Chapter 67: Sins of the Past
Snotlout and Raeda were currently flying towards Northern Markets for some errands, much to the former annoyance.
"Northern Markets again?" Snotlout groaned. "Thor! I'm sick of that place! I can't believe it. We have to go there for chicken feed? Chicken feed?"
"Hey, it was your idea to uncover Chicken's family on the Edge when we first found out, Snotlout." Raeda pointed out.
Hookfang growled. 'I agree, this is on you.'
"I feel you looking at me and agreeing with Raeda, Hooky." Snotlout said, narrowing his eyes at his dragon. "Just say it already you two. If I haven't uncovered Chicken's double life, someone would have. You can't live like that. At some point, the lies and the pressure, they build up. That chicken was ready to blow." He pointed out.
"True, but still. We gotta get some food for those chicklets and Chicken's boyfriend." Raeda said as she then turned to her. "But you're going to have to get the feed. I need to restock on some of my art supplies and some new things for Valerie, running low back on the Edge." She added.
Snotlout groaned., "We keep inviting new members, we're gonna run out of Edge pretty soon." He said in a little annoyance.
"We had Heather with us before she left, Snotlout. I think we can handle Valerie in her place." Raeda pointed out. "Besides, she knows Changewings better than any of us and knows how to make those camouflage cloaks, and now, we don't have to worry about getting Changewing acid anymore with Camo around. Besides, she's an orphan with no family, and you know how Hiccup and Hicca feel, they can't abandon others with nowhere to go." She explained.
Snotlout sighed, "Yeah, but sometimes those two are too nice for their own good." He comments.
Raeda was about to retort before thinking for a moment, "Actually, I agree with you on that." She conceded, knowing that Hiccup and Hicca can be a little too nice at times. "They must've been trying to make sure they trust someone after the experiences they've been through in the past like Dagur and Alvin." She stated.
(Linebreak)
Eventually they reached the Northern Markets and Snotlout immediately went shopping for chicken feed while Raeda went in the other direction to look for some art supplies. Eventually he found a store that was selling the stuff and judging from the wide range they looked very exotic.
"Ooh, this looks very interesting." Snotlout said, rubbing his hands together. He then leaned over towards one of the barrels. "'Berk's Blend?' I'll try a…"
He then grabbed some of the feed and immediately ate it and probably started out again. "Nasty. Send that back to Berk." He then reached for another barrel. "'Rooster's Pride.' Oh, of course, you should have pride in your rooster." He then put a bit of it into his mouth and struck his head. "A little too much salt."
He then leaned over towards another barrel and then began to sniff it.
"Archipelago Gold," A voice said behind him.
Snotlout turned and saw the store's owner, holding out a spoonful of chicken feed from another barrel. He then raised the spoon towards Snotlout and he was about to take a pinch of it when the store's owner slapped his hand.
"Ow!" Snotlout yelled, shaking his hand.
"Uh-uh-uh." The store owner said, shaking his head. "This feed is untouched by human hands, p-picked and p-packed by Nordic howler monkeys," He said, clucking like a hen. "This isn't just chicken feed, my friend. This is cuisine du coque. Now, that's French for—"
"I know what that means," Snotlout said, placing his hands on his hips. "I know what 'cork la dork' means."
"Sir, clearly you are a Viking who p-p-prefers the finer things in life," He said, clucking like a hen once again.
"I am?" Snotlout blinked. "Of course. Of course I am."
"I mean, surely a man at your station would demand only the top of the line and would not think twice before p-p-paying accordingly," The store owner said, once again, clucking like a hen. "Am I right?"
"No, I'm not afraid to put my money where my beak is." Snotlout said with a small chuckle. "Get it? Did you see what I did there?"
'Bad joke.' Hookfang grunted.
Snotlout then grabbed his money purse and pulled out a single gold coin. "Okay, so, uh, with this cover it?"
The store's owner just gave him a fixed glance as Snotlout gave a concerning expression.
(Linebreak)
Snotlout soon discovers that his gold coin was not enough to pay for the chicken feed and a few moments later he emerged from the store wearing only the shirt off his back which was tied around his waist by a thick piece of rope so that his trousers wouldn't fall.
Hookfang laughed when he approached him.
"I know what you're thinking. I overpaid," Snotlout glared.
"Okay, Snotlout. I got the art supplies." Raeda said as she and Sparkyfire are coming towards them. "Did you get the feed for the…" She was cut off when she saw the attire Snotlout is wearing as she gave an amused expression. "Let me guess, you overpaid for the feeds of good quality?" She asked, snickering a bit as Sparkfire gave a dragon-like chuckle.
"Yeah, very funny, Raeda. And yes, I did." Snotlout said sarcastically. "But a quality Viking deserves quality feed, period." He then soon realized that he was not the Viking going to eat the feed, in fact it wasn't even supposed to be for Vikings. "Wait, what am I doing? Why do I care how the twins' chickens eat?"
"Yeah, you completely forget that the feed is for chickens. Why do you think they are called 'Chicken feeds'?" Raeda asked with a chuckle.
"Apparently, I was too caught up in my good qualities mode." Snotlout said in annoyance as he then grabbed his bag of chicken feed and looked at Raeda and their dragons. "This stuff is going back. We're getting that cheap Berk crud, and they're gonna to live with it."
Unfortunately he was preoccupied by keeping his rope firmly wrapped around his chest so that he would reveal his underwear to everyone in the Northern Marke, and in front of Raeda.
"Yeah, maybe you should've kept your belt instead of trading it." Raeda said with a bored tone.
Unfortunately it was easier said than done and eventually Hookfang lifted him up into the air.
"Well, that's one way to make sure your pants don't fall down." Raeda joked with a chuckle as Snotlout groaned in annoyance.
"Shut up, Raeda." Snotlout said.
Raeda laughed before she noticed a familiar Razorwhip carrying two passengers flying in, "Heather and Trader Johann?" She asked.
Snotlout looked up with Raeda and saw them as well. "Uh, what are they doing here?" He asked.
