Time for my favorite tribe of my own creation! I recommend listening to Go-A's Shum and WYM later on in this chapter to get a feel of their ways.

They were just two days from reaching Berserk docks when the Terrible Terror found them. Iris was shocked such a little dragon could actually find them. As far as she knew they could travel to villages but not after ships. Were they smarter than they gave them credit for?

The message the Terrible Terror carried was surprising. The Murking Tribe needed their help. Badly. They were trapped on their island unable to send out ships as a group of Scauldrons have taken up residence before their docks. Instead of asking the Dragon Riders, they had actually reached out to them. It wasn't a good situation for them but it was favorable for her.

The Waterlands were another five day trek. Their docks were on the southern side of their island in a rock surrounded bay. That was where the Scauldrons decided it would be good to hang out. While it kept the Murking Tribe ships safe from typhoons and such, it crippled them when something blocked their route.

Dagur ordered the two Icer Tribe ships back to Berserk. The captains weren't too happy but agreed quickly when he offered for them to come help deal with dragons. Iris couldn't help but snicker when they came up with excuses why they couldn't help.

The two ships left them as they headed to Berserk and their ship continued on. Iris watched as the island came into view only to fade away. She had only been here a short time but she already felt like Berserk was home. She missed it.

"We'll be back soon," Dagur comforted. "Hopefully with another new peace agreement."

"Will we get there soon?" Iris asked, looking up at him.

"If the winds stay in our favor we should be there in four days," he replied. "I know. Not the best news but its better than getting delayed."

The fourth day they could see the island. The crew had been manning the ship day and night to get there in time. Their hard work paid off as they rounded the southern end of the island.

"Shit," Dagur swore.

Before them weren't just Scauldrons. Hiding behind sea stacks out of sight of the Murking Tribe docks was a couple of Dragon Hunter ships. Dagur's crew jumped into action, grabbing their weapons and manning the ship's large weapons.

"Get below deck," he ordered.

"No way," she argued.

"Iris listen to me. These people are dangerous. And I don't have just them to worry about. Those Scauldrons could decide to join in the fight."

"But Dagur-" He shook his head and picked her up. "Dagur! Put me down right now!"

He carried her to their quarters and plopped her on the bed. By the time she jumped off and darted after him the door was shut. She heard the lock fall into place.

"Dagur! Let me out!"

"Not until this is over and I know you are somewhere safe!"

"Moron! Let me out!"

She banged on the door, yelling, but he was already gone. She bolted over to the one window and stood on the only chair to look out. The Dragon Hunter ships were already moving towards them. Something shot from their ship and impacted her's, making it shudder.

"Screechie!" The green Terrible Terror clung to her, squalling in fear. The impact woke him up. "Easy boy." She grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down that they were being attacked by Dragon Hunters, who probably forced the Scauldrons to enter the Murking Tribe bay. "Take this to the Murking Tribe chief. Don't come back. Either wait there or go to the Edge. Its not safe here."

Screechie squawked as she forced the never used window open. With encouragement he wiggled through the small gap and took off. Thankfully no one noticed him as they were busy dealing with her people.

"Enigma! Jager!"

A roar shook the air and heavy footsteps charged towards the door. Iris hid by the bed as the door flew off its hinges and smashed into the room. Franticly an agitated Enigma growled, looking for her, and whined once she spotted Iris. The dragon jumped forward and rubbed her face against her.

"I know girl. This is scary. Where's Jager?"

A roar answered her from outside the ship. Iris darted to the window to catch a glimpse of Jager swooping the air, spitting fire at the enemy ships. She couldn't tell if Dagur was on him or not.

"Let's go. We need to protect our people."

Enigma growled and crouched down. Iris crawled on, grateful the dragon's saddle was still on, and wiggled herself into her mane. In position the dragon bounded out of the room and crawled up the open hatch. Before anyone could react Enigma bounded to the edge of the ship and threw herself off. Her wings snapped open and pumped furiously as she soared through the air.

The Dragon Hunters have dragon proof ships, Iris thought to herself. The best bet is to try attacking without dragon fire. What can I use? She spotted the sea stacks. That gave her an idea.

