:: CHAPTER FOUR :: The Calm Before The Stormfly ::

The sky was blazing red, nothing could be heard in the village apart from the gentle rolling of the waves far down below the cliff edge. It was one of those beautiful winters mornings where it was so clear you can see for miles. As was normal for Berk this time of year it was cold, but that type of cold which is refreshing on a morning stroll. Only the smoke coming from a few of the houses signalled the village was starting to come to life.

Astrid was still fast asleep. She had had bad dreams for a few nights now and she tossed and turned most of the night in her bed. They were not violent dreams, but scary none the less. With Toothless's odd behaviour, she had recurring dreams, either that Toothless had left and she had to save Hiccup from killing himself or all the dragons had abandoned Berk and their riders.

The latter dream bothered her more, it was one she dreamed about tonight. Toothless had left first and Stormfly followed her good friend away leaving Astrid all alone. Even Meatlug had left her beloved Fishlegs behind and found a new life elsewhere. What was worse that the whole village blamed Hiccup and he had become as he was before, a figure of ridicule in the village. He even blanked Astrid.

With the dragons gone the village slowly fell apart. People had forgotten the old ways and they were easy pray for the other tribes who overran Berk and took people away as prisoner. Stoick had been killed and Alvin the Treacherous had taken over as chief of the village. As revenge Hiccup was exiled onto a small island and never heard from again. Astrid was made slave to Alvin and catered to his every whim, in more ways than one.

Astrid woke with a start, still covered in sweat and breathing heavily. Immediately she saw Stormfly at the window, a concerned look on her face. The dragon gave her a quizzical look.

"It's OK Stormfly, just a rough night, nothing to be worried about." The dragon just blinked "Seriously, i'm fine." She yawned loudly "So you are up very early, you want some breakfast?"

The dragon cooed excitedly and turned round, a signal for Astrid that she was ready to go.

"Hold up girl, I'm not even out of bed yet." Astrid laughed as she jumped out of bed. In her tiredness she stumbled and the contents of her night table went flying. "Oh mother of a troll..." she watched some of her stuff roll underneath the heavy stand. "Great, now i'll have to move this heavy old thing...ahh.. i'll do it later"

Quickly getting dressed she jumped through the window and onto Stormfly's back. The dragon gave her a look. "Why you are impatient this morning" she laughed. The dragon chuckled too. "Oh Stormfly, you do know how to cheer me up after a bad night" Astrid gently rubbed Stormfly's cheek and they took off for the short flight to Mulch's, where a heavenly smell of cooking was coming from.

Mulch & Bucket were often up early nowadays preparing food for the village and their dragons. The farming had gone well since the dragons had become their friends and their was ample meat for everyone. Mulch had had the idea of opening up a stall serving many types of food and drink. And it was very popular in the mornings as the villagers got their fill ready for a day's work. Bucket had in his now artistic mind develop some quite exotic recipes. And trade was booming, especially has trader Yohann had brought some mysterious brown beans, and Bucket had devised and idea of roasting them and then grinding them and serving them as a nice hot drink to wake people up. He called it Bucket's Blend and it definitely woke people up.

This morning, it was still early and only a few patrons were already munching and drinking. Astrid landed and dismounted. The smell was heavenly and Stormfly sniffed longingly at the food. Leaving Stormfly outside, Astrid entered. There was a large array of different foods on display. Meats, fish, fruits and vegetables, and various pots of different herbs and spices. Astrid's stomach rumbled as she decided what she should have. Mulch popped out of the storage area carrying a large barrel full of Chicken and turned round "Ahh morning Astrid, and morning to you too Stormfly" he shouted out the door, "you are just in time. Got a new batch of Bucket's famous Chickin'"

An excited warble made them both turn to the window, they all laughed as Stormfly's head was stuffed through the small whole. Mulch turned around to Astrid chuckling, "Well I guess it'll be the chickin' then"

"Oh yes, most definitely, this chicken is things that legends are made of, it is said that thunder is actually Thor's stomach rumbling at the thought of it. I will take some for me and a basket for Stormfly."

Much called to his friend "Bucket, go grab a basket out back for Stormfly will ya" as Mulch started loading a wooden dish with chicken. "And my lady, will you be having some of Bucket's Blend this morning?"

