It was cooler, tonight, than others. Especially without my borrowed furs or a giant chicken to keep me cozy.

Everything is a bit of a blur after nearly having the living daylights squeezed out of me.

I do know that at least one or two of my ribs are definitely cracked. If I breathed too deeply I was met with a sharp stabbing pain in my chest. And the wound at my side opened again. My new shirt had this lovely dirt-red stain on it that wasn't there this morning.

The burlap cover was lifted, leaving myself visible to the camp, and the man standing beside the cage, most likely on guard duty of a sort, seemed to take notice of my struggles. Not that I was being very quiet about it, but I had to make sure the bandages didn't fuse to the wound, and it was a bit of a painful and uncomfortable procedure.

And it's not like I was flashing anyone. These bandages basically covered my entire torso, but I couldn't get a good look with the shirt on. Thankfully, it hadn't fused, but it was definitely sticking. It would be like peeling off a bandaid that had been on for a while and would take the scab with it.

There was an audible huff of amusement that made me realize Haftr was standing in front of me. Watching me with an almost unreadable curiosity as I picked and prodded myself. Placing his half eaten dinner on the crate beside the cage as the man who was standing guard returned with a small bowl of water and a rag.

I didn't even notice him leave his post.

Haftr took the bowl, soaking the rag and gathering it up in a loose fist in front of the iron bars.

" 'Ere." I gave him a tired and quizical look. What did he want me to do with it? "Drink." Oh.

I tried getting up off my knees only to meet the floor face first. I don't know what happened, if anything, in the last few hours but my legs were stiff and sore and a bit numb. Nothing felt broken or bruised, but they refused to work. I could feel my cheeks flush as he just waited for me. To this point nothing has felt quite as—well I wouldn't say shameful or humiliating, but certainly an intense level of irritable uncomfortableness at my helplessness, as I had to shuffle my way across the floor to him. But it might just be more in my mind, since he never commented or urged my actions. Just stood there, not moving a muscle, not saying word, not even huffing an annoyed sigh, just patiently waiting.

Once I got there he wrung out the cloth, catching whatever water I could in my hands until it ran dry. He did this once more before setting the bowl aside.

"Eat." A man of few words, it seems.

"I'm not hungry." He got down to be eye level with me. His expression impassive, but it felt like his eyes were piercing into my very soul. What is it about blue eyes that can be so intimidating?

"You're a terrible liar." He said coolly, quirking a brow, challenging me to prove him wrong.

You know what, fine. You win, but only because I really am hungry and I don't want you to take the food away.

He shuffled it around a bit when I couldn't quite reach what was on the plate, letting me pick what I wanted rather than feeding it to me.

"How could you tell I was lying?" It's not exactly a skill someone wants to boast about, but I always thought I could be pretty convincing. After all, the others seem to believe I'm actually from their world, just not from the immediate area. So I really couldn't be that bad at it. Could I?

"You're a bit thin, little bird."

"How do you know that's not just how I was made?" His lips twitched as he stood straight. Finally showing some expression on his stoney face.

"Ribs only show like that if someone's been starved."

And now I'm self-conscious, thank you. It had been such a chaotic bundle of events, truthfully, that I never really took the time to take in my physical appearance. I was mainly focused on not dying.

One shred of fish, about the length of my forearm, left me feeling full. But I took a little more, just in case this was just a mercy meal. But I really was stuffed for the first time in almost a week. Wow, I can't believe I've been here that long.

He proceeded to pick away at the food himself, but he left the plate where it was. Leaving a few bits of fish on the edge just in case I wasn't quite done yet.

Wasn't I a prisoner? Am I wrong in thinking that anyone taken hostage, in situations like these, don't get food or water? Isn't that kind of the point, to not see me as an equal? Even though he came off very stolid, nothing in his current demeanor showed this as an act of clemency, but more as a casual affair with someone he's known all his life, almost as if the iron bars weren't there.

I actually felt at ease.

Our wonderful dinner date was interrupted by the rat-like man, whom I've heard referred to as Joffen, looking rather bored as he approached Haftr.

"Ship just pulled in. Said he's meeting an old friend of his before heading out together."

" 'E's lying." Haftr didn't even bat an eye. "Search the hull, pry up the floors. 'E's 'iding somethin'."

