It felt great to finally be on a ship again! Dagur stood on the deck, taking in the salty air while seagulls cried overhead. His crew moved about the ship doing their duties and tasks. It felt like old times. Just less insanity and fighting and more diplomacy.
Iris was below deck resting. Turns out she isn't much of a sailor yet. At first she was fine until they hit open water. She turned green and excused herself to hang over the edge. Dagur got her below deck and into their cabin with orders to rest. They didn't need her half dead from being sick when they docked at Quiet Place Island.
The ones he had worried the most about, Enigma and Jager, were quiet content. Enigma had been eager to sit on the deck and watch the boat sail. On the other hand Jager was content to sleep his life away below deck, only waking to eat and stretch his legs. More than one seagull lost their life when they glided too close to Enigma which she shared with Jager.
Over all the trip was enjoyable. During the day he ordered the crew, a mix of men and women this time around, and spent the night teasing Iris who tried her best to glare at him. It never stayed around for long and she'd start teasing him back.
At least she had things to keep her busy while trapped below deck. He knew she was finishing the wall hanging she had started at Berserk as a greeting gift to the Icer Tribe and spent time scribbling down notes in a journal she brought with. She had taken to reading and writing his native tongue with surprising ease that even shocked her but she didn't question it. Something about not looking a gift horse in the mouth.
Today they would be reaching Quiet Place Island. Massive sea stacks rose above them, creating almost a maze like entrance. A heavy fog settled over them just before midnight and didn't lift until almost noon. The temperature noticeably dropped. He was glad he ordered thicker clothing to be brought along. A tribe called Icer had to be in a colder place than Berserk.
Iris came above deck just before they spotted the docks. They were eerily empty much to Dagur's distrust. He ordered the crew to be on the ready just in case. The ship glided easily into the dock but still there was no one.
"Enigma," Iris said softly. The dragon grunted before lifting her head and spitting out a ball of fire that exploded above them. Voices suddenly sounded and people emerged from the buildings that sat not far up the shore from the docks.
"Greetings," a man said slowly as he strode up the dock. "I did not expect a hostile announcement."
"We did not expect a suspicious greeting," Iris countered. "She merely had to sneeze, a natural body function."
"I see," the man said warily. While it was obvious Enigma hadn't sneezed to anyone with a brain, the man couldn't exactly argue without explaining why they all were hiding. "I am Chief Travis of the Icer Tribe. I suspect you are Chief Dagur of the Berserker Tribe and you are?"
"Iris, my chieftess to be," Dagur finished. "Care if we step onto your docks? It has been a rushed trip with the short timeline given."
"Ah yes of course. Where are my manners."
At Dagur's nod some of his crew hopped off the ship to tie the boat up. He stepped onto the dock and offered Iris his hand to help her off. She took it and gracefully stepped to his side. Her chin was lifted and she carried herself with pride. His heart filled with love and the desire to throw her back on the ship and sail away. Did they really need allies? He knew Iris would say yes so he resisted the urge.
"We are unused to visitors," Travis commented as he gestured for them to follow him. "Most who do come here don't have the best intentions. It is common place to hide ourselves until those ones leave."
"What about your belongings?" Iris asked.
"Our valuables are hidden deeper on the island and most disregard our crafts as worthless. They don't have a good eye when it comes to that. The buildings near the dock are mostly decoys as well. The bare minimum is kept there."
Dagur tensed up as Travis led them through the forest that sat directly behind the small cluster of buildings. While she looked calm, Dagur could tell Iris was nervous as well especially with Travis' people following behind them. It was only five other people, he was confident in his abilities to be able to take most out while his crew got to them. A growl caused the people to scatter though and Enigma strode up behind them with her own head held high.
"I did not expect Berserkers to travel with dragons," Travis commented as he eyed Enigma. "It is unusual."
"I'm surprised the Terrible Terror didn't give you a hint," Dagur drawled.
"Many tribes use the small dragons now to send messages. I didn't expect it to be a message from Berserk either if I may be honest. I thought someone had to be playing a joke on us. Now I know better."
"Yes you do," Iris mumbled in English. Travis turned his head to look at her curiously but she simply looked at him with disinterest until he turned back forward.
