"In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away

Yet now I'm standing here
My heart's so full, I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say"

- "When You Believe" by Whitney Houston

Chapter 24

I lay on my back next to Bolt, absorbing the heat from the summer sun on a rare day off. I frowned when I shadow blocked my light. Upon sitting up, a Terrible Terror landed in my lap. And not just any Terrible Terror...

"Leopold?" I gasped. I took the note attached to his leg and rolled it out.

Brennda,

Meet me now.

Harald

I rolled my eyes at the blunt message. I had not seen him in two weeks, and now he was making demands? Leopold looked at me curiously.

"Yeah, I'll go," I said. "Lead the way."

I roused Bolt from his slumber, and the two of us took off after the Terrible Terror. Of course Leopold led us to Hobblegrunt Island. I kept my eyes on Harald as I landed. His face gave nothing away.

"Hey, what's with the cryptic message?" I said. "You could have just-" And then I saw the person with him.

Viggo Grimborn.

Enraged, I whipped out my sword and pointed it at him. "What are you doing here?" I snarled. What was Harald doing with the man who had caused Berk and the dragon riders so much trouble in the past? Viggo had tried to kill us several times and succeeded in hurting countless dragons in the process. He was ruthless, cruel, and a wicked smart opponent.

Viggo stared at me calmly, unfazed by my outburst. His gaze flickered to Harald. "I thought you said she's the reasonable one."

"Give me a minute," Harald said. He placed himself right in front of me, blocking my view of Viggo. "Brennda, relax. You are safe with me." He rested his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes earnestly. "I would never let any harm come to you. Do you believe that?"

Slowly, my anger subsided, allowing me to think clearly. Of course this was not a trap. I put my sword away, though I remained on guard. "Yes." I sucked in a sharp breath. "But just because you think he won't do anything doesn't mean you're right."

Harald dropped his hands and turned so I could see Viggo. He looked at him and then back at me. "Brennda, I trust him. He's my friend."

My mouth fell open in shock. "W-what? He - he's the friend you told me about? I don't believe this. No, wait." I looked between the two, taking note of their similarities. "It makes perfect sense, actually."

"Good," Harald said with an amused smirk. "Then you two should get along fine."

"Get along? Are you mad?!"

Harald sighed. "Will you please calm down? I am trying to do you a favor."

I scoffed at that. "If it's anything like your last 'favor,' I'm not interested."

"No, it's nothing like that. I simply thought you were interested in helping former villains redeem themselves."

Once again, he caught me completely off guard. "Former? Redeem? What are you talking about?"

"Perhaps you should ask him to explain." His eyes flickered to his companion. "She'll respond better if you tell her the truth."

I bit back my sarcastic response and turned to Viggo. "Okay, explain."

Viggo waited a moment before speaking - perhaps to see if I would make another outburst. "Harald is correct. I have had a... change of heart, as you may say. It appears Johann and Krogan have decided I am expendable. I was given false information regarding the location of a Dragon Eye lens, and they attempted to drop a mountain on me. I would have perished if a Monstrous Nightmare had not saved my life. It was then that everything you dragon riders did finally made sense to me. I spent my whole life hunting dragons, killing them. And now I've come to respect them as equals. Now I need the help of you and Hiccup. I won't spend the rest of my life waiting for Johann or Krogan to kill me. I must strike first."

I stared at him as I took everything in. If his story were true, it was amazing proof that people could change. Except... I couldn't trust him. Viggo excelled at manipulation and turning situations to his advantage. I did believe he had been betrayed, but who was to say he would not turn on us after getting his revenge? I looked back at Harald. "And what is your part in this? Why are you here?"

"I am here of my own accord," Harald said. "No one else knows. This is not about business. Viggo came to me in his time of need, and I could not turn away an old friend. Surely you can understand that?"

I did understand. I had no reason to doubt Harald's sincerity, but friendship couldn't be one-sided. I turned back to Viggo. "Why did you go to him? I understand you're friends, but I also know you took different paths a long time ago, and on at least one occasion, you have been on opposing sides. Why do you trust him?"

"You clearly trust him," Viggo said, "and are you not on opposing sides?"

"Yes, and do you know how much trouble that has gotten me into? No one else gets it, and those who accept it only do so because they trust me. And I do understand where they're coming from. Harald has betrayed us in the past, and there should be no reason why he wouldn't do so again. It's hard to know when he's telling the truth or which side he's on. Anyone who knows all this and still trusts him must have a very good reason. I know mine, and I'm asking you yours. You have been betrayed by Krogan, Johann, and even your own brother. Surely you know the risks."

