Chapter 14

Victories

Hi everyone! I had been a long time I know! Let's do a bit of summary:

Viggo tried to make Astrid his spy yet she decided to work as a double agent for Fury instead. In order to make Viggo believe Astrid is loyal, Fury allows her to follow Viggo's order and make him fall from his dragon during an attack against Krogan, the slave-trader. Fury let Krogan win the first fight in order to fool Drago but plan another attack and called reinforcement to help.

I advised you to take a look at the chapter 10, more exactly the moment when Fury show Fishlegs and Astrid the slaves and dragons rescued from Drago.

If there was anything Krogan hated it was defeat; especially when he felt victory should have been easy. He had the advantage because he knew they were coming thanks to Viggo, they wouldn't be that numerous, and he knew they wouldn't wreck the ships because of the slaves inside. After the Endrisians' retreat, they had started healing the injured, but Krogan wouldn't waste much time letting them rest. He ordered scouts to search for them and waited for their return.

"Sir, what are we gonna do?" Asked one of his warriors.

"We have to find them; I can't go back without Fury."

"But sir, they probably left."

"Drago will not let us live if we get back without him."

"But many of us failed to catch him before, Drago didn't kill each person who failed," pointed out another warrior.

"Yeah, how is this time different?"

"This time is different because Viggo made it easy for us, you idiots! He warned us and he got that girl on our side! He told me she would make him fall on purpose, that was their plans, and obviously she did! We have no fucking excuse for that failure! So if some of you wanna die, they can tell me, and I'll make sure it will happen now!"

No one dared to talk back. Krogan hated to let his men know he was worried, but at least they now understood why they couldn't fail once more. The worst in that were the metal nets; they had lost most it during that battle. The ones made of ropes weren't as efficient, and even those were lacking now. He still had dragons though.

His scouts only came back in the morning, claiming they saw the Endrisians on a small island toward the East. Krogan couldn't help but feel enraged at this. Those fucking dragon lovers were merry somewhere on an island while they were struggling with the ressources on their boats! And how didn't he know about that island?! How the hell Fury knew the ocean better than he did?! Why did it seem like the Endrisian chief always had a card in his sleeve? Krogan had fought bigger and more experienced men, and none of them ever gave him as many problems as Fury.

"That demon…I'll have his head," he growled lowly. "Prepare for the next attack! We sail toward the East!"

This time, he would get them! It didn't matter to him what they would lose, how many of his men die, but he would would bring Fury back! He realized then that Endris was in the East as well. If Fury took that direction, it probably meant he planned to go back home. He was really retreating! It wasn't like him, though…Something was probably wrong with them. Good, whatever it was, it could only be a good thing for them.

It took them half a day to reach the island, but he saw the enemy's boats were still here. Now was his chance, he couldn't mess that up! They approached the boats and prepared themselves for an attack, still watching out for any dragon attack from the sky.

"Remember!" He yelled to his men: "Fury must be brought back alive to Drago! Anyone who kills him will be gutted!"

They were approaching, Krogan was pretty sure that this time they would win. They got closer and closer to the boats. As they got near, they suddenly saw dragons raising from the boats and flying toward them.

"Arrows! Shoot nets at Fury only!"

The dragons flew up and then down. While Krogan was about to shoot another arrow, he stopped and grabbed his sword when he understood what they were about to do. The Endrisians jumped on board and ran toward the warriors while their dragons fought against the other dragons in the air. Only Toothless was on the boat with humans, already starting a massacre among the enemies. Fury sliced a man's neck and hit another with his shield before killing him. Another man attacked him but the chief dodged his blow and gutted him. Fury let out an enraged yell before throwing himself at his enemies. Once again, he personified his name; swift and merciless, roaring and hitting with metal and flames, his slender frame didn't matter anymore. He was a force to be reckoned with.

Astrid was also yelling while slicing with her axe. Belda and Heather were at her side, forming a deadly trio while the dragons above were still fighting in storms of scales, fangs, claws and fire. Astrid felt incredibly alive, she was attacking with almost no fear, she was starting go Berserk now! She planted her axe in the skull of a man who tried to stab Belda and disarmed a woman who carried a spear right after. She killed her with a clean blow in the chest.

Yells were heard on some boats and Krogan saw men in the sky, and it seemed like they were floating…Oh no!

