Chapter Seventeen: Darien's Moment


"So…why did you and Ryker want me to keep the Skrill alive?" Strogg asked, looking out of the tent he and Viggo were sitting in. Across the way, in a small overhang under the cliff, was a cage that held the crazed Skrill. Ryker and some men had barely re-contained him. Whenever the dragon root would wear off, Wasatch would start thrashing and creating a lightning storm. That was technically his third cage; as he destroyed his previous two.

"Well, originally to test you and your word, which you well passed expectations. Now, it's because the dragon is worth more alive in the Northern Markets. As it's fresher." Viggo answered simply, studying a map methodically "It's more valuable that way."

"If you ask me, a valuable dragon is a dead dragon." Strogg growled, lifting his axe to show the bone blade "My armor, my axe, all made from dragons I killed. My ship's sail patched from their hide."

"What good are all the weapons and armor in the world if you're starving to death? Or living in rags?" Viggo asked, finally looking up from his map. "Tell me Strogg, why is killing this…Ukiah, so important to you?"

"He's the only survivor of a tribe I swore to stomp out." Strogg growled, his eyes narrowing "The tribe was made up of killers and murders; destroying even the smallest villages, burning the weakest ships, and killing the most defenseless Vikings. There were no boundries for them."

"And…you returned the favor? By killing and murdering their men, women, and children?" Viggo asked, throwing a little tone in his voice to dig into the hypocrisy of the statement.

"Aye, to fight fire, you often need fire." He growled, narrowing his eyes "If this kid lives, I cannot allow myself to return home. I vowed to end them, and that's exactly what I entail to do."

"Why did you take such a vow on yourself?" Viggo pressed, genuinely interested in learning why.

Strogg let a small smirk grow on his face. His expression darkened as he whispered "Did you know I had a sister? A sister learning to be a trader?"

Viggo shook his head, but knew exactly the motive behind Strogg's madness with Ukiah.

"Those dogs, the Crevites they called themselves, raided her vessel, stole her goods, and slit her throat." Strogg growled, gripping his axe so tight that Viggo was half expecting to see the handle shatter under the pressure. "They didn't even burn her ship to send her to Valhalla. After that, I swore I'd have my revenge after their island was wiped off the maps, and their name stricken out of the history books." Looking up at Viggo, he growled "So I became stronger, as well as a leader! I became a person that chooses when someone needs to die…" Chuckling, he whispered "I thought I succeeded too. Until Ukiah came around. Defied both my vow and my ability to make things die. I almost respect him in regards to that."

Viggo nodded at the tale, understanding his new ally a little more. "Let me share something with you real quick, Strogg. Power isn't just being able to deliver death, but rather being able to decide what lives. If you can control that, you've become powerful enough to dictate all things."

"Hmph…" Strogg growled, not liking that he was being lectured "Go through what I went through, and then tell me that."

"Viggo, that Skrill is destroying all our equipment!" Ryker announced, walking up to the two and interrupting their conversation "We can't keep shooting it with our arrows, it'll eventually kill it! What are yeh waiting for?"

"I know…I've been trying to think of a way to calm it." Viggo replied, sitting back in his seat "Or a way to speed up the process of selling it in the markets."

Dagur and Darien then walked into the tent, with Dagur taking a seat next to Viggo. Viggo looked over at him in annoyance, as he began to ask "So, what's the grand scheme? How are we going to get your precious Dragon Eye back?" Throwing his arm over Viggo, he then suggested "We can have Strogg here, just let him end them for us."

"Aye, and I would too. Better than sitting here, babbling about nothing." Strogg grunted, staring at Viggo.

"I have a plan already, just need to do something with Darien before..." Viggo huffed, brushing Dagur's arm off "Besides, I'm expecting these dragon riders to be searching for their friend. Even if we wait a whole week, I'm planning on them coming to us. And no more senselessly killing the riders. I want to question them. And use them." Looking at his council, he then said "Right now, let's focus on what we have. We have an out of control Skrill, and one of the riders as a captive."

"Uh…Viggo." Darien jumped in, making everyone look at her "I have an idea. At least to keep the Skrill calm-"

"Why do you let wenches in your councils?" Strogg asked, completely interrupting Darien "What does she have to offer?"

"If you let her talk, maybe you'll see why I want her here!" Viggo snapped, his eyes burning into Strogg's "I know you're used to your own ways, where men are the only ones that lead and decide. But here, I welcome minds that think! Men or women!" Turning to Darien, he then gestured for her to continue.

