Chapter Sixteen
The next day, everyone was up early in the morning. After discussing Teeth's plan with Hiccup and the Riders, it was decided that Heather was going to take her to where she could 'talk' to raiders and rougher folk. Surprisingly, Teeth was alright with her coming along.
"Are you sure about this, Teeth?" Hiccup asked as he walked up to her and Heather. "You're not pushing yourself to hard, are you?"
Teeth didn't say anything. Narrowing her eyes, she just glared at him before returning her attention to packing her saddlebag.
"Hiccup, she'll be fine." Gobber replied, smiling at the icy stare she gave him. "Sometimes the best thing for someone to heal, is to let them do something.
"What I've been saying since I've been held here." She growled while rolling her eyes.
Wearing a heavy fur outfit, she had several leather straps around her waist, arms, and even her legs; keeping the fur tight around her. Wearing an extra pair of fur boots from Astrid, and having Talen's silver longsword strapped to her back in a homemade cloth sheath, she did indeed look like a native from the far north. She also had a hood up, being a desperate attempt to fight back the bitter cold.
Heather, who was stroking Windshear, smiled as she looked over the freezing Marauder. "Warm enough?" She teased.
"Is it possible to be warm in this freezing hell?" She growled, tying off her bag. Making sure it was still secured to the saddle; she finally let out a loud huff of air, trying to warm herself up.
"I still don't get why Heather is taking her, and not me!" Snotlout growled. "I can just as easily take her to where she needs to go!"
"And where do I need to go, Snotlout?" Teeth snapped, turning to glare at him.
"Oh…well, you're trying to find trouble! No one's better at finding trouble than me!"
"Keep it up, and you'll find out exactly how right you are…" She whispered, cracking her knuckles to audibly warn him.
"Heather knows this side of the Archipelago better than anyone here. Other than Johann, who isn't here." Hiccup explained, face palming himself regarding Snotlout constant attempts to be alone with Teeth. "She knows what islands that have the kind of people Teeth's looking for."
"And I'm less annoying to travel with." She added, smiling at Teeth.
"Among other reasons." Teeth huffed, ensuring her sword was still secure. "From what I understand, Heather was a rogue for a while. She was associated with the Hunters and had to have exposure to what I'm looking for." Looking at the rest of the Riders, she then added. "Plus you would all stick out like a sore thumb."
"Come on, I'm ready when you are." Heather called out, climbing on Windshear. Pulling up her mask and hood, she too had the look of a Marauder.
"Ergh, how are you not cold?" She asked, climbing behind her.
"Be careful you two. If you don't learn anything, then come back here and we'll think of something else." Hiccup cautioned, walking up to the Razorwhip. "And Teeth?"
Turning to face him, she simply waited to be told to be extra careful, as she expected from any of the Riders.
"Thanks."
Taken off guard by the compliment, she shook her head to ensure she had heard right. "Thanks? For what?"
"Helping us find them. Whether you believe us or not, we want to stop Viggo just as much as you do." He replied. "Your reason is very different, but we all want the same goal. So…thanks."
Seeing Hiccup be sincere, she let small smile grow on her face. "Sure. Guess it's me paying you back for saving my hide when you found me."
"That? You owe us nothing." He quickly replied with smile of his own. "Better get going. The day isn't getting warmer."
Teeth instantly frowned. "Thanks." She huffed, returning to her misery of freezing. "Alright, I guess I'm ready."
"Alright, Windshear! Let's go!"
Roaring, Windshear launched into the air, forcing Teeth to grapple Heather to hold on. Technically, it was her third time riding a dragon; second if you count the times she was able to remember it.
"Alright, Astrid? Would you mind going on patrol? Snotlout will cover for you after you're done. I'll take the night patrol after him."
"Finally not on night patrol." Snotlout grumbled, still watching Windshear leave.
"Sure, Hiccup." She replied with optimism.
"How long are you staying here, Gobber?" Hiccup asked, eyeing his old mentor and friend quizzically.
"Eh…well, don't know now." He replied. "I was just going to stay for a couple of days, just to check on the lass for yer father."
