"What do you mean?" Viggo asked. "Hiccup did what?"
He stepped closer to Valka, and she held the scroll out to him.
Dear Valka,
This is Atali, chief of the Wingmaidens. I pray to Freya that this message finds you well. We have good news to share, we and our allies may have finally beaten the vile Dragon Hunters in our area of the archipelago once and for all. But more importantly, we managed to rescue an egg that we believe is the legendary King of Dragons. We still hold it in our possession, but we believe even with all our experience raising razorwhip hatchlings, we are not the best option to hold onto it. We know that your connection with dragons is stronger than anyone else's and so we believe you are the best choice to care for the egg and future hatchling. If you agree and wish to take the egg off our hands, please meet us at the top of the Shrine of Freya on our island on the night of the full moon. We will be waiting.
In friendship,
Atali
"They must have done it." Viggo said to himself, "I knew Hiccup could beat Krogan and Johann."
"It seems you were right Viggo," Valka admitted, "Hiccup truly is a Viking like no other."
"No I don't think that's correct, there is one Viking who I believe he takes a lot after," Viggo said, sending her a pointed look.
"Oh stop with talk like that." Valka shook her head, slightly saddened by his mention of her and Hiccup's similarities.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to offend. You must know Valka that I hold the highest respect for both of you."
"I know you do Viggo."
"So will you go and retrieve the egg?"
"Definitely. I trust Atali, but I feel it would be better if the egg is with me. Wait, it must be the Alpha's, that's why he's returned, but does he know that Hiccup and Atali have the egg? What does he know about all of this?"
Valka's attention returned to the bewilderbeast, "Alpha, I have received a message from the Wingmaidens, the tribe that raises the razorwhip hatchlings. It says that they have the egg of the king of dragons. Could this egg be yours?"
The Alpha slowly nodded his head up and down for a moment and breathed out a plume of icy breath from his nostrils.
Cloudjumper crooned and nodded his head to Valka. Carrying on the message he was receiving.
"They want me to take it from them. Do I have your permission to do so?"
Viggo could hear the humming sound that accompanied the Alpha's mental speech and commands to his subjects and Cloudjumper nudged Valka's shoulder and nodded once again.
"I understand Great Alpha, I promise I will bring it back safe and sound until I can return it to your care. I will be retrieving it in three days on the night of the full moon."
The Alpha blinked his eyes slowly, which Viggo was confident was a symbol of understanding.
Valka sighed, bowed again, and then turned back to Viggo while the Alpha sank back down lower in the water below. "Well, I have my orders now I only wish I could ask just what he knows. I can tell he's not surprised at the very least." Valka and Viggo started walking back toward their respective caves. "I'm certain he knew that the egg was safe, or else he wouldn't be here, but I can't imagine he would just leave his egg to chance, or in the hands of humans."
"Surely you'll be able to get the story out of Atali when you take the egg," Viggo suggested.
"I know you're right." Valka then yawned, "Ahh, oh I'm sorry it's been a long night, and that spike of adrenaline from the mission and then the letter is wearing off now. I'm definitely ready for some shut-eye."
"I will have to concur." They neared the edge of the cliff and they each got on their respective dragons. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, or I guess later today." Viggo chuckled.
"Good night Viggo, or perhaps good morning." Valka smiled back at him, and then they parted ways to head to their caves.
When Viggo arrived at his cave, he had another surprise waiting for him. The nightmare was sitting passively by the entrance of the cave, and his eyes seemed to brighten when he saw Viggo and Thunderstorm returning.
"Hello Dragon, what are you doing here?" Viggo asked and held out his hand slowly.
Thunderstorm gave a low growl of warning behind him, but Viggo turned back to reassure both of them. "It's alright Thunderstorm, he's a friend. And don't worry about him, he's just a bit protective of me, especially after tonight." After a moment, both dragons calmed down and the nightmare lowered his head and placed his snout against Viggo's outstretched hand.
Viggo studied him silently for a moment until he pulled away. "It really is you isn't it? From the cave-in when we saved each other?"
"The nightmare nodded his head, and let flames flicker across his back for a moment."