Feeling a little unsure of her idea, she then stammered "I…I uh…I think I remember a way we kept it from attacking us. And breaking our cages." Gesturing to Ryker, she explained "I got the idea from Ryker actually. When he captured Matt and the gang a few weeks ago, we threatened to kill Matt to keep his Skrill from attacking our ship."

"The rider's dead. Can't use him to calm the Skrill…" Strogg huffed, glaring at Darien "Why not just throw the cage in the pond? Seemed to work for you a few nights ago."

"Strogg. The 'pond' is a deep crater lake, with no shallows. The Skrill would simply drown. Now, let her finish her idea and then we can critique it." Viggo growled, shaking his head in annoyance "She knows the Skrill's rider is dead."

"His name was Matt. And he had a soft spot for his friends; more so with him than anyone else." Darien answered, trying to sell the fact she wasn't worthless; and to do anything to tick off Strogg. After all, he did make her slave away on his ship. Gesturing to the caged Skrill, she suggested "My thought is this: If the Skrill recognizes Astrid, especially if we threaten her like we did to Matt, that'll keep it from attacking us. At least being aggressive. We just need to show it that she's in mortal danger."

"No!" Strogg immediately shouted, glaring at Darien "Astrid's mine! Not yours! Or yours Viggo!"

"Didn't we agree to share our advantages?" Viggo quizzed, raising an eyebrow "If you want me to help you find your mysterious rider, I need the Dragon Eye. In order for me to get the Dragon Eye, I need both the Skrill and this Astrid." Turning to Darien, he smiled and complimented "Brilliant idea, Darien. Worth a try at least."

Strogg stared at Viggo with eyes bulging, wanting to rip his arms out. Doing the only thing he could think of, he pointed at Viggo, whispering "Two of my men guard her then at all times. If anything happens to her, I get Darien as collateral…"

"I'll agree. Though I doubt it'll come to that." Viggo replied with a careless smile, not shaken by the threat. Turning to Darien, he then asked "Is Astrid a dragon rider like Hiccup?"

"Very much so." Darien confirmed, smiling at the fact Viggo was using her idea; more importantly, defending her "If I had to rank her, she's Hiccup's second-in-command. Well, at least now she probably is. Since Strogg killed Matt."

"Does she care about the other rider's dragons?" He asked again, his face looking calm.

"I'd imagine so. I don't see why she wouldn't." She replied, shrugging at the idea "Why?"

Viggo only smiled. Turning back to the fuming Strogg, he then said "My friend, I am in need of your assistance."

"You've been asking a lot lately. Friend." Strogg spat, his eyes narrowing at Viggo "And barely giving anything in return…"

"Indeed, but this is something that you don't need to do. It's just something I thought you'd enjoy." Viggo replied, smirking while looking down at his fingernails. Cleaning them by rubbing his thumb over them, he then explained "Astrid…will she be difficult to get any cooperation from her?"

Strogg scoffed at the question, saying "If she wasn't bound hand and foot, she'd probably have sunk my ship the moment I killed her friend."

Viggo smiled, whispering "Good. Go get her, and bring her to the Skrill's cage. We're going to…convince her to help Darien out with training our Flightmare."

Darien's jaw dropped. He was serious about her riding that incredible dragon!

"Hold on! I want her to ride the Skrill!" Dagur shouted, shocked that he was completely undermined.

"We all know it'll kill her before she even gets a chance to get close." Viggo explained, turning to face Dagur "Honestly, until this point, I was planning on selling it." Glancing back at Strogg, he then smiled "But now I want to use it as leverage against Astrid. To make her teach Darien."

Strogg, now knowing why, nodded with an evil smile "If it breaks Astrid's spirit, I'll do anything to help." Cracking his knuckles, he then said "If I had to guess, you want me to…discipline this dragon. In front of her. Right?"

"As violently as possible. Without killing it of course." Viggo confirmed, smiling at the giant. He played Strogg right into where he wanted him. Content.

"I'll send word to bring her." Strogg growled, turning to walk out of the tent "I need to go get a…tool. Where's your blacksmith?"

Up the pathway, in the second cave." Viggo directed, smiling as the giant walked out.

Darien had chills run down her back. Though she wasn't a nice person herself, Strogg was different. She could only imagine what he meant by tool.

Dagur still looked less than pleased. He was completely undermined, in position and plans. Glaring at Darien, he whispered "When did Viggo pick your dragon?"

"Pick? I have no idea what you're talking about." Darien replied with a shrewd grin "He just knew you wanted me to ride a dragon. He's just making sure it actually happens."

