Bright sat down on the earthy soiled ground alongside his sister, Luna. They were in front of their mother, who had been telling them a story from a folktale she fondly remembered. He listened intently to her story, as she continued:
"When the night was growing dark, and with the evil human leader defeated, the two dragons became mates, and their whole colony flourished along with them. The male dragon became the King of the Dragons, with the female becoming his queen. Thus, the dragons lived happily ever after to the end of their days," said Penumbra, finishing the story. When she was done, Penumbra looked at Bright and his sister. "I hope that you both found the folktale captivating, my hatchlings."
"I sure did found it interesting, Mom," said Bright, raising a hand, as if he was asking her to be allowed to speak further. She nodded to him. "But, I have to ask: were the two dragons able to have hatchlings of their own?"
Penumbra chuckled at his curiosity. "That is a story for another day, my son. Right now, there are other matters we need to attend to, I think."
Bright turned to his sister, who stared back at him. "I still think that the story was good," he told his mother, glancing back at her. "It's not often you would tell us a folktale like that."
"I'm glad you think so like that, my son." Penumbra smiled, leaning toward and licked his cheek, to which he giggled at the touch. "Next time, I may be able to tell you about how they lived toward the era of the next generation, if you'd like?"
"Sure!" beamed Bright, eagerly jumping to his feet. This prompted a chuckle from Penumbra.
Luna rolled her eyes. "I am still a bit disappointed that the villain of the story was out to snatch the male instead of the female dragon."
"Oh?" Penumbra raised a scaly ridge. "Why's that?"
"Think about it, Mom. If the human villain wanted the female dragon, why risk it all by going to war against the dragon prince? If I were to talk about it, I'd change it so the human would bring himself the dragon princess instead."
Before their mother could respond to Luna, Bright glanced to the cave entrance. "Arne!" he called out, standing up and rushed over to the human, who chuckled at his enthusiasm.
"I see someone has been eager to see me," said Arne, his hands behind his back.
"How have you been, dear Arne?" asked Penumbra, walking up to them with Luna. "Are you able to be accustomed around the colony?"
"Oh, yes." Arne nodded. "In fact, the Alpha was being friendly to me ever since we warmed up to each other."
Penumbra let a toothy smile show on her muzzle. "That's good to hear. I must say that it is nice to have the other dragons to slowly becoming more and more friendly to you by the passing of the days."
Bright tilted his head curiously. "Arne, what are you hiding?"
Arne blinked. He glanced down at him, before he gave a light chuckle. "You just can't allow others to have some time to themselves, can you, Bright?"
Bright flushed, his cheeks reddening.
Luna walked beside him, then sniffing the air.
"Luna, that is impolite!" scolded Penumbra.
The little Night Fury shrunk back at the tone. "Sorry, Mother…"
Arne shook his head fondly at them. "Anyway. I was talking with the Alpha of the colony for a bit," he replied. When he turned to Bright, he gave him a grin on his lips. "I have a present to give you, Bright."
"Really!" Bright's eyes shone. "What is it?!"
Arne laughed. "You just can't hold onto that excitement, can you, young human? Well, let me show you. It is something that I believe you will feel honored to wear." He revealed the horned object in front of Bright. The object itself was mostly of metal, with visible wood underneath it. Two horns pointed skyward were the most significant feature of the object.
"What is that?" asked Bright, leaning closer toward the object. "I don't think I've seen that before."
Arne turned to Penumbra, who nodded her permission to him. "It is something to help you," he told Bright, kneeling down to his height. "When you've become older and stronger, it will come naturally for you to accept it. Wear it proudly, Bright." He put the horned object on top of Bright's head.
"So…what is it called?" Luna asked, sniffing the object. The wooden scent filled her nostrils.
"This is what we humans call…a helmet," answered Arne, raising himself. He pointed to his forehead with a finger, explaining, "It helps us protect our heads from things that might fall down on us. It will protect us from fallen debris, like rocks."
"Is that it?" Luna said as she gawked at him. "What a meaningless object."
"Luna, remember your speech of manners, young hatchling!" scolded Penumbra. She stomped her paw onto the ground, gaining her attention instantly.
"What? It's true, Mother," said Luna defensively. "An object which only protects your head from rocks is considered useless. We should know about it, and you know it, Mother. Why should my baby brother wear it, if it only protects him from fallen debris?"