Joffens' lackluster mood shifted on a dime at the idea of raiding a ship. Eagerly agreeing with the order and nearly sprinting down the pathway back to the docks, calling a handful of others to aid in the search and interrogation.

"I don't understand how you do it." His attention returning to me. "How can you figure out all this information from just a few words or a look?"

"Years of practice an' a load of common sense."

"Hmm." I guess like anything, it's a trainable skill. But having a keen ability to read people probably helps.

He reached for the bowl again, only this time wringing out the cloth before stuffing in through the bars.

"You'll need to clean that before it gets infected."

"What should it matter to you? Am I not your prisoner? Shouldn't I be treated as such?" There goes breakfast. When are you going to learn to shut your mouth, Millie.

"Every prisoner is still a man an' should be treated as one. The only difference is the reason for imprisonment that should determine the punishment."

Huh. That's almost poetic.

I found it interesting how a man who could kill someone in cold blood, without losing sleep over it, seemed to have more humanity in him than anyone I've ever known.

"I doubt your partners would agree with your ideals."

We looked back at the fire, where the others were resting.

Ravna was trying to eat in peace, but Harald kept yammering on about something she had no interest in, and he was clearly grating on her last nerves. A rather bold thug thought he'd try his luck with her. Whatever he was suggesting, she wanted none of it and knocked him clean out, proceeding to get up and repeatedly kick the unconscious form. Making everyone else give her a wide berth.

Haftr could agree on that front, but he held firm to his beliefs.

"It's nothin' personal—"

"It's never anything personal. And yet someone always takes it personally. Look at Ravna. She's taking it all very personally."

"You sayin' you're gunna come back at me for revenge, little bird?"

"There's a reason they call me a spit-fire."

"A fire-breathin' Spörr? Interestin'."

"Also called a dragon."

"HA!" He barked. He looked completely different when he smiled. It was almost disarming how contagious his smile was and how it lit up his eyes, even in the waning moonlight. As his laughter faded his expression stayed, and I found myself smiling along with him.

"I feel as though we'd get along well, if situations weren't as they are."

"Funnily enough, I believe you." He looked down at me, his smile growing softer. "But we're not in that situation, are we?"

"Not this time." I can't really say why, but I found it disappointing.

I looked at the rag, grabbing a small section of it before realizing the only way to clean the wound would be to remove the wrapings entirely. And he didn't seem to be moving.

"Well, I can't rightly clean myself with you watching."

His smile returned.

" 'Ate to break it you, little bird, but there's not much of you that would get me on."

"Rude."

"Well, it would be a very one-sided interaction. That's not quite as fun."

"Oh." It took a moment, but it eventually clicked in my brain as to what he was implying. "OH! Jus—why?" He just chuckled when I cringed.

I really need to learn to shut my big mouth. It was not something I wanted to think about, and now it's running rampant in my brain. Just more proof that this is definitely not PG like the movies.

You'd better sleep with your eyes open, buddy.

He left it at that, with my mind reeling in disgust trying to rid the images from my head, dropping the burlap curtain to give me some privacy. The distant fire cast his flickering shadow on the wall.

"Just let 'Ammsvig know if you need your rag wet. 'E's good at that."

"You're a pig!"

I know he heard me. The little swagger in his vanishing silhouette proved it.

Why do people get a kick out of pushing my buttons?

I found the end of the bandage, slowing working my way around, peeling it free when I caught something in the corner of my eye.

"Drop it." I growled, covering myself with the cloth. It would seem that Hammsvig didn't get the note of sarcam in the previous quip. So, if he was going to act like a dog, then I'd treat him like one.

His amusement only seemed to grow at my tone. It's not like I was much of a threat, but I could still snap at him through the bars. A sharp whistle rang through the still air, making him turn ghostly white and snapping back to attention, dropping the curtain and stepping several paces away. The only one who could control the men like that would be Haftr.

I guess there is some honour amongst thieves, then. Or maybe I'm just special.

Either way, as they say, it's nothing personal.

The dawn came faster than I would have liked. My somewhat restful slumber was interrupted by several forceful taps on the iron bars. I did notice the man from last night was nowhere to be seen, but Haftr simply told me not to worry about it, so we left it at that.

