The Dragon Quest; by KaliAnn

4. Changing Seasons

By KaliAnn

The questers had enjoyed a few days of peace and quiet after their adventures so far. The group had explored a few other islands without incidents. They had picked up more trinkets to take back to Berk. The map was coming along nicely as their understanding of their home and all its inhabitants was increased as they journeyed further into the archipelago. They hadn't uncovered anymore clues to the missing Nightfury pack. Toothless was beginning to wonder if they would ever find his missing family. Hiccup told him to keep his chin up and that they wouldn't give up until they found the Nightfury.

The group had stumbled across another island deciding to take a break. They hadn't seen or felt any danger, but that didn't mean they weren't keeping their guard up in case of danger. They had enough of being ambushed by dragons all the time. So while the dragons took the time to sunbath and the humans played tagged Ula kept watch. Something about the island was making her nervous, but she couldn't quite place her hand on it.

"Ula, come join us! We're having a lot of fun playing in the sun," Nissa pleaded with her Honor Guard.

"Nissa, I will relax when I feel that everything is under control. There is something going on here and I can't figure it out. I have a very uneasy feeling."

"Ula, I understand that we've come across a lot of dangers while on this quest yet were fine. Whatever dangers are out there I'm certain we can handle it no problem. Please, try to enjoy yourself at some point on this journey. Its not often we get to go on vacation."

"This isn't a vacation Princess!"

"I know that!"

"Hey are you two done arguing yet? We were wondering if you wanted to join us for lunch," Hiccup asked as he tried to defuse the tension between the two Daypeaces. "I know that your feeling really uneasy Ula, but Nissa is right. You need to relax at some point. Whatever is on this island we'll meet it with the usual confidence and gusto of a Viking tribe."

"Hiccup's right you know. You need to try and relax even if its for a little bit. If your on your guard all the time you'll burn out," Fishlegs reminded her gently. The others agreed and Ula conceded defeat as she settled down for an afternoon of peace and quite.

The group enjoyed their afternoon eating a hearty lunch and playing with one another. They listened as Nissa sang songs from her home and the kids even joined in for some dancing with one another. The dragons showed off their aerial tricks and even had a few friendly spars to see who was the best. Finally tuckered out the group settled down for a nice long refreshing nap.

As the group napped they were unaware of a few guests who had been observing them the entire time, two groups actually, both blissfully unaware of the others presence were deciding if it was safe enough to come out and get a closer look. Each group was hesitant to come out of hiding. Just because they couldn't see each didn't mean they weren't there.

Eventually the the first group decided to make a stealthy approach. The air seemed to shimmer as two large bodies detached themselves from their hiding places. They crawled across the ground careful not to disturb the slumbering humans. The dragons twitched clawing out in their sleep, but didn't wake. The two bodies were sniffing around searching for some food when they froze. Loud footfalls could be heard approaching the group and they sounded menacing. Turning around the shapes saw the approaching danger taking off into the air as clubs were thrown at them.

The noise awoke the questers as they tried to quickly figure out what was going on. Astrid and Snotlout went for their weapons only to be clubbed in the back of their heads. The Twins tried to tackle their attackers only to be shoved into the ground. Fishlegs ran for Meatlug ending up tripping over some rocks. Hiccup, Nissa, and Ula got ready to defend themselves only to be blinded by a dust storm. They were quickly tied up unable to escape. They could hear the dragons trying to help them only for the two indistinguishable shapes to fly down dragging the dragons off in the opposite direction as the others were hauled away like the captives they were.