"But?"
Shrugging, Gobber made his way to the forge. "Something came up. I think I'll stay here for a little bit longer."
"Doing what?" Astrid asked, now curious as to what came up.
"Oh, nothing in particular. Just something that I feel I can be helpful with." He called back, not turning around.
The Riders watched as he walked into the forge, with smoke starting to pour out of the chimney, signaling he was stoking it hot.
"Huh, wonder what he meant by that." Hiccup asked aloud, not expecting an answer.
"Well, guess Stormfly and I better get going." Astrid yawned, walking up the ramp towards the hanger.
"Uh, I think I'll check on Toothless. Maybe test out a new tail." He announced, turning to walk up with Astrid.
Astrid simply smiled, trying to hide the blushing on her face.
"Hey, I know we shouldn't expect anything, but be careful on your patrol." He began to say, rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh yeah? I guess I'll have to keep an extra eye out." She replied, agreeing with him. "So…be honest. Do you think Teeth can find out where Viggo and Ryker are?"
"I don't know. I kind of hope she doesn't." He answered with a frown. "Something tells me that she isn't doing this just to find Viggo."
"You mean…to find Mikael?"
"Honestly, that's probably the end goal. If she find's Viggo, she'll know where Mikael is. And if he's back home, I don't know if she'll even think about staying with us. She'll leave the first chance she can to get revenge."
"You still think we can convince her to restart her life here? With us?"
"She hasn't run away yet. I mean, maybe the reason why is because we both want to find Viggo, but…we can take that as a step in the right direction."
"Can I ask why you want her to stay so bad?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "I know you, Hiccup, you like to help everyone that you can. That's what makes you…well, you."
Hiccup let a small smile grow at the compliment.
"But why are you trying so hard with her?"
Sighing, Hiccup shook his head. "Honestly, the main reason is because I know, we all know, what will happen if she gets to Mikael. She's going to be killed. Even if she succeeds in getting revenge, she's going to die. I don't want her life to end that way. I'm trying so hard to convince her to stay, because she can be a great asset to us, but also a great friend. She's rough, yeah, but so were you. So I think we can change her life for the better."
Astrid smiled at him, knowing that was his honest intention. Grabbing his shoulders, she gently pulled him into a hug.
Taken back by the action, he too then slowly wrapped his arms around her.
"That's why I like you, Hiccup. You're always concerned for others. Even when they were 'rough' on you." She began to explain.
"Yeah? Well…it's…a…thanks!" He stammered, trying to think of a quick compliment to her.
Smiling, she finally let go of him and walked into the hanger. "Better get going. I'll see you later, Hiccup!"
"Right! Be safe, Astrid!" He called out, smiling as she disappeared. Thinking of his friend, he couldn't help but pray that he'd get another chance to be able to confess his actual feelings to her. He only hoped that she felt the same about him.
Shaking his head, he then turned to go to his hut, to grab the new tail he was experimenting with.
"What island is this?" Teeth asked, seeing the rocky land mass slowly come into view.
Everything about it looked sharp and jagged. From the peaks to the sea stacks. Nothing was inviting about it. It was the perfect place to search for some answers.
"It's an old shipyard. It's a place where ships from all over come in for repairs and supplies. I'm sure there isn't a person here that hasn't murdered someone."
"I'll be right at home then." Teeth growled.
Heather turned Windshear towards the back of the island, away from the docks and actual village. "Unfortunately, I better stay away from there. I don't want to be recognized since I came here often for supplies. You know, when I was rogue. Then, when I was working for Ryker, we stopped here on our way to any of our destinations. They bought a lot of hides that we had to sell. As such, it might be best to not be with you while you're searching and talking to the locals."
"Just leave it to me." She huffed. Looking down at the razorblade of a dragon, she gently, almost timidly stroked Windshear's side. "Thanks girl, at least you made the trip tolerable. More than when Stormfly took me."
"Astrid told me when she took you for a ride. Sounded like fun!" She teased.
