Heart of a Berserker: Love (School of Dragons)

Chapter 22

"I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again." – Eric Roth

Chapter 22

"You want me to what?" I said incredulously. It was a few days after Heather and Eret arrived on the island, and Nikora had called me to her throne to discuss something important. Harald stood beside her, his face giving nothing away.

"Go on a pirating mission with Harald," Nikora repeated in a calm manner. "I wish to put his skills to use once more, but he will not go without you. And did you not want to learn what it's like to be a pirate?"

I frowned. "Well, yes, but I did not expect it to be like this. It's not that I don't think I can do it, but..." I hesitated, unsure of how to describe my apprehension without offending her. "Stealing is something I try to avoid."

"You've been on a mission with me once before," Harald said. "You were just fine."

"That was different."

Harald's eyebrows lifted. "Was it? It seems to me you have no problem stealing if it is for a just cause."

"Well, yeah, I guess not."

"Our targets are not random but carefully chosen," Nikora explained. "Everyone here has the ability to choose the missions that meet their personal preferences. Some of the missions certainly meet your standards."

"Exactly," said Harald. "So, the question is, do you trust me?"

I looked into Harald's eyes and gradually relaxed. Did I trust him to choose a mission that would not require me to act against my morals? "Yes, I trust you. I will do it."

Harald smiled. "Good. We will leave as soon as you are ready."

A few minutes later, Harald and I stepped onto his ship while his men boarded their own vessels. Ruffrunner noticed what we were doing and jumped onto the deck beside me. I smiled at him. "Do you want to be a pirate?"

"He certainly does," Harald said, seeming happy about it. "He may come along if he behaves." Leopold flew from his shoulder and started chattering to the Night Light.

"So, who exactly are we targeting?" 

Harald smirked. "You'll find out soon enough, love."

"Okay..." I decided to allow him to enjoy this small amount of control - and proof of my trust. The ships set sail with ours in the lead. I noted Harald used his white sail, and the other pirate ships sported the same color. "What's with the white sails?"

"That is a clever tactic to lure in our prey. With white sails, they do not know we are pirates. We switch them when we close in on them."

"That makes sense, but why bother switching?"