"If I had to guess, Heather must be looking for her father and Johann must've given her a lead." Raeda theorizes. "Dagur did say she was determined to find Oswald." She recalled.
Snotlout then looked at her with a tired expression, "And let me guess, we're gonna follow them aren't we?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
"You read my mind." Raeda answered with a smirk. "And this would be something Hiccup and Hicca would want to do as well if they were here." She added.
Snotlout just sighed. "I hate it when you're right." He said as Raeda kept smirking while their dragons chuckled.
(Linebreak)
Heather looked at Johann, who was feeling very uneasy being so high in the air with very little support. "Johann, I can't thank you enough, for all you've done in helping me, first to find Dagur and now my father. How can I ever repay you?" She asked.
"Ah, Miss Heather, payment is but a mere formality in the business transaction of life." Johann said, nervously gripping onto the saddle.
"Well, I know how fanatical I've been." Heather concedes before glancing away. "Ask my brother. But we are close. I can feel it. And if this Viking you met is telling the truth about my father being alive, it will have been worth every moment."
"And every cent," Johann added nervously before quickly adding. "Metaphorically speaking, of course."
Eventually they landed at a tavern where the Viking Johann mentioned was waiting.
(Linebreak)
Dagur had returned to Berserker Island with the Haddock twins, Henry and Fishlegs so that they could inform Heather of what had happened to her father. They were currently the stables locking their dragons inside, but Dagur didn't appear to be in a cheery mood.
"Dagur, you okay?" Hiccup asked.
"You've been quiet for the whole trip since Vannahiem." Hicca noted.
"Huh?" Dagur asked before looking up at them. "Sure. Fine. Never been better. I mean, how often do you get to tell your sister that the barber she's been maniacally looking for is dead? I'm just peachy." He said sarcastically.
"There is something to be said for closure," Fishlegs said. Hiccup, Hicca, Henry and Dagur just looked at him. "Or maybe not."
Hicca sighed and turned to Dagur, "Look, I know it's gonna be painful to tell Heather the truth, but it's better she finds out from you then from somewhere else." She told him.
"Plus it will keep her from getting herself or Windshear killed and give you more time to improve Berserker Island." Henry added. "And more brother and sister time together other than searching for your dad."
A Berserker then entered the stables. "Chief!"
Dagur chuckled slightly. "I love when they call me that. Ah, never get old."
"Yeah, and pretty that's what the people of Berk are gonna be calling you." Hicca commented with a grin and nudged her brother.
Hiccup gave a nervous chuckle. "Uh, can we not bring that up, please?" He pleaded to his sister, preferring not to give their dad any ideas about an earlier retirement.
"So good to have you back," The Berserker said in a dull voice.
"And good to be back," Dagur nodded. "Where's Heather? I have news for her." He said, preferring to rip the bandage off quickly.
"You didn't hear? She left with Trader Johann for the Northern Markets. Apparently he found a man who says Oswald is alive." The Berserker explained.
Everyone immediately looked at each other in horror. Without wasting a single second they immediately opened the stables, got onto their dragons and flew off leaving behind a Berserker guard in a dumbfounded situation.
"Not quite the reaction I was expecting." He said to himself.
In the air they immediately were rushing towards an open market with full speed.
Fishlegs looked at the Haddock twins. "Hiccup, Hicca, Johann and Heather are walking—"
"Into a trap," Hiccup finished. "We know."
"We all know that Oswald is no longer around and this is a trick to lure Heather in." Hicca pointed out.
"And I have a good feeling about who's behind it," Henry growled, knowing this was one of his dad and Krogan's plots.
"Which is why we have to get there immediately! Come on!" Dagur yelled.
Dagur then led them towards the Northern Market as they flew as quickly as they could.
(Linebreak)
It was evening and Heather approached the tavern unaware that she was walking into a trap.
"This is unfortunately as far as I go, Miss Heather." Johann said regretfully. "I am what is commonly referred to as a persona non grata in this tavern. Re-entering this Thor-forsaken place could be injurious to my health."
"I understand, Johann." Heather said. "You've told me at least 15 times."
Johann just smiled. "Never can be too careful. The man you are seeking is Harek. The name sounds much bigger than the man himself, although he's not of small stature by any means—"
"I got it, Johann. I'll find him." Heather said as she then placed a hood over her head and made her way towards the tavern.
"Thro speed, Miss Heather," Johann called just as she entered. "I shall be waiting for you where I stand, or at least until a few hundred carts behind a crate to hide my skin. Hello?"
Heather then closed the door behind her.
"She's gone. Okay. Good." He said before giving a slightly sinister smile, "Very good."
Heather began to make her way through the tavern looking for the man named Harek and that's when she saw a lone Viking sitting at a table.
She approached him and he looked up and smiled. "Nice to finally meet you, Heather. I've heard so much about you."
Heather can help but notice the smile on his face and it looked pretty ominous. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes. It's just…" He paused and looked directly at her. "Well, the resemblance is remarkable."
Heather then sat down at the empty chair opposite him.
(Linebreak)
Johann was still hiding behind the cart observing the task in the sun had finally set and darkness was over the entire Northern Market. He then immediately saw muscular Vikings exiting the tavern and immediately ducked behind the cart.
Once they were gone he looked over the cart and sighed with relief.
"What are you looking at?" A voice whispered behind him.
Johann immediately jumped with flight and knocked over the cart and turned to find that it was only Snotlout and Raeda.
"Relax, Johann, it's just us." Raeda called out assuringly.
"Master Snotlout? Mistress Raeda?" Johann said in surprise. "You mustn't sneak up on a weary traveler. It may crash an already weakened heart."
"Sorry, Johann," Snotlout said, with no sign of apology in his voice. "Boo!"
Johann jumped in fright.
Snotlout laughed. "You're too easy." He said before getting bonked on the head by Raeda. "Ow!"
"Now's not the time, Snotlout." Raeda scolded.
"Okay, okay. Sheesh." Snotlout said as he rubbed his head before turning to Johann. "But seriously, what are you doing lurking out here by yourself?"
