I'm actually getting the new chapter up on time, even though I've been working and writing 'Upside'. Hooray! Sometimes my brain even impresses me :P Just kidding, but anywho, here you go. Enjoy and stay safe out there!
CB73: That's so true. No matter what the fight is about, who the 'good' and 'bad' guys are is all based on perspective. Thank goodness our favourite trio isn't divided in that stance. Even so much that they can all share purely innocent and strictly friendly kisses all round ;) By the way, the cookies on this side of the fence are great :P lol
Angryhenry: Thanks :)
Surfy: It was played down pretty well through most of it. After all, if Cuithanna had simply marked him as her consort, he would bear her crescent. The fact that he is actually the Dark God, or Lord of Shadows, means that he wold bear his own mark. Which truly would be a horned dark moon based on pagan symbolism :) Don't feel silly. I'm a sneaky mofo :P I agree that Astrid is a little too trusting of those around her, and of her own abilities now as well, but hopefully she doesn't get into any trouble. Thankfully, no one knows that the boys are off-realm right now.
fanfiction2122: Haha, I'm glad you like it, and I will do my very best to keep it going. Lol
Superlego99: I'm honestly really glad that I was able to make you think and go searching. The horned moon really does suite him better, doesn't it. It's much less... rainbow... ;P Can you imagine how unbelievably confused Thor and Sif are right now! Good thing Golwen is there to help Astrid cover that up. Most of us don't usually make out with our partner's best friend, after all. The looks on their faces would have been absolutely priceless.
_
Hiccup and Ilweran had been laughing about that little display most of the way through the Void. Speculating about the conversation that had followed afterward and partially glad that they weren't there to field the awkward questions and glances. "Thor and Sif must be so bloody confused right now," Hiccup shot at Toothless. Receiving a rasping chuckle of agreement as Hiccup plucked his serpent ring out of his pocket and slipped it on.
He did still feel a little bad for leaving Astrid to explain on her own, but he likely would have ruined her careful cover up if they had stayed much longer. Even hours later, every part of him was yearning to turn around and head straight back to her. Unfortunately, they were nearing the gateway and it was time to focus on the task at hand instead of allowing his mind to stray to pleasant fantasies. The faster they dealt with this, the sooner he could get back to Astrid.
He and Ilweran opened Bifröst before grinning at each other and passing through into Midgard. Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, it was mid-afternoon. They had made good time in the Void. Not even pausing to look around, they simply made a bee-line northward. Heading towards the Northern Markets. Valka had noted that she had last seen Viggo's men heading northeast. She couldn't tell where exactly they had come from, but after sneaking on board their ship, she knew that they would have to stop at the Markets soon.
The hold was only half full of dragons, but they were running desperately short on supplies. This was good news. It gave them an easy starting point in a known location, at least. As they flew, Hiccup relayed to Ilweran what he could about Viggo and Ryker. When Hiccup had explained that Viggo was the main supplier of dragons for Loki's troops at the northern boundary, Ilweran had raised a brow.
"I know," Hiccup sighed. "I do not love it either. As long as they do not harm the dragons though, there is little I can do at the moment without ruining everything I have worked to build these last five years. It is a necessary, but hopefully only temporary, evil..." he trailed off with a shrug. Ilweran grumbled, but did not press the matter further. Likely sensing that Hiccup was not about to divulge everything all at once. Instead, the two of them settled into a comfortable silence.
"So what is our plan when we get there," Ilweran said after a while. Speaking just loud enough to be heard over the wind. His lips still twisted in a slight grimace as he pondered over what Hiccup had told him.
"Well, I assume that it is just the hunters and not Viggo himself that Valka has spotted," Hiccup answered with a sigh. "That means that our appearance alone will scare them into talking. Unless Viggo's brother Ryker is with them. Then we will be forced to get more aggressive with our intimidation tactics if we are going to coerce the information out of him."
"Can we not just take the information we need from their minds," Ilweran asked thoughtfully.
"We could," Hiccup assented. "However, much like any other humans, I prefer not to let them know that I can. Thanks to Viggo, they have spread stories of my abilities and suspect that I can read minds, but they do not know for sure. That, and intimidation is much more fun. I like to watch them squirm." Ilweran smirked wickedly at that and Hiccup grinned at him.
"Exactly the attitude I want to see brother," he added with a laugh. "Ryker is an asshole, but he is more brute strength than smarts. Honestly, he is a bit of an idiot. As such, I doubt that Viggo has told him anything overly important. Mostly we will be getting Viggo's location out of him. Unfortunately, Ryker will probably try to attack us and our dragons the moment he sees us. He may also be ready for us. As I said, the men like to spread stories about me."
"Well, you did mention that he was an idiot," Ilweran pointed out. "An illusion would work well enough to thwart any ambush they have set up for us. It will also ensure that they trim the sales for us which will make it easier to land on the ship."
