I'm back! It's been several months, but here I am, along with a new chapter. The first chapter of Jurassic Ice Part 3: Jurassic War.
"Greetings, Mister Von Schwicke." A shorter man with dark hair leaned back in his seat. "Could I interest you in some mead?"
"Certainly," Von Schwicke said. The short man picked up a pitcher and poured the liquid into two mugs before handing one to his visitor.
"Now, Mister Grimborne," Von Schwicke said. "I've been informed that you have been plagued by a group of dragon riders. Is that correct?"
Viggo Grimborne leaned forward, folding his hands on the table, his fingers interlacing. "Yes, this group, led by Hiccup Haddock, has been releasing my dragons and destroying my ships."
"If my sources are to be believed, there a dark-haired boy with unnatural abilities among them. Is that correct?"
"There was," Grimborne said. Von Schwicke sipped from his mug.
"He won't be much of a problem any longer," Von Schwicke said, setting his mug down. Viggo's eyebrows raised slightly. "After the poison I gave him, he should be dead soon enough, if not already. As for your assets, I'll send my associate to Arendelle to retrieve them."
"Who is this associate, if I may ask?" Grimborne said.
"Miss Claire Dearing," Von Schwicke said.
Indi lay next to Lapsus, the great dinosaur breathing softly. Curled up next to him was a collection of raptors; Lacrima, Noctem, and Venator all breathed shallowly. Up of the roof of the castle was Sleuther, resting with his braided tail curled around his body. A sliver of crescent moon shone above, giving a slight glow to the reptiles.
Extracting himself from the tangle of dinosaurs, Indi rose and went into the castle. Strolling through the halls, he breathed in deeply, trying to ignore the pain in his leg.
He wore a light shirt and pants, which gave a gentle shhs with each step.
Making his way to a door where two guards stood at attention. The men nodded to him before one knocked on the door.
"Your Majesty," he said. "Sir Indi Rex requests an audience."
"Send him in," a female voice said through the white door.
The guard opened the door and Indi strode inside. He bowed as the doors were shut behind him. "Your Majesty."
"Sir Indi," Elsa said. "What can I do for you?"
"I need advice," Indi said. Elsa motioned to the chair that sat in front of her desk.
"About what matter?"
"My mission," Indi said as he took the offered seat. "Now that we're at war, what do I do?"
Elsa thought for a moment. "I need details, Sir Indi."
"Am I supposed to stay?" Indi asked. "Do I go back with the Dragon Riders and fight Von Schwicke's supply, or stay here and protect Arendelle?"
Elsa pursed her lips, her brow furrowing slightly in thought. "Well, I think Hiccup and his group could use your help. I don't know how much use you would be here, and I intend no offense, but without your abilities, I think you would be better off fighting Von Schwicke's intake. It might help cripple his operations as well as take down the Dragon Hunters as well."
Indi took this in. "Alright. When should I leave?"
"If it pleases you," Elsa said. "I suggest staying here for a few days. Relax, enjoy Arendelle. Perhaps you could socialize with the people."
Indi nodded, thankful for an opportunity to break the stereotype that people often had; Elsa knew him too well. "I think I would enjoy that."
"Also, in a few days, there will be a dance and a feast," Elsa said. "I would like you to help me plan it."
Indi raised his eyebrows. Elsa had never asked for help planning any events. Nevertheless, he nodded. "Certainly. What would you like me to do?"
"I'd like you to help me with everything," Elsa said. "The setup, planning, food, everything."
"Alright," Indi said. "I'll see what I can do." Elsa nodded. "Will I see you around town?"
"You might."
Indi nodded and stood. "Goodnight, Queen Elsa."
Elsa nodded as Indi turned and walked out of the room.
Indi woke up to see Lapsus smelling his hair. Smiling, Indi reached up to pet the large carnivore's snout.
As Indi stood, he saw Lacrima, Noctem, and Venator eating a freshly delivered pig. Sleuther was just finishing off what was once a pile of fish, and Emerald and Copal were chasing a rogue squirrel. Indi smiled and stood up, watching the younglings chase their prey about. Astrid stepped out of the castle, wearing some of Arendelle's outfits that women typically wore when riding horses. As she strode into the courtyard, she gave Indi a smile before whistling. A bright blue dragon soared over the castle, squawking like a giant bird.
Stormfly landed down on the ground with a thud. She shook her head and tail, rattling her spines.
"Hey, girl," Astrid said, as she rubbed the dragon's head. Stormfly squawked, rubbing her snout against Astrid's face.
"Hey, Stormfly," Indi said, giving the dragon's face a rub. "Astrid, I was going to the town today. Wanna come with?"
