Chapter 23: The Trouble With Heather

Eira awaited Heather's arrival with the other dragon riders. Recently, it had been discovered that Fishlegs was secretly corresponding with the girl. The others were worried, so they read all the letters. They decided to help Heather out and invite her over with the intention of eventually asking her to become a dragon rider.

Eira was not quite sure what to think of the situation. Her relationship with Heather was rocky, although the last time she saw her had not been too bad. She did feel bad for her and wanted her to be able to rely on her friends. But Dagur had been asking about her in his letters to Eira, so what could she tell him now?

Windshear landed in front of the group, and Heather slowly dismounted. She gave everyone a tentative smile.

"Hi, you," Hiccup said. "We thought you could use a couple of days to rest up."

"Thanks, Hiccup," Heather said. "I really appreciate this." She smiled when Fishlegs approached her excitedly. "Fishlegs! Thank you so much for the letters."

Fishlegs smiled shyly.

"I'm glad to see you're doing alright," Eira said.

Heather nodded. "You too, Eira."

"Hey!" Tuffnut exclaimed. "We should sing the Dragon's Edge welcome song."

Hiccup blinked. "Tuff, we don't have a Dragon's Edge welcome song."

"Sure we do. It's very catchy. I can perform it in several keys and there's sort of a dance that I do along with it."

Astrid rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I think Heather would rather set her gear down and get settled." She guided Heather away from the rest of them.

Eira did not see her again until that evening when she made dinner for everyone. It turned out to be pretty good. They were all enjoying themselves when Hiccup suddenly entered the clubhouse with news:

"Uh, gang, sorry to tell you, but we've got more Nadders incoming."

Snotlout groaned. "Oh, come on. Now?"

Heather blinked. "Nadders?"

"The yearly Nadder migration takes them through the worst of dragon hunter territory," Astrid explained. "We've been herding them away and diverting them to a different route."

"It takes them longer to get to their migratory home, but at least they actually arrive safely," Fishlegs said.

"Heather, you and Windshear could come with us," said Hiccup. "We can sure use the help."

Heather hesitated. "Windshear is still tired from the long trip. We'll only slow you guys down."

"Maybe Meatlug and I should stay behind and keep Heather company," Fishlegs said with a smile.

"Hey, I can keep Heather company," Snotlout protested. "Everyone says that I'm a great company-keeper."

Astrid gave him a look. "Who has ever said that?"

Snotlout frowned. "You don't know everybody. Shut up, Astrid."

Eira looked from Fishlegs to Heather. She had a feeling she knew what was going on here. Snotlout still stubbornly stood in place, so she grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the clubhouse. "Come on. I need you, partner."

"Fine," Snotlout muttered. Once they were in the air following the others, he shot her an anxious look. "I am better than Fishlegs, right?"

Eira took a minute to respond. Did he actually like Heather, or was this about his insecurities again? She decided to play it safe. "It's not about who's better, Snotlout. Different girls are attracted to different type of guys."

"But I'm everyone's type!"

"Not Astrid's."

"She's in denial."

Eira thought it was actually quite obvious she was into Hiccup, but she kept this to herself. Their conversation died off as the group met up with the Deadly Nadders.

When they returned from the mission, they found a disaster in the stables. "Maybe it's Windshear," Eira heard Heather say as she entered with Hiccup. "I knew this wasn't such a good idea."

"Uh, what wasn't a good idea?" Hiccup said.

"Meatlug just went after Windshear," Fishlegs said, holding his dragon back.

"And it was awesome," Tuffnut said. Everyone glared at him. "I mean..."

"But is Meatlug okay?" Hiccup asked. "Can she fly?"

"Yeah, she's fine," Fishlegs said. "Why?"

"Let me guess," said Snotlout. "More Nadders?"

Hiccup nodded. "Heather, we could really use you. This is a big flock that's coming in."

Heather shook her head. "I don't think that Windshear can-"

"Windshear will be fine. We'll keep an eye on her."

And so, they all returned to the air. Eira sensed Heather's nervousness, and she could understand why. Windshear did not seem to like the presence of the other dragons. Eira tried to remember what she knew about Razorwhips. While there were some in Torvald, they were extremely difficult to train. What was the reason again?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Windshear suddenly went crazy and ended up attacking Tuffnut. Heather decided it was best if the two of them left. The rest of them focused on the Nadders. Afterwards, Hiccup and Eira went to check up on Heather and Windshear.

"So, uh, how's she doing?" Hiccup asked.

"Better," Heather said, though she still seemed worried.

"She seems better."

Toothless walked up to Windshear and sniffed her. She growled at him, and he scurried back to stand next to Swiftwings.

"I just wish I knew what happened," Heather said.

"Razorwhips are extremely independent and territorial," Eira said. She had finally remembered what she learned about the species back home. "They don't naturally work well with other Razorwhips - and even less so with other species."