"Incoming!"

Acid was thrown at the enemies. The changewings revealed themselves and the reinforcement attacked the enemies with arrows, blades and acid.

Fury smirked at this sight. He had called for a special reinforcement and they came at the right time! Heading closer to Endris had been part of his plan. He had called for Changewing riders, they were fast and very stealthy. He knew Krogan wouldn't expect this. He gave a signal to Heather and Camicazi. Now that the Changewings were here to help with attack, they would start with next step: getting the slaves out. Camicazi would do exactly the same but on another boat and gave herself the signal to other warrior who had been charged to make the slaves escape as well.

Heather got his signal and she told Astrid and Belda to go in with her. Other warriors covered them while they forced the trap door of the boat. It didn't take long for them to find where the slaves were kept. Astrid felt a cold wave of shock spread through her. Dozens of people were cramped together in a few dark cells; they were dressed in rags, dirty and trembling out of cold and fear. Heather broke one first lock and opened the door:

"Stand up, we'll free you from that place!" Then, she turned to Astrid: "Escort them outside! You have to bring them on our boats!"

Astrid followed Heather's order and took one first group of slaves outside. None of them discussed when she told them to follow her. One little girl was stumbling, hardly able to walk. Without hesitation, Astrid took her against her chest, supporting her with one arm while holding her axe with the other. The little girl, a small red-head hardly older than six, looked at her with wariness.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Belda got her back while Heather was gathering other slaves inside. Warriors got in formation around the slaves, helping Astrid and Belda to protect them while they were leading the slaves toward the Endrisians boats. One man rushed toward Astrid, sword ready to strike; The little girl screamed in fear and buried her face in Astrid's neck while her little arms gripped her tightly. The shieldmaiden blocked the man's blow and kicked him hard the crotch before thrusting her axe in his head. She fought another enemy before getting to the boats. The little girl was crying in her arms. She crossed the planks which the Endrisians had forcefully put between the ships and put the little girl down. The child refused to let go at first.

"Kid, I need to go back to fight."

The little girl shook her head. One of the sailor took her away from Astrid. She helped the group of slaves to get on board, protecting them from anyone who would try to stop them from escaping.

Krogan saw what they were doing. He was expecting it, typical Endrisian tactic. He took one spear and charged at that blond woman who previously had a child in her arms. She had her back at him, she didn't see him, he could get her…Pain invaded him and he found himself stumbling to the side. A metallic shield had been crushed against his side. Fury was standing here, obviously furious. Krogan hardly had time to parry the next attack. His hands and arms were slightly burned by the sword's flames, it was starting to be hard to keep hold of his own weapon. He tried to disarm him, he couldn't kill him, he had to disarm him and take him hostage! That would make the Endrisian retreat, it could fix everything! He attacked Fury's side, intending to make him stumble, but the young man dodged easily and slammed down his weapon. Krogan screamed in pain as Fury's sword cut through his shoulder. The man released his sword under the pain. Soon enough, his head was rolling down.

Was it the death of their leader, or the arrival of the new riders, but the enemies retreated on the last boat they could get (which had been emptied of any slave), and a few of them flew away on their dragons. This time, the Endrisians had lost some warriors and dragons, though not as much as their enemies. However, the enemies boats which hdn't been sunk were taken by the dragon riders and every riches they could find in those as well. The chief had his warriors gather the slaves on his very own boats. Astrid helped the chained people to gather, and she saw that almost none of them dared to look at her in the eyes. They had their head hung down in submission, as if they were prepared to any blow coming toward them. Some had more hopeful look. She even heard one of them whisper something about dragon riders who would save them.

Once they were gathered, Fury landed before the chained people, mounted on his Night Fury. Most of them looked scared or resigned, but some looked hopeful. They had heard of that dragon-riding tribe.

"You stand here before us, the Endrisians, the dragon-riders the breakers of chains. We're not here to sell you for ourselves. We're not here to force you into submission. We're here to bring down those enslavers, those who put bonds on you and thousands of people, we're here to make sure that no tribe will ever mark anyone as a slave anymore! We're here to break your chains!"

With that, his soldiers broke and started to open the chains of the slaves.

"We can fight, and you can join us. You are now free to choose your life. You can go free to another island, or you can join us and fight at your side!"