Harald stood beside me, his hand brushing mine. "I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted by your analysis." He glanced at Viggo. "But I am curious as well." He grabbed my hand and entwined our fingers. This too showed his trust in his friend. He never showed affection for me in front of someone he thought might hurt me.

Viggo glanced at our hands and then looked back at me. "I suspect our reasons are not terrible different. Some bonds run deeper than reason alone can articulate. What you say about Harald is true, but it is not the whole truth. Reality is not so black and white. Navigating the gray areas is exceedingly difficult, but it does add a layer of depth to your understanding. For instance, many people choose give their trust and loyalty to their many friends but would still betray them in the right circumstances, Ryker included. Harald will not give either easily because it is better to be alone than to trust the wrong person. But when he does choose to trust someone, his loyalty and devotion know no bounds." His eyes fell on Bolt. "It is not unlike the way Skrills behave, if I am not mistaken."

Harald's grip on my hand tightened. When I looked up at him, he turned his face away to hide his eyes, but I knew they must be filled with emotion. It was then that I believed them. Still, there was one more thing left for me to do. "Bolt?" I said. "What do you think?"

Viggo offered the Skrill a small smile. "It's alright. I am your friend."

Bolt looked at me, and I nodded at him encouragingly. He cautiously approached Viggo. He stopped right before him and sniffed him. He gave Harald and me another quick look before gazing at our former enemy.

"Do not be afraid," Viggo said gently. "I swear I will never harm another dragon." He lifted his hand and slowly brought it down on Bolt's head. The Skrill let out a grunt of approval.

I nodded. "Alright. I'm convinced. What do you want me to do?"

"Speak to Hiccup, please. I have a plan to retrieve the Dragon Eye and lenses from Johann and Krogan, but I need the help of him and his Night Fury. Bring them here so we can talk."

Yeah, that was going to be easy. "You really think he'll listen to me?"

"He will," Harald said. "You can be quite... convincing when you believe in something."

I looked at him in surprise. "You really think so?"

He gave me a wry smile. "Yes. You better get going." He dropped my hand, and I went to Bolt's side. "And... thank you, Brennda."

I smiled at him as I mounted my dragon. "Anything for you, Harald." Something flashed in his eyes, but I was gone before I could figure out what it was. Now I had to decide what I would tell Hiccup.

The flight back to Dragon's Edge was much too short for my liking. I still had not come up with much by the time I arrived at Hiccup's hut and was escorted inside.

"Are you doing alright, Brennda?" Hiccup said in concern as he looked me over. "It seems like you've got something on your mind."

"Yes, well..." I took a deep breath. "Do you remember when you said you would trust me about Harald from now on?"

Hiccup frowned. "Is that where you were? Did you see Harald?"

I nodded. "And he wasn't alone. Before I tell you more, you have to promise not to freak out."

Hiccup gave me a wary look. "I don't like where this was going."

"Just promise, Hiccup! I'll explain everything."

Hiccup sighed. "Fine. I promise. Who was he with?"

"Viggo."

Hiccup's eyes grew wide. "Viggo?!"

"Don't freak out! Let me tell you what happened."

"This better be good..."

I launched into the story, sparing no details. By the end of it, Hiccup watched me with his arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.

"You really believe Viggo has changed?" Hiccup said, skepticism evident in his voice.

"I do," I said. "And it's not just because he seems sincere. Harald doesn't trust many people, Hiccup. Not truly. I think the only people he really cares about are me... and Viggo. If he trusts Viggo, then I do as well."

"Because you trust Harald."

I nodded. "In this, yes. Do you trust me?"

Hiccup groaned and started pacing along the length of the hut. "You know this is crazy, right? Do you understand what you're asking me to do?"

"I know it's a risk, but I think it's the right move. I wouldn't ask you to do this if I wasn't reasonably certain it would end well. Do you trust my judgment or not?"

Hiccup stopped and gave me a long, hard stare. "I must be out of my mind," he muttered. "Alright, I will speak to them. Lead me to them."

I smiled at him in gratitude. So, far, so good. We mounted our dragon and took off for Hobblegrunt Island. Neither of us spoke along the way. There was nothing more that needed to be said.