"Give me a little more time, and I would have made it possible…" Dagur growled, glaring at her.

Before she could reply, Viggo cut in-between the two, wrapping his arm around her "Darien, Darien, Darien…" He said, smiling with satisfaction "Look at you! You've already been quite the asset in just the couple of days you've been here!"

Darien relished in the praise, saying "Glad I could help. I couldn't help but think of ways to keep the Skrill at bay.

"Indeed, it shows that you have put some thought into it. Not just that particular problem, but also your loyalty to us…" He smiled, walking her towards the cage "Now, be honest with me. I have a question regarding your ability to ride the Flightmare…"

Dagur watched the two walk off, scowling at Darien as she kept on smiling at Viggo. Shaking his head, he reluctantly followed them, with Ryker close by.


Astrid slowly made her way down the trail. She was still gagged and her arms were still tied behind, though the rope around her waist and ankles were taken off. Instead, she had a rope loosely tied around her neck, like a leash; and was being led by one of Strogg's men.

Trying to take her mind off her embarrassing situation, and the memory of Matt being killed, she looked over the Dragon Hunter's camp. She couldn't believe the size of the army! No wonder Ryker was able to replenish his fleet so fast, he had an entire fleet in reserve! With the men to sail it too! Being pushed forward, she turned and glared at Ugo who was staring down at her. Reluctantly, she turned away from him and kept on walking.

Rounding a corner in the path, she gasped as she saw Wasatch in a cage. Two Hunter's had their bows drawn, both aimed at him. He looked like he was still in a daze, though he was starting to show signs that he was coming out of the dragon root's effect. Dagur, Darien, Ryker, and another man, one she never seen before, were standing by and smiling as she appeared. Strogg was on the other side of the cage, though without his thick dragon hide tunic and dragon bone armor, showing his many battle scars across his body.

"Ah, so you must be Astrid." The man spoke up, stepping up to her. Gently, he grabbed the rope collar and lifted it over her head "This isn't needed." Eyeing her up and down, he smiled as he said "My, I can see why Strogg fancies you. You'd sell well in the Northern Markets."

She just stared at him with a burning fire in her eyes, unable to say anything. Though she resolved to not say anything anyways. She refused to give any satisfaction of her being a lone prisoner. Well, her and Wasatch.

"Ungag her." Viggo ordered, looking at Ugo.

Ugo ignored him, and just turned to face Strogg. Strogg nodded, gesturing him to do so. Grunting, he untied the knot, and let the wadded cloth drop out.

"There. Better?" Viggo asked, smiling at her.

Secretly relishing that the tight gag was finally off, she still refused to say anything. These monsters were responsible for Matt's death, and the pain of it was still fresh in her mind.

"My name is Viggo Grimborn…" He continued to say, ignoring her silence "I'm in charge of the Dragon Hunters. You've already met Dagur, Darien, and my brother Ryker." Gesturing to Strogg, he then introduced "And your captor's name is Strogg-"

"…the Murderer…" She whispered, her eyes glaring into his. She felt a cold hate rush over her. He was responsible for so much death and destruction.

"Oh, you know each other?" Viggo asked, raising an eyebrow and looking over at Strogg "You've dealt with each other before?"

Strogg let a wicked smirk grow on his face. "Aye, we first met in my village. Thariin. She stole someone from me while there. The boy I'm trying to hunt. Ukiah."

Astrid twitched in anger, hearing the name. The entire reason she was in this situation was because of him!

"Wait." Ryker interrupted, making everyone turn to face him "Your village? Your village was Thariin?! Set a whole month's trip to the east?"

"Aye, that same place. I was the chief there…" Strogg growled, not backing down from Astrid's icy glare.

"The Chief of Thariin…" Viggo whispered, his eyes lit up with shock and amazement. Smiling, he then commented "Explains why you took the title The Forsaken Chief. You were disowned."

"Not disowned, replaced; when I resumed my chase after Ukiah." Strogg barked, turning to face Viggo with fire in his eyes "I plan on taking my place as chief when I finish my job." Then with an evil smile, looked back at Astrid "With her…"

Astrid fidgeted her wrists at the comment, wanting so bad to rip out his throat.

"But, before you take her. I need her…" Darien then spoke up, grinning evilly at her.

"Of course. I forgot about that I needed to ask you a question." Viggo laughed lightly, returning his attention to the bound Astrid. Seeing that she still refused to talk, he then explained "You see, we're trying to get Darien her own dragon. I was hoping you'd be willing t-"

"No." Astrid growled, trying to stare down Viggo "I'm not going to help her ride Wasatch."