"I was just thinking the same thing," Hiccup grinned at Ilweran. Genuinely impressed with him.
Ilweran laughed softly at that. "I guess they will be spreading scary stories about me soon too," he added with a shake of his head. "Speaking of which, we may not be allowed to kill all of them for hunting dragons, but can I at least kill one?"
"Certainly," Hiccup answered brightly. "I know I usually do, but I suppose I can let you have that pleasure this time around. This is your first actual day as a traitor, after all. It does help to get some of the rage out, and it makes for scarier stories too."
"Excellent! This is sounding more enjoyable every moment..." Ilweran trailed off with another devilish grin. Both of them laughed at that before leaning lower in the saddles. Toothless and Tintallë picking up speed as the air whipping past them grew steadily colder. The sun was just beginning to fall towards the horizon as the two Riders finally caught sight of the market. The shapes of traders bustling around between colourful stalls as other groups of men helped to load newly purchased cargo onto the ships waiting in the docks.
Judging by the activity, many of these trade ships would be setting out again soon. Allowing the next round of vessels to dock and unload their various wares before restocking. It was not an ideal time to be arriving here, as two new faces suddenly appearing would be incredibly suspicious. Especially amongst sailors that had spent the last week at port and drinking together. Glancing over at Ilweran, Hiccup signalled for them to bank up above the cloud cover for the approach.
Promptly, both dragons shot through the freezing clumps of mist. Coming out the other side and shaking the icy droplets off of their hides as the two men brushed off their armour and hair. "We will need to land on the outskirts and hope that we find Valka there," Hiccup told Ilweran once they had levelled out. "Otherwise we will need to wait until we see a ship coming in to port and try to blend in with the sailors when they disembark."
"Blend in," Ilweran scoffed lightly. Arching a brow as he looked over Hiccup and himself pointedly.
Hiccup couldn't help laughing at that. "I know, bro. It is a bit of a hopeless endeavour. Still, it is better than simply sauntering in without a ship." Ilweran accepted that with a shrug and they both started laughing again.
"I am willing to bet that Valka will be waiting for us outside of the market," Ilweran added after he had stopped laughing. "She does not care to mingle with the hunters and the drunkards if she can help it."
"Yet another thing we have in common I guess," Hiccup drawled sarcastically. Making Ilweran snigger, and Hiccup smirked at him. They travelled the remainder of the way in silence. Passing market before doubling back to land in the mountainous terrain behind it. The dragons dropping the two men on one of the wide ledges partway up a craggy outcropping of rock. "We will go and find her, and then call you when we are ready to go." Hiccup told Toothless and Tintallë. Receiving two nods in return before the dragons took off again.
Easily tracking Valka, they were pleased to find her and Cloudjumper waiting in a make-shift camp just upstream from the main market. As they emerged out of the trees, she leapt to her feet and grabbed her staff. Holding it out threateningly as Cloudjumper displayed his wings behind her. The two of them looking distinctly dangerous. Seeing who had just walked into her camp though, Valka quickly dropped her staff and came over to greet Hiccup and Ilweran warmly instead.
Hiccup couldn't help being impressed at her choice of location. She was close enough to the market, and most importantly the docks, to keep an eye on it easily. Far enough away to not be stumbled upon accidentally by a drunken sailor in the middle of the night. The clearing she was in wasn't huge, but it was still big enough to escape on dragon back if need be, as well. It even looked large enough for Toothless and Tintallë to land in, if they were careful.
"Nice spot," Hiccup offered truthfully to Valka. Receiving a smile in return as she hugged Ilweran.
When she approached Hiccup for a hug though, he stepped back and held his hand out to her instead. Not quite ready for that level of familial closeness yet. He could see a flash of pain flash behind her eyes, but she bit back on it and grasped his hand. Then she gestured for them to join her around the fire as she began to explain in greater detail where she had spotted the men and what they had on board for supplies and dragons. All the while, she was carefully packing up her sleeping role and cooking pot.
"So they should be roughly a day's hard sailing southwest of the Markets by now," Hiccup clarified. Glancing at Ilweran and receiving a nod in return before both of them called for their dragons.
"I would assume so," Valka agreed. "At least, as long as they didn't alter their pace or route. I seriously doubt they would though, judging by their pathetic supplies and the rate at which the lanes are icing over." She snugged up the last strap on her saddle bag and turned back towards them just as Toothless and Tintallë landed in the clearing. Their massive wings barely clearing the trees. "I'm coming with you," Valka added then.
Pausing mid-leap, Hiccup turned back to her with an arched brow. "Umm... no you are not," he said simply. "It is likely going to be messy, and possibly even dangerous. Besides, there is information that we need to coerce from them that you cannot be privy to."