Arne chuckled. "While it is true the helmet is seen as lame, I think it would be wise if you kept your tone, young dragon."
Luna pouted, and looked away from him, huffing. "Why should I listen to you, Arne? You're neither my father nor my grandfather, for that matter."
Arne winced, lowering his head.
"Luna! That was uncalled for, you know!" spoke Penumbra, baring her teeth slightly. "You would be wise not to speak like that, or else I will be forced to ground you for a full moon."
Luna's eyes widened in horror. "Oh no! Anything but that, Mother!"
"Then keep your tongue to yourself, please," said Penumbra. "Arne is our guest, and you should treat him as such."
"I know…" Luna lowered her gaze.
Bright glanced between the Night Furies and Arne. It wasn't long before they heard someone's wings coming to the cave entrance. He spotted his father, who was folding his wings at the cave entrance. "Dad, you're back!" he cheered, running over to him, as he hugged his leg.
"I see someone has missed his old man," Flashwing laughed.
"You're not old, Dad," said Bright.
"I am thankful for you saying that, my child," his father said. Then his face turned serious, as he looked at them all. "I am afraid that I have terrible news, everyone."
"Oh no, what's going on?" asked Penumbra, walking over. "Is there something the matter, dear?"
Flashwing nodded. "Yes. In fact, something terrible is going to happen to the island. On my scout patrol back to the mountain, I saw a whole group of floating islands, with humans that are making their way to Dragon Mountain."
Bright widened his eyes. A collective gasp sounded beside him. He turned to his sister and mother, whose eyes were full of shock.
Arne narrowed down at the ground, his eyes sharp before he glanced up at the dragons. "Are those human ships really coming to the island?"
"Indeed they are," Flashwing nodded. "We need to evacuate the island as soon as possible."
"But, Dad…can't we try and negotiate with them?" asked Bright.
Everyone looked at him, as if he had lost his mind.
"Negotiate?" repeated Flashwing. He looked at him. "With the warmongers who want nothing but bloodshed?"
"Why would you think of such a thing?" asked Penumbra, staring with soft eyes at Bright. "You should know that we are different from the humans, my hatchling."
"Well…" Bright stiffened, avoiding their gaze. His foot circled on the dirt. "I thought that maybe we don't need to go into war if we all can agree on peaceful terms…"
"Not with these types of humans, Bright," Arne chimed in. He shook his head."The people who are making their way to us are known as Berserkers."
"Berserkers?" He tilted his head.
"Who are the Berserkers?" asked Flashwing.
"The Berserkers are a vicious Viking tribe, who will stop at nothing to enslave dragons to their cause, and they also want violence with other tribes."
"They sound dangerous," admitted Luna, hiding behind Penumbra's leg. Her mother soothed her by covering her body with the tail.
"And they are," said Arne seriously. "I'd avoid them as much as possible, but if it comes to the point…"
"It won't," said Flashwing. "We will be evacuated before they arrive."
"I hope you're right, Flashwing," sighed Arne. "I surely hope you are right about that."
"Do not worry," Flashwing gave him a toothy smile. "If there's anything the Alpha would like to know, then it will be about when there's danger approaching the island. He will know what to do once he hears about this."
•••
Dagur was standing beside his father near the edge of the warship, Dangerous, and the wind blew in his face. He had a wide smirk on his expression, while he heard his father speak.
"It has been a few days since we left Berserker Island," his father began. "Are you certain you are ready for such an enormous task like this, son?"
Dagur knew his father was concerned for him. They were up against mindless, winged dragons who bring nothing but destruction on every island they fly to. He had heard about the child whom was being raised by the dragons, like his old man had. They were filled with determination to fulfill their promise to the Arctic Scar tribe in the North of the Archipelago.
"I am certain, Father" replied Dagur, with the determined expression he gave his father. "It will help us establish a better peace treaty with the Arctic Scar tribe while we rescue one of their own children from these dreaded winged beasts." And it will be good for me to at last get a kill to make you proud of me.
"Very well," said his father. "Just be sure to remain by my side, Dagur. I don't want to lose you in the middle of the upcoming battle."
Dagur gave a sigh. His father was too worried for his wellbeing. He forgot that I am a Berserker warrior. He was a warrior. Someone who could take care of himself. He would never allow this battle to be an embarrassment to his status as son of the chief to the tribe.
