Dark eyes narrowed, searching the rafters of the small study. I encouraged Buck to stay hidden where he was and to not make a sound. We were crouched behind the few dragon carvings that were meant to decorate the beam joints, giving us the perfect cover. Hopefully.
"The mud slide near Sven's broke the ice in the channel, but it hasn't budged, and our few fishing vessels can't— what?" Hiccup looked up curiously at where Eret was staring, unable to see what he saw.
"Nothing, just thought I heard something." They gave one last look over the joints. "Probably just the rats coming out of their holes now that the weather's turning."
"We'll set some Terrors loose after we're done here, to try and weed 'em out. I don't need them using the treaties for nesting." Eret agreed, returning his attention to Hiccup. Peeking over the edge, I saw him mutter something to the Chief, but I couldn't quite make it out.
We stayed still for just a moment longer, making sure we weren't found out.
"We tried using dragon fire, but the ice is pretty thick it hardly made a dent."
"We'll have to break the ice more and force it along the current."
"We'd need some sturdy workers to help with that. I'll see if Gustav wouldn't mind hitching up his Scauldron. Some blasts of scaulding water could be useful."
I was getting a little lightheaded, not fully realizing I was holding my breath that long. But I couldn't risk getting caught. This was our chance to prove ourselves. Astrid thought that my current stature could be useful in the field, for sneaking into war rooms and tents to gather valuable information. A spy of sorts. She thought this was a perfect opportunity to see what we've got and suggested this exercise as a test. Hiccup had several issues regarding the village that needed to be addressed and asked Eret for his council. He also asked not to be disturbed and left Toothless outside the hall with Astrid, charged with watching the dragon.
I was to sneak in, grab something deemed "important," and bring it back to her without being caught. If I could pull it off, she'd include me in future raids, depending on the mission.
The problem was finding the perfect "important thing." Even though they weren't discussing battle plans, I didn't want to take anything that was actually important and piss them off.
Silently, I motioned Buck to move to the next joint. Staying in one place too long was not a good strategy. Not that our entrance did us any favours. We had gotten better at flying together, the landing part still needs a little work.
The maps were way too big. There'd be no way even for Buck to grab one and go unnoticed. The books were too heavy, and trying to pry one off a shelf would end up with us flat on the floor.
Maybe a scroll? No, those are actual political treaties. Definitely do not want to mess with those. Maybe the quill? What importance would a quill have? It could prevent the enemy from sending notes to their sister camps, but not actually important.
There.
On the table, beside the map of the village. Hiccup had a resource list going, adding to it as they thought of more things the village would need. It was a small scrap I could roll up and hold on to easily enough, and it would be something that could be seen as easily missed by them, as they could just make a new list. Yet its position made it the perfect setting as something that would be seen as valuable in any war room.
Urging Buck on, we traversed the beam to its end.
Interesting Terrible Terror fact: they can scale walls. The pads of their feet are similar to salamanders or frogs, giving them a certain grip so they can climb up and down vertical surfaces. However, the grips are not strong enough to hold them in place, if the stopped halfway up a wall, they would fall off.
With this in mind, I mounted the saddle as he began scaling down the wall behind an impressive tapestry that reached all the way to the ground. There was a small crate in front of it, holding the extra "office supplies" of parchment, blank leather books, and the odd writing utensils. It was the perfect extra cover Buck needed once we made it to the floor.
And just in time, too, as the slight metal creak opposite a softer footfall of Hiccup approached. We froze, hidden in the shadows while he searched about the shelves of documents and scrolls. Letting out a silent breath when he found what he was looking for and returned to the table.
They're gunna find me passed out if this keeps up.
Buckshot would be more likely to get spotted, so I advised him to stay hidden in the shadows as I waited for the opportune moment. I would be less likely to be seen, being smaller, but the distance from here to the table could be enough time for them to glance my way. Timing had to be just right.