"I assumed as much," Valka drawled. Crossing her arms and leaning back slightly as she rolled her eyes at Hiccup. Reminding him strongly of himself, and he had to forcefully bite back a laugh now. "I don't care what information you need to get. I only care about the dragons, and I know how to mind my own business. I can help you. Someone needs to release those poor beasts from the hold, and you two draw more attention than Cloudjumper and I ever could."
Hiccup and Ilweran shared another glance at that. "She makes a valid point," Ilweran pointed out drily. "They will certainly notice you or I trying to sneak into the hold, but I doubt they would bother with her once they catch sight of us."
"Fair enough," Hiccup acquiesced. Gazing back towards his mother again. "You are sure about this," he asked her. Giving her one last chance to back out.
"Absolutely," she replied. Dousing the small fire with water from a bucket at her feet before picking up her elaborate mask from the ground. "I want to help, and I have experience with raiding hunter ships. As you well know."
"Alright," Hiccup said with a grin. Extending his hand out to his mother again. "I cannot argue with logic that sound. Welcome to the party, Dragon Master," he teased. Valka snorting a laugh and grinning as well as she clasped his hand in return. Then she pulled her mask on and climbed onto Cloudjumper as Hiccup and Ilweran leapt onto their dragons. All three of them taking off into the now darkened sky.
*
The slender man hunkered down against the biting winter winds as he made his way alongside the river. Clutching his hooded cloak tightly around him in hopes of blocking out the weather as he gazed in disgust at the frothy brown water meandering past on his left. Then over at the simple row houses lining the other side of the lane on his right. Dirty smelling smoke curling up from their chimneys as the remains of whatever rubble they had found to burn smouldered in the grates. Heating the space just enough for the families to sleep in a huddle around the hearth.
This outlying area extended well into the sands around the city. The buildings here were small. Shabby. Filthy sheets hanging over empty window frames waved gently as they tried futilely to block out the world. Barely sturdy enough to shelter those within against the bitter cold, never mind offer shelter to passers-by on the street. As so much of Vanaheim had become desert after the way, its temperatures were extreme. It would heat up to near unbearable during the day, as the bright sun beat down on the orange sands. At night however, it was freezing. Especially during the winter months, when the dry air cooled rapidly as the sun set.
The man was hurrying, despite his disguise and deceptively casual pace. Trying to look inconspicuous, even as he kept his head bowed low. Partially against the cold and partially to conceal his face. If someone was to spot him, they would ask questions. Questions he did not much care to answer right now. One such as himself did not wander into the poorest sections of a town simply as a change of scenery. One such as him did not wander here at all. Thankfully, there were still a few hours before dawn and the streets were blessedly dark and empty.
The man's cloak was just as shabby and dismal as his surroundings. Ragged and weather worn. With patches hither and thither all throughout the grimy grey fabric. At first glance, he seemed as if he belonged in this world of starvation and shadows. That is, until you caught sight of the richly adorned black and gold velvet robes beneath the disguise. Or the glint of brightest gold on the man's finger of a ring bearing three joined triangles. One typically worn by generals of the highest honours or members of the Æsirian court. Representing the union of the worlds of Asgard and Vanaheim, with the Aesir at their centre. The all powerful rulers of the nine realms.
What a load of horse shit, the man cursed to himself. Kicking a broken scrap of pottery that lay in his path with a disgusted grimace. Scowling as the bright tinkling sound of it echoed faintly off the mud shacks. How many years had he been fed those lies. Believing them to be true. The Æsir may have been strong once, but Odin had gone soft. Too worried about impressing the elves and the dwarves to enforce his rule over them. Continuing to chase the promised riders of light and dark that would be his salvation. The realms needed a proper leader if peace was ever going to be obtained.
A leader who knew when to let the people be, and when to enforce his might. A leader that would be his own salvation instead of chasing shadows and dreams. The primitive humans should not be left sheltered and apart from the rest. They were simple creatures that would make better slaves than subjects. The dwarves were hardly better. Holding far too much power and wealth for such violent beings.
They could keep their mines, but Æsirian blacksmiths should be working the methril that outfitted Æsirian soldiers. What ruler in their right mind trusts a possible enemy with something like that. Sure, the dwarves were peaceful now, but what if they decided that they wanted more one day. What if they decided to rise up? Without their precious methril armour and weapons, the Æsirian Armies would be as good as dead.
Then there was the elves. He spat on the ground at the thought. Those creatures were a whole other matter entirely. Wasting their gifts while they danced around in the woods like children. Or sauntering around the cities with their noses in the air, as if the rest of the races were beneath them. With their looks, wealth, and power, the elves could easily take over control of the realms. Yet they chose to alienate themselves instead, as they denied the Æsirian authority at every turn. Odin himself even turning a blind eye to the danger they might pose. The 'Great Allfather' had put all his faith into peaceful alliances, rather than the war and conquest of their race's Golden Age.
