Haley and the Dragon Riders

Newfound Enemies

Tears streamed down my face as I landed outside Viggo's tent. He was in a meeting with some of his grunts when I barged in.

"Haley, what is the meaning of this?" He asked rather annoyedly.

"Leave us!" I commanded, and all the grunts reluctantly left the tent.

"What are you doing here? What's wrong?" His expression softened as he realized I was crying.

"You have to get out of here. Right now. You need to go!" I cried.

"What are you talking about? Haley, look at me, take a deep breath, and calm yourself." I did as instructed and took a deep breath. Once I was calm enough, I began explaining.

"Last night when I came to you, I had River with me, but I didn't want her to spoil the surprise of me sneaking into your tent, so I sent her to the woods. When I found her this morning, she had some kind of plant or berry juice around her mouth. I didn't know it at the time, but that was Nightshade. Viggo…" As I talked, he slowly began understanding my panicked state.
"The poison.. it made her crazy.. aggressive.. she attacked someone.. killed them.. now Hiccup blames you! He thinks you're behind this because Nightshade only grows on your islands. Viggo.. Hiccup is coming here to kill you. Not capture. Not free dragons. Kill you!"

"My dear Haley, come here." He walked closer and opened his arms, inviting me into a hug. I held him tightly as I cried into his shoulder.
"I promise you, whatever Hiccup thinks of, I can manage. I'm a survivor. No matter what he does, I'll be alright."

"Viggo…" I sniffled as I lightly pushed him away, leaving the embrace.
"I know you can take care of yourself. I fear what they'll do to River. She didn't just murder anyone. She attacked Hiccup's dad and killed his mom. She was eating his mother's insides in the middle of everyone.."

"Darling, whatever happens to your dragon, I will keep you safe." He held my hands in a tight, protective grip. I smiled and dried my eyes.

"Thanks, but I have to go. I need to go save her. Take care, Viggo." I ran out of his tent as suddenly as I had barged in and set off towards Berk again.

I wasn't sure what I'd do once I got there, but I knew I had to do something to stop Stoick and get River out of there.

The entire flight back my mind was torn. Part of me wanted to go back and help Viggo. Another part wanted to save River, and another part just wanted to run away from everyone. Despite feeling torn, I had to make a choice, and I knew what it was gonna be.
Viggo could take care of himself. He’d done it long before I arrived, so he’ll be alright without my help for now.
River, on the other hand, has always had me by her side. I can’t leave her now.

I landed back on Berk and Stoick immediately had me brought to the Great Hall.

“You’ve got guts, showing your face here again.” Stoick noted as I was thrown at his feet.

“Stoick, please. Just give me River. I’ll take her away from here. You’ll never see her again, I promise.” If at all possible, I wanted to end this conflict without any more bloodshed.

“It’s a little late for that. Your dragon brought this on itself.” He grunted and walked past me.

“Hold it! Stoick, tell me where she is, right now. You do not want me as an enemy.” I threatened, and he scoffed in response.

“I’m not afraid of you.” He answered.

“Fear has nothing to do with it, but if you hurt a single scale on her, I will end you."

“Very well. You’ve chosen your side.” He grabbed my arm and dragged me with him. I got dragged to Gobber’s Smithy, where he was hard at work.
“Gobber!”