"If you must know, I'm covering for Miss Heather." Johann said, trying to recover from the shock he experienced. "She's inside doing a bit of business." That's when he noticed the bag of chicken feed Snotlout was holding. "Hmm. Archipelago Gold. Quite the lofty purchase."
"So expensive they'll take even the clothes on your back." Raeda stated while looking at Snotlout.
"Tell me about it." Snotlout grunted as he repositioned at the rope holding his trousers. "I got duped."
"More like overpaid for food that isn't for Vikings to eat." Raeda corrected.
"Can we please drop it, Raeda?" Snotlout asked in annoyance.
Raeda chuckled and turned to Johann, "So what is Heather doing in there?" She asked.
"If you must know, she is on a lead on a person who might know of her father, Oswald the Agreeable." Johann explained.
"Yeah, we figure she might be doing that." Raeda said. "Dagur flew by the Edge when he told us about her determination to find Oswald." She added. "They think a clue to him might be on another island."
Johann looked interested, "Oh, what is the name of this island?" He asked.
Snotlout raised a hand, "Uh, sorry Johann, Dragon Rider secret only." He said simply.
"It's a real secret that Hiccup and Hicca promise us to not tell anyone, not even our friends and families." Raeda explained. "It's for a good reason. Sorry."
Johann just sighs in disappointment. "Well, if it's for a good reason, then I will force you to pray to me for the location or title of this wondrous land." He said before turning away and muttered. "I'll just have to find it myself."
"What was that, Johann?" Raeda asked.
"Oh, nothing Miss Raeda." Johann quickly said. "Say, what say you that I inspect your newly purchased Archipelago Gold is really qualified and not some horrid facade?" He offered.
"Well, if it keeps me from returning it, sure." Snotlout answered as he opened up the back.
(Linebreak)
Heather was inside the tavern talking to Harek, who was telling her how he met her father.
"I was trapped, cold, injured, on my last leg, if you will," Harek said. "But your father, he…" He sighed. "Well, let's just say that I wouldn't be here today without his undying support and generosity."
"So what about now?" Heather asked.
"He vowed to spend his life building huts for homeless Vikings. He calls it 'Oswald's Huts for Humanity.' And that's where he is at this very moment."
"That's incredible," Heather said with pride. "I can't wait to see him. To meet him, really. I was so young."
"And I will be honored to expedite the reunion," Harek said gladly.
They then got up and Heather was about to make her way towards the front door when Harek stopped her.
"No. This way," Harek said, gesturing to the back door.
"Uh, but the entrance is—" Heather tried to explain.
"We mustn't be seen. Too dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Heather frowned. "I don't understand."
"Heather, I implore you to trust me." Harek insisted. "There are those who would rather not see a father-daughter reunion."
"But that makes no sense." Heather said.
Harek then made his way towards the back door leaving Heather quite conflicted.
(Linebreak)
Johann was examining the chicken feed in Snotlout's bag and put a bit of it in his mouth.
"This… this is pure," Johann noted before giving a blown kiss and smacked his lips. "'Good as Gold,' one might say."
"Great," Snotlout groaned. "Those chickens will be eating more than everyone."
"At least we know it's not a scam." Raeda commented.
They then saw the tavern door open and watched as the drug Viking exited. He then held out his tankard and then promptly fell face first into the ground.
(Linebreak)
Harek opened the back door and stepped outside and Heather carefully followed him. She instantly knew that something was up the moment he suggested using the back door.
"I have to tell you Harek, the thought of feeling my father's arms around me, it's indescribable," said Heather.
Harek was smirking with his back towards her. "I've assumed it would be."
"I just hope he doesn't jab me with that rusty old hook of his," said Heather. "That I do remember."
Harek chuckled while still smirking. "Yes, Oswald's hook has needed a good polishing since the day we met."
Heather then narrowed her eyes and drew her double bladed axes. "My father doesn't have a hook, Harek."
"No, he doesn't," A familiar voice said.
Heather looked up and saw Krogan looking down at her with his mighty ax in hand and a couple of his Flyers beside him. Heather then immediately took up a fighting stance realizing she had walked into a trap.
(Linebreak)
On the other side of the tavern, Johann was trying to calm an enraged Snotlout while Raeda watched.
"I'm merely suggesting that had you come to me personally, I would have been able to use my far-reaching resources to get you the same feed while allowing you to keep your tunic intact, as it were." Johann said trying to keep Snotlout from ripping into him like hyper Whispering Death.
Strangely enough this didn't help calm Snotlout down. "Funny how everyone can help you after the fact, when you need them, no." He grumbled.
Raeda sighed and then turned to Sparkfire, Hookfang and Windshear and noticed they looked a bit agitated, "Hey, what's the matter girl?" Raeda asked, walking to her dragon.
Snotlout then saw Johann approaching Windshear, who roared loudly.
"Master Snotlout, Miss Raeda, I suspect something is, shall we say, askew." Johann said in concern.
"Yeah, our dragons are really getting anxious and worried." Raeda noted. "Something must be wrong at the otherside of the tavern." She added.
Snotlout turned towards the tavern. "Yeah, I think I have a feeling what it is." He said in agreement.
(Linebreak)
At the back of the town Heather was engaged with the Flyers blocking their swords with her ax. She managed to block the swing from one of the Flyers and then dealt a powerful elbow in the face knocking him out cold.
Then Krogan landed directly in front of her with his large ax in hand. He chuckled and took up a fighting stance and Heather realized she had another harder time finding him than his underlings. Heather immediately jumped at him and swung the first swing, but he blocked it along with every one of her other swings.
She then slammed down her blade right on top of him and he blocked it with the handle of his ax and looked increasingly bored. He then pushed back causing her to lose her balance slightly and then began to swing a mighty swing at her. The blows he dealt were very powerful and one of them was actually not off the feet, but she was able to quickly recover and rolled to her feet.
The two of them looked at each other then suddenly appearing out of nowhere came a blast from Windshear. She then promptly landed on the ground with Johann riding on top of her, looking completely terrified.