"Do not worry, Father," assured Dagur. "I will do my part in this mission."
His father fell silent, before he turned to the deck of the ship. "Let us do it, men! It won't be long now until we reach the island. We are going to war with the dragons; and we are going to rescue Chief Magnus' nephew at all cost. Do not be killed. That is an order. Got it?"
"Sir, yes sir!" shouted the Berserker warriors in unison. Then they returned to rowing the warship through the lapping waves of the ocean.
Dagur allowed a small grin spread across his lips. Just you wait, dreaded beasts. I will be coming for you.
•••
Scales paced back and forth on the plateau while he waited on the dragons to show up. When he noticed Flashwing's family gathered nearby. He gave them a small nod, letting them know that he had heard of the situation.
As soon as they arrived, the rest of the dragons gathered in front of the Alpha plateau. Each of them nervous about the news of horned humans coming to Dragon Mountain.
Scales looked at each and every one of them. He felt Aquawing's presence beside him, and she looked at him with her right eye, giving him a nod.
He cleared his throat, when the chattering ended and the dragons looked at him. "Today is the day, my dragons," said Scales, his voice loud enough so they could hear him. "Horned humans known as Berserkers are coming to us. They will no doubt be attempting to kill every one of us."
Nervous murmurs arose in the crowd of dragons. "Who are the Berserkers? Are they really violent as the rest of the horned humans?" asked a male Gronckle.
"Do we stand and fight?" asked a Monstrous Nightmare, eagerly awaiting a response.
Scales shook his head. "We are not going to fight."
"What are we going to do, then?" asked a male Deadly Nadder. "Are we fleeing from the island?"
"That is something I've spoken with Arne about," replied Scales.
"There is no way we can fight a whole lot of these Berserker humans," added a female Gronckle.
"If we fight, then how would our hatchlings survive?" spoke a Nadder. "They will not survive a real attack from these Berserkers, will they?"
"Fear not, my dragons," said Scales, raising a paw to silence them. They complied and fell silent. He could sense from them their worry, angst and fear in their voices. He continued, "I have a solution: we evacuate before they arrive to the island."
Another uprising murmuring from the dragons.
"Leave the island?" asked a male Monstrous Nightmare. "Where should be going next? Do you have an idea in mind, Alpha?"
"I am interested to hear as well, Alpha," said a female Deadly Nadder.
"I do not," replied Scales, honesty in his voice. He shook his head.
His response prompted stunned gasps to erupt from the crowd of dragons in front of him. He felt Aquawing squawk for silence, and immediately the dragons' voices fell silent once more.
"However, I do believe that, somewhere out there, a new home for us will be appearing while we search for it."
"Is it the Hidden World?" asked a male Gronckle hopefully. "The one we've been searching for all these years?"
"Yes," answered Scales. "But, in order for us to find it, we need to trust in our human to lead us while he is growing up."
"Our human?" wondered the dragons in unison. "Who, Alpha?"
"Do you mean the first one that the Night Furies adopted?" A Deadly Nadder spoke up.
"I do," Scales nodded. "Bright will lead us to the Hidden World. He will need the encouragement from each one of us if we are to be safe from the Berserkers."
"But he's a hatchling!" called the Nadder. "What if he can't lead us?"
"Trust me, he will," said Scales firmly. "I believe in him."
The dragons looked at each other, before staring uncertain at the human, who was on top of Flashwing's head. He shifted uncomfortably, hiding behind his father's head at the stares.
"I have faith in him."
The dragons glanced back at their Alpha.
"And I am hopeful that with his help," continued Scales, "then we can be safe from harm in our new home. Are there any objections to this?"
The dragons each shook their head.
"Good," said Scales, pleased. "Then without further ado, let us leave Dragon Mountain behind, and start a new life at the new place we can call home."
As he looked at everyone in the colony, Scales then settled his gaze on a nervous Bright. He gave him a soft smile, stepping down from the plateau, and—
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
The sound of something hitting the wall of the mountain came with a shake of the ground, causing great panic among the dragons.
"Oh no!" gasped a Deadly Nadder.
"What's happening?!"
"We're doomed!"
"No, we are not doomed!" scowled Flashwing, while Bright ducked behind his head as the dragons gazed at him.
