Viggo woke once more, when he opened his eyes, he felt a bit more clearheaded than when he had last woken up, the sight of the skrill, snoozing just feet away from him surprised him, but he was quickly able to take in his surroundings, and remember where he was. Well, he didn't know where he was, but he knew he was in a cave filled with dragons, and the Valka woman.
Speaking of whom, was walking into the cave, her arms were full of items. Cloudjumper followed loyally behind her.
When she entered she set down her supplies near Viggo but only acknowledged him with a glance, and then she turned and called out. "Thank you little ones, you can all take a break, and also have some dinner. Cloudjumper."
Cloudjumper stepped to the very center of the room and then regurgitated a pile of fish onto the floor.
At this action, Viggo saw the skrill's eyes open wide as the night terrors swarmed the pile, each taking a fish in their jaws and then flying off down the tunnel. Cloudjumper glanced at the skrill, made a low, almost purring noise from his throat, and then took a few paces back, leaving the remaining fish free for the taking.
The skrill stepped forward and began to hungrily devour the pile of fish.
Valka smiled, "That's good, he hasn't eaten in the last few days. I think he was so worried about you."
"Worried about me? Why would he be worried?" Viggo asked, he couldn't fathom what he had possibly done to earn such respect and loyalty from the dragon in only a day.
"How about you tell me as we eat our dinner?" Valka suggested. She took a small bowl out of the small pile of her supplies, and handed it to Viggo, in it were skewered chunks of fish, thankfully they appeared to be cooked and were even still warm.
"Not to worry, I promise that fish hasn't been in a dragon's stomach previously. I know I'm not much of a cook, but that's what I have."
Viggo took a small bite, and once the slightly scorched fish hit his tongue, his stomach gave a loud growl, and he suddenly realized he indeed hadn't eaten in three days. "My compliments to the chef. Although to be honest, I'm so hungry I would probably find dragonroot appetizing." Viggo admitted.
Valka had her own skewers that she was eating from as well. "I don't do much cooking beyond for myself so let's just say I'm out of practice, but your praise is noted and appreciated. But if you don't mind, I would like to ask you some more questions."
"Certainly but if I may request, can I ask some questions of you? You obviously know who I… was by reputation already, but I have no idea who you are. I promise I won't lie to you if you would promise the same to me."
"Alright, I can accept that." Valka nodded, "But first, I want to know, how did you meet him and earn such loyalty?" Valka asked, motioning to the skrill, who was just finishing up eating its dinner and was now seemingly communicating with Cloudjumper about something both of them growling back and forth to each other.
"Certainly, as I told you, I was betrayed by Johann and Krogan, and I wanted revenge. Their biggest strength was their Dragon Flyers who ride singetails, and as I'm certain you know, the skrill is the singetail's only predator, beyond their weakness of high altitudes, they can't handle the skrill's lightning attacks at all."
"Indeed, you certainly do know your dragons, but I shouldn't be surprised about that, should I?"
"I would hope not, as for how I tamed it. I will admit I learned from watching the Dragon Riders. I traveled to the island I knew it inhabited. During the middle of a thunderstorm, I used an iron dagger to lure it to the ground, similar to how the Berserker Tribe used to trap skrills, but I didn't trap it, instead, I extended my hand to show I meant it no harm, and that I trusted it not to strike. To my surprise and satisfaction, the gamble worked, and it seemed to accept me."
"He."
"Excuse me?" Viggo asked.
"Your skrill is a he, not an it. He is not a tool." Valka corrected him.
"Of course not." Viggo agreed. "Are you aware of the game Maces and Talons?"
Valka seemed to be lost in memories for a moment as she smiled. "Oh yes, Sto- I mean yes, I am familiar." Valka interrupted herself quickly.
"Then you are aware of how important the accomplice piece can be to take down your enemy? He was my accomplice in my plan for vengeance. He would cause the distraction and shatter Johann's defenses while myself and Hiccup snuck inside to steal the lenses."
Viggo paused, and then realized, Valka had seemed to freeze as well. She was just staring past his head into space like she was reliving a nightmare.
Interesting. What was going on? What could he have said to cause such a reaction? It couldn't be his talk of maces and talons, so what was it? "Valka?"