"What took you so long?" Heather asked as he mounted Windshear.
Windshear then fired another blast at Krogan, and he quickly jumped out of the way to avoid the attack. Two Flyers then charged towards them, but Snotlout and Raeda appeared out of nowhere and Hookfang and Sparkfire landed directly on top of them.
"Heads up!" Snotlout yelled.
"Need backup, Heather?" Raeda quipped.
"What are you two doing here?" Heather asked. She then noticed Snotlout's strange attire. "And what in the name of Thor are you wearing, Snotlout?"
The Flyer picked himself up and Snotlout immediately whacked him with a bag of chicken feed in his hand.
"Don't ask," Snotlout said in a bored tone.
"Explanations later, we gotta go!" Raeda called out.
They immediately took off leaving Krogan far behind.
(Linebreak)
"Miss Heather, please accept my most humble and sincere apologies." Johann apologetically said.
"I understand, Johann," Heather said. She sighed with disappointment. "He had me too. We got away. That's all that matters."
"Yeah, about that…" Snotlout said, pointing directly behind them.
They turned and saw Krogan flying towards them on his Titan Wing Singetail and his squadron of Flyers.
"Wait, the Hunters can ride dragons too?!" Heather exclaimed as she and Dagur had yet to know about Krogan and the Flyers.
"You missed a lot, Heather. And we have a lot of catching up to do, but now's the time to lose to these Flyers!" Raeda called out.
Immediately they flew down towards the sea stacks in order to lose them, but one of them somehow managed to get ahead of Snotlout and Raeda as they headed straight towards Heather.
"Heather, behind you!" Snotlout yelled.
"I see him!" Heather yelled.
Heather then quickly pulled up just before the slammed into an arch, the Flyer was not as lucky and was instantly knocked off his Singetail.
Raeda was trying to shake her Rider off her tail, "I thought you knew by now that you should never attack a Nadder from behin-" She was cut off when the moment she turned to the Flyer chasing her, Krogan's Singetail flew in front of her and blasted Sparkfire, knocking Raeda off as they fell to the sea below, "Whoa, or maybe you did!" She screamed.
"Raeda!" Snotlout yelled as he and Hookfang dove down towards them, "I gotcha, I Gotcha!" Snotlout held his arms and just in time caught Raeda bridal style. "Gotcha!"
And then Hookfang reached out his legs and grabbed Sparkfire by her wing shoulders, 'Gotcha!' he roared as he flew back up.
Raeda catches her breath and looks at the sea. "Oh, that was close. Thanks Snotlout." She said gratefully while looking at Snotlout.
"Anytime, Raeda." Snotlout said with a smile.
Hookfang however looked like he was struggling a bit, 'Whew, Sparkfire you're a lot heavier than I thought you'd be.' He growled.
'Are you trying to say something?' Sparkfire snarled at Hookfang.
Hookfang gave a nervous look. 'Not really. No.' He quickly said, not wanting to anger the Nadder.
Heather and Johann kept on climbing but then Johann slipped out of the saddle and began falling.
Luckily for him Sparkfire, still held by Hookfang was able to catch him as well and he was at the present moment screaming while in the Nadder's claw.
"Looks like it's you, Raeda and me, Johann," Snotlout said. "Yay us." He added dully.
Johann had finally stopped shrieking when he realized that he was relatively safe. "I think of no greater warrior I would rather—"
"Just shut up." Snotlout snapped.
"Just hang on and don't let go of Sparkfire, okay." Raeda advises with rolled eyes.
That's when he noticed that Heather was now completely surrounded by Flyers. She was able to fend them off, but a Flyer and fired a fireball which knocked her off her saddle. Instantly Snotlout flew down in order to rescue her, but Johann was cringing as they flew down.
"Uh, Johann? Care to help out?" Snotlout asked rhetorically. "Grab her!"
"Hookfang is pretty tied up holding Sparkfire right now!" Raeda pointed out.
"Oh!" Johann said, extending her hand towards her.
He was able to grab and Snotlout pulled out of the dive barely striking the water. "Quick! Get me to my dragon!" Heather told Snotlout.
Snotlout quickly turned around to make their way over towards Windshear, but unfortunately the Flyers had already caught her and he came to a sudden stop.
"Snotlout, keep going!" Heather cried.
"There's nothing we can do right now; there's too many of them, there's too many of us on Hookfang and Sparkfire is in too bad shape to fly right now." Snotlout said, noting that Hookfang was getting tired from the weight he was carrying.
'So much to carry.' Hookfang panted as he tried to keep flying.
"We need to land and regroup." Raeda pointed out.
"So what? We just abandon her?" Heather asked, horrified.
Raeda looked down at her, "Heather, you know there's no way Hookfang can fight like this all by himself." She told her.
"Look, we need to rest Hookfang, treat Sparkfire's wounds and come up with a plan. So the sooner we set this bad boy down and get our girl somewhere to rest up, the better chance your dragon has to survive." Snotlout assured Heather.
Heather hated to admit it, but she knew that they were right. Even if Hookfang wasn't tired and Sparkfire wasn't injured, there was no way he could fight all the flyers while he was carrying four humans and another dragon, it would be far too dangerous.
With that they flew away as Krogan and the Flyers made off with Windshear. Then Heather noted they were flying faster than Hookfang normally could fly.
"Um, are we going really fast, or is it just me?" Heather asked.
"Nope. Coming in hot!" Snotlout yelled in panic.
"Brace for impact!" Raeda yelled next.
"Thor, have mercy!" Johann cried as a particularly large sea stack came into view.
Hookfang was able to avoid the sea stack and they landed hard on the beach. Johann and Heather tumbled across the sand followed by Sparkfire crashing to the ground and finally Hookfang belly flopping down as Snotlout and Raeda were flipped off of him.
(Linebreak)
The Haddock twins and the others had arrived at the Northern Markets just as the sun began to rise. Dagur instantly began to question anyone that he got his hands on in a very threatening way.
