An Alliance

Far out at sea, a lonely stranger in black sailed on a simple boat. Her only item of jewellery was her dangling earring. Her only other precious treasure was a dragon pendant of her favourite dragon. She glanced longingly out at sea, searching for any sign of land. But saw nothing. She sighed and lay in the shadows of the large sails to rest. As she rested her palms behind her head, she felt her mind bouncing back to the three years she had been alone. Leaving her home out of guilt. Encountering hundreds of dragons like the Night fury she had killed of different breeds and with wings. Noticing so many of them were disappearing one by one. Learning Dragon Saviours were rescuing them from captivity and delivering them into exodus. Probably to her homeland. So far away that no one would dare sail to find it.

Before she could fall asleep, she jolted up to the sound of squawking seagulls. She looked up and saw one rotating around the top of her mast. Then it glided away in the sea winds. Leaning over the edge and absorbing the strong foams of sea salt through her nostrils, she saw a large island with powerful mountains dominating in size over a great forest. Finally, land. She pulled out an oar and started pushing it against the water to help her boat move forward. But as she came closer, she saw giant ships with triple masts and unfriendly insignias approaching the south of the island towards a port. A village was there. Steering towards the west of the island, she docked at a wide sandy beach and pulled her boat in a bit. She pulled her hood over her half-shaved head and strapped her swords to her belt. Entering the forest, she hiked up into the steep hills until she came to a lookout point. Exhausted and leaning against a tree, a village of wooden huts with dragon heads laid out like a model before her very eyes. She heard distant loud voices. Pulling out a telescope, she peered through and saw magnified sights of people patrolling the sloping pathways wearing horns on helmets, pulling carts, and faffing around with one another.

But a particular group appeared from the routes leading down to the docks, caught her attention,

She saw a strong-built chief with a lass of long blonde hair tied back in a braid. They walked with three not-so-nice men who wore dragon scales. She clenched her fist. These were dragon hunters. The same people that Hiccup and Toothless had been hunted by. She knew they weren't good news. She had to spy on them.

In the Great Hall carved into the thin tall mountain that towered the village, Stoick, his heir, his most loyal Vikings, and the chiefs sat around a large table with a fire burning in the centre. A golden statue of a dragon with a knife through its chest hung above them.

"So…you believe these thieves who stole our dragons are not Vikings?" questioned Stoick distrustfully.

"It's the only explanation. As a matter of fact, I have a spy who went there. And returned to me alive," Drago cackled. "The Dragon Saviours and their dragons live in a land called Kumandra. I sent my lead Dragon Flyer Krogan but my spy watched him being taken out by another kind of dragon. One who doesn't need wings to fly. Kumandra was already a land of dragons before the Dragon Saviours brought all our dragons there. He and his team are allowing dragons to thrive and increase in number. If we don't act soon,

"How far even is this land?" questioned Astrid.

"Over a week by a dragon. Definitely longer by boat. But we can make it there so easily Miss Astrid," said Viggo. "We have giant ships more advanced than your clans. We can bring along much weaponry and supplies,"

"So, you want us to join you in invading a place none of our people has dared ventured before?" Stoick scoffed.

"That is what we have come here to request," explained Drago. "And it is not just your tribe. I have sought an alliance with the Outcasts and the Berserkers as well,"

"I will not have my tribe be part of your pact if you wish to involve us with Outcasts, our most feared enemies as you know very well Drago," declared Stoick.

"If you join us, I can ensure that Alvin the Treacherous never bothers you again. As you know perfectly well Stoick, I have ways of getting people to see from my point of view," Drago was arrogant to the core and it made

Stoick want to punch his face where it hurt most, but instead, he fought back with words. "You honestly think dragons would dare come back to the Archipelago after all they have done to us? And what of Kumandra's people?" he added. "You think they'll take it lightly to see strangers invading their lands? This is suicide,"

"What's suicide is hiding on this island like a coward!" Ryker slammed his fist on the table.

The Berkians sitting beside Stoick protested. "How dare you speak like to our chief!" one shouted.

"If we don't act together to destroy our common enemy and his companions…they will come back and take everything from us!" shouted Ryker.