We found Harald and Viggo just as I had left them. Upon landing, I went to Harald's side. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him. Then he gave Hiccup a look that dared him to object.

"Hiccup, a pleasure to see you," Viggo said.

Hiccup held up a hand. "I'll get to you in a minute. First..." He approached Harald and looked straight into his eyes. "Harald, I need to apologize for what happened the last time we saw each other. Johann had me freaked, and I overreacted. I should not have threatened you like that. I am sorry."

"While your aims were reasonable, your strategy was a mess," Harald said. "I expected better of you."

I rolled my eyes. "He means 'apology accepted.'"

"That is not what I said."

"Do you want his help or not?"

Hiccup gave us an odd look. "See? This, right here. Whatever is going on between you two..." He motioned between us. "I don't understand it. At all."

"Oh, it's rather simple," Viggo said.

I gaped at him. "Simple? This I've got to hear." I started for him, but Harald grabbed my hand and pulled me back into his chest.

"Some other time, love," he said close to my ear as he wrapped his arms around me. "We have other matters to discuss."

"Right," Hiccup said, turning to Viggo. "You want my help, but why should I give it?"

"I apologize for my behavior in the past," Viggo said. "Ever since I was forced to work under Krogan and Johann, I have had the chance to reevaluate my life."

"Or perhaps you didn't like not being in control."

"I admit I thought that at first, but then I realized my frustrations ran deeper. You see, Krogan does not have the same eye for strategy as you and I. He prefers to remove all obstacles with indiscriminate violence, even if those in the way are his own. While I was never beyond sacrificing my men for a greater cause, Krogan views them merely as pawns to be tossed away when he sees fit. This is intolerable. I have come to see the value of life - both dragon and Viking lives. Krogan is a menace and needs to be stopped."

"That I agree with," Hiccup said reluctantly. "What exactly is your plan?"

"The two of us infiltrate Johann's base and steal the Dragon Eye and lenses, making Johann worthless to Krogan. And they will destroy each other."

"You mean the four of us," I said. Everyone looked at me. I focused on Hiccup. "If you want to prevent betrayal, Harald and I should be there with you."

Hiccup looked back at Viggo. "The four of us will infiltrate Johann's base."

"Then you agree to lend your help," Viggo said.

Hiccup glanced at me again, catching my eye. I saw he still had his doubts, but he trusted me. "I agree."

We met Viggo and Harald on Hobblegrunt Island early the next morning. Hiccup simply told the others we were going on a secret mission, although he did instruct the twins to follow us for backup. Viggo first wanted to stop by a mountaintop to pick something up, so we flew there, Viggo riding with Hiccup and Harald riding with me.

"Viggo, what are we doing here?" Hiccup said warily as we approached the mountain.

"In ancient times, the Singetail was one of the most feared dragons," Viggo said. "However, there was one dragon whose powerful blasts could neutralize the Singetail's fire. Meet our accomplice, Hiccup, the Singetail's only predator... the Skrill."

At his words a purple dragon swooped down in front of us and screeched.

"Are you insane?!" Hiccup exclaimed. "Do you have any idea how territorial the Skrill is? He'll probably fight for dominance with Bolt. Speaking of which, why can't we just use Brennda's dragon?"

"Because we need a distraction, and Bolt will not leave Brennda's side," Viggo explained. He looked over at me. "I could use your assistance."

I wondered at his intentions, but then I saw what he saw. I steered Bolt closer to the other Skrill and had him fly in a circle around it.

"Are you sure we won't get zapped?" Harald said. "If they fight for dominance-"

"It's true male Skrills don't get along," I said, "but this one is a female."

"Ah! Let's hope your dragon is good with the ladies."

Bolt hovered in front of the Skrill and raised the ruff along his head. He let out a soft noise and then flew to the ground. The female followed. He stood several feet away, watching us curiously.

"It's alright, girl," I said gently. "We just need your help." I looked over my shoulder to see Toothless had landed behind us. "Viggo, if you're going to do something, do it now."

Viggo dismounted Toothless and started forward. He held a dagger in his hand and slowly wack and forth. The wild Skrill followed the movement with her eyes. "That's right. That's right." He spoke softly to the dragon. Then he addressed us in a louder voice, "Berserkers used metal daggers to lure Skrills into traps. The dragon is drawn to this due to its electrical properties." He stood in front of the Skrill now, who was totally focused on the dagger. When he lowered it, she looked into his eyes instead. "That's right. We are not enemies." He lifted his other hand and then brought it down on her snout like he had with Bolt the night before. The Skrill grunted in contentment.