"Are you listening to me!?" Dagur yelled, grabbing a man from a stand. "Am I speaking in some foreign tongue!?" He then began babbling like an idiot. "Tell me where my sister is, or your head will end up on the end of a long pole attached to my ship!"
"I guess he didn't get the part about being discreet," Hiccup said, looking at the others.
"Discreet isn't exactly his middle name, bro." Hicca recalled.
"Actually, that is pretty discreet for Dagur," Fishlegs pointed out.
"If it wasn't, we'd be seeing a lot more dead bodies." Henry mentioned.
"That's actually fair," Hiccup said as Hicca nodded in agreement as they made their way over towards him.
Dagur looked at them and dropped the merchant. "Hiccup! Hicca! This one won't talk. What do you think we should do?"
"Dagur, call us old-fashioned, but I'm not sure that this is the way we want to go about getting people to help us." Hiccup said calmly.
"Yeah, this is not how we will find Heather and Johann like this." Hicca added.
"Oh, it's not?" Dagur asked, he then turned to the merchant with an apologetic look. "Oh, I'm sorry." He then tossed the merchant aside like he was a ragdoll. "Too soft, right? I should really work them over!"
He then marshes way towards the merchant who sold Snotlout the Archipelago Gold and immediately grabs him.
Hiccup and Hicca quickly rushed over towards him. "No! No, please," Hiccup said. Dagur then promptly stuck the merchant's head into a barrel of chicken feed. "Do not work anyone over."
"It's not like they will tell you if you keep tossing or integrating them around." Hicca pointed out.
"Oh, all right, I'll tell you! I'll tell you!" The merchant cried in a muffled voice within the barrel.
"Huh. I guess you're right, sibs," Dagur said with a smile. He then saw the merchant out of the barrel. "Well, let's hear it."
The merchant then spits out and chicken feed directly at the Haddock twins.
"Gross!" Hicca said in disgust.
"There was a fight," He said while clucking. "A short, stocky, loudmouthed Viking here to b-buy chicken feed was with a raven-haired warrior artist woman, joined by another b-beautiful raven-haired woman in silver armor and the merchant they call Johann."
"Tell me more about the silver armored girl." Dagur demanded as he lowered the merchant back onto the ground. "Was her hair truly like the raven or more like a crow? That's an important detail!"
"Dagur, he's clearly talking about Heather," Hiccup said.
"And the other raven haired woman and the short stocky loudmouth is definitely Raeda and Snotlout. They must've been on Northern Markets when they saw them." Hicca said as she turned to the merchant. "So what happened in the fight?"
"It ended with a stalemate, as far as I could tell. Then the f-four D-Dragon riders fled north, followed by a large group of Dragon F-Flyers. I hate to be them Riders, if they're found. They'll end up like… well…" He then pulled some chicken feed from the barrel and crushed it while making chicken impersonations.
"Please let me hurt him. Please?" Dagur asked, slowly making his way to the merchant and Hiccup and Hicca quickly grabbed him. "Just—just a little?"
"No, no, not even a little." Hiccup said. "Not today, Dagur."
"He's not worth it." Hicca added.
Dagur sighed. "This is all on me, sibs."
"Dagur, remember, Heather is a Berserker, and she has Windshear, so there's two amazing warriors we're talking about," Hiccup recalled.
"And Snotlout and Raeda are there too," Fishlegs added.
"So we subtract one warrior?" Dagur asked.
"I hate to say this, but Snotlout can actually be pretty handy in an air battle," Fishlegs admitted.
"Yeah, they don't call Hookfang a 'Monstrous Nightmare' for nothing." Hicca added, knowing Hookfang was pretty tough.
"Fishlegs and Hicca are right. We'll find her." Hiccup assured. He then stroke Toothless on the head. "Won't we, bud?"
"I'm not so worried about Heather, Raeda and Snotlout, but it's Johann I'm more concerned about," Henry said, folding his arms. "Let's face it he's not exactly reliable when it comes to Riding Dragons, and I can't remember how many close calls we have had when he flew with us?"
"You know, he's got a point there. Johann is not one to be in a battle." Hicca agreed as they know Johann is too scared of a chicken to even stand up in a fight.
(Linebreak)
Heather and the others were on an island as they were planning their next move and Johann was looking at Heather apologetically. "I'm afraid the blame for this whole debacle can be traced back to yours truly." Johann said in regret.
"Huh. No kidding," Snotlout muttered as Johann narrowed his eyes at him.
"Can we not start another fight, please?" Raeda said as she tended to Sparkfire with some medical supplies she packed for the trip for emergencies.
Heather then approached Johann and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Johann, I'm grateful you tried to help me, but my brother was right all along. This obsession to find my father, it's gone way too far, and now it's got Hookfang and Sparkfire hurt and cost me Windshear."
"Dagur told us you were pretty determined to find Oswald, Heather. So we don't blame you." Raeda said as she finished patching up Sparkfire. "Well, Sparkfire's all patch up, we just need to wait for Hookfang to catch his breath before we go up to face Krogan and those Flyers and rescue Windshear." She called out before suddenly they heard a roar in the distance and immediately a fireball nearly struck them.
They looked up and saw that Krogan was hovering above them on his Titan Wing. "No need to trouble yourself, Henderson, I have a one-time offer," Krogan said looking down at them. "Your lives and your dragon for the Dragon Eye lens Heather carries on her belt. You have one hour."
He then flew off leaving everyone bewildered. "Wait, Dragon Eye Lens?" Snotlout repeated.
"What's he talking about?" Raeda asks in confusion as they look towards the lens on Heather's belt, realizing that it really was a Dragon Eye lens. "Wait, you had a lens this whole time!?" She asked in shock.
Naturally this caused a bit of an argument amongst them and no one was more outspoken than Snotlout.
"You have got to be kidding me." Snotlout said in surprise. "That thing has been there the whole time. And nobody, nobody saw it?"
"Snotlout, for the last time, yes, it's been there the whole time!" Heather snapped. "And, no, I didn't know it was a Dragon Eye lens!"