"Enigma!" The dragon growled. "Attack that sea stack! Get it to collapse on the enemy's ships!"

With a roar Enigma flew around the sea stack. She knew the dragon was looking for a weak spot that she could use. Suddenly she banked her wings to hover. There was a large crack. Without warning Enigma spat out a large ball of fire that exploded against the sea stack. The massive structure groaned, the sound of rocks moving against one another piercing the air. Again she attacked the structure.

Whistling caused the dragon to suddenly dart backwards. Arrows tried to hit where they were with most falling short. However a large arrow, a spear honestly, shot through the air and barely missed them. Instead it hit the sea stack they were focused on and lodged itself in the now wider crack. Iris grinned.

"Again girl!"

With a pleased growl Enigma spat more balls of fire. The large arrow exploded from her next fire ball, breaking a massive chunk out of the sea stack. Her second attack made the stack shudder and groan.

"Let's get out of here!"

They flew out of reach of the sea stack and watched as it began to crumble. The crews in the Dragon Hunter ships nearby began to panic as large rocks smashed into their ships. Thankfully the Berserk ship was far enough away to not have to worry.

Suddenly the sea stack collapsed completely. Most of it landed on the Dragon Hunter ships, sinking them with ease. The carnage was unbelievable and that's when Iris realized it. She caused people to die. She had a hand in it. Her stomach began to churn and she shuddered at the thought.

She didn't remember landing but she came face to face with a very angry Dagur and crew. Before she could utter a word he had her off Enigma and in his arms, cursing about her recklessness. Shakily Iris took a deep breath, taking in the smell that was Dagur, before burying her face into his shoulder.

"Are you okay?" he asked gruffly. "You aren't hurt are you?"

"No," she said quietly.

"We still have the-well. Guess that's solved."

Iris lifted her head from his shoulder and looked in the direction he was. The Scauldrons were in the wreckage, lifting their heads from the water to enjoy the spoils. Iris felt her stomach roll and quickly turned around to bury her face against him again to avoid the sight. Her body suddenly felt chilled and her throat tight.

She heard Dagur talking to her but couldn't understand what he was saying. All she could hear was the sound of his voice. For the second time she was picked up and carried. She felt herself be set down on their bed before finally coming back to reality. Her stomach rolled dangerously so she curled up and tucked her head between her knees, focusing on breathing.

"Are you alright?" Dagur asked again. His voice was gentle. She shook her head. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I killed people," Iris whispered.

"No you didn't. The sea stack you brilliantly took advantage of killed a bunch of murderers and dragon killers. You didn't kill any people."

"The Scauldrons were eating them." She shook at the thought.

"That's their job. Part of what they do. If it wasn't them it'd be different dragons or sharks or fish or birds."

"But I caused-"

"Shush. I don't want to hear it. Think about how you saved our crew, ignored my orders, and lead your first solo mutiny! Cause no matter what you are thinking of in that too smart mind of yours, you didn't do anything wrong. It was self defense."

She sat up, feeling like she could finally control her stomach, and looked into his eyes. Worry and respect were there along with love. He didn't look at her like she was a monster and she didn't see one in him. This world was different, she needed to understand that. Situations like this weren't uncommon and honestly, she'd rather her people make it home instead of the ones who attacked them.

"Does it get easier?" she asked quietly. Dagur shook his head.

"You just learn to ignore it easier. So don't do it again." He placed his hands on her shoulders, staring intently at her. "I'm the one who will gladly cover my hands in blood to keep you safe."

"Idiot." He just grinned.

"Chief," one of the crewmen said, knocking on the doorframe. "We are heading to the Murking docks. Is that alright?"

"Yes," Dagur answered. "Let me know once we've docked." The man nodded before leaving. "Feeling better?"

"A little. I'd rather we never end up in a situation like this again."

"I can't promise we won't but I can try. Next time it happens, stay down here where it's safe."

He sat on the bed next to her and pulled her close to him. She wrapped her arms around him to snuggle closer. Being in his arms felt comforting, pushing away the feeling of guilt she still had. He didn't even try to do anything. He just held her.

