Chapter 9: Fire and Water

The seas were calm, not another creature in sight as Toothless streaked across the sky, Aylan having long faded beyond his rear view. All he had to do was fly a wide circular path around the Eyrie, Ash said, and in a matter of hours or so he would reach Seregon. And it was impossible to lose sight of the volcano, which was currently spewing heavy clouds of ash into the already cloudy sky. The great mountain was active, the bursts of magma echoing like distant claps of thunder across the sea. The solitary peak, and the fog-covered trees surrounding it, filled Toothless with a foreboding sense of worry. Not for himself, he realized, but for Ash; no doubt she had already arrived there, likely searching the forests for any sign of the Watchers. Please don't get into too much trouble, he thought. At least where Toothless was going he could put names to his adversaries, even if he might have to fight his way in or out. Although in both cases, these islands were both sure to be interesting to explore, should he get the chance.

As he flew, Toothless found his thoughts drifting back to Moonlight's tale of the Cataclysm. To think that Mystholm—and by implication, many other lands—had once been controlled by Night Furies was a strange, almost invigorating thought. What a dragon this Nightshade must have been on the one hand to strive for such power for his race, and then another thing to set it aside for the greater good. How many other stories did the Night Furies of Mystholm know, he wondered, resolving to ask Moonlight to narrate some more if he ever found the time. In his time among humans, the Night Fury had often heard in passing Vikings trading the stories of their culture: some strange folk tales, others rich lore of their gods. But for dragons to have this shared memory as well almost filled him with warmth. Deeper still grew the Alpha's resolve, especially considering how much this meant to Ash. He only hoped that there were enough Night Furies who also yearned for this wider connection, then the prospect of unification might not be far-fetched after all.

And though he glided across unfamiliar skies, a strange feeling began to take root in his heart; a chance at a future, a life in line with others of his race, perhaps—though he had rarely considered the possibility before now—a family of his own. He could no longer deny the warmth that Ash's presence brought to him, and the sense of belonging that came with being among dragons of near-identical wants and abilities. And yet Toothless likewise began to feel conflict intertwining with his newfound joy. He'd been gone for almost a month now, and Hiccup and Astrid's wedding should occur in a matter of days. He wondered what all had transpired on Berk since he left; equally did he miss home, the presence of his rider, and bonds he had made over the years. Toothless hoped that, after all this was over, he would not be forced to choose between old and new.

In any case, soon he would have more pressing issues to attend to; on the grey horizon another shape began to appear, a warped and jagged island strikingly different from the lush forests and crescent peak of Aylan. Although Ash had pointed out Seregon upon their entry into Mystholm, Toothless had to admit that the island looked even harsher up close. The high-rising cliffs were bleak and barren, not a trace of life anywhere… except for faint black dots, in various stages of flight around it. Shit, he thought. Likely fishing and hunting parties, or patrols, it made no difference; so much for an easy entry. Quickly pumping his wings to gain altitude, Toothless entered the uttermost lowest layer of cloud so that he could still see Seregon, but hopefully his black scales were slightly concealed against the bleak sky. Wisps of vapor and grey clouds streaked past his face as he grew closer, until he could see that Seregon appeared much more detailed from above than below; the island face split into great towers of rock, with deep cracks plunging into the island face, likely housing caves.

Now that he had found a sufficient vantage point to observe, Toothless began circling as he took stock of the island below. He could see now that there were additional black specks faintly moving around, many more than he anticipated. Ash had said that each Night Fury colony housed a thousand dragons at most, but in Aylan's thick woods the population was spread out and difficult to observe. Seregon, however, clearly had hundreds of Night Furies in full view. Dwindling, perhaps—as Ash and the elders said—but clearly a force to be reckoned with: a sizable colony of warlike Night Furies would sooner shoot him before sitting down to talk. Perhaps it would be in his best interest if he did attempt to find Talon, as that was likely the best route to Angalon. Stubborn Night Furies indeed, to choose this blasted ruin apart from all other islands to make a nest.

