Unrelated to this story, but for everyone that is reading, please take care of yourselves. Love yourself, not in an arrogant way, but with self-confidence. Know that you deserved to be loved by others and try not to stress. Illnesses are formed when you do not adhere to these things, so request the same of your loved ones. It is the most miserable feeling in the world to see them suffer and the most bittersweet to see that they no longer are.
Dagur, Shattermaster, and Sleuther returned to Berserker Island, within a few hours, and were greeted by its inhabitants. "Chief, you're back!" Vorg exclaimed, happily. The younger viking did not yet dismount the Gronckle, "Not for too long. I just have to train Strykie, here, and then we'll be heading back out." A grin crossed his face, "It'll be a lot easier to take down hunters with both of these bad boys." Dagur led the two back towards the stables and had them stop, "Now Strykie, I know that you're used to fighting dragons, however we have a Skrill friend who'll be cool around you. I'm not saying that you have to be bosom buddies right away, but try not to attack him, please." the chief requested. He got off of the Gronckle's back and patted his head, "Shattermaster, you stay here with him. Get him ready and I'll let Bluebolt know that we've got company." The reptile wagged his tail in agreement and went to Sleuther's side.
Dagur walked into the stables and Bluebolt rushed over to him, excitedly. "Hey, Bolty." the Berserker greeted, "I've got another dragon with me again. This time, he's a Triple Stryke who's kind of accustomed to attacking other dragons." He gave a sheepish smile, when the Skrill seemed to sigh. "He's getting along with Shattermaster really well, though. Just try to play nice as the two of you get to know each other." The viking went back to the two reptiles and brought them into the stables. Bluebolt and Strykie sniffed around, hesitantly. "This is Bluebolt." Dagur said, gesturing to the Skrill, "And this is Strykie." he did the same motion for the Triple Stryke. "He'll come with Shattermaster and I to help take out hunters, but first I need to make sure that he can work with us-and stuff like that."
The Berserker chief set up some dummies and pop up foes throughout the area. When he had finished, he backed up and observed, expectantly. "All right, Strykie. Before I start training you, let's see what your instincts are. Imagine that all of those are hunters. What would you do?" The Triple Stryke eyed the objects and viking, curiously, prior to taking a few steps towards the entrance. Getting in a fighting stance, Sleuther lunged at the dummies, roasting them to charred forms with his blasts. As a fake viking popped up, the dragon pinned it to the ground using his tail. The display showed a ferocity that left Dagur looking in awe. The Berserker noted that each time the reptile prepared to attack, he made a clicking noise. "Look at him. So ready to kill anything that even resembles a hunter. Perfect!" the chief thought, happily, "Wonder if that tail of his has any kinds of poison? Only one way to find out."
"There's another thing that I want you to try." Dagur told Sleuther. He exited the stables and returned with three chickens. "I'm curious about your tail. Can you try using a different stinger on each chicken?" he requested. Swiftly, the dragon stung the poultry and Dagur's eyes were glued to their reactions. One kept shaking her head, as if to clear it, and walked around, slowly. "Maybe that one messes with the victim's sight." Dagur pondered. He eyed the other two, seeing that another was swaying. Before long, the bird fell to the ground. The Berserker walked over to it, bending down to see if it were still breathing. The bird was only sleeping, soundly. "A tranquilizer. Nice." the chief mused, grinning. The last chicken was shaking, uncontrollably, and squawking. It was, almost, disturbing to witness as the poor fowl begged to be taken out of its misery. A grim smile crossed Dagur's face, "And that one tortures you." He began to laugh at the thought and it grew to a deranged cackle.
Testing out accuracy, Dagur had Sleuther shoot some barrels at a distance. The Triple Stryke excelled and hit every target. Since precision was fine, Dagur wanted to see how well the dragon could listen to commands and work with other dragons. "Strykie, follow Shattermaster's lead and blast these." The Berserker threw a multitude of different non-lethal items at the two. Shattermaster dodged and blasted, but Sleuther was more agitated. Some of him enjoyed the exercise while some thought that he was under attack. The end result was the reptile hovering in the air and sending some blasts towards the objects, Gronckle, and viking. Shattermaster growled at him and Dagur sidestepped the shot. "This isn't to hurt you. We just have to make sure that you can handle what we do." the chief called up to him.
