Chapter 56: Preparing for War

"What are we doing here?" Dagur shouted through the loud, snowy wind.

Eira wanted to know the answer to that as well. After taking a few days to settle in on Berserker Island, Viggo insisted he knew the perfect dragon to use against Krogan and Johann. Of course, Runa and Eira came along to make sure he treated the dragon right. And Dagur was there to supervise. Viggo rode with Runa, and the two of them led the way to the snowy mountain.

"You'll like this, Dagur," Viggo said. "In ancient times, the Singetail was one of the most feared dragons. However, there was one dragon whose powerful blasts could neutralize the Singetail's fire... the Skrill." As if on cue, lightning cut through the air, and a hovering Skrill snarled at them.

Dagur's face lit up. "A Skrill?! We're going to capture a Skrill?"

"Train, not capture," Eira said. She shot a quick glance to Viggo. "Right?"

"Of course," said Viggo. "I gave you my word we would do this your way."

"He's not too happy we're here," Runa said as her dragon dodged a lightning bolt. "Skrills are extremely territorial."

"Just like Berserkers," said Dagur.

"Not to worry," Viggo said. "I have a plan. We need to land."

That was easier said than done. The Skrill pursued the dragons as they made for land. It was a struggle to get out of the way of the lightning blasts, but they somehow made it. Viggo hopped off Fireheart and pulled out his dagger.

"Uh, what are you going to do with that?" Eira asked nervously.

"Just watch," said Viggo. He slowly waved his dagger in front of the Skrill, and the dragon followed it with his eyes. "That's right. That's right. Berserkers used metal daggers to lure Skrills into traps. The dragon is drawn to this due to its electrical properties. I'm sure you knew that, Dagur."

"Oh, uh, yes, of course I knew that," Dagur said with a sheepish smile.

Viggo continued to wave the dagger. "That's right. We are not enemies." He held the dagger still with his left hand while he slowly reached his right hand out and touched the Skrill on the snout. "We need your help, dragon. I want to be friends." The Skrill let out a low growl of approval.

"Very good!" Runa said with a pleased smile.

Viggo smiled back at her. "Can you help me train him?"

"It would be my pleasure."

"I can help too!" Dagur exclaimed. "And before you invite this guy back to Berserker Island, you should know that dragons cannot fly over the center of the island."

Viggo's eyebrows lifted. "Really? That is not normal. I will have to look into it."

"Are you planning on riding him?" Eira asked, gazing at the Skrill. The idea sounded bizarre, but she would have loved to see it.

"That would be ideal, yes. We can take it slow for now. We're still getting to know each other."

"I think you'll do great," Runa said. "We're glad to have you with us."

Viggo smiled at her and then turned to Eira. "Have you alerted Torvald that Johann and Krogan only need one more Dragon Eye lens?"

"Yes," Eira replied. "I'm not sure how much warning I'll have before they show up, but here's sure to send some soldiers."

"It would be smart for them to arrive after the upcoming midnight sun. Let me know when they do. I would like to speak to whoever is in charge to coordinate our efforts."

Eira's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, right. Sure." She knew why Viggo made the request, but she was not looking forward to explaining to everyone why they should suddenly trust him.

"That won't be a problem, will it?"

"No, of course not!" Eira paused as something occurred to her. "Not if you can prove you can form a bond with a dragon. That's the easiest way to gain a Torvaldian's trust."

Viggo smiled and nodded. "Understood."

"Then let's get started!" Runa said, grinning at the Skrill, who appeared interested as well.

"Yes!" Snotlout exclaimed when Ingrid successfully landed a strike on him with her training axe. "We can stop for now. I'd say you're ready for those dragon hunters. You're getting really good!"

Ingrid wiped the sweat from her forehead with her arm and grinned at him. "Thanks!" She walked to the side of the training dome where she grabbed her water and took a long drink. When she finished, she smirked at Snotlout. "Do you want to know what else I'm good at?"

Snotlout blinked. "What?" He could name many things she was good at, but nothing in particular came to mind.

"Romance! Not only did I help out Eira and Dagur, but I helped them help Runa and Viggo." She smiled and nodded to herself.

Snotlout frowned. "You can't claim credit for Viggo and Runa. And you almost let Dagur marry Mala!"

Ingrid waved away the accusations. "Details. I knew what I was doing."

"So, you admit you played us the whole time?"

"Don't say it like that. I was just trying to do what was best for everyone."

Snotlout crossed his arms and gave her a suspicious look. "You said you were helping me with Eira, but you never wanted me to be with her, did you?"

Ingrid sighed. "I didn't think you were right for her, but if I told you that, you would have taken it personally. I didn't want to hurt you. I wanted you to figure it out on your own. That's why I spent time with you helping you build your confidence. The things we did together can help you in your general life, not just with Eira."