"Sure," Astrid said. Indi nodded and turned, leading Astrid, Stormfly, and the pack of dinosaurs out of the castle gates.
Indi turned and called up to the dragon that had perched himself back up on the roof. "Sleuther, you comin'?" Sleuther snorted and turned away to look at the ocean.
Indi shrugged, and turned, continuing on his way.
As Indi led Astrid across the bridge and into the town, people took notice of the arrival. People tipped their heads respectively, making way for the knight, the visiting shieldmaiden, and the large carnivores.
A large clattering, followed by a yell of anger caught Indi's attention. He turned to see a flock of young green and dark red dinosaurs clamber out of a building, each with a hunk of meat in their jaws. Their crests were a flamboyant red, which raised their small height to Indi's hip. The Dilophosaurs scampered off, making small cooing noises. A large man wearing a blood-covered smock came running out behind the small predators.
"And stay out of here, you pests!" the man yelled, shaking a large meat cleaver at the dinosaurs. Indi recognized the man as Theodore Weldon, the local butcher of the town. A young Dilophosaurus, half the size of the rest of the flock, started to creep out of the door. Weldon turned and raised his cleaver at the young animal. Indi strode forward and caught the man's arm before he could harm the youngling.
"Now, now," Indi said. "Don't do anything rash."
"Sir Indi!" Weldon said. "Get these vermin out of here!"
"Why? What did they do?"
"You saw what they did!" Weldon tore his arm out of Indi's grasp. "They raided my shop!"
The baby Dilophosaurus dropped its food and screeched, a brightly colored frill extending on each side of it head. It screeched again and spat a black glob of venom at the man. The venom smacked against the smock, sticking there. The animal shrieked quickly once more, before grabbing the meat in its jaws, before darting off, following the rest of the pack.
"You're damn lucky that she was small," Indi said. "If it was a larger one, you'd be blinded."
"They deserved to be removed from Arendelle," Weldon said. "If a pest raids a shop, we kill 'em. That's what we've always done."
"You would kill an animal that the Earth hasn't seen in millions of years?"
"If it get's in the way of business, you'd damn bet I would."
Stormfly rattled her spines and Astrid stepped forward. "You're a cruel and bitter man. How could you be such a mutton head and not see the wonder in these creatures?"
"And that brings up another thing," Weldon continued. "You might have been able to prevent this, Sir Indi. That is, if you hadn't been fucking off with some savage women-" Astrid started forward and slammed her fist into the man's jaw.
"Chew on that for a bit," Astrid spat.
Indi shook his head. "How did the Dilo's get out? They are supposed to be in their pen."
"Damned if I know," Weldon said, rubbing his cheek, which was already turning red.
"Come on," Indi said. Astrid followed behind him, their carnivorous companions following. Indi glanced back to see Lapsus snap at the man, who screamed and ran back into his shop. Indi smirked before turning away.
He led the group to a large pen made of logs and iron rods. The walls went thirty feet high and were topped with spikes. Indi grabbed one of the large handles and pulled the doors open. Lapsus hooted deeply into the air and strode inside. Lacrima, Noctem, and Venator all followed the large, white predator inside the paddock. Indi nodded and shut the large door with a squeal that ended with a heavy thud. After sliding the large bolt shut, he put in an iron pin that kept the large block of
wood in place.
"Let's go check out the Dilophosaurus pen," Indi said. Indi led Astrid and their dragons to a pen that was set deep in the forest. Indi saw that there were several sets of birdlike tracks both coming and going through a hole in the wooden fencing.
Indi knelt, and examined the hole. "Someone broke it."
Astrid knelt next to him. "You're right. These are axe marks."
Indi's brow furrowed. "I need to talk to Elsa. Can you get me back to the castle?"
"Yeah," Astrid said, rising. They promptly mounted Stormfly and soared off. Indi hung onto Astrid's shoulders as Stormfly shot through the air. She released a shot of fire from her mouth as she carried Astrid and Indi over the town
In a few moments, they landed back in the courtyard with a thud. Indi jumped off and strode into the castle with purpose and determination.
He saw Anna petting Copal and Emerald.
"Anna," Indi said. "Where's Elsa?"
"In her office," Anna said, concern lacing across her face. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes." Indi turned, Copal and Emerald falling into stride beside him. Indi made his way through the castle. The younglings immediately knew that something was wrong. Their eyes were wide and their nostrils flared.
After a few minutes of walking, Indi came to the door of Elsa's office. The guards stationed outside immediately took notice of the knight and his draconian companions and nodded cordially.
One immediately knocked on the door. "Sir Indi Rex request an audience."