They turned to go over the map of Berk on the wall behind them and I wasted no time. Booking it across the stone floor, watching their feet to see when they'd move. When I could no longer see their faces from my place on the floor, I knew I was golden. Skidding to a stop just as they turned back around. Bracing myself on the table leg, I hunched over, trying to even my breathing.
"I should have listened to my father more." I could feel my heart break at Hiccup's tone. "The last few years, he tried to teach me little things as they came, but I was so focused on Toothless, and the dragon academy, and exploring beyond the Archipelago, that I-I just–"
"I think he'd be proud." Hiccup sighed, accepting Eret's words. "It never is easy, but the fact that you're facing this head on and not flying off the edge of the earth, shows just the kind of man you turned out to be."
My heart melted at the tender, almost brotherly moment. Making me even more aware that I really shouldn't be here.
"Well, I'm also glad that you're here to help. I know it hasn't been easy for you either, but thank you for sticking around."
"You can be quite persuasive." They chuckled.
Gah, my heart can't take it. I just have to get my target and get out of here before my heart explodes.
The braided etching on the table legs gave me just enough of a hold, so I started climbing. Constantly watching their feet as I went. All while really wishing I had some kind of grappling hook, my hands were sweaty, and my feet were tingling at the odd slip here and there.
They stayed facing the table. So I waited, yet again, for the moment to clamber over the top. Come on, guys. My fingers are cramping, and I don't know if they'll ever straighten again after this! Turn around already! And they listened! As fast as I could, I pulled myself up onto the table top, ducking behind one of the mugs. There wasn't much to hide behind, but their attention was pulled back to the table far too quickly, with Hiccup reaching for the pen to add to the growing list of needed supplies.
My heart stopped when the mug shifted. There wasn't really anywhere to duck behind, last second tucking into the curl of the scroll to my right as Eret took a hefty swig before replacing the mug. With my adrenaline still pumping, I wiggled out of my fox hole and back behind the mug, waiting one more time for them to turn around. The note was just on the other side of the table. I just need a solid two minutes.
"Have you thought of using the Whispering Death tunnels to Berk's advantage?"
"No."
Could this be it? My lucky break? They turned once more to look at the wall map.
Yes, this is it!
I scurried over to my target, hoping the ink was dry enough. Ink was not easy to come by and therefore not cheap. Even if it was just a list of supplies as a "note to self," I still didn't want to risk them getting upset with me if I ended up smudging it.
"If we were to dig a sort of trench along the high activity areas for floods and landslides, and drain them into the tunnels, we could essentially divert the waters and debris back out to sea and avoid potential losses."
"That could work. We'd need to map out the tunnels and pinpoint their openings before we start digging. I'll add that to the list."
Why can't you just make mental notes!
I'm out of time, I'll just have to risk it. With the paper rolled as tight as I could make it, I hoisted it as best I could and started running to the tables edge. Only to be met by a firm hand blocking my path, nearly knocking me on my butt as I ran face first into it.
"And, uh, just what do you think you're doing?" Hiccup asked knowingly. A slight hint of annoyance in his tone, but they both looked more amused than upset.
I can still get out of this. I've got one last card up my sleeve.
"Nothing you need to worry about." I gave a sharp whistle for Buckshot as I dodged their attempts to grab me, but a Nightfury answered the call instead.
Not good.
That is not my card!
Buckshot got to me just in time, perching up in the rafters as Toothless came bounding into the room, knocking over the table, spiling the valuable ink all over the floor.
Now, they were annoyed.
"Time to go." I urged Buck out the open doors while Toothless struggled to turn about in the small room. And as much as Toothless was to blame, the two young men were chasing after me, and not in a good way. We flew out of the room and banked out the main doors into the open air.
Being smaller has its advantages. For instance, Buck and I can corner well.
Four grown adults weighing in between 120-220 pounds, not so much.
Hiccup and Eret ended up colliding with Astrid and Heather, the young women looking frantic before being knocked to the ground.