"Well, welcome to the Sanctuary, as long as you're here, you won't be in any danger ever again. The Alpha and we, protect them all, don't we Thunderstorm?"
Thunderstorm nodded his head and let a few sparks travel across his body.
"Go on now, find a place to sleep, We're both about to hit the hay, it's been a long night for all of us." Viggo tried to lightly shoo the nightmare away, but he ignored him, instead stepping slightly closer to the entrance to Viggo's cave.
"Aha, I see. Do you wish to join us?"
The nightmare nodded his head again and let out a snort of air.
"Thunderstorm? It's fine with me if we have an extra guest but I'll leave it up to you."
Thunderstorm walked up to the nightmare and they each gave each other a curious sniff and then pressed their snouts against each other for a moment. They then each growled something at each other and Thunderstorm nodded his head to Viggo.
"Very well, welcome to our humble abode."
Viggo walked into the cave, now followed by both dragons, and then headed for his chest, which contained his meager remaining belongings. He removed his dragon scale armor piece by piece and then put on his normal tunic and pants, before carefully placing each part of the armor inside the chest, while also examining it for any signs of damage, although in the darkness of his cave at night, even with a few scattered torches along the walls which Thunderstorm and the nightmare seemed to have fun lighting together.
Viggo rubbed his eyes, took a drink of water from the jug sitting nearby, and then headed over to his bed, still just a small pile of fur blankets, but right now Viggo was so tired he was certain he'd be out like a light.
He got himself comfortable and Thunderstorm curled himself up in his usual spot, only a few feet away from Viggo's side.
The nightmare circled a bit further away and breathed a plume of fire against the gray stony ground, Viggo watched for a moment, surprised as the ground heated up, but didn't appear to melt any as the nightmare settled down on the newly heated surface. Interestingly, Valka told him everything in the nest was ice, yet it was still perfectly fine as a nightmare's heated bed.
"Goodnight, both of you," Viggo called out to both of them and then laid back and closed his eyes. He was correct, soothed by his exhaustion from the late night, and the low rumbling snores of two dragons he was quickly out like a light.
Three days later, it was the night of the full moon, Valka and Cloudjumper had left the nest early in the morning to reach Wingmaiden Island on time. She was excited to see both Atali and the egg. There were so many questions swirling around her head, that she had to know what was going on.
As the sky approached midnight, Valka scanned the island below them, she knew the nesting razorwhip mothers were incredibly territorial against any and all male dragons. She and Cloudjumper had learned that lesson the hard way on their first visit to the island years ago, but there we no signs of any wild dragons tonight.
Cloudjumper set down on the highest peak of the island. Valka was one of the privileged outsiders to have seen the shrine that was below them. She knew she was here in the right place, and at the right time, now she just had to wait for the Wingmaidens.
She didn't need to wait long, Cloudjumper turned his head to the east, towards where Valka knew the village was located, and she quickly saw the glint of silvery wings and armor flying through the sky.
Six women set themselves down confidently on the rocky peak, along with the aid of the hatchlings on their backs, the first time Valka had met them, she had thought they were Valkyries, and them seeing her on Cloudjumper had thought the same of her.
Valka removed her helmet, setting it to the side as Atali stepped forward.
"Greetings Valka." Atali stepped forward and grasped Valka's hand strongly for a handshake.
"Greetings to you as well Atali." Valka returned happily. "I received your message and I must admit I am very curious as to the story you have to tell."
"Of course you are, but are things alright with you? We haven't seen each other in so long, and we know the past few years dragon hunting activity has grown exponentially."
"Yes, I am well aware, and don't worry, Cloudjumper and I are doing just fine. We both protect each other and all our other dragons. We have faced some difficulties back home, but overall we are doing quite well. And how is your tribe?"
"We are doing wonderful. There was an attack on our island some months ago, but we managed to fend off the flyers and hunters."
"Yes, and not to be rude, but may I see the egg? And then you can tell me all about how you've been the last few years."
"Of course. Minden." Atali motioned one of her Wingmaidens to step forward.
"Here it is, Valka." Minden bowed her head in respect and then opened up the leather bag she was carrying, which held the egg inside.