"Wasatch?" Viggo asked, confused at the name "Is that the Skrill's name?"

Astrid only nodded very shallowly, her face darkening as she stared at him with anger.

"Hah! It's not Wasatch that we want her to ride, we have our own dragon." Viggo laughed, shaking his head at the thought. Looking at Wasatch, who was starting to radiate some small sparks along his back, then said "Let's put your theory to the test Darien."

Wasatch began to growl, a wild and ferocious look taking over his otherwise dazed expression. Growling louder every second, he bared his teeth at Viggo.

Ryker then walked up to Astrid, drawing his sword. In one smooth movement, stood behind her, with the blade pressed against her throat. He just stared at Wasatch, wondering if the Skrill would recognize the threat.

Wasatch snarled at Ryker, though he stopped radiating lightning.

"No! Wasatch, fire at them!" Astrid shouted, only to have the sword pressed harder against her throat and a knee pressed into her back; keeping her from shouting any more.

"Magnificent idea Darien! It worked flawlessly!" Viggo laughed, seeing the Skrill was pacified without the need of dragon root "Now that that's been taken care of." Getting into Astrid's face, he quietly stated "You have one chance to say yes or no. Will you teach Darien how to ride a dragon?"

"No." Astrid growled, waiting for Ryker to draw his sword across her throat.

"You gave your answer. Now watch the consequences." Viggo whispered coldly; his warm, and otherwise, friendly personality disappearing. Turning to Strogg, he nodded.

Strogg let a large smile grow across his face. Grabbing something from behind a large rock, he revealed a large chain in his right hand. Opening the door to Wasatch's cage, he boldly walked in.

Wasatch, though not radiating lightning, snapped at the man who walked into his cage. Strogg swung his massive left fist into the side of the dragon's head. With the force of a comet, Wasatch flew into the cages wall at the strike.

Astrid stared in horror, realizing what she did.

Strogg then struck Wasatch with the chain on the side of his head, leaving a long red mark down his neck. Wasatch bucked at the force, making a sound that made Astrid sick to her stomach. It was a cry of shock, pain, and even a hint of mourning; sounding like a horse screaming and a dog yelping. Before she could even react, Strogg struck Wasatch again! This time on top of his neck. The sound of the metal chain slapping off Wasatch's scales and hide, made even Dagur and Darien flinch uncomfortably. Wasatch gave up trying to stand, and lay there, stunned completely from the blows.

"Wasatch!" Astrid cried out, unable to do anything with the sword holding her back.

Her cries fell flat, as Strogg kept on raising the chain and bringing it down. Wasatch just groaned after every strike. Long red marks began to litter all over his body, with some bleeding more profusely than others. Small streams of blood trickled down his purple and black scales.

"Stop! Stop it!" Astrid screamed, staring into Wasatch's eyes. For a moment, time froze. The dragon stared at Astrid, which made her heart stop. For a brief second, he had Matt's eyes, as if pleading with her to make it stop.

Strogg cracked the chain over the center of Wasatch's back, not lifting it up again and letting it lay on him. Taking a step back, he turned to see Astrid's crestfallen face. With a smirk, he then stepped up to the broken Wasatch. Grabbing his largest metal spike on his back, he then said aloud "I've always wanted one of these when I took this beast on my ship." At that, he began to pull the spike back.

"No!" Astrid shouted, jamming her head into Ryker's chin. Feeling the sword leave her throat, she threw herself towards the cage, falling as she did "Please stop! I'll teach Darien! I'll help her! Just stop hurting him!" Her eyes were fighting the tears that wanted to come out.

Her feelings were mixed between being angry, terrified, and relieved when she looked up to see Viggo stop Strogg from pulling the spike out of Wasatch. Kneeling down where she lay, he asked "Last chance to answer. Will you teach Darien to become a dragon rider?"

"…yes…" She whispered, looking down from his calm expression. She broke. She was the one, of all the dragon riders, to break. Supposed to be the toughest, she gave into their demands.

"You've made your choice. Now watch the consequences." Viggo repeated himself, smiling at her. Turning to his men, he then instructed "Take care of the dragon. Stop the bleeding and make sure the stripes don't scar. Feed it our best fish and make sure it stays healthy. It'll still fetch a hefty sum if healed correctly."