Buck and I perched high on Stoic's statue, grimacing as the group groaned pain and irritation.
"I thought I asked you to keep Toothless outside?"
"Yeah, I know, that was my fault. I got distracted when Heather showed up and started talking about a possible hunter camp not too far off." Astrid picked herself up, sheepishly helping Hiccup to his feet.
"Can you get off me, please?" Eret asked Heather.
"With pleasure." Her position was not great. Eret yelped and curled into himself as she apologized profusely. "That was an accident! I'm sorry."
"You okay?" I called down timidly.
"Never better." He hissed. Slowly sitting upright with his legs crossed, breathing deeply.
"None of this was supposed to happen, by the way." Astrid said. "We just wanted to see if Millie's stealth skills were up to par. So I thought she should try to sneak in and out with something "valuable" as a test."
"We kind of had a feeling." Hiccup massaged his forehead. "Your stealth could use a bit of work. What'd you take?"
"Just the list you were making." Buck swooped down to sit on the unlit brazier, Hiccup taking the list back when I showed it to him. "I should really get some parchment and coal for myself so I can just take note of things. Probably less likely to get caught."
"Probably." Eret groaned, stiffly getting on his feet. "We noticed you up in the rafters. If Buck can't control his tail, you may want to consider having it docked." Buckshot hissed at him. "Ducking into the scroll was quick thinking, but that could have gone poorly. You could have been revealed had we used it, or we could have tossed it into the fire."
"Fair point. Hey, wait! Were you guys just toying with me?" His grin said it all. They knew where I was almost every step of the way. Damn it, I hate these stupid cat and mouse games, I'm not good at them.
"Well, it can always be improved upon. Why don't we try a real mission?"
"Oh no, no, no, you can't just leave–"
"We won't be gone long." Astrid slowly backed away from the group. The scowl on Hiccup's face made him look so much like his father it was scary. "Heather just saw some suspicious activity on her way here, so we'll go check it out."
"Astrid." He warned.
"One less thing for you to stress about. We'll be back with a report by sunset." Astrid quickly hopped on Stormfly's back, spurring the dragon to the skies.
"Astrid! Get back here!"
"Go. Just go. Follow her." Heather whispered harshly to me. Neither of us really wanting to add more fuel to this fire and went chasing after the general.
Fishlegs happened the be passing by when the dragons flew past him. Giving a brief and confused wave when Heather called out to him as we soared past. He was about to ask what was going on but thought better of it at seeing the look etched on Hiccup's face.
Toothless slunk back out of the hall, stopping guiltily beside his rider, tentatively nudging his hand.
"Fishlegs, would you mind keeping an eye on Toothless for me while I sort out this mess?"
"Sure thing, Chief." It had been a few months now, but the title still sounded strange to Hiccup. But he was slowly getting used to it.
Toothless gave Hiccup an apologetic coo before sulkily following after Fishlegs, leaving an inky trail behind him. Hiccup breathed deeply, massaging the bridge of his nose. The hall seemed almost daunting, at having an idea as to what was waiting for them inside.
"We'd better get this sorted before the ink dries." Eret took the first steps, with Hiccup trudging behind him.
"I'm afraid to even look."
Astrid had gained a fair distance in the short time it took for the other two women to catch up with her. And she showed no signs of slowing.
"I think we're clear, Astrid. He's not following us. No one is." The only thing behind us were a few birds.
"You don't know him like I do." She didn't even turn around to look. "Just a few more miles, to be sure."
We did as we were told, soaring above the few sparse clouds, making odd turns and dives, until she was satisfied that no one really was coming after her. She finally relaxed, slumping forwards in her saddle with a groan of frustration.
Heather and I could help ourselves, bursting into laughter. It was hard to imagine her getting intimidated, least of all by Hiccup.
As she was one Hiccup could confide in, she knew better than anyone how stressed he was. The last thing she wanted was to add to it. And unfortunately, taking her eyes off the Nightfury for one second almost tipped the scales.