Heather appeared disheartened at the news. "So, this was a mistake."

"That's not what I'm saying. It's important to know the strengths of your dragon so you can use them to change her behavior."

"And how do I do that?"

Eira grew silent. She had no idea that would satisfy her. She looked to Hiccup for help.

"Look, we've flown hundreds of missions," Hiccup said. "This was Windshear's first one. You should've seen Snotlout when we first started. He couldn't fly ten feet without somehow setting himself on fire."

Snotlout suddenly popped out of nowhere on Hookfang. "Did I hear my name? Were you guys talking about me? I know you were. I'm gonna be in my hut. It's got a great view. Come check it out. Hookfang!" He disappeared as soon as he appeared.

Eira rolled her eyes. "He just wants attention."

"And you don't give him enough?" Heather said.

Eira shrugged. She tried.

Hiccup shook his head and then returned his attention to Heather. "We just need to get Windshear some training. Start with simple flying drills, formations. Get her used to what it's like to work with other dragons."

Heather hesitated. "I don't know. I think I just need to keep her away from other dragons while we're here."

"Avoiding the problem will only make it worse," Eira said.

"And that's gonna be kind of tough if you become a dragon rider," said Hiccup.

Heather looked at him in surprise. "What? Why would I become-?"

Hiccup smiled. "Heather, that's part of why we asked you here. Just let me work with you guys."

Heather reluctantly agreed. Eira stayed behind as Hiccup led her away from the Edge. For Windshear's sake, she hoped they could work this out. When they returned later, however, Heather appeared even more distressed then before.

"How did it go?" Eira asked, already fearing the answer.

"Terrible," Heather said darkly.

"Okay, so that didn't go quite as planned," said Hiccup, "but I promise that tomorrow-"

"There's not gonna be a tomorrow."

Hiccup frowned. "Oh. Heather-"

"Clearly, this was a mistake. We just don't fit in here."

"What are you talking about? You fit in great. Besides, do you really want to do that to Fishlegs?"

Heather's expression saddened. "No, of course not. But it's obvious that Windshear can't work with the other dragons and someone is gonna get hurt. I knew this wouldn't work. It's just better if we go."

At the mention of Fishlegs, Eira had one last thought. She might not know how to help Windshear, but Fishlegs with his knowledge might. She approached his hut and knocked on the door.

"Oh, hey, Eira," Fishlegs said as he opened the door.

Eira noted his disappointment. "Expecting someone else?"

Fishelgs fidgeted nervously. "Er, no... Come on in." He stepped aside to let her walk in. "What's on your mind?"

"Heather is leaving."

Fishlegs' eyes grew wide in alarm. "What? Now?"

"No, tomorrow. But that doesn't give you enough time to help her out."

Fishlegs frowned. "And how can I do that?"

Eira quickly explained what she knew about Razorwhips. "So, do you think you can find a solution to this problem?"

Fishlegs appeared thoughtful. "I don't know. Maybe... And if it's for Heather..."

"I'm sure you can do it." She gave him an encouraging smile before leaving him to his thoughts. Right now, he was their best hope.

The next day, the dragon riders continued their work with the Deadly Nadders. Only Fishlegs stayed behind so he could say goodbye to Heather. Eira hoped he had found a way to help Windshear. If not, he deserved this time alone.

Suddenly, they spotted a dragon hunter ship coming at them. And then there were more of them. Hiccup ordered them to fly above the clouds and regroup, but a dragon hunter hurled a chain that got caught around Hookfang's leg.

Eira gasped. "Snotlout!" She wanted to help but did not know what to do. The chain was made out of some sort of reinforced steel or iron.

Snotlout stopped panicking as he squinted his eyes to look past the riders. "Wait, is that..."

Hiccup craned his beck back. "Fishlegs riding-"

"Windshear!" Astrid exclaimed. "What are they doing?"

"Doesn't matter. Right now I'm just thankful they decided to show up."

Eira watched as Fishlegs flew by on Windshear and Heather on Meatlug. The two of them worked together to take out the dragon hunter ships. Every time Heather and Meatlug were in danger, Windshear helped out. They were a perfect team!

"Well done, Fishlegs!" Hiccup called out. "Switching dragons was the trick. Now even if there are other dragons around, Windshear's gonna do what comes naturally."

"Protect Heather," Astrid said.

"Exactly."

"Great work, Fishlegs!" Eira said. "I knew you could do it!"

Fishlegs grinned back at her.

The riders finished off the dragon hunters and then continued herding the Nadders. When they got back to the Edge, Heather made a huge meal to celebrate... for both the successful herding of the Nadders and Heather's official induction as a dragon rider.