Astrid felt herself hefted onto her feet. With a few tears, she just angrily stared at Wasatch, who was resting with his eyes closed. For a brief moment, he cracked open his eyes. Seeing Astrid look at him, he let out a soft growl, and let a single lightning spark down his back. Astrid let out a small gasp, swearing she saw the corner of his mouth crack into a smile. Something Matt would've done had he been in that position.

"What's the first thing we need to do?" Viggo asked, gently guiding Astrid away from Wasatch and up a path.

Astrid, shook her head, trying to forget the image she just saw. Reluctantly, she quietly asked "What dragon is it?"

"A Flightmare!" Darien piped in, walking excitedly next to Astrid. Her eyes were wide and she had a smile that would light up a dark room. She was going to train a dragon!

Sick to her stomach, Astrid then whispered "Honestly, I don't know. We never trained a Flightmare."

"That's not what I wanted to hear." Viggo expressed, looking at Astrid disappointingly "If you can't, we'll get someone who can. But that also means that Skrill isn't needed anymore."

"I didn't say I wouldn't try. No one has trained a Flightmare before." Astrid growled, her old anger starting to return. Taking a deep breath, knowing she was bound to keep her promise, she said "First and foremost, you need to earn its trust."

"Ok, how do I do that?" Darien asked, looking at Astrid with a now worried look, seeing that she didn't know exactly what to do.

Astrid just glared at Darien, saying "I don't know. Every dragon is different. I'm an expert with Nadders, and I have to learn what different Nadders like. Though they're similar, they're not the same."

Darien just looked ahead, her face paling a little. Viggo noticed, which he said "Don't worry Darien. If anything happens to you, Astrid will suffer the same fate. And then some…" Darien just nodded, turning into a cave with a graven face.

Astrid was pushed forward, stumbling into the dark cave. Giving Ryker a dirty look, she kept on following Viggo and Darien. Twisting her wrists in the ropes out of nervousness, she gasped as she saw the glowing, ghost like dragon come into view.

"Well…I guess this is it." Darien said aloud, breathing a sigh of nervousness. Looking at Astrid, she then asked "What do you suggest I start with?"


"What do you mean he's dead?!" Fishlegs cried, staring at Hiccup and Heather "Where did you find him?!" The entire group was completely in shock, not really believing Hiccup's and Astrid's claim. Matt…how could he be dead?

Heather was sitting on a bench, sobbing into her knees. Hiccup had tears running down, but his face was that of resolute and anger. He just stared into the fire that burned in the fireplace in the center of the clubhouse. Finally, tearing his eyes away from a log he was watching burn away, he whispered hoarsely "We found his goggles…what was left of them any ways…"

Fishlegs just stared at him, wanting to ask if he could see the proof, but wasn't unsure if it was appropriate.

"Heather? Can you show them?" Hiccup choked out, turning face her.

Slowly, and almost reluctantly, Heather sat up. Her face had tear stains running down her cheek, and her eyes were bloodshot and red. Clutched in both hands, were Matt's goggles. In the light, the actual damage could be seen clearly. The lens were shattered over the left eye, with a large crack going across the right. The actual frame was smashed in, with the plastic completely crushed and flattened. Then the sight that made even Snotlout and the twins quiver in anger and sadness. Bright red blood stained the entire strap, telling that the injury wasn't a small one.

"Oh my Gods…" Fishlegs whispered, gently reaching to touch the goggles.

"So it was a trap." Snotlout began to say, drawing everyone's attention to him "A trap not to capture, but to kill whoever brought Darien…"

"Yeah. It was." Hiccup replied, his gut wrenching him "I…I sent Matt to his death…" Tears started to flow freely and he angrily scolded himself "I knew it too! I knew what Strogg was willing to do; and I still sent Matt after him! I thought that Strogg would actually let Astrid go!" Closing his eyes, he then shouted through clenched teeth "I sent Matt to his death! I killed him!"

"Hiccup…it wasn't you…" Heather tried to console, only to have Hiccup quickly bark back.

"It was! I refused to tell you two about Ukiah! I refused to tell you guys about Strogg!" He shouted, almost challenging Heather's claim. "I hid it from Matt, thinking it wouldn't matter anymore, but not only was I completely wrong, but I got him killed because of my decision!" Shutting his eyes closed, he then quieted down to a hoarse whisper "I should have just helped Ukiah kill Strogg to begin with…"

"No…this is why it's not your fault. It's all our fault!" Heather said, though barely audible. Hiccup opened his eyes, staring at her as if to explain herself. "We failed to even try to come up with a plan to get an edge over them. When haven't we tried too, regardless of the threat?" Looking down at the goggles, she then whispered "We failed him. And Astrid. By giving into Strogg's demand, we became the ones at fault…"

No one said anything, because it felt like it was the truth. They all laid over and hoped for the best, relying on the mercy of one who knew none; rather than try and plan a way to win. Hiccup closed his eyes, angry that he didn't try to beat Strogg at his own game.