Valka shook herself out of her stupor and squeezed her eyes shut, but not before a stay tear raced down her cheek, but when her eyes opened she was composed once more. "Continue your story Viggo." her voice heavy with some hidden emotion, Viggo couldn't be certain which.
"The plan was going swimmingly, the skrill was captured, as I planned, but I always intended to free it when we escaped, which I did. He was hit by a dragonroot arrow and then chained down in a pool of water so he couldn't use his lightning. Thankfully he didn't fry me to a crisp right then and there when I released him, so I knew he trusted me."
"And then I made my last stand so that Hiccup," Viggo noticed Valka visibly flinch this time, and he realized it was Hiccup that tore that reaction out of her. She almost looked afraid and heartbroken, which made no sense, if she knew Hiccup, obviously she was just as much a dragon lover as he was. "could escape, I ordered him to leave as well." Viggo motioned to the skrill, "but he chose to stay at my side. The last thing I remember was walking into battle, and then a bright painful flash, and then I woke up here with you tending to me."
Valka studied him and glanced back at Cloudjumper, who turned his head nearly 180 degrees and gave her a nod.
"I see you are telling the truth, and I can answer one of your questions. Your initial taming as you call it with the dagger may have opened the door, but you should know, it was most likely your actions that earned his trust." Valka made a strange hand gesture that caught Cloudjumper's attention and he led the skrill back over to Viggo and Valka.
"Now, show me this hand thing that you are speaking of?"
"Of course, come here Dragon," Viggo ordered, but with respect and kindness filling his voice. He extended his hand, and after about a minute, the skrill was pressing its scaly snout against the palm of his hand.
"Remarkable, how did you learn to do this?"
"From observing the Dragon Riders as they destroyed me over the past two years, especially Hiccup." Yep, Valka definitely flinched at Hiccup's name once again. Viggo knew for certain now where he had to start digging to find answers.
"I think you have a strong bond already, especially for only a day or two, but Viggo, I believe it is your actions that showed him you could be trusted and were worth it. You saved his life when you freed him, and I'm assuming, when you were ready to go down fighting, he thought it was only right that he should save you in return."
"I see, so is this just a favor owed and given then?"
Valka smiled, "Look at you two. He's still here, and he still wants to be here, with you. I think you may have found not just an accomplice, but a partner."
"Really? Me?" Viggo turned to the skrill. "So Dragon you truly do trust me?"
The skrill rumbled and gently nudged Viggo's shoulder with his snout in response.
"I'd say that's a yes, but you should really give him a name to solidify your bond. I assume you can come up with a better name than Dragon."
Viggo thought that over for a moment quickly running ideas through his head before he came up with one that felt very fitting. "Yes, you are correct Valka, a noble creature such as this, does deserve a name. Dragon, how would you like the name Thunderstorm? Seems fitting don't you think?"
The skrill flashed his teeth, in what Viggo could have sworn looked like a smile, and let a spark of lightning arc over its back. He then nodded in response.
"Thunderstorm it is." Viggo extended his hand once more, and Thunderstorm pressed his snout to Viggo's hand, in a gesture that was quickly becoming familiar, and Viggo could admit, somewhat comforting.
"Congratulations you two. This is a very special moment indeed, for both of you. Now Viggo I have more questions, who exactly are these Dragon Riders?"
"Ah ah ah." Viggo shook his head with a smirk, "Remember our deal? You ask me something and then I get to ask you something."
"Very well, what do you want to know?" Valka sighed with some annoyance in her voice.
"I understand your reasons for not telling me where we are right now, but you know how I got here. How did you come here for the first time? Where was your first home?"
Valka looked down at the ground. "I was from a village, and just like every other village in the archipelago, we faced nearly constant raids from the dragons. The warriors of my tribe were strong, more often than not we could defend ourselves and our food supply, but that was of course because we were ruthless against our enemy, the dragons. I though, could never kill dragons. I flunked out of dragon training, not because I was scared of them. But because I knew in my heart there must be some other way, a way to find peace without bloodshed.
"One night, a dragon broke into my home, with my babe in the cradle. I rushed in to protect him, but what I saw was proof of everything I believed, this wasn't a vicious beast, but an intelligent, gentle, creature. Whose soul reflected my own. He found my babe but meant him no harm, he was playing with him, entirely peacefully. I had grabbed a sword prepared to do anything to protect my child, but when I witnessed that, I froze and couldn't do anything to such a gentle creature. Sto- my husband, the strongest warrior in all the tribes rushed in to protect me, and our son. So naturally Cloudjumper fired on him in self-defense I did my best to prevent any more bloodshed, and he rushed to save our son first, and when he turned around to fight, Cloudjumper was already flying away with me in his claws. They both nearly died that night, all because I couldn't kill a dragon." Valka admitted, a stay tear falling from her eye.
