Chapter Thirteen: Not-so-Secret Meetings and Hidden Agendas
"I'm sorry, but no one from Dragon's Edge arrived last night, Chief Ukiah." Atali answered, looking at him with deep concern. "I wish we had better news."
Ukiah's face hardened into a scowl. Turning to the ocean, he couldn't help but think where everyone could be. Having flown most the night to Wingmaiden Island, he and his dragons were exhausted when he arrived. After briefing Atali about what happened, he fell asleep so fast that the guards thought he passed out. He initially hoped that someone would arrive while he was out.
"Perhaps they rendezvoused at a different island? Maybe their home?" She continued to suggest.
"Yeah. Maybe they did go to Berk." He muttered quietly to himself. He at least hoped that was the case. He had to be honest with himself and confess that he really didn't know where everyone would have gone, save the ones he told to go to Berk.
Atali sensed his silent debate. "We can also send out some scouting parties. We'll search for Hiccup and the others."
"Thank you, Atali. I appreciate it." He replied, standing up straight and facing her again. "However, I don't think that would be wise. If those flyers attacked us, it'd be safe to say they'll probably attack your home too. You shouldn't spread yourself thin."
Atali raised her hand to stop him. "I understand your concern. And you do bring up a good point. We should prepare for these…evil men. However, you Riders are allies and friends to us. We cannot ignore your plight."
Ukiah looked at her with a somewhat saddened face. "You're not offering to prove yourself to me, are you? To get my trust? Atali, you have nothing to prove to me. The fact you allowed me and my dragons to recover here is good enough for me."
Atali smiled. "No. Well, not entirely. I'd be lying if that wasn't part of the reason why I'm-"
Ukiah raised his hand to stop her. "Please. Don't worry about leaving your post just to help us regroup. I don't think anyone is missing. We're just split up. If I learn that anyone is actually missing, you'll be the first to know from me. The worst thing that you could do is not be here if your home was invaded like ours was."
"Let me send one of my warriors with you. If you find everyone, then they can fly back and let us know. If they are missing, then she can help you."
Ukiah let out a sigh. Looking down and shaking his head, he then said "You're not going to let me leave in peace if I keep denying your offers of help. Fine. One of your maidens can fly with me."
Before she could speak, Atali was interrupted. "I'll go milady."
Ukiah turned and looked at the volunteer. Brown hair and tanned skinned, she held her spear ready as well as her dragon was spreading its wings to show she was all but waiting for the word to fly.
"Minden, are you sure?"
"Absolutely, ma'am." She replied resolutely.
Atali thought about it and then smiled. "Will that satisfy you, Chief Ukiah?"
Nodding, he walked up and extended his only hand. "Very well. Minden, is it? Thank you."
"Likewise Chief Ukiah." She replied back, shaking his hand with a confident smile.
"Please, just call me Ukiah. If we're flying together, I'll be uncomfortable if you're always formal with me." He stated, letting a small smile grow on his face. "Are you ready?"
Letting a smile grow, she nodded "I am."
"Thank you, Atali. For your hospitality." He called out, turning to Lasher who was standing there waiting. Getting comfortable, he smiled at her. "I hope I repaired some of the damage I did when we first met. If not, you'll have to tell me what I need to do to make things right."
"Ensure Minden and her little dragon return. And we'll call it even." She answered, bowing her head slightly. "Best get going. The day isn't getting longer."
Nodding, he let Lasher launch into the air with Arrow close behind! Minden was quickly behind him! Flying alongside, she then asked. "Where are we heading first then?"
"Caldera Cay. It's on the way to Berk and I want to ensure that no one is missing. Even if they're not there, I need to know if anyone stopped there. Then at least we'll know they're safe."
"Very well. I'm unfamiliar with that…island. So you'll have to lead the way." She answered, looking ahead with determination.
"Don't you worry about that. Just keep your eyes peeled for anything flying. If you see a group of more than two or three dragons, we might have a problem." He called out, letting Lasher fly a little faster.
Nodding, Minden kept flying with him, keeping her eyes out for trouble. All Ukiah could do was also keep an eye out, and hope everyone made it out of the Edge.
"Got everything tied down?" Matt called out, limping to Astrid and their dragons.
"No thanks to you, Hop-along." She teased, finishing strapping the last saddle bag on Wasatch.