"So, what are we going to do now?" Fishlegs asked, looking at Hiccup with a lost look.

Turning to stare at the fire, Hiccup watched a lot break into pieces as the fire ate the wood away. With the fire reflecting in his eyes, he then looked up and whispered "I'm not going to make the same mistake again. Astrid's still out there, and we know Strogg has no intention of giving her up." Looking over at Heather, he then said "I want to make them all hurt. Make them all hurt for what they did to Matt and Wasatch. For taking Astrid and almost killing Stormfly." His fists curled up in anger, as he then coldly added "I want revenge…"

"I know you do Hiccup, I think we all do…" Heather commented, finally standing from her seat. With her tear stained face, she growled "I'll ride to the edge of the world with you, but I'm the one that takes on Strogg. He's mine."

"Heather, Matt was a brother to me. A brother that was close, and frankly my best friend. I want Strogg as much as you do. Right now though, we need to get ourselves ready." Hiccup replied, his face turning dark. Turning to the rest of the gang, he ordered "Fishlegs, I want you to make sure Stormfly is taken care of, and can be alone for a few days. Twins, I want you to start preparing our supplies. Snotlout, you're in charge of securing the Edge; we're going to be gone for a while. I'll get the Dragon Eye, I don't want them to come here while we're searching for Astrid." Turning to Heather, he then said "Heather, you and I are going to fit some dragon armor to Windshear."

"Out of Gronckle Iron?" She asked, raising an eye brow.

Nodding Hiccup then explained "I want you to really thrash this ship when we find it, and to free Astrid. You're the only one out of us that wears armor, and Windshear is a razorblade when up close. You two are perfect for clearing out ships."

"Any chance that I can use some of that iron to make me a new axe?" She asked, now sounding resolute.

"Of course…let's get you ready." He replied, turning to walk out of the clubhouse "Everyone, break! Meet up in the morning and we'll leave right away!"

The entire gang split up, some going to their rooms, others to their destinations. Heather waited for a moment until she was alone. Looking down at the broken goggles, she just stood there and looked into the shattered lens. She imagined seeing Matt's face, wearing them with his casual smile and laughing demeanor. Closing her eyes, she imagined him telling a joke, or making light of the fact he was killed. Opening them up again, this time with the fire's reflection dancing in her eyes, she lifted the goggles up and over her head, letting them hang from her neck.

"I hope you forgive me up in Valhalla, Matt…I'm sorry I asked you to stay…" She whispered to herself, feeling a cold empty feeling come over her "I hope I can forgive myself." She then stared blankly into the fire. In her mind, she could only hear the words from her dream: "Your fault…it's all your fault."


"Ugh, that didn't work!" Darien huffed, staring at the spilled bucket of blue algae. They've been at this all day, with little progress made. With it getting late in the night, it was obvious that the task of training the Flightmare was going to be more difficult than previously thought.

The Flightmare roared as loud as it could with its large, metal muzzle, covering its mouth completely; which sounded like an angry muffle.

Staring at the dragon, Darien then asked "Why's it have such a big muzzle on?"

"A Flightmare doesn't shoot fire, like a regular dragon." Astrid explained, standing in between two of Strogg's men; still tied up. Strogg refused to let her out of his possession and never gave her any chance to escape; even with her guarded by five other Hunter's at the cave entrance. Continuing her lecture, she explained "It shoots a mist that literally freezes their prey. Nothing can break free for a few minutes if it's just a little mist. If it coats you with a thick layer, you're stuck for an hour or so. If you live that long."

Intrigued by the information, she then asked "What else can I do? I've tried calming it, feeding it, talking to it, everything!"

"That's not everything." Astrid replied, narrowing her eyes at Darien "I said you needed to earn its trust. That's really the only step. How? I'm still trying to figure it out with this guy."

"I'm not…content by your promise." Viggo announced, turning to Astrid "If Darien doesn't train this dragon by the end of tomorrow night, Strogg can do whatever he wants with you. And that Skrill will be long gone. Either dead or alive."

Astrid squared up to him, making the guards grab her and pull her back "I'm trying! Dragon training isn't just something you do! You have to treat each dragon differently!" Gesturing to the Flightmare, she then yelled "We've never tried training this kind of dragon! It was near impossible to get near it without it attacking us!" Glaring at him, she shouted "Dragon's aren't just things or pieces of equipment! They don't react the same every time like a catapult! Each dragon has its price on what it'll take to earn its trust!"