"Yeah I really need it this morning I just cannot wake up" She yawned.

"Well this will keep you awake for a week, hey Bucket, also grab a cup of you Bucket's Blend while your back there" he called out back.

"Thank you Mulch, Where would the village be without you"

"Asleep probably..." he laughed. "Anyway how you been keepin' lately"

"I'm ok, a bit tired lately, maybe the cold it getting to me"

"Ahh it gits to us all. I think it has gotton to Hiccup too as he is usually here by now" Mulch said scratching his beard.

"He's probably catching up on some sleep, he's been worried about Toothless this past weeks. I know he's not been sleeping properly. Though it is unusual he not smelled this chicken, he usually does."

"Aye that he does" as Bucket returned to the room.

"What did I need to get this basket for?" Bucket said scratching his head in confusion.

"Ahh Bucket, you could loose yer bucket if it weren't screwed on. And why have you brought that cup empty?"

"Er, did I drink it already?... I don't feel awake..."

"Ahh if you want somethin' done you gotta do it yerself. Fill that basket with chicken for me if you can manage that" Mulch grumbled as he stormed out back.

"I'm sorry miss, I not been the same since, er, whatever...er..." Bucket apologised to Astrid

"No worries Bucket, i'm a bit scatty brained in the mornings"

"It is morning? Have I slept already?" Bucket looked even more confused "If it is morning Where is Hiccup, he is usually here by now? I think?"

"I do not know, even though Toothless has not been up, usually Hiccup still had his morning wander"

Worry crept up from Astrid's stomach. It was unusual, even in the days of Hiccup being the village outcast, he was always up early, usually to the irritation of the rest of the village. That had not changed when Hiccup had inexplicably become the village hero, and a person who herself looked up to. Now he would usually come for his breakfast, often with Astrid, and then went off to research or tinker in Gobber's workshop on some new device, usually something to help with the Dragon Training Academy.

As Astrid went to grab the food she remembered she had left her hip pouch on her night table. It had probably fallen off with the rest of her stuff. She cursed herself quietly. She had never left home without that pouch before. All this stuff going through her head was messing with her and she did not like it.

"Ahh, sorry Mulch" who had returned from out back with the rest of the order "I have not got my pouch, so I cannot make payment, I'll have to go back and get it first."

"No worry Miss" a large smile on Mulch's face "you can pay me tomorrow or, or if you fancy, you and Stormfly may be able to help out instead."

"You are a great hearted man Mulch, I will come back later, I would help out but we've been a bit behind schedule at the academy with Toothless and all."

"As you wish, but if you ever at a loss as what to do, come and find me, we pay well" Mulch waved some of the Chicken around and laughed.

"Don't Worry, we will. See you Mulch, See you Bucket"

Astrid usually would of taken a seat and discussed the days activities with Hiccup. She sadly looked at the table outside they usually occupied and sighed. Walking over to Stormfly she dropped the bucket of Chicken for Stormfly to eat. It would be nice to sit on the grass and look out over the cliff to sea, a beautiful view on such a clear morning.

"Well Stormfly it is just you and me for a change. No Toothless again and strangely No Hiccup."

A hint of worry crossed Stormfly's face. She cared deeply about her rider, and her best friends Toothless and Hiccup. The dragon could tell that her rider, Astrid missed Hiccup. And Stormfly missed Toothless. They had only just met at the time of the end of the Dragon-Human war, they had both participated in bringing down their evil dragon leader, the one the humans had referred to as Red Death. After that battle, the 2 dragons became fast friends. Toothless had the good humour and loyalty his race was known for among dragons.

Stormfly's mind wandered back to a time ago. She had only encountered one Night Fury before in her life. They too had become fast friends, just like herself and Toothless now were. There were rumours of other Night Furies but none of the dragons she knew had ever met one. To the dragons they Night Furies were known as Ne'engle

Stormfly, Tor'mos as known when young, or Tory to her dragon friends, came from a loving family, with 2 sisters and a brother. Each time one of her parents would go out on the dragon raids as mandated by their leader. Ideally both should of gone, but her parents refused to leave their children on their own. Mostly the dragons socialised within their own species when not involved in planning or out on the dragon raids, and other Gen'ares',what Nadders were known to dragons as, had offered to mind them while they were away.