All too soon one of the crew, a woman this time, came down to tell them they had docked and a crowd of people were waiting outside. It seemed they all were in high spirits seeing the Scauldrons leave and their ship enter. Her message had gotten to the chief as they had been preparing to set sail when they came in.

A cheer broke out when Dagur and Iris stepped onto the ship deck. Wild looking people filled the docks. Tattoos and body paint covered most of the peoples' faces and bare skin and many had braids or dreadlocks. Their colorful clothes were very simple and well worn but they all looked healthy and well fed. Just didn't appear to care much about appearances.

"Welcome Chief Dagur," a young man exclaimed. He stood next to the board they used to get on and off the ship. "And his bride to be Iris! Congratulations on your victory! I did not expect Dragon Hunters to be hiding nearby."

"I don't blame you," Dagur said as he stepped off the ship. Iris stayed close to him. "They were hiding exceptionally well. There's no way anyone would have been able to see them from your docks. The Scauldrons didn't help either, keeping you land bound."

"My people are happy to be able to leave again," the man said. "But where are my manners? I am Chief Fiske. I have heard much about you Chief Dagur."

"Hopefully not all bad," Dagur joked.

"Only half! I must admit, I know little about your bride to be except she comes from a distant land."

"That's alright," Iris said. "I don't know much about many people and tribes here."

"We'll all have to fix that," Fiske laughed. "Come! You've had a very busy day and you must be starving! We even had food for your dragons."

At his gesture Dagur and Iris followed him. Screechie appeared, perching himself on her shoulder to rub his face against hers. He was a good listener thank God. Enigma and Jager also followed. The people of the Murking Tribe watched the dragons with awe. Some of the children crept close to try and touch them.

Iris turned to warn them to be careful when both dragons stopped and crouched down. She watched as Enigma nudged some of the kids to her side, allowing them to crawl up. One child squealed as Jager lifted him with his nose, the child hanging on for dear life while laughing. This encouraged the rest of the children to clamor onto both dragons. By the time they finally started walking again, both dragons had children hanging all over them.

"Show offs," Iris teased. Dagur and Fiske were waiting further ahead. "Don't drop any."

"I'm surprised how well your dragons are with children," Fiske commented when she caught up. "I had imagined them more, well, berserk."

"They are sometimes," Dagur drawled. "Just not to children."

More people were in the village than Iris imagined. Houses were built everywhere and anywhere, some on stilts to be above other houses, some built into the sparse but large trees. There were even bridges between some of the houses! It was undeniably a fishing village with the vast amount of net racks, smoking shacks, barrels filled with water and splashing fish, and the sheer amount of just fish oriented decorations. A massive fish head and spine and rib sculpture sat above what had to be their version of a Great Hall. Unlike other Vikings, there was very little involving dragons.

They entered the Great Hall. Tables and chairs were scatter haphazardly everywhere while a large fire pit sat in the very middle of the Great Hall. It crackled and smoked as people placed different kinds of fish based entrees around it. Fiske gestured for them to sit at a crescent moon shaped table while he sat at the middle of it. It's mouth faced the fire pit while it had chairs around the outer side. Dagur sat next to Fiske and Iris sat next to him.

"Bring fresh fish for the dragons," Fiske ordered. "They are our guests as well! Dagur, your crew may sit where they feel comfortable. We are a friendly people!"

"That much is obvious," Iris said to Dagur in English.

"I'm glad you agree."

Iris about fell out of her chair when Fiske spoke to her in heavily accented English while Dagur stared at him blank faced in surprise. She stared at him in shock as he just grinned. As far as she knew, there was no one besides Dagur in the Archipelago that could speak English.

"What? How?"

"My mother was a Saxxon," Fiske explained. He took a mug from a woman who offered it to him and gestured for her and Dagur to take one. Dagur did while eyeing Fiske. "She taught me many Saxxon ways before she died. Especially her language, in case I ever found myself in their territory. I wasn't sure if you were really from outside the Archipelago but hearing you speak her native tongue, now I am sure you are."

