Chapter Three

"Come on, it's Hiccup and Astrid." Snotlout whined, walking up to Fishlegs who was studying a map "Honestly, they probably took out the ship by themselves. It didn't seem to be that big of a deal anyways."

"Snotlout, it's been three days since we last heard from them." Heather growled, looking up from the camp fire. "If they were fine, they'd have returned home by now."

"Which is probably where they are right now!" Snotlout continued to argue, turning to face her.

"No, something's wrong. They wouldn't have sent us a letter if they hadn't felt like they needed us." Fishlegs replied resolutely. "Until we know for sure, we're going to keep searching for them."

"Really?!" Ruffnut whined, flopping over onto the beach they camped on. "We've been at this for days! And we're starving!"

"We're not starving. We're rationing!" Heather groaned, standing up and stomping out the remains of the fire out. "Will you guys stop whining? Hiccup and Astrid could be hurt, or Toothless, or Stormfly! Maybe they're stranded on an island and can't leave!"

"Or, they could be stuck in some watery portal, leading down to the depths of Niflheim, where they have to suffer an eternity of tickling and all other horrible methods of torture!" Tuffnut cried out, looking at everyone with wide eyes. "And they'll be used as bait to bring us down to the same fate!"

"Tuffnut!" Heather barked, turning around and glaring at him with curled fists.

"Hmm…how many supplies do we have left?" Fishlegs asked while looking over the packs left on the ground.

"Enough for at least one day of search." She answered. "Then, unless we pick up some supplies from a trader, we'll have to go back to the Edge."

Stroking his chin, Fishlegs began thinking of something. Not saying anything, or hinting at what was in his head, he then began to instruct everyone. "Snotlout and the twins, leave your supplies with me and Heather. We'll keep searching for Hiccup and Astrid while you three go back to the Edge."

Heather gaped at him, not believing what she was hearing. Before she could say anything to argue with him, Fishlegs then explained his reasoning. "Go see if Hiccup and Astrid did return. If not, resupply and fly south. Heather and I can make the supplies last a couple of days longer. At least, until we regroup with more. Then we'll all continue searching for them. Got it?"

Thrilled at the idea of going home, Snotlout quickly grabbed his remaining supplies. Smiling, he handed them to Heather. "Here, these are extra fresh!"

Groaning, she reluctantly took them from him. The twins did the same, but gave theirs to Fishlegs.

"Remember, if they're not there, fly south. That's going to be where Heather and I are heading." Fishlegs reminded, watching the three mount up on their respected dragons.

"Yeah, yeah. We got it Fishface." Snotlout huffed in annoyance. "I guess I'll send a Terrible Terror mail to let you guys know that Hiccup and Astrid are safe and sound, back at Dragon's Edge."

Heather frowned at Snotlout's unconcerned attitude and casualness. Shaking her head as they flew up and away, she then turned to Fishlegs who was busy repacking his pack. Letting a soft smile grow on her face, she then commented. "Hey that was pretty smart, Fishlegs. Makes us stretch the last of the supplies, puts us on track to get some fresh ones, and keeps me from getting a headache from listening to Snotlout and the twins."

Smiling sheepishly at her, Fishlegs just shrugged. "I thought it was a good idea. I mean, we don't really know where they are, so I don't want to call it quits yet. I'd feel worse than I did the first night that we set up camp."

Nodding, Heather turned to where Windshear was waking up. "Come on girl. We better get a move on."

Windshear groaned as she rolled onto her feet. Still waking up, she then rubbed her head against Heather, being both a way to greet her friend and rider, plus helping her wake up.

Smiling, Heather began tie her pack to her saddle. Thinking about Hiccup and Astrid missing, she then asked. "I don't get it, Fishlegs. If we were supposed to meet them on an island southwest from the Edge, why haven't we seen them yet? They wouldn't have attacked a ship by themselves, would they?"

"I've been thinking about that too. I'm wondering if the ship took a different course and they're still following it. That or maybe the crew got the jump on them."

Nodding in agreement, she then mounted up on her saddle "It's entirely possible that Astrid wanted to push for an attack too. Possibly Hiccup too. We all know how he feels about trying to find the Dragon Eye."