Then came a time when both her parents would have to go out on raids together, as their raiding group were short so it was unavoidable that the children had to be left with an older, but not yet adult gen'are. Their minder was nice enough but had no idea when it came to looking after young dragons. They played tricks on her and generally acted mischievous.

Tor'mos had been a curious youngster as far back as she knew. She loved to explore and investigate new things. Quite often the minder had to find her and try and tell her off. She just laughed back at the minder until it was warned her parents would be told. Still every day the same routine, the minder would have her claws full with her siblings she would wonder off. It was one of these times she met her new friend.

She had wandered much further than usual and was wandering by the cliffs looking at all the different rocks when she heard it, a whooshing sound. Tor'mos was quite brave for a young child and had no qualms about walking to the edge of the cliff and looking over. There she saw a wonderful sight, a large black dragon flying back and forth. She could not believe her eyes, her siblings had argued over and over about the existence of them, as none of them had seen one before. Her brother teased her that they were evil and loved to eat Gen'ares.

And there one was, a Ne'engle. It was a young dragon, but too large to be a child. A mixture of fear and wonderment welled inside of her, but the fear took over, what if her brother had been right. She slowly backed away from the cliff. She suddenly felt herself falling as the ground crumbled from underneath, she was too young to fly properly and she fell fast.

Tor'mos let out a cry, but her minder was too far away to hear her, and it would have been too late anyway. Closing her eyes she cried to herself. She would never see her beloved parents again. She hated to admit it to herself, but she would also miss her bratty brother.

There was suddenly a loud whoosh and the Tor'mos landed on something soft. Opening her eyes she found herself flying, were her wings actually working? She looked down and found the answer. Fear crippled her for what she saw was an angry looking Ne'engle, who's head she had landed on. Tears welled in her eyes again, to survive a fall and now her fate was at the hands of a black dragon.

They landed at the bottom of the cliff and the Ne'engle reached up and grabbed the sobbing dragon and placed her on the ground in front. With scared eyes Tor'mos looked up into the annoyed face of the large dragon.

"I...I...I'm so sorry, please do not eat me"

The black dragon grinned "Well it's raining lunch today" Tor'mos burst into hysterical crying. "I'm only joking young one, I have already eaten"

"I want my mum" sobbed Tor'mos

"Awww, i'm sorry sweetie, I was really only joking. I do not eat dragons, I heard your kind, well, taste a bit icky"

Tor'mos looked up at the dragon. And though her sobs she grinned back. Studying the dragon she realised that it was a female and was actually very pretty. "I am sorry for landing on your head, I did not mean to"

"I have had worse happen to me, and besides when I heard your cry, I could not let you fall"

"So you actually saved me? Why? I am a Gen'are, not a Ne'engle"

"I do not care for things such as that, I would do it for anyone I saw in distress. Now dry your eyes so you can see to fly back up again"

A sheepish look crossed the small dragons face "But..But I cannot fly yet"

"What, you should be whizzing around annoying your parents by now. It is easy. Here look watch me!" With grace the Black dragon took to the air, flew in a circle and landed again. "Now you try"

Tor'moz flapped her wings with all her might, and started to lift off the ground, "yeah look at me, i'm flying." she then tilted forward and landed on her snout. "ow!"

"Not bad for a first effort but you have a lot to learn. Do your parents not teach you?"

"Well they started to, but now they are gone while they bash humans! My minder does not even seem to know how or want to teach me." Tor'mos sobbed. The black dragon patted her on the head tenderly.

"Aww thats so sad. I am going to have to go on those raids soon, but not for a year or two until I'm ready. They say i'm too young. But I can handle it." With that the black dragon shot a bolt of fire hitting a rock above, which tumbled down and fell on her tail. Her eyes widened as a look of shock hit her face.

Tor'mos laughed "You are funny!"

"Everyone says that about my kind, though I do not see it"

"Are there any more of your kind on the island? I have never seen another one before" Tor'mos said in wonderment

"Alas young one, no. My kind are rare and apart from my parents who passed away a time ago I have not met another. There are rumours of one or two others dotted around someplace, but I doubt I will ever meet them, it is said they are too into raiding to bother with other dragons."