"That's surprising to hear," Dagur said once he found his voice again. "How did she get here?"

"Her ship was attacked by Scauldrons," Fiske explained. He eyed Iris and gestured for a person. "What do you drink? If not ale?"

"I'm fine," Iris said. "I'd rather hear more about your mother."

"Bring her some mulled wine," Dagur said. "She's a bit of a light weight. Ow!" She glowered at him after she smacked him in the arm.

"Now now Dagur, women don't like it when their men tell their secrets," Fiske laughed. "My wife would beat me with a paddle if I told anyone one of her secrets." He cleared his throat. "Now about my mother. She was originally a slave on the ship she was on. They had gotten lost in the fog and somehow got into the Archipelago. It was at our southernmost fishing grounds where they were attacked and capsized. My mother was one of the few who survived and were rescued by my father and his crew. The story goes he took one look at her and proclaimed he found his bride. She obviously had no idea what was going on, not speaking our tongue and what not."

"Of course there was a lot of miscommunicated until everyone figured out the other's language. All of the survivors, all slaves, married into the tribe! So there is a lot of Saxxon blood here."

"Can I meet any of them?" Iris asked eagerly. Fiske shook his head mournfully.

"Sadly not. Many were in poor health. The men lasted for a few years while most of the women died after childbirth. My own mother died when I was twelve giving birth to my little sister. It was because of how they were all treated while slaves. Their bodies were already so weak. At least they got to live their last days as free men and women."

That was horrible to hear but Iris had to agree with Fiske. Even though it was short many got to be free for their last years. They were loved, had families, and didn't fear pain. She looked at the people around her more closely. Now that she knew she could see the Saxxon features scattered about in the few adults that must have been born of the pairings.

One woman came up with a mug of mulled wine. She thanked her and took a small drink. It wasn't as good as the mulled wine at Berserk but it was palatable. It did make her miss Berserk though. They hadn't been back for over a week and it would be even longer now.

Dagur and Fiske spoke, discussing terms for a peaceful alliance between them. She sat back and watched. Both were passionate. It was amusing to watch.

Now that she knew Fiske had Saxxon blood, she could see it. His hair was a pale blonde and completely braided in small braids. His eyes were a deep brown and seemed huge on his pale face. His face was clean shaven which gave him a bit of a boyish look which was a stark contrast with the large bull ring piercing in the middle of his nose. Unlike most Vikings he was in the minority of having a tall but slender body. It had to have its advantages though while on a fishing vessel. However his arms and what she could see of his chest were covered in tattoos. She couldn't tell what any were as they were chaotic.

Most of the people were tall and slender with a few burly built. Some had crazy tattoos on their faces, some had piercings everywhere, some had a mixture of both, but all had some kind of tattoo on their upper chest in the shape of a fish chasing its tail. The only ones that didn't have it were the children, who were feeding Enigma and Jager each a fish. Both were careful to take the fish from the small hands that offered them.

A cup fell from the ceiling, causing Iris to look up. People were in the rafters, eating and drinking. Some of the people below would look up and shout something, to which the people in the rafters would shout back and they all laughed. She tried to imagine the Berserkers, who were said to be the most crazed Vikings in the Archipelago, doing that but just couldn't imagine it. These people were by far more crazy than her tribe. She could tell their people were a little uncomfortable, especially when one Murkingers jumped on their table and started dancing crazily.

"I'll be expecting a wedding invite," Fiske laughed, drawing her attention. "I'll be hurt if you don't send one."

"Of course," Dagur laughed as well. "I couldn't imagine not inviting my new friend! Why haven't we met your wife yet?"

"She lead the first fleet of ships out to collect the nets we had to abandon," Fiske explained. "I can't keep her off a ship to save my life! At least she stopped taking our children with her. Claimed they were causing too much trouble."

"I could imagine," Iris said. "How many do you have?"

"Five." Iris coughed. Wow! "Our oldest is ten and our youngest is three. Three boys and two girls, all trouble if you ask me. Be sure to have lots so they wear each other out."

