"You asked to see me captain"?
"Yes I did. Please have a seat".
Farran obeyed and took a seat opposite the captain. Nothing but a wooden desk between the two. It had been a few hours since the attack on the auction and the hunters had been unable to recover the dragons they had already captured, save for the speed stinger. And being the only hunter still kicking by the time reinforcements had arrived, the duty fell to him to report the details of the attack to the highest ranking member in the area, which happened to be the captain of the Swift Arrow. The ship he had arrived on. Now he was here in the captains quarters ready to give what he knew.
The captain seemed to be dressed in a similar fashion to the rest of the crew on-board the Swift Arrow, only that he sported a red vest instead of the standard green. He seemed just as large too. The only difference being that when it came to maintaining or defending the ship, the responsibility of the outcome was his burden, regardless of the actions the foot soldiers took. The price of the chain of command.
"How are your legs"? Asked the captain.
"Better than they were back on the island sir".
"Good to hear. Well, you know why you're here. Lets get started".
"Of course. Everything went off as expected at first. We were about to sell the first catch of the day. I took watch looking over everything east of the island, which was how I was able to spot the dragon riders before they engaged us. At first I assumed that they were wild dragons until I noticed that they were flying in our direction. I informed another hunter and told him to warn the officer of the auction. It wasn't long after that we began taking defensive positions".
"So regardless of being right, you decided that it was best to alert the officer because as you quoted earlier 'better to be safe than sorry'. Is that correct"?
"I believe that it was a necessary precaution, regardless either way".
"Indeed. You also mentioned while we dragged you back to the Swift Arrow that you spoke with the leader of the dragon riders"?
"Yes sir. That's right".
"Good. Then you won't mind telling me how it went".
"By the time I first saw the riders, a gronckle had me pinned to the ground while a night fury stood watch over me"-
"And you can safely confirm that it was indeed a night fury"?
"... Yes sir. It couldn't have been any other dragon".
The first time the dragon hunters had shown themselves, every hunter became aware of their existence. Surprisingly however, the more in depth details had not reached everyone's ears. Maybe the higher ups had decided that what their soldiers didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Until it was too late that was. A night fury is not something to take lightly. Any fool that does would find themselves melted faster than they could sneeze.
The captain sighed. "If only they would tell us these things before hand... Getting back to the matter at hand, what happened next"?
"The leader approached me and began trying to extract information from me. They were unclear with my affiliation with the hunters and mistook me for a buyer. All I managed to do was threaten them until they released the dragons".
"And this is where the speed stinger attacked"?
"That's right".
"And at this point one of our archers was in position ready to fire when the rest of the crew to close enough to pull off a counter attack. The one that saved you from becoming dragon food".
Farran nodded in understanding, but didn't comment on the detail.
"He claimed that the leader, who's name is Hiccup by the way". Hiccup? Unusual name. "Tried to save you by intervening and attempting to train the speed stinger. Do you know why this is"?
Farran didn't hesitate. "Hard to get information out of a dead prisoner. Had it been in another circumstance, things may have played out differently".
The captain nodded and scribbled down Farrans reply on the parchment in front of him.
"One last thing then, before you can go. You were the last member of your party still capable of fighting by the time the dragon riders had finished attacking the auction. Can you explain how you did this"?
"Yes sir. As the battle began to take a toll on our forces, I realised that our tactics were failing. Logic called for a new strategy. The only plan that I could come up with in time was to play dead and wait for them to come to me".
"An action that some would call cowardly".
"Respectfully sir, going up against three dragons, one of which being a night fury, that can tear you apart in seconds could be... mentally challenging. Especially when I was supplied arrows without dragon root. I followed protocol and attacked".
"Indeed. Do you believe that it was luck that allowed you to survive then"?
"I believe that given the odds, the only options I had was to stall and hope that reinforcements were on route to my position or stay silent and be considered invaluable to the riders where I would have been killed".
"Even though every other hunter was unconscious? That seems unlikely that they would single you out for that".
"The speed stinger didn't hesitate, regardless of what their methods were".
"Ah, that reminds me. Upon hearing that the speed stinger was to be eliminated at once, you put in a request for it to remain caged and readied for the next auction. In your interview to join us you said that you hated dragons on a certain emotional level. So why spare one that nearly killed you"?
"It's because of that hate that made me spare it sir. It dies, its suffering ends. I say let it continue to suffer until its body and mind are broken".
