Heart of a Berserker: Hope (School of Dragons)

Chapter 15

"To love someone fiercely, to believe in something with your whole heart, to celebrate a fleeting moment in time, to fully engage in a life that doesn't come with guarantees—these are risks that involve vulnerability and often pain. But I'm learning that recognizing and leaning into the discomfort of vulnerability teaches us how to live with joy, gratitude, and grace." - Brené Brown

Chapter 15

We stopped near a small, rocky island. Beyond it, I spotted a battleship unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was huge and decked out with weapons. I wondered how many pirates were on board. Hopefully this visit would give me useful information.

"Here we are at the jewel of the ocean: the Tempest," Harald said proudly. "The captain standing on the bridge of the ship is no less impressive. (You'll find out for yourself soon enough.) Don't mind the bristling weapons or the sense of foreboding dread around the ship. I vouch for your safety, and my word is as good as gold!"

I raised my eyebrows at the ridiculousness of that statement. "On this alone, maybe..."

Harald ignored the quip. "Johann and I will wait for you here, mate. Go on, then - Stormheart is waiting for you."

I climbed on Bolt, but I looked back before taking off. "You will be here when I get back, right?"

"You think I would run away?"

"Yes. That's exactly what I think. You don't exactly have the best track record."

"I will make sure he stays put," Johann said helpfully.

I eyed him warily. "That makes me feel very confident." Well, there was nothing to be done for it. Bolt lifted his wings and took flight.

Apprehension filled my chest as we flew over the Tempest. Maybe I did have nothing to fear at the moment, but I understood the message loud and clear. I landed at the center and slowly dismounted. I spotted pirates everywhere, all fierce-looking and with similar markings. My eyes settled on the woman on the bridge of the ship.

She moved towards me, stopping a good distance away. For a minute, we simply took each other in. She appeared to be a woman in her early to mid-30s with dark skin, brown eyes, and black, braided hair decorated with beads. In addition to the same white markings on her face like Harald had, she also had a thick blue line on her chin. And around her head was a headband with a blue stone.

She was the one to break the silence: "Harald tells me you are a warrior for Hiccup's army and you have his ear. Good. That will make this conversation efficient: my favorite word."

"I am Brennda Axel," I said, though I had the feeling she already knew exactly who I was. "And this is Bolt." I placed a hand on the Skrill's shoulder in a silent message.

"I am Nikora Stormheart, the captain of this vessel. Harald has told me a lot about your exploits with Hiccup and his troops."

"Oh, I'm sure he has."

"From what I understand, Hiccup is a fascinating man. I hope that he is willing to hear some sound advice."

"Hiccup is quite open to hearing from all sorts of people. He is not one to let pride get in the way of good judgment."

Stormheart nodded. She started walking along the length of the ship, and I followed her with Bolt at my side. "I have come to the archipelago for new business opportunities. I hold no ill towards Berk or Hiccup. In fact, I admire your strength and ingenuity."

"Well, thank you." I wondered exactly what Harald had told her. No doubt he wouldn't tell me if I asked.

"We do not need to be enemies."