Valka looked down at it in wonder. The shell was snow white with many black-tipped spikes surrounding it. It was definitely the Alpha's, it was the spitting image of him already. She reached out to touch it and was surprised for a moment that was ice cold to the touch, she could feel the cold even through her gloves.
"It really is an alpha," Valka whispered to herself.
"So is it the King of Dragons' egg?" Atali asked.
"Absolutely." Valka said, "Thank you for contacting me, I promise you can trust me to keep it safe."
"Of course we trust you Valka. We know you are a protector of all dragons."
"Thank you." Valka gently took the bag from Minden and slung it over her own shoulder. "Now can you tell me how you found it?"
"Of course." Atalia nodded. And she began explaining the war between the Dragon Riders, led by Hiccup, against Johann, Krogan, and their hunters, including the secrets of the Dragon Eyes and lenses, most of which Valka already knew from Viggo, which made it easier for her to stay composed whenever Atali mentioned Hiccup.
"So we've all been searching for the lenses for months, and Hiccup and Johann each located the five lenses needed at about the same time and so it was a race to see who could find it first. In the end, the map said that the King of Dragons was on Berserker Island which is when Hiccup contacted us and we joined the Riders for the final battle. Most of us focused on fighting Johann's massive fleet of ships and Krogan's singetail Flyers, while only Hiccup and Toothless followed Johann beneath the island. For reasons we didn't know at the time, most dragons wouldn't go any closer than the highest peaks of the island, but about halfway through the battle something changed, although our hatchlings could pass through it easily, we assumed it was somehow part of the King of Dragons."
"Yes," Valka said, She knew exactly what must have happened, to protect the egg, the Alpha must have been sending out a signal to all dragons to stay away. "What changed?"
"I assume the King was disturbed by the hunters. This is a good thing too since it allowed Toothless to follow Hiccup inside. From what Hiccup told us, the caves beneath the island were coated with ice everywhere, and he encountered several hunters frozen solid. But he fought Johann one on one for the egg, and he very nearly died after he fell off a cliff over a massive chasm, but he was able to haul himself back up with his fire sword and prosthetic."
"Prosthetic? What prosthetic?" Valka asked, but then immediately cursed herself silently. Viggo had never mentioned a prosthetic to her, and she couldn't help her motherly instincts.
"Um yes. Hiccup has a prosthetic leg." Atali said awkwardly, surprised by the interruption. "I don't know how he got it though, but anyway he climbed out of the chasm using his broken sword and his peg leg to grip the ice, while balancing the egg on his head against the cliff, but Johann was waiting for him to come back up with the egg so he could take it and then kill him."
"But at the last moment, Hiccup said he heard a loud roar and felt a massive blast of freezing air pass over him from below. It was cold enough that shards of ice formed on his hips and shoulders, but he was lucky. Because when he crawled back up, he found Johann, frozen completely solid, still holding his spear ready to run Hiccup through."
"Impressive. But Hiccup was ok?"
"Yes he was fine, so the Traitor Johann is dead, and Dagur the Deranged promised to take good care of his new ice sculpture." Atali grinned.
"So if that's what happened to Johann, what of Krogan?"
Atali grimaced slightly, "That we can't be certain of. Krogan attempted to escape with the egg, but Hiccup sent Toothless after him, Toothless recovered the egg, but Krogan managed to escape. We don't know where he is as of this moment."
"Then why did you say in your letter that the war was over once and for all?"
"Oh, that's the most amazing part of the battle. In total there had to be at least 100 ships and Flyers each, so we and our allies were severely outnumbered, Even though we were better trained and more skilled, we were being pushed against the wall, but then we all heard it, a weird humming sound that filled all our ears, I swear it was as loud as a Thunderdrum, and then minutes later, hundreds of wild dragons appeared from all across the archipelago, more species than I could even name. And they all seemed to know exactly what to do, none of the ships or hunters stood any chance, the skies and seas were filled with dragons everywhere the eye could see. And even better, all the singetails threw off their riders or were freed by other dragons so that they were no longer our enemies. By the end, not a single ship remained afloat. And once the battle was over, as soon as the wild dragons appeared they disappeared just as fast, and totally peacefully with us, and with each other. I've never seen anything like it."