A faint whistle began to reach his ears, slowly building in intensity; not from below, but from the clouds themselves. Oh, hell…

Twisting his body sharply towards the sound, Toothless was able to pull his wings up just in time to avoid a streak of plasma that flew mere inches from his chest; he could feel the heat of the blast against his scales, but the flames did not graze him. Reacting on instinct alone, Toothless fired back in the direction it came from while simultaneously thrusting his wings down to stay afloat in the air. His blast vanished into the clouds, striking nothing, but in the light of the flame Toothless could make out 5 or six silhouettes racing towards him. The Alpha picked up speed and turned to flee, curving and spinning his way through the air to avoid the plethora of plasma blasts that now began lighting up the clouds. If he could make it far enough across Seregon, diving back to ocean level, perhaps he could try entering the island from below; Toothless could almost laugh at the thought of optimism now that his cover was completely blown, but it wouldn't hurt to try. Assuming, of course, that he didn't get shot out of the sky.

He raced through the clouds, occasionally lowering his head to fire warning shots at his pursuers, who—judging from the increased number of explosions around him—were steadily increasing in number. Not only that, but despite his strengthToothless was sure that by the rush of their wings his assailants were gaining on him, or at least maintaining distance. Effortlessly rotating in the air to perform a corkscrew, Toothless could now see that he was well past the edge of the island. Well, here goes nothing… He dove, additional shots sailing above him as the wind rushed past his ears. The Night Fury broke through the clouds with breathtaking speed, quickly followed by at least a dozen others in hot pursuit. The whistle of the air built into a howling wind as Toothless streaked like a bullet at the fast-approaching sea, his speed already taking him past the highest peaks of Seregon. To his luck, it appeared that there were breaks in the rock at ocean level that he could slip into. In three, two, one…

Cutting it as close as he physically could, the Alpha pulled himself up moments before crashing into the sea, making a break into the twisting caves that opened into Seregon's depths. Toothless could still hear the sound of multiple sets of wings filling with air as his pursuers attempted to avoid slamming into the water; one apparently pulled up too late as a thundering splash resounded at the mouth of the cave. Still, as the Night Fury attempted to navigate his way through the darkening rocks the explosions resumed with equal intensity. The tunnels seemed to delve endlessly as the sunlight quickly began to fade, and Toothless realized this might not have been the best strategy after all. Quickly diving around another outcropping of rocks, the Alpha pulled up so that he didn't crash into a blank wall of stone; he was in a large cave, but the tunnel ended here Damn it!

Shaking his head in exasperation, Toothless landed on the ground furthest from the tunnel, with his back to the wall. Thankfully, the entrance was not very wide. Hearing the sound of wings quickly approaching, a fully charged blast of plasma left his jaws and sailed into the tunnel. In the fiery light Toothless could quickly make out one Night Fury with orange eyes rounding the corner before the ball of flame made contact with his face. Smoke, then howls of flame as the sounds of multiple pairs of wings screeching to a halt filled the air. A couple more Night Furies attempted to peer into the cave to shoot, all met by Toothless's fire; strangely, the stone of these caves did not crumble, although splinters shot from the walls where fire blasts struck them. At least the ceiling won't cave in, Toothless thought soberly; he was going to have to either talk or fight his way out, or both. Dodging a stray blast that sailed past his head, the Alpha responded with another blast before attempting to negotiate.

"WAIT! Stop firing, I came to talk!" he shouted towards the tunnel.

Surprisingly, his attackers did not attempt to enter; a gruff voice called back, hard as the rocks it echoed off of. "No outsider comes to Seregon to talk! If you want, you can talk while we carve you into shreds!"

A shadow attempted to round the corner, to be met with another plasma blast from Toothless. "Are you sure about that?!" Toothless taunted. "Some of you seem to be a little afraid of fire, so forgive me if I'm not quivering in fear!"

Another voice called out, softer but no less filled with anger; "You fly and fight well, but you are not one of us! Tell us where you hail from, if you wish to talk so much?!"

Okay, maybe we're getting somewhere. "I am an outsider to Mystholm, I come from a land far to the north! I want to speak to your colony leader!"

Silence, then bouts of laughter from multiple dragons. "Angalon does not talk to outsiders, and outsiders don't live long enough to talk to Angalon! We've heard enough, come out and die quickly!" The charging whistle of multiple dragons filled the tunnel entrance, and Toothless braced himself for a fight.