"Fair point. Maybe they thought they could take it when we didn't show up right away." Fishlegs replied, also climbing on Meatlug. Making sure his saddle was still secure, he added. "Maybe they got it and found something regarding trapped dragons. Or even something that led to Viggo."

"If they did, I'm going to kill them for not waiting for us." Heather huffed angrily. "They know better than to do something big like that without back up. They should have remembered when I thought I could have freed the Flightmare from Viggo, and got captured myself."

"That was terrifying. I'm glad you were able to escape." Fishlegs whispered. Shaking his head to rid himself the memory, he then asked. "Ready to go?"

"Ready!"

"Alright, let's head south. We'll go two days and then wait for the others. After that, we'll go east and then north."

Smiling, Heather nodded in agreement. When he wanted to, Fishlegs could be a leader. At the very least, be able to make decisions. Letting Windshear follow Meatlug, she then silently glided alongside, feeling better about her decision to stay with the Riders at Dragon's Edge.

Talen stood on the bow of the White Wake, atop of the iron dragon battering ram. With the rougher seas of the north, he thought his massive dreadnaught would struggle making speed through the waves and shifting winds. The opposite was true. The size of the ship made quick work with the waves, being unmoved and hardly hindered by them. In the number of days they've been sailing to the disputed waters, they made quick progress and it was evident that they put enough distance between the warm waters of the south, as the wind and water chilled everyone aboard the White Wake.

Scowling, he watched the ship crush another wave which forced him to clutch his old, frayed cape as the mist sprayed him. If he was even a couple years younger, the cold wouldn't have bothered him as much. But his aging body was slowing him down. And the cold wind almost cut through any layers of clothes and armor he put on. Wiping some of the water off his silvered beard, he turned his thoughts to the reason he was sailing this far north. He knew the Grimborns were sleazy and cunning; hence the reason why he wanted to put as much distance from them as possible. He just didn't think that they'd actually go as far as breaking a treaty and pact. Viggo was usually a man of his word; at least, so he thought.

Sighing, he then thought of his present situation; to prove his successor Teeth. Mikael, his fool of a son, was out of the question. Teeth however, had the ability and the aptitude. He and all of the clan's leaders saw that, but he didn't know how any of the men felt about it. Teeth was raised as a simple blacksmith. Though a proven warrior and cunning trapper, he feared men just viewed Teeth as that, a regular soldier; Talen's adopted kid.

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard someone approaching from behind, which he slowly rested his hand on the hilt of one of his longswords. He didn't fear for his life on his ship, but it was out of habit and instinct to prepare for anything. And who could argue with his caution? It was the reason why he was the oldest active chief and marauder.

"Chief." Gunjar announced as he approached him, not wanting to startle him. "Port side lookouts have spotted something I think you'll enjoy."

Turning away from his sight, he looked at Gunjar with a shrewd grin. "A dragon? Perhaps a Nadder? We all know how rare they are in the South Seas."

"Aye, I do. And as much as I wish that were the case, it isn't." Gunjar replied with a sly smile. "It's better than that. It's a single ship with the Grimborn's seal on it."

"What? Not possible." Talen growled in shock and confusion, following Gunjar towards the port side of the ship. "Viggo never lets a single ship sail by itself. Not without an escort at least."

"Look!" Gunjar argued, gesturing out in the distance.

Talen stood there in shock, though he hid his emotion. Sure enough, a single ship was out in the distance, sailing south.

"Here, look at the sail." Gunjar added, handing a spyglass to his leader and cousin. "That's their crest, is it not?"

Talen took the spyglass, peering at the distant vessel. "By the wings of a Thunderclaw! It is! A ship all alone and heading directly to our seas. I think Viggo's gone soft in the head…"

"I already instructed the men to give chase to it. All we're waiting for is your order to form the boarding party." Gunjar continued to report. "I have a few selected men that would benefit from the experience."

The wheels were turning in Talen's head. Staring at the ship he saw more of an opportunity than what Gunjar suggested. A way to start proving that Teeth was the future leader of the Marauders. At least, to those on the White Wake. "I have a different idea." He replied quietly, handing the spyglass back to Gunjar. "Tell me real quick, and be honest with me, what're the men's feelings towards Teeth?"