Bluebolt hissed at the Triple Stryke and Dagur motioned for him to calm down. "Strykie," Dagur began, calmly, "It's your call. If you want to take out the hunters, you have to be able to do this. Otherwise, you can stay and protect the island with Bluebolt. Either's fine, but I'd really like your help." Sleuther looked at the two dragons and viking. Gradually, he appeared more settled and lowered his head in an apologetic manner. Dagur patted his head, "It's all right." After doing this, the dragon got back into the air and tried again. Still, Strykie was having to adjust to working with another dragon, but there was improvement. By the time just less than a week had passed, Sleuther was able to work side by side with Shattermaster and be ridden. This was perfect because Dagur had been eying the maps again and there was another island that he wanted to see. Plus, if he could find a hunter, he could find out where the auctions were.
The trio set off for their voyage, flying East. Dagur spotted various landmarks that alerted him to them becoming closer to their desired island. Smiling, devilishly, the Berserker called the dragons' attentions to a hunter ship, "Stay stealthy. If they can't see us, they won't expect being killed." Creeping, the three headed over to the vessel and were about to blast them up, when Dagur saw someone familiar. "That's Stormsky-er, chaser-Astrid's dragon." he told the others, giving up on trying to remember the name. Suddenly, he scowled, "If she's here that means that Astrid is either in a cell or in the sea. Let's see if we can figure out which one." Closer, they moved and listened to the disgruntled sounds of hunters. "Wish we at, least, had that rider too. She'd be a good servant for the ship." Dagur heard one say. Mentally, he cursed, "If Astrid is out on the sea, she'll need help sooner than later. I'll free the Nadder, real fast and come back for the others."
Shattermaster swooped down and spewed lava on the chains that held Stormfly as Dagur threw blades into the hunters' heads. Even though she was freed, the Deadly Nadder did not seem able to fly away. Dagur slapped his forehead, "Right, dragon root." he recalled, exasperated. He whistled and Sleuther came over, picking up Stormfly and taking off. Shattermaster and Dagur provided cover for the two to escape and followed them out. Despite wanting to make sure that the Berkian and her dragon were okay, the chief could not help being slightly annoyed. He had come very close to being able to get more information, but had to take the detour. As quickly as the hunters were hauling Stormfly into the lower decks, the trio would not have been able to retrieve her without causing a commotion. The Berserker had no idea where Astrid was nor how long it would take to find her. He wanted her to be safe, however he also wished that she had not been involved and his plans could have not been interrupted.
The three flew for hours, looking for any sign of someone drifting on the sea. Clouds filled the sky and darkened, indicating a storm on the horizon. Dagur kept glancing at Sleuther, "That Nadder's not snapping out of it, but Strykie's not tiring out any." Squinting, the Berserker scanned the ocean that was beginning to become wild. Waves as large as mountains crashed into each other and, narrowly, missed the dragons and viking. "Look out!" Dagur called. Sleuther pulled up, just in time, and Shattermaster did a roll. When they were right side up, Dagur spotted a figure floating in the water. It was only being kept above the sea by a piece of driftwood. "Head down to the right." the Berserker instructed. He and the Gronckle zoomed down and a large wave rose over their heads. It was about to collide with them and did succeed in knocking Astrid off her floating device.
"Stay back, until I bring her up." Dagur told Shattermaster. He could not afford them all to be swept away and leapt from the reptile's saddle. Diving into the sea, Dagur swam down and took hold of the Berkian. He brought her up to the surface and a different wave pushed them under again. The viking held his breath and clamped a hand over Astrid's mouth, so that she could not breathe in any water. Holding her, securely, they resurfaced and he whistled for Shattermaster to come back. The dragon dove and got them before another wave could hit. The Berserker got onto the saddle once more with his friend in his arms. "We have to go into the eye of the storm." Dagur informed the two dragons. Once they were out of the torrential rains, the chief could take a better look at Astrid. She was shaken and freezing, but alive. Her eyes were fluttery as she opened them, noticing the difference between her surroundings.