"What is happening here?!" A new voice cut through the noise; a new Night Fury had joined the party outside, one that clearly commanded authority.

"An outsider, attempting to breach our island my lord!" came the response. "We were just about to deal with—"

"Wait!" Toothless interrupted. "If there is one with authority among you, then I will issue a challenge! I was told you were a proud people, or was that a compliment you don't deserve?!"

Growls and gnashing of teeth followed his insult. "We will ignore that insult if you have the teeth to back it up! Name your challenge, outsider!"

Thinking quickly, the Night Fury responded. "I challenge your leader to a wrestling match; no flames, no claws, strength only! If I knock them on their back, you let me live and you take me to Anaglon!"

His challenge was met with more laughter. "As if he has ever been bested before!" someone yelled back.

The newcomer's voice rang out; "Fine, I accept the terms! No one will interrupt our match. But if you lose, then my warriors will make short work of you."

Toothless took a deep breath. Sorry, Ash.

"Fair enough! Come on in, if you're feeling brave!"

Multiple Night Furies slunk into the cave, each one large and well-built; several had small cuts and burns, and their eyes regarded Toothless with utter contempt. As they surrounded the Alpha, he noticed the orange-eyed one he had shot was also among them; he bled lightly from the mouth, one tooth clearly missing, but if he was in any pain he refused to show it. The dragons of Seregon were all heavily scarred, with tattered wings and scratched spines that bore the wear of many flights and battles. They made no move against him, positioning themselves against the walls of the cave to allow for as much room in the center as possible. Growling like a pack of starved wolves, they jeered at Toothless, anticipating the thrill of a fight. Toothless concealed any trace of nervousness in his expression, but it was clear that he was among experienced warriors; it was too late to talk now.

"So? Which one of you am I wrestling for my freedom?" Toothless questioned lightly, assuming a combative stance.

"That would be me," a voice answered from the tunnel.

Another Night Fury entered the cave, his entrance causing the pack of Night Furies to become silent. Bright ruby-red eyes shone in the dark as the dragon entered the circle; although very thin he was equal in size to Toothless, his body—with the exception of his wings—littered with scars. The surrounding Night Furies began cheering and shrieking, clearly expecting a show from their popular leader. Unlike the hateful expressions on the hunters, the red-eyed dragon smiled and nodded as he sized up Toothless.

"I must admit, I'm impressed." the Night Fury spoke, sheathing his claws. "Few make it this far from outside. But you tried to sneak in, and rules are rules." He crouched down, like a predator eagerly awaiting the chance to spill blood. "First one on their back, then."

Toothless stared hard, his heart pounding in his ears. "Your move."

His opponent moved so fast that Toothless almost failed to react in time, moving his head just ahead of the jaws which attempted to lock around his neck. They locked wings and limbs, each attempting to throw the other back as they strained on their hind legs. Despite his emaciated appearance, the Night Fury was absurdly strong, and Toothless could already feel his back legs slipping against the rock. He pushed upward, attempting to dive directly for the lower body of his adversary. A paw made contact with his forehead as his opponent swatted him with such force that Toothless's head snapped to the side, tasting blood in his mouth. His vision blurred for a moment, allowing the ruby-eyed Night Fury to climb on top of him, his tail wrapping around the Alpha's neck. But before it tightened, Toothless seized a wing joint in his jaws, preventing the dragon from pushing him on his back. Though he himself struggled for breath, his opponent could not move his wing without breaking it. They stood tangled together, each waiting for the other to relent; Toothless held on to the joint with all his strength, his eyes beginning to darken as he ran out of air.

The tail relaxed, and Toothless instinctively opened his mouth. The other Night Fury jumped back, rotating his wing to assure himself that it wasn't broken. Barely managing to settle his breathing, Toothless grunted as his opponent slammed into him with enough force to lift him off his front paws. He staggered backwards; bystander Night Furies scrambled to get out of the way as the Alpha's back crashed hard against the wall of the cave. The other Night Fury's forehead was pressed against own, both dragons straining to throw the other one down. Their eyes were locked in each other's gaze, emerald green reflecting against ruby red. Struggling to free himself from the wings pressing him up against the wall, Toothless slammed his tail into the stomach of his adversary. The Night Fury did not move, but the winding impact forced him to draw breath; strangely, Toothless saw a flicker of movement in the narrow slits of his rival's eyes, as though he suddenly came to a realization. His tail shifted—perhaps to return the blow—and Toothless saw that his legs were unprotected.