"So you do not have any friends?"

"Alas, no. Our race is supposed to keep to themselves and only fly at night. I love flying in the day, it is so beautiful at times to race among the trees and watch the clouds, I do get a bit lonely at times but that what my life is."

"That is sad, everyone needs a friend, I don't have one either, the others think i'm too small and scrawny. They make fun of me. Hey you can be my friend if you like."

"I don't think your parents would like that..."

"Well my parents are not here, I don't mind, the others are icky anyway."

The black dragon roared with laughter "Ok, tell you what. I will teach you to fly, and if you are successful we can become friends. You would need to keep up with me to be any fun"

"Deal... my name is Tor'mos by the way, what is yours?"

"My name is Nit'zenga, very pleased to meet you Tor'mos"

"That is a pretty name..." a worried look crossed the young dragons face. "Oh no, my minder is calling, I can hear her in the distance"

"Well quickly jump aboard" Nit'zenga lowered her head so the small dragon could climb up. "Are you ready? Then here we go" With astonishing speed, the dragon took of vertically, it took all of Tor'mos' strength to hold on. They soon reached the summit and landed again. "Now quickly go, before we all get in trouble. Oh and I will be around here if you need me, just call my name and I will come if I am free. Have a good night Tor'mos, and remember I'll soon have you flying like an adult."

"Thank you, see you again soon. Byeeeee." Tor'mos stood there in wonder as the dragon took off again and disappeared over the cliff. She was excited at meeting this dragon. And wow, she would teach her to fly. Ne'engles were well known the be the most intelligent and fastest of the dragons species, well at least around these parts. How she would show her siblings who made fun of her lack of flight when she became better than them. Maybe one day she would almost fly as fast as one of Nit'zenga's kind.

The years passed and true to her word, Nit'zenga had taught young Tor'mos a lot. She became one of the best flyers on the island, much to the envy of her siblings. They had become best of friends. Nit'zenga had started her raiding on the humans and Tor'mos practised while she was gone. They had met in secret for years and no one had even questioned Tor'mos at her disappearances. They just all accepted she was growing independent and loved exploring.

Then the year came when it was her turn to start raiding. She sat in their normal meeting spot curled around the fire.

"Nitz, I know you have raided many times, does the nervousness go away, I mean my first raid is tonight, what if I am no good, what if I mess it all up."

"No my friend, it does not. I always have those feelings at the start of the raids. But one thing I am sure of, is that you will make an excellent fighter"

"I am not so sure, I wish I didn't have to do it."

"I always wish that we did not have to do it, everyone says the humans are vile scum, and deserve everything they get, but I have seen them, they have families too. I often wonder why we fight them, they are so small, surely we could just drive them away."

"I wish you could be there with me"

"Aww Tory, I wish I could be at your side too, but alas it cannot be"

"Damn tradition. WHY is it such tradition that a first raid should be with your family, I mean all races have to work together with each other normally. I wish I was one of your kind, who do not have that tradition."

"Ha do not wish that, it would be a lonely life. You know at my age, I have well, feelings. Yearnings. Maybe I will have to start a quest" Nitz gave a sly grin.

"Ha you go girl. One day I am sure you will meet a dashing dragon who will sweep you off your claws."

"Not likely, I've got to find one first.

Tory sighed "Well it's time, I better go and meet with my family to begin the preparation ritual." A look of sadness crossed her face. "Nitz, thank you so much"

"For what?"

"Thank you for being there for me, thank you for being the best friend a dragon could ever have. If I don't make it promise you will remember me forever?"

"Awww, now you gonna make me cry, anyways you are going to make it, if you don't I will have to come along and slap you myself with my wing."

"Ahh ha ha, you would have to catch me first. Thanks for making me laugh as you always do, especially tonight, I really need it."

"Aww come here you soppy ol' dragon, give me a hug"

Tory hugged Nitz "Thank you again. One thing can you give me any advice?"

"Well first, do not act like me when raiding, I don't think It would be the way your family would expecting somehow. You need to fly like one of you and attack like one of you."