Scales looked around, as did the colony. "Flashwing is right. We must prepare for battle!" he shouted to the dragons, returning his gaze toward them. "The Berserkers has come! We need to defend ourselves at all cost. Get ready for the dire times, everyone!"
The dragons nodded simultaneously.
•••
Dagur watched with a pleasant expression as the flaming rocks continued bombarding the mountain nest of the dragons. Soon, a large crack began to cause the wall to break down into a million pieces.
So, this is where the dragons have been holding, he thought, scanning the surrounding, black pebbled beach of the island. Not much of a place to be hiding while attacking other villages, like Fría Village.
"Keep the momentum up!" his father shouted. "Let's get those beasts out of there!"
"Sir!" responded every warrior at the catapults. They lit up another set of rocks, before launching them into the air, and the rocks cracked open the mountain at last.
Dagur stood beside his father, while he held the grip on his sword's hilt. Once they were certain nothing else was hiding in the entrance of the mountain, they charged forward.
A loud roar of anger erupted from the entrance, prompting each Berserker to halt in their advance.
Dagur narrowed his eyes, watching as a white dragon stepped forth out of the entrance to the nest. A…what was it called again? A Bright Fury? Or…
"This is a fine catch, son," said his father, greedily licking his lips. "We've got ourselves a Light Fury. Such a rare find indeed."
A Light Fury! So they still are habitable in the Archipelago, thought Dagur with awe, looking at the magnificent white dragon.
The Light Fury roared at them, as if talking to them about not advancing any further.
What is it taking us for? Cowards? As if.
"Let's teach this Light Fury what it means to be a warrior, son," his father told him, unsheathing his sword. He raised his sword, calling out commands to the Berserker warriors. "Charge forward!"
Dagur nodded, eyeing the Light Fury with a desire for blood before unsheathing his sword.
•••
Scales roared once more at the intruders. "Do not come forward any more! We do not wish to fight!" However, his roaring was all the Berserkers heard, and they held their metal claws, readying themselves. Scales looked at them with a snarl. Do these humans never learn when to back down?
When he saw that they were charging toward him, all Scales could do was signaling his dragons. "Attack!" he roared loudly.
The dragons burst out of the mouth of the mountain, causing the humans to stop slightly in surprise. He watched, as Flashwing led the Crimson Goregutters toward the rock-throwers.
As the Crimson Goregutters smacked their tails at the rock-throwers, the humans jumped out of the way, but some Nadders shot their poisonous spikes at them. The humans used their flat surfaces to shield themselves from the spikes.
Clever, Scales thought, a hint of satisfaction spread on his expression, upon noticing Redclaw's group. However, you forgot the Monstrous Nightmares behind you.
Behind the shielding humans, Redclaw and his Nightmares set themselves on fire, startling the Berserkers, but they retaliated by stupidity attacking the Monstrous Nightmares.
Brave, but a dumb move, Berserkers. Scales was about to look away, when he noticed one of the Berserkers charge toward him from the side. He knocked the human on his back with a swipe of his tail. He reared back, powering up his plasma blast, before firing the shot.
The human then laid motionless on the pebbled ground, blood filling up into a pool of liquid around the body.
He was preoccupied by the dead human that he did not see the next one charging from behind. A sudden scream from him reached his ears, and he whirled round, widening his eyes.
There, having stuck a metal claw in the leg of the human, was Bright. The Berserker grunted, but kicked him away.
"Bright!" gasped Scales. "Do not touch him, filth!" He jumped forth between the Berserker and the young human, growling his bared teeth at the enemy.
"Alpha…"
"Return to the Mountain!" ordered Scales, turning briefly to him. "You will be safer there!"
"But…I want to help—"
"No!"
For a short moment, the Berserker yelled loudly, catching Scales off-guard as he winced at the stain of blood on his side. Then, as if by miracle, Bright immediately ran toward the human and stabbed him in the belly.
Scales blinked, looking down at Bright, whose eyes widened in horror at the dead body of the Viking. The edge of the metal claw he held dripping blood.
"Wha…" Bright could not form words.
"Return to your sister and mother," commanded Scales, nudging him to the mountain. "Your father and I shall take care of this."
Bright nodded.
Scales watched him leave the field of the beach. Be safe, child.