"I have, the map led you to a King of Dragons." Valka told her, "The ice beneath the island is from the King, their species have ice instead of fire to use both as a weapon, as he did against Johann, but also uses his breath to build his nest. But his most important ability is his power to command and lead other dragons. I assume he wanted to protect his egg at first, which is why no dragons could get close. But he must have realized he needed help, and so he stopped giving out that order, and then summoned reinforcements as well."
"Really? The king can do all that? None of us ever even saw it." Atali reported.
"You didn't? Not even Hiccup?"
"No, he never saw it either, but he knows its breath is what saved him against Johann in the very end. That, plus the summoning, and the egg is the only real evidence we have that the legendary King is real at all."
"Trust me, the King of Dragons is very real," Valka reassured her.
"Valka, if you know so much, may I ask why our hatchlings seemed immune to the stay-away order?"
"Oh that's simple, trust me when I say that for the most part, hatchlings listen to no one." Valka chuckled. "Although in seriousness, I have assumed that it's because young dragons' senses aren't quite as developed so they can't hear the orders given out, or are able to ignore them if they so choose."
"Huh, interesting." Atali nodded.
"Well then, I hope for both you and all the dragons that you are correct that the threat from the hunters and flyers is now gone."
"Yes, that is all we can hope for." Atali nodded once more.
"So these Dragon Eyes to me sound like powerful tools, or weapons depending on who holds them. Especially the ability to lead to the King of Dragons. Did you recover Johann's Dragon Eye?"
"Yes, we did. And Hiccup decided that while the Eyes and lenses are just as you said, powerful tools, they are also powerful weapons, so he decided that for the good of all dragons, both Eyes and all the Lenses were destroyed so that they can never be used to harm dragons again."
"Wow. How noble of him." Valka replied, She knew from Viggo that for a time, both he and Hiccup had been obsessed with the Dragon Eye because whoever held it, held the secret knowledge of the dragon world, to be used either for good or ill. She was even more impressed by Atali's tale of Hiccup's heroics, and truly noble heart. Viggo was right, he truly did take after her and his father."
"Thank you for telling me all of this Atali, but I have one more question. Have you told Hiccup and the Riders about me?"
Atali shook her head, "Don't worry Valka, we have kept our word. When I offered to take care of the egg, I stayed as vague as possible, I told Hiccup that we knew someone who could be trusted to keep it safe, and he trusted us, so in a way you could say he trusts you."
"Good, I apologize for the secrecy, but this egg is far from the only thing I am protecting already. It's best for everyone if as few people know about me as possible."
"I understand, there are more reasons besides the mother razorwhips that only a few men are allowed on our island." Atali agreed.
"I'm glad you understand Atali, I promise I trust you, I just can't trust anyone else if I don't know them."
"It's no problem Valka, I know what you mean, but if you wanted to meet Hiccup and the Dragon Riders, I could introduce you, I promise there is no one, other than perhaps yourself who is as devoted to the protection of all dragons than Hiccup Haddock. Or I could even give you a map to their island so you can visit yourself if you wish."
"They are from Berk, correct?"
"Yes they are, but they set up an outpost they call Dragon's Edge to explore this area of the archipelago. It's quite impressive really, built for the needs and comforts of humans and dragons alike. Although now that the war is over, and also Chief Stoick's recent injuries, the Riders have decided to return to Berk for the time being."
"Injuries? What injuries does Stoick have?" Valka asked, again, not being able to stop herself.
"Oh, no need to worry, last I heard he is recovering well, but he was attacked by Dragon Flyers while on patrol around Berk with his dragon Skullcrusher, he was injured enough that he was in a coma for about a week, but I heard he is back on his feet and strong as ever," Atali reported.
"Oh thank Thor he's alright." Valka sighed in relief.
Atali looked concerned, "Are you ok Valka? You looked worried there for a moment."
"Oh no, I'm fine. Actually, I do know where Berk is, but could you show me a map to Dragon's Edge, if I ever have a need to visit the Riders?"
"Of course." Atali turned to Minden. "The map should be out on the main table in my hut, can you go retrieve it?"
"Yes, Atali." Minden nodded and took off back towards the village.