"Teeth?" Gunjar asked in surprise at the question. "Everyone likes Teeth; more than that pathetic excuse of a son, Mikael-"

"I'm not talking about Mikael. Only Teeth. I'm asking because I don't know how they feel in regards to the one that's going to replace me after this trip. What are their feelings abo-"

Gunjar laughed out loud, cutting off Talen's question. "My friend and kin! You worry too much! The men adore Teeth. They'll fight to their dying breath to follow you, and they'll do the same for that spitfire! When you pass the mantle of being chief to Teeth, they'll have no issue following the new leader and hope of the Marauders. Myself included. The islands under our banner will have a harder time adjusting to the change, but that will come with time; as it did when you first united our clan and all the islands. The men and army will follow without question."

"That means a lot to hear that from you." Talen replied with a small smile. "I had concerns that they didn't respect Teeth the same way you and the rest of the officers do. I'm not worried about the islands. As you said, that'll come with time. So long as the men support Teeth, then all is well."

"Aye, I can see why that would worry you, but fear not. There's a reason why Teeth excelled in fighting and trapping, let alone working the art of the hammer. Who didn't take the time to teach all they know to that young 'un? Torlund taught that spitfire everything about manning the forge, and he was quickly surpassed by his apprentice!" Patting Talen's shoulder in a friendly way, he continued to assure him. "So again, don't worry about it old friend!"

Smiling at the report, Talen let out a satisfied smile and sigh, obviously refreshed at what Gunjar told him. "If you really are loyal to me, then this is what I want done. Pass the message that I'm not running the boarding party, but that all orders and decisions will be given by Teeth."

Surprised at the order, Gunjar began to nod with a smile. "Testing the kid's mettle, eh?"

"And the men's loyalty." Talen simply explained. "This is my last campaign, everyone knows that. It's time to show everyone what the future chief of the Marauders is willing, and more importantly able to do. It's funny actually. Going to war with the Grimborns has actually become a blessing. It'll be the perfect way to prove to everyone Teeth's new position. As well as be a good learning experience."

"Teeth!" Gunjar shouted, marching away and leaving Talen alone. "Someone get Teeth for me!"

Smiling, the silvered warlord patted the hilt of one of his two swords, being the one that Teeth had crafted for him. "Here's your chance, Teeth. You've already proven yourself to me…now start proving yourself to the clan and tribe."

"Gya!" Astrid grunted, jerking her arm for the thousandth time in frustration. "Hiccup, these ropes are too tight. We've been struggling for days and they don't feel any looser!" Then, with an angry growl, muttered. "Didn't help that they re-tied us last night..."

"I know." He replied sadly, turning to look at her. Seeing her tied up and helpless made him silently rage inside. He wanted to help her so bad that he felt pathetic for not being able to free her. Jerking up on his tied leg, he grunted. "But the others haven't found us yet. And until then, we can't give up. We both know what'll happen if Viggo gets us and our dragons!"

Astrid shuddered at the thought of Stormfly being the Hunter's prisoner again. She'd be used for ballista bolts until her death. Or worse. Looking down at the ropes still lashed around her chest, the only progress she made was that the bottom strand of the rope was slightly looser and had dropped maybe an inch. Nothing to be hopeful about.

"Set the sails! Dump the empty cages!" A voice shouted outside, making the two stare at the door in confusion. "Everyone grab an oar and row! Row like your lives depends on it!"

Astrid and Hiccup stared at each other with hopeful expressions. "Think it's them?!" She asked with an excited light in her eyes. "I can't believe it! They found us!"

"And they scared the Hunters!" Hiccup added, looking back at the door with a wide smile. "At least it sounds like it!"

"I'll secure and guard the prisoners! We can't let them have 'em!"

"They are here!" Astrid shouted with a new energy. Jerking on the ropes, she fought her bonds with a new vigor. "I'm going to kill the captain for doing this to us!"

Kachink! The latches on the door began to sound off, telling them that the captain of the ship was coming in. The door swung violently open, revealing a panic stricken hunter. Sweat was pouring down his face. Honestly, the sight actually scared Hiccup. The Hunters were never really scared. At least, like what he was seeing. He couldn't help but feel that there was something more to what was happening, rather than their friends coming to save them.

