The Great Beyond

Chapter 44: Saving Shattermaster (Reign)

              Whatever words were spoken at that moment, I hadn't registered them. I just couldn't bring my focus down into reality today. The Defenders of the Wing had summoned us to their island, speaking of some hooded stranger that saved Mala and Throk from Dragon Hunters, and their description of his voice was just a little too familiar. Though Hiccup hadn't asked yet—and I knew that conversation was coming—I could tell he at least had an inkling of what was going on in my head. The past couple of days, I'd had this weird feeling about Dagur. We'd never gotten any sort of complete confirmation that he'd died; he just never came back out from that fight. Any number of things could have happened in that time. Astrid and Hiccup were really the only two people I could talk to this about, because although Heather didn't become murderous at the mention of our brother, she still wasn't completely okay with the thought that he was a person that had existed, and could possibly still exist, at any point in time.

"So, this hooded stranger, he risked his own life to save yours?" Hiccup inquired, snapping me back to reality for the time being.

"If it weren't for him, who knows what would've happened?" Mala had the smallest hint of a smile on her face.

"And you've bought weapons on this island before?" Hopefully, that would make it seem like I'd been involved in this conversation the whole time. Mala started to move along the shoreline of her island, prompting Hiccup and I to follow.

"Yes, for many years," Mala confirmed.

"It never used to be like that. That island was always a peaceful place to trade." I stopped and turned myself around, facing my sister. I'd forgotten she'd gone to the Northern Markets many times with the Hunters. Not exactly the best circumstances for her to be there, but at least she was proving that knowledge was ultimately helpful.

My curiosity was getting the better of me the longer I stood there, allowing my thoughts to ruminate. I just couldn't stay here and wait for answers. We already would need to go and check on the situation in the markets, but I had to be the one to do it. Of course, I didn't want to go alone, and if my theory was going to pan out, there was only one person I wanted there with me.

"Heather, we should go see what those Hunters are up to," I suggested, keeping my eyes fixed on my younger sister. "Thank you for filling us in, Mala. It was good that you sent for us."

"Actually, I summoned you for another reason completely."

Hiccup had just opened his mouth to ask what that was, when the bushes rustled, and from them burst the twins, panting with excited smiles on their faces.

"Guys, you're not going to believe us," Tuffnut gasped. "Hiya, Queenie. Looking good. Black is definitely working for you." Mala's expression twisted into a slight frown.

"This may be the greatest day ever," Ruff laughed, practically jumping with joy.

"No, it is the greatest day ever," her brother corrected. "Except for the first time I wrestled a boar. Whoa! That was spectacular, or the second time I wrestled a boar." They just kept on rambling, holding whatever information they had within them.

"All right, out with it," Astrid prodded, stepping up close to the twins to intimidate them.

"Easy, A." She growled as Tuffnut stuck his hand out in front of her. "This is too good to just blurt out." He took a deep breath, building the suspense. "The village is setting up some big, crazy-looking to-do." That answered absolutely nothing.