We repeated what we did last night. He let me pick what I wanted from his plate before giving me fresh water with a clean rag. The other one I shoved out of the cage once I was done with it last night. After I was sure of some solid privacy, I not only cleaned the wound but myself entirely, as well as one corner of the cage. To put it bluntly, there are no outside bathroom breaks when you're a prisoner, and I couldn't sleep knowing there was a chance I could wake up in it.

The day went on as we waited to hear if Hiccup was going to follow through or not. Hafter and I sharing lunch in a similar fashion. There came a long whistle from way up the rocky peak. To which Haftr responded with a curt whistle of his own, loud and sharp, making my ears ring.

The camp was still. Ravna paused her work at sharpening her sword, Harald stopped his conversation with one of the thugs, much to the latters relief, tapping Leopold on the nose to stay quiet.

Even the wind seemed to cease. Leaving only the distant hum of the market as any sign that the world was, in fact, still moving.

Joffen came sprinting up the path, standing before Haftr with a wild grin plastered on his face.

"They're here. Two miles off the port. Can make out four heads in the dingy."

"Hiccup always had a bleeding heart, he's reliable that way. Is there any sign of the nightfury?" Harald held some apprehension. He knew as well as anyone that Hiccup was not one to underestimate.

"No. Not a single dragon with them. The boat can barely hold them four without capsizing."

"Bring 'em to the outskirts when they dock."

Joffen affirmed the command, giving out stations to the others as he made his way back to give their guests a warm welcome.

"Wait! Who's in the boat? Is Dagur one of them?" Ravna called out but was ultimately ignored as Harald ushered her off to the meeting place.

Haftr stamped out the embers. The camp had all but emptied out as everyone busied about to take up their posts. He let out a slow breath.

"Time's up, little bird." He spoke softly.

Humming in agreement, I gave him a gentle smile.

"Nothing personal." The faintest of smiles played on his lips, giving me one last comfort.

"Nothin' personal."

The burlap was dropped quickly, and we made our way to join the others without another word between us. Haftr didn't seem like one to rush, but the transport was a bit rough, until it finally settled on something solid. And once again all I could make out were vague fuzzy shapes. So I sat there, listening and waiting.

It didn't take long before I could hear them. Their distant approach, the shuffling of leather and rough armor, the slight chink of metal, the uneven tempo of footfalls of people walking with cautious purpose.

Then they stopped, just out of reach, waiting for someone to make the first move.

"Hiccup! How wonderful to see you again, my boy." Harald boistered. "You know, I haven't stopped thinking about you since last we saw each other."

"That's not creepy at all. Sorry to say I haven't thought of you, like at all."

"Now that just hurts. After all we've been through together?"

"Oh please. Save the dramatics, Harald." Astrid groaned. So there's Hiccup and Astrid. But Joffen counted four, who else is here?

"I've been told you want this." There was a sound of antsy shifting, most likely the hunters and thugs getting excited at seeing the lens that Hiccup was probably showcasing. "And we want her."

"Indeed, that was the–"

"I was also told that he's the one to deal with, not you." Leopold snarled. Harald tutted him for it, chuckling wryly but otherwise staying silent.

"Aye, chief. That's the man there. Not one for pointless chitter." Okay, so Eret's here too. And I'm guessing he's referring to Haftr.

"But before I hand you anything, I need proof. I showed you the lens, now show us Millie."

The curtain was lifted and the overcast was blinding, but there they were. Astrid, Hiccup, Eret, and Heather. Each wearing a focused expression, with Heather matching Ravna's heated mood, only with less pacing.

Hiccup relaxed slightly, only to tense as I was showcased by Haftr holding onto the scruff of my neck, before placing me back in the cage a little more firmly. I got up as fast as I could but the door closed behind me.

Leopold lunged at the cage, snapping and snarling, sending me crashing into the floor.

"Enough, Leopold." The terror gave one last hiss before returning to his master, puffed up on his shoulders.

I could see the relief in Hiccup's eyes as I got back to my feet, gripping the bars of the cage door. That's when I noticed something odd. The lock had been knocked loose. In fact, it wasn't even there.

I'm sure Haftr noticed as well, he seems hyper observant. But I couldn't risk the chance of looking at him without giving it away, on the odd chance he didn't know. Which is a hard thing to do when one is curious by nature, but I think I managed. I hope, anyway.