"They kidnapped me. She didn't take me for a ride." Teeth corrected. "And I hated it."
"Well, the trip isn't over until you get off." Heather continued to tease.
"If you want to blow our cover for some tricks, I'll haunt you until the end of time!" Teeth snapped, panicking at the thought of going through another ordeal of riding a dragon.
Heather laughed out loud. "Don't worry. I'm not like the twins or Snotlout. When it comes to the mission, it's the first priority."
"If you say so, but know that I won't let anything jeopardize my goal, understand?"
"You need to lighten up a little." Heather commented, shaking her head at her.
"Easy for you to say. You never went through what I went through. I'll lighten up when I run my brother through with his own sword."
Heather quickly went silent. Not turning to her, she simply whispered. "…I thought that was what I wanted too…"
Taken back by the comment, Teeth just stared at her. "What do you mean?"
"I'll just say this, Teeth." She replied quickly. "You're not alone when it comes to tragedies. I too lost my family. Both my real and adoptive ones." Finally turning to her, she narrowed her eyes. "Maybe take a second to think about why I decided to stay with the Riders. I think it'll surprise you with what you can learn.
Not saying anything, Teeth watched the island get closer, being dusted in white snow. What Heather said was true though, she hadn't given much attention to the Rider's past or lives before. At least, not like the interest they had in her own life.
"I'll drop you off here. It'll be a short hike to the docks, but that way I won't have to worry about Windshear being spotted." Heather announced, letting Windshear gently land on the shore. "I'll stay here until you get back."
"Yeah, sounds like a plan." She grunted as she braced herself with Windshear's landing. Sliding off, she pulled down her hood and let her hair blow in the wind. Small flakes of snow flurried around them, making her shiver uncomfortably. "Grrr…how do you live in this kind of weather?" She huffed, pulling her hood up again, realizing she was going to need it.
"You get used to it I guess." Heather replied, walking Windshear up to the cliff. "If you head up the path from the docks, I'm sure you'll find the tavern. Might be the best place to start looking if you're acting as a sell sword."
Watching her huddle against the cliff with Windshear shielding her with her wing, Teeth simply shook her head out of being miserable. Letting out a vented sigh, Teeth slowly made her way along the shoreline. She mentally forced her body to not hug herself to keep warm, knowing she had to appear tough. The last thing she wanted to show rough and rugged men was that she was a miserable girl by herself. And if anyone gave her trouble, she wasn't as skilled with a longsword like her dad was.
Trekking across the rocky ground, she finally saw the docks. They looked busy, which was perfect for her. She could easily blend in without bringing too much attention to herself. Seeing multiple ships mooring and leaving the area, there were all kinds of characters walking around. Some she was able to recognize as small-time raiders and pirates, given how they were dressed and the condition of their ships. Others looked like regular sailors and traders, being rough looking and having a careless aura around them. A handful of men were travelers, obviously down on their luck as they had to dock at such a place for repairs or supplies. They looked scared and nervous, as they were trying to schedule repairs with the dock masters.
Stepping onto the dock, she carefully observed her surroundings. Leading up the pathway, were a handful of buildings with smoke billowing out of the chimneys. Some trading stands were set up along the way, with most of them residing by the docks. One thing she noted, was that there were no Hunters, both bring her relief and anxiety. No one would be able to recognize her, but that also meant it was going to be harder to find where they were located.
"Oi! Outta' the way, whelp!"
Stepping back, she watched as two men that were shouldering a large crate walk past her. Frowning, she slowly let herself fall back into her Marauder like self, being uncaring and gruff. Scowling, she marched up the pathway to the main lodge where most of the men were coming in and out of.
Seeing one sailor step in front of her, she simply shoulder checked him as she walked by.
"…out of my way…" She growled, glaring at him and killing the fight that was building up in the man.
The action alone caught the attention of a few others, as they stared at the girl with wide eyes.
Feeling for her sword in its homemade cloth sheath, she silently threatened any one that got too close. As she continued to march up the pathway, she listened to the voices whispering as she walked by.
"Who's that? I've never seen her before."