"I quickly learned that Cloudjumper never meant to harm me. He must have thought I belonged here, with him and the dragons. And I do. It was safer for everyone."
"Might I ask, what village you were from?"
Valka's voice and expression which had been soft and vulnerable suddenly became as hard as gronckle iron. "No, you may not. I still don't trust you, Viggo, even if you have impressed me so far. I will protect them even now, even if it's been 18 years, they are still my family and no harm will come to them that I can prevent. A mother never forgets."
"My apologies then, I will consider the matter closed." Viggo held up his hands in a placating gesture. But he was still curious, but something about that story. He supposed Valka was far from the first person ever taken away by a dragon raid on a village, but had to be among the only ones to apparently survive and thrive with dragons over humans.
Valka took a deep breath to calm down. "Alright you asked your question Viggo, so who specifically are these Dragon Riders that you speak of, strong and intelligent enough to give the diabolical Viggo Grimborn a true challenge?"
"Ah, you see they hail from the village of Berk."
"Berk?" Valka scoffed in disbelief, but Viggo could tell she was nervous. "Berkians riding dragons? Impossible, they are a dragon-killing tribe to every last warrior. Tell me the truth, Viggo."
"That may have been true in the past, but that is not the case anymore. And you can ask Cloudjumper if I'm being dishonest, but I'm not."
Cloudjumper turned his head to study Viggo for a moment and then nodded his head at Valka.
"So Viggo how does Berk have dragon riders who are friends to dragons?" Valka asked suspiciously, clearly, she didn't believe him in the slightest. Almost as if she was familiar, maybe even intimately familiar with Berk.
"I'll admit even I don't know the full story, but I do know this. Hiccup Haddock, the son of their chief, Stoick the Vast was able to train a night fury."
"Hiccup. A night fury?" Valka said softly, and now she looked truly heartbroken, and Viggo realized, adding together what he knew about Hiccup, with what Valka had already told him, but he wouldn't play his cards yet, he had to be certain."
"Indeed, the unholy offspring of lightning and death itself, seems they aren't completely extinct after all, I still can hardly believe I had the opportunity to witness one in the flesh," Viggo admitted, acting like he didn't notice Valka's true reaction. "Again I don't know the whole story, but Hiccup Haddock…" and once again, Valka flinched and looked heartbroken, "along with his night fury were able to change the people of Berk, and after they killed the Red Death, peace between Vikings and Dragons was brought to the archipelago for the first time in generations."
"The Red Death? What is that?"
"From what I've heard, the Red Death was a massive dragon, the size of a mountain, that controlled all the dragons in the archipelago, forcing them to feed her, and drove the wild dragons into the near constant dragon raids on villages. Hiccup and his night fury were able to kill it together, and without her control, the dragons were able to find enough food for themselves without attacking people, allowing the first bridges of peace to be built."
"The Tyrant Queen. So that's how she died." Valka whispered under her breath.
"So you do know of the Red Death?"
"Yes I believe I do, I just didn't call her that. I hate to say it but she deserved to die for the untold suffering and death she inflicted on both dragons and Vikings. I knew she was killed a few years ago, but I never knew how. And you claim Hiccup Haddock of Berk killed her?"
"From the information I could gather, yes."
"But you say he is a protector of dragons?"
"Indeed, he brought peace to Berk against wild dragons and has taught many Vikings how to train and ride their own dragons, but they are not like me, they don't control their dragons, they instead form bonds of trust and dare I say, a friendship between rider and dragon. And ever since, Berk has become dragons' biggest defender. Any and all who would wish to harm them, including myself, up until recently."
"And Hiccup leads the Dragon Riders?"
"Yes, and as I've said, he is the most challenging opponent I have ever faced."
"In what ways?"