"Where is he?!" Ravna continued to pace, her mind clearly elsewhere. "Dagur's not one to hide, so where is he!? COWARD!"

"Again, who are you?" Heather bit. Ravna had had enough, making Heather her target for her frustration. Only to be held back by several of the lackies at Haftr's silent command.

"Your brother has an interesting way of making friends." Harald gave the dragon his cue. "But her quarrel with Dagur can be settled another day. Give Leopold the lens, and in turn he shall bring your pet back to you."

"Not on your life!" I spat at him.

"It's fine, Millie." Hiccup assured, Leopold taking the lens from his outstretched hand and began making his way back.

"But you said yourself it's dangerous in their hands."

"Just trust me."

You've given me no reason not to. But you've worked so hard to keep this far out of their reach.

The lock is broken, the gap is closing, my heart is pounding. I have no idea if this is going to work, but crazy seems to be a recurrent theme around here. And a profitable one.

I sprang open the door and held on to it. As it swung wide on the hinges, I lept, reaching out for the lens. Feeling the cool metal on my fingertips I held on tightly, using the added surprise to kick off the beasts belly, getting him to release the lens and myself with it.

This is gunna hurt.

No more than being thrown off of Eret's shoulder, but still, it's gunna hurt.

I landed square on my back. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe, could barely think. I lay there, mouth wide open trying desperately to breathe in, unsuccessfully. Until my body finally snapped back, sucking in a deep full chested breath, coughing harshly as everything came back into focus.

The world turned to chaos. I felt a sudden heat to my right, finding Hiccups flaming sword cutting off Haralds quick attempt to retrieve both the lens and myself. Astrid came in swiftly, gathering my limp body from the ground before making a retreat. The others close behind, fending off anyone who tried to get in our way.

I was slowly getting my wits back. Sweet mercy, it hurt to breathe. I'm sure those ribs are more than cracked now.

The way to the docks was blocked, Joffen leading that charge, so at Hiccup's urging we detoured to the edge of a cliff. Heather was the first to reach it and didn't hesitate to jump off to the waters far below.

"Wait! This wasn't part of the plan!" Astrid called back, stopping just shy of the cliff edge, sending loose pebbles into the cold seas below. Joffen closing in quickly behind Hiccup who carried the rear of the group.

"Plans change!" Eret didn't give her room to protest, grabbing her by the waist and jumping into the sea with her, whether she wanted to or not. The three of us plunging into the cold waters below.

The cold shock brought me back. This time I could actually see which way was up, and made my way after Eret towards the surface. It was a struggle to keep my head above the wake even though the waters weren't all that rough.

"Astrid?" Hiccup sounded desperate, but hers was the only head not visible. And that's when I remembered, she can't swim.

Although there was not much I could do I took as deep a breath as my frozen lungs, and probably broken ribs, would allow and dove under again. She was trying but not getting far. If anything, she seemed to be sinking. As we all jumped together Eret was the closest, but looking the wrong way. I managed to get right in his face, directing his sight toward Berks general who was quickly loosing steam. Once he saw her he boosted myself towards the surface then made his way to her.

They came up not seconds later, spewing and gasping, but close enough for me to grab on to Eret's wet furs and haul myself further out. Hiccup was right behind, following us as Eret began pulling us backward. Heather was far ahead, she probably had no idea what was happening behind her.

"That was a dirty move." Astrid sputtered, coughing up whatever water she had choked on.

"You can call us even for your kidnapping." Astrid managed a strangled bark of laughter that turned into another coughing fit while he proceeded to pull us further from the island.

There came a rising sound of voices above the sloshing water, commands to fetch the lines and haul them in. A thick rope tied off like a lasso splashed just off to our left. Eret guided the rope around Astrid and she was hauled off. We turned to face Eret's ship, some meters away still, but tossing off lines to help reel us in.

Looking back, I could see scrambling along the cliff edge, Harald giving orders, and Ravna tossing whatever was in range into the waters in an absolute fit, which included a hunter who was standing a little too close.

Haftr just stood there, unmoving as he watched us, but I thought I could make out a faint smirk playing on his face.