"…she's a looker…wonder if she'd sail with us…"
"Oh…I can make her sail with us. Got some rope?"
"Drop the thought, Dringe; watch yerself aroun' 'er. She's got the same look of trouble that w'rr not lookin' fer."
Ignoring the otherwise bleak observations, she kept her ears out for anything that would tip her off regarding hunting dragons, or even anything about Viggo himself. However, feeling the sting of cold on her cheeks and nose made it hard for her to focus. She so desperately wanted to go sit by a fire, though she pushed herself onward past one set up along the path. Seeing her breath, the ice caked on the rocks from the mist, even the dreary grey sky looked frozen and uninviting; it all made her sick for the warm beaches of her home and usual clear blue sky. She could see it too. Imagining the sights in her head, she recalled the few times she had a 'break' and would walk on the warm shallows of her island, hunting and fishing for crabs and lobsters, even the occasional small shark that swam too close to the shore.
Shaking her head, she quickly brought herself back to the present and returned her focus to the lodge.
As she approached the building, she stepped aside as two drunk sailors stumbled out of the door, one still swinging a large glass of…whatever he was drinking. Ignoring the sight, she stepped through and silently embraced the warmth. A central fire was roaring loudly, with tables scattered all around. Some had single men sitting at them, others had groups of cheering and drunk sailors and traders.
"What'll it be?" A voice called out.
Turning, she saw the bartender behind a large counter, cleaning a glass and eyeing her warily. Frowning, she pulled down her hood and let her hair start thawing out. "Two mugs of mead."
"Got coin?"
Teeth's eyes narrowed. She was used to being with her dad and being recognized as a Wrathen. Then again, she was nobody now. Nodding, she pulled out a small pouch of coins and set it on the counter.
The bartender smiled, taking the pouch and walking over to get her what she ordered.
Taking a deep breath, she took a seat at the bar as she continued to bask in the warmth. Her fur coat, boots, and even gloves were covered in ice, which was thankfully melting.
"'Eeyyy thur…" A voice called out next to her.
She instantly frowned, not liking the tone of the sailor's voice.
"W'ats a purty lil' red head like yeh doing here by yerself?" A large, heavily bearded man called out, taking a seat next to her.
Not saying anything, she simply reached for one of her mugs that were placed in front of her.
"Awww, don' be like that…" The man continued to laud. "We just don't see faces like yer's too off'en."
"I wonder why." She muttered sarcastically, taking another swallow from her drink. "I can only see the worst of men the world can offer. Can't imagine any tribe would take you lot in.; neither as defenders, sailors, and even fodder."
"Oh? Now why d'ya haf ta say things like that?" The man called out loudly. "I'm only tryin' ta start a simple conversation with some 'un as pretty as yerself? How ol' are yeh? Twenty? Twenty-one?"
"I'm trying to be alone. Beat it." She snapped, turning to glare at him with icy stare. "Unless you know of someone wanting to hire a dragon hunter, then spit it out. Otherwise, I'm going to put you in a world of hurt."
"Hahahahahah!" The man burst out laughing, catching the attention of several other patrons. "Did ya' 'ear that mates? She says she's a dragon hunter! She thinks she can put the 'urt on meh!"
"Oh, don't take that from 'er, Bjarke!" One man shouted, clearly drunk as he was rocking in his chair.
"Aye, just take her out back and beat on her. She'll do anything yeh say after!" Another jeered, raising his mug as if in victory.
"Leave her alone!"
Everyone turned to see the bartender glaring angrily at them. "She's a customer who actually paid me. Unlike most of you lot here."
"We're not given nobody a 'ard time." The one apparently named Bjarke replied with a sinister smile growing on his face. "Just want to set some things straight with 'er, tha's all."
Setting her mug down, Teeth wished she had a spear instead of a sword. She was going to do something that would make sure she would be left alone. Knowing she was probably better without a weapon, rather than showing everyone her lack of experience with a sword, she resorted to using her fists and feet to beat on the man. Kicking at Bjarke's stool, she snapped off one of the legs.
