Left In The Night

Chapter 49

Three days later, Gustav, Fanghook, and Spitelout came clamoring to Hiccup's current residence, announcing that they had seen the sails of Defenders of the Wing and the Berserkers approaching the Edge. Hiccup thanked the A-Team for the information, and he was already anticipating that the Outcasts and a couple of other tribes would likely be coming soon.

Zyrah, Konall, and Rurik were at the training ring, teaching a small group of kids on proper sword fighting etiquette when the trio were called to the Clubhouse for a huge meeting.

"What's going on?"

"Two of Berk's allies just showed up, Hiccup needs you three there now!" Spitelout informed them.

The trio hurriedly made their way to the Clubhouse where there was already a crowd growing, and the group had to shove their way through, ignoring the gossip and chatter as people were somehow excited about some of the best leaders in the Archipelago coming together.

Inside, Hiccup was attempting to quiet the crowd so everyone could hear themselves and each other speak, and as he sat down in his chair, Zyrah, Konall, and Rurik finally made it to the council.

"Zyrah! Konall, and Rurik, right on time." Zyrah's attention was immediately grabbed by the tall woman a few feet away from Hiccup, dressed in formal black and gold armor, which did little to hide the growing baby bump. Her hair was blonde and cropped short, just barely reaching her ears, and she fashioned a buzzcut underneath, where an angular pattern was shaved in. Next to her was a beefy redhead, with wild hair and a mess of a beard, various scars patterning his face. The look in his green eyes was as wild as his hair, but not of a malevolent nature. He bore similar armor to the blonde woman but also had a large Skrill decorating his chest plate.

And next to the redhead man was a woman who shared the same green eyes as him. She wore silver armor, which Zyrah recognized was not metal, but appeared to be fashioned of dragon scales. Her black hair was long and hung down her back in a braid, with a few pieces of silver jewelry scattered about. On her back was a large ax, which also seemed to be made of the same material as her armor. She was fierce and carried an intimidating presence, but also a level of kind... sternness about her as well.

"Zyrah, I'd like to you meet Queen Mala, leader of Defenders of the Wing," Hiccup began, gesturing to the blonde; Mala, and then to black-garbed individuals standing behind her, half their faces covered. "And this is Dagur the Deranged, Mala's husband and chief of the Berserker Tribe." Ohhh so that was the guy that tried to murder Hiccup numerous times. What... a redemption arc, Zyrah thought.

With a small smile, she shook Mala and Dagger's hands, surprised by the grip of Dagur.

"...Nice to meet you, heard a lot about you." She said.

"Oh, I'm quite sure my beloved little brother has happily indulged you in our various adventures, eh, Hiccup?" Dagur grinned, pulling Hiccup into a headlock, playfully rubbing his hair.

"Yeah, yeah," Hiccup groaned, freeing himself from Dagur's grip, "Anyway, and this is Heather the Unhinged, Dagur's sister, and second-in-command of the Berserkers. Heather, Dagur, and Mala, this is Zyrah, Konall, and Rurik. The three of them have become part of our fight against the trappers and hunters that still haunt the sea and skies for our dragons."

"I see. And what exactly do they offer us in this war?" Mala questioned, clasping her hands behind her back, watching the teenager closely. Zyrah felt the piercing gaze of the queen on her as she knew she was being studied, and who was she to tell this stranger no?

"Well, Zyrah? How about you show our guests?" Hiccup said. With a quick nod, Zyrah whistled for Blueheart and subsequently, Nightfire. A roar echoed overhead, garnering shocked expressions from the guests of honor. The Berkians stepped aside, allowing the female Night Fury to join her rider's side.