Heart of a Berserker: Hope (School of Dragons)

Chapter 25

"True friends are those who came into your life, saw the most negative part of you, but are not ready to leave you, no matter how contagious you are to them." - Michael Bassey Johnson

Chapter 25

A double blast of lightning lit up the dragon hunter base. Harald and I used the distraction to climb onto Bolt and fly out of there, where we were met by Singetails and flyers. Luckily, Ruffnut and Tuffnut chose that time to show up and help us win the day.

Once we were all flying over the ocean, Hiccup ordered the twins back to Dragon's Edge to update everyone on the situation. Then he led the way to Hobblegrunt Island. The thrill of victory faded as I remembered Viggo's dire condition. Harald's silence behind me told me he was thinking about it as well.

Toothless landed on the shore near Harald's boat, and Hiccup carefully helped Viggo to his feet. Bolt and the wild Skrill landed near him. Harald rushed to Viggo's side and examined his wounds.

"Can you help him?" Hiccup asked, looking up at Harald worriedly.

"Forget about me," Viggo said before coughing. "It's too late."

"No," I said forcefully. "We have to do something."

"I need to remove the arrows as soon as possible to prevent infection," Harald said. "Unfortunately, that requires using a knife to make the wounds big enough to pull the arrowheads out without causing too much damage."

My mouth grew dry at the mental image. I was glad I had not chosen to become a healer. "Won't he bleed out?"

"Not if we apply enough pressure." He glanced at his boat, where Leopold peeked at us worriedly. "I have enough material to slow the bleeding, but I don't have the equipment to stitch up the wounds."

"I think Heather has something like that," Hiccup said. "She told me she had to do it once and keeps surgical equipment at Dragon's Edge. She can help."

Harald nodded. "Get him into my boat. We can work on him while we sail."

"It won't be enough," Viggo said, though he did not protest as the men helped him into the boat. Toothless and the wild Skrill climbed in after them. "The arrows caused internal damage. I can feel it."

Frustration shone on Harald's face, and I knew he was thinking the same thing as me. No Viking could heal that kind of damage. But I knew a dragon that might. "I have an idea," I said as I started for Bolt. "Go on without me. I'll meet you at the Edge."

"Brennda," Harald said.

I turned around to tell him I did not have time to explain, but the look on his face stopped me. Never before had I seen him so anxious and worried. I returned to him and gave him a quick hug to comfort him. "It will be alright. Trust me, okay?" I still saw doubt in his eyes, but he nodded. I looked past him at Hiccup. "Help him."

"Of course," Hiccup said. "Good luck."

"You too." I mounted Bolt and took off for Dark Deep where a friend of mine lived. The Prickleboggle was able to heal the battle wounds of other dragons. I figured dragons and humans could not have that different of anatomy that his healing breath wouldn't be able to help. It was worth a shot at least. I found the dragon in the middle of the island and convinced him to fly back with me.

Now came the tricky part: convincing the Vikings to help. We landed at the Edge and were immediately surrounded by dragon riders.

"Brennda, what's going on?" Astrid said. "The twins say you and Hiccup stormed the dragon hunter base with Harald and Viggo?"

"Where are they?" Fishlegs said. "Why is the Prickleboggle with you? Is someone hurt?"

The storm of questions swirled in my mind, making it hard to think. "Yes," I said. "Where's Heather?"