"So Valka how have things been for you lately?"
"Oh quite well, I've been saving lots of dragons from trappers within my own territory. I am happy for your success, and I believe that your war over the King of Dragons is connected to what I am seeing back home, so with the egg safe, and the King safe and disappeared again, I believe this will put a massive damper on our enemy's grand plans."
"Is this the buyer from the North? Hiccup told us that even Johann and Krogan were actually working for someone else. Possibly even more dangerous and powerful." Atali asked, looking concerned.
"Yes, he is. All I will say is that without the King, he shouldn't be any threat to you, and hopefully have no reason to care about your island anytime soon. Right now he is still focused on gathering his forces, but I am doing everything I can to disrupt his flow of captured dragons."
"That is good news, but are you certain you don't want any assistance from us? We also have a strong network of allies now, and all of us are dedicated to protecting dragons. I'm certain Hiccup and the Riders would love to help you out."
"No!" Valka said forcefully but then calmed herself. "Sorry Atali, but it's for the best that I continue to work alone. I don't want to draw more people into my battles than I have to. For both their sake and for the dragons."
"As you wish Valka, but please know if you ever change your mind, we will fly into battle right beside you and Cloudjumper."
"Yes, I do know that. Thank you for everything you've helped me with over the years Atali."
"Right back at you." Atali smiled, "I still remember when our entire island came down with eel pox, and it was only thanks to you and Cloudjumper that we recovered."
"No thanks are necessary for any of it," Valka reassured her. "Reaching out, and trusting me with this," Valka motioned to the bag on her back, "is worth much more than everything I have ever done for you."
Minden then appeared from down below and settled down on the top of the mountain once more. "Here you are Atali." She said as she handed a map over to her chief.
"Thank you, Minden." Atali unrolled the map on the ground, kneeling beside it, and Valka kneeled down right beside her.
"Here is our island." Atali pointed to a shape on the map that Valka recognized. "And I know you know Queen Mala and the Defenders of the Wing on Caldera Cay."
"Yes, we are allies as well," Valka confirmed.
"And then here's Dragon's Edge. It's just over a day's flight due southeast from here." Atali pointed to an island that Valka couldn't recognize at a glance, but she was already trying to memorize the map in her head.
"Thank you for sharing this with me Atali If I ever have a need to reach out to Hiccup, I will. But please don't mention me to him, I would prefer to remain anonymous."
"Understood." Atali smiled back at her. "Do you want to take the map, or we can make a quick copy?"
"That won't be necessary. I'm good at remembering maps, and Cloudjumper is even better." She motioned him closer and then pointed at the island. "That's Dragon's Edge."
Cloudjumper looked down at the map, studying it from quite literally every angle as he twisted his head around in nearly a full circle before he stepped back and nodded. Valka could tell he already knew from listening why she was really interested in visiting.
Valka and Atali each stood back up and then clasped each other's arms in a strong embrace. "Thank you once again, but we better get going and get this little one safe and secure," Valka said, motioning to the egg.
"Of course. Are you sure you don't want to wait until morning?"
"Not to worry, the night is no issue for Cloudjumper, and it's for the best that we return as soon as possible," Valka replied.
"Very well, until we meet again, may Freya bless you, Valka."
"May Freya bless you as well Atali," Valka replied.
She then turned to Cloudjumper and they quickly took off north, headed back for home. But when the island was completely out of sight, she whispered. "Cloudjumper…"
Cloudjumper purred and made a quick turn in the air so that they were now headed directly southeast. He didn't need her to tell him what she wanted, he understood her too well for words to be necessary at a time like this.
Eret did his best to calm his nerves as his ship came to rest at Drago's base, he straightened his shoulders and held his stoic demeanor, mostly for the benefit of the men behind him. But he had a feeling he was failing at that. He didn't need those idiotic do-gooder dragon riders to tell him failing Drago wasn't going to end well, but Eret had to believe that his past work would be worth at least something to him.
The ship bumped against the edge of the dock, and his men quickly lowered the anchor and tied the ship down, while also lowering the gangplank to the dock, where one of Drago's lieutenants was already waiting.