"D-Dagur?" she asked, weakly. The chief smiled, encouragingly, "Save your strength. It's a good distance back to Berk." Astrid shook her head, tiredly, "No, we don't stay on Berk anymore." Dagur raised a brow, "What? Since-nevermind. Where do I take you?"he inquired. The Berkian fought hard to not pass out, "We're on Dragon's Edge. It-it should be East from here." she leaned her head back, "It's the first island and has some huts on the South side." Her eyes closed and she rested. Dagur hoped that Astrid would be all right and the dragons set their course for the new location. It was not, nearly, as long a trip to the Edge as it would have been for Berk. They viewed an island that fit the Berkian's description and they landed on the shore. The Dragon Riders approached them, surprised and then relieved to see Astrid.
Dagur dismounted Shattermaster and, gently, carried Astrid over to the other vikings. "Oh my Thor, Astrid." Hiccup stated, rushing over to her. He took the viking in his arms and brought her to a hut where he made sure that she was all right. When he was certain that she was, he returned to see the Berserker. "Thank you." Hiccup said, sincerely, "I don't know what I'd do if Astrid had.." he could not finish the statement and Dagur understood why. "You're welcome, Brother. She's going to be fine, just is really cold now. She had been knocked into the sea and drifted for a while." he chuckled, "I'd suggest her getting some rest, but knowing Astrid, she'll probably be up and ready in a few seconds." Fishlegs started to check on Stormfly, who was returning to her normal self, "Who did this?" he asked. Dagur looked at the two, "Dragon hunters. They had a whole load of dragons in their lower compartment, but since there was a bit of a pressing matter, we didn't get them."
The riders nodded, understandably, and Dagur went to go back to his own dragons. "Where are you going?" Hiccup asked. The chief nuzzled Sleuther's head, ensuring that he was not too fatigued. "I told you. We didn't stop the hunters and have to. This isn't a pleasure trip. I just wanted to get Astrid back here." He frowned, slightly, "Not like I knew where here was. How come you didn't mention moving?" The Berkian shrugged, "It didn't come up, I guess." He moved towards Toothless, "You don't have to go, alone. We'll come with you and it'll be easier to take down the hunters." His friend made a face, "But that's the problem. You guys want to take down the hunters while I want to take them out. If you promise to not get squeamish on me, you can come. Otherwise..." he waved goodbye at them. Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, I definitely don't condone doing that, but you really went out of your way for us. It wouldn't feel right to have you start over on our account."
Dagur's eyes lit up, "I know their ports like the back of my knife. They'll be halfway to the next stop, but if we head North, we'll catch them. Of course, we have to move, quickly, so someone could stay with Astrid when we go." The sound of shuffling came towards them, "No one's staying with me. I'm going after those vikings that tried to take Stormfly." She patted the Deadly Nadder under her chin. Swiftly, the Berkian got on the saddle and the other Berkians followed suit. The group flew North, being led by Dagur. "When we see the ship, we have to move, quietly. The hunters aren't very observant and it's easy to sneak past them. Before they even realize it, the dragons will be freed and their own heads'll be plastered on my wall." the Berserker laughed. The rest eyed him, cautiously, "Actually, I was thinking that we could infiltrate the ship. Kind of make them believe that they caught us." Hiccup suggested.
The Berserker was hesitant, "How, exactly, would you make them believe that they caught you?" Hiccup gestured to Fishlegs, "Gronckles are immune to Dragon Root, so we can make them think that you and Fishlegs are being taken down. After you get down to the pins, you can get the keys from the guards and free the dragons." The look on Dagur's face was simultaneously blank and disbelieving, "Fishlegs and myself?" he clarified. Hiccup nodded and the Berserker laughed, scornfully, "H, I'm not doing that. Besides, the hunters are dragon hunters, remember? They aren't going to be fooled by that." The heir was still certain, "If they're used to using those arrows, we might be able to confuse them for long enough to free the dragons." Dagur rolled his eyes, "And we can't use my plan because...?" he dragged. "Because I really think that this will work. It's the fastest way to get down there, so why risk not being able to do the save?"
