Chapter 59: The Final Battle

Dagur and Eira were met by Heather, Runa, and Viggo when they entered the chief's hut. "Did you find the King of Dragons?" Heather asked excitedly.

"Yes," Eira replied. "It's a Titan Wing Dramillion."

"Dramillion?" Viggo said thoughtfully. "That does not make much sense. Yes, Titan Wing dragons have greater powers than their smaller counterparts but not entirely new ones - at least not to that extent."

"It doesn't matter," Dagur grumbled. "Krogan got it."

Runa gasped. "Oh no..."

"We're going to reconvene with Hiccup in the morning," said Eira. "For now, we all need to rest."

"That is probably wise," said Viggo.

"I need some air," Dagur said. He exited the hut without waiting for anyone to respond. Once outside, he took a deep breath and looked up at the night sky. Why did everything look so peaceful when Krogan and Johann were so close to ruling the archipelago? They should be out their doing something to stop them!

"Dagur? What's wrong?"

Dagur sighed and turned around to face Eira. "I just don't like this sitting around and waiting stuff. I want to do something."

Eira took his hands in hers and gazed softly into his eyes. "We will do something, but we need to rest first. We can't fight the dragon flyers or even come up with a reasonable plan if we're exhausted, can we? That goes for our dragons too."

Dagur sighed again. "I know, you're right. Will you stay with me? I sleep better with you by my side."

Eira smiled at him. "Of course." She let go of one hand so she could lead him inside with the other. Even though nothing had been accomplished, Dagur did feel a little more at ease.

Eira awoke early the following morning. After getting ready, she joined Dagur, Heather, and Haldor on a stroll through the island to discuss their next steps. They were near the docks when they heard a loud horn.

"Incoming ships?" Dagur said. "Were we expecting guests? I mean, I'm not even cleaned up. I don't have guests on my calendar."

"That's because they're uninvited guests," said Heather.

Eira narrowed her eyes at the incoming fleet. "It's Johann. Viggo was right."

"It's nothing we can't handle," Dagur said as he and Heather withdrew their weapons.

"I will gather my troops," Haldor said.

"Eira, let Runa and Viggo know what's going on," Heather said.

Eira nodded. "I'm on it." She turned on her heels and ran for the hut.

"Hurry back!" Dagur called after her.

Viggo and Runa stared at Eira when she dashed into the house, out of breath. "Johann and Krogan are here!" she said between gasps.

Viggo's face hardened. "Then the time has come. I will join you in the fight. Runa, you stay here."

"But I want to help!" Runa protested. "I can still fight."

Viggo clasped her shoulders. "I cannot allow anything to happen to you. Stay here where it is safe."

"But-"

"He's right," Eira said. She understood her concern, but she did not need Viggo to be distracted because he was worried about her. "It's not just your own life you would be putting at risk. Think about the baby."

Runa looked down at her stomach and frowned. She let out a heavy sigh. "Fine." She glanced anxiously at Viggo. "But what do I do if anything happens to you?"

Viggo smiled. "Nothing will happen to me. I promise." He tilted her chin and kissed her on the lips. When he started to pull away, she threw her arms around him and kissed him fiercely.

Eira smiled at the couple. No matter what happened today, at least those two got to know true happiness. Finally, they parted, and Viggo followed Eira outside. "Go get the dragons and find a place where they're not bothered," she said to him. "You don't need everyone to know you're alive just yet."

Viggo nodded. "And what of you?"

"I'm going to help Dagur."

"I can't believe the King of Dragons is at Berserker Island," Ingrid said as she flew with the rest of the dragon riders. They had just gotten back from Defenders of the Wing Island, where they brought the injured Titan Wing Dramillion Krogan left behind. It turned out the Dramillion was not the King of Dragons, but his special fire was needed to discover the real target.

"More like 'under' Snotlout said," referring to the image shown by the Dragon Eye.

"Focus, guys," Hiccup said. "They're already here."

Ingrid spotted an entire fleet of dragon hunters closing in on Berserker Island. Meanwhile, the dragon flyers flew high above the island to get over the barrier that kept dragons away. Before they could strike, however, the riders were there to stop them.