A large, black-bearded man lumbered across the ship with several men waiting behind him. "Ah, Eret Eretson what do you have for us this month?" He asked good-naturedly.
"Greetings Halberd." Eret said, doing his best to sound confident, "About that, we ran into a bit of bad luck just a few days ago."
"Bad luck?" Halberd's eyes narrowed, and his friendly demeanor disappeared in an instant.
"Yes, you see, we had a filled quota, a good haul of Snafflefangs, Nadders, shovelhelms, and even three scauldrons, all were safely contained at our fort, but the night before we planned to make our delivery, we were attacked and all the dragons escaped."
Halberd's eyes narrowed further. "Escaped? How? What attacked you that you couldn't defend against?"
"Two dragons with humans riding on their backs and directing them. They attacked us specifically to free our merchandise." Eret explained.
"So do you have any dragons with you?"
"No, we don't. We know the penalty for being late, so we were forced to show up empty-handed."
"Hmph, well then, unfortunately for you… Drago will want to hear about this." He chuckled to himself while he motioned to his men on the dock. "You better start praying that he's in a good mood."
Eret gulped and shot a look at his men, who all looked terrified. These men could face down angry dragons without breaking a sweat, but even at the mention of Drago, they were quaking in their boots. No matter what, Eret promised himself, he wouldn't cower.
Halberd led the way through the maze of ships, barracks, armories, and dragon cages. Eret knew this island had once been a decent-sized village, but that Drago had razed it to the ground to build his base here, until all there was, was ice, wood, stone, and steel as far as the eye could see.
After a long walk, they finally found Drago, but he appeared to be in the middle of something. His back was turned to Eret's group, and two soldiers threw a man at Drago's feet.
"Sir! I can explain!" The man shouted Eret was certain he had seen him before at the base, but he had never spoken to him. He had no real idea who he was, but the man looked completely terrified.
"I don't want excuses!" Drago roared in his gravelly voice. "I want the King of Dragons!"
"I found one Drago! I did! Hiding under an island in a cavern of ice!"
"GET TO THE POINT!" Drago screamed at him.
"It…it got away…" the man on the ground admitted to him and stared at the ground, in either shame or fear, Eret couldn't tell.
Surprisingly, Drago laughed at this and Eret decided, there was a sound far more frightening than Drago's yelling. He made a gesture across his neck, and even though Eret was behind him, based on the man's reaction, Eret was pretty sure he knew what it was.
"Wait! Drago, please! I will not fail you again!" The man started begging as the two soldiers grabbed his arms, ready to drag him away.
"No one fails me twice!" Drago growled, "But don't worry, you'll make a fine meal for my dragons."
"Drago! Drago! Please! I beg of you! Give me another chance! I'll do anything!" The man kept shouting as he was dragged away into the distance until Eret couldn't hear him shouting anymore.
Drago turned and looked up at a bridge above his head, and shouted loudly to someone up there in the distance. "Bring me my maps! I'll find another King of Dragons myself!"
Drago turned once again, and his eyes caught on to Eret's group. "Halberd, what is it? You better have good news for me."
"Unfortunately I don't Sir. This is Eret Eretson, and his crew of hunters, They've showed up with an empty ship, without so much as a single new dragon for your army." He sneered as he said this, but Eret noticed that he stepped out of the line of Drago's fire as he did.
"Is that so?" Drago stalked closer to him, and Eret could hear his men cowering behind him.
Eret swallowed nervously, "Yes it is, we had a full delivery ready to go, but we were attacked, and not just by people or by dragons, but by both. They were dragon riders."
"Dragon riders?" Drago asked, "I see. Tell me, what dragons did they have?"
"One was riding a stormcutter, and the other a skrill, and they both had on armor made out of dragon skin, we couldn't even see their faces."
"A stormcutter? Was it brown? And was its rider in brown and blue armor?" Drago stepped even closer to him until he was only inches away from Eret's face.
"Well, they attacked at night Drago, but from the brief glance I saw of them, I believe they fit that description," Eret said, cursing himself for sounding nervous.
"Tell me, what did the stormcutter rider's helmet look like?"