"Why is everyone so mean when I get hurt? Every single time…" He huffed in annoyance, limping to Wasatch to ensure his makeshift harness was still good for him to hold onto while sitting.
"We'll keep an eye out for anyone. Especially those Flyers you warned us about." Mala announced, walking up to Matt and Astrid. "We're sorry this happened to you."
Matt turned from an annoyed Wasatch, who wasn't happy about his rider sitting on him again. "I would say it's fine, but nothing about this is fine. We do appreciate letting us stay here though." Looking at Mala with a serious expression, he added. "Be careful, Mala. These Flyers…they're good. Caught us flat footed. Make sure they don't do that with you and your people."
Mala nodded in gratitude with the warning. "We'll keep an extra wary eye out for them. And if any one of your group comes here, we'll tell them to go to Berk."
"Thank you." He grunted, carefully climbing on Wasatch. His ankle was rewrapped and had a splint on it, thanks to Mala's people. With it being noon, the two decided to fly to Wingmaiden Island before heading to Berk, just to be sure.
"Are you sure you'll be alright, Matthew Haddock?" Mala called out in concern, seeing him and Astrid get ready to fly.
"Why is everyone calling me Matthew now?" He whispered to Astrid who smirked at the comment. Turning to Mala, he smiled and waved his hand. "I'll be fine. Thanks to you and your care. The ankle just needs to rest for really a week before I do anything with it again. Thanks again, Mala! We'll send word when we find everyone!"
"Thank you!" Astrid shouted, waving at Mala and the few people with her. "If Hiccup does drop by, tell him I'm going to pound him through a wall for making us worry!"
Mala smiled and nodded, knowing the joke between the two.
"Let's go, bud!" At that, the two rocketed into the air! The two immediately turned and headed towards Wingmaiden Island, trying to make the long trip as short as possible. Urging their dragons for a slightly faster pace, they both sat back and simply scanned the horizon for anything. Flyers, friends, anything.
"So…do you think you'll be okay if we run into those flyers?" Astrid asked, looking at him with concern. "We're in the open. Literally us, the sky, and the ocean. We have nowhere to hide if we get jumped by those maniacs again."
"I was thinking of that…but that's also a huge risk for them." He replied. "Maybe they won't think of it if they see us, but they'll be scared after."
"Care to elaborate on why they'd be scared of two riders? One being injured?" Astrid huffed, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
Matt smirked and gestured to the vast, empty sky. "We might not have cover, but that also means that they don't have cover. All Wasatch needs to do is summon a storm. Little do people know, and I even think Hiccup forgets this, is that a Skrill is a dominant fighter in the sky. Just…don't pit us against a Night Fury in the dark. We'd be taken out so fast it wouldn't even be funny."
Astrid thought on his remarks and slowly nodded in agreement. "I guess I can understand that."
"Plus…" He added, his face getting serious. "I think there's something I don't understand yet. Those…Singetails…they were ferocious and unrelenting."
"Not going to lie, Matt. This isn't your best start to comforting me." Astrid grunted, annoyed at his comment.
"Except when they faced off with Wasatch. I'm telling you Astrid, they were scared of him. I don't know why, but…" He finished, looking up at the horizon. "Hopefully I figure it out sooner than later…"
Astrid sighed and glided closer to him. "You will. But until then, focus on getting that ankle healed and help me find the others."
The two kept flying, going on for a few hours, making it late afternoon, Astrid stopped Stormfly suddenly.
"Waah! Astrid!" He shouted, gripping Wasatch's head as he suddenly stopped too! "I'm not as reactive sitting! Warn me next time!"
Ignoring him, she pointed ahead of them. "Look. It's getting crowded."
Looking at where she was pointing, he instantly scowled. Three dots were in the horizon, too far for either of them to tell what they were. Opposite of them, was a single ship. Nothing fancy, nor was it a dragon hunting vessel.
"Well?" Astrid asked, looking at him. "What say you?"
"Don't know why you're asking me." He huffed as he returned his attention to the three dots. "But if you want to know what I think, let's check out those three first. They're moving faster than the ship. I'd rather stop them and then catch up to the one thing that isn't flying. Deal?