A wave of acclaim followed those words, from Endrisians and also from some slaves. Astrid looked at her future husband. She had to admit there was something about him. A tug on her hand got her out of her thoughts. She saw the little red-head looking at her. She smiled to her and took her in her arms again.

O o O

Their return was triumphal to say the least. They had returned with more boats, they had rescued slaves and even dragons, and got weapons and gold. And they had Krogan's head on a shaft. The way the people of Endris acclaimed and greeted Fury like no one ever did with Spitelout or even Stoick. And Stoick was a great chief. Even the dragons were roaring. However, in all of that, one voice raised to yell Astrid's name. She recognized Fishlegs's voice immediately. The little red-head was holding her hand, she told her to follow her. She found Fish and hugged him with affection:

"Hey, Fish!"

"So, how was it?! A battle on dragon's back! It must have been great! Who is that?"

"This is my new friend. She doesn't speak for now. Wave to Fishlegs."

The little girl waved shyly to him. They left the harbor together, leaving Fury with his people. She was happy to see Kalisha coming toward them:

"Astrid! I'm happy you returned safe!"

"I'm happy to see you, Kalisha, you look much better."

"I am! It's a good thing, there is hardly time to rest anymore, after all! Chief Mala will come soon to visit."

"Oh, I forgot about that…Kalisha, would you mind looking after that little one? I have to speak with Fishlegs. Don't be surprised if she doesn't speak."

The young woman accepted and even though the little girl was unwilling to leave Astrid, the blond girl reassured her and left her with her friend. Once she was alone with Fishlegs, she told him what happened exactly and, assuring themselves that they couldn't be heard, he whispered:

"So, the fall was believable enough?"

"Seems so."

She had told him of course, although Fury hadn't been really sure of that, she had assured him that Fishlegs was entirely trustworthy. Surprisingly, it wasn't that hard to convince Fury of it. She had charged her friend to watch out for any suspect activity, he promised to do that along with Eret. They went toward the dragon arena where Stormfly reunited with some dragons. Under the roars and shrieks, they could speak with more ease.

"Fury will probably ask you to visit us home. He'll want to know if you noticed anything."

"I didn't notice much to be honest. Oh, but there is something I must tell you!"

"What?"

"You remember when Fury showed us the slaves and the dragons who got broken, right?"

"I'm not about to forget."

"There was a Gronkle with a lot of whip marks. Well, Eret allowed me to visit her and she likes me already! If Fury allows it, she could be my dragon."

"Seriously! That's great!"

"Isn't it! I don't know what I should do, then, will I be allowed to bring her back to Berk, I don't know, but it would definitely be worth the try."

He was about to ask herto come and see the beats, but someone called them. They would celebrate the victory in the Great Hall and Fury's fiancée had to be there, and Fishlegs as well, given his guest status. There was a lot of wine and beer. Astrid spent most of her time with Fishlegs, Heather, and the friends she made around the well: Belda, Wollmi, Cryda, Vami, Llewellyn, and Kalisha. She escorted Fishlegs home, her friend had never been good to hold alcohol.

The next morning, the boy had sobered and came to visit Astrid. Not having the slightest regard for her tiredness, he just let her splash water on her face before pulling her along with him to go see his dragon. He led her to the arena.

"Look, here she is!"

He showed her a Gronkle who was munching on rocks. The beast still had scars, but she waived her short tail at the sight of Fishlegs. He stroked the dragon and Astrid really had the impression to see one big affectionate dog. It wasn't as if she wasn't getting used to it, she had seen many people and dragons interacting like that, but this was Fishlegs! A month ago, the boy was hunting dragons along with her! Heather arrived with Windshear and she seemed really pleased to see that Fishlegs got a dragon.

"You already seem to get along," she commented.

"Yeah, she is great, really! She demands a lot of affection, probably because of what they did to her."

Heather smiled softly to him, her eyes shinned and Fishlegs blushed. A short silence passed, the Hooligan boy and the dark-haired girl looking at each other fondly.

"I'm sure you're the perfect person to take care of her."

Feeling that she was suddenly an intruder, Astrid excused herself, saying she had to take care of Stormfly after such a long trip. She left the arena with Stormfly to search for a stick. She soon saw Fishlegs and Heather leaving as well, going toward the woods with their dragons. A grin appeared on her face. For once, it seemed that she would be the one asking Fishlegs many questions. She heard a little shriek behind her: Stormfly wanted attention. Throwing a big stick as far as possible, the girl laughed as the Nadder ran after it crazily.