"Enter," a curt voice said. The guards opened the doors and Indi strode in, Copal and Emerald following. Indi immediately took notice of the officials of the other people in the room: Queen Elsa, Owen Grady, Barry, Chief Stoick the Vast, and the royals from Corona. No doubt, they were discussing the alliance.
"Sir Indi," Elsa said. "I presume this is urgent."
Indi nodded. "Someone's broken the fence for the Dilos. They're out."
Elsa's eyes widened. "What?"
"I was out checking up on things. A flock of Dilos ran out of a butcher's shop after raiding it. I found it odd that they would be out of their paddock, so Astrid and myself went to check on things. Someone broke the paddock. Astrid said they used an axe, and I trust her judgment."
"We need to get out there and round up the Dilos," Owen said.
"Indi, you and the Dragon Riders fly around, and track down the animals," Elsa said. "I'll have the guards down below, ready to herd the animals into their pens."
"Alright," Indi said. "But have your guards protect their eyes. Dilophosaurus venom can blind and cause paralysis."
Elsa nodded. Indi, keeping with the formalities, bowed, before he turned and strode out of the office, Emerald and Copal following behind.
Indi slammed his hands against the doors of the castle, throwing them open. He whistled, and
Sleuther glided down from the roof. Silently, Indi climbed on the dragon's back, before giving Sleuther a pat on his shoulder.
The dragon extended his wings upwards before flapping down, sending himself and the knight shooting up into the sky. Sleuther roared, and soon Toothless, Meatlug, Hookfang, Windshear, and Barf and Belch all appeared in the sky with their riders in tow.
"What's going on, Indi?" Hiccup said as Toothless came to a hover.
"Some of the dinosaurs are out," Indi said as Astrid flew up on Stormfly. "We need to round them up, and get them back in their pens."
"Fun," Hiccup said.
"Just fly around, and see if you can find them," Indi said. "Let Elsa or one of her guards know their position."
Hiccup nodded. "You heard Indi!"
The dragons and their riders dispersed, and Indi guided Sleuther off. "Come on, boy. Let's go, girls!" Copal and Emerald let out little roars as they followed the Triple Stryke. Indi noticed a road that went through the woods and up the mountain. His brow furrowed slightly and guided Sleuther to the road. As the three dragons raced along the road, Indi noticed the presence of three-toed footprints. Indi smiled until he saw a small body lying the road.
"Land, Sleuther!" Indi yelled. The dragon did so immediately, and Indi leaped off. He knelt at the small body, gently caressing the small jaw and the little crests that adorned the top of the skull. Blood leaked from several wounds in the two-foot animal. Indi picked up the young Dilophosaurus, its body limp. Looking around, Indi saw the tracks of several carts, along with venom and blood splattered on trees and the ground.
Indi carefully carried the young baby back to Sleuther. Copal crooned sadly as Indi mounted.
Sleuther took flight carefully, before racing back to Arendelle. As they flew, Indi threw back his head and yelled, barring his teeth, his face contorting into a snarl as tears streamed from his eyes.
After a few minutes of flying, Sleuther landed directly in front of Elsa, who had to backpedal at the sudden arrival.
"Sir Indi?" Elsa asked. Indi dismounted silently and strode over to the fountain, where he lay the body down. He glanced back at Elsa, who covered her mouth in shock.
Indi set his face stern and wiped the tears from his eyes.
"Call the riders," Indi said as he walked past Elsa, throwing all formalities onto the fire. "Tell them to get ready." He strode into the castle, his chest tightening. He strode through the halls, before climbing a flight of stairs. He turned into a room slamming his hands against the door, sending it flinging open. Indi grabbed the shield from the foot of his bed and tore out of his shirt. He pulled his black armor from the wall and slid it on. The stiff leather was warm, a sensation that the baby Dilophosaurus would never feel again.
Cue the "Imperial March" from Star Wars.
Indi shouldered his shield and strode out of his room. The maids and castle visitors scurried out of his way as he strode through the halls. Each step he took echoed through the halls. As he descended the stairs, a maid took notice and scurried the other way.
Indi threw open the doors, where he saw the riders standing. Behind him, Indi saw Chief Stoick standing with Skullcrusher.
"Get ready and mount up," Indi said. "I'll meet you on the mountain pass."
Without waiting for a reply, Indi strode out of the gates. He walked along the bridge to the town. He shook his head before making his way through. The crowds took feel that something was wrong and made way. Without acknowledging anyone, Indi strode to the edge of the town, where the paddocks were. He opened the gates of an especially large paddock and pushed the doors open. He stood back as a large white carnivore strode out of the trees, before roaring at him. He looked up fearlessly and extended his arm. Lapsus bowed her heard, and put her nose against the human's hand.
