Legends of Darkstalkers and Nightriders

Chapter 24: New Discoveries

Emma’s POV

We landed in the clearing and Hiccup slid off Stardancer’s back to lay Sadie face down on the ground. In the light of day, the extent of her wounds was much more obvious and the other riders turned away, blanching at the sight of it.

I crouched beside Sadie. “What do we do now?”

Seth groaned as he slid off Nova’s back. “There's a small cottage near the shore at the bottom of the cliff. An old woman lives there, a healer. If you tell her I sent you she'll help.”

I nodded, mounting Nova again and taking off, flying to the bottom of the cliff.

A small cottage sat in the trees, and an old woman sat outside the door, grinding herbs.

I dismounted Nova. “Excuse me,” I said as I approached her. “My name is Emma. Seth sent me, he said you could help.”

She looked up. “Seth you say? What did he get himself into now?”

“Our friend Sadie was severely beaten and she’s unconscious. Could you help her?” I asked.

“Of course,” she said, getting up and picking up a cane that was leaning against the wall. “Let me get my kit.”

She disappeared inside and returned a few minutes later carrying a large bag.

“Would you be comfortable riding my dragon up to the top of the cliff?” I asked.

“Certainly. I'm too old to walking up and down hills. You might have to help me up though.”

“Of course,” I said, calling Nova over to us and helping the old woman onto her back before mounting in front of her. Nova flew up to the top of the cliff again and landed beside Sadie’s still form.

Seth stepped forward and helped her down. “Thanks for coming, Hildy.”

“Don't mention it,” she said, getting on her knees beside Sadie. “My kit please?”

He handed it to her and she takes out a few things, cutting away what was left of her shirt, before skillfully cleaning and bandaging her. After a few hours Seth helped her up again and she looked at him, taking his chin her hand and turning his head so she could better see his face.

“Looks like you need some attention too,” she said. “Sit.”

He obeyed and she quickly fixed him up as well, binding his torso because of a few cracked ribs.

Seth remained quiet, looking around the clearing in thoughtful silence.

When she finished, I took her back down before returning.

I studied Seth’s face. “You okay?” I asked.

He looked up, as though startled and nodded slowly. “Yeah, I just…….haven't been up here in awhile.”

“What is this place?” I asked gently.

“This…...this was my home. Until Alvin took me from my family, this is where I lived. Our house was over there, all that's left now is that chimney. It burned down to the ground one night, and my family with it.”

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “That’s horrible.”

Blaze frowned. “This is where I found Sadie when you were kidnapped, Emma. She was furious with me and got really upset… She made me promise not to tell you.”

“Why am I not surprised?” I muttered drily.

“You remember what it was yesterday, don't you?” he asked.

“Tuesday?”

“No. August 13th.”

I paused. “Which is Sadie’s annual ‘disappear all day long’ day....”

“This is where she comes,” he said. “And she draws pictures and stuff and she puts it in a chest hidden under the fireplace.”

“Wait,” Seth said suddenly. “Her name is Sadie? And she comes here, every year on August 13th? It doesn't happen to be her birthday too, does it?”

I nodded. “Yes. How did you know?”

“I think……….I think she's my sister.”

I stared at him, taking this in. “What?”

“The only reason Alvin, my uncle, got away with taking me, was because he threatened to kill my baby sister, Sadie. Her birthday was August 13th.”

I stared at him some more before looking at Sadie’s still form. “You thought she was dead,” I said softly.

He nodded. “Alvin told me about the fire. He said they never made it out, but I guess he was wrong.” He studies Sadie's face quietly for a moment. “She looks like our Mom.”

I smiled slightly. “I bet you’ve missed them,” I said quietly.

“Immensely,” he says. “I probably cried for a good two weeks when I learned what happened.” He reached out, brushing a blue strand of hair from Sadie’s face.

“I was really little when my parents died,” I said. “I don’t remember much at all.”

He nodded. “Did she…..did she ever mention me?”

I pursed my lips for a moment. “Sadie doesn’t talk about herself...her past...her family...none of it. She’s very….closed off. Guarded.”

He nodded. “She probably doesn't even remember me. She was only 2 years old when I left.”

I looked over at him. “It was brave of you...sacrificing yourself for her.”

He shrugs. “Didn't feel brave. I just knew I couldn't let them hurt my little Ladybug.”

I smiled slightly. “Well it makes you a good brother. I know because he did the exact same for me.” I nodded at Blaze.

“Really?”

I nodded. “Drago Bludvist kidnapped me when I was little, before I was able to control my powers. When I couldn’t do what he wanted, he was going to kill me. Blaze showed him that he has fire powers and offered to take my place. He was Drago’s prisoner for years.”

“I'm sorry. I wasn't Alvin’s prisoner, but I might as well have been. The way he treated me.”

“Did you ever think about trying to escape?”

“Plenty,” he said nodding. “But I didn't know where I could go. Outcasts aren't exactly well loved.”

I nodded. “That must’ve felt….helpless.”

“I'd say you have no idea, but you probably know exactly what it feels like.”

I smiled slightly. “Probably. No one wants the Darkstalker to stay on their island either.”

He nodded. “It's getting dark, we should get a fire started, get some rest.”

“Shouldn't we keep moving?” Hiccup asked.

He shook his head. “No. We can't move Sadie right now. If you guys want to leave, you're welcome to. Thanks for all your help.”

I turned to Hiccup. “Thank you so much. I couldn't have done it without you.”

He nodded. “When Sadie wakes up, tell her……………….tell her I'm sorry.”

“I will,” I promised.

“Thanks,” he says before mounting Toothless. “Let's go guys.”

The rest of the gang mounted their dragons and flew away.

Blaze gathered wood for a fire and started it with his powers before sitting down next to me. Stardancer lay down beside Sadie’s still form and put a wing over her to keep her warm. Before long we all fell asleep.

Written by: xoxAnnee