"Did you see his face? I don't think you'll get out of this one that easily, Astrid." Heather chortled at her friends expense. "So what was so important that they needed a dragon sitter?"
"This spring has brought forth a few dozen problems that Hiccup, as Chief, is trying to sort out." Astrid spoke into Stormfly's neck before sitting upright. "He's been stressing over it. Putting pressure on himself to be just like Stoic, think like Stoic, act like Stoic. He finally caved and asked Eret for some help with a few of the more majoring issues."
"No doubt after you told him to, right?"
"I can see you still haven't warmed up to him much." Heather simply scoffed at the comment. "Eret has great leadership skills. Hiccup looks up to him in that aspect."
"I suppose."
"You suppose?" I pressed.
"The men that follow him seem to heed his orders, from what I could tell."
We looked at her curiously.
"I may have kept tabs on him while he and his band of misfits were at the shipyard." She justified, not really appreciating the teasing look we gave her. "They used to work for the warlords! Excuse me for wanting to make sure my home wasn't about to be raided in the middle of the night!" We shook our heads.
"So," Astrid changed the subject, "where did you notice the camp?"
"A few miles off the Defender's coast."
"And you came all the way to tell us about it?"
"Well, since you guys were dealing with another lens I thought you'd want to know how close the hunters were."
"Why not tell Dagur and Mala that the hunters are close to their boarders?"
"They were a bit...busy." Astrid and I looked at each other, noticing the blush creep across Heather's cheeks.
"Seriously?" Her whole face turned red. I tried hard not to burst out laughing in her face. The poor girl. Soundproofing isn't really a thing yet, but at least you've got a warning so you don't walk in on something you shouldn't.
"I told Throk about it and said to inform them when we're less.. occupied, and that I would be informing you about it. Getting off the island was an added bonus. "
"I'll bet."
We flew a bit further, chatting about the simple things of everyday life. Telling Heather all about my adventures on Berk. She shared Astrid's distaste in the twins prank, saying how Outcast Island may not be harsh enough for those two.
Time passed quickly, Heather informing us the island was just up ahead and what she saw last. At this point they could have either moved on or grown in numbers.
"There were only two small ships in the shallows, but they looked very similar to the ones that attacked us."
"What's the terrain like?" Astrid's mind turning with strategies.
"Pretty barren. A few sturdy and tall rock formations that could offer some cover, but the island is pretty small. They'd probably see us coming if they're looking."
We could make out a set of masts as the island came into view. As we got closer we could tell they were on the opposite side, the rocks hidding most of the ships body, so we could have a small chance of surprise on our side, but best not to bank on it.
Astrid and Heather were thinking up plans of attack and how I would play into them. Mostly that I would stay out of sight so I could sneak around. Or if something goes wrong, then I could fly back to Berk for help.
Buck tensed, looking every which way suspiciously.
"What?" I looked around to see if it could spot anything. I learned well enough from last time to trust his instincts.
Before either of us knew it, a shrill shriek sounded from below. Another Terrible Terror came speeding from out of nowhere, claws bared and grappling onto Buck, sending us spiralling downwards.
I had nothing on me to deter the beast. The only thing I had was a metal shaving I had found on the floor of the blacksmith shop. It worked well enough as a dull knife to cut through simple things like thread and grass, but it would do nothing against dragon scales.
No help was coming, either. Above the shrieks and cries from the two Terrors, there were shouts from the island to fire and commands from the riders to counter. Astrid and Heather trying to avoid the oncoming onslaught of nets and bolts. And it wasn't going well. Last I saw as we continued tumbling downwards was Windshear getting shot with a bolt and Heather falling from the saddle.
Buck was doing his best to keep the other dragon at bay and keep me safe, but the fight was brutal. This Terror was stronger and far more seasoned. Buck's left wing got hooked, a gnarly ripping sound echoed in my ears as he shrieked, crashing into the sands.