"Gah!" He cried fumbling at the air in a desperate attempt to stop him from falling.
Standing up and knocking her stool over, she whirled around while swinging her leg to kick him in the ribs as hard as she could.
"Gooopphh!" Bjarke gasped, losing his breath at the strike.
She didn't stop. Jumping in the air, she dropped her knee into the same side she kicked, letting out a loud crack that echoed in the instantly silent room. With the same momentum, she brought down her fist right into Bjarke's throat, making him silently gasp and grab at it.
Standing up, she simply glared at her gurgling harasser. "I guess I wanted to set some things straight too. You're lucky I was too lazy to draw my sword!" She snarled, spitting in his face. Looking up at a stunned Outcast, she pointed at her stool. "Pick it up. Now!"
The man instantly bolted forward, grabbing the stool and setting it back up for her. Sending the room one last death glare, she took her seat and grabbed her mug.
She ignored the couple of men that came to help Bjarke, who was breathing shallowly; given she broke two or more ribs and punched out his throat. At least she wouldn't have to listen to his voice anymore.
"My, yeh got fight in ya', spitfire." The bartender said, placing a large bottle of ale in front of her. "Fer yeh troubles."
"Thanks. But I'll just take another mug of mead." She whispered, sipping on her drink. "Not a fan of ale. Oh, and sorry about the stool."
"Yer a surprising one." He admitted, shaking his head at the request as he reached for a pitcher of mead. "And don' worry 'bout the stool. I usually add it to the tab of the one that caused my furniture to break. Bjarke will pay me back, one way or another."
"Guess I wouldn't have broken it if I wasn't annoyed by him." She growled, taking another sip from her drink.
"So…couldn't help but overhear yer little conversation about signing yerself up as a dragon hunter. Is that true?" He asked, setting another mug down in front of her.
"You heard right." She whispered, finishing off the contents of the first mug. Thankfully, aside from the fire, she felt a lot warmer. At least the chill was leaving her body.
"Well…it so happens that a trader is looking for a dragon hunter to guard him through the Straits of Baldur. Offering a handsome payout too."
"No. I'm looking for someone with status to work for. Not act as temporary protection for a simple trader." She huffed, starting on her second mug. "Know anyone prestigious that's hiring?"
"Well, there's one group of hunters…" He began to say, grabbing his cloth and focusing on cleaning a mug. "How committed are yeh?"
She just glared at him, narrowing her eyes at the question.
"…alright, I guess that answers it…" He observed, noting her silent determination. "Are you new to these parts?"
"Fairly new. Been hitching rides on ships for the last month." She lied, calming her heart with the potential information he would tell her.
"Well aside from some islands' and their chiefs wanting defenders, the most reputable group of Dragon Hunters are led by the Grimborns. They're lookin' for someone for a…special hunt."
Teeth felt her pulse quicken.
"They're uh…they're hard to contact now…but they have some recruiters around. For those that actually want to work for them."
"That doesn't help me. Who are they, and how do I contact them?" She demanded, still playing her part.
"Tell yeh what. Yeh stay here until evening, I'll direct their contact to yeh. Only…don't punch his throat when he sits by yeh…"
Teeth silently raised her mug to him, tipping it out of respect and silently accepting the requirement. Viggo was too good to simply have generic recruiters. He wasn't going to trust anyone anymore. Hence, why he needed all the hidden agents to do the work for him. Though to be honest, it sounded like Viggo had the island under his control regardless if his men were here or not, given her conversation with the bartender.
"If yeh need anything, holler." He grunted, standing up to leave and serve another customer.
Sipping on her drink, she simply let her mind wander to her potential visitor and recruiter. If anything, she'll learn where Viggo is, or what his operations were doing. At least, she might be able to learn what this 'special' hunt was supposed to be. This was a definite win in her book.
Nightfall had settled; and as such the lodge had gotten busier. The bartender now had two extra hands to help serve the rough and rowdy crowd, though he himself stayed behind the bar. Even though it was busy, he ensured the seat next to Teeth was empty, given that the recruiter still hadn't shown up. More than once has someone tried to flirt with her, only to be chased off by her silence or the bartender himself.