"... Very well then. I'll make arrangements for the stinger to be transferred to the Broken Wings auction in a few days time".
"Thank you sir".
"Well with that I believe that we're done here. You're free to go now".
"Yes sir".
With the short session over, Farran got up and walked out through the door of the captains quarters. At this point, night had fallen and the moon was high in the sky. The Swift Arrow was to begin its journey back to one of Viggos main shipyards in the morning where it had planned to be refitted with up to date weaponry. It seemed now that the dragon proof metal that was normally reserved for the cages was being produced on a slightly higher scale than before.
On the bright side it would make dragon hunting much more efficient.
For Farran, it mattered little to him at the moment. Tiredness began to overtake him, and he needed to be up bright and early to remove what mounted weapons he could before they reached the shipyard, otherwise he'd be listed for mopping the floors on the next voyage.
Sleep sounded like a great idea right about now.
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Heather waited patiently on top of the sea stack with her dragon. The bitter cold was not as much of an issue to them, nor was the sound of rough waves smacking against the stone. The only thing that mattered was that their contact was running a little later than expected.
Chances were that they needed to pull off something convincing in order to get them out here to begin with. The pair would think of something. They always did.
As for herself, she managed to convince the hunter captain that she needed to scout out the area in case Hiccup or any of his dragon riders had decided to strike again. After tonight, she doubted that they would give it another go.
The Swift Arrow was on full alert, and even now at least a quarter of the hunters continued to maintain their positions, ready for round two. If she hadn't been around to defend the ship then it would have been highly likely that it would have been at the bottom of the ocean by now.
Not to mention that after she and Windshear had safely escorted the ship back to BloodWing harbor, Ryker would put her down for another assignment and the Swift Arrow would be fitted with gear more dangerous than what it carried now.
A squawk from nearby could be heard. And shortly after the flapping of wings. A smile latched onto her face. They had made it.
From the darkness appeared a blue nadder flying towards the sea stack. On top riding it was a blonde haired girl. The nadder landed right next to Heather and Windshear on its feet and lowered itself slightly to allow the rider on top off. Heather did the same leaving the two dragons free to bond with each other, either by producing chirping sounds or by playing around chasing each other over the short amount of land they had to do so.
"Astrid, thank goodness. For a second I thought you weren't coming". Heather spoke before hugging the blonde Viking Astrid.
"Well, you know Hiccup. If it wasn't for him insisting that I'd be better with a wingman I never would have gotten out here".
"Oh really"? Heather smirked with her hands on her hips. "How'd you manage to get out of that one"?
"I just took off the moment he went to the stables to get Toothless. It's not the first time I've done it and it certainly won't be the last. He'll be fine".
"Well lets hope so".
"Anyway, getting down to business. Hiccup said that the rescue didn't go entirely as planned but didn't exactly go over the details".
"The rescue went fine, but... one dragon had to be left behind. A speed stinger. There were too many hunters. Now we're being called back to BloodWing harbor and Ryker wants me to go with him to the Northern Markets to retrieve heavy weather gear".
"Heavy weather gear"? Astrid asked in confusion. "Why would hunters need heavy weather gear in the middle of summer"?
The two continued to talk. Discussing the next step to take in the fight against the dragon hunters. By the time they were finished the pair climbed back onto their dragons and departed, but not before planning out their next meeting. The next few days would require them meeting up soon in the future if they were able to succeed in sabotaging the enemy's expedition.
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Morning at last.
Farran pushed himself off of the bed and yawned. He could hear orders being given outside of the ship. As well as the sound of... construction? Surely they hadn't arrived already?
Curious, the hunter left the room and made his way up onto the top deck. It seemed that his suspicions were correct. They had already reached the harbor. Had he overslept? There were already teams working on installing new weapons and winches to the ship already. A small pressing matter. Why he hadn't been informed of this he didn't know. But he was tempted to find out and began searching for the captain.
He wasn't anywhere on the ship. Not even in his quarters. And trying to search for him among the Multi ship holding harbor would take too long. Not to mention that it would count towards abandoning his post on board the ship. All he could do was wait and ask.
An hour went by quickly enough before the captain finally showed up, walking back to his ship with more hunters in tow and a surprising face. Ryker. Viggos right hand. Something big must be up if he's here.
The last thing he should try doing is ask questions in the middle of two superior hunters talking. All he could do was wait until they were finished. But who knows how long that would take. Maybe he could help install some of the weapons while he waited. He was interested in seeing what improvements had been made.