I had to undo the tether, if only so Buck didn't have to worry about me as he fought back. I managed to get it undone, scuttling backward, only to be encased in a small coin pouch.
I was tossed about before being handed off to someone else. The fight outside continued, and I could tell we were losing. There were calls to secure the dragons, the clashing of blades, and the pained cries of Buckshot that hit me like a punch in the gut.
It was over as quickly as it began. The sounds of battle diminishing, replaced with struggling protests and curses that did nothing. A sharp and all too familiar whistle rang through the air, and I knew it was over.
The pouch was opened to a set of familiar blue eyes, before I was unceremoniously dumped into a small cage. Haftr securing the door firmly behind me.
"How wonderful to see you again, little bird." Harald said somewhere off to my left. "You seem to be doing far better than last we met."
I ignored him, taking in the scene before me. The larger dragons semi unconscious, being tied and chained before getting dragged off towards a set of cages. Leopold heeding his masters call, leaving Buckshot to pant and whine while laying in his own blood. Heather and Astrid being bound like hostages while Haftr carefully, yet forcefully, removed Astrid's headband before passing it off to Harald.
"Make sure 'e gets the massage."
"He will." Harald wrapped the headband around Leopold's leg, the dragon itching in excitement. "We wouldn't want Hiccup to miss all the fun, would we, Leopold?" The dragon chirruped enthusiastically as he took off to the skies.
"Bring the others." Haftr called. His men obliging the orders, disappearing behind the towering rocks.
"Ræfill!" Heather spat. She and Astrid were both gagged before either could hurl more insults. The two axe-maidens tried hard to fight them off, but they were both heavily out-manned it was no use.
It didn't seem to stop Dagur from fighting as they dragged him around the corner. Kicking and bucking like a wild horse at the sight of his sister taken prisoner. A few more men were needed to get him under their control, despite him also being bound, as they continued to bring him towards the group. Mala was close behind him. Sporting a black eye, but walking as tall as ever.
"You white-bellied kút!" Dagur ground out.
Ravna gave a solid blow to his head. She was certainly stronger than she looked, the hit made Dagur so unfocused that the men had to hold his head up.
"Is this it, then?" Ravna asked rather tiredly.
"Not quite. Leopold has just gone to fetch the straggler." Ravna was not overly impressed, sighing as she went off to examine Buckshot. She nudged him with her boot, his yelp breaking my heart.
"Don't touch him!" I cried. She turned back, seemingly surprised that I was here. She was about to do it again when Haftr called her off.
"Leave it be." Haftr ordered.
"Why should I?" She mocked. Haftr matched her glare with a firm stance.
" 'Cause I said so." He made a motion that the men holding Dagur followed, letting him fall flat in the sand. Still too stunned to really move, but recovering quickly. Ravna reluctantly obliged his order. Knowing that she couldn't take Dagur on one-on-one, she needed their help. The men took a firm hold of the Beserker once again as Ravna grumbled to herself.
"Well, let's hope he gets here soon." She sat herself atop an empty cage, picking at her fingers.
"He has yet to disappoint, my dear." Harald said. "Once he arrives, we shall show him the same courtesy as we showed his general. And then we can move forward on our agreements."
Their agreements.
Harald was to help Haftr get the lens, while Haftr helped Ravna get revenge, while Ravna was supposed to help Harald get a hold on Hiccup. Everything clicked, and the realization hitting me like a truck.
"You let me go." Haftr must have known he'd need the Eye to decipher the lens, and the only one who could make it work was Hiccup. No doubt Harald informed him of that. He took the lock to make it easier for my escape, be it my doing or theirs. He wanted something like this to happen. He needed this to happen.
It was like Holmes versus Moriarty, except I'm more like the landlady of another apartment building.
"As I said, nothin' personal, little bird." And he meant it. I could see it in his eyes. It was strictly business.