"Yeah too true, don't want to blow our friendship, and besides I'll be faster than you anyway." She mocked.

"You wish." Nitz laughed. "Anyway, You need to be quick. They have towers which shoot rocks at you, and watch out for others which fire nets. If you get entangled in one, thats it. If you are in one to one combat, remember they will always, and I MEAN always, go for the kill."

"Thank you my dearest friend. That I shall take into account. But I can hear my family calling, so it is time. Wish me luck?" Both dragons started crying as they hugged."

"Good luck Tory, I mean it. Make me proud." She looked after he friend as she flew to the top of the cliff and disappeared over the top. A feeling of pride washed over her, for she knew that her friend had all grown up now, no longer the adorable little dragon she had been, but now a fearsome fighting machine. It was in her all along and Tory would Storm those humans and she knew it.

It was time, her brother on one side and sisters on the other. Her parents took the lead as they took off from their nest. The night was clear, as was preferred for the raids. Her brother nudged her as they flew.

"So sis, ready to be saved by me when you get captured?"

"Oh grow up, I will outrun anything the humans have to throw at me, i'll leave you in my wake and you know it"

Her father roared, "Both of you, shut up, this is serious business and I will not tolerate this bickering. We ALL have to work together, we have to get as much as possible and get back to our leader as quickly as possible. So concentrate or i'll feed you to them myself."

"Sorry dad!" They both chimed together.

It seemed like eternity they flew until in the distance they saw feint lights in the distance, flying out to sea further they circled the island.

"Ok my family, observe I will fly in direct and shoot some flame at the houses as a distraction, Tor'mos you will go with your brother and mother around the left side, while you two go to the right. On my signal fire with all you have got. Then Tor'mos' group will attack from that side while the others will dive in to take as much as you can. Fly to that cliff and deposit what you have got. Then you will swap roles. Lastly I will grab what I can and then we will meet up and pick up our loot to carry back. Got it?"

They all agreed on the plan.

"OK slowly now you will fly towards the human nest, we do not want to alert them too early so fly as quiet as you can. When I fire then wait for my signal. I'll go on ahead. When I shoot into the air go.

Tor'mos watched as her father flew far ahead of the group. Nerves gnawed at her. If she did something wrong it could mean the end of their lives. She thought back to her friend wishing she could be here to offer her own advice. She snapped out of it when there was a loud bang from ahead. The attack had started.

Tor'mos rushed in with flames blazing. She hit a few buildings dead on and they caught fire. Her brother had swept flame across the centre of the humans nest and they were running about arming themselves. He siblings rushed from the opposite direction both with loot. Now was the moment of truth, next it would be her turn to turn and grab loot while the others attacked. She few far past splitting up with the others in her small group to throw off attacks, they would reform then dive in. Then she saw them, two humans on the hill above the village. This was her chance she turned to face them and dived in. She readied her flames. She inhaled as she dove, the two humans just stood there, frozen in place.

She was about to fire when something told her to hold fire. A niggling feeling at the back of her head told her to stop. The humans were not attacking, they looked to be observing. As she got close they seemed to be far smaller than the other vikings. Tory realised that they were human children. Nothing was worth the needless death of children, even if they were the ones to grow up and kill her, she could not do it. The children ran as she pulled up and circled around. She thanked the feeling in her head, she could not of lived with herself for what she could of done. She also thanked Nitz in her head, as she taught her values, values which others sadly did not have.

"You missed a great chance there sis." came a voice from behind "Loose your nerve already huh?"

Her brother was one such person, he would kill anything for glory. "Shut up you idiot, they were only children. I will not kill children." as she climbed again in readiness for the next attack.

"Yeah and they will grow up to attack us dragons and our children, they all deserve the same fate. Wait 'til I tell dad, then you will be in trouble!"

"I really do not care, but if you are frightened of a few small children that is your business, now come on the next attack is starting."

She dove away before he could reply, the village was lit up with fire, but this time would not be so easy. The humans were ready for the attack. Eyes narrowed Tory spotted a sheep and dove just as explosions of fire lit up the village. She grabbed for it and quickly shot up into the sky. Alas she was not quite quick enough as she felt a sharp pain in her back leg, looking down Tory saw she was hit with an arrow. Though the pain she carried on leaving her brother far behind. She reached the drop point and landed, dropping the sheep onto the other loot already there. The rest of her family joined her shortly after and dropped off their loot too. She cried in pain.