"Wow, that was amazing," I said.

Viggo returned to Toothless, ignoring Hiccup's stunned look. "Let us be off. She will follow."

Bolt let out an encouraging roar and then took off. The three dragons flew to Johann's base. We landed and hid in the bushes to watch the dragon hunters. Viggo threw his dagger in front of a group of hunters, and the Skrill darted forward and began attacking. We used this as a distraction to sneak into the caves that served as the base.

"Okay, here's the plan," Hiccup said once we were deep into the cave, turning around to speak to us.

Viggo pulled out his sword. "I want to thank you, Hiccup, for getting us this far." He shared a look with Harald.

Hiccup frowned. "What?"

In a split second, Harald had me in a headlock, his sword raised to my throat. Next to me, Viggo had Hiccup in the same position. My heartbeat sped up. Toothless and Bolt growled at the men.

"One move, and your master dies," Viggo said darkly.

"Same goes for you," Harald said in a cold voice.

"You won't do it," I said because I saw Krogan and Johann approaching.

"Try me. I won't hesitate to do what's necessary."

"No! I don't believe you."

"That is your problem, little girl," Johann said with a wicked grin. "You're much too trusting. I bet you wish you took my advice now." He barked out a laugh.

I glared at him. That showed how much he knew. I wished I could be there to see his face when he found out the truth.

"Grimborn?" Krogan said almost boredly. "I thought you were dead."

"I must apologize, Viggo, for what happened in those caves," said Johann. "Some of my flyers became overzealous."

"Were our roles reversed, I would've done the same," Viggo said. "To prove that there are no hard feelings, I've brought you a gift." He pulled Hiccup along with him over to Johann and Krogan.

"What are you doing?" Hiccup gasped.

"I told you. You're too pure, Hiccup, too innocent. One day, it would get you killed."

"And the girl?" Krogan said, flicking his eyes to me.

Viggo glanced at Harald. "I ran into an old friend who said he could convince her to lure Hiccup out to us."

"And I was right," Harald said.

Johann eyed him. "I suppose you want me to let her go."

"That is up to you. It matters not to me what happens to her."

Johann nodded his approval. Hiccup and I were led through the tunnels and brought to a large cage. We were thrown inside, and our dragons reluctantly followed.

Hiccup glared at Viggo. "I knew you'd betray me, Viggo. You didn't change. After all of your flowery talk, you are nothing more than a common criminal!" He rounded on me. "And you need to stop trusting Harald!"

"It's nothing personal, Hiccup," Harald said, his face emotionless. "It's just business."

"And I do enjoy a good business deal," Johann said. "Tell me, Viggo, how did you two manage to capture Hiccup and the Night Fury, when so many other, including me, have failed?"

"It was my greatest gambit," Viggo said. "Simple but effective. I convinced him that I wanted to betray you and I needed his help."

Johann smirked. "Impressive."

"And what about the Skrill?" said Krogan.

"A necessary evil to get him to trust me," Viggo said. "I do hope none of your flyers were injured in the battle."

Krogan approached the cage with his sword raised. "Let's just get this over with and kill them."

Viggo moved in front of him, blocking him. "Need I remind you that lenses are our number-one priority? We only need one more. Hiccup here can bring it to us."

"This conversation would be better served in private," Johann said with a warning in his voice. He led the others down the tunnel.

"Harald, don't do this!" I called after him. But he did not stop to even spare me a glance. I leaned against the wall and sighed.

"Good work," Hiccup said to me once they were out of earshot.

I gave him a small smile. "You too." It was not too hard to play the part. If I did not know any better, I might have believed Harald. That worried me. What if he tried this the next time he wanted to push me away and I believed him? What if he had done so in the past?

"There is one thing I don't get. If Harald isn't working with Johann and Krogan, why would they think he's willing to betray us?"

"You heard what Johann said the other day. Harald probably convinced him he's using me to make it look like he's leaving his options open. It wouldn't benefit him to make him his enemy."

"You're sure he's on our side?"

I met his steady gaze, noting the concern in his eyes. I thought carefully about how to word my response. "For this mission and this mission alone, I am certain he is on our side. I am also certain he would never willingly side with Krogan. He shares Viggo's distaste for his violent methods." I paused. "But the thing is, Hiccup, it might not matter. Stormheart might not have such reservations, and Harald would have to follow her. I'm pretty sure that hasn't happened yet, but..."