"Look like? Well, the helmet didn't look like their dragon, that was for sure, It was odd, I'd never seen anything like it, but it had several horns coming out of the top of the head, almost like a crown or a mane around the face, and two long spikes on the face that looked like boars tusks." Eret's mind raced as he did his best to remember, and silently prayed that this would be enough to satisfy Drago.
Drago growled and his nostrils flared. "It was them. Well Eret, you aren't the first to be attacked by them. That stormcutter and the rider have been plaguing many of my trappers. But thank you for bringing this new information to me about the helmet."
He turned to Halberd. "That rider has a king of dragons. I've heard other reports of that helmet and this all but confirms it, which means I need to find my own more than ever. I shouldn't be surprised I have to do that myself too."
Drago then returned his attention to Eret and his men, mostly cowering before him. "Now then, thank you all of you for bringing this to my attention, but there is still the matter of your failure."
"Drago? I've never failed you before, this was just one time, and we are still valuable, we'll even deliver extra next month I promise." Eret finally let some of his fear and desperation slip into his voice.
Drago smirked, almost as if he was amused. "Oh don't worry, Eret. You won't be suffering Krogan's fate. And right as he said that, in the distance, Eret heard two loud roars, and then a horrifying scream of pain and terror that abruptly cut off. Sending a shiver of fear through his heart, and making him drop his calm façade completely.
"I am a simple man, and I have simple rules. I expect the best from my men, so it is so disappointing when they fail me. But I am not heartless." Drago made a motion and two of his men suddenly grabbed Eret's arms and pinned him down.
Drago then walked over to a nearby brazier filled with burning coals, and he grabbed a long metal pole, that Eret unfortunately recognized.
"Now, whenever I dominate a dragon, I also give it a mark, as a constant reminder of who its Alpha is." Drago walked back slowly like he had all the time in the world. "I don't do this for my men of course…unless they need a reminder of the consequences of failure."
"Drago, please, let's talk about this." Eret started struggling against the men pinning his arms down, but they held firm, and a third one opened up his tunic, revealing his bare chest beneath.
"I don't want excuses, I want all dragons under my control!" Drago shouted, he then raised the red-hot metal rod and pressed the end harshly against Eret's chest. Eret clenched his teeth to keep from screaming as Drago held the metal rod there until nearly thirty seconds later, he took it away, and Eret felt like he could breathe again. The entire time, Eret did everything he could to not cry out as he felt, heard, and smelled the stench of his flesh burning.
His eyes dropped to his chest, which was now branded with a blistered, red nightmare's head and a sword, the symbol of Drago's army.
"Do not fail me again, next time I won't be so understanding. And now…" Drago grinned, and Eret knew he took sadistic pleasure from this. "It's time for the rest of you to learn your lesson." One by one he branded the rest of Eret's men, the only pause being to return the metal rod to the fire for reheating after every third man.
Eret did his best to control his breathing, and not react to the pained wails of all his men. He knew Drago would look for any sign of weakness as another sign of failure.
"Now then, Eret." Drago stepped back in front of him once he had branded Eret's entire crew. "I hope you remember this day, as a reminder to never fail me again."
"Yes Drago, of course." Eret bowed his head submissively.
"Go back to your pitiful fort, and next month, I expect double your usual quota to make up your loss. Or if you can manage it, capture the dragon riders if they attack you again and bring them straight to me. Alive."
"Yes Drago, whatever you want." Eret nodded his head submissively.
"Leave my sight! And never show up here empty-handed again!" Drago yelled.
Halberd led Eret and his men back to their boat with zero emotion in his eyes, only cold indifference.
Once they were leagues away from Drago's island on their way back home. Eret checked with all of his men, and he knew that like him, their burns hurt like hell, but their terror of Drago was even worse. They knew they had no choice. There would be no escape from Drago Blüdvist, not with his army growing stronger every day. Their only option was to do whatever they could to stay in his good graces and stay alive.
"You heard Drago, men!" Eret shouted to his crew, "If we ever see those wretched dragon riders again. We need to take them prisoner and bring them and their dragons to Drago. They aren't going to screw us over again for the sake of their beasts. Every dragon will belong to Drago eventually, so all we can do is stay in his good graces as long as we can. No matter what it takes. And the one with the fire sword is mine to take down myself."