"Need some help"? He asked a nearby construction crew who were busy attaching a winch to the hull of the ship.
"We have it under control". Replied one hunter, not even bothering to face him.
"Yeah, go help someone else". Spoke a second.
Farran merely nodded and went along his way, not paying any mind to their attitude. Today was just going to end up being one of those days. Maybe he could convince the captain to let him wander around the harbor for a few hours. If there was nothing that he could do on the ship he might as well take a look around. By then however, they may be prepared to set off once more to hunt down more dragons.
"Farran! Get over here"! Came the captains voice.
Farran noticed that the captain had stepped back up onto the deck once more on his own. Farran wasted no time heading over.
"Yes sir? What can I do for you"?
"First things first Farran, I'd like to let you know that you're being supplied dragon root arrows for all foreseeable future assignments. Guess you've passed rookie status on-board this ship".
Farran nodded but showed no proper reaction. "Understood. Thank you sir".
"Secondly, you're being transferred over to Ryker for the next mission".
"Transferred"? Asked Farran with confusion. Transfers were rather rare. Any reason a transfer did occur was usually to fill the spots of 'replaced' hunters. "That seems... rather extreme considering my experience and short time here".
The captain shrugged. "Not my choice son. The boss needs more hunters for some sort of expedition. Thinks you'll be helpful enough after the auction incident".
The younger hunter blinked. Unusual. But then again he had heard that Ryker was known for making bold moves and taking risks.
"Very well. And after the expedition"?
"Well hopefully you'll be placed back under my command on-board the Swift Arrow. Heck, who knows? Maybe you'll hunt down your first dragon on this expedition".
That sounded promising at least. Catching or killing his first dragon would bring some satisfaction.
"That sounds like a good reason as any sir".
"Glad to hear. Anything you'd like to add before I hand you over"?
"Yes sir. I noticed that I wasn't woken up this morning to help out with constructing the ships improvements like the rest of the men. Is there a reason for that"?
The captain let loose a short laugh.
"You're complaining about not working after what you went through yesterday? Aren't you stubborn"?
"Just curious sir".
"Well I figured you earned it. What with buying time for the rest of the hunters to shoo away those riders. Don't go bragging about that by the way".
"I wasn't planning to sir".
"Good. Now then, dismissed".
Farran nodded and made himself scarce from the captains sight. He made his way down the ramp, ready to report to his new boss. Though it seemed that Ryker was already waiting for him with a scowl on his face.
The man did not look like someone who was to be messed with.
"Well its about time"! He snapped. "Farran I take it"?
"Yes sir".
"Good. Let's go".
Ryker turned and headed back the way he came. Farran followed suite, getting a good look at the two swords held in place on his back. Both looked to be made of the same material of the dragon cages, as well as being rather jagged along the edges. Being hit with one of those would do a lot more than merely hurt.
"You've been told what you're getting into I hope"? Ryker demanded.
"Only that I was to be transferred over to you sir for an expedition of some sort sir. Nothing more".
"We're heading to the Northern Markets to get some gear first, but yes. We'll be heading to Glacier island once we have what we need. You know anything about Glacier island"?
"No sir".
"Well it's cold for a start so I hope you're capable of working outside your comfort zone! It's also home to snow wraith dragons. You do know what those are at least don't you"?
"Yes sir. A dangerous ambush dragon capable of living in extremely cold conditions".
"Correct".
Farran kept silent. At least it was now clear what the mission objective was. There was more that he wanted to ask, but decided to bite his tongue for the time being. Besides, they were nearing their objective. Another ship. This one larger than the Swift Arrow but with a similar design. The language painted on the side of the ship read 'Dragons Peril'.
"Alright. Get yourself aboard. And don't bother introducing yourself to the captain cause you're already looking at him. I expect you to have yourself battle ready by the time I return".
Farran nodded. "Yes sir".
"Alright then. Now get going before I throw you up there".
Farran made his way towards the ship and headed up the main ramp that led to the top deck. There were so many hunters on-board. And unlike the ones on board the Swift Arrow, these ones looked more prepared for war. Each Hunter had some sort of weapon equipped along with spiked helmets and armour.
Of course there was more. The young hunter recognised a certain black haired character alongside a silver dragon on the other side of the ship.