"Tor'mos, you are hit." said her father.

Her father pulled out the arrow and licked the wound. "Don't worry it is only a small wound.

"Yes I took an arrow to the knee.." choking back the tears.

"Now you know why we must be vary careful." her father said sternly to the whole group.

"Yeah she also messed up but not killing two humans she had a clear shot at." her brother spitefully said. "She messed up"

"Shut it, I told you before, they were children... aarrrgh... I will not kill a child, no matter what"

"Tor'mos, you must be able to kill anything that comes between you and the goal..."

Her brother grinned "Ha... I tol..."

"SILENCE" their father bellowed "However you MUST ONLY go after targets that are a threat, DO NOT waste time on lesser threats, or you will likely be killed or captured. There is no rule hat says children are not fair game, BUT I will respect anybody's wishes not to attack them. It is also very likely that on may raids you will be injured, no matter how careful, just stay on guard at all times to minimise the risks. Tor'mos, I am proud of you this day, you have succeeded beyond my expectations and you have your first, or many no doubt battle scars. ALL of you have made me proud, you all have got something to offer our leader. Now it is time to return with the offering."

Tory shot her brother the best smug glance she could. He said nothing and silently flew behind.

That first raid taught her more things about life than she could ever of thought of. That night she went and found Nitz. She lit a fire at their favourite spot and chatted.

"So how did it go? Nitz said excitedly

"It went quite well, apart from this." she showed her friend the wound on her knee.

"Yowch, looks painful?"

"Yeah it is when I walk, but its just another battle scar heh heh."

"Yeah tell me about it, I have had many." She stood up showing off.

"I keep getting teased by my brother for not killing humans now though."

"Oh, why is that?"

"Well I saw two humans on a hill above the human nest. Well I went in to attack them but something held me back. I was so close to letting off fire. It was only when I got nearer I realised they were children. I could not do that. Now my brother is rubbing it in."

"Well my dear friend, it is one of the things I have said myself. I would never go after any human unless it is attacking me. Children I would never attack either. I would rather die than harm any child. I am so proud of you, proud to call you my friend."

Their raiding skills built up and they joined bigger and bigger groups of new raid recruits up until they could finally join the main raid. And this was the full on affair. This was a proper raid with all types of dragons of all ages, not just the new guys. It was the first raid where Tory's friend would be at her side. Tory knew that she could not act as friends but knew they would have each others backs.

A group of them split off, Tory, her brother and Nitz and a couple of other dragons they did not know. Their job was to attack from the rear so as they reached the island they changed direction. They flew over the forest above the village and over a cove. Nitz smiled to Tory. Just after they passed over the cove it hit them.

The ambush was strong and a bola hit her brother with enough force to take him down. He flew and spiralled down into the cove. The other 2 dragons flew down to attack, but they were too slow. They fell where they were hit. Dead immediately. Tory screamed to Nitz. "My brother"

"Calm down Tory, we have to get out of here or we will perish too."

"I can't, leave him... he may be a pain, but he's still my brother." She cried as she spied the humans running towards the cove.

"Go, i'll go get him. Just fly away as fast as you can."

"NO, i'm not leaving you..."

"You MUST..."

"NO... I'll go and get him."

"That would be suicide, your leg is still injured, you will never be able to lift him out."

"Ok then I will draw the humans away from the cove.

"That is just as likely to get you killed too." Nitz frowned.

"Remember it is you who have taught me to fly I will keep them busy, I can do this"

"OK... just be careful." Nitz dived into the cove.

"You too."

Tory dived towards the humans as fast as she could and fired, she missed. The humans scattered for a few seconds then reformed. They threw their weapons back. Tory was to agile and dodged the bolas, she dived in again this time she hit. A group of humans went down, but there were too many. She looped round and came back towards the humans again. It hit the wall of the cove. The humans raced in.