We had barely made it on deck when the hunter ships rounded the corner off the island's port. Eret passed me back into Astrids shivering hands as he took command of his vessle, opening the sails and charging on our course away from the island. The other three stayed out of the way and off to the side, letting the crew fulfill the orders.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hiccup draped a spare sailcloth around her, grasping her shoulders, looking into her eyes as she answered him for the fifth time.

"Yes, I'm fine, Hiccup. Really." She was fighting the urge to roll her eyes, but Hiccup relaxed. Giving her a firm kiss on the forehead, not caring who was watching, if anyone.

Then there was that look, the look I hate. The one that makes me feel like a child about to be scolded. He knelt down on the deck to look me head on. There was nowhere I could go, still being held in Astrid's icy hands, to escape his stare. He didn't look angry, but he was definitely wasn't happy that I didn't listen to him.

"Probably not the smartest idea, what you did back there, that is."

"I've survived worse." There was a twinge in my heart when a look of hurt flashed in his eyes. I didn't mean it like that, I was referring to my general experiences. My shoulders sagging a little in defeat. "I don't mean to be reckless, and it's not that I don't trust you, especially after all you've done for me. But I couldn't let you risk all that you've worked for, to keep this device, this knowledge out of their hands, just on my life. It wasn't worth it."

He took out the lens.

"It's a fake."

What?

"When Eret and Heather came back and told us what had happened, and what the hunters wanted, we came up with the plan to make a fake lens to pass off." Awkwardly, and a little shakily, I stumbled over into his hands, studying the decoy. "Knowing Harald, there was no way he would know the difference, but the hunters might. Even so, by the time they'd realize they'd been handed nothing but glass, we'd have been on our way out with you."

Never underestimate Hiccup.

"Although, to be fair, your stunt probably helped us out." Astrid said, still trying to bring warmth back into her hands. "If they believe this is the real lens, then we just hold onto this one in case we run into them along the way."

"Do you think we will?" My mind was still trying to process the fact that they would go so far out of their way to craft such a plan just to save me.

"The hunters are relentless." Heather groaned as she removed her other shoe, pouring out whatever water was left inside.

"The real lens is back on Berk." Hiccup pocketed the fake once more, shrugging off the idea. "They haven't been that bold as to come after us directly, but they can be persistent."

"I can see that." Hiccup looked behind his shoulder when I pointed to the few ships giving us chase.

"Ah, that _was_ part of the plan. Not necessarily jumping off a cliff, but luckily, Eret's ship was in the right place at the right time." We curved around a rather large jutting formation of rocks, the masts groaning against the strain of the wind. The hunters were gaining, but a familiar face was waiting around the corner. Several familiar faces, actually, most of them snarling on the prows of massive defender ships, all under the order of the King himself.

He was poised, stalking the waters without moving, sparing us a full manic grin.

"Welcome back, Millie." He called out.

"You know," I shouted back, hoping he'd hear me from all the way down here, "that's the second time I've heard that in a week."

"You really should learn to stay put, then." His grin faded and he became serious once more. "They didn't try anything, did they?"

"I was told I'm not much use as is."

"How'd they treat you?"

"Well, I almost died. Twice." I could feel his eyes harden. "The first time was by their hands, but the second was by my own reckless insanity."

"Well, then." He ground out lowly. "Best return the favour, and give them a friendly reminder not to mess with my things."

The first ship rounded the bend, nearly crashing into the rocks at seeing what waited for them.

"Any of these faces look familiar?"

Two did. I could make out the panicked face of the one thug who took his chances with Ravna, and I could see Hammsvig at the helm trying to hold the crew together.

"Two of them do, yeah." Dagurs face twisted to his signature Deranged grin. A wonderfully horrid idea crossing his mind.

"Burn 'em." A chorus of "fire" echoed over the waters. The dragons spewing and spitting hot flames at the ship.

Rated R. Rated R!

The crew couldn't keep order and scrambled to get out of the firing line, a few being smart enough to abandon ship. Two other hunter ships stayed farther behind as those who could swim made for them in hopes of finding sanctuary. Dagur's erratic laughter ringing through the air.

"It's a good day to be King." Dagur sighed in content as the one ship sank. "I miss this."

Billowing dark smoke rose to the skies as the ship floundered, the other hunters quickly changing course and returning to port, deciding that what waited for them on shore was far better than this.

