Without Saying

Chapter 19 - Knives & Dagur

Fog loomed over the dark waters in a gray haze that appeared as if storm clouds had fallen from their place in the sky. Amidst the gray haze one could hear the sound of shouting and metal clashing across the shores of a gloomy excuse for an island. There were mountains, cliffs, and rivers, but most of the green had been replaced by barracks, training arenas, and weapon forges. What was left of the forests were nothing more than charred remains from target practice with the dragons, which never produced the results that he was looking for. Among the buildings that made up this outpost, there was one, a collection of rooms carved into the rock overlooking the outpost, which the other Dragon Hunters openly avoided. Drago Bludvists quarters. It was common practice to avoid them, especially when you could hear yelling or screaming, but even more so when you couldn't. Today it was the latter. It was common knowledge that Drago was on the island but not a sound was coming from it.

"He's still alive."

Drago seethed from his seat behind the desk. And more importantly, he wasn't staying on the Edge anymore!!! How dare that son of a wart hogs backside try to hide from the Drago Bludvist!!! Drago was so angry that he could level a mountain. Even after sending all of those dragons, hunters, and resources to Wingmaiden island all it took was one moment for the Dragon Master to turn all of his efforts around. JUST ONE SECOND!!! He was getting to powerful now, so he had to die! He had too!!! There was no way his plan could succeed with that man around. He would have to kill him if he wanted any chance of being the soul controlling power over the dragons. Now the problem was...how would he draw the Dragon Master out of hiding? There had been other attacks before the Dragon Master came to their aid, what caused him to emerge? Was it the place he attacked? Could it have been more important than the others? An idea suddenly formed, bringing a devilish smile to his face.

"Prepare for war, Dragon Master."

~

We left the nest around dusk, but by the time Berk was in our sights again the sun had been long since down. As we got closer to the island, I could hear the sound of voices calling from the forest.

"Hiccup! Hiccup! Hicuuuuup!"

Torch light flickered throughout the tree as well.

"*They must be search parties looking for you*"

Toothless clicked. This wasn't good! How could I explain being missing for this long?! Not really knowing what to do, I landed with Toothless in the cove and took off into the forest. There wasn't really a plan in mind, but I knew that I couldn't let them search for me any longer or risk them finding the cove and Toothless. I just hoped I could figure out something to explain myself before I got there. Thanks to the constant shouting, I had a rough idea of where the closest group was, but while I was running through the moonlight trees I noticed a cloaked figure off in the distance, moving in a way that suggested that they didn't want to be seen. Was it another bounty hunter?! I stopped running. If it was another bounty hunter, I would have to take care of him quickly. He hadn't seen me yet, so I quickly scaled a large pine with thickly covered branches and waited. The figure drew closer, looking over his shoulder a couple times to make sure the shouting voices weren't getting too close. As soon as he'd passed under my hiding place I dropped to the ground with my dagger drawn, planning to strike him unconscious, but stopped when a very familiar voice said,

"Wait!"

"Dagur!"

I lowered my weapon and sheathed it, while the Berserkian Chief turned to face me.

"What are you doing here?!"

"Su- I mean, Hiccup, I -"

"Hiiiiiccuuuuuup!!!!"