That's it! As he continued to keep himself upright, Toothless carefully maneuvered his tail as fast as he could, snaking it inbetween the Night Fury's hind legs in a figure eight. As soon as he made it all the way through, he pulled his tail tight and drew the legs together. His opponent looked down, growling; no doubt he was strong enough to pull free. But the distraction was enough for Toothless, who jumped up, planted his hind legs against the wall, and shoved with all his might. The two dragons teetered for a second before the off-balance Night Fury fell back with Toothless wrapped around him. As his opponent slammed onto the ground, the Alpha hissed as hot pain flashed through the middle of his tail. But it was worth it. Toothless pressed a paw onto his enemy's throat, savoring victory. "Looks like I win." he panted. A whistle from behind him caused Toothless to turn—stepping off his adversary—to see the orange-eyed Night Fury charging up a blast. Well so much for rules…

The plasma blast flew past Toothless's head before he even knew it was there, slamming into the already injured Night Fury's face. The shock wave sent the dragon's head into the wall, where he slumped and did not move. Turning in shock, Toothless beheld his opponent still on the ground, his mouth smoking. The surrounding Night Furies, who up until this point had been making a commotion during the bout, were completely silent.

"No one interrupts a challenge. No one."

Rising to his feet, the defeated dragon lowered his head, looking at Toothless. "You have proven yourself to be strong. As such, I will honor your request."

"But my lord!" an onlooker interjected. "He is still an outsider! You cannot bring him before lord Angalon!"

Snarling, the ruby-eyed dragon rounded on his subordinate. "And why are you speaking to me as though I wanted your advice?! We will bring him to speak to Angalon because that was the terms of the match, and I will honor it. Get this wretch out of here, I will guide our guest myself." he commanded, motioning to the unconscious Night Fury.

The other Night Furies surrounding them lowered their heads. "As you wish, Lord Talon."

Talon?!

As the Seregon Night Furies tended to their assaulted comrade, Toothless felt something prod his shoulder. He turned, eyeing the dragon he had just supposedly defeated. "You should take care of that cut." Talon stated, motioning his tail towards the ground.

Toothless looked down; he hadn't even registered that the middle of his tail was bleeding profusely, cut open by becoming intertwined with the metal of his fin. Before he knew it, Talon lowered his head and gently began cauterizing the wound with a minor stream of flame. The Alpha gritted his teeth; it stung, but the cut was not terribly deep.

"That should take care of it. Come, outsider." Talon turned to leave. "If you are so eager to meet my father, we shouldn't keep him waiting."

The pair was silent as they walked out of the cave, Talon taking a different winding path than the one Toothless had swept in on. As he followed, doubt gnawed at Toothless despite having narrowly escaped disaster. His head still hurt terribly, and yet he had won. Right?

"Did you let me win?" The question left his mouth almost as soon as he thought it.

Talon turned his head as he walked, ruby orbs gleaming in the darkness. "Whatever gives you that impression?"

Toothless was stone-faced. "Don't bullshit me. You lifted me up like a ragdoll and my head's still swimming. I was just forestalling the inevitable… until you left your legs open, which I'm beginning to doubt was an accident."

Talon chuckled. "So you are clever as well as strong. I'll admit, maybe I wasn't trying as hard as I could have… Call it curiosity, if you will."

"What, so you lost on purpose because you were curious about me?" Toothless questioned sarcastically.

Talon stopped, looking around until he was sure no other Night Furies were close. "What do you smell on me?"

Toothless blinked, taken aback by the question; leaning in to inhale, the dragon answered. "Blood, ash, something earthy I guess? Why?"

"That's what pretty much all of us on Seregon smell like. Rocks, blood and volcanic ash." Talon replied, pointing an accusatory wing at him. "But you, who claim to hail from the far north, you smell like rich forests, flowers, the ocean salt… and another Night Fury. You came from Aylan didn't you?"

Toothless stared blankly. "I don't—"

"Is Ash well?"