"All right. You don't have to yell at me." Snotlout said gently, crossing his arms.
Raeda pinched the bridge of her nose before turning to Heather, "In our defense, your hair did a pretty good job hiding it." She honestly said as Heather moved her braid back a bit embarrassed. "But how come you never noticed that it was a Dragon Eye lens, Heather? You saw the other lenses back on the Edge while you were with us." She pointed out.
Heather then removed the lens from her belt and looked at it. "My father gave this to me when I was little. I just thought it was…" She sighed. "Well, I didn't know what I thought. I knew those lenses you guys have might be familiar, but I never really noticed until now."
"Well, we didn't really have the Dragon Eye with us when Viggo took it from us during the 'Viggo Fiasco', so that is reasonable since we didn't have the Dragon Eye to use the lenses." Raeda said in reason before rubbing her chin, "I wonder what's on that lens, or why Krogan wants it now?"
"Look, if those guys want this thing so badly, we definitely cannot give it to them," Snotlout said, knowing that Heather's lens is very important if Krogan and the Flyers want it. He then looked towards Johann who had been looking out to sea. "Right, Johann?"
"I truly wish I could support you, Master Snotlout, but I believe the prudent arms of our dilemma would be to give them the lens," Johann said, turning to face them.
"What?!" Snotlout yelled in disbelief.
"Are you really suggesting we give the lens to Krogan?" Raeda asked in shock.
"Thor knows that I am a collector, a trader, a seller of great treasures." Johann reminded them before turning to Heather, "However, like your lens, they are all just things, things that can be replaced, whereas a dragon, and one as splendid as Windshear, that is another matter entirely." He added while walking up to her.
Hookfang then walked up to Snotlout and nuzzled him, 'Not just another sword, right?' he rumbled, remembering Snotlout's words when he almost lost him.
'And not just another piece of art.' Sparkfire squawked as she gave Raeda a nuzzle.
They realized that they couldn't replace Hookfang and Sparkfire even if they wanted to.
"I hate to admit it, but Johann's right." Raeda said with a sigh as she held Sparkfire close. "No amount of lenses are worth the lives of our dragons." She added.
Johann then approached Heather. "You must give them what they ask for if it means saving Windshear's life. We'll worry about regaining the lens at a later date."
Heather sighed and then looked at Snotlout. "Johann's right. It's my fault Windshear is in this mess to begin with." She then looked up into the air. "We'll do it. We'll make the trade!"
(Linebreak)
A few moments later they flew off to the meeting point on Hookfang and Sparkfire and found Krogan already waiting for them. Once they were close enough to the arch Heather jumped off and immediately narrowed her eyes at Krogan.
"All right, Krogan." Heather said. "Where's my Dragon?"
Krogan then jumped off his Titan Wing. "I'll need to see the lens first." He stated.
Heather removed the lens from her belt and showed it to Krogan. "Now show me her, or this goes into the ocean." she warned, hovering her hand over the edge of the arch.
"And I can't promise Sparkfire and Hookfang won't do anything, regrettable." Raeda added as Hookfang growled with smoke coming from his nostrils and Sparkfire readying her tail spines.
Krogan chuckled. "You wouldn't." he said dully.
"Try us." Heather dared, narrowing her eyes.
Krogan looked at her for a moment and then snapped his fingers. Then flying towards them was a Flyer carrying a cage which contained Windshear. He then dropped the cage next to Krogan and he held out the key.
Heather then slowly made her way towards him and Snotlout, Raeda and Johann watched the transaction anxiously. Once they were just about a few feet from one another Krogan extended his hand. Heather looked at the lens and then held out her hands. With one she dropped the lens into Krogan's palm and with the other she grabbed the key.
"Oh, thank goodness." Johann said, relieved and began clapping. "Bravo, Miss Heather. Bravo."
Snotlout immediately grabbed his hands. "Don't jinx it, Johann." He snapped quietly.
"We had a feeling karma might hit us." Raeda said.
Krogan then mounted on his Titan Wing and waved goodbye, but then he purposely knocked Windshear's cage off the arch.
"Windshear!" Heather cried in horror as she immediately placed the keys between her teeth and dived into the sea after her dragon.
"What is she doing?!" Snotlout starred.
"Apparently, doing what we would do if our dragons were in Windshear's place!" Raeda yelled in shock. "Come on, we gotta help!"
Snotlout however stopped him, "Raeda no! Sparkfire's still not at 100% and there's no way Hookfang can lift up a cage like that alone!" He told her as Raeda frowned in worry as she knew he was right before she looked up and her eyes widened.
"But he can!" She said with smile and pointed upwards as Snotlout and Johann looked up and gaped in surprise.
Heather soon saw the cage sinking down towards the bottom, she then immediately swam down towards the cage as quickly as she could. She managed to reach the cage and saw the frightened Windshear inside of it. She then made her way towards the lock and inserted the key, only to find that it didn't fit.
She had no idea why she wasn't surprised about a doublecross, but knew that this was no time to play around. She immediately tried to pull the door of the cage open with all her strength but it wouldn't budge.
Windshear looked at her. 'Heather, go! Save yourself!' She growled.
Heather knew she could hold her breath much longer and hugged Windshear's head not wanting to leave her. Then suddenly there was a rumbling sound and the cage began to float back up to the surface. She looked up and saw Dagur above her with Sleuther wrapping his tail around the chain of the cage and lifting it to the surface. Dagur smiled down at her and Heather couldn't help but do the same.
Soon they managed to reach the surface and Heather gasped for breath while still holding onto the cage. "Sis, what did I tell you about swimming at this time of year?" He joked as Heather smiled gratefully at him.
Snotlout and Raeda then flew up to her. "I would have gotten you but I figured Dagur had it, so…" Snotlout said.
"That and Sparkfire is still in no shape and Hookfang couldn't lift up both you and Windshear alone, but luckily the others were close by when we saw them flying towards us." Raeda explained.