Her brother was tied fast. He knew this was his end, he could hear the humans coming down into the cove. He vowed to not die without a fight. A whooshing noise came from above his head. He looked up to see a dark silhouette shooting towards him. The Ne'engle from his group, the only one he had ever seen. Explosions started from above, the battle had started. What was it doing coming down into the cove during a battle?

"If I bite through these ropes can you fly?" She said.

The question baffled Tory's brother. It was an unwritten rule not to risk your life for one not of your own race. And here was a female Ne'engle trying to save him in the heat if battle.

"...er... no my wing is broken... why are you here and not with the battle."

"A promise to your sister. She is creating a diversion."

"My sister? What? Why are you doing this."

"I am not going to watch someone my best friend cares deeply about, perish."

"My sister? What? Best friends? But you are a Ne'engle"

"Well duh... You should know how amazing your sister really is, she has thrown away the norm and befriended me, she is now up there risking her life for you, now stand if you can so I can get a grip on you to lift you..."

Nitz heard her name being yelled by Tory... pain shot through her head as a hammer tossed by a human smashed into her skull. Blood poured down into her eye, blinding her on one side.

"Nitz, nooooooo"... humans raced over to the 2 stricken dragons. Her brother stood up tall and fired. The humans fell.

Her brother signalled to his sister, "Tor'mos...Quickly we have little time." As he helped Nitz onto her feet, dazed and confused.

"Nitz, are you OK?" as Tory nuzzled her.

"Er... yeah... purple..." wobbling on her feet.

"Oh, thats all we need. Nit'zenga, Can you fly?"

"um... yes... where am I?"

"No time to explain, grab a rope on my brother and lift."

They both managed to lift the dragon out of the cove, and away from danger. Nitz could barely fly and after a long struggle they got back to an island between the Humans Island and Home. They landed with a crash. Nitz passed out.

"Nitz, wake up... please..."

"Sister, you have got to go and find help. I'll keep watch over her. I owe her for saving my life, as I owe you.

"I cannot leave her... she needs me..!" Tory said through her tears.

Her brother put her arm round her "Look I have spent all these years being a complete jerk to you, when all you have done is care. And it has made me realise how much I care for you. So let me do this for you. I will take care good care of her, she is one of us. Now GO, fly like a storm!

It took her ages to find her father among the battle back on the humans island, but she managed to among the fighting. Her brother and Nitz were rescued and her family took in Nitz while she was healing from her wounds, lucky no lasting damage apart from a nasty scar to the right side of her face. Tory's family ever grateful for her selflessness towards another race.

While Nitz was healing, Tory carried on with the raids. She had come back one day excited.

"Hey Nitz, you never will guess what I saw on a raid today."

"Lemme guess, a Human? Nitz Laughed.

"No, Something bigger"

"You in the reflection off the water, nothing is bigger than that" The black dragon laughed louder

"Oi, cheeky, guess your poor sense of humour was not knocked out of you. Anyway I saw another dragon. Another one of you."

"Aaaaand?"

"A young male too."

"So what..."

"Well.. you know..."

"I don't know what you mean..." Nitz grinned.

When Nitz had fully recovered she started raiding again. After awhile her raids started to be longer and longer, and sometimes she did not come back at all. Tory suspected that her friend had found this Ne'engle. Whenever she questioned Nitz about it, she said nothing. This went on for many months. Tory had fun teasing her friend whenever they met about it until one day she didn't come home, not unusual for her. A day, a week a month ticked by with no sign of her. Her brother comforted Tory when it call came too much, assuring her that she had probably settled down with a mate and would come back when ready. She never did the years passed and Tory herself was captured by the humans and used for training the young. One female human of the group was the most relentless of them in her attacks, but in a weird kind of way she kind of respected that female, and kind of had a soft spot for her. That same female would soon become her new best friend.

"Stormfly, whats the matter girl? You have not touched your food."

Stormfly came round from her day dream to find Astrid with a concerned look on her face, stroking her cheek. Stormfly nuzzled her tenderly back and started to eat.

BAM, it struck her. Her daydream... the two young children she refused to attack. She recognised them as who they were. And she was gladder than ever that that she chose her path. For if she had of killed those children, she would still be at war with the humans. The two children were now her friends.

:: END OF CHAPTER FOUR ::