"Nothing personal." I breathed.
"Nightfury incoming!" The hunters called.
"There's more than one!"
"Bring out the heavy artillery! There's a rumblehorn with 'em!'
We all turned to look. Spotting on the horizon, and coming in fast, two dragons with their riders.
Joffen looked to Hafter, waiting eagerly, and once he got the go-ahead he giddily gave the orders.
"FIRE!"
"BRING 'EM DOWN!"
We watched tensely. Hiccup and Eret struggling against the assault. Firing a few blasts where they could all while trying not to hit us.
Nothing personal.
The bolts kept flying.
One hit in Skullcrusher.
Then another.
Eret's sword drawn as they slowly fell from the skies. Swiftly getting on the defensive when his feet touched ground, but he was outnumbered.
Nothing personal.
Toothless blasted several of the nets.
But they were only distractions.
Joffen came from behind them and fired a single bolt. He hit Toothless right in his side, just missing Hiccup's false foot.
He couldn't fight off the effects, try as he might. Whatever the bolts were laced with was too strong.
Nothing personal.
The second they crashed they were surrounded. The hunters pulling Hiccup from the saddle to bind both rider and dragon. Draging the Nightfury into a cage as they brought Hiccup and Eret to join the rest of us. Ravna's mood changing slightly now that everyone was accounted for, taking a bit more interest. Especially in the two young men. Looking them over with her gaze lingering on Eret, her lips twitching in a pleased smirk.
"I told you he'd come." Harald crowed. "You never fail to disappoint."
"Well, how could I live with myself knowing I let you down." Hiccup quipped bitterly, not missing a beat.
Haftr cut Harald off before he could retort, not a big fan of the foreplay. He looked Hiccup right in the eyes, studying his face.
"What's on the lens?"
"Nothing. The lens was fractured. It showed us nothing."
I winced. I could almost feel the sting left by Haftr's backhand, sounding like the crack of a whip on impact. A small cut gracing the center of the growing red mark of Hiccup's cheek. He hissed and breathed shakily, trying to ride out the pain, spitting a small bit of blood into the sands.
"Come now, Hiccup, do you really take us for fools?" Harald vext. "We know the lens works. We had a man on the inside."
Heather glared daggers at Eret. But when Joffen took a bow, her look shifted to him in horror. For someone like him to gain access to Berk and go unnoticed was terrifying.
"I will say, you've done a fine job as Chief, boy. I truly believe in you." Joffen teased. "Though you may want to train up your guard dogs a bit more. Anyone could sneak up on you."
"Obviously, your rat isn't as good as he boasts." Dagur spit, still a bit dazed but coming around. "If he's so great, he would already know what's on the lens."
"He wouldn't have been able to get close enough." Hiccup groaned. "The dragons wouldn't have let him."
"Indeed." Joffen affirmed. "But I was always with you, boy. From the day you returned home to play your part. Your father's boots awfully hard to fill. We've all been there. But you did well, finding all the necessary bits to rebuild your device all while maintaining a village. Your father'd be proud." Hiccup tried to retreat when Joffen pat him on the head, only for his handlers to grip him harder.
Joffen turned his beady eyes on me. There was no hiding my fear as he got closer, to crouch down and look me head on.
"You are much stronger than you look, little birdie. A small but determined little spit-fire of a Spörr, aren't you?" He chirped. "I can see why they took a liking to you. As have I." I scuttled back until I hit the bars as he tried to reach his fingers through to me. Taking my knife and stabbing it into the closest finger. He winced, his hand retreating, looking at his finger in amusement. "You are full of surprises." He examined the metal sliver briefly before flicking it away and turning his attention to Eret.
"What wasn't surprising was when you returned. You could have gone back home. But I understand. The call of your pretty little birdie is a hard one to ignore." Joffen gripped Eret's chin, laughing manically when he broke Joffen's hold. It took another sturdy hunter to hold Eret under control as he tried to break free.
