Heart of a Dragon Whisper (An RTTE Fanfic)

Chapter 58

Ryker and I searched, under Viggo's orders, for Ruff and Tuff. I still couldn't believe they were here. What was Hiccup thinking? Sending the Twins of all people here. As I thought about it, I had to admit they were better than Snotlout, but, then again, anyone was better than Snotlout. 

"You take the high ground, Pest. I'll take the low ground." 

"Sounds good to me, but don't call me 'Pest'!" I bit back, making my way up the ladder before Ryker could say something snappy back. I looked around, not really seeing anything. I was about to search the storage tents when I was plowed down by an invisible force. "Leafblender! You stupid lizard, watch where you're going!" I snapped, brushing myself off as I got back to my feet. Leafblender appeared before me, his vine-like horns drooping with guilt. 

"Sorry, Melia. I didn't mean to knock you over. I was just chasing some birds and-" 

"No. It's fine. I shouldn't have snapped at you." I apologized, petting his snout. "I should meet up with Ryk. Wanna come help me find him?" Leafblender perked up, smiling as he lowered himself so that I could mount him. Once I was on Leafblender's back, he took off over the cliff's edge. As we circled around the pit, I noticed a few hunters look up at us, but they went right back to work after realizing it was just Leafblender and I. They must be on high alert for the Twins. It took only a minute to spot Ryker, but what I saw surprised me. A rather skinny looking hunter bumped right into the older Grimborn, almost like they were in too big of a rush to notice him. "Leafblender, get closer to Ryk." I ordered, Leafblender gliding lower almost immediately. I watched as Ryker said something to the hunter before the hunter said something back, giving him a sort of salute. Ryker seemed confused, swiping at the hunter only to miss, the hunter trying to escape him. "Leafblender. Block that hunter's path. I think I have an idea who it is." Leafblender dove down landing in front of the skinny hunter with a growl. The hunter skidded to a halt, losing their balance and falling backwards, their helmet falling off in the process, revealing Ruffnut. "Well, it seems we've caught one of our special guests, Leafblender." I remarked in a more formal voice then I usually used, patting the growling Changewing on the head as I forced a smirk upon my face. Ryker came up behind Ruff, dragging her to her feet by the neck of her tunic. 

"Viggo's been looking for you." Ryker said, grinning before glaring at me as I dismounted. "You sure took your time." Ryker spat at me.

 "Well, excuse me! I caught your dragon rider, didn't I?" I hissed, glaring back. Ryker growled before releasing Ruff's tunic, grabbing her arm instead. 

"C'mon. Don't want to leave Viggo waiting." Ryker called over his shoulder as he started to drag Ruffnut towards Viggo's tent. 

"By the gods, I hope Tuffnut doesn't get found. Better yet, I hope the riders get here soon." I muttered, quickly following Ryker, Leafblender flying up to Viggo's tent on his own. When we arrived at Viggo's tent, Ryker shoved Ruff through the tent flaps, himself right behind, Leafblender behind him, growl at Ruff, and finally, I entered, watching Ruff as she was pushed into a chair by Ryker all while taking my place standing beside Viggo, resting my hand on the back of his chair as I did. 

"This is the only rider we found." Ryker informed, gesturing to Ruff as she glared at him. Ryker stayed standing behind her, Leafblender a few feet beside him, his eyes narrowed at Ruff, his vine-like horns flared. Viggo glanced up at me, nodding his head at Leafblender. Understanding what he wanted, I turned towards Leafblender, holding my hand up to him, signaling him to back down. 

"Can I offer you anything? Some refreshments?" Viggo offered Ruff once Leafblender had calmed down, taking the pitcher of water on the table and pouring some into a cup. Ruff sat arms crossed, glaring at Viggo. "I believe congratulations are in order. You successfully infiltrated Project Shellfire. Hiccup must be so proud." Viggo set the full cup in front of Ruff before going straight to pouring water into another as he continued, "Of course, your Gronckle iron mace didn't do you any favors, now, did it?" Ruff avoided his eyes. Viggo smirked, passing the glass of water, to my surprise, to me. "But let us put all that in the past, shall we? I'm prepared to reward you handsomely." That caught my attention. Did Viggo really he could bribe Ruffnut? 

"Oh, yeah? For what? And how handsome are we talking?" I snapped my attention to her. Was she seriously considering betraying the riders? 

"That depends on you and the information you provide us." I said, once again making my voice sound more formal, making Viggo glance up at me with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. I grinned back, taking a sip of the water. 

"For example, when are Hiccup and the others going to attack?" Viggo asked, turning his attention back to Ruff. 

"Hmm, tonight. They attack tonight." I stared at her putting my cup down on the table. Was she seriously doing this? 

"Now, you see, you two. I told you she would be reasonable. Move the elite guard into-" 

"Oh no, wait. No, he attacks tomorrow. Yeah. No! Next week? No, wait, that's not right." I held back a smirk, glancing down to see Viggo give Ruff a displeased look. Of course she was toying with the Grimborns. She would never betray her friends. "I'm not very good with dates. What d-" Before Ruffnut could finish, Ryker knocked her water cup away and stared her down. I was pretty sure he'd be growling if he were a dragon. 

"Don't toy with us, girl." Suddenly, Viggo stood and brandished his sword, pointing it at Ruffnut. Ruff's expression became serious as she said, 

"Take your best shot, pal." I watched as Viggo glared at her, his eye twitching before I stepped forward, putting my hand on his sword, pushing it down so the blade was facing the table instead of Ruff's throat, drawing everyone's attention to me before I turned towards Ruff, forcing a grin onto my face. 

"I think not, dear. Besides, we have a better idea for what we're going to do to you." I looked up at Viggo, giving him a pleading look. "Don't we, Viggo?" Viggo stared at me before pulling his sword away, turning towards Ruffnut with a smirk. 

"Indeed we do."