While Stormfly was catching it back, Astrid heard footsteps behind her. She turned round to see Camicazi. She gave her a quizzical look, she was maybe the last person she expected to see.

"Hey."

They hadn't spoken to each other since the girl accused her of whining and spitting on their chief's face. Sure, Camicazi had been there during the expedition, but they hadn't interacted at all. Astrid wasn't feeling boiling anger toward her anymore, but that didn't mean she wanted to speak with the Bog-Burglar. The girl just looked at her, saying nothing, as if she hesitated.

"Want something or did you simply plan to creep on me?"

"Well…First, I wanted to say that I heard of what you'd done. Saving Kalisha."

"And?"

Stormfly came back with the stick and Astrid threw it once more. Cami looked at her; the Hooligan didn't even seem to care about her presence.

"How did you do it? I kept wondering that"

"Well, I whined until their ears bled out."

"Very funny," Cami huffed, half-amused, half-annoyed.

Astrid gave no answer. She was still watching the dragon who searched for the stick, when the Bog-Burglar spoke again.

"I don't get it, you have been able to fight the three of them! I did spare with two of those guys in the past and they were very good. How is it you could handle the three of them, but not me alone?"

"Because I was fighting for someone else. I was blind with anger when I fought you."

This was probably not the only difference, but it had been the main one. Seeing the dragon got the stick and was playing with it, she decided to call her back:

"Stormfly! Come here! Bring it back!"

The Nadder looked at her questioningly, and she repeated herself. This time, the dragon went to her and dropped the stick while happily waving her tail.

"That's a good girl!"

"Are you ignoring me?"

"No, if you want to talk to me, go ahead, otherwise I'll take care of my dragon just as I planned."

Astrid scratched her under the jaw and the beast just rolled down on her back. The girl looked aside and just mumbled:

"I wanted to thank you."

"What?"

"I wanted to thank you, for saving her."

"Oh."

That conversation was already unexpected, and those words…She wouldn't have thought she would hear something like that from the Bog-Burglar's mouth. She continued to pet Stormfly and found herself out of words. It seemed that Cami was pretty much in the same state.

"I didn't know you were close to her," Astrid eventually declared.

"I'm not, but I know her through Eret and I quite like her. She had a grudge on me I think, after what happened with you. Actually, most of my friends had."

"I know."

Camicazi bit her lips, the Hooligan wasn't helping her much. Yet, she had to do this.

"I was a Bog-Burglar, I still am somehow. When I was captured, my mother got killed, she tried to protect me. I was on the ship…And I was desperate. But then, they came: Fury, Heather and Eret. They freed me, and I was given the choice between returning toward my tribe, or following them. I choose to follow them, and I accepted Fury as my new chief. Their cause was noble and I felt loyal. But the thing is, Borg-Burglar aren't supposed to pledge to men, or only when they are exceptional."

She sighed, Astrid remained silent, those words reminded her of what Belda said to her, maybe that was the reason why she listened.

"I was often mocked for that, each time someone was learning about my origins, I was taunted about it, they would say I got leashed by a runt…Each time someone would say that, I would beat the hell out of them. But there isn't only that. He is my friend, and I hate whenever someone attack one of my friends. I know his reasons, and maybe I forgot you also had very good reasons to be angry."

"And Hillevi? It's the same with her?"

"She loves him, I don't know what kind of love it is, and maybe she doesn't know either. She lived a life of slavery and she didn't tell me what happened to her, but I don't think it was merry…So she is now among the people who are loyal to a fault."

"I see." She still wasn't feeling very forgiving for Hillevi, what she went through didn't justify her words. At least Camicazi apologized, she had to give her that.

"So protecting someone made you stronger, that's what you mean?"

"It's one of the biggest motivations I can find. Yet I don't need someone to protect to be strong. Want to test that?"