Viggo smiled, "He has the noblest of hearts, and while he may be a scrawny hiccup, nothing will stop his determination to protect dragons at any cost. He will never give up on his mission until every dragon is free and safe from cruel human hands. He is also a master strategic thinker, he is creative and able to think on his feet or well foot." Viggo couldn't help joking to himself. "We have had many games against each other, while the Riders often held the advantage of firepower, while I had numbers on my side, battles between Hiccup and I are more often than not battles of wits, of who can solve the other's trap and turn it against them, or claiming a prize from a trial before the other."
"Like what?"
"Well, I tricked Hiccup into walking into a trap and created a situation where two potential, powerful allies almost destroyed each other. Using a captured spy to steal the Dragon Eye for myself, or stealing all of Berk's gold. Not to pat myself on the back or anything."
"And in what ways did Hiccup best you then?"
"More times than I would like to admit, but allowing me to capture a dragon that he knew would escape, freeing and taming even the most aggressive dragons I can find and using them against me instead, or forcing me to activate my own failsafe against my plan for ultimate victory. As I said, Hiccup is the only person I have ever faced that makes victory a challenge, and by doing so made it only that much sweeter."
"But you said he helped you take your vengeance on Johann? Why?"
"That was simple really, I pretended to poison his dragon, and offered the antidote in exchange for his assistance, as I said before, he will do anything to protect dragons, most of all his night fury. But if I may digress, you've asked me much more than one question, so may I ask another of my own?"
"Oh, um right of course. Ask your question, Viggo." Viggo could tell that Valka had been desperate to learn more about Hiccup, and Viggo had allowed it, for the sake of gathering information himself and now he was certain, the more he thought about it, the more he realized why Valka seemed so familiar to him.
"My next question is simple really, all I require is a yes or no. Is Hiccup Haddock your son?"
Valka stood up quickly, and backed away from him, looking like she was trying to decide between attacking him or running away.
Cloudjumper was at her side in an instant, carefully studying the situation, but not being overtly aggressive, yet.
"Wh- What makes you possibly think that?" Valka did her best attempt to sound like she thought he was crazy.
"I know that the wife of Stoick the Vast was killed in a dragon raid, Which is the biggest reason Stoick the Vast was known as one of the greatest dragon killers. His only mission in life was protecting his people, and destroying the dragons' nest in revenge. Now I know that untold countless Vikings have been killed by dragons over the years, but the more I see you, the more I see Hiccup. I think its safe to say he takes after you."
"He…he takes after me…?" Valka said in wonder, but then she realized her mistake, "I mean-."
"Valka, I've been honest with you. Won't you be honest with me?"
Valka glanced away from him, to look at Cloudjumper, who comfortingly nuzzled her for a moment, and then nodded.
"Alright." Valka turned back to face Viggo once more. "You are right, I…I was Stoick's wife and Hiccup's mother. What are you going to do with that information?"
Viggo smiled charmingly, "As of this moment nothing. Your answer merely satisfies my curiosity. But now that your relations have been established, I do have more questions to ask, if you will allow me."
"Very well, you may ask away, for now. But I will stop you if I so choose."
"Clearly I am at your mercy, even if I do have Thunderstorm with me." Viggo chuckled lightly. "Now it's obvious that you and Cloudjumper share a bond, and wherever we are you are certainly not in any danger. I have a feeling if you wanted to, you could have returned to Berk at any time. So why haven't you?"
"Berk was a land of kill or be killed, I tried to find another way, but no one would listen, least of all Stoick. I still love him, but for him, nothing is worth more than the safety of his people. For that alone he is a great chief, but he's also stubborn and hardheaded as an ox. He wouldn't change, certainly not to protect the dragons who were our biggest threat."
"He has changed in that respect," Viggo told her.
"How? Who could possibly change Stoick the Vast's mind?" Valka said sarcastically. "If only it were possible."
"Your son, Hiccup. As I said, he is different from every other Viking I've ever known, at least until now. He changed his father, Stoick is still a mighty warrior, who I would never want to face in single combat, but he too is devoted to Hiccup's mission of protecting dragons. He even has a dragon of his own, a Rumblehorn.
"A Rumblehorn? Just as hardheaded as he is probably," Valka said sarcastically. "How do I know you aren't just making this up?"
"You can ask Cloudjumper, he seems to believe me so far." Viggo pointed out.
"And from what you have seen, how has Berk changed?"