Not saying anything, the man slammed the door shut and then jogged to the closet, opening it up. Pulling out two cloths, he then ran to his prisoners. "Say anything to draw attention, and I'll slit your throats!" He growled, tying one of the cloths over Hiccup's mouth.

"Mpph!" He grunted, feeling it tighten and gag him.

"They're here, huh!" Astrid spat out, ignoring the threat. Seeing the Hunter finish tying Hiccup's gag and starting to head to her, she shouted. "Our friends are here!"

The man batted Astrid's head, slightly stunning her.

"RRGMPPHH!" Hiccup growled, glaring at the Hunter for hitting her.

"If you value yours and your dragon's lives, shut up!" The Hunter screamed. Tying the gag around her mouth, he pulled it extra tight as if to vent out his stress.

"Rrrmhh…" Astrid growled, flinching in pain. Glaring at the captain, who had drawn Hiccup's sword, she continued to thrash around in her chair.

"You don't get it, do you?" He snarled, glaring at her. "It's not your friends! It's much worse!"

Hiccup and Astrid just stared at the man, waiting for him to explain himself.

"We're being chased! Chased by a ship of pirates and marauders!" He continued to say, walking to the window and looking out. "And if you don't stop trying to draw attention, I won't care if I have to kill you. If it helps me survive, I'll do it!"

Hiccup and Astrid turned and stared at each other. Whoever was chasing them, it terrified the Hunters. Still struggling against the ropes, they could only try and find comfort that maybe these raiders or whoever they were, would be friendly to them; at the very least, merciful.

Teeth stared at the ship ahead. After an hour of chasing, the White Wake's massive sails finally started to overcome the small Hunter's ship. Letting out a long sigh to calm the nerves, Teeth turned to the left to observe the second boarding group, led by a younger Marauder named Grange. It being his third campaign under Talen; and all the times he's hunted and fought, Teeth had watched him, liking how he handled himself. Being why he was put in charge of the second group, and to be the future advisor at the changing of chiefs.

With a muffled voice, thanks to the bone helmet and black chainmail veil, Teeth shouted at him. "Remember Grange, we want to keep the ship in one piece. Check the hold to see if they have dragons. If so, secure them and haul them up on the deck and prep them to be moved to the White Wake. My group will clear the deck and take control of the ship."

"Got it, Teeth. We'll be quick and efficient. Don't worry about us breaking the ship or any dragons they might have." Grange yelled, swinging his mace to warm up his sword arm. "Amiright men?"

A loud cheer shouted from his crew of twelve, raising their shields and trying to warm up in the cool air.

"Interesting choice with Grange." Talen replied, walking up to Teeth. "To sate my curiosity, why did you choose him? And why do you want to take the ship whole?"

"I chose Grange for myself because if I'm taking charge of the Marauders, I need my own men in leadership positions that I know and can trust." Teeth replied simply. "I like him. He's competent and able. As far as the reason to keep the ship in one piece, aside from getting their cargo, I want to see the layout of their ships. We'll be able to understand their strengths and weaknesses. We can even use the ship to insert a force behind their lines if we need to. Besides, no offense father, but your information on the Grimborns and their Hunters is old and useless. We need something new to update us on Viggo and his brother. Be it their strategies, size of their fleets, or number of men they have. Anything really."

Talen looked down at his heir proudly. Already showing the ability to think ahead, he had no doubt the men would pledge their loyalty to the next Wrathen Chief after this simple, yet convincing victory. "Good luck, Teeth. Though I know you don't need it."

"I make my own luck. The first lesson you taught me." Came the quick reply. "And this is how I'm starting my own legacy."

Patting his adopted kid on the shoulder, he stepped back and watched the fight start to unfold, making mental notes with other soldiers so that he could help teach Teeth later. Though he was giving Teeth control of the clan and tribe, he was still going to give advice and counsel. Teeth, though capable and promising, was still new to the responsibilities of being a leader and ruler. Seeing something move out of the corner of his eye, he turned to see Mikael glaring at Teeth with folded arms.

Seeing his dad stare at him, Mikael narrowed his eyes and turned to leave.