Heather then climbed away to the top of the cage and saw Hiccup and Hicca flying around it. Toothless and Midnight then fired plasma blasts shooting the door open and Heather immediately jumped onto Windshear as she flew out of the cage.
She looked around and saw that the other riders were among them. "Sorry we took so long, we had to get some reinforcements." Hicca said as she pointed to Valerie, Astrid and the Thorston twins.
Tuffnut turned to Snotlout, "Hey, Snotlout! You got our chicken feed?" He asked.
Snotlout narrowed his eyes and held it up, "Oh I got it, and I'll show where I'm gonna shove it!" He warned.
Heather then turned to Valerie, "Who're you?" She asked.
"Valerie Ragmok and this is Camo." Valerie introduced herself and her Changewing.
"We'll explain later, Heather." Hiccup said, "Are you okay?" He asked.
"You and Windshear nearly pulled a Toothless and Hiccup Submaripper rescue there." Hicca added, finding this familiar but the other way around from what Hiccup and Toothless did before.
"I'm fine, but they got my Dragon Eye lens." Heather told them, gesturing to her belt.
Hiccup stared at her. "You're what?" He then remembered the lens attached to Heather's belt. "That thing on your belt, that was a Dragon Eye lens? How did we miss that?" He stated.
"And how did they know that?" Fishlegs asked.
"All that time, a lens was right under our noses." Hicca said in surprise.
"I can't believe we never notice that." Astrid added.
"Dad probably told Krogan about it, but why would he want Heather's lens in particular?" Henry wondered as he rubbed his chin.
"Only one way to find out," Hiccup said.
"After Krogan! Dragon Riders, let's ride!" Hicca called out.
(Linebreak)
Krogan was looking at the lens as he was flying back to Dragon Hunter Island with his Flyers flying close behind him. 'And the key to Master Drago's prize lies within this little trinket.'
The Haddock twins and the others soon emerged from the crowds and instantly Toothless and Midnight performed a barrel wall and fired several plasma blasts directly at Krogan and his Flyers. Krogan did his best to dodge them, but one of them struck his Titan Wing on the side causing him to lose the lens.
"No!" Krogan yelled as the lens fell onto a sea stack.
Hicca looked at Hiccup. "He's dropped it! Now's our chance!"
"I'm on it!" Hiccup yelled as he and Hicca dived down towards the sea stack.
Krogan and his Flyers immediately turned direction and faced the sea stack.
"Fire!" Krogan commanded.
Immediately the Flyers began to fire fireballs directly at the Haddock twins, there were so many that they couldn't get close to the sea stack and were forced to fall back.
"Brave? Perhaps. Successful? Not quite," Krogan mocked. He then dived down towards the sea stack, but Snotlout was already flying down to intercept him.
"Hang on, Johann," Snotlout said. "And try not to—" Johann then screamed and cleaned onto Snotlout's shoulders. "Scream in my ear!"
Krogan had heard Johann's screams and immediately flew up towards them much to Johann's concern. "Master Snotlout, what are you doing?!" He panicked.
"Playing Chicken." Snotlout smirked. He then pulled out his bag of chicken feed. "For chicken feed."
He then immediately tossed the bag directly at Krogan just as his Titan Wing fired a fireball. The moment of the fireball struck the chicken feed and immediately expanded into a fluffy form. Some of it actually landed in Krogan's vision, blinding him temporarily and allowing Snotlout to fly underneath him.
Snotlout laughed. "Archipelago Gold, baby—for the Viking who enjoys the finer things in life." He then immediately flew down and grabbed the lens. "Snotlout!"
"Gotta admit, Snotlout, that was pretty clever." Raeda commented with a small smile. "Waste of good chicken feed, but clever and resourceful." She added.
"You better believe it!" Snotlout smirked
Immediately the Flyers began to fire directly at him and he quickly tossed the lens to Hiccup.
"Hicca! Heads up!" Hiccup yelled, spinning around and knocking the lens with Toothless' wing.
Hicca caught but soon saw Krogan flying towards her, "Yipe! Henry take it!" She yelped, throwing the lens away and dodging the Singetail.
Henry caught the lens as the Flyers flew towards him, "Astrid, going long!" He shouted before tossing it to Astrid.
"Heads up Dagur!" Astrid called before throwing the lens again before dodging another Flyer.
The lens sored into the air and directly over Krogan and seconds later Dagur caught it in his hand. Dagur then tossed it over towards Fishlegs as Flyers flew after him and then he tossed it to Valerie.
She did a barrel roll and flew by the Thorston Twins, "All yours Tuff!" She called as she threw it Tuffnut.
Tuffnut then passed it to Ruff, "Care to do the honors?" He asked.
"With pleasure." Ruffnut smiled while taking the lens, "Raeda, think fast!" She yelled, tossing the lens to Raeda.
Raeda caught it but then saw Flyers heading straight for her. "Snotlout, back to you!" Raeda called out as she then immediately dropped it back to Snotlout.
Snotlout extended his hand ready to grab it, but Johann did the same knocking the lens of course.
"Oh, no!" Snotlout yelled.
"Oh, dear!" Johann cried as The lens was falling from the sky before any of them could grab it, Krogan came out of nowhere and grabbed the lens. "It appears as if I've mucked things all up once again," He noted.
"Of course you did, Johann." Snotlout yelled in frustration. "It's what you do!"
The Haddock twins tried to chase after them but Krogan and his Flyers fired fireballs from their Singetails' tails preventing them from chasing after them. They could only watch as they disappeared into the cloud bank knowing that there was no way they could chase after them now.
"It's gone. They have the lens." Hiccup said sullenly.
"Hey, Hiccup, it's not a total loss." Hicca assured.
"Hicca's right. We got Heather and Windshear," Fishlegs pointed out gesturing to the girl and her dragon.
"You're right, guys," Hiccup nodded. "You're right. And given the choice, there is no choice." He said as he looked at Heather and Windshear with a relieved smile.
Henry then flew next to him. "We'll get it back Hiccup, right now let's head back to the Edge to rest up." He said before turning to Dagur, "And someone has to give their sister the news."
