Towards the Hunters' island Hiccup and Dagur on Toothless flew. Of course Hiccup didn't trust Dagur after all he's done. But if there was one person he didn't think worth saving anymore, it was Dagur.

The island came in sight after some hours of flying, and Hiccup's side was really beginning to ach more than ever. He hissed through clenched teeth, holding back the screams, trying not to appear weak, especially with Dagur to see him.

There hadn't been much of a conversation though... Only about what the plan was, but Hiccup refused to explain it to him. Not just because he didn't trust him but also because he just didn't have one.

Toothless landed on the same beach they had once landed on a short time ago, dismounting and walking deeper in the enemy's woods to get Astrid.

Dagur was still a bit shocked. Riding a dragon, let alone a Night Fury, was a big experience...

Toothless kept an eye on the man, not at all trusting him, not after what he's done when they thought they could. But after being threatened with angry and fearsome growls for a while now, that trick of Toothless' hadn't the very same effect on Dagur anymore...

Dagur rolled his eyes at the Night Fury and followed Hiccup through the woods.

Hiccup had armed Dagur with the blade he was so given by Viggo, knowing his intentions, but giving it back nonetheless. He knew the risk he had put himself in, and would expect Dagur to strike at any moment now.

It was quite quiet down here. It was kind of the unhabited section of the island. If they had to come across any guards out here, they would be easy to take out for there wouldn't be much to fight. But so far they were lucky not have come across any men yet.

As they walked, Dagur eyed the dagger from his belt at his waist, and then up to Hiccup, walking in front of him, the boy advancing limply, holding his ribs for they hurt badly. He took hold of the handle, believing it was the perfect moment to strike. Nobody around to defend the poor boy, only his Night Fury buddy but that wouldn't be a problem. He grabbed the wooden handle tightly, and slowly pulled it out of its sheath, but as he did, something that
Astrid had said came back to his mind.

''You're gonna fight unfairly? Or are you gonna step outta this while he's ill? Think about your actions twice before you make an unwise move.'' she had said.

Dagur closed his eyes shut for a second and let go of the weapon, letting it slid back down.

...

Astrid fought wildly against the guards, kicking and punching as much as she could, trying to make them let go of her. She yelled, shouted insults, did all she could to free herself, but it was no use. Their grip around her arms was just too tight... It was worthless. But though she knew that, she kept wasting her energy.

She was shoved in a cell underground, landing on her side after they threw her in, shutting the door, and locking it with an unbreakable lock.

The moment the door was closed she sprang to her feet, grabbing the bars, still yelling empty threats, only making those soldiers chuckle in amusement. They disappeared further, leaving the young girl in her new dark and cold cell. At least there was a torch at the end of the tunnel, its orange reflection glowing in her blue eyes.

She wasn't about to give up. Astrid Hofferson never gave up.

Whatever light shone in her eyes, the moon's, a fire's, it never disappeared. Even when there wasn't any torch at the end of the tunnel.

...

A while later, Astrid heard footsteps walk closer and closer where she was kept. If there was one person who was to come alone to see her, it was Viggo.

Like she assumed, Viggo appeared in a distance, hands at his back, a satisfied smile growing on his lips when he saw the young warrior locked up in one of his cells, with no way out.

''I hope you made yourself comfortable,'' Viggo purred advancing forward, addressing himself to the angry Astrid on the other side of the bars.

''Get over it, what do you want.'' she demanded.

''Oh, no, you can't give me anything,'' Viggo said, ''There's nothing I want from you, don't worry.''

''Then why am I here?''

''Oh that question... Don't you know?'' Viggo spoke, ''You're bait.''

Astrid's eyes grew wide, holding the rusty bars tightly. ''Hiccup won't fall for that. He's way smarter than—''

''Well you might be disappointed in your boy at the end,'' he spoke softly. ''Trust me, I know him quite well now. He won't let an innocent die, let alone his friend.'' He paused, looking at the girl carefully. ''Perhaps even girlfriend...'' he chuckled quietly.

Astrid glared, but behind that fearsome mask hid worry that Hiccup would actually fall for it. Viggo was right; Hiccup would never let an innocent die. Even in his current state.

...

''Anything you'd like you yell at me about now, Hiccup?'' Dagur asked, still walking through the forest, towards the center of the island. Dagur had explained Viggo would keep Astrid underground, for he's been kept there before. That was their best shot.

''Stay away from Astrid.'' Hiccup replied, guessing the man might try something once they rescued her, like turn her against them or something, so he would have to surrender the Dragon Eye or Toothless or himself...

''Well she can take care of herself.'' Dagur pointed out. ''She doesn't need you protection, which is a good thing...''

''What does that mean?'' Hiccup asked, turning around to meet his gaze.

''It means you're gonna die anyway.''

''Well, there's nothing I can do about that...'' Hiccup said, selfless once again, which irritated Dagur, a lot. ''But if I do die, I'll die helping my friend. And that's something like you can't understand.''

''Friend? I'd say she's more than just your friend...'' Dagur commented, clearly embarrassing Hiccup by the way he looked back at him in a way of saying ''Don't bring the subject.'' ''What if I told you there was a way to rescue your girlfriend and save you?''

''I'd say no.'' Hiccup snapped, ''Because anything that takes us off course of saving Astrid, is time wasted and selfish.''

''What, you think I'm being selfish right now?'' Dagur said, offended. ''I'm risking my life for you and your Astrid.''

''Please, you're not here for any of us.'' Hiccup pointed out, turning around to face him. ''You're here to earn my trust once again so I'll hand you over the Dragon Eye. And let me tell you something else. You're never gonna get it. I'll see to that.''

There was a short pause and Dagur continued.

''It's a good thing you're gonna die then.'' Dagur simply said, as they continued walking forward.

Hiccup turned around suddenly, his hands in tight balls. And to Dagur's surprise, Hiccup tried to punch him in the face, which was a failure.

The moment Hiccup stroke, Dagur ducked, grabbing his brother by the waist, lying him down, knowing Hiccup wasn't well for he would never try to hit someone if it wasn't for defence. He was quite sweaty and looked awfully exhausted.

''Hiccup, Hiccup stop,'' Dagur insisted, as Hiccup trying to get to his feet, fighting droopily. Rethinking once again about that girl's words, Dagur laid Hiccup down on the ground. ''I don't fight invalids.'' He studied the boy after letting him go, eyes shut and clearly unconscious. ''Hiccup? Hiccup!?''