If wildness was left to flourish in the outlying realms, how long would it be until it spread to the civilized world? Disobedience and disorder could not be permitted to take root. For too long, the general had sat idly by and watched as the worlds slowly fell to ruin. For too long, he had been little more than a puppet in Odin's games of power. Taking what was freely given, and not daring to ask for more. Eating the scraps offered to him once Odin had eaten his fill. It was time to change the game. Odin had no more claim to rule than any other of the elder three.
Still, If there was one thing the man knew for certain, it was that you did not play your hand until all of the pieces were aligned in your favour. He could wait. He was sick of playing loyal sidekick to Odin, whilst having no real power of his own, but he was no fool. To risk his comfortable life on a whim was pointless. Instead, he was simply working behind the scenes. Pitting both sides against each other and stoking the fires of unrest. Carefully concealing his identity so that he could continue to watch from the sidelines as the worlds burned.
Unfortunately, this had become an even more risky role thanks to recent events. A certain item had been reallocated from Odin's personal treasury. An item that had put the Great Allfather on his guard. As such, it had made it incredibly difficult to follow up on leads without raising suspicion. He had names, but he had been unable to do anything with them. Being smart meant playing the long game. You did not make rash decisions, you did not rush into things, and you did not trust anyone with the full story. Simply using those around you in the way they served best, and leaving before they could ask questions.
That was why he was here tonight. Sneaking his way around this gods forsaken hovel, dressed like a peasant. Making his miserable way through the garbage cluttered and filthy streets of Yngvilia. Vanaheim's largest city. He had finally gotten the opportunity to follow up on one of his leads, and he was taking it. Needing a powerful priestess, he had sought out Amenmeit. Paying the beautiful and ruthless seductress to lure a young lord away from the protection of his guards for an evening. Giving her the assignment without explanation. Being the intuitive woman that she was, she did not demand answers that she would not receive. Simply performing the task without question.
Instead of taking him to the Temple, Amenmeit had brought the young man to a dirty pub full of drunkards before disappearing into the night. A pub where a man in a hooded cloak was waiting in a shadowy back room and the bar man was paid well to keep his silence. The lord was a traitor, and the general was looking information he might use to his advantage. Unfortunately, his meeting with the traitor had not gone overly well.
After finding young Aleixo's mind too well shielded to probe, he had then tried to wipe the memory of the meeting from it instead. That had proved unsuccessful as well, so now he was forced to eliminate the man. Revealing the traitor's identity to Odin under guise of a cover story and through a secondary source, and having the dark rider sent for the job, should do the trick. Sending Hiccup was the only way to ensure that Aleixo would not be brought in for questioning. The only way to ensure that Hiccup was sent, was to make the mission too unpredictable, messy, or dangerous for the other Order members to want anything to do with.
It would not be the first time that the general had made the dark rider dispose of his problems. Many, many times he had sent anonymous warnings to those that he needed rid of. Once the sadistic man was set loose on them, the general need no longer worry about being discovered. Most recently, he had sent the two mercenaries after that idiot dwarf in Nidavellir. Bludvist had seemed like such a promising contender to chaos at the beginning. Until his greed and gambling had gotten in the way. The general had given Bludvist everything he needed to build an unstoppable army, including access to one of the few ancient shadow spirits that was willing to assist. Instead of using his head, Bludvist had created an uncontrollable monster and then tried to sell it for a profit. Leading to the need to eliminate him before he could spill his secrets.
Yes, the dark rider may be an arrogant and unhinged maniac, but he did have his uses. The general was comfortably sure of the fact that Aleixo had not recognized his interrogator, but others might. That was why he had planted the idea of danger in the young man's mind before knocking him out with a sleeping spell and leaving the pub. It was not much, but at least it would put Aleixo on his guard. Hopefully making him increase his protection detail and hold out in his estate. If he was on the run, Odin's guards may be the ones that find him first, and that simply would not do.
The cloaked man was still lost in his brooding when he finally made it back to the main Temple of Freyja. A lovely building made of smooth red sandstone and surrounded by palm trees and fountains. Nestled right near the heart of the oasis the city was built on. Entering through a side door, he made his way up to Amenmeit's rooms. At his knock, the priestess bade him enter.
As the highest paid priestess in the largest Temple of Freyja, Amenmeit's rooms were lavish. Decorated tastefully with clean whites and warm browns. Splashes of red and gold here and there as accents. Being alone in her chamber, she had all the curtains pulled aside. Allowing the bright moonlight to stream in through the wide double doors that led out to a balcony large enough for a bonded dragon to perch on.