Lapsus crouched, allowing Indi to climb on. Indi settled between the osteoderms that covered Lapsus' back. As she rose, Lapsus threw back her head and roared, Indi joining with his own yell.
"Go, Lapsus!" Indi said. The great dinosaur snarled before charging along, each stride churning up dirt. A bark from below made Indi turn, before grinning maniacally; Lacrima, Noctem, and Venator were running alongside them.
Indi turned Lapsus to the mountain road, where she picked up speed. A large blue explosion above them signaled that the dragons were above them. Sure enough, a black dragon shot above them, followed by a large scorpion-like beast. From the back of Sleuther, Indi caught a glimpse of a female with platinum-blonde hair. Lapsus gave off a shrieking roar, as the rest of the dragons flew above them.
As they crested the road, the path led them over the mountain. The rhythmic pounding of Lapsus' steps matched Indi's own heartbeat. Elsa guided Sleuther down to fly alongside Lapsus. Indi looked up at the female, her hair being swept back by the wind. She held out her hand, and materialized a sword, before passing the weapon to Indi. Indi nodded, taking it, before raising the blade over his head.
The group moved onwards for an hour. As they came to the other side of the mountain, they saw a young man with red hair and freckles staggering towards them on the road.
Giving him a once over, Indi saw that he was no older than fifteen. Lapsus stopped and knelt, allowing Indi to dismount.
"Sir Indi," the boy said, his breath wheezing. "You've got to help us."
"Slow down," Indi said, taking notice of the large gash on the boy's arm. "What's going on? What's your name?"
"My name is Joseph, my lord. There's a good lot of men in my village," the boy said. "They've been attacking us and stealing young women. Even..." He collapsed to his knees.
Indi knelt and took the Joseph by his shoulder. "Who?"
"My girlfriend Alaina." The boy folded his hands and looked up at Indi. "Please, Sir Indi, you have to help us."
"We're on our way," Indi said. He rose and whistled. "Sleuther!" The great dragon glided down.
Elsa looked at the youth, whose eyes widened.
"Your Majesty," Joseph said, tilting his head downwards. "It is an honor to be in your presence."
"This boy is injured," Indi said. "He'll have to ride with you until his village is safe."
Elsa nodded and motioned for Joseph to sit behind her. As Indi helped him to his feet, Sleuther sniffed the injured soul.
"It's alright, Sleuther," Indi said as he helped Joseph onto the dragon's back. Joseph started to reach for the queen's shoulders, then paused. "With your permission, Your Majesty, may I?" Elsa smiled and nodded. Joseph gently placed his hands on her shoulders.
"You'll want to hold on tight," Indi said. "Get going, Sleuther." Sleuther extended his wings and flapped.
At the sudden jolt, Elsa felt Joseph's hands moved quickly from her shoulders to around her middle. She looked back to see a blushing boy. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Joseph said. "I'm not used to this."
"It's quite alright," Elsa said, taking pity on the young soul.
Once Sleuther leveled out, Elsa turned to face Joseph. "May I see your arm?" Joseph nodded, and cautiously help out his injury. Elsa repressed a grimace. The boy had a gash that ran from the inside of his elbow to the top of his wrist. He was lucky he did not bleed out. Elsa held her hand over the wound and gently sprayed snow into the cut. Once she was finished, Joseph stared at his arm in disbelief.
"That should help with the pain and bleeding," Elsa said. "You will still need to visit a healer though, but that should help."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Joseph said. "I am in your debt."
"Think nothing of it," Elsa said.
A loud roar from below caught Elsa's attention, and she looked ahead. In front of her was a decent-sized village. Several of the buildings were set ablaze, and she saw several groups of men who wore dragon pelts.
"Dragon hunters!" Hiccup yelled.
"Let's show these Thor-forsaken peasants how we deal with dragon killers," Chief Stoick said in his deep voice. "Eh, Skullcrusher?" The dragon that the chief rode roared in agreement.
Indi snarled, and raised his sword made of ice. As they crested a hill, the dragon's shot ahead. An unholy screeching sound echoed about the land before a blue bolt of fire raced from the mouth of the Night Fury. The plasma blast exploded over the village, and the dragons raced downward.
As Lapsus crested the hill, Indi swung his sword, before holding it above his head, the tip aiming at the village. Lapsus roared, the primal sound echoing across the land, and charged.
Guys, it's good to be back. Sorry for the long hiatus. There was a death in my family, so I didn't feel like writing as much. I have a lot planned for part 3, and I'm very sure I'll have a fun time writing it and hearing what you all have to say.
