Life on the Edge

4.06 Dire Straits

Ragnar remains firm in the belief he's not a pessimist but a realist. As such, he can't say he's entirely surprised when another successful mission to disrupt Viggo's operations is followed by the arrival of worrying- if not outright bad- news the next day.

"And no trade ships have come to Berk in weeks?" Hiccup asks when Stoick finishes explaining the problem.

"And no sign of Johann either," he confirms.

Fishlegs frowns down at the table. "Strange."

"We've sent scouting boats to the Straits of Baldur to investigate, but none have returned," Stoick says gravely.

Ragnar pulls his braid over his shoulder, subconsciously tracing his fingers across the thick strands. "For all it was named for Baldur, that area has always been dangerous," he reminds them. "It's not exactly peaceful."

"Right. That route has been known to be a hotbed for Scauldrons," Fishlegs agrees with a nod.

"Except that the Auxiliary Riders have scouted the area as well and say the seas are empty and quiet."

"That... definitely isn't right," Ragnar murmurs.

Even if the Scauldrons aren't the reason for the disappearing trade ships, they should still be around.

Hiccup leans both hands on the table, brow furrowed as a frown pulls at his lips. "I'm not sure what could be keeping the trade ships away, but something definitely isn't right out there," he says, sharing a look with Ragnar.

The blond nods in understanding. "We'll leave at first light, Chief. See what we can find out ourselves."

Stoick nods back, confident his boys will be able to figure things out.

The sky is still pink and purple with the first rays of dawn when the Riders arrive at the Straits of Baldur. They hover midair, carefully examining the calm water below before Snotlout's impatience wins out.

"Uh, I hate to be the one who points out the obvious," he says, preparing to do exactly that, "but you do realize we're just staring at water, right?"

Hiccup keeps looking through his spyglass. "No sign of any wild dragons or Hunter ships. So, what's keeping these merchants away?"

Astrid urges Stormfly forward and points at the water. "Hiccup, look!"

Below them, a large green dragon- a Scauldron- sticks its long neck out of the water with a roar.

"Adolescent male," Fishlegs identifies. "About two ship lengths. Woo! He's a big boy for sure."

"Big enough to disrupt trade routes," Ragnar adds, "but that's not what's happening."

Astrid purses her lips and leans over to look closer at the dragon. "Are we sure? That could be our culprit."

"Okay. We'll head to Berk and grab some nets. Then it's just a routine Scauldron extraction and relocation," Hiccup decides. "If it is the culprit, that takes care of the problem."

Ragnar nods. "If it's not, that just means it won't become a problem."

"Exactly."

A sudden patch of bubbling water following after the Scauldron catches their attention.

"Wait. Looks like he might have a friend," Astrid says.

Whatever friend he has causes a layer of foul-smelling air to settle over the water and waft up to the Riders.

"Ugh! What is that stink?" Ruffnut asks, both hands covering her nose in a futile attempt to keep it away.

"Henbane?" Hiccup says, glancing over at Ragnar with a smirk.