It was clear to Dagur that the riders were going to follow Hiccup's plan, so he did not waste any more time trying to change their minds. "Whatever. Either way, I'm not doing that. Sorry, Fishy, but if you want to go down, you're doing it without me." The Berkian seemed disappointed by this, although did not attempt to dissuade him. More irritation settled into Dagur as he knew that if he were to do his idea, the riders' covers would he blown. Also, they might get themselves killed without him being there to prevent that outcome. A hunter ship came into view and it was all Dagur could do to restrain himself from sighing as the riders zoomed towards the vessel. Blasting, aimlessly, they drew the hunters' attentions and arrows fired at the vikings. "Okay, Fishlegs. Ready?" Hiccup inquired. The Ingerman nodded and headed down, Meatlug getting grazed by an arrow and falling to the deck. "We're hit!" Fishlegs shouted, feigning alarm. As soon as the two hit the ship, they were taken to the lower compartments.
"And now, we wait." Hiccup said, ignoring the frown on Dagur's visage. The Berserker rapped his fingers on Shattermaster's saddle, impatiently. Within a few infernal minutes, Fishlegs and Meatlug reappeared with some new dragons. "See?" Hiccup pressed, "Everything is going according to plan." Dagur stayed back a bit while the others flew over, firing at hunters. All in a flash, arrows whizzed through the air, taking out the freed dragons once more. The chief growled and his trio flew down to help. A net was about to go over Fishlegs' and Meatlug's heads when Sleuther blasted it. Nonetheless, they could not prevent the chain that caught the Gronckle's leg. Speedily, Fishlegs too was captured. Hunters were about to prepare arrows for shooting down Snotlout when Dagur got them with his blades. Still not in the clear, a catapult launched past them and was nearing Barf and Belch.
Instinctively, Shattermaster moved to knock the Zippleback out of the way. The Gronckle let out a whimper as the boulder collided with him and the pair fell into the sea. Sleuther dove after them, but was forced to fly upwards to avoid the onslaught of ammunition. The icy water slapped the duo in the face. Dagur tried to get to Shattermaster to see if he were all right, but he appeared injured. Before the Berserker could do anything, a net was cast over the water and tangled the two. Another arrow hit Stormfly and she and Astrid landed on the deck. Hunters hauled the Gronckle and Berserker onto the ship as an unwelcomed sense of panic took control of Dagur. Visibly, one could not tell, but on the inside he was hyper ventillating. "No, I can't be a prisoner again." he thought, over and over like a forgetful viking would.
He and Shattermaster were brought onto the ship and he was aware that if he wanted the dragon and Berkians to stay alive, he would do best by not brandishing his blades. There were too many hunters and the Gronckle could not fly, properly. He would have to wait for the right time and that meant being into another jail. Sleuther was, evidently, distressed at seeing his friends in danger. So badly, he wanted to swoop down and bring them up, but the hunters' weapons were too abundant for that. He had to retreat with the Berkians and, regretfully, he left with them. Ryker walked out of a door, arms folded behind his back, "Did ya really think that I didn't know about Gronckles having Dragon Root immunity? What kind of hunters would we be?" he inquired, smugly. Seeing him, Dagur glared and the hunter noticed him, shortly. "Dagur?" he asked, doubtfully, "You came all this way just to get thrown in another cell?"
He stalked over to the viking and drew his sword, tapping the young man's neck with it. Dagur kept his gaze cool and did not even allow his hand to twitch in its yearning to choke the life out of Ryker. "You've made things very difficult for my hunters. Think that it's time I remind you who you're dealing with." He motioned to some hunters, "Take them to the pins, but put this one in a cell of his own. I don't want him cleaning like the rest. He'll get a different punishment." a grim smile crossed the viking's face. Hunters pressed blades against the riders' backs and forced them towards the cells. Dagur kept his breathing down, so as to not portray his nerves, but Fishlegs' audible panicking did not help matters. The Berserker wanted to tell his friend to shut the heck up-in less kind words. Squealing was not aiding them in any way. Fishlegs and Astrid were pushed into a cell and Dagur was put in one across from them.