"Krogan, this ends now!" Hiccup declared.

The riders fought off the dragon flyers, eventually surrounding them. Realizing the dire situation, Krogan called for a retreat. The riders flew to the shore to meet Dagur, Heather and Eira.

"Glad you could make it!" Eira called to them.

"Mind explaining what's going on?" said Heather.

"In a minute," Hiccup said. "We need to find a place to land and regroup."

"This way," Viggo said from behind them, hovering with his Skrill. "I've gathered the dragons. Come on." He took off, and the others had no choice but to follow, whether by dragon or by foot. Soon, they reached a cliff near the stables where the Berserker dragons waited for them.

"I don't understand why we're being attacked," Heather said. "I thought they were looking for the King of Dragons."

"They are," said Hiccup.

Heather's eyes widened. "Here?"

Hiccup nodded. "And I'm guessing it's beneath the island. That's why dragons can't fly here."

"It's his defense mechanism," Fishlegs said excitedly.

"Exactly. He has the ability to control the minds of other dragons."

"Well, no wonder Krogan and Johann want him so badly," said Astrid.

"Forget killing dragons," said Viggo, "with this dragon, they can create a dragon army and wipe out entire villages of Vikings."

"Which is why we need to stop them," Eira said. "No one should have that kind of power. This dragon has got it right, hanging out here and not using its power."

Dagur grinned. "The King of Dragons is a Berserker. Ha! It makes perfect sense to me. I mean, what else would he be?"

"Uncle Fenris, that's what," Tuffnut said. "It must be him."

And so, the twins told another random story that made absolutely no sense. Ingrid found the two of them amusing, but she did not think this was the time for that. Astrid had enough of it and somehow got them to act serious.

"What do you think Johann's doing right now, sis?" Tuffnut said.

"Uh, he probably sent a second fleet to attack from the south as the first fleet re-engages from the north," said Ruffnut.

"Why would you say such a thing?"

"Because that's what they're doing. I mean, that is them, right?"

Hiccup gasped and spun around. "What the-?" Sure enough, dragon hunters landed on the southern shore and ran onto the island with their weapons held high.

"You see?" said Tuffnut. "You see what happens when we get real? Things get real."

"Look," Dagur growled. Ingrid peered over the edge of the cliff to see dragon hunters destroying property and attacking villagers. "Those are our people down there."

"Runa," Viggo said darkly.

Eira shot him a nervous glance. "I'm sure they won't find her."

"We'd rather die in battle than hide in shame," Heather said, pulling out her ax.

"No one's hiding," Hiccup said. "And we're not gonna stay here either. But our chances of survival without dragons are extremely slim, to say the least."

"Aye," said Spitelout. "That it is. A decision would be a good thing right about now."

"We need to stay calm."

"No, we have to stay strong," Dagur said. "Fight."

"There's no sense in charging ahead without a plan, or we'll all be killed," Viggo said.

Dagur shot him a look. "Well, if you're so smart, what's your plan?"

Viggo opened his mouth to respond but was cut short by Tuffnut's shout: "Holy Razorwhip, baby!" Ingrid glanced up to see the Wingmaidens flying over the island with their baby Razorwhips. They struck at the attacking dragon hunters, catching them off guard and sending some of them fleeing.

Ingrid grinned. "They're awesome!"

"Hiccup," Astrid said in astonishment, "how did they-?"

"Sent a Terror Mail from Defenders of the Wing Island," Hiccup replied. "Wasn't sure they'd get here in time."

"How can baby Razorwhips fly over the center of the island?" Fishlegs said quizzically.

"Maybe because their senses haven't fully developed, it helps offset the effects?"

"Or maybe it's a window for our dragons," Dagur suggested.

"Only one way to find out," said Astrid. Everyone raced to their dragons and climbed on board. Hiccup and Toothless went off to search for Krogan and Johann while Astrid led the others into battle. "Dagur, Heather, Eira, Ruff, and, Tuff, engage with the Wingmaidens. Full frontal attack."

"Hold on," Eira said, glancing at Viggo. "There's something I think we should try."