Nodding, Astrid then let Stormfly resume flying, now trying to intercept the three they were watching. Matt was right behind her, staring at the three as they got closer and closer, trying to figure out what they were looking at. It wasn't long before the three dots turned and began to head to them! Wasatch instantly growled and began to radiate lightning. As they flew closer, Matt let out a whoop of joy. "Ukiah?! Oh man…"
"Matt! Astrid!" He called out, slowing to a hover. Minden did as well, looking happy to see other Riders. "You guys are safe. That's good." He sighed in relief, visibly relaxing. "What about the others? Have you seen Hiccup? What about Heather?"
Matt shook his head. "No. Haven't seen anyone yet. We were at Mala's village and no one showed up. You're the first one we found since the attack."
"Do you know where everyone else is?" Astrid followed up, looking nervous at the possible news.
Ukiah let out a disappointed sigh. "The twins, Fishlegs, and Snotlout are at Berk. I sent them there. But I haven't found Hiccup or Heather either."
"I'm guessing you went to the Wingmaidens." Astrid guessed, looking at Minden. "It's good to see you again, Minden."
"Likewise." She replied with a smile, bowing her head. "I wish it was under better circumstances."
Matt groaned as he shifted on Wasatch. "Ugh…I woke up feeling hopeful, but that's going away pretty quick…"
Ukiah frowned at the comment, and then finally noticed exactly what Matt was doing. "Matt! Why aren't you standing on Wasatch?"
Rolling his eyes, he lifted his bandaged ankle. "Tada! Injured my ankle during the attack. My bindings are broken too. I need to repair the straps too."
"Oh no! Can I help?" Minden cried out, guiding her baby Razorwhip closer to him.
"No. Just had it looked at. It just needs time." He replied, leaning forward on Wasatch's head. "Ukiah…I need you to be honest with me. Do you think Hiccup went to Berk?"
"Honestly Matt, no." He replied, looking at Astrid who also looked concerned.
"Same. Even if we're wrong, I'd prefer to err on the side of caution." Matt continued to say aloud. Biting his lip, he then added "So…just asking the group as a whole, do we go to Berk and see if they made it there? Or do we keep searching, with the chance of being attacked by those flyers again?"
"Why not have someone go check while the others keep searching?" Astrid asked.
"Are you volunteering?" Matt scoffed, smirking at her. Seeing her shake her head, he smiled "That's why. No one wants to be the one to do that. And Minden doesn't know where Berk is."
"But we can't just roam around without letting others know where we're at!" Astrid cried out. "If Hiccup and Heather are in trouble, we could join them with no one knowing!"
Frowning, Ukiah looked around at the vast emptiness that lay before the group. "Actually…I do have a way to at least let Berk know what we're doing."
Everyone turned and looked at him with raised eyebrows.
Sighing, he took out a piece of cloth meant to clean his blade. Grabbing a charcoal stick on his saddle, he proceeded to write on it, being a real struggle for him with one hand. Rolling it up, he gestured for Arrow to hover closer. The adolescent Sand Wraith growled curiously as he did so. Using a rope, he threw one end over the Sand Wraith's neck and began to struggle to tie it and secure the cloth to it. With some help from Minden, he finally finished. Arrow growled, trying to look at the note hanging from his neck. "Go find Lydia, Arrow. Go back to Berk for us. But please…be careful." Ukiah quietly asked, looking a little nervous. "Stay high and out of sight."
Arrow growled and looked hesitant, but after an encouraging roar from Lasher, the happy Sand Wraith roared happily and dashed away!
The group watched him fly into the distance, and then eventually disappeared into the blue sky. Frowning, Ukiah turned to the three. "The problem is, if they didn't get to Berk, and now we know they didn't arrive at either the Wingmaidens or the Defenders…"
"Then they were caught." Astrid finished for him, her voice lowering and getting serious. "Or worse."
"Or they could be hiding." Matt quickly added to try and comfort Astrid and to help him not think of the possibility. "Let's assume that they're alive and their chances are better then, yeah? And either way, we need to find and help them fast. We also don't know if they're even together."
"Got any ideas on how to track dragons in the sky?" Astrid asked with a wry, almost depressed smiled as she turned to Ukiah.
Scowling, he looked down as if contemplating something. Looking up, staring at Stormfly, he then let a shrewd smile grow on his face. "Actually…I think I do!"
Gasping, Astrid looked at Stormfly too! "Of course! She's a tracker dragon."