They were in the middle of laughing together and having a good time when a Terrible Terror flew into the room and dropped a letter in front of Hiccup. Everyone looked at the letter and then at Heather.

Heather blinked. "I didn't send it."

Hiccup unrolled the letter and scanned it. His expression darkened as he read it.

"What is it?" Astrid gently asked. "Are you okay?"

Hiccup lowered the letter and gave everyone a grave look. "It's from Dagur. He's been looking everywhere for his sister. And he wants our help in finding her."

Everyone grew silence.

"Well, that shouldn't take long," Tuffnut said loudly. "She's right there." He pointed to Heather and received glares in response.

Heather rubbed her arm and looked down. "I knew he would come looking for me."

"Well, maybe that's not such a bad thing," Hiccup said.

Heather looked at him sadly.

"Or maybe it is. Look, Heather, you're one of us now. A dragon rider. If you're not ready to be found, we'll make sure you won't be."

"Thank you, Hiccup," Heather said quietly.

Eira stared at her plate. She suddenly did not feel hungry. This was what she had worried about in the beginning. But when she turned her concern to Heather and Windshear, she forgot this might come up. She lifted her head and caught Hiccup's gaze. Then she stood up and left the clubhouse.

Eira leaned against the building and stared up at the night sky. A minute later, Hiccup appeared beside her. "Hey," he said. "How are you doing?"

"I'm alright," she said. "I'm just worried about Heather... and Dagur."

"I know you probably think she should forgive him, but that's her choice."

"But can she make a proper choice when she doesn't have all the information?"

"What are you-"

"He saved your life. She should know that."

Hiccup frowned. "I still haven't told anyone else. I'm still not completely sure what it means."

"I am." Eira took a deep breath. "He's been writing to me, Hiccup. Every now and then. He says he's returned to Berserker Island and is actually trying to be a good chief. He wants a place Heather can come back to so they can be a family. He's really trying, and she should hear that from him."

Hiccup hesitated. "I understand, but we can't force her to do anything."

"We can persuade. Please, Hiccup. It's not just for Dagur. Heather's been all alone, and I think it would help if she strengthens her one familial connection."

Hiccup appeared to be thinking hard. "Fine," he said at last. "We can talk to her tomorrow."

Eira gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Hiccup and Eira met up with Heather as she exited Astrid's hut. She wanted to check out the spot Fishlegs had already scouted out for her own hut, and she allowed the two of them to accompany her on the ground of 'catching up.'

"You just missed Eira's brother," Hiccup said casually as they walked. "He spent a few weeks with us. He's a pretty cool guy."

Heather looked at Eira curiously. "You have a brother?"

"Two, actually," Eira said. "One one sister."

"Wow. That's a big family."

"Yes. We're all pretty close. My brother Haldor came back with my after I visited home. Apparently my younger siblings also want to visit Dragon's Edge."

Heather smiled. "That sounds nice."

Eira nodded. "Family is important, you know?"

Hiccup took a deep breath. This was his chance. "Speaking of family... Heather, I need to tell you something."

Heather's smile fell as she stopped walking and turned to face him. "What is it, Hiccup?" she asked cautiously.

"While Eira was visiting her family, I had an interesting run-in with your brother..."

Heather's face hardened. "What did Dagur do?"

"Nothing. I mean, he saved my life... and Toothless'."

Heather looked at him incredulously. "Really? Are you sure it was on purpose?"

"Yes! Toothless was struck by a dragon root arrow, and Dagur helped eliminate its effects. And then he fought off the dragon hunters to give me time to escape."

Heather frowned. "That doesn't sound like him."

"That's what I thought too. But he says he's changed. He has people he cares about now."

"He told me that too," Eira added.

Heather shot her a suspicious look. "Have you been seeing him?"

"N-No. We've just been writing each other letters. He's trying to build a better life, and he wants you to be a part of it."

Heather looked away. "I... can't. Not right now."

"But you're family," Hiccup said. "And I think he really cares."

"It's just too much to handle. I can't forget everything that happened."

"But he saved your life," Eira said. "He left the dragon hunters for you."

"You should at least hear him out," Hiccup said. "Let him explain himself. If you don't want him to be a part of your life after that, tell him. Hiding isn't going to solve anything."

Heather rubbed her arms and cast her gaze to the ground. "I'm sorry, guys. I don't think I'm ready."

"But-" Eira started.

Heather lifted her head to meet her gaze. "If you want to meet with him away from here and help him 'change his life,' then that's fine. Just please leave me out of it."

"Heather-" Hiccup said.

She shook her head and backed away. "I'm sorry." She turned and left them standing there.

Hiccup left out a heavy sigh. "We tried." He looked at Eira sympathetically. "Maybe she just needs some time."

Eira bit her lip but nodded. "I just hope we have time..."

Hiccup could not agree more. Keeping Heather's secret would be no easy task.