We waited a moment, to ensure no one else was coming, before turning about and making our way back to the defenders.

Everyone started to relax a little more the further away we got from the island. All but Eret, who was visibly tense at each creak and groan his ship made. And a certain dragon was not helping the situation as he lept from one ship to the next.

"No! No, no, Toothless, get off of tha—"

The nightfury had hopped onto the one mast, already splintering a crack around the middle. And as he made way to hop onto the deck the mast split, sending the rather heavy beam and a surprised dragon crashing horribly onto the deck, rocking the ship.

Eret collapsed against the rail, stammering incoherently and unable to take his eyes off the sight before him. Toothless fought his way out from under the fallen sail, looked back at it, and sunk unto his belly looking apologetically guilty. He crawled his way over, giving Eret's hand a tentative nudge and tiny lick to say sorry, but came slinking over to Astrid when he got no response. She moved to sit with him on the deck and he curled around her sadly, hoping the trapper wasn't angry with him.

It was truly an accident. Luckily, no one was hurt, but we now had to be towed behind Dagur's ship for the rest of the trip.

The crew had done all they could for the time, taking in the damages and salvaging what they could to reuse and rebuild. I never did like being the center of attention, in a large crowd, but as they had nothing to do but wait, all eyes landed on me.

"Umm," what does one say to a group of viking pirates? "Can I help you?"

"Fo-forgive us for starin' it's just—" Hoark fumbled to find the right words. "Well, it's not always No-Name's stories are true."

"Quite the colorful storyteller, eh?" I found his familiar face off to the side, huffing a little hurtfully.

"I was nearly tossed off the dock for ya's."

" 'cause you kept goin' on about it." Teeny groaned. "Makin' my ears bleed."

"I'm sorry." I shrugged sheepishly. "But thank you for persisting. You helped save my life. I wish there was someway to repay you."

He thought for a moment.

"We'd be square for a grog or two."

"Sounds fair."

"Make it a barrel." Teeny gibed. "Is the only thing that'll get him to shut up about all this."

"If you'd listen to me more—"

"Oh, aye. Like the time you got us to chase a unicorn you'd seen on the coast, only to find a nightmare with a mangled horn and nasty temper."

He was hoping they'd forget about that.

"Burned off all my hair, that did! Berta still laughs at me for bein' so foolish as to listen to you." One man took off his hat to emphasize his point.

"She was already laughing when she first met you!" The crew erupted in guffaws and chortles, each member bringing about a jab at another in hopes of shining the spotlight on someone else. I couldn't help but laugh along with them until the stabbing pain in the ribs cut it short.

"Hey, you okay?" Still held in Hiccup's hands, he set me atop a barrel to check me over.

"Well, honestly, I'm not too sure." His brows furrowed. "I don't think it's too serious, but I can't really tell. I'm sure Haftr cracked a couple ribs yesterday in his death grip, and the fall I took probably broke a few. But there's no new blood from what I can tell. Just a lot of bruising, and sharp pains in my ribs if I strain too much."

"The hunters could still be tailing us, so I'd rather not risk flying at the moment, if it can be helped."

We scanned about the deck. Heather was sitting beside Astrid, ensuring her friend was warm and comfortable. The crew was still swapping stories about each other, but all in good fun. Eret had slumped down onto the deck beside Toothless, absently stroking the dragons head. Toothless took it as a sign of forgiveness, but really Eret was still just trying to process the damage done to his poor ship.

"We're only a few hours off shore of the defenders. Do you think you can hold on until then, when Tofa can tend to you?"

I debated. I don't really want to see that hag again, but my life could possibly depend on it.

"Yeah, I should be able to manage."

So we settled in, trading stories with the others. Eret finally snapping out of his stupor when they brought up one particular night after an impressive sale. They had some coin left over and brought back with them two whole kegs of a fragrant spiced ale from a foreign merchant. They had gone well into the night and couldn't remember half of it come the morning, and came to find their commander face down in the mud, ass to the skies and stark naked. It took a quick dunk in the mid-winter ocean to sober him up.