While the Berserker had never thought of himself as claustrophobic, the cell walls did seem to be closing in on him. Blood dripped from the walls and the viking could not tell if it belonged to him or his comrades. "Are you guys bleeding?" he asked. They eyed him, "No." He felt that with every breath they took, the oxygen was being depleted from the area. Fishlegs was, also, taking in large gasps of air, trying to not pass out from fear. "Don't breathe so much." Dagur grumbled. The Berkians, barely, heard him and Astrid tried to calm down Fishlegs. "We just need to find a way to get the key." "No, darn." the Berserker mused, pacing, moderately. "Hiccup and the others will come up with a plan to get us out of this." Astrid told. Scornful would not even describe Dagur's laugh and expression, "There's no way that I'm waiting for Mr. They Won't See It Coming's next plan. I'm finding another way out. We're not staying here any longer than when the next hunter arrives alone."
Sleuther, Hiccup, Snotlout, and the twins were flying to a new island. Hiccup had recalled the Screaming Death and thought that they could use its scales as armor. They arrived and Sleuther was the first one to find the sought after skin. "Nice job, Sleuther." Hiccup commended. The group began to collect the items when a loud, crumbling noise commenced. Within less time than preferred, the Screaming Death appeared and bared its teeth. "Great idea, Hiccup!" Snotlout said, sarcastically, "Now, at least, we'll all die. I was beginning to feel left out!" The dragon charged at the group and Strykie stood in front of them. Sidestepping, the Triple Stryke stung the other dragon with his tranquilizer stinger. The vikings looked on, impressed, "Really nice job." Hiccup told him. Since they were not sure how long the toxins lasted, they, hastily, took the scales and flew off. Snotlout and the twins began sewing cross and lock stitches into the skin for them to utilize. Soon, they were ready to head off.
Back at the prison, Ryker entered with some of his hunters. Half of the vikings took the Berkians out of their cell. "You'll get to see the 'accommodations' that my dragons are receiving." Ryker informed them. The two glared as they were pushed down the hall. Moving his attention to Dagur's cell, Ryker unlocked the door and entered with four hunters. "Tie his hands behind his back." he instructed, returning his sword to the Berserker's throat to prevent movement. Dagur's arms were forced behind him and, tightly, he was restrained. "Just can't handle me without the harnesses, huh?" the viking taunted, trying to convince even himself that he had more bravado. "I don't like taking unnecessary risks." Ryker divulged, "Want to tell me where the Dragon Eye is?" The younger viking stayed silent. Ryker pulled something out from behind him and Dagur's heart skipped a beat. "No." he thought, miserably. A dart went into a vein on his left arm and a burning sensation, immediately, followed.
"That should be a large enough dose to make up for the missed ones." Ryker said, smiling cruelly. In a quick slice, he cut some of Dagur's throat, though not deep enough to induce death. Not yet wanting to be done, the hunter punched him in the face and sent a strong kick into the Berserker's stomach, sending him into the wall. "As should that. For now." Ryker stated, locking the door and leaving, "You better hope that the green Gronckle can spew lava all day long because if it doesn't, it'll be on the bottom of the sea." Dagur glowered after the viking, or, at least, where he thought that the viking was. More blood dripped from the walls and even poured around him. The Berserker tried to kick his legs to keep from drowning in the liquid. He heard Shattermaster roaring in pain and swam towards the cell door. "Shattermaster!" he yelled, pulling at the bars. After a little while, the viking saw the two riders and some hunters. Just before they were pushed into their cells, the hunters drew their axes and swung them towards the vikings' heads.