"Hopefully we can work on that after the wedding," Dagur said with a grin. He laughed when she smacked him again, her face feeling warm. Talk about embarrassing.

"I won't keep you all long then," Fiske said. "I know my people would love to continue celebrating but you have a journey back. We can start writing up the agreement today and you can be on your way tomorrow. Hopefully I will be getting a Terror Mail about a wedding?"

"Once we have everything settle," Iris said before Dagur could.

"Perfect! Now I must ask, how do you tame a dragon?" A young woman came over and set a stack of paper with a quill and ink pot before leaving to join the festivities.

That started a long discussion that Iris only half listened to. Instead she sipped on her drink, watching the people before her. One woman got one of their crewmen to stand up and dance with her. The others cheered for him as he tried to keep up with her wild movements. This caused the more of the Murking tribe to grab their people and drag them up to dance. The two women in their crew blushed when each had a Murking man bow and invite her for a dance. They accepted, still red faced.

The children ran about, squealing with excitement as they joined the dancing adults. The mood was bright and joyous. The music mirrored the attitude in the Great Hall. Lutes, drums, flutes, and even hands and voices were used to create the wild music. She chuckled.

"Care for a dance?" Dagur asked suddenly. Iris looked up at him in surprise to see him standing next to her, hand extend.

"Like I would refuse," she teased as she grabbed his hand.

With a wild grin that made her think of a much younger and more deranged Dagur, he lead her away from the table. He twirled her around before grabbing her. It looked like he planned on dancing like he did at Berserk. This time Iris was ready.

She let go of his hands and skipped away from him with a grin of her own. Watching the locals dance hadn't been for nothing. She stomped her feet on the floor, clapping her hands along with the others. Dagur watched her with a smirk, his eyebrow raised. She stuck her tongue out at him before twirling on her own.

One of their crew came up next to Dagur and smacked him on the back with a laugh. The other man's gesture seemed to encourage Dagur to go after her, which she laughed and darted through the other dancers. They all clapped and stomped their feet, eagerly spinning around. She grinned at him from the otherside of a small group of four people dancing wildly. He grinned back dangerously.

She darted off again, spinning around the other dancers as they spun. The whole time she kept an eye on Dagur, who was slowly following after her. She spotted Fiske, who was dancing with a young woman who looked almost exactly like him. He gave her a grin and a wink. Just as she was about to turn around familiar arms grabbed her.

"Got you," he growled playfully in her ear.

"Stop that," she giggled. His beard scratching against her skin sent shivers down her spine. "What are you going to do now?"

"There's one thing I want to do that I can't right now." She blushed at what was pressed against her lower back. "But I guess I can settle for a dance with you."

"Oh we weren't dancing?" She tilted her head back to grin at him. He shook his head.

"That was a hunt. Which I have no qualms about doing again the next festival." He spun her around, keeping her close to him. "Now its time to dance."

Without warning he lifted her up and spun her around. She laughed, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck. He set her down with a wicked grin and moved side to side with her held close to him. Narrowing her eyes she stuck her tongue out at him, shifting so her hip was pressed against his personal problem. He grunted, raising an eyebrow, and moved her arms to grab her hands. Now he properly danced.

They enjoyed several dances, taking breaks to drink and grab a few bites to eat. It was getting dark but the Murking Tribe had no sign of slowing down. Fiske ran into them, grinning wildly.

"Come you two," he said eagerly. "My wife and her crew have returned!"

Without letting go of her Dagur followed Fiske while she followed after him. Not that she had much choice. She was grateful though as the number of people seemed to have grown. If the fishing vassals were back, it was no surprise.

"My love," Fiske cheered as they exited the Great Hall. "You bring back the bounty of the sea and my love!"

"You are drunk," a hooded woman scolded. "Is that any way to be in front of our guests?"

"This one has had too much as well," Iris said with a chuckle. Dagur tried to protest but she shushed him. He swayed silently, pouting. "It is a pleasure to meet the Chieftess of the Murking Tribe."