"Silence!" Drago hissed.

Ryker glared at his ally for his rant. Viggo glared harder at him and clenching his fist he backed down. Though older, he was only a second in command and therefore could not control his condescending brother more master.

Drago stared seriously at Stoick. "If you think I'm only asking for your aid so I can gain power, you're very wrong. Just as you were wrong all those years ago. I have made it my mission to liberate the people of this world from the cruelty of dragons. Think of what they did to your wife,"

Stoick exploded. "Don't you dare talk about my Valka,"

"And what about your son?" Viggo added in. "Hiccup," he coughed to disguise his laughter. "Was that his name?"

Astrid growled and stood her ground. "Don't you gentleman have any sorrow for Stoick? All the losses he's suffered?" she would not see Stoick be reminded of how he had lost his family to dragons. Valka by abduction. Hiccup by infidelity, which they didn't know about.

"What may I ask to happen happened to your son, if this shieldmaiden Astrid Hofferson is your heir?" Drago questioned.

Stoick struggled to answer. He felt the eyes of his supports freezing his hair. He couldn't tell them his son was a traitor. It was blow a terrible reputation to their clan. "He disappeared one day and we never found him. A real pity it was. He had excelled to be the best student other than Astrid in dragon-fighting,"

"Well then, we are sorry to hear your loss," Drago wasn't really sorry. He was just trying to sway them with his pretend words. "And there has been no sign of him?"

"None at all," It was true. After that tragic day, Stoick ordered his ships to search for the Night Fury and Hiccup but they were never found. Astrid shared a woeful glance with him.

"Perhaps dragons captured him," Ryker suggested. "Another reason you should join us. To avenge him,"

"I will not put my people up to this!"

"We wanna join in!" a Berkian roared beside him.

"Absolutely!" another cried out.

Soon all the Berkians joined in with the chanting of support. They didn't care about Hiccup if he was alive or dead. They wanted to kill all the dragons that were there.

"I think you should listen to your peoples' opinion," swayed Drago. "You know if you refuse to join us on this campaign, the other clans will view your people as traitors and that could wage war,"

His words didn't influence Stoick but Astrid's head fell a bit. Ryker noticed and glanced captivatingly at the girl. "Seems your heir thinks so,"

Stoick glimpsed at Astrid. "Chief…" she turned to him. "I don't see what much of a choice we have. I'd hate for our people to be at war because we refused to join this campaign. And maybe we should join them in taking out these creatures once and for all. The Dragon Saviours were the ones who attacked me and stole our dragons,"

"Yet they spared your life,"

"They may return to wipe us all out,"

"For three long years, we have been at peace,"

"That's just what they want you to believe," Ryker retorted. "When our lands were attacked, they sort at nothing but to destroy us once and for all. They wiped our men out, destroyed our villages…and they will do the same thing to your people if you don't join us. You're with us. Or against us,"

Hidden in the shadows, Namaari, the long-lost princess of Fang heard the aggressive words of the bigoted men full of hatred. They wanted to invade Kumandra. They wanted to undo everything Hiccup and Raya and their dragons had done. They wanted to kill every dragon they could get their hands on. She had to warn them. But would it be easy?

Stoick thought about everything for a second. He felt torn. He didn't want to lead his people on a suicide mission or have them be under Drago's control. But he didn't want to ruin their reputation either. And deep inside himself, he knew that his heart hungered for rage, vengeance against these monsters who had torn his life apart, taken away everything he loved from him. And if these Dragon Saviours had killed Drago, Viggo and Ryker's men to get what they wanted, then they had to pay the price. He stood and opened his hostile eyes at Drago Bludvist. "We will join your campaign," he ignored the madman's conceited smirk. "But I have conditions,"

Drago's smile dropped. "Speak,"

"You will not allow any of the Outcasts to come any near my people,"

"Agreed,"

"You will not use force on any of my men. I will be the one who gives orders,"

Drago didn't like this one but he knew he'd have to accept. "Very well,"

Astrid eyed her mentor very carefully. She hoped she hadn't put him in a difficult position. She was only trying to do what she thought was best for the tribe

Drago stood up slowly, keeping his cold staring eyes stuck in place at Stoick's. "Very well. It is done. We leave within a few days. Tell your men to gather all their weaponry and supplies. Kumandra will be attacked within two weeks,"

The Dragon Hunters cheered and their men joined in with the Berkians too. Stoick and Astrid were silent. Astrid sent an apologetic glance at Stoick but he patted her back, assuring her that he was proud of her careful thinking.

