Heart of a Berserker: Trust (School of Dragons)

Chapter 4

A/N: This is Bolt. ^_^

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"Each person, with his or her history of being accepted or rejected, with his or her past history of inner pain and difficulties in relationships, is different. But in each one there is a yearning for communion and belonging, but at the same time a fear of it. Love is what we most want, yet it is what we fear the most." - Jean Vanier

Chapter 4

I flew directly to the school in search of the headmaster. Instead, I found Chief Stoick talking to Heather outside of the lab. I stumbled off Bolt as soon as he landed, gasping for breath. The Vikings stopped their conversation to give me curious looks.

"Is everything alright, lassie?" Stoick said.

I shook my head. "I just got back from Icestorm Island, and I saw dozens of Berserker ships headed towards it! Hiccup is evacuating everyone and asked me to give the warning here."

Stoick frowned. "This is distressing news."

"How can we believe her?" said a random student who happened to pass by. "She is a Berserker." Several other Vikings nodded their agreement.

My heart pounded. This was exactly what I feared. "What would I gain from warning you about an attack?"

The boy shrugged. "I don't know, I'm not a Berserker."

"My dragon is in more danger than any other. They would kidnap him if they saw him!"

"Or ask you to lead the charge."

"This is ridiculous," Heather said. "Brennda has been with us for a year and a half, and she has never shown any signs of disloyalty. We have to believe her."

"I agree," Stoick said. "If Hiccup trusts her, then so do I." He nodded at me. "I will send someone to sound the alarm. Thank you for your warning. We should all meet at the Great Hall at Berk."

Relief flooded through my chest. They believed me. They actually believed me. "Y-yes. Thank you, sir." I returned to Bolt, and the two of us started for Berk. It did not take long until I heard the alarm horn blaring. Everyone at the school and in Berk would hear it.

I hovered in the air as I watched Vikings rush into the Great Hall. Soon, the students from Icestorm Island arrived, led by Hiccup. I waited until they were all safe inside and then swooped down to the Great Hall. Stoick stood near the door.

"Brennda," he said, "Hiccup told me the details of your escape from Icestorm Island. You spotted the Berserkers and bought everyone the time we needed to get out safely. You are a hero! I'm proud of you."

"Hero? Me?" I never thought I would hear those words, especially from the chief of a tribe that used to be my enemies. I had been nothing on Berserker Island. I lied and stole just to survive. But now... now I felt like I had a purpose. Like I belonged. "Thank you."

"I should be the one thanking you. Now, let's get inside. I'm sure your friends would like to see you."

My friends. I had friends. An odd feeling filled my chest as I entered the Great Hall. The first thing I saw was Astrid's smiling face.

"You did it, Brennda!" she said. "I have to admit, you're pretty amazing."

"Thanks, Astrid. I did my best." It meant a lot to hear her say that considering she was one of the Vikings who had been the most suspicious of me at first.

"I can see that. You helped bring everyone back safely from Icestorm Island like a true Viking warrior! I know that we had a close call, but you're among friends now. Relax and talk to our friends here in the Great Hall."