Astrid frowned. "What is it, Eira?"

"The dragon flyers have been our main enemy for awhile now, and they're clearly loyal to Krogan. The regular dragon hunters, however..."

"You are correct," Viggo said. "Many of them follow Krogan and Johann out of fear, and they were never given a choice."

"Let me guess," Heather said, "Eira wants to give them a choice. Do we have time for that? We need to fight."

Eira gazed at her with a calm expression. "You know my preferred method of fighting isn't with axes and swords. I can do this. I'm sure many of the dragon hunters want to go home alive tonight, just like us."

"It sounds like a great idea to me," Ingrid piped up. "The less hunters we have to fight, the better. This is Eira's specialty, anyway. Has she been wrong before?"

Astrid looked from Viggo to Dagur to Ingrid. "Well, no." She turned to Viggo. "You're going to help her?"

"Certainly," said Viggo. "I know these men and how to appeal to them. Many of the hunters would prefer to follow me if given the chance."

"Then we'll give it to them," said Eira.

"I'm coming too," Dagur said with determination. Eira glanced at him in surprise. "I'll watch your back. That way you can focus on appealing to the hunters."

Eira smiled at him. "Thank you, Dagur."

Astrid nodded. "It's settled then. Ingrid, you'll join Heather and the twins. Spitelout, Snotlout, you two outflank them on the northern side, then squeeze. Got it?"

"Oh, we'll squeeze 'em, all right," Snotlout said.

"Like a ripe tomato under me armpit," added Spitelout.

"Good luck, you two," Ingrid said before joining her team. She smiled when Snotlout gave her a thumb's up. The action was about to begin!

Fortunately, Eira, Dagur, and Viggo's dragons were allowed to fly over the center of the island. Upon spotting a group of five dragon hunters causing destruction in the village, Eira and Viggo swooped down and landed before them. "Stop!" Eira said as she jumped to the ground. It was when Viggo dismounted his dragon, however, that the hunters' eyes grew wide.

"It's a ghost!" the hunter in the middle shouted, pointing straight at Viggo. Then all five of them turned around and fled.

"Shall we go after them?" Viggo asked his companion.

"Might as well," said Eira. She doubted they would attack them in their state of fear. They got back on their dragons and raced after the hunters. Viggo landed in front of them while Eira landed behind, cutting off their escape.

"Relax," said Viggo. "I just want to talk."

"Are you here to haunt us?" asked one of the hunters, trembling in fear.

"That is exactly what he's here to do," Dagur said, hopping off Sleuther to stand beside Eira. "That is, unless you abandon Krogan and follow him instead."

The dragon hunters exchanged nervous glances. "But if Krogan finds out-" started one of them.

"Krogan is not a threat," Viggo said firmly.

"And we'll protect you if you join us," Eira added.

"How do we know we can trust you?" a hunter said skeptically.

"Hey!" someone shouted off to the side. "They're traitors! Get them!" The new dragon hunter led a group of hunters to first group, their weapons raised.

"I'll deal with them!" Dagur declared. He and Sleuther leapt in front of the first group of hunters and faced the second. They made quick work of them, and soon, most of them fled. Dagur smirked in satisfaction. "And that's how you do it."

"So," Viggo said, looking around at the now larger group of hunters, "what do you say?"

The dragon hunters exchanged glances. In the end, they all agreed to go with Viggo. They followed the dragon riders as they patrolled for more potential recruits. Eira and Viggo appealed to the hunters using whatever techniques they could, and it worked to grow their numbers.

"I can't believe you two got so many hunters to join us," Dagur said after Viggo situated the men around the village, instructing them to protect the Vikings and buildings. "You're wizards."

"No, we simply understand the workings of the mind and how to tap into the correct incentives," Viggo said.

"I just try to give them a reason why it's better for them if they join us," Eira said with a shrug.

A scream broke up their conversation. "Runa!" Viggo said, eyes narrowed. He was off before the other two could react.

The Vikings reached Dagur's house to find the door broken down. Runa was outside, pressed against a tree, swinging her axe at three hunters. Despite her disadvantage, she seemed to be handling herself well.