Talen shook his head, not believing the men hadn't killed him already for being a babe and pampered brat. Was he good with a sword? He was. Could he easily be in charge of an island? Absolutely. However, his ego and pride would never let him be able to rule over the entire Wrathen clan. In that sense, he was a disgrace. He wished he spent time disciplining him and forcing to travel on board the White Wake. He couldn't stand the fact that his own blood was such a disgrace to his own legacy.

"Fire grappling hooks!" Teeth shouted, readying a long spear with carved designs in the shaft, with a unique looking blade at the top. It had a straight edge on one side, and a serrated edge on the other, being personally crafted by its wielder.

Talen watched as long chains fired over to the ship, catching the rails and other parts of the ship.

"Heave!" The men shouted, pulling on the chains with hefty winches to hold the slack.

His eyes narrowed as the battle began to commence. It reminded him of all he did before; when he first united his clan under a single banner, making his tribe strong and becoming something in the world. Now, he was watching his adopted child take command; who wasn't even a Wrathen by blood, only a starving kid who tried to steal his meal fifteen years ago.

"Send the zip lines over!" Teeth roared, pointing at the ship with the spear.

Two more lines were fired by two ballistae, sinking the large bolts into the Hunter's ship. The ropes were smaller than most, and waxed for the purpose of shuttling men over.

"Teeth, I see a handful of men. Four total! Only three on deck! Another ducked down into the hold of the ship!" One soldier announced, staring at the ship in disbelief.

Teeth's eyes narrowed. That made no sense. Why would a ship of that size be so lightly manned? It didn't matter. Doing what Talen would do and had done in the past; Teeth ran ahead of the boarding groups and leaped towards the line.

Talen laughed as he watched his prodigy grab the line by the gauntlet. The specially crafted bone armor had small tweaks and customizations done to it, including hammering black metal plates in the gauntlets' palms and fingers, made of something that only she really knew how to make and work with. A blend of iron and onyx stone. "Go get 'em." He whispered, letting his mind go back to when he was doing the same.

Teeth glided over to the ship, seeing two men raise two axes to cleave the attackers off the line. In one smooth motion, Teeth dropped from the line right in front of two. Raising the left arm up, the bone plate easily stopped one of the axe's edges, which it barely bit into the reinforced bone. The other Hunter swung low, right into their attacker's side.

Thunk!

The axe stopped like it hit a wall. The Hunter stared at the armor, having absorbed most of the blow and only pushing the bone clad attacker to the side.

"Heh, that's all you got?" Teeth growled, the only visible feature being the black eyes that narrowed in anger. Without warning, the spear swung over like lightning, catching the Hunters both in the throat. The blade tip made quick work of them, dropping them instantly.

By this time, most of the men arrived from their trip on the line, which Grange instantly started to shout orders to his men. "Two cover the hold's entrance! The rest, follow me! Come on! Move like you're going to get your pay!" He shouted, pulling open the door down to the hold. His squad quickly mobilized near him, ready to move down into the hold.

Teeth also began to issue orders. "You two take over the helm! Three of you retract the sails and help the White Wake pull in the ship! The rest, clear the rest of the deck. Keep prisoners. We need information."

The men split, heading to different direction and towards their assignments. Teeth used the moment to observe the deck. Seeing a third Hunter get tackled by two Marauders, who was quickly disarmed and restrained. "Why are there so few men?" Teeth asked aloud, not expecting an answer.

"Teeth! We got someone in the cabin! He's got…hostages?" The Marauder sounded confused at the sight.

Teeth quickly jogged to the soldier, having a drawn bow aimed inside.

"Stop right there!" A voice shouted from inside.

Slowly walking past the Marauder, Teeth stared at a Hunter holding a sword at the throat of tied and gagged boy. Next to him was a girl, tied and gagged the exact same way.

"This is what's going to happen. I'll let you keep the dragons and the ship. You let me take a boat with these two!"

"And what's stopping us from just taking them from you?" Teeth asked, growling with the usual muffled and masked voice.

"You lose these two if you try. And I'll die before I tell you anything…all my men will!" The Hunter growled back, holding the blade closer to the boy's throat. The boy just stared at Teeth, obviously angry with the situation.