Dagur's face grew serious and nodded.
(Linebreak)
They soon return to the Edge, though the Thorston twins were more annoyed that Snotlout wasted their chicken feed.
"I can't believe you just threw our chicken feed at Krogan, because things were getting a little toasty for you?" Tuffnut said in disbelief. "Where's your gumption? Where is your chutzpah, eh?"
Ruffnut nodded. "Clearly, he's lost it. Look at him. He's chutzpah-less."
"Well, Snotlout had to work with what he got, and it distracted Krogan a bit." Raeda said in defense. "I mean, look at him, this Jorgenson doesn't even have his weapon with him." She pointed out.
"Tragic and sad." Tuffnut commented.
"Or maybe the best day ever." Snotlout said, removing his helmet.
Inside his helmet, he revealed some popped up corn that he tossed at Krogan that he managed to save during the fight. The Thorston twins looked at one another and Tuffnut took a piece of it.
"Hmm. Okay, I'll bite," Tuff said, placing the corn in his mouth.
Ruffnut then took a piece. "It looks like little fluffy clouds."
"And it tastes like Valhalla itself." Snotlout said. The Thorston twins then immediately dig into the corn enthusiastically. "It's corn, but when it gets heated with your dragon fire, it pops open, and you get… this." He then placed a bit of it into his mouth.
"Wait, you heated this feed up and it popped?" Raeda asked in intrigue. "Let me try." She said as she took a piece of it and took a bite out of it as she smiled. "Hey, these are actually pretty good." She commented.
"I know, right?" Snotlout said in agreement.
"Hold on. Hold on," Tuffnut halted them. "There is one final test we need to do to be sure." He then drops some of the corn in front of Chicken and her family. "Go on, Chicken."
Chicken immediately pecked the corn and a few seconds later began to gobble up some more as her family joined in. "They love it." Valerie commented.
"Brilliant." Tuffnut announced. "What shall we call it?"
Ruffnut rubbed her chin. "Popped, you say? Popped corn?" she asked as Snotlout then made a popping sound with his fingers announced.
"Perfect," Tuffnut said, getting to his feet. "We shall call it—wait for it—the clouds of corn."
Valerie just rolled her eyes, "Maybe just, 'Popcorn' would be better?" She suggested.
Ruffnut thought for a moment before she spoke. "Valey's right. And it rolls trippingly off the tongue." She nodded.
"Yes. Yes," Tuffnut said, taking a bite of the popcorn. "But I still feel like it's missing something. Something salty."
"Mm. Something creamy." Ruff added.
"And yet at the same time, something sweet." Tuff continued.
The Thorston twins looked at one another. "Yak butter!"
Astrid and Raeda just shook her heads as the Thorston twins walked away with the popcorn in their hands.
"Just when you think things can't get any crazier," Raeda said, rubbing her forehead.
"But, they are trying." Valerie pointed out with a small smile.
Tuffnut then looked at them. "So none of you guys saw that right there on Heather's belt?"
"Hey, you didn't see it either," Snotlout pointed out, placing his helmet back onto his head.
"You can't even notice when Hiccup and Hicca are training a new dragon." Raeda added in annoyance.
"So not the point." Tuffnut then walked off with his sister eating the popcorn. "You know, you could put sugar on this too. Sweet. Sweet and savory at the same time." He suggested.
Hiccup Hicca, and Henry then approached them. "You know, maybe adding some salt and yak butter to that stuff might actually be good." Hicca admitted.
"That would add flavor to them." Henry commented.
"Anyway, has anyone seen Dagur?" Hiccup asked them.
Astrid pointed towards Fishlegs' hut and there they saw Heather was crying with Dagur trying to comfort her.
"Giving some news to Heather and comfort." Henry answered.
"He must have told." Hiccup said.
"Told her what?" Astrid asked.
"There we found Oswald," Hicca answered as she closed her eyes. "Unfortunately, we arrived a few years late."
"At least she can put it behind her," Astrid said.
"A closure always helps people to move on, trust me." Henry said.
"Let's hope," Hiccup added.
Dagur then handed her the scroll Oswald left for her. She began reading it and then hugged Dagur and cried into his shoulder.
"What was in the letter?" Astrid asked curiously.
"Closure," Hiccup said, placing his arm around her waist.
"Yeah." Hicca added leaning close to Henry and placed her hand on his chest.
Astrid then leaned in towards Hiccup's chest and placed a hand on his chest as well.
Snotlout looked at the four of them. "Ew!"
Raeda just gave Snotlout a nudge. "Just go with it, Snotlout. They are a couple after all." She recalled with a chuckle. "Also, thanks for saving me back in the ocean." She said with a small smile.
Snotlout gave a slight chuckle. "Anytime, Raeda." He said before he then backed away slowly while Raeda shook her head in amusement.
(Linebreak)
Meanwhile on Dragon Hunter Island, Krogan had given Viggo the Dragon Eye lens and was now currently holding up towards the Dragon Eye.
"Carefully." Viggo warned as Krogan inserted it into the Dragon Eye. "It's a very old and unique lens. If we destroy it we will never find another."
"And I nearly risked revealing everything to get it," A voice said in the shadows.
Then stepping out of the shadows was known rather than Johann, but his expression had completely changed. His place was now as hard rock and there was no kindness in his eyes.
"My infiltration into the Berkain world, years of building trust, behaving as if I was some buffoonish fop," Johann said, as he knocked a mug of the table in rage, "kissing the boots of Stoick the Vast and his scrawny heir to the throne, all in pursuit of one thing I could not obtain myself—" Krogan then handed in the Dragon Eye, "the King of Dragons."
Both Viggo and Krogan smiled at one another indicating that they have been waiting for this for quite some time as well.
"This lens may hold the key to finally finding it." Johann said, who then turned and looked at his cohorts. "Now let us see what my years have brought us. Let us look into the future, shall we?"
He then held the Dragon Eye to a Singetail and immediately it opened its mouth and produced flames. The Dragon Eye then began to glow and began to reveal its secrets to everyone.