Namaari was shocked. She knew she had to do something. She had to go back to Kumandra. But would anyone forgive her for her crimes? Would anyone listen or trust her? Would Sisu? She clutched the dragon pendant in her hands tightly and scrunched her eyes. She had to believe. And she had to act now before anyone could harm any dragon or human. And Kumandra was her home. She would not abandon it. Pulling her hood further over her head, she stepped quietly out of the shadows, using the cheering of the men as a cover-up to escape unnoticed.

Astrid steered her head around as she observed the supporting Berkians. She sighed slowly. Being the heir of Berk was harder than she thought. Her eyes were aimed towards the closed door but they enlarged when she spotted a hooded straight with a weird golden earring about to step out. "Intruder!" she shouted.

Namaari gasped. She turned towards the source of the voice and saw the blonde lass's finger pointed right at her. Men came charging at her. She sprinted through the door and down the steep steps. The men pursued carrying weapons. Astrid, who had joined them was faster and more agile. She leapt a couple of steps away from the path and somersaulted into a role on the gravel before leading the chase.

Namaari dashed through the village. Somersaulting, flipping, jumping, and jogging through the streets and obstacles of benches, carts, and groups of kids. Astrid with an equal accuracy of agility remained hot on her trail. Hearing her stampeding feet closing in on her, Namaari undid her cape and it flew back into Astrid but she slid under and the cape landed against a Viking who slammed himself into a pole. Looking ahead Namaari saw a group of Vikings blocking her path. Quickly she dodged into a narrow alleyway and squeezed through quickly. Still, Astrid remained behind her. Once she came out into the open, she kicked a pole and some logs came rolling in front of the street way blocking Astrid's path. Astrid growled and she watched the girl through a gap disappear. But she had other ideas.

Namaari made it towards the forest that would lead to her beach but saw more men coming for her. Grabbing an apple from a cart, she threw it with great accuracy towards a stick holding another cart of boulders. It was knocked down and the cart went tumbling towards the men crashing into them. She flew through the forest, down the hills and found her boat still at the beach. But before she could reach it, Astrid somersaulted from behind some rocks and stood in front of her, blocking her from the boat. "Who are you?" she demanded.

Namaari wouldn't answer the question. "Get out of my way if you know what's good for you,"

"What's the matter? Afraid of a fight?!" Astrid goaded.

Her answer was a swipe of Namaari's leg kicking her axe in the air. It landed in the sand headfirst. Namaari tried to kick Astrid but she dodged and they fought. Namaari tried a swing kick but Astrid somersaulted her and before Namaari could react, she was pinned to the sand. They rolled over one another trying to push one of the other.

Namaari tried to reach her swords but Astrid pinned her arms and reaching over grabbed her axe and trapped her neck between the blades. "You're caught! You can't escape now!"

Namaari growled in defeat. She gave up. Two Viking soldiers appeared with manacles.

The men shoved their new prisoners in front of the chiefs on her knees. Astrid stood beside her, holding Namaari's swords and her axe.

"Who are you?" Stoick demanded. All he received as an answer were a pair of hard, narrowed eyes. "Answer me!"

Namaari wouldn't talk.

"No need to talk," Viggo said. "It's obvious that she's not from around the archipelago," he glanced intriguingly at her earring. His eyes dropped down to a dragon pendant hidden in her belt. "Ah ha. Let's see than pendant,"

The men restrained Namaari whilst Astrid pulled her second precious treasure from her belt and handed it to Drago who inspected it. "Mmm. This resembles a dragon. From Kumandra," The brothers shared venerable glints. He glanced cruelly down at their prisoner. "You're from Kumandra aren't you,"

Namaari fumed, cursing herself for not hiding it better. But she remained unafraid. "Whatever forces you cruel beings have; it will not be enough. Kumandra will defeat you and destroy all of you,"

"Not if we get some precious information out of that cocky head of yours," Ryker drew one of his wide, rusty green swords from his back sword-sheath and pointed it at her neck. "Tell us more about this place,"

"I'll die first," the self-exiled princess declared.