When she saw who it was, Amenmeit quickly waved her hand to shut the curtains. Blocking the view of her room from prying eyes. Her windows faced the river, but that was no guarantee of privacy in the city. "Why have you come here rather than returning to Asgard," she asked politely. Turning back to face him. "Did you not get what you needed from him, my lord?" She was gazing at him with those dark and unreadable eyes now.
Lowering his cloak, the general offered her his best version of a grim smile. "Unfortunately, I did get what I need," he told her with a sigh. Soundly impressively disheartened. "It would seem that Young Aleixo has seen fit to join with Loki. I have suspected it for a while, though I so wished to find it untrue."
"No," Amenmeit gasped. Her hands coming up to cover her mouth. "I mean, I never particularly liked him, but to call him a traitor! That is a terrible accusation, my lord. How can you be sure?"
"He admitted as much," the man informed her. "I am unaware as of yet whether or not his father is involved, but it was clear that Aleixo is preparing to stand and fight rather than go into hiding. It would also seem as if he expects to be discovered soon. He is already preparing to increase his guard and fortify his estate because of it."
"Foolish man," Amenmeit scowled. Her brows furrowing slightly now. As if she could not comprehend why anyone would choose to stand and fight against Odin and the Riders. Truly, only a fool would, really.
"I agree, my dear," the general offered with a grimace. "I am afraid that it may be best if you were to bring this development to Odin's attention in my stead though." Amenmeit arched a questioning brow at him and he offered her a shrug in return. "There were witnesses that saw you with Aleixo last night, so it is not overly surprising that he may have divulged something incriminating to you during a drunken tryst. If I bring the information forward, his father may feel threatened or suspected, and go into hiding. Or he may begin to fortify his own defences instead. It is anyone's guess."
She stared back into his stormy grey eyes for a long moment. As if considering how plausible his reasons were. In response, the general rested the right hand baring the Æsirian ring on the hilt of his methril broadsword. The smokey quartz jewel in the pommel began to glow faintly, and Amenmeit's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the thinly veiled threat. "As you wish, Vili," she finally consented. Bowing her head respectfully. "I will allow you a few days to get settled back in Asgard to remove suspicion, and then I will seek out a private meeting with your brother."
"Always a pleasure," the Æsir replied with a smile. "I do not know why some people insist on calling you ladies whores. You temple priestesses should be known for your intelligence and discretion instead," he chuckled. Seeing her full lips pull up in a beautiful imitation of a sneer at his words. Pulling his hood back over his face, Vili made his way out of the Temple before Amenmeit could say anything else.
The sun had fully begun to rise while he was in the Temple. The pale pinkish hue just starting to dance over the golden domes on the tallest buildings. As he made his way back to the portal tower, he couldn't help feeling slightly smug. Odin may have his 'sight', but it would not help him. Vili had always had a special knack for abjuration, and for getting people to do what he wanted. It was not persuasion magic per-say, but it was still a powerful gift.
As the middle brother, he had gotten little of the love or the power. Learning to make his own way in the world and fight for what he got. He had been fool enough to believe that things would change as he and his brothers grew up. Then the three brothers had united the realms together. They had all fought. They had all suffered. Vili's own wife had fallen in that first war with the Vanir, and he still felt her loss like a knife in the back. A knife put there by his eldest brother.
As the dust had settled, it was Odin that the people rallied around. It was Odin that received all of the credit, and he did nothing to stop it. Soaking up the admiration as if he, alone, had earned it. Someday soon, that was going to change. Ve may be too kind-hearted and simple to see how unjust this all was, but the time would come when Odin began to regret taking all of the power for himself. When Ragnarok came, Odin would fall. Someone would have to take his place, and who deserved it more than the brother Odin had stomped upon during his climb to the top. After all, the most dangerous betrayal of all was a betrayal of the blood.
*
The men were nervous. That much was plain to see. They had only been back on the water for a week, but the men were already wanting to turn back. Clearly Viggo's nonsense stories about a demon on dragon back had served to scare the fools out of what little sense they had. Not that Ryker was about to let a single one of these nameless bastards turn back now.
It had taken a good portion of his profits from the fighting ring to convince this half-assed group of so-called soldiers to join him. None of the hunters seemed willing to risk upsetting Viggo or chance facing the mysterious rider. He had barely managed to lure out enough sailors to run the ship and successfully work their trap lines. It was pathetic. The closer they got to the Markets, the more uncomfortable the men looked. He could see them shooting nervous glances up into the sky. As if they were expecting to see a large black shape bearing down on them at any moment.
The hold was only half full of dragons, but that would have to do. They needed to re-stock. That meant that they had to sell whatever they had found at their first stop. Most of the beasts had either died in the traps, or managed to eventually gnaw their way out. A couple of zipplebacks, a scrawny nadder, and a fat gronkle were all that was left. It wasn't much, but at least they were alive. They were worth more that way. If necessary though, the hides would still fetch a fine enough price if traded to the right buyer and nadder spines were always sought after. At least then they would have enough supplies to check the traps on the rest of the route and hopefully turn up something better.