"I do apologize for not being here earlier," the woman explained. She gestured for them to sit on the steps. Which Fiske did eagerly with his arms held out. "Not now. It had been over a week since we could check out nets and I wanted to get them in before anymore damage happened. Thankfully it was minimal but we had to leave several loads of dead fish behind. At least they are back to the sea."

Iris nodded, feeling sympathetic. Fishing was one of the ways this tribe supplied itself. Being kept from their nets and unable to retrieve their catches was detrimental.

She was surprised when the woman pushed down the hood she had been wearing. Dark chocolate skin greeted her as did bright yellow tattoos that covered her face in swirls as well as framed her green eyes. Her hair was black and tightly braided similar to Fiske's. She was short, shorter than Iris, but carried herself with pride and a hint of viciousness. Iris bet anyone who made a comment about her height would not come out unscathed. She introduced herself, Stjern.

Other people came up from the docks, looking wearily but perking up at the sound of celebration. Many were dark skinned like Stjern but were much taller than her. They all had either tattoos, piercings, wild hair, or a mixture. Only a few had nothing on them.

"You must be surprised," Stjern commented. "Many newcomers are when they see me and my crew."

"I won't lie I was," Iris said. "But it doesn't matter. You are all still Vikings and people of the Murking Tribe. Any who have a problem with your looks will have to answer to Berserk."

"Hear hear," Dagur said. "All that matters is the will of your soul!"

"Yes honey," Iris said mildly, patting his arm. Stjern laughed.

"You two should get some rest," the woman said. "Let me have one of my crew show you where the guest quarters are. They're probably the only sober ones."

"Our people," Iris began but Stjern shushed her.

"They'll be fine. Maybe hungover tomorrow but they'll be fine. Nja! Come here! Lead our guests to their quarters. This one needs to sober up."

"Yes Chieftess," the man who answered her said with a salute. "Chief Dagur, Chieftess Iris, please follow me." Iris tried to correct him but quieted down at the look of disapproval Stjern gave her. Instead she gave a whistle. It didn't take long for Enigma and Jager to bound out of the Great Hall, surprising the crew while those inside protested them leaving.

The young man eyed the dragons nervously but lead her and Dagur away from the Great Hall. They didn't have to go far. He opened the door of a small one story house and told them to feel free to help themselves. Iris thanked him as she urged Dagur to go inside. Enigma and Jager squeezed in as well much to Nja's surprise but he didn't say anything.

Inside was very simple. There was a fireplace, which currently wasn't going, and a large bed. A set of chests sat against one of the walls as did a table with a pair of chairs. Visitors wouldn't need much Iris thought logically. Just a place to sleep.

With a purr Enigma curled up on the floor. Jager joined her, both taking up majority of the open floor space. Iris just shook her head and pushed Dagur to the bed.

"That eager huh?" Dagur teased.

"To sleep, yes," Iris countered. "You need to get some sleep and sober up. Did you and Fiske even get the treaty done?"

"We did," he said proudly as he slowly pushed off his boots. "And we even signed it! That's when we started drinking more. Had to celebrate!"

"I see." She helped him take off his skirt style lower armor and his chest armor. "Now lay down."

"Only if you lay with me."

"I will once I take off my boots and armor."

By the time Iris got her gear off, Dagur was fast sleep on his back. Sleeping on his back always made him snore, which he was doing loudly. Jager reached over with his tail and pushed the Viking over. The snoring stopped almost immediately and the dragon sighed in relief.

"Thank you boy," Iris said, rubbing his cheek as he purred. "You know how to care for your Rider." A silver eye looked at her before closing again. He had to be exhausted after the fight today.

While Iris and Enigma had been working on tipping the sea stack, Jager had been attacking the ships still. Dagur had told her he took out the large ballista they had used to attack her and Enigma. He had also been snatching up Dragon Hunters and dropping them from the sky into the ocean while Dagur ordered the crew. She never even knew.

She placed a kiss on the dragon's nose, thanking him for fighting with them, before getting into bed. The moment she crawled under the covers, Dagur rolled over to wrap his arms around her. She didn't protest but instead snuggled closer. This was a comfortable spot that was all hers.