The tension immediately evaporated from Snotlout's body. He had no idea Ingrid put that much thought into it... or that she cared. "You really wanted to help me?"

Ingrid smiled. "Of course. Like I said, you are a great guy, just not for my sister. I do like spending time with you. Admittedly, that may be part of the reason I let things drag on for so long."

Snotlout smiled back at her. He understood what she was saying. "That's alright. I like spending time with you too. At some point, I think that became more important than learning how to impress Eira." He paused. "Not that I needed much help in the first place."

Ingrid laughed at this. "Of course not."

While gazing at her, Snotlout suddenly remembered something she told him. "So, Ingrid..."

The girl looked at him warily. "Yes?"

"I'm not with Eira anymore..."

"True."

"And you said something about liking me if I was available..."

Ingrid's eyes grew wide. "Did I say that? You have a good memory."

"Yeah, so..."

"Hey, do you want to race dragons?"

Snotlout blinked. "Sure?"

Ingrid beamed at him. "Great! Let's go get them!"

Snotlout hurried to follow after her as she exited the training dome. Normally he would love to race dragons, but it was clear Ingrid was avoiding the previous subject. It seemed she had more in common with her sister than he thought.

Eira received word from Haldor stating he was sending soldiers as soon as possible. They planned to leave in the middle of the midnight sun to avoid trouble along the way. Torvald had buildings to help with sleep during the midnight sun, so Eira did not worry about them. She spent the two weeks without darkness with her friends on Dragon's Edge. A few days after the night returned, the twins reported ships docked at the island.

Eira led the way to the docks, assuming it was her visitors. She thought they would stop by Berk first, but perhaps they had orders to speak with her. The Vikings and their dragons had already stepped onto land when she arrived with the others, and to her surprise, they were led by her brother himself.

"Haldor!" Eira exclaimed. She ran to her brother and embraced him. "What are you doing here?" She assumed it would be too dangerous for him to join this fight.

Haldor chuckled lightly as he hugged her. "I wanted to make sure you and Ingrid were safe. I know best how to lead our troops into battle."

"Hey, Haldor!" Ingrid said, hugging him next. "It's good to see you."

Haldor smiled. "It's good to see you too. I'm glad you're enjoying your time here."

"Welcome to Dragon's Edge," said Hiccup. "Is this where you're planning on staying?"

"No, we'll be going to Berk. I wanted to show everyone your home here first in case we will need to defend it."

Hiccup nodded. "That's a good idea. Let me show you our base. You probably need some rest after your long trip."

Haldor smiled. "Thank you, Hiccup." While they walked, he moved closer to Eira and said in a low voice, "I do have another reason for coming myself. Your last letter spoke of Viggo Grimborn... I would like to speak with him."

Eira swallowed hard. "And he would like to speak with you." She could only imagine how that conversation would go down.

"Excellent. Let's make the visit tomorrow."

Eira knew she should reintroduce Dagur to Haldor as her boyfriend. However, as the siblings landed on Berserker Island, she could not figure out if she should warn Dagur first. Would knowing induce anxiety, or would he resent not having time to prepare? Her thoughts were cut short when the man in question enthusiastically greeted the trio.

"Prince Haldor!" Dagur exclaimed. "Long time no see. I didn't expect you to show up."

Haldor smiled. "It's good to see you, Dagur. I came to help the cause and make sure all of the pieces are in place."

"So, if there's anything you want to tell him, you can do it now," Ingrid said. Dagur looked from her, to Eira, to the ground.

Eira guessed he did need time after all. "Haldor wants to see Viggo," she said instead. "Is he here?"

Dagur's bright demeanor instantly returned. "No, he's training on another island," he said. "Do you want me to take you to him?"

"If you don't mind," Haldor said. "It would be much appreciated.

As they returned to their dragons, Ingrid gave her sister a look, and Eira smiled sheepishly in return. She had no answer for her yet. She would tell their brother about Dagur and her... eventually.

Eira spotted lightning bolts shooting from the small nearby island. Since Berserker Island repelled dragons, this was where Berserkers training them. Not many people knew about it yet, but Eira promised to help Dagur spread the word. Hopefully, he could soon form a team of dragon riders all his own.

"What kind of training is this?" Haldor said curiously.

"Dragon training!" Dagur said cheerfully.

Haldor sent Eira a surprised look, to which she replied, "I didn't have time to send you another letter. Viggo is training a Skrill."

"Now, this I have to see," said Haldor.

The group landed on the island far enough away from the Skrill to prevent accidental electrocution. From here, Eira could tell that Viggo and Runa were training together with Fireheart and the Skrill. They both flew on the dragons backs, maneuvering in the air. She found herself quite impressed that Viggo had come so far so quickly.

"How long has he been training this dragon?" Haldor asked, his eyes fixed on the Skrill.

"Every day for the past three weeks," Dagur replied. "And the midnight sun makes everything double days, so add two more weeks onto that."