They were still at least a days sailing from the Northern Markets, but the wind was currently in their favour. If they could maintain this pace, they should be able to make it there before the next round of trading vessels arrived. The sky had grown dark now. The chill winds gradually replaced by the bitter breeze of night as the sky became a blanket of stars. A bright half moon lighting the surrounding sea as the boat chased its reflection through the gentle waves. This would likely be one of the last sailings before winter closed in and made the journey near impossible. Even now, the waters were crusting over and everything to the north of the markets was already out of reach. They needed to empty the rest of the traps now, before the ice choked the shipping lanes entirely.
Taking a deep breath of salty air, Ryker felt that familiar sense of calm flow through him, despite the cold. There really was very little in this world that compared to the magic of the sea. The men had just rotated shifts after a meagre dinner of stale rations. The new group now coming up from the shared quarters below deck. Rested and fresh for the night watch as the others took to their bunks. Ryker couldn't be bothered to sleep. He would sleep after they got to the Markets.
After shouting some orders at the new men, Ryker headed to the bow. Wrapping his calloused fingers around the salt crusted and weather-beaten wood of the rail. Digging his nails in just to feel the spongy press of the fibrous material between the beds as he peered over at the dark water. Keen eyes remaining constantly watchful for any bubble of scauldron or glint of shiny sliquifier. Those dangerous water dwellers that loved to attack unsuspecting ships at night. These straights were dangerous, especially at this time of year. Still, he had sailed this lane so many times that it now felt more like home than any patch of dry land ever could.
He was shaken from his moment of solitude by a hoarse shout from one of the men. Turning abruptly and gazing up at the sky, Ryker caught sight of a large black shadow blocking out a huge swath of stars. The only thing that big in the skies was a dragon, but they were rarely spotted over open water aside from migration time. Ryker felt a shiver race down his spine as the massive shape glided silently over them again. Looking like no type of dragon that he had ever seen before. Even larger than a timberjack. Perhaps the men's stories of the dark rider weren't so crazy after all...
Ryker bit down furiously on his unacceptable wave of cowardice. He did not believe in ghost stories or fairy tales and he would not pass up an opportunity like this one. Large and unexpected though this dragon may be, it was still just a dragon. Signalling to the men, he had the sails trimmed to slow their speed, as one of the deck hands rushed below to wake the crew while others cranked the net launchers around. Following the path of the shadow through the darkness as they waited for their captain's next orders. The hunters clambering back out of the hold with pale faces and weapons drawn.
As the eerily quiet beast swooped by again, Ryker brought his hand down in a slicing motion. With a click and a loud crack, multiple nets careened out of the modified ballista. Lead lines trailing behind them. Invisible against the dark water and night sky. There was the familiar 'whip-snap' of the weights pulling the net closed and they watched as the dragon's huge wings folded in, encased by the ropes. It gave one loud screech as it struggled against the confines of the netting, before dropping through the surface of the water with a great splash. There was a moment of complete silence then as the reality of their catch settled in. An unknown and enormous dragon caught over open water in the dark of night was certainly something to be proud of.
Only the sudden feeling of the ship rocking to and fro as the new swells of waves hit it could shake the men out of their surprise. A cheer rose up from the hunters then, but Ryker shouted for them to shut up and haul in their prize. They could celebrate later with drink and women after they had gotten the beast to market. All the while, he was rubbing his hands together in barely contained glee. This dragon was absolutely massive, and flying alone over open water no less. It may even be a new species. No matter what it was though, it would still be worth a fortune; just from the size alone.
The hunters reeled the lines back in as fast as they could. Anxious to get the beast in before it had a chance to escape. Watching the process, the lack of strain on the pulleys had Ryker confused. A dragon this big should be pushing their rigs to the limit, but the wood was not even bending. No splash or struggle from the trapped creature. As the men hoisted the nets back onto the ship, it became undeniably apparent why. They were completely empty. No sign of a dragon, and no sign of an escape. It was as if the beast had simply vanished after it had hit the water.
"It was a phantom," one of the hunters said nervously. Glancing down at the calm sea and up at the sky again, as those around him nodded.
"Maybe it was the dark rider," another whispered. The men huddling closer together at that. Ryker was just about to shout at the men for their shameful behaviour, when a sarcastic voice suddenly cut through the cold air.
"Maybe it was both," a man drawled. A bunch of the hunters squeaked and cowered like timid maidens. Raising their weapons in fear and staring around for the source of the sound. Turning to face the newcomer, Ryker saw a massive black shape perched on the starboard side of the ship. Its clever green eyes flashing in the darkness.