None of us could quite contain ourselves with that one, Heather snorting the loudest of us all, but Eret was quick to bite back at Hoark for it. About the time the first mate brought back a cart of gronkle eggs thinking they were rocks to build up the forts foundation, only to have them explode on the way. Now it wouldn't have been all that bad, if he hadn't been sitting on most of them. He had to bear his ass for a month in order for it to heal properly and scar over.

This journey was a lot smoother and far more enjoyable than my first ride over to the island, as several side splitting stories later we had arrived. Eret's ship pulled into the shipyard as the shipbuilder helped determine what material they would need. Finding the timber large enough for the mast would be the hardest part, but not impossible.

Tofa was waiting on the shoreline. As if she wasn't unsettling enough, it didn't help ease my nerves that she already knew what had happened. She was surprisingly more gentle this time, still terrible bedside manners but the scrubbing and scrapping was far less abrasive. In the end, I had clean wraps, clean clothes, and was given back my discarded clothing. Which I didn't mind, my feet were warm, and the vest added some padding to my bruising ribs, kind of like a cast.

Fishlegs had gone back to Berk after he was told the plan. Helping to craft the fake len but choosing to stay behind, feeling he would be more help to Skaulder than to stay with the defenders and worry.

We shared one last meal with the defenders, telling them anything useful I found out from my time on the island. Informing the king that someone had it out for him, which didn't suprise him but Mala was more concerned at knowing they were from the ranks. She excused herself afterward to begin an investigation to see if Ravna was familiar to anyone else.

Dagur kept me company while the others did final checks, preparing for the flight home. It's not like there's was much I could do to help, so we shared a drink while we waited.

"It seems I may still have a target on my back. Not everyone is so forgiving." He gave a quick nod in Hiccup's direction. "I'm sorry you got caught in the middle of it all. I think it would be best for you to go with Hiccup back to Berk."

"It's not your fault. I'm not very good at staying put." I gave his wrist a firm pat.

"Ha! At least heal up first before you go anywhere else."

"As his majesty commands." He just grinned, his vibrant green eyes shining as his spirits lifted.

But now it was time to say goodbye.

"You ready to go?"

"Yes."

It was bitter sweet, Dagur carrying me over to Hiccup and Toothless when he saw the preparations were done. Knowing I may not get a chance to see them again. Depending on how this story goes.

"Berk is a far busier place than here, so behave yourself over there."

"Boo, that's no fun." Shaking his head, I was transferred to Hiccups waiting hands, reaching out for him before he could turn away. "One day I will repay you, both of you, for everything you've done for me."

"Well, you can start by regaining your health."

"I can agree to that." Hiccup said.

"Yeah, yeah. I know, I'll do my best, but I can't promise anything."

Hiccup helped me into the saddlebag. It wasn't quite as comfortable, especially without the added furs, but I would survive.

"Farewell, brother. Once things calm down here, we'll have to go over the trade and treaties between the Defenders, the remaining Berserkers, and Berk."

"Just send a Terror mail when you have a time in mind."

Astrid and Heather embraced each other, saying how they'd have to go raiding together again. Eret meandered his way over from the docks, looking rather tired and sullen, Astrid nudging Heather's shoulder and getting a quiet shrug in return.

"I would like to remain here with my crew until the repairs are done." He looked between his chief and respective local leaders. "If that's alright with you, that is?"

"I see no problem with it." Dagur eyed Heather cheekily.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just expecting some biting comment or protest." She rolled her eyes, shaking her head as he continued to pester. "Could it be that my sister has actually grown fond of him?"

"You're such a child." She huffed.

As annoying as he could be, and no matter how many times she wanted to hurt him, she was secretly glad to call Dagur her brother.

Hiccup placed a hand on Eret's shoulders. The trapper hadn't said much, but his concern for his crew since being freed from Drago's hold had been ever present. He couldn't fault him for wanting to stay.

"You know where to find us, should you need anything."

"Aye, Chief."

And that was the last of it. All of our goodbyes said, and we were on our way.

Toothless' take off was a bit more fluid, as opposed to the bulky rumblehorn, but it still gave me a headache.

For as long as I could I watched their figures get smaller and smaller on the beach, until the island itself had merged with the horizon. As exhausted as I was, I was finding it hard to sleep, my heart was racing at the thought of our next destination. The home of the witty and dramatic smithy, to the colorful and bold architecture, to the hordes of dragons and never ending adventures.

I was going to Berk.