"One more day and night!" Viggo growled, not budging on his demand. Grabbing her by her arm, he then marched her out of the cave "Take the rest of tonight to think about what to do." Turning to Strogg's men, he ordered "Keep her by the Skrill. Make sure to show it that she's still under our threat that we'll kill her. Understand?"

The two reluctantly agreed, not liking taking orders from him. Pushing Astrid ahead of them, they marched her down the pathway to where Wasatch continue to lay, though recovering for being beat and cut up.

Viggo let out a frustrated sigh, watching Astrid disappear. Turning to Darien, who was staring at the Flightmare, he then suggested "Come Darien, it's late. And we're all tired." Gesturing to the dragon, he added "Even this beast."

"Yeah, I know." She replied quietly, staring at it "I just want to be alone with it for a few minutes. I'll be down in a second."

Viggo nodded, turning and walking out of the cave, leaving her alone.

Sighing, she promptly sat down in front of the cage. Crossing her legs, she began to think of all she did and what Astrid told her. "I have to earn your trust. What price have you set?" She whispered, looking at it in the eye.

The Flightmare growled at her, his eyes narrowing angrily. Then, in desperation, tried to claw the muzzle off of his mouth for the countless time. Struggling for a few minutes, he finally settled down and lay down, giving up on trying to get Darien away from him.

Staring at it, she recalled the stories that Astrid told, how Matt and Hiccup were almost killed by their dragons, but still trusted them before the dragons even tolerated them. Especially with Matt and the recent wild Skrill he tamed. And how Heather earned Windshear's trust, helping her when she was injured. "Hmm…almost like people." She whispered, looking down from the Flightmare's gaze. She expounded on the thought "If you do act and react like…us. Then…maybe…" She never finished her thought. Out of a desperate attempt to want to train a dragon, she stood up, grabbed the keys that hung nearby, and walked to the door of the cage.

Making sure she had the right key, she looked up at the Flightmare, now laying down and trying to rest. Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the door and swung it open. The Flightmare whirled around, seeing her shut the door behind her and locking it. The guards all ran in, hearing the door of the cage creek as it slammed shut.

"Oh! Darien! Hold on!" One of them shouted "We'll get you out!"

"No! Stop!" She ordered, not taking her eyes off the dragon "Just leave us alone." At that, she tossed the keys out of the cage. Unsure of what to do, the guards just stood there, looking at each other. "Leave!" She shouted, staring at the Flightmare.

Slowly, the guards stepped back, leaving her locked in the cage with the Flightmare.

Very slowly, almost hesitating against her idea, she sat down. Leaning against the cage, she tried to relax; being impossible since her heart was beating a million miles an hour.

The Flightmare snorted, thrashing his head around and trying to scare her out. Being impossible at this point.

Springing to her feet out of reaction, she slowly backed up against the cage door, seeing that her idea wasn't working. She wanted to show him that she was willing to be in the same position. Locked up. Then seeing the latch on the muzzle, gave one last attempt to show him that she was friend. Reaching forward, she pulled on the latch.

Ping! The sound of metal shooting off echoed in the cave.

The Flightmare reeled back, shocked at seeing the muzzle fall off. Opening and closing his mouth, he relished in the ability to stretch. Coming back to the moment, he glared at Darien, now with a glowing mist emitting from his mouth.

"Easy…easy…" Darien whispered, extending her hand out. Not in trying to bond with it, but out of fear.

Growling, the dragon bared its teeth and roared loudly. Shutting her eyes tight, she screamed as she raised her arms to protect herself, waiting for the end to come. Instead, she heard the dragon run into the cage's door, trying to break them open. It was like she wasn't even there!

The guards all ran back in, after hearing her scream; shocked when they saw the muzzle off the dragon. "What did you do?!" One of them shouted, grabbing the keys that Darien tossed out.

The Flightmare screeched loudly, flinging itself at the guard. Seconds later, he fired a mist at the guard, freezing him in place. He fell just inches from the door, with the keys in hand and unable to even twitch.

The wheels turned in her head, as she watched the dragon bite at the bars, trying to get to the guard.

"I see…you want revenge…" She whispered, reaching out and grabbing the keys from the frozen guard.

"Hold still Darien! We'll get you out!" Another guard shouted, fumbling for a dragon root arrow.