The beast opened its mouth in a oddly human grin before splaying its wings out. Then it gently pushed its side of the ship down before lifting up again. Rocking the vessel as the sound of cresting waves hitting the hull filled Ryker's ears. He gazed back over the side of the bow, but the water remained calm. "You really should not believe everything that you see," that same voice stated from somewhere near the enormous black dragon. "Thank you for gathering the crew on deck and trimming the sails already. It makes my job that much easier."
"Who are you and what are you doing on my ship," Ryker growled at the stranger. Realizing furiously that he had just played right into the demon's devious hands. "Stop hiding behind your dragon and face me like a man."
"That may be difficult, but I suppose I can humour you," the voice added. Sounding very much like it was smiling now. Ryker had barely a moment to wonder what in Helheim the voice meant by that, before a dark shape leapt down the twenty feet from the back of the dragon. Landing lightly and soundlessly on the railing as if the distance of the fall and the gentle rocking of the ship were of no bother to him at all. Balancing on the edge like a nimble cat, and reminding Ryker strongly of the draugr legends of his people.
There was a distinct wildness about this creature. An aura of danger that even had the hairs on Ryker's neck raising. The twin swords sheathed at his back contained teardrop gemstones the size of chicken eggs that winked in the pale moonlight. His midnight black leather armour carried faint smoke patterns, much like the scales of his dragon, and the crest adorning his chest shone faintly. The texture of the red colouring was oddly thick and liquid-looking, as if it had been recently painted in fresh arterial blood. He carried himself like a god or a king and his arrogant attitude and incredibly unique attire screamed of wealth and power. Clearly this man was not the type Ryker could persuade with bribery.
Many of the men whimpered now. Despite the lack of light and his position above the deck, it was still obvious that whatever else this person was, he was certainly incredibly tall. Well muscled, but not bulky, and lithe as his dragon. His tousled mop of dark hair was blowing in the breeze as his own emerald eyes shone almost as brightly as the monstrous and unusual beast he rode. Looking closer, Ryker felt his breath catch in his throat.
Was that... a night fury, he thought in surprise. They were supposed to be extinct. As mythical as the creature that rode it. What the Grimborn brothers wouldn't give to capture one of those. They weren't supposed to be this big though... "You see, I am so much more than a man," the figure said then. His tone humorous, but also carrying a distinct note of warning. "I am the Dark Rider, and I am quite sure that you have already heard of me." He gave a mock bow then as his full lips twisted into a smirk. His ruggedly handsome face suddenly morphing in something incredibly menacing. Still handsome, but with a distinct blood-lust lurking behind the intelligent eyes.
"Oh, aye," Ryker sneered back. Removing his pale green sword from its holster and leaning on it casually. Trying to maintain his bravado for his men, even as he felt another tremor of unease run through him. "I have heard of you, but grown men know better than to believe in fairy tales. You sure look like a man to me, and a pathetic one at that. Now just what the fuck are you doing on my ship."
"I am here because I need to talk to your brother," the rider answered with a careless shrug. Completely ignoring Ryker's rudeness and drawn blade. "You see, he has been hiding from me for far too long, but that time is over. If you direct me to him then I just may be persuaded to let you go without incident."
"Hold your tongues and wipe your minds men. Think of dirty wenches if you must," Ryker growled at his crew as he tried to block his own thoughts like his brother had taught him to. Remembering Viggo mentioning that the monster could read minds. Seeing his men blanch, but their jaws set in determination, he turned back to the rider. "I don't take orders from phantoms," Ryker stated gruffly. "I don't have to tell you a bloody thing. Whatever quarrel you have with my brother is not my business, and I don't care to get involved either."
The ship suddenly rocked again as the wooden rail on the port side creaked in protest. Glancing around, Ryker was met with the sight of the single largest monstrous nightmare that he had ever seen in his life, and he had seen plenty of monstrous nightmares. Its hide was a beautiful crystalline white with patches of brightest gold, and Ryker spared a moment to appreciate just how much that dragon would be worth. Alive or dead. It appeared to be smaller than the night fury, but not by much. Either one of these dragons in the hold or the fighting ring would ensure a wealthy retirement, never mind both dragons. How had this stranger managed to tame such enormous and dangerous creatures?
He was pulled from his greedy musings when more of the crew yelped. Another unnaturally tall man in white armour had just jumped down onto the other railing. This one seeming ever so slightly taller and broader. A golden dragon emblazoned into his chest plate, a jewelled sword sheathed at his hip, and an arrogant smirk on his equally handsome face. That same untamed aura radiating from him as well, despite his well groomed appearance of obvious wealth. His features haughty and chiseled as a nobleman. None of the tales had ever mentioned a second rider?!