"And Runa has been with him?"

Dagur smiled. "She hasn't left his side. True love wins again."

"She's helping him adjust," Eira said before her brother could question his comment. "Although, it doesn't seem like he needs much help."

"Nah, he just doesn't show it," Ingrid said. "He wouldn't get far without her support."

"It's true," said Dagur. "Having someone who believes in you makes all of the difference. You're not looking at what's not seen: the mess he would be in without her."

"Love does have a way of motivating and inspiring people to be their best," Haldor said thoughtfully. "Still, I need to speak with him myself to be sure."

Dagur nodded. "Got it." He cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted: "VIGGO! You have a visitor!"

Viggo glanced in their direction, and the Skrill shot a lightning bolt way too close to Dagur, making him jump in fright. The two dragons descended, and Viggo and Runa slipped off their backs to greet the newcomers.

Runa laid her eyes on Haldor and gasped. "Prince Haldor! What a pleasure."

"Runa," Haldor said with a nod, "I see you are well." Her eyes flickered to her growing stomach.

Runa blushed lightly. "Yes, thank you." She glanced at Viggo and then back at Haldor. "Umm..."

Sensing her nervousness, Eira decided to bail her out. "Haldor, this is Viggo Grimborn. Viggo, this is my brother, Haldor."

"Future king of Torvald," Dagur added.

"It is an honor to meet you," Viggo said amiably. "Your sisters are wonderful people."

Haldor smiled slightly. "Yes, they are." He paused. "As is Runa."

Viggo smiled. "Naturally. Are you here to lead your troops? I have some ideas you might want to consider."

"That would be excellent, but first, please indulge my curiosity." Haldor's eyes fell on the Skrill. "Who is your companion?"

"His name is Sigurd," Viggo said, "because he will lead us to victory." He stroked the Skrill's head. The dragon leaned into his touch and growled in pleasure.

A small smile flickered on Haldor's face. "Do not take this the wrong way, but how did the former leader of the dragon hunters come to befriend such a magnificent dragon?"

Viggo continued to stroke Sigurd, gazing at the dragon as he did so. "That was a long time coming, I suppose. I may have evaded Runa, but facing off against Hiccup for so long had its toll." He dropped his hand and faced Haldor. "When Johann and Krogan turned on me, a Monstrous Nightmare saved my life. I can no longer deny what is right in front of me. Life - both human and dragon - has value, and I will not take it so easily anymore."

Haldor stared into his eyes for a long moment. Finally, he dipped his head and said, "Very good. I am glad to have you with us. I am sure your knowledge will be most valuable."

"Th-That's it?" Runa said in surprise.

Haldor looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Do you want me to interrogate him?"

"N-No. I just... You'll trust him that quickly?"

"Why shouldn't I? I have all the information I need to inform my judgment. Eira is excellent at spotting authenticity - or the lack thereof - and if she were to fail, Ingrid would catch it. You have spent so much time with him, Runa, that you should have a good idea of where his heart lies. Perhaps most importantly, this Skrill trusts him." Haldor looked at Sigurd, who regarded him with cool eyes. "This is one of the hardest dragons to train, not least of all because of its high intelligence and independence. If it were even possible to trick a Skrill, no one would risk the backlash when it found out." He smiled at Viggo. "I care not for where you've been but where you are going. Anyone who can form a strong bond with a dragon is a worthy ally."

"Thank you," Viggo said. "For Runa's sake more than mine, I am grateful for your approval."

Haldor smiled knowingly. "Not to worry, I have no plans to get between you two. In fact, if you help us take down the dragon hunters, I will offer you a full pardon so the two of you may return to Torvald if you wish."

Surprise flashed in Viggo's eyes. "That is most generous."

"Thank you, Haldor," Runa said. "You won't regret this."

Haldor nodded. "I expect not."

"While we're on the subject of approval..." Ingrid said, nudging her sister in the side.

Haldor looked to them curiously. "Yes? What is it?"

Eira took a deep breath. It was now or never. She had to admit, her brother's handling of Viggo did give her confidence. "Haldor, I have decided that Dagur is the one I want to be with." She walked right up to the young chief and took his hand in hers. "I hope we have your approval."

"Me too," Dagur said. "I love Eira, and I will make sure she is happy."

"Good," Haldor said. "Make sure that you do."

Eira stared at him in shock. "What?"

Ingrid snickered. "Surprised? He agreed to let me help you figure everything out. If I approve of your relationship, of course he does."

"I see no reason to object," Haldor said. "If you have specific concerns, we can discuss them later."

"Thank you," Dagur said, a grin of relief on his face. "It was good to get that off my chest. Now there's nothing standing in our way!"

Eira smiled at him and gently squeezed his hand. For once, she agreed with that sentiment. She needed to worry no longer. The future was in their hands.