Both girls stood up and got into fighting stances. Throwing the first blow, Astrid hit Cami's axe and kicked her side. Swift and strong blows were exchanged, Cami managed to punch Astrid but the girl retaliated with an elbow in the girl's jaw. A hard slap on Cami's throat followed. The girl chocked and Astrid sent her axe at her. The Bog-Burglar parried right in time and a new serie of blow went on. Astrid wouldn't leave her opponent any room to catch up her breath. She was getting slower, the Bog-Burglar tried to kick her but Astrid blocked and threw herself at her for another punch. The girl avoided but the Hooligan gave her a kick at the back of her legs. She took Cami out of balance and with another strong kick she sent her to the ground. One last kick in her axe to disarm her and this time, the Bog-Burglar was on the ground, bruised and panting. Astrid had a smug smile while looking at her on the ground. The Bog-Burglar rolled her head but grinned nonetheless:

"Yeah, quit that smile. From now on, we're sparing together, and I won't make it easy for you."

"Yeah, as if you had been holding back!"

"Totally!" Cami said jokingly.

Astrid laughed and helped her off the ground. They were entirely alone and Cami whispered: "You have to meet someone, don't you?"

She just nodded in response. She didn't know that Fury told her as well, but it made sense since she was still one of his closest counselors. She went to find Viggo at sunset, he was waiting for her, obviously not happy.

"What happened?" Asked he right away.

"On the battlefield? Fury managed to get away."

"How is that?!"

"Hey, don't start to play angry with me! I made him fall, and he got caught, if your men couldn't keep him, it's their fault!"

His expression softened a bit: "Alright, alright; what happened exactly?"

She explained him how he was caught by a dragon but used a technique to make the beast release him. Viggo couldn't help but be impressed by his adversary. Fury always had that ability to adapt to situation and was resourceful enough to get rid of hardships.

"You didn't try to make him go down during the second battle?"

"No, some people were already suspicious. Another 'error' from and they would have known."

"That wasn't a reproach. It was the best thing to do indeed. Too bad for Krogan…You know, I'm interested to know more about that technique he used to make the dragon release him."

"He told me it was about pressuring something, but no more."

"I would need to know more about that. I guess there won't be many military operation after that?"

"No, I don't think so. I'll check out, though."

"Then you'll try to know more about the way they train dragon."

"Sorry if I'm curious, but why is it important? You ride dragons too, don't you?"

"We don't have many dragon riders actually. And, I have to admit, we do lack some skills. When we don't break them, they revolt. When we do, they obey but a lot of them just weaken."

"What do you mean?"

"They hardly eat, they get sick…Fury has healthy and obedient dragons. I want to know how. I don't see how he can handle those fire-breathing beasts without violence, yet I guess he does."

"I'll get you answers. When do I have to met you again?"

"In two days. You can't go to me every evening, it would be suspect. I have something to prepare anyway. Astrid, I want you to know how much this matters. Fury is putting the lives of many tribes on balance, who knows how many of them could be ruined. If you can help us avoid that, you'll be a hero."

Astrid nodded with an emotional look. Her act was good, but she was boiling inside. The man was really a manipulator! The tribes who would get ruined! And what about the tribes and lives they ruined by taking people away to serve as slaves?! What about those children she saw in that hut, who couldn't even approach an adult because they were given to some messed up people? Anyway, she had no need of him to get her freedom back. In fact, she didn't really feel like a prisoner anymore.

That evening, when she and Fury where alone in the house, she summed up what was told between them. He listened with attention, though he was once more furious to think Viggo approached her. To tell the truth, when Astrid first told him that Viggo had suggested her to be his spy, Hiccup's first want had been very simple: kill the man in the most painful way possible. Since Astrid could lead him toward him, it would have been simple. Yet another idea had soon came into his mind: making Astrid his own spy. She had accepted immediately and even revealed him that she had the same thought.

"So, what do I tell Viggo next? He wants new infos, about dragons that time."

"Why is that?"

"Apparently their army is struggling to keep dragons and ride them. They can't do anything without violence but obviously violence doesn't give healthy enough dragons."

"Uh! Wonder why! But well…It could really be a bet for Viggo…Maybe you could tell him about the secret room. The one I showed in the library."

She remembered, when he showed her the collection of books they kept in the village, he had told her about that room which was locked away from prying eyes.

"I remember. It contains only books about dragons?"

"Yes, our secrets about the way we raise those and all."

"Are you really sure you want him to know about that?"

