The deck of the ship was wide and sturdy. The three masts stood bare as the sails were awaiting orders. Lanterns were dowsed, but the smiling moon graced enough of her light, showing two armoured men on watch. At least, he could only see the two through the spy glass. He was high atop a sea stack a fair distance away.
He watched the two, or maybe it's three? He watched the faint glint of bracers and breastplates slowly weave through the aisles of massive cages. He had a good feeling what was occupying the space inside of them, but wasn't sure how many were filled and how many were empty.
He listened for any signs of life behind those iron bars. Any grunts or groans. Even a low growl or hiss from the passing patrol would help determine the next move. For a moment he thought he saw something move in the cage near the bow, but he couldn't be sure. There were a minimum of eight massive cages standing out of the sea mist. And who knew how many smaller ones hidden under the smokey blanket, or even below deck.
The patrol paraded the circuit two more times before he made his conclusion. These trappers were empty handed. But having been one himself, he had a fair guess at where they were headed. He set the glass in the saddle bag of the sleeping reptile, making sure it was settled to make the trip back to report. The deep green and red dragon cracked open its eyes at feeling the saddles disturbance. Bringing it's face near the saddle straps, itching and preening, before settling back down with a bored huff, ready for the night to be over and go back to the comforts of the village.
The stocky rider had just set his foot in the stirrup when the large beast shot up with an eerily low growl. Stepping off the saddle mid hoist, he took back the spy glass and snapped his attention back to the ship. Sure enough, there was movement on deck. More than before. Bringing the glass back to brown eyes he watched, as best he could through the fog, a slim figure dash across the deck while pursued by the patrol and a handful of others from below deck.
"Well that's, different." He watched a while longer, to see if he could find the reason for the chase.
The first figure had knocked over the patrolman who tried to block their path. Stealing the weapon that fell from impact the guard was down after one swing, helmet flying over the side railing. The weapon was dropped unceremoniously and they continued their path to the side of the ship. The figure, who he guessed was female from the dress and long braid, had just lifted a foot onto the rail when she was forced back by a rough tug of her hair. They all struggled, to keep her pinned and to escape their grip. She managed to take two more down, at least they were doubled over. Those hits making even the observer wince. Grunts and cries could be heard but none as clear as the captain, who had grown quite tired of the disturbance.
"Enough!" The captain roared as the hilt of his axe hit the back of her head. "Take her back below! She cannot be in moonlight. Lock her in my cabin if you must, as a simple cage can obviously not contain her." The first mate hoisted the now limp prisoner over his shoulder and headed back below deck. Those who could, stood rigidly as the captain sized them up.
"She is the key to our success. When I find out which one of you mangy cur could not keep her in place, they will be dragon bait. Am I understood?" The crew shook and nodded, and at his approval scurried out of the captains venomous glare.
"This is not what I expected." The rider went back to the saddle, pocketing the glass once more before mounting the large rumblehorn. He gave another quick glance at the ship as his mount took to the skies, but it did not go unnoticed.
The captain watched the creature take off from the tall structure. He stayed on deck until they disappeared from view, a sly grin creeping on his lips as he made his way to his quarters below. Things just got interesting.
"What could dragon trappers need with a hostage?" Astrid couldn't quite piece it together, and saying it out loud didn't offer any clues like she thought it might. She had volunteered to go with the boys when she heard the report. Raids had been a bit slow and she was feeling restless. She was saddling Stormfly and adjusting her new dragon armour while Hiccup gave Eret a once over.
The new dragon armour took time to make and Eret's was one of the last. Hiccup wanted to make sure nothing was missed and it fit well enough. Armour that wasn't tailored to its wearer was ultimately useless. And though dragons shed often, this type of armour took time to craft.
"They typically don't." Eret answered, tightening straps and adjusting a few plates. Getting a little annoyed at the young chiefs continual circling of him. "At least, no reasons that come to my mind anyway."
"Well what ever the reason, we can't just leave them on that ship." Hiccup was finally satisfied and handed Eret his helmet. He made a few small tugs at his own armour before checking the saddle and tail fin of his own dragon. Toothless was shuffling in excitement. Sensing the familiar smells from the new armour on the three riders meant this wasn't a normal raid, and he was itching to get going.
Valka came striding into the stables with a puffed up Snotlout hot on her heals. She had done a head count to make sure the hostage wasn't one of their own. As well as agreeing to stay on Berk and keep the others in line. This mission was better suited for a smaller raiding party.
"I've finished the head count and all of Berk is accounted for."
"Thanks mom. If all goes well we should be back before dawn." He checked the now setting sun. From Eret's report the ship should only be a few hours flight. They waited for the day to pass, as night would be better for a stealth approach and to hopefully get the captive out without a fight.
Astrid and Eret mounted their respective dragons once Hiccup was satisfied with the gear check and mounted Toothless. Valka handed him his helmet once she saw he was settled. She gave toothless a reassuring pat on the neck before handing Astrid her helmet.
"Are you sure you don't need a more experienced rider coming along with you? No offence Son of Eret, but a mission like this would require a more senior and skilled rider, like myself. Right Hiccup?"
Eret simply huffed in amusement as he fixed the cowl over his head, allowing the helmet to slip on easily.
"Eret knows these ships better than any of us Snotlout. If we want to rescue the prisoner without being found out, he's the best we've got." Eret straightened a little at Astrid's words. Glad that the skills he had could be put to better use here. He was grateful to Astrid, Valka and Hiccup for giving him a chance. He was even surprised when the local smithy welcomed him like an old friend and put him straight to work with much needed repairs to the village. They were a little out there but by far the most sane of the islanders and he felt indebted to them. He was unsure if he would have been as forgiving had roles been reversed.
"Eret knows all the hidden traps, the ships layout, what's below deck, and the best place to keep prisoners." Hiccup informed as he too adjusted his cowl. "Like Astrid said, he's our best bet. Besides you can stay here and help my mom keep the terrible two out of even more trouble. And you can work on fire-proofing your suit." Snotlout pouted and grumbled but gave a curt nod once Valka placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He stood straight and left the stables, crying out for Hookfang so he could start one of his tasks.
"Sorry to leave you with them."
"Oh they're nothing I can't handle. I've had the twins running fool errands for me all day. They should be worn down come dark."
Hiccup gave a knowing chuckle having seen Tuffnut earlier in the day being chased by a very angry rooster, while Ruffnut was tugging at a stubborn yak not far behind.
"See, Valka's got everything under control and the troublesome trio are occupied. Let's go before we lose our window!" With that Astrid gave Stormfly a small kick and she was off to the skies. Eret walked Skullcrusher up beside the nightfury, giving the chief a knowing but amused look. Hiccup countered with a weak chuckle and an awkward smile.
"She's been getting a little stir crazy."
"Really, I hadn't noticed."
"Lead the way Eret, Son of Eret."
With that the two boys set to the sky after the axe-maiden. They caught up and Eret took the lead. Hopefully the ship didn't veer too far off course.
