but I ask that you give me another chance. I know more about our enemy than anyone else, and I hope that will help us. And you should listen to Viggo and Brennda as well. Viggo is the smartest guy I know - present company excluded - and I have no doubt he will come up with a killer strategy for us. And Brennda, she-" He caught sight of me out of the corner of his eye, and a small smile formed on his face. "She has enough faith for all of us. She has a way of seeing through to the heart of an issue. We need her insight." He lowered his head. "Thank you for your time." He took his place beside me and slipped his hand in mine. I squeezed his hand and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Harald," Nikora said, returning to the front. "There will be plenty of time to speak to them further and discuss these issues. For now, know that things need to change around here. we need to unify around a singular purpose. Do not be afraid. No one will be forced to do anything, but you will all benefit if you come along willingly. Let us sail to victory together."

The Vikings dispersed, and noise erupted as they all talked loudly among themselves. Harald pulled me aside and embraced me. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Hey, Harald!" said a voice, causing us to break apart and look at the pirate. "I am with you!"

"So am I," said a second pirate.

"Harald, can you really fly a dragon?" said a third.

Harald smiled confidently. "Of course I can. Dragons are actually great companions, you know."

"Can dragons help us win?" another pirate asked.

"I should say so. But you have to learn to treat them with respect."

The pirates left and were replaced with others who had more comments and questions about the three of us. "Hey, Harald," said one of them, looking right at me, "how did you get a girl like that?"

Harald smirked. "It was-"

"-because of me," Viggo said, stepping up beside him.

"That's pretty much true," I said. "Viggo is the love expert." The interested pirates clamored around him for information.

"Love expert?" Nikora said with raised eyebrows. "The Viggo Grimborn is a love expert?"

"He has a surprisingly complex personality," Harald replied.

"And his results don't lie," I said. "He helped our friends Eret and Heather get together, not to mention he helped me win over this stubborn muttonhead."

Harald frowned. "Helping you? He was helping me."

We first looked at each other and then at Viggo, amiably chatting to the pirates. We might never understand his true loyalties.

"Has he used this ability to help himself?" Nikora asked.

Harald appeared confused, but I smirked and said, "No, he's single."

"He must not be interested, in romance," Harald said.

"Yeah, we'll see about that." I thought it much more likely he had simply not met an individual he was interested in. Only time would tell.