Hiccup nodded. "We'll have to be careful."

Silence fell between us. It was broken by the sound of a huge explosion. We immediately got to our feet.

"That's our cue," Hiccup said. He pulled out the key Viggo gave him earlier and unlocked the cage. "I really hope this works."

We raced through the tunnels, following the route Viggo outlined for us. We slowed down when we got to a room that matched the proper description. Hiccup and Toothless ventured inside while Bolt and I stood guard at the entrance.

I spun around when I heard Hiccup's cry of frustration. "Is something wrong?" I called.

"They're not here!" Hiccup exclaimed. "They knew we were coming. Viggo tipped Johann off! How could I have been so stupid?"

I frowned. "That doesn't make any sense."

"Apparently, Johann wasn't as easy to fool as I thought," Viggo said as he staggered into the room. The wild Skrill entered behind him.

Hiccup glared at him. "You double-crossing-"

Viggo continued toward him, and I gasped when I saw four arrows sticking out of his back. "Hiccup, he didn't betray us," I said. I offered him my shoulder and helped him walk over to Hiccup. Viggo leaned against the table and then collapsed on it.

"Viggo!" Hiccup cried upon seeing the arrows.

Viggo groaned. "Oh, this is it for me, the end of the game."

Hiccup's expression softened. "Viggo..."

I shook my head stubbornly. "No. That's not an option." Tears pricked my eyes. I had spent the past several years hating this man, but now I wanted nothing more than to save his life. There had to be a way.

"My dear, there are no other options," Viggo said before coughing violently.

My attention was diverted when Harald arrived at the entrance of the room. Thankfully, he appeared unharmed. "The hunters are coming," he said as he strode towards us. "I tricked them into going the wrong way, but they'll figure it out soon enough." He froze when he saw Viggo. "What happened?" His eyes showed an emotion I rarely saw from him: fear.

Viggo struggled to lift his head and gave his friend a weak smile. "I was cornered when I saved the Skrill they captured. It's ironic, isn't it? When we met, you were being hunted for saving the life of your little dragon friend."

Harald dipped his head. "Aye. That settles it. You saved my life back then, and now I will save yours." He lifted his head, and the fear in his eyes was replaced with determination. "Brennda, get ready."

I really wanted to know what they were talking about, but that could wait. I raced to Bolt' side and opened his saddle bag.

"Ready for what?" Hiccup said. "What's going on?" He glanced down the tunnel to see the hunters approaching.

"All of you should go," Viggo said. "I'll hold them off until you're out."

"I thought you might decide to go out in a blaze of glory," Harald said, "so we came up with our own plan." He caught the jacket I tossed at him. "I'm sorry, Viggo, but you won't be playing the hero today."

"I suppose you want that role."

Harald slipped on the coat, which came complete with a hood and gloves. I did the same with my own. "No, that honor goes to these beautiful lightning makers." He motioned to the Skrills.

Hiccup stared at his jacket. "Is that-?"

"Rubber," Viggo said.

I grinned. "Obtained form Johann. How about that irony?" I approached the wild Skrill. "Will you help us once more?" Bolt nudge her with his nose, and she roared in agreement.

"Hiccup, you need to get Viggo out of here," Harald said. "Take him to my ship on Hobblegrunt Island. He needs first aid."

Hiccup hesitated. "But-"

"Do not worry about us. No one is dying today."

Harald and I withdrew our swords and advanced to the opening in the cave. Bolt and the wild Skrill stood on either sides of us, their bodies riddled with electricity.

I looked back at Hiccup and Viggo. "Go now! We'll be right behind you!" I looked forward again once I saw Hiccup helping Viggo onto Toothless.

"This is going to be fun," Harald said with a grin.

"They should know not to mess with us!"

The dragon hunters were within firing range now. Before they could shoot their arrows, the Skrills sent blasts of lightning hurtling towards them, filling the tunnel with light. Harald and I charged. The dragons shot anyone in our way, and we bowled through the rest with our swords. The rubber jackets protected us from the lightning, allowing the Skrills to use their full force.

Once it became clear there would be no further resistance, Harald and I climbed onto Bolt and flew out of there with the wild Skrill on our tail. Mission accomplished.

A/N: That was a bit longer than I expected, but it was fun. What do you think? Will Viggo survive?