"Fishy! Astrid!" Dagur called, trying to warn them. The Berkians eyed him, curiously, as the hunters left. They had never been in that kind of danger. "What?" Astrid asked. The Berserker blinked a few times and noticed that he had not been pulling on any bars either as his hands were still tied together. Likewise, the cells had no blood in it and, certainly, not enough to flood the jail. The Berkians stared at him, examinely, "Are you all right, Dagur?" Fishlegs asked. His expression turned to one of concern, "You're bleeding and shaking." he noted. Trying his best to stop the tremors, Dagur forced a smile-which ended up resembling a grimace. "I'm fine." he lied, "What's happening to our dragons?" Astrid frowned, furious at their treatment, "They're being used to make the hunters weapons. Gronckle Iron and spear tips." she grunted, "When I get out of here and I'm going to show Ryker just how to use those Nadder spines."
Dagur tried to keep his mind as clear as possible and began fidgeting around to find one of his knives. The Berserker smirked, "The only good thing about me going to Alvin first is that the hunters don't know about my stowing habits. Didn't even search me." Too busy coming up with their own plans, the two Berkians did not notice Dagur as he cut the ropes around his wrists. Jingling caught the Berserker's attention and he saw a hunter patrolling back and forth. "I'm ready to tell you about the Dragon Eye." Dagur said, in a hoarse voice. The hunter walked over and crossed his arms, "Well?" The Berserker leaned closer to the bars, "As you can tell, my voice is a bit scratchy from swallowing salt water. I can come over here, but you have to get closer too." The hunter complied and stepped nearer to the cell. Yelping, the viking found himself being yanked into the bars with a blade pressing against the back of his neck.
"You might want to give me that key." Dagur told him, calmly. Quickly, the hunter handed over the item. "Thank you." the viking said, digging the knife into the other man's neck and pushing it through to the front, killing him. Dagur unlocked his cell and went over to free the Berkians. "The lock's over here." Fishlegs said, making Dagur realize that he was attempting to unlock a bar cell. Reddening, slightly, the Berserker moved to the lock and got the two out. "Now, you get your dragons and then we free the rest." he told them. The went to the reptile pins and got them loose. "Okay, Shattermaster, can you stand?" Dagur asked the Gronckle. The dragon limped, badly, almost matching his rider. It tore at the viking's heart, "I'm sorry, fella. Maybe the Nadder can fly us out of here." He helped the dragon walk and avoided any board that looked uneven, knowing that it could be a trap. They freed the other dragons and Shattermaster kept them quiet.
Going to the deck, Dagur slit the throat of a hunter who was standing guard. He motioned that the coast was clear and the riders flew upwards, firing blasts at the ship. The green Gronckle targeted the wenches while Dagur targeted the bow and arrows. Of course, it was simple to prevent anything from being shot when you killed the shooter. From the side, they could see Sleuther and the Berkians returning, fully equipped with Screaming Death scale armor. Automatically, the Triple Stryke lifted Shattermaster, relieving him from the pain of walking, and blasted the hunters. With more dragons attacking, the hunters were on the run. Dagur spotted Ryker amongst the chaos and leapt away from his dragons. He would not try to bring them closer to someone so dangerous, nor would he let that opportunity pass him by again.
The hunter was running for the lower compartments and Dagur threw a blade. The knife hit the viking in the back of his right knee, making him stop. He let out a yell and the Berserker caught up to him, happily. He punched the older viking in the stomach, causing him to reel over, and a blow to the head, nearly, knocked Ryker unconscious. Dagur drew another blade and tore into the hunter's shoulder with it. Pressing the blade to Ryker's temple, Dagur walked with him to grab some chains. Speedily, he chained the hunter's hands and feet together. They went back to the two dragons and Dagur tossed him onto the saddle. A large grin was plastered on the chief's face, "Guess what, Rykie?" The hunter eyed him, warily. "You're at my mercy now." Dagur informed him, beginning to laugh in the most disturbing way the Berkians had heard so far. They dared not say anything, yet, as they flew away from the ships. Concern, dread, and jubilation were the respective emotions that the various vikings felt on the flight. Ryker had made those three years of Dagur's life miserable, so it would only be suiting if he understood how that felt.