"Tell me one thing real quick." She called out, ignoring the guard and slowly standing up. Looking at him, she asked "Did you…tease this guy? Or make his life harder than it needed to be?"

The guard froze, staring at her with confusion. "Uh…yeah. We poured the algae it eats all over it, and gave it a large enough bucket to get its head stuck in. Among other things. We were just joking with it."

"Oh…I see. I don't think he thought your jokes were funny. He seems pretty pissed off at you guys." She smiled, seeing an opportunity to gain the Flightmare's trust. Slipping the key into the lock, she looked down at him, who in turn looked at her with his ghost like eyes. They looked like they were asking her to open the door, and to let him out.

"Sick 'em" She ordered, pushing the door open.


Astrid was half awake and half asleep. Sitting up against Wasatch's cage, she was trying to think of a way to help Darien; but also fighting the weariness of being captured for three days and hardly any food or water. And now, she had a time limit. Shaking her head, she simply looked down. Her wrists were starting to feel raw, as she's been tied up for three days and going on her third night.

"And what happens to us if I do help her train that wild dragon…" She whispered, turning to look at Wasatch laying as close to her as possible.

Wasatch let out a soft growl, his eyes looking sorrowful. A small spark shot from one of his spikes, hitting Astrid. Letting a saddened smile grown on her face, she thought of how Wasatch must be feeling. Aside from being beat by Strogg, he lost his trainer, his rider. The Skrill was fiercely loyal to him, and she was sure that a piece of him died with Matt.

Looking up, she saw her two guards look up at the ledge above her with wide eyes, shocked about something. Trying to ignore them, she then noticed a faint, bluish glow begin to shine. Confused at first, her heart then stopped as she recognized the ever growling color. The Flightmare.

Trying to see around the edge of the overhang, she stared in horror as Darien walked into view. She was cradling her left arm, specifically her hand; but she was smiling from ear to ear. Behind her was the Flightmare; walking along side and lighting the way for her.

"Well Astrid. You lived up to your end of the deal…" She lauded over her, smirking at her shocked expression "We'll keep Wasatch alive. And you, well, you can go back to Strogg."

"Bu- How did-?" Astrid tried to ask, staring at the dragon that was now growling at her.

"I found its price." Darien quoted with a pained look in her eyes. "Now…Banshee is my dragon, and friend." She laughed "Unfortunately, he didn't really care too much about the five guards posted at the cave. They teased him while he was locked up for a while. Heh, killed all five of them." At that, she extended her left hand that was tucked away in her chest, showing why she was in pain. In the bluish glow from the Flightmare, her hand was covered in blood. Her hand had a large bite marks on it, and her ring finger looked a little shredded. Blood covered her pants and tunic, as well as up her forearm, adding to the nightmarish look about her. She then explained "Must've had a frenzy, because after he killed them, he accidently bit my hand when I went to bond with him. And well…you can see what happened." Chuckling, she then suggested with a playful tone "I guess he just wanted to know how bad I wanted to bond with him."

Astrid stared at the sight of the injury, it shining with the blood in the bright glow from Banshee. Darien just laughed, resuming to cradle her hand. Looking down at Banshee, she asked "Hey Bansh, mind showing Astrid that we're actually bonded?"

Banshee screeched an eerie roar, spraying a wave of its paralyzing mist over Astrid. Before she could even shout or cry out anything, she felt herself stiffen. She couldn't move! Frozen against the cage, she just stared forward with wide eyes, unable to even blink. All she could do was stare at Darien.

Kneeling down next to her, Darien whispered "Thank you Astrid. You can be assured I'll tell your friends what you did for me and Viggo. Wonder what Hiccup will think about you teaching me how to train a dragon? Heh, have a good night…traitor…" At that, she stood up and walked away, laughing while heading to Viggo's tent. Banshee quickly followed, hissing at the guards to back off from her. Walking past Strogg's two guards, she then said "Take her and the Skrill to Banshee's old cage in the cave. That'll be easier to defend her. Strogg will agree with me."

Astrid could only watch Darien as she walked away, unable to move. A single tear rolled down her cheek, as she was helpless to do anything as one of the guards kneeled down and picked her up, while the other ran to get the rest of Strogg's crew to help move Wasatch.


Here you go! I'm sorry for the delayed post, but life has thrown itself back at my feet and I'm trying to juggle a few different things. I'll try to be more consistent for both you and my own sake. I hope you still enjoy this story, as this still isn't close to finishing. It still is a story that needs reading! Thanks again for the awesome support and interest, and I'm trying to take your suggestions to heart.