Heart of a Berserker: Love (School of Dragons)

Chapter 19

"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." – Mahatma Gandhi

Chapter 19

My pain lessened slightly in the morning. After prodding from Harald, I obtained herbs from Allvaldi. Then we headed to the meeting hall to meet with Nikora and Viggo to discuss strategy. Ruffrunner and Leopold trailed behind us on the ground. We entered the room and came across a predictable scene: Viggo stood beside a Maces and Talons board laid out on the table with Nikora beside him.

"Oh, great," I said. "I was just thinking we should play Maces and Talons."

Viggo smiled. "Excellent. You have learned well."

"But I have a different idea from what you're thinking." I stood beside him and look over the board. "If we're going to beat Toki together, we have to learn to work together. So, we're going to play in teams."

"That's not a bad idea," Nikora said. "What are the teams?"

I turned to her with a smile. "You and me against those two." I pointed to the boys. "And we're going to beat them."

Viggo chuckled lightly. "I'm sorry, Brennda. You are mistaken. I may have taught you everything you know, but you cannot beat me."

"I know that. But I am not beating you; Nikora and I are beating you and Harald."

"Still not happening," Harald said. "If you're implying teamwork will make a difference, think again. I know all three of you very well, enabling me to work well with Viggo and predict the moves of you and Nikora. You may know Viggo and me, but your relationship with Nikora is lacking."

"That sounds like a challenge," Nikora said. "Face us if you're unafraid. We'll see who's 'lacking.'"

"Very well," Viggo said. "Don't say we didn't warn you."

"Let's spend a few minutes discussing strategy," I said. I walked to the end of the table with Nikora while the boys huddled together and started whispering.

"I assume you have a plan," Nikora said.

I smirked. "Of course. One of the most important lessons Viggo taught me is that every strength comes with a corresponding weakness, and it is your job to exploit your opponent's weakness."

"I like where this is going."

"Viggo and Harald both excel at long-range planning. It is what enables them to be great strategists and win nearly every game. However, that means their skills of adaptability are lacking. Normally this isn't a problem because they are able to control the game and their opponent's moves."

Nikora's eyes lit in understanding. "But they need to work together. They can't both be in control."

I grinned. "Exactly. We need to be more adaptable than them. We have to play unexpected moves that will catch them off guard and start a power struggle."

"I believe I have an idea."

We chatted for another minute about our plan. Then we returned to the game board and a confident looking pair of men. "Ready to lose?" Harald taunted.

"I thought I taught you not to underestimate me," I said.

"Enough talk," said Viggo. "Let us begin."

An intense game of Maces and Talons followed. As expected, Harald and Viggo appeared to take early control of the board. However, with some effort, Nikora and I managed to fight back. I saw the boys struggle with their diverging views. As the game neared its end, it appeared either side could win.