"I don't really like it but we have to give him something to chew, we'll make sure its guarded, maybe we'll move the books away in secret. That way even if he gets in, he'll find nothing. I want him to focus on that, he can't discover what I'm working on."

"What is it?"

"I'll show you."

They went out and got on their dragons' back. Lady actually followed them, playfully teasing Toothless while they were flying under the moonlight. Her mate returned the gesture; it didn't seem to bother Fury much. They landed in the forest where fireflies illuminated a small clearing. Fury made a soft call and Astrid's jaw dropped when she saw what was before them. A Timberjack and a Typhoomerang came toward them but didn't get close.

"We don't have any of those dragons in our ranks. With their abilities, they could really be a great help. Timberjack's wing cut through wood easily, it would help us drown enemy's ship in an instant. As for the Typhoomerang, well, we could use a fire tornado."

Both dragons were really huge, Fury advanced slowly and showed his hand. The two beasts sniffed it but didn't approach any further. Once again, she couldn't help but be impressed by his ability to interact with wild beasts who could have killed him in a blink. He gently spoke to them and she just watched in the distance; She would probably have scared them both. Lady and Toothless weren't approaching either, and Astrid went to the female black dragon. She extended her hand. At first, Lady just recoiled but decided to sniff it. Astrid felt touched by that. She remembered what Hiccup told her about that dragon, how she got captured and abused by Drago. The fact she allowed that contact meant a lot.

She looked again at Fury, the two dragons were still before him, approaching shyly. He continued to make gestures and speak to them, and the beasts allowed him to get closer. She couldn't help but hold her breath when she saw him put his hand on the Timberjack's snout. Toothless was on guard, ready to attack if any of the two dragons tried to hurt his friend. The Typhoomerang was a bit shier but he sniffed the human's hand.

Both left quickly afterward. Toothless relaxed and went to his rider who sat on a rock, looking suddenly tired. His posture had something melancholic. Astrid wondered why her future husband's attitude suddenly changed. She was subject to mood swing herself at times, but she still wondered what was wrong…She approached, sat beside him and saw he was looking at some little feathers on the ground, enlightened by a small group of fireflies. She raised an eyebrow and looked at him questionningly.

"I'm sorry; I often have moments like this after expeditions such as this one. The slaves we rescued…I can never really get used to that, you know? Seeing them broken and scared…I don't know if you ever heard the story of Baral and the feather?"

She had heard the story already indeed, yet she didn't say it, maybe because she was too curious to know what he meant.

"After a terrible war to save his tribe, a young warrior named Baral is lying in a field, wounded and pretty sure he is going to die. He can look at nothing but the blue sky above him, and then he sees a little feather carried by the wind and he looks at it...Then he prays to it: 'Fly little feather, and become my wings.' He deplores not having more strenght, more brothers to save him; he says that if he had that, he wouldn't be dying in that field. Then he prays once more to the little feather to become his wings. And it does happen thank to the gods, he has wings, his wounds heal and he can lead his tribe to victory."

In spite of the happy ending, it sounded way sadder in his mouth. She still listened, feeling the slight tremor in his voice.

"I felt exactly like then at a time, as if I was so weak and so helpless that I could do nothing but lay and pray to the smallest things to help me. I know how you feel when it seems like they'll never escape and can only beg for help. The gods did help me, because they had sent me Toothless, but it's not everyone who got that chance."

"Some did. Thanks to you. You were that feather to them."

He chuckled: "Do you say that because of my lightweight?"

She chuckled and punched him playfully on the shoulder. They looked at the fireflies, those were flying peacefully across the clearing.

"I…I thought of showing you my face. I mean, I know I can trust you."

"It's better if you don't. At least, not until we're over with Drago and all, because if I get captured or something, it's better if I don't know anything about your true identity."

He took her hand and gave it a light squeeze.

"I won't let you get captured."

"We have to consider that possibility. But can you tell me why it would be so wrong if Drago saw your face?"

"I wouldn't want him to know who I am and to attack my native tribe."

She understood. She didn't want Berk to get involved in anything either. She thought of her sister and mother, of her friends. She wouldn't want them to be hurt either. Giving a light squeeze to Fury's hand, she leaned a bit against him while watching the little lights dancing around.

The story of Baral actually come from a Russian song 'Fly Little Feather'. Give it a try if you have time. Next chapter, Mala will appear! I'm actually impatient to introduce her.