Letting out a vented sigh, she angrily shook her head. Sitting around and waiting always killed her. When it came to patience, she struggled with it. She reluctantly admitted that there was a chance that Viggo's middleman possibly wasn't coming; which she was praying that it wasn't going to be the case.
Stewing in her thoughts, blankly staring at nothing and blocking out the noise of the crowd, she was surprised to see the bartender slide a plate of chicken to her. "Free of charge." He huffed.
"Uh…thanks?" She replied, unsure of the reason for the gesture. Slowly pulling the plate closer to her, she then asked. "Where is he?"
"He's coming. Promise." The bartender replied with an uncaring shrug.
"Who is this guy?"
"I don't know much about him, other than he's someone who reports directly the Grimborns. Apparently, they've had some losses and are now very selective in their recruiting."
"Do you know why that changed?" She asked, ensuring that no one would suspect her of being a surviving Marauder.
The bartender shrugged. "No idea. The usual recruiter was taken away and replaced with this guy and a couple of Hunters. They have one of their small hunting ships moored at the docks, to bring anyone they feel will help them."
"How many have been accepted since they changed their recruiting process?"
"As far as I know, two."
Nodding, she simply sighed and took a large bite out of the chicken. Hearing the door open, she continued to focus on her meal.
"Well speak of the devil…" The bartender whispered, watching someone behind her. Gesturing to her, he then turned to leave. "Hope it's what you're looking for."
Swallowing her food and pushing the plate away from her, she simply waited for the person to sit next to her. Hearing the person settle in the seat next to her, she simply waited to be greeted.
"…you're the one who wanted to see me?"
He sounded more intelligent than most men she heard or listened to, being a little surprising. "From what I understand, I'm the one you wanted to see. You wouldn't have come if you thought this was going to be a waste of time." She quickly replied. Turning to look at him, she observed that the man wore a basic Hunter's outfit, the difference being that it was trimmed in red to show that he was an officer among Viggo's men. "Tell me why I should risk my neck for a group that likes to keep secrets?"
"Why don'chya tell me about yourself first. I have a few generic questions to feel you out." The man growled, signaling for the bartender to give him a drink. "What's the name, where'd ya come from, how long have you been here, and how did you hear about us?"
Signaling for another drink as well, she began to answer the questions with partial lies. "Name's Sarita Auyber, I came from a southern island called Capris, I just arrived here today, and the bartender told me how to meet with you."
"How far south? And why were you there?"
"I was hired to protect an island from dragon raids. And far enough south where I didn't need this outfit to stay warm." She growled, gesturing to her fur clothes.
"Have you heard of the Wrathen clan?" He asked, taking a swallow from his drink.
"The Wrathens?" She asked, scoffing at the question. "You can't be from anywhere south of here and not know about them."
"So why aren't you working for them as a dragon hunter?"
"I'm a girl. Have you ever seen a girl as a member of their army?" She fired back instantly. She couldn't be associated with her family, and she had to make sure that wouldn't happen. "They never bothered to hire me on. Only the young men from my island were recruited. That's why I'm here. I'm here to make my own fortune."
The man eyed her suspiciously. Though the answer seemed legitimate, it was still a concern.
"Why does it worry you if I know the Wrathen clan?" She asked, still trying to sell her con.
"We've had…issues with them before. That's all I'll say." He answered.
"Well, I can see this is going nowhere." She growled, acting like she was standing up. "Wish I didn't waste my time waiting to meet you."
"Sit down, I haven't said no." He called out, seeming annoyed at her trying to leave. "If you don't understand that I have to be extra careful hiring someone, then I guess we can call it off."
"Fine. What else do you want to know?" She huffed, acting like she was reluctant to keep conversing with him.
"How about your skill in fighting and hunting dragons?"
"There's none better than me." She claimed, unsheathing her sword. Setting the sword on the bar, she began to list some of the accomplishments she had actually done in her life. "I killed a Whispering Death in its own hole; I cut off one of the wings of a Nadder as it flew above me; I'm always studying how to kill any kind of dragons. Ones I know, and others that I don't."