"So you see, Hiccup? We already know you got the lens to work. And we know you've seen its image." Hiccup only sneered at Harald in response.
Haftr gave a silent order that the men followed. Their grips tightened, one by one pulling out a blade to hold at the women's throats. Leopold pounced at my cage, sending off a warning shot that barely missed my head.
Nothing personal.
"Come now, Hiccup. Be reasonable." Harald tried once more. He could see that Hiccup was weighing his options. A heavy sigh from Harald was all Joffen needed. What he did next made my blood run cold.
Within the blink of an eye he grabbed Astrid by the throat, slamming her to ground, pinning her down as she writhed beneath him.
Hiccup cried out as he and the others fought against their captors, to no avail. He was beat down, face in the sand, forced to watch.
"VANAHEIM!" He screamed. "VANAHEIM! IT LEADS TO VANAHEIM!"
With a sharp whistle from Haftr and Joffen released like the trained dog he was. Astrid choking on the air she was trying to regain, with the gag still in her way.
Nothing personal.
"Load 'em on the boats. We're 'eaded to Vanaheim." Hiccup was lifted unto his feet, forced to look at Haftr. "An' you're leading us in."
"Right. All the dragons get loaded onto my ship, as well as these two." Ravna motioned to Mala and Heather. "The rest go with Haftr. Let's go!" The orders were carried out with much protest from the prisoners.
"Get your hands off them!" Dagur cussed as he was being led away. "When I get my hands on you, I'm gunna castrate you all! I'll brake open your ribs and turn you into blood eagles! Everyone single one of you tíkarsyni—" he was hit with the pommel of a sword, his head falling limp and he was carried off to the boats.
Buck croaked, spitting out a small spark, trying with all his might to get up and fight, but he couldn't. Tears streamed down my cheeks as he looked to me desperately.
"It's okay, Buck. It's okay. I'm so proud of you." He chirped weakly. "I'm sorry, bud. I'm so sorry." I couldn't do anything for him. For any of them. I could only watch as they were taken away.
I was still trying to process everything that happened that I didn't notice my cage was opened. Haftr reached in, gently rubbing my side with his knuckles, gaining my attention. Although I preferred him to his dog, Joffen, I wasn't about to make it easy for him. I hugged the nearest iron bar.
"Come on, little bird."
Even if it had the strength, I couldn't stop him. His fingers wrapped firmly around my torso, giving a small tug as I let go of the bar to be redeposited into the coin pouch that he tied off on his belt. Kept close enough that I hardly noticed gait of his strides as he went on his way.
Bucks pained calls getting more desperate the further away we got.
"Forgive me, Buck." I chocked, letting my tears flow freely.
"We found this on the boy." I could make out Joffen's nasally voice above the clamour of the hunters loading the ships. "He's got the whole Archipelago mapped out with all its secrets. And has rough a copied image from the lens. It hasn't been fully translated, it seems. Some words are noted as an unknown language. I think it could be a rouse. He must know more than he's letting on."
" 'E's telling the truth." Haftr affirmed. "Just in pieces. We'll get more as we go. Make sure they're secured, but leave 'em be for now."
"Of course."
There came the creaking of wood as he made his way up to the main deck of his ship. The rustling and trudging of the men hard at work, preparing to set sail.
"Where's Millie?" Hiccup croaked. "What did you do with her?"
Haftr gave my prison a few light pats.
"Don't you worry about 'er."
"If anything happens to her-hngh" Haftr delivered Eret a firm blow, and he hit the deck with a solid thud. Haftr bent low, ensuring Eret got the message.
"That depends on you, boy. Mind yourself, an' she'll be fine." He roughly released his hold to address the first mate.
"Set sail."
"Yes, sir. RAISE ANCHOR AND SHOVE OFF, LADS!" The man called, a chorus of "aye's, " following the command. Haftr turning his attention over to Hiccup.
"Lead us in, Chief."