Ryker's eyes darkened warningly but she remained unafraid of his threats. He growled in anger.

"Relax brother. Getting info with violence just isn't your strongest skill," his brother comforted with a condescending tone much to his irritation.

"Luckily we caught you before you could warn the Dragon Saviours," Drago mocked. "She's coming along with us,"

"I will handle her. I caught her so she's my responsibility," Astrid voted quickly.

"We will let her," Stoick interjected just before Drago could.

Hiding a fuming face, he said, "Agreed. Prepare your men Stoick,"

"Know this Drago…" Stoick stepped closer so that his slits of fury were all that his long-time rival could see. "I am only doing this for my people. Not so you can have control as you wanted all those years ago. Once we destroy every dragon forever, you will never set foot on Berk again. Or it will be your last,"

Drago didn't say anything back but his menacing eyes failed to give Stoick the tingles.

Word spread through the village like crazy. Viking fathers marched into their houses packing everything they could find. The chiefs were escorted back to their ships to sail off to prepare their men.

Astrid shoved Namaari towards the Berk prison cell.

"You're making a big mistake thinking you can kill those dragons," Namaari seethed.

"They kill us. They raided our villages. Even the Dragon Saviours burned and killed many men,"

"They don't kill. They only helped dragons escape. You and your people shouldn't be working with these mongrels. They're just using you,"

But Astrid would not heed her word. "No. They're here to help us protect our people," She shoved her into a cell and banged it shut. She glared at her prisoner through the bars. "We'll get whatever we want out of you soon enough,"

Namaari said nothing back. She watched her captor storm away.

Astrid joined her parents, Stoick, and Gobber at the docks. They watched Drago and the Grimborn brothers board their ships. Then they sailed away.

"You think it was wise aligning with these men who have aligned with Alvin?" Gobber questioned Stoick indifferently.

"Drago gave his word he wouldn't let him consort with any of our men. And many Berkians wanted to ally with him and the Grimborns to face this common enemy of ours. I made him swear his oath. I'm doing this for our people,"

"Careful what you do Stoick," Gobber advised. "You're not the same men who became my best friend all those years ago. You're so consumed by vengeance that you're letting it cloud your judgement,"

Stoick was hurt by his comment; he didn't talk back. He watched Gobber slowly walk away.

"Don't let him get to you," Mr Hofferson tried to comfort. "He's still moaning on about your son…I meant that treacherous Hiccup. He just can't accept that the runt of this tribe betrayed us all,"

"Which reminds me chief…" Astrid spoke up. "….why did you not mention Hiccup's betrayal to the chiefs at all?"

Stoick sighed. "I didn't want to ruin our tribe's reputation. And…it hurts so much talking about it,"

Mrs Hofferson sighed. "My apologies chief. I know that it's been so hard for you. And I hope we can do something to help you feel better,"

"It's all right Ingrid," Stoick assured. "I just want to make peace with it. And I'm glad that your daughter will make the perfect chieftess,"

"That means a lot coming from you," said Astrid. "I really hope I'm living up to your expectations,"

"You already are," said Stoick proudly.

The day passed very quickly. Stoick packed his belongings and supplies inside his lonely hut. As he packed, he eyed a simple knife on the table. The same one Hiccup had picked on the day he was meant to kill the Monstrous Nightmare and be a Viking. Like him and the rest of the tribe. He had kept it. No one knew. He raised it. Staring into the dusty silvery reflection, he saw Hiccup's tearful face. Shocked, he stuffed it inside his basket and departed to bed. He closed his eyes, ignoring the shrill shouts of his son yelling at him echoing in his head.

What did you think of this chapter? Sorry for the delay. Been having a writing block. Also, it's been a bit depressing since the queen's death. May she rest in peace. She was a very wonderful queen who loved and was committed to her country. See you all in the next one.