The man then turned to the bartender, who was watching them and listening to the conversation. "What do you know of her?"
"She's got some fight in 'er." He answered, cleaning another mug. "'Bout killed one of my patrons. Without 'er weapon. Wish she finished the job with that massive, drunk fool. She's a spitfire, I promise yeh that. I wouldn't have sent word to yeh if I didn't think she was what yer were lookin' for."
The man nodded, slowly turning to eye Teeth skeptically.
"Now tell me why I would want to work for your organization." She demanded, turning to face the man. Narrowing her eyes, she then pressed harder for some answers of her own. "Who exactly am I working for? What will I be doing? How much are they paying? When and where do I meet my employer?"
"I can only answer a few of those questions." He whispered, turning to glare back at her. "You'll be working for Viggo and Ryker Grimborn. And they pay very well." At that, he dropped a large bag of gold, raising even Teeth's eyebrows. "It's a signing bonus. After that, you're paid a flat rate after every shipment, hunt, or battle completed. Based on importance and your skill, it rises and lowers itself."
"Very well, I want to be on the jobs that pay the most then." She growled, opening the bag to start counting the coins.
"Before you agree, I need to know how well you fight other soldiers and men."
"Like you heard, I almost killed a man without using my sword." She snapped. "Do you need me to prove it right now?"
"Calm down, spitfire." He replied with an annoyed tone. "I'm asking because Viggo wants me to find a certain someone to take on a specific task. As I'm sure you've been told, you're being hired for a unique hunt."
"What is it, and does it pay better than hunting dragons?"
"Oh, he'll give you whatever you want if you succeed." The man growled. "However, the chances of surviving and even succeeding are…slim. And I'll only tell you details if you sign on right here, right now."
Teeth watched him pull out a paper and a piece of charcoal. Placing them in front of her, he simply went back to his drink.
"No hints as to what it is that I'll be doing?" She asked, taking the paper and reading over the requirements.
"It involves hunting. But not just dragons."
"I'm not a bounty hunter." She growled, looking up and glaring at him.
"Trust me. If I needed a simple bounty hunter, we wouldn't be having this conversation." He replied, tipping his mug up to drink.
"What do you need?" She asked with a skeptical look.
"Someone that doesn't ask a lot of questions."
Looking at the paper, she then shrugged. Signing it with the charcoal, she then grabbed the bag of gold and strapped it to her waist. "What am I hunting then?"
"A specific dragon sympathizer and lover. I'll fill you in on our trip to the island." He replied, standing up and turning to walk out. "We're leaving now."
"To where?" She asked, hoping to know where Viggo was located at.
"Where your prey lives." He growled simply.
"I want to meet with Viggo first!" She demanded angrily. "At least I want to know where he's at so I can claim my payment myself in case you leave me!"
"You'll only know if you get what he wants." He replied. Holding her contract out and over the fire, he then asked. "Should I end the agreement?"
"Feels pretty one sided for it to be an agreement..."
"Tell you what, since you've been the only promising and willing person to walk in this old lodge, and since you sought for me, I'll answer your questions the moment we set sail. Take it or leave it."
"Fine. Let me get my stuff together." She snarled, still not liking the agreement.
"Meet me down at the docks. If I see you, then we'll go. If I don't, I'll assume you decided to quit and not take us up on the offer." He replied, finally walking out the door.
Grumbling to herself, she quickly sheathed her sword. She had to pass a message to Heather that she was going to help 'raid' Dragon's Edge. That much she figured as to why she was being hired. To hunt the Dragon Riders.
"Well?" The bartender asked, raising an eyebrow as she pulled on her fur gloves.
"I'm hoping it's worth it." She growled, pulling on the last one.
"If not, I know that trader will pay yeh handsomely to defend his ship."
"We'll see." She growled, pulling up her hood and turning to leave. "Thanks for the company. And the meal."