They walked for almost half an hour before finally reaching the Icer Tribe village. Large brightly colored houses were randomly placed about while forges, mills, dying vats, tanneries, and other random buildings were scattered amongst them. Children ran about laughing only to stop and stare at the strangers. The people watched warily as Travis escorted them to what looked to be the Great Hall.
It was a massive building that was chaotically colored with every color imaginable. Various animals and plants were drawn and carved into the wood along with protective symbols. Inside was more calm than the outside, just the bare minimum with a large table in the center with several chairs while other tables sat around it.
"Please, have a seat," Travis said. "My people will escort yours to the village once they have finished docking. I, uh."
Enigma had followed them in and sat near the hearth that was currently going. She stretched like a cat, giving a purr, before laying down directly in front of the fire. The light of the flames made her grey and tan scales seem to dance.
"She's fine," Iris said calmly. Dagur pulled out her chair and she gave him a large smile before sitting. He sat next to her as Travis sat.
The Icer Tribe chief was older than both of them. He had to be in his forties but was still fit, tall with little extra mass. His hair was a pale brown and long while his face was clean shaven. His eyes were brown and seemed to be calculating everything. For some reason he reminded Dagur of Viggo which really irritated him. It was a good thing Iris was with.
"Thank you for allowing us to come to your island chief Travis," Iris said smoothly. "I hope you will accept this gift. A small token for your time."
Carefully the chief took the folded weaving and observed it. Curiosity spread across his face as he studied the weaving technique. When he unfolded it the curiosity turned into awe as he viewed it in all its glory. Iris had carefully woven a snow lily, the Icer Tribe symbol, rising from the center of an island. Snowflakes fell from the petals giving it a magical aura.
Dagur gave a smug smile as the older chief laid it on the table next to him. At his gesture one of his tribesmen came forward and took the hanging. They looked surprised as well but quickly stepped away with it.
"That was very fine craftsmen," Travis said slowly. "You have very skilled weavers in your tribe. I must say I am surprised."
"Thank you," Iris said calmly. "It is a family secret handed down through the generations."
"You made it?" He was clearly shocked.
"Of course. How could I belittle such an important gift by giving you something someone else made? It is only natural I should make it myself."
"You are wise to let her speak," Travis said to Dagur. Dagur just grinned.
"She has a way with words doesn't she?" Dagur asked proudly. "Now. Let's cut to the chase. You know why we are here."
"I heard you were dead," Travis drawled. "You seem pretty well for a dead man."
"That's a story for later."
"I'll hold you to it. I'll be blunt. Your people went, well, berserk when you disappeared. They attacked and raided any vessel that came anywhere near your island. Traders refused to go near islands that neighbored your island. It impacted my people greatly being unable to trade. We aren't the most skilled sailors or warriors in the Archipelago so we benefit from traders entering our waters. If they don't, we are at a disadvantage."
"What do you want for compensation?" He didn't like just dancing around.
"I don't think you want to know."
"If it is within reason we will try to supply it," Iris interjected. "Both tribes can benefit becoming allies. Give us your terms so we may try to convince you."
"Berserk is a powerful tribe," Travis agreed. "However is it worth being your ally is you decide to turn on us? Like Berserk did to Berk?" Of course that would come back to bite him.
"I have no excuse for that," Dagur said. "So I won't try. I can assure you things have changed. I have changed. We are working together to make Berserk a better place. For everyone."
Travis stared at them both. He could feel the man weighing his worth. Part of him wanted to glance over at Iris but he refused. He just stared back at the man, fists clenched. Suddenly Travis sighed and slouched in his chair.
"Enough of the posturing and formalities," he drawled. "My people will think me a fool but I can see you both are honest and truthful. Plus you are right. The Icer tribe can benefit having a strong ally like Berserk to protect us when we need it."
Dagur glanced at Iris in surprise. She looked back at him, shocked herself, before looking at Travis. Was this man speaking the truth?
"And we can benefit having your craftsmens aid," Iris said slowly. "Things were bad after Dagur went missing and we can use all the help we can get to recover."
"What will you give me for craftsmen?" Travis asked.
"Goods," Dagur said. "Something you will never be able to get your hands on."
"And what would that be?" he drawled. Dagur grinned, reaching into his pocket to pull out a glimmering white scale.
"Dragon scales from a newly discovered Fury Howler."
