Eret had been right of his intuition. Once they made it to the sea stacks, where the ship had anchored the night before, the ship turned east-south-east. Skullcrusher caught the faint but familiar scent of the ship and took off in that direction. The sky had turned to shadows and what was left of the moons gracious smile gave just enough light for Astrid to make out the faint wake left by the ship.
"The island ahead holds a fair amount of lower class dragons. We would tend to capture the weaker and less hostile dragons to bait out the larger and more ferocious ones." He knew the island well, as trappers had several islands of similar status to regroup on if they were desperate to fill quotas. He had been to this island, Razor Tooth, only a handful of times in his trapping career. But Eret knew the layout like the back of his hand. "The island is relatively small, ten miles from the North face to the south beach. Spars vegetation, meaning no trees or brush for cover. There is a small cove along the western bank, the more ideal place to anchor a ship, but one as large as this would have trouble. Most likely, the trappers would park the ship just off the mouth of the cove, as it is protected by a set of sharp, jutting stones. Then the crew could maneuver the row boats to shore."
"Well that doesn't leave us many options."
"Clever." Astrid thought aloud. "No large vegetation leaves no chances for stealth ground assaults, and you can see the sky above for any incoming threats. And a protected cove gives plenty of space and cover from other raiding ships. It's really a great strategy spot for a temporary stop or to hide from pursuers."
"Surprisingly enough, Astrid, it's not a very helpful observation." Astrid just rolled her eyes at Hiccup. He might be chief but he couldn't stop her from admiring a good strategy play when she saw one. Even if he was right. This just got a lot harder.
The stone outcropping was not ideal, as the stones were sharply angled and easily within eyesight of the ship deck and the shore line. Not as high as the sea stacks, nor as sturdy. The moon, though waning, still gave off too much light. Making anything that moved visible. And there was no fog or sea mist this night to offer any low flying protection.
They could circle around the island and land at the north end and make their way west. But with the scattered shrubs only reaching mid calves, they wouldn't go unnoticed as to try and steal their way over to the ship or even a row boat.
They could always approach the ship from under the water. However, the armour added weight and not only having to dive far enough away from the ship to not be spotted, attempting to surface silently would be a feat not accomplished gracefully.
The island was just on the horizon when they agreed on a plan. Astrid would send in Stormfly as a distraction and lure any patrol to the bow. Astrid would double on Skullcrusher as he is the bulkier dragon and less likely to draw the notice of two riders on his back. They would glide along the starboard side to the stern and dismount there. They could then take out the distracted crew and proceed with their search and rescue.
Astrid levelled beside Eret as he took hold of her arm to help her over and behind the high-backed saddle. She took her position, crouching to be less visible, and signalled Stormfly to take off. With a chipper squawk she was off towards the ship while the others levelled as close to the water as they could.
Astrid never really liked being out of reach of her dragon. But she watched silently as they followed the ships hull. Stormfly dodged all that was thrown at her while whipping her tail spikes at the assailants. Hiccup caught a glimpse of a fire on shore with at least one visible boat nearby. They would have to act fast before the fight attracted the attention of those at the camp.
The dragons had not even touched wood when Astrid sprung from her perch and was racing down the deck. Drawing their own blades the young men trailed after her. The fighting lasted only a few minutes before the patrol was down and out. Once Stormfly was calmed from the excitement she had been craving the trio waited and listened if anyone had been alerted to the scuffle. They heard a few cries of merriment from shore but it settled into a song and nothing more. No one was the wiser to the assault of the ship. Lifting the face plates of the helmets Eret told them what would await below.
"The hull of the ship holds extra food rations, repair supplies and ammunition, as well as the brig. It's often over crowded leaving plenty of hiding spots, be on your guard down there. Also keep your eyes to the floor. It became a standard to add trip wires, that when triggered pull a plug from the hull walls-"
"-To sink the ship, preventing the enemy from taking control, that way you'd have the upper hand. I mean, you'd lose everything on board but then they couldn't get to it either. That could actually come in handy. I've got to remember that."
Astrid gave Hiccup a light smack upside the head. "Focus." She turned her attention back to Eret while Hiccup rubbed the back of his head, scowling a little.
"Er, right. Anyway, just watch your footing down below. The crew's quarters and galley are in the middle of the ship. As it's where the crew spends most of their time and they are always armed, there shouldn't be any traps set there. And it's not likely a place to hold prisoners. The captains quarters should be along the stern there. Past the door is a short passageway. Watch you footing there too. Each ship is tailored to its captain but there are some standards should you need others to come to your aid. Poisoned barbs will shoot from the passage walls if you trip a rope. There is a locking mechanism on the door that will emit gas if not done properly. Once the door is open, there is no knowing if anything is set. That all depends on how paranoid the owner is."
Astrid was resting her axe on her shoulders like a yoke, listening intently and planning silent strategies. "The crew should be ashore," She added. "But I doubt these few would be here if there was nothing of value aboard."
"Astrid can search hull. Being the smaller and more nimble of the three of us, she should be able to slip through the storage." She rolled her eyes as Hiccup grinned down at her. His height was the one thing he had over her, and it was too much fun pointing it out whenever he could. She lowered her face plate and clicked her tongue. Stormfly perked up at her call, taking a perch on the bow when Astrid circled two fingers in the air. Before she could sprint off, Eret placed a hand on her shoulder. It still surprised him of her stature. His hand easily encompassed her whole shoulder. But she was still the last person he would pick a fight with.
"Be on your guard and keep your eyes to ground."
She gave a quick nod before heading below once he released her.
Hiccup checked his sword, making sure he had a full cartridge of zippleback gas in the hilt. He sheathed it as he called over toothless.
"I'll check the crew's quarters for any signs or clues as to why they might have taken a hostage. As well as keeping an eye out for her too." He added quickly. Shying a little when Eret looked at him sideways. Hiccup wasn't stupid. One of Berks brightest. But could easily get sidetracked from the task at hand. True if they knew why they took a hostage in the first place they could prevent future situations, but they had to find her first. "I'll meet you either in the captains quarters or by the main mast."
"Our dragons should probably remain on deck and keep watch. Having them try to maneuver below deck will just get us into trouble."
"Fair point. Sorry bud." Toothless nosed Hiccup's side. With a scratch on the chin and a pat on the back he watched his rider, waiting for orders. "Keep to the shadows. Let us know if anyone comes aboard." The nightfury gave a weak purr and blended in perfectly with the shadows. Hiccup lowered his face plate and headed in the same direction as Astrid to check the, hopefully empty, crews quarters.
Eret made eye contact with Skullcrusher as he headed to the door leading to the captain's quarters. The dragon merely blinked at him before turning away from him with an indifferent huff. Curling up and closing his eyes for a, in his mind, well deserved nap. His new rider hadn't earned his respect enough yet to tell him what to do. Eret threw his arms out wide and scrunched up his face a little.
"Stubborn ugly beast." He muttered, rolling his eyes and lowering his face plate. He reached the door and taking a deep breathe, entered the passage.