"Well, I never witnessed Berk before they made peace with the dragons, but many people have their own partners, which of course provides them with a massive military advantage compared to other tribes, but Hiccup as always has helped lead his people into a new era of friendship with other tribes. I know he counts the Berserkers, Outcasts, Defenders of the Wing, and Wing Maidens among his strongest allies, all united against Krogan and Johann for the protection of all dragons."
"The Outcasts? Hiccup and Stoick made allies with Alvin the Treacherous? How could they ever trust him? Stoick would sooner kill Alvin than ever trust him again."
"Once again, I am not privy to all the details but that is the truth," Viggo reassured her.
"So if Hiccup is a peacemaker, is he a warrior as well? Does he stand a chance against Krogan and Johann?"
"Absolutely," Viggo said with absolute conviction in his voice. "There is no doubt in my mind, Hiccup will win this war in the end. He's bested me for one thing, but his allies are strong and united. Their dragons are loyal and well-trained. Hiccup is a master strategist, even more so with Astrid by his side. And none of them will ever give up when dragons are in danger, even the King of Dragons will be protected to Hiccup's dying breath if need be."
"The King of Dragons? That's what you were after?" Valka asked in suspicion.
"Yes, and now only Krogan and Johann are after. They are in possession of an ancient device that was built by my tribe generations ago called the Dragon Eye. They are using it to construct the map to the legendary King of Dragons, but if it's in the Dragon Eye, then it is no legend."
Valka was looking fearful, and angry once more. "And what do they intend to do with the Alph- I mean King of Dragons?"
"They intend to capture it, and sell it to a mysterious buyer from the North." Viggo watched as the blood seemed to drain from Valka's face. "What is it?"
Valka grabbed her staff from the floor and crouched near Viggo with her staff in hand. "Viggo tell me everything you know. How close are they? Do they know what or where the King of Dragons is? Or more information on the buyer?"
"I know they have four out of the five lenses they need to find the location. They know of its power to control other dragons with its mind. I assume the buyer's plan is somehow to control the King to control all other dragons, although for what purpose, I have no specific details, although I could certainly come up with plenty of plans for such a power. I don't know anything more about the buyer. I should have realized sooner that Johann and Krogan always saw me as expendable. But the price Krogan has told me, by Thor, he has enough wealth to make me look like a street beggar when I was at the height of my empire in comparison."
"Indeed he does," Valka murmured under her breath. "He has to be safe, nothing can harm him. He can protect himself." Then she spoke up to Viggo, "How does the Dragon Eye work? How can Hiccup stop them?"
"The Dragon Eye is activated by the light of dragon fire shining through the device and using different lenses that hold secret information. The map to the King of Dragons will only be revealed when five specific lenses are used at the same time. "Right now Johann has four pieces of the puzzle, but they are completely useless without the final lens. As for Hiccup, he has managed to construct a Dragon Eye of his own and has his own collection of lenses. I know he doesn't have all five yet, perhaps three or four, so they are neck and neck in the race to the King. And while they may be smaller in numbers, I fully believe that between Hiccup, his allies, and his dragons, Johann and Krogan can and will be defeated, for good."
"What makes you so certain?"
Viggo smiled, "Hiccup always finds a way to win the game and keep his morals. As I have said, he will forever be my toughest opponent. Johann is a game player as well, while Krogan is simply ruthless, but they have the weakness of distrusting each other, probably even more so now that I am out of the picture. While the Riders and their allies may argue, but every person and dragon they have is united in their mission to their hearts. I'll admit, having the fire in your heart, pushing you on, is at times stronger than any plan even I can devise."
"Thank you, Viggo. I have much to think about now. Also, there are things I must attend to. For everyone's sake. Stay in the cave for now, keep getting more rest, perhaps I will show you more another day."
"Thank you for your continued hospitality, and I promise Valka, you can trust me. If you are opposed to Krogan, Johann, and their buyer, know that I will do everything in my power to assist you."
"I will keep that under consideration. Have a good night Viggo."
Valka set another bowl of water near his hand, should he need it, and then climbed on top of Cloudjumper who hurriedly galloped out of the cave and into the tunnel beyond.
Viggo watched her go, and he knew even more now. So, she was Hiccup's mother. Although she seemed a bit less naïve and potentially more ruthless, she was at least good at threatening, but he may have found another new accomplice to help take down Krogan and Johann. And as always, he couldn't wait to learn every secret Valka was still hiding from him.