This one's odd amber eyes seemed strangely wolfish and inhuman as they settled on the burly captain. "You are absolutely right," this new rider supplied. His voice curiously musical and accent clearly foreign, though he was also speaking fluent Norse. "It is not your business, but he is your brother and you do know where he is hiding. I know that I usually like to keep tabs on my little brother," he said with a grin at the dark rider, who smirked back. They're brothers, Ryker thought in surprise. Viggo never said the dark rider had a brother!
"You may not have to tell us anything, but it would be far better for you and your men if you did," the blonde one stated coolly as he rested a casual hand on his sword hilt. The action and words shaking Ryker from his thoughts. Ryker felt the first tremors of true fear then as he let his gaze wander back and forth between the two huge beings and their enormous dragons. The contrast between the two of them reminding Ryker of himself and his brother, and he honestly was not sure which one to be more wary of.
"Although, it will be much more fun for me if you do not," the dark rider added with a wicked grin. Incredibly white teeth with unusually exaggerated canines gleaming in the faint light. The sight of them calling to a primal fear that Ryker did not even know he possessed, as it became quickly apparent that the dark one was indeed the more dangerous one. "It will not be the first time I have 'coerced' information out of men that fancied themselves to be soldiers. Unfortunately, I have yet to find one who's mind can hold up for very long under my questioning though." The man and his dragon both rasped eerily similar laughs at that, and Ryker got a strong sense of unhinged and animalistic savagery from the monstrous man now.
Swallowing down the lump that had risen in his throat, Ryker glared at his crew once before barking out a bold laugh at the man in black. "Your threats don't scare me. Now, if you could get off my ship, I'll be on my way. My brother is somewhere southwest of here if you would like to go search for him instead of bothering me. I have places to go, and dragons to trade." Ryker hoisted his custom broadsword and rested it against his shoulder then as he glared at the dark rider. Hoping to intimidate him. These creatures were certainly taller than him, but Ryker was clearly stronger, based on bulk alone.
The dark rider simply glanced over Ryker's shoulder for a moment before chuckling. "Oh? And what dragons would those be," he asked cheekily. There was a rustling from the forward hatch then. Ryker and his men turned around just in time to watch the two zipplebacks and the nadder climb through the opening and take off into the night. The gronkle already happily buzzing away ahead of the other three. Another tall and slender person wearing elaborate armour and a mask adorned with spikes following behind them. A strange wooden staff clutched in one hand.
This person turned to face Ryker and his crew as they leant arrogantly on their staff. "You really shouldn't allow yourself to get so easily distracted" they said lightly. Voice distorted by the mask they wore. "Anyone could just sneak onto your ship and steal all of your cargo while you weren't looking. Better to leave at least one man guarding the hold. Not that they would have stopped me, but still..."All three of the strangers laughed, before this third one ran to the side of the ship and jumped over the railing. A magnificent stormcutter swooping by to catch them on its back.
Ryker faced the dark rider again with a snarl. "Those were my dragons," he growled.
"Not anymore," the monster teased. "Since you no longer have any reason to hurry to the Markets, how about you stick around for a while instead?" He waved his hand then, and there was a flash of green light. Suddenly, the entire mainmast creaked and swayed. Sheering in half as the bulk of the mast and tacking pulled it off kilter. Anchors tearing out of the wooden framework as it came crashing down towards two of the net launchers and the jib. Twisting unpredictably due to the many lines still connecting it to the cockpit. The boom swinging wildly.
The blonde haired man in the white let out a dark laugh as the crew of hunters screamed and dived out of the way before the mast could crush them. Shards of wood flying through the air as part of the deck splintered apart under the weight. Ropes under tension were snapping free and whipping around with enough speed to kill a man. Metal eyelets still attached to some of them. Ryker and his crew shouted in alarm and ducked down. Laying on the deck and shielding their faces. Both of the strangers and their dragons somehow completely unaffected by the falling debris as the stormcutter and its rider now came in to perch on what remained of the mainmast post.
"Do you really think that we are leaving this up to debate," the dark rider asked then as the chaos settled around them all. A bright silver blade seeming to magically appear in his left hand, as his eyes narrowed slightly. "I can always simply force the information out of you, Ryker Grimborn, but I am giving you a choice first. I suggest that you make the right one. Otherwise, I will kill every single man on this ship and leave their corpses for the submarippers to feast on. Yours included. Though I may just leave you alive enough to feel the beasts tear you limb from limb instead."
Oh shit, Ryker thought desperately. Clambering back to his feet as he looked over his crippled ship and terrified men. Maybe he should have heeded some of those ghost stories after all...
_
Oh M Goodness! This is starting to feel like GoT level intrigue here! And you guys all thought Hiccup was the 'Betrayer' :P
This chapter is so descriptive with each scene. I even find myself getting dragged into it, despite the fact that I'm the author. I love it, and I hope you guys do too :) I also love the fact that we have Valka back now, and as an active participant in the story. She even managed to impress Hiccup, which can't be an easy thing to do.