"Great. Of course they have to come along". He muttered bitterly before seeking out the quartermaster.
It didn't take long for him to be fitted and ready for battle. He already had his crossbow in hand from the night before so all that needed sorting was the armour.
Metal shoulder pads were strapped to him as well as shin guards. Standard issue equipment for hunters ready for deployment against any and all enemy forces. Farran was glad at least that the helmet was optional. He rather he didn't have to worry about a clunky piece of metal that would fall off of his head the moment he began fighting.
Farran slowly moved his arms. He heard and felt the metal shift against the clothing underneath. A little itchy, but at least he had full mobility of his arms.
It wasn't until he received the dragon root arrows did he feel satisfied. He checked each individual arrow. Indeed the tip of each one was coated in the substance. It was more reliable than the original arrows he had before. Farran thanked the quartermaster and made his way back to the deck. May as well enjoy the sun while he could.
The hunter scanned the ship from bow to stern. It was a nice ship. Looked well attended to. Considering that Ryker had taken command of the ship, of course it looked efficient for dragon hunting.
There were a few dragon cages being transported below deck. They looked big. Although Farran had not lied to Ryker when asked if he knew about the Snow wraith, he hadn't exactly seen what one looked like. Not a picture. Nothing. One thing he could tell was that it was big. Maybe a little bigger than a nadder. That was good to know. The bigger the dragon the better the catch.
"Hey"!
Farran turned to the pushy voice. Unluckily for him, it was Heather. Unlike the last time, she seemed to be angry towards him. For what he had no clue. Had Ryker not informed her of his transfer?
Actually, no he hadn't. Why would he? Farran was a foot soldier. Not exactly something worth reporting to other higher ups. That seemed the most likely reason. Once Heather had marched up to him, with the dragon following behind, she made the reason well known.
"You're the hunter back on the Swift Arrow. Farran, isn't it"?
'Oh good, she remembers me'... "Yes ma'am". Nodded Farren.
"What are you doing on this ship? Who gave you permission to board"?!
"Ryker ma'am".
Heather huffed. "Fine. In that case I'm sure you won't mind if I asked him when he gets back then"?
"Won't be a problem at all ma'am".
Seeing that the hunter didn't seem intimidated about Ryker, Heather figured that he must have been telling the truth. Or just incredibly stupid. Before she continued, she decided to calm herself. Any louder and she'd begin attracting unneeded attention.
"So I see you're still here working with the dragon hunters"?
"Of course. Nowhere better".
"Despite me telling you that you weren't cut out for it"?
"I took it into consideration". From the moment it entered one ear before exiting out the other right away.
"You must be serious about being a dragon hunter then". She mused. There was something about her now that Farran found himself disliking. Before she was... sympathetic. Now it was like she was related to Ryker. She seemed to still be questioning his role... again. Something that Farran took offense to. Only this time he would make it known. His respect for her had dropped dramatically.
"Is there another way to go about it"? Farran asked. "A job's a job. I would have thought that you of all people understood that. Isn't that what a spy does after all? Stick their noses into someone else's business"?
Heather glared at him. Farran made no response in return. He was just about to walk away had the razorwhip not stepped forth towards him. It gave a soft warning growl. The message was clear. Watch your tongue against my rider. It was enough to trigger a response within the hunter as he raised his crossbow with a snarl across his face. It didn't travel far as Heathers hand grabbed it.
"That's MY dragon you're thinking of shooting! If you do, I will make you regret it"! She glared angrily.
Farran gave no emotion. Still holding onto his expressionless mask. For a moment Heather thought he might have been dumb enough to try. Her other hand was ready to grab and use her own weapon. Before she could, Farran backed of.
"Understood. Miss Heather".
The hunter walked away. He made it a short distance before stopping and turning his head back to Heather.
"Rather strange if you ask me".
"What is"? Heather snapped.
"That a spy of a dragon hunting organisation would use a dragon to fulfill her assignments. If not careful, a certain incompetent hunter could make a fatal error in the heat of battle".
"What are you suggesting"?
"Nothing. Just making sure that you're aware of the risks. Because at the end of the day to these hunters, a dragon is still a dragon".
Heather said nothing. She turned to Windshear, stroking the side of her face soothingly. By the time she looked back, Farran had already moved on.
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To think when I posted the first chapter, I had no favs or followers. The moment the second chapter comes on, BAM! 6 follows and a fav? Thanks a lot guys! That's incredible :D