Teeth stared at the prisoners. They were important to the Hunters, and that made them important to the Marauders. Turning to the single Marauder with the bow, Teeth whispered. "Follow my lead. Let him drop his guard and then take the shot. You can make it, right?"

The Marauder simply nodded.

"Fine. We'll let you walk." Teeth announced, taking a step back "But you're only taking the boy. We get the girl."

"Mmpphh?!" The girl grunted into her gag, shocked at the decision.

"I guess I'll agree with that." The Hunter growled, still holding the sword to the boy's throat. "Now, get out of here!"

Teeth and the Marauder slowly backed up, giving the lone Hunter some room. Seeing them back away, the Hunter slowly eased up, letting the sword down and away from the boy.

Thiiip!

The Marauder let loose his arrow, catching the Hunter in the shoulder.

"Gah!" He shouted, crashing onto the deck.

Teeth sprinted into the room and past the two hostages. Driving the spear into the Hunter's chest and pushing him down into the floor, the Marauder stared into the lifeless eyes of the Hunter.

"Good kill, Teeth." The Marauder called out, walking in with a third soldier close behind.

"Cut 'em loose from the chairs, but keep their arms tied." Teeth ordered, pulling the spear out of the dead Hunter and wiping the blood with the Hunter's shirt. "Keep 'em gagged too. Let Talen question them."

"Rmph!" The boy tried to shout as the ropes around his chest fall off and was pulled up from the chair.

Teeth stared in shock. His left leg was missing! He was an amputee! "What happened to your leg?"

The boy could only glare at the bone clad Marauder.

"No matter. Help him over to the White Wake. Carry him if you have to." Teeth ordered walking past the prisoners. Ignoring the angry grunts as the prisoners tried to fight their new captors. Teeth focused on the sword that was dropped by the dead Hunter. Picking up the sword and carefully observing the craftsmanship, a button was accidently clicked. Teeth stared in amazement as the blade lit up with fire. "What in all that is sacred in Valhalla…"

"Mmrrmpghh!" The boy growled, desperately fighting the Marauder holding him.

"Teeth! Teeth!" A voice shouted running into the cabin. "Teeth, you're not going to believe it!"

Teeth turned to see Grange rushing into the cabin with a paled face. "We found a Night Fury!"

The boy whirled around, trying to kick Grange, only to fall over onto the floor.

Teeth stared at him in shock and confusion. "Wh-what?!"

"A black dragon, sleek as an arrow and angry as death!" Grange continued to shout. "It's a Night Fury, I swear! We also found the most beautiful Nadder I've ever seen!"

This time the girl shouted into her gag, using the back of her head to smash her captor's face. Free for a second, she then ran and drop kicked Teeth in stomach.

"Gah!" Teeth shouted, being slammed into the cabin's wall. "Brat, I saved your hide! Don't make me change my mind!" At that, Teeth used the butt end of the spear and slammed it into the girl's stomach, knocking the wind out of her.

"Mmmmphh!" The boy shouted, being picked up and staring at her in worry.

"Get them out of here! As far as the dragons go, lock 'em in the cells. Nothing changes, even if we found a Night Fury!" Teeth shouted, glaring at the girl and boy finally getting dragged away and towards the White Wake; which was finally being positioned alongside the commandeered ship.

Grange ran to check on Teeth, letting out a gasp as he approached his leader. "Teeth! You're bleeding!"

Looking down to see what Grange was pointing out, Teeth saw some blood staining the armor on the side. "I took an axe there. I'm fine."

"Finish securing the rest of the ship!" Grange shouted, grabbing Teeth and guiding the future chief of the Marauders out. "I'll escort Teeth out of here!"

"Worry about the dragons and less of me, Grange! That's an order!"

"No! You're coming with me!" Grange growled, knocking the spear away and grabbing the sword out the gauntlets' grasp.

Teeth was about to backhand Grange in the back of the head, when a voice called out "Teeth! Grange! Get over here!" The two turned to see Talen on the White Wake, beckoning the two to come over. Glaring at Grange, Teeth snatched the fire sword out of his hands and growled. "Obey my orders next time. If I'm in danger or hurt, I'll make sure everyone knows! And someone get me my spear!"