At that the Alpha could not conceal his shock. "Wait, how did you… She said you met years ago!"

Talon grinned, his eyes gleaming intelligently. "So it is her; I never forget a scent. Don't worry, I somewhat believe you; I'd imagine a tail like that doesn't come from anywhere close by. But I'm only going to ask once. Why are you here?"

Toothless felt both lucky and distressed at the same time. Here was a Night Fury that could likely break him on a battlefield, and boasted a keen mind; but he also happened to be the one dragon on Seregon who might listen to him.

"Fine, you're right. I came from Aylan, although I don't actually live there. My name's Toothless, I come from a place called Berk. I'm friends with Ash."

Satisfied, Talon jerked his head, motioning to follow as he resumed his path through the tunnels. As Toothless caught up alongside, he spoke again; "And why would an outsider come to Seregon after experiencing Aylan? Certainly not for the hospitality, as I'm sure

Ash has told you."

"I didn't come to explore, I came to ask for help. A human fleet may descend on these islands soon, and we need all Night Furies to stand against it."

The Seregon dragon did not look at him. "So you and Ash believe these rumors as well. And I thought our spies had brought back mere gossip. So you came to ask Angalon for our help fighting off this mystery fleet."

"Well if you already knew about it, surely you see the danger?" Toothless said bitterly.

Talon chuckled. "Does the thought of spies trouble you? I'll admit, it's not something that I enjoy ordering, but it's my father's command. And there are worse enemies than humans, after all."

Toothless glared. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Believe me, we don't send spies to Aylan to survey the Night Furies; we know well enough that they aren't warriors. But…" Talon turned his head, making eye contact with the Alpha. "We are not foolish enough to think that they couldn't perform sorcery against us."

"You mean the dragonstone." Toothless muttered. "I'll admit, I don't like the thought of it either. But Ash and the others assured me that it can't be used that way!"

Talon laughed sharply, his fake mirth echoing through the caves. "Used? The stones are not merely tools to be wielded. Their very existence is an affront to the world itself. And the Night Furies of Aylan have kept this witchcraft for themselves, letting it enrich their island instead of living like true dragons do, off the natural wild."

"You're people haven't had a problem killing your own kind to get rid of it, as I recall." Toothless snapped.

Talon snarled briefly, but did not break from walking as he calmed himself. "I will not pretend that our way of life isn't barbaric to some, but we cannot accept their sacrilege! To live by any means beyond your own strength is not the way of a Night Fury! And I know how they ridicule us, calling us savage for maintaining the ways of our ancestors. But what are we without our traditions, without our home? Uncounted generations of my family have called Seregon theirs, and I will not abandon it on account of other Night Furies who live off of magic."

The two resumed silence for a moment; Toothless noticed the light of the tunnels was getting brighter. I wonder where this path will end up on the surface? He thought.

"Look, the stone unsettles me too, but don't you think that unity might be worth the price of having it around? I mean, it hasn't done any harm as far as I know." Toothless asked again.

Talon stopped again, this time leaning back against the tunnel wall. "But it could. Let me ask you, Toothless; what did the elders of Aylan tell you about how the Cataclysm started?"

Toothless sat down, slightly surprised by the question. "How it started? Well… They told me a Night Fury called Runar stole a dragonstone from prince Nightshade, and corrupted it. That he used it to wage war on the world."

Talon's pupils narrowed, the dragon seething with anger. "Then they persist in the lie! Runar was many things, but evil was not one of them. They left out the part that Nightshade was not the only one who interacted with the dragonstones; he let his brother and friends study them also. Runar helped him teach Nancarin about the world… He was my father's cousin once. This island has been their family's just as long as Nightshade's ancestors have been kings!" Talon gritted his teeth, leaning forward. "My brothers and sisters condemn all that Runar did, but we know the truth. Nancarin consumed him, in mind and body. The stones are problematic at best and demonic at worst!"

Now Toothless was irritated. "You're saying the dragons of Aylan lied to me?" he spat.