"Sigurd, strike!" Viggo ordered. The Skrill shot a lightning bolt behind the dragon hunters, who leapt back in terror. Viggo jumped to the ground and stood in front of Runa protectively. Then he pulled out his fire sword. "Who wants to go first?"

The hunters exchanged looks. Then they dropped their weapons and ran. "You better get out of here!" Dagur called after them.

"Runa, are you okay?" Eira asked in concern.

Runa took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm fine. Thank you... all of you."

Viggo's expression softened as he gazed at her. "I'm glad, but perhaps you should stay with us. It was a mistake to leave you alone."

Runa smiled. "Where's Fireheart?"

"Whoo hoo!" Ingrid exclaimed as she flew through the air with Shadowwhisper, shooting dragon flyers. "Now, this is fun!" The battle had become a bit disorganized with everyone helping where they could. Suddenly, a loud roar shook the whole island.

"That must be the King of Dragons!" Astrid exclaimed.

Ingrid looked around and gasped as she saw dozens of dragons flying towards the island. She had never seen so many in one place. "Wow!"

"Fishlegs, where did all these dragons come from?" Heather said.

"That roar must have been a distress signal," Fishlegs replied. "All available dragons."

"And he riled them up just like Shadowwhisper," Ingrid said with a grin. With the new dragons, the battle turned in the riders' favor.

"All right, everyone!" said Astrid. "Work with each other and the other dragons. Let's finish this."

Ingrid was so caught up with the thrill of the moment that she did not see a dragon flyer coming up from behind her. Shadowwhisper moved just in time, and Ingrid looked back in surprise. She attempted to move out of the way when the flyer struck again but slipped out of her dragon's saddle and began to fall.

"I've got you!" Snotlout exclaimed. He dove down with Hookfang and managed to snatch Ingrid's arm. He pulled her up beside him and then helped her onto Shadowwhisper.

"Thanks!" Ingrid said. She took a moment to glance at the ensuing battle before turning back to him. "Want to fight together?"

Snotlout grinned. "You got it! Let's do this!"

They were going to win for sure!

Eira and Dagur left Viggo and Runa with the turncoat dragon hunters and swept through the village, looking for any signs of danger. "Hey, Eira," Dagur said as they neared the far side of the island, "can you find any reason to ever give Krogan a chance?"

Eira wanted to answer in the negative, but then she realized that was not quite right. She had seen one tiny sign of goodness in him, and it might be enough. "Yes. His Singetail saved his life once. It might be nothing, but I want to know what that's about." She rubbed Swiftwings' neck, who grunted in agreement.

Dagur nodded. "Then we might want to stop his flyers from dragging him off to his employer, who is not going to be too happy about his failure here."

Eira gasped. "What?" She looked down at the shore where, indeed, several dragon flyers strode toward Krogan, who had collapsed on the ground, and they did not look too friendly. "Alright, time to intervene!"

Swiftwings and Sleuther sped towards the flyers. Krogan scrambled to his feet and backed away. Before the flyers could reach him, the two dragons made shots right in their path, startling them. Then they landed on either side of Krogan, and their riders jumped down. "I'm sorry," said Dagur, "he'll be coming with us."

"I don't think so," said one of the flyers. Then they charged. Luckily, they seemed to have already been deprived of their Singetails, so Eira and Dagur easily swept them off their feet. When they turned back to Krogan, however, he was sneaking away.

"I don't think so," Dagur said. He snapped his fingers, and Sleuther pounced on Krogan, pinning him to the ground.

"You will come quietly if you know what's good for you," Eira said upon strolling forward. "You'll receive more mercy from us than whoever you let down today."

"This isn't over," Krogan said, glaring at the couple. "You may have defeated me, but something far worse is coming."

"I think we can handle it," Dagur said confidently. After signaling for Sleuther to back up, he pulled Krogan to his feet and tied his hands behind his back. Then he beamed at Eira. "I'd say this battle is over. Let's find Hiccup and celebrate!"

A/N: There is one chapter left! We're almost there, everyone.