Grange just looked forward, walking to a ramp set up between the ships.

Walking up to Talen, Teeth then bowed down to the silvered chief, as did Grange.

"Well done. That went a lot faster than I was expecting. And you got an interesting toy to boot." Talen commented, gesturing to the sword with the blade on fire.

"Found it on their captain." Teeth replied, holding it up to observe it. "I've never seen anything like this. I'll try to mimic it at the forge later. Probably make the blade longer…"

"Of course you will." Talen chuckled, shaking his head. Glancing between the two, he added. "You were quick and efficient, Teeth. It was almost flawless, save a few things which we'll talk about. And don't think I didn't see what you did, Grange. Apart from your ability to lead your men, your loyalty to Teeth was not unnoticed. You saw your leader injured and you acted on what you know was best.

"Thank you, my chief. My loyalty never will shift." Grange answered, smiling at the compliment and ignoring Teeth's death glare. Letting a smirk grow on his face, he simply jeered at the future Chief of the Marauders.

"Teeth, that was reckless of you." Talen began to lecture, frowning at the angry Marauder.

"I did what you do." Teeth growled, eyes narrowing through the eye holes of the helmet. "I went ahead! I led the battle!"

Hitting his kid in the side, Talen then raised his hand covered in blood. "I'm not talking about you charging ahead. You left yourself completely exposed to that hit. You didn't even try to block it."

"Because I know my armor! It can take it!" Teeth defended, only to be hit in the side by Talen again. "Stop it! It put me in a posit-"

"Enough. You will not take any more reckless risks like that again. Now, what did you learn on the ship?" He demanded, shaking his head at the defiance.

"Not a whole lot. Grange found two dragons; one being a Nadder and, you're not going to believe this, a Night Fury."

"A what?!" Talen cried out and turned towards Grange, who shrunk back under the chieftain's stare.

"I know we took one man as a prisoner, possibly two." Teeth continued to explain, ignoring the shock of potentially having a Night Fury. "And found two of their prisoners on board as well. I figured you would like to question them and learn why they were both bound to a chair by Viggo's men."

Talen turned to see two cages carted onto the White Wake. Men were clambering around one cage, all shouting and pointing at something. "Everyone! Get back to your posts!" He shouted, marching to the crowd. "The next one to abandon their post gets twenty lashes!"

The crowd instantly dispersed, knowing the threat was very real. Leaving the carts alone with the ones assigned to moving the dragons. Now seeing what had his men in a frenzy, Talen gaped at the beast in the cage. There, glaring angrily back at him, was a muzzled Night Fury. Its eyes were narrow and filled with a fire of anger. The dragon was indeed as described in books and lore; a representative of lightning and death, the ultimate killer, an apex predator.

"Chief, here are the two prisoners." Teeth announced, drawing his attention back.

Seeing Teeth gesture to the two, one a boy and the other a girl, with their hands tied behind them and gagged, Talen then instructed the men pushing the carts. "Lock the dragons up. Keep two guards there at all times. That Night Fury will be worth a fortune, and that Nadder has the prettiest color I've ever seen. We made the biggest haul yet with just those two."

The dragons were then carted away, leaving him, Teeth, a handful of Marauders acting as bodyguards, Grange, and the two new prisoners on the deck. Turning around and seeing Teeth force the two prisoners onto their knees, he calmly walked up to them. His silver eyes dug into the girl's, which just glared back at him. The boy had a certain fire in his eyes; A fire that he only saw in one person. That being Teeth.

"Take the gags out." He commanded as he flipped his cape over, revealing his two silver longswords staggered on top of each on the right side of his hip.

Teeth did as he commanded, kneeling down and pulling the gags down, letting them hang around their necks.

"My name is Talen Wrathen, Patriarch and Chief of the Wrathen Clan and the South Sea Marauders. Now, if you wish to continue to draw breath the next few minutes, you'll tell me who you are, why you were prisoners on that ship, and answer any other questions I have."

There you go, chapter 3! In case no one noticed, I edited and changed a couple things in Chapters 1 & 2. After a close friend PM'd me some positive critiques, I spent some time editing and changing it. Thank you again for the support. I hope you continue to enjoy the story!