Talon's eyes lessened in anger. When he spoke again he was more calm, but still forceful. "I think the details have been lost in conflict over the decades, but the base truth remains the same. Seregon lives the way Night Furies are meant to; by the claw and the flame, as all dragons have for thousands of years. They may call us barbaric and bloodthirsty, but we will not accept witchcraft in the hands or ordinary dragons." He lowered his head. "Don't take my tone as disregard for your quest. I understand that if humans invaded, it would bring great slaughter to all. And I'm not saying unity would be so terrible; on the contrary, it would solve a great deal of problems. But I also am honor-bound to my father, and to my island. I will take no action against him while he rules. However…"

Toothless cocked his head. "What are you thinking?"

"I'll be frank; even though you have proven your strength against one of your own, my father could still kill you the moment he hears something he doesn't like. But if I told him of your need, he might be more susceptible."

"And how do I know you'll even bother, or tell him truthfully what I've said?" Toothless questioned accusatory.

A short laugh escaped Talon. "That is fair enough. But you did best me in a match, after all. And though you don't know me well, I consider myself a dragon of honor. I did save your life, after all. And Ash seems to trust you a great deal… Do you trust me?"

Toothless hesitated. He would be putting a great deal of faith in a dragon he just met, but it was better than no dialogue at all… or not even making it back to Ash at all. "Fine. You talk to Angalon, try to convince him of our need. Even a few warriors to help would be better than nothing. And we will be more than even; I will be in your debt." He stood, staring directly into Talon's eyes. "I'm not from here, I don't know all your stories or your troubles. I'm doing this because Ash means a great deal to me. I'm not asking you to renounce your way of life, but I'm sure its been a long time since someone put the need of all Night Furies first."

Talon's face was devoid of expression, but silently he nodded. "I make no promises, but if the humans mean to wipe us out… Then it is worth even a little effort. Tell me everything you want me to share, and then I will guide you on your way."

An hour later…

The cracked earth of Seregon was bathed in sunlight as the afternoon clouds finally broke, the whole of the island covered in warm rays of sun, and yet the light only served to expose the harshness of the land. Amidst the craggy outcroppings multiple hunting parties of Night Furies were returning with spoils of the sea: the only sustenance for several miles, as no life was able to thrive on the barren earth that could not fly. Not only fish, but large Ormr as well were being cut and dissected amongst the rock, the empty ground littered with blood as the dragons of Seregon divided the food amongst themselves. The scent of death hung over the air as Talon made his way through the rock, Night Furies of every age and body lowering their heads as he passed. He spoke no words as he made it to his destination; a closed tunnel of obsidian rock, yet light could be seen in the chamber beyond it. The entrance was flanked by over a dozen scarred Night Furies, but they too paid him no mind beyond recognition of his presence.

The large grotto of rock was completely obsidian, the walls high-reaching and chipped by centuries of wear, and yet the sky was completely visible. And in the center of the grotto lay a full-grown Ormr, almost 15 feet long, its blank eyes motionless as the serpentine beast bled from various wounds. A dark claw was in the process of carving from head to tail, opening up the serpent like an experienced fisherman filleting his catch. An ancient Night Fury meticulously peeled the flesh from his prey, his tattered wings like dark curtains that were but mere traces against the obsidian wall. Sharp teeth—though splintered and weathered—tore sharply into the organs. Angalon was almost twice the size of Talon, with twice the scars, and yet the old drake's red eyes were the mirror image of his offspring.

"Father… Enjoying the fruits of the hunt I see?"

The ancient dragon looked up; his eyes were piercing, the scars from long claws tracing over both eyelids framing his fiery gaze. But he only looked to acknowledge his son's presence, before returning to his work.

"The younger Night Furies hunt in packs; a smart choice, less likelihood of getting poisoned." Angalon's voice was dark and brittle. "But I still have strength to follow the old ways. Ask for no help with that which you can take yourself, as my father said."

Talon stepped forward, his eyes glancing over the dead Ormr. "Father, I have interesting news. I recently spoke… with an outsider."

Angalon paused amid a mouthful of liver, casting a withering glare at his son. "Oh? And how did you find yourself in a position to 'speak' with them? Especially when outsiders should be met with fire."

Taking a deep breath, Talon continued. "He was cornered by our sky watch, but he wished to speak with our leader. I faced him in a wrestling match on the condition that if he won, I would hear what he had to say."

"And you lost to him." Talon flinched, the words cutting through the air like claws. Angalon regarded him with an expression of stone. "So tell me, my son, what was it that this outsider so desperately wanted to say?"