"Come by again. I'll be happy ta' serve yeh with all the gold yer gonna make." He called out, watching her leave.
Stepping out into the frigid cold again, she shivered as she marched down the path. She could see the man ahead of her, making his way to the Hunter styled ship. She could at least slip out of view from him and towards where Heather had stayed.
Eyeing the ship carefully, she slowly slipped behind some barrels to conceal herself as she tried to break off the beaten path.
"Where are you heading?"
Freezing, she turned to see a hooded and masked figure leaning against a large pole with a lantern hanging from it. With bright green eyes, the stranger looked like they were smiling at her.
"Heather…" She huffed, recognizing the outfit. "How long have you been here?"
"A couple of hours actually. Got bored waiting for you, so I decided to check out the island myself." She replied, standing up straight and stretching her arms. Gesturing to the Hunter's ship, she asked. "Did you learn anything?"
"No. Viggo's playing it safe. No one knows where he's at, and those that do won't tell unless you're part of their group."
"So…this was a waste of time?"
Shaking her head, she quickly replied. "Of course not. I'm getting close. I signed on with the Hunters."
"What?!" She hissed angrily, shocked to hear what she did.
"Listen, I won't know where Viggo or Ryker are until I do what I'm contracted to do."
"Which is what, exactly?!"
"To raid an island of dragon lovers. Dragon's Edge."
Heather looked at her in shock and frustration, unsure of what to think of the task.
"Listen, I'm hired to do this alone, so I can control what I do; and I'm obviously not going to hurt any of you, but this might be the only way we can find out where they are! At least, before they lash out at you guys. I need you to tell Hiccup and the others what's going to happen!"
"And what?! How are you going to fake raiding us?"
"Leave that to me. I'll be able to think of something once they tell me all the details. We're supposed to be leaving right now." She assured, turning to look down at the ship. "So go! Tell them! I imagine I'll be showing up tomorrow night."
"I'm going to tail behind you, and then I'll break off. I hope you know what you're doing…"
"Fine. Just don't blow my cover!"
"Don't get killed so I won't have to!" She huffed, turning to leave her.
"Heather!"
Stopping, she turned to eye her angrily.
"Thanks. I'll see you in a bit."
Softening up, she simply shook her head. "Be careful, Teeth. There's always a catch when working with the Hunters. Trust me on that."
"I'll keep that in mind." She whispered back, watching her disappear into some bushes. Sighing, she checked for her sword as she continued down the path towards the docks, all while trying to keep warm in the freezing night.
As she approached the ship, the man who had interviewed her looked at her with an approving expression. "Cast off. If we get a fair wind, we'll be at your destination tomorrow night."
"Enough riddles and mystery. Give me details." She growled, unstrapping her sword and setting it down on the deck. She could feel the ship slowly start drifting away from the dock, proving that she was essentially accepted as a new recruit.
For the first time since meeting him, the Hunter smiled at her. "We're going to an island called Caldera Cay. And you're going to hunt a queen."
Teeth's heart skipped a beat. She just sent Heather away and she herself was heading nowhere near Dragon's Edge! "A…a queen?" She stammered.
"Her name's Mala. The Queen of the Defender of the Wing." He explained. "We've tried to raid them before, but failed more times than I can count. Viggo thinks a single, well-armed and capable individual can do better than an army or fleet. If you put her down, her people will be scattered and lost. We'll be able to end them once and for all."
Trying to kill the anxiety in her, she simply swallowed and shook her head. "Thought you said you needed a dragon hunter for this job. It's sounding like I'm an assassin…"
"I told you they're dragon sympathizers. As such, they have dragons as friends. You'll probably have to kill a few to get to the queen. Besides, if you can kill dragons, a human can't be that much more difficult."
Knowing there was no getting out of it, she shallowly nodded her head in acknowledgement. "Well, get going then. No time to waste."
The man smiled as he walked off to give more orders.
Swallowing, Teeth turned to look at the island they were leaving behind. The only thing she could do, was complete her mission, and pray that Viggo wouldn't recognize her if she actually succeeded. And it was sounding like a big if.