"Wow. So after all this time…how did you forget that?" Matt called out in a sarcastic tone. "What's next? You have a diary with all the locations of Darien's hideouts?"
"Shut up, Matt." She growled, rolling her eyes at the comment.
"We just need something for her to smell, to pick up the scent." Ukiah called out, searching his bag for something that might help.
Not saying anything, Astrid pulled out an object under her shirt and around her neck. Holding it up, she showed the group the medallion Hiccup gave her as a betrothal gift. "I have exactly what we need."
Heather stirred and shifted. Having dozed off a few times, it was impossible to sleep in her position. Still tied to the pole, she looked up to see Hiccup still tinkering with the Dragon Eye. His face in deep contemplation, he didn't even notice her awake and looking at him.
Not wanting to distract him, she gave her arms a methodical tug, trying to see if the leather strip loosened at all around her wrists. Feeling no give, she sighed and looked up through the floorboards of the deck above her. The sky was black, with some orange and red, hinting that the day was ending. And no evidence that the others were either nearby or even knew where they were. "I hope you're safe Matt…'cause we could really use your help right now." She muttered to herself.
"Heather?" Hiccup replied, finally noticing she was awake and moving around. "You okay?"
Scoffing, she let a sad smile grow on her face. "I think we've both been better."
"Yeah, I guess that's true. I hope Toothless and Windshear are okay too." He answered, setting down the Dragon Eye. Leaning against the wall of their room, he tugged on the chain latched to his leg. "I'd kill to be able to walk around. I can't imagine how you must feel right now."
"Apart from being captured by Johann and held hostage to make you finish the Dragon Eye, yeah. It's safe to say I could use a walk right about now." She huffed, rolling her eyes.
A wry smile grew on Hiccup's face. "Matt has rubbed off on you, hasn't he? That's a smart reply I'd expect from him."
Smirking, she shrugged. "I guess that's a compliment then." Looking up at the door, she then whispered "Hate to ask this, but…do you have a plan? I can't think of anything."
"I actually do." He replied, also looking at the door. "But it won't help us escape. It'll only help make sure that he won't end you, or our dragons. It's a defensive play, but…there's not much I can do! For us to get free, we need help. Or a miracle."
"Anything I need to know?" She pressed.
Shaking his head, he looked at her and smiled. "Nope. Just keep trying to escape. So long as they need the Dragon Eye, they'll need me to work it. Unlike the old Dragon Eye, I'm making this so it won't work unless a very specific sequence is done. Otherwise, it won't shine anything."
Her eyes brightening, she let a smile grow on her face. "Hiccup, that seems a little…sleazy! Especially from you! I like it!"
Shrugging, he smiled "If Johann's going to play dirty, then I think I'll let Matt rub off on me too. I'll make sure he doesn't get what he wants without a hitch!"
At that, the two simply sat there in the dark, having no lantern or light. Heather kept trying to squirm and struggle to keep pressure on the leather strips binding her. As the night went on, the two perked up as they thought they saw a faint glow of blue. Looking around, they noticed that the room was getting a little brighter! Slowly through the cracks above them, they watched a blue light begin to shine down!
"Oh no…" Heather whispered hoarsely, knowing exactly who it was.
"That…isn't her, is it?!" Hiccup cried out, also shocked at the revelation!
No sooner had he said that, they heard something land on the deck above them! Followed by another sound of something landing!
"Johann, we came as soon as we could. Do you really have them?" Darien's voice sounded above them.
"I do. With their dragons." Johann's new, cold voice answered.
"I'm assuming you kept them alive for us?" A voice asked, making Hiccup and Heather instantly sweat in worry! Zekir!
"Not for you. For me. Hiccup refused to finish the Dragon Eye if I hurt his dragon or Heather. Come. I'll show you."
The two looked at each other with worry, which Hiccup then said. "Just stay cool and don't shout or anything. Okay? They'll need me, and so they'll need you."
"It'll be tough, but…sure." She grunted, trying to get in a more dignified position of being tied to a pole.
Hearing footsteps march to their door, Hiccup simply scowled as it opened to reveal Johann, Zekir, and Darien.
"I'll be…" Zekir replied with a smile. "Well, that's a shift of fortune in our favor."
Darien scowled as she marched in. Staring at Heather, who just returned a glare at her, she crouched and stared at her. "Surprised to see me?" She growled "Alive, and angry?"
Heather grit her teeth as she growled. "No. I'm more surprised you don't look more like jerky with what Matt did to you."
Darien scoffed. "How's Astrid? Last I saw her, she was dripping blood in Thariin's dungeon? I sorta wished she wouldn't have recovered. Or better yet, died from her wounds."
Both Heather and Hiccup growled at the comment, the memory of seeing the aftermath of her torture was still fresh in their minds!
Darien then stood up. Turning to Hiccup, she saw the Dragon Eye under construction. Ignoring his angry stare, she then asked. "How close are you to finishing?"
"As I told Johann, I need a few more gemstones." He answered quietly.
Nodding, she turned to Johann. "I assume you're on your way to our fort? Hiccup can finish the Dragon Eye there. We have several bags of gems in our store room."
"I am." He answered, stepping away from Zekir and towards Darien. He walked around her and stared down at Hiccup. "We should be there within a day or so."
Hiccup could only glare at him. But then his eyes went wide as Johann quickly hurled his dust or sleeping sand at Darien's face!
"Darien!" Zekir roared, shocked that he attacked her!
"Gah! Wha-What?" She gasped, stumbling back. Losing her balance, she was about to fall but Johann caught her!
Magically, Johann had a dagger in hand and pressed at her throat as she passed out in his grasp. "One step, Zekir, and she'll be done and gone!"
"You're a dead man!" Zekir roared angrily, drawing his longsword! "I hope this is worth it, Johann!"
"More than you know! You will go to Wingmaiden Island and get their lens hidden there. You'll take both dragons with you! Once you have the lens, you'll bring it to your fort, being my fort now. If you succeed, you'll be given Darien back. And then you two will leave! With your lives and the men still loyal to you." He roared, pushing the dagger and letting the tip dig a little into Darien's neck!
"STOP!" He roared, helpless to do anything! His grip on his pummel tightened as he wished he could run the man through! "You made a big mistake, Johann…apart from me, Darien is not one that forgives that easily."
"You two aren't even in my league. Ambitious, yes. But I don't have your weaknesses. Being each other. You're no different than these dragon loving brats! Consider this as an alternate deal that you're lucky I'm even going to allow you two to breathe after this! Now, GO!" He roared. "You have two days to get it. Better regroup your men that didn't get kicked out of your little hideout!"
Growling, he looked at Hiccup and then Heather. "I don't expect anything from you two, but if you will, tell her I'm not going to fail her. If you do that, I'll spare you two when the time comes." Glaring at Johann one last time, he whirled around and stormed off. "King! Bansh! We need to fly like the wind!"
Waiting, listening, Johann simply stood there with Darien in his arms until he heard the two dragons fly away! With the blue aura of Banshee's glow Finally, he stood up straight and let Darian flop onto the floor. Dragging her to Heather, he began to tie her back-to-back with Heather and the pole!
"You're more of a scum than I realized." Heather growled, feeling Darien pulled up tighter behind her. Watching him lash a long leather strip around both their chests, she could only glare at him.
"I'm not actually surprised. You betrayed us, why wouldn't you betray your allies. You really are Traitor Johann." Hiccup dug at him, unable to do anything either.
"Hiccup. I was never on anyone's side except my own." He growled, kneeling at Darien's ankles and tying them like Heathers'. Finishing up, he stood up and walked to the door. "You best behave. Your dragons are still helpless and at my mercy." He growled, slamming the door shut!
Hearing it lock, the two stared at each other with widening eyes. "What…just happened?!" Heather cried out, turning her head to see Darien's head slumped over as she was still knocked out. Her hair in a ponytail and her unique dragon hunter outfit barely visible in the darkness.
"I think we found our miracle." Hiccup whispered. "At least, a very unexpected, and extremely temporary ally."
I have no words to describe or explain my absence. It was eventful 2+ years from my last update to this. I doubt there are any other people that still follow this story from when I first started the Dragon Boarder series. If there are, I'm so sorry for keeping you all waiting. If not, well, I guess better late than never. I hope all of you are doing well, and ultimately, being well too.
Those that might be new, welcome! If you're at all curious about this series, I would suggest starting from the beginning. If you can stomach bad grammar and progressing writing. I laugh everytime I re-read my stories at how bad they are in areas, but am proud of how far I came along with the skill of writing.
As always, enjoy!
-Dustnblood