As his father ate, Talon spoke. "The Night Furies of Aylan fear an invasion by dragon hunters. There are some there that seek to unite to face the—"

A horrendous tear of flesh filled the air as the entire skeleton of the Ormr was torn from its body, Angalon throwing it to the side with his jaws as one disposed of garbage. Talon reflexively shut both mouth and eyes as blood flaked across his scales. Then his father growled; "So, the peace-lovers finally realize how vulnerable they are, and they turn to the so-called 'savages' for help. The weak always ridicule the strong until the wolves come knocking at the door."

"Father," Talon uttered. "If the fleet is as large as rumored, would it not be something to consider? Eggs are fewer every year, and our numbers dwindle."

"If that is the case, it is because Aylan has deemed us too savage to grace their presence!" Angalon roared. "What crime do we commit but to preserve our island—our home—and our way of life, while those weaklings live richly off of dragonstone magic? They lack the spine to live anywhere but their paradise, and they look down on others for fearing its source. And now, when the Watchers bring chaos to our door, they cry unity!" Talon shrunk in the shadow of his father, who had ceased to feed and now towered over the younger dragon. "I will not condone possession of the very objects that tore our race asunder! Only Nightshade ever controlled them—barely—and he is long dead. Until they give it up, I will not risk my people for any others, no matter how rich the fruit may be.''

"Even now, you still foresee another Cataclysm." Talon muttered.

"Because I am no fool, boy. I fully acknowledge the fickleness of mortal hearts, the desires of both man and dragon that we pretend to keep dormant… until power presents itself. Aylan may think itself noble and peaceful, but the very presence of Kamenar invites conflict. Maybe not now, maybe years from now, the ambitious and the greedy always come."

Talon lowered his head. "There are still some who understand the danger, who've taught their young better."

Angalon remained unmoved. "You mean Aylan's elders? Perhaps, but they will not be around forever, and they have given up their own authority to serve as guides rather than leaders. And I have not forgiven them for perverting the memory of Runar; I fought against him all the same, but he was no demon in the beginning, a fact they have conveniently forgotten." The great dragon turned away, dismissive.

But Talon did not relent. "Father, something must be done. What if this is a chance for us to demand respect from them? Perhaps even negotiate?"

Angalon did not turn around, but his tone softened slightly. "Even with all your strength, still you wish to talk before you fight. You sound like your mother…"

The young dragon lowered his head. "Would she not have sought unity?"

His father finally turned around; a trace of a smile crossed his draconic features, and yet his eyes remained wrathful. "Yes, you are right. But even she feared the stones more than I; Nancarin's magic killed much of her family personally, as you know." Angalon approached Talon slowly, his claws still dripping. "But I see that you yourself desire to help, even if I forbid it."

Talon looked up. "Father, I would not disobey you."

"I know my son, but you would still regret it." The clan leader drew himself to his full height. "I will not commit all our strength, but you my son shall do this. Recall all our spies on Aylan, and replace them with yourself and a small number of your most trusted warriors. Report to me if any human activity is spotted. And if it comes to war, you will be in a position to negotiate for us and garner respect from those forest-dwellers."

"Yes, father."

The ancient dragon draped one tattered wing over Talon's back. "I do this for your hopes, not for mine. But make no mistake; if Aylan wants us to fight, there will be a price."

Identical ruby eyes made contact. "And what might that be?" Talon asked.

Bloodied teeth leaned close to his ear, as Angalon whispered.

"That we drown every human in the sea, and the dragonstone with them. Unless, of course, any of our warriors desire the taste of human. We have mouths to feed, after all."

Talon smiled, the thought of oncoming battle gnawing at him as he joined his father in devouring the Ormr.

Author's Note: Finally scraped the time together to finish this, apologies that I haven't had time to polish it. We'll see if the Night Furies of Seregon can be trusted to help Toothless and Ash… but not for free in any case. Eventually when there are no more character introductions I will post a list of each OC's age, to help clear up any confusion; how many OC's are left remains to be seen :)

Additional Note: It occurred to me on my run this morning that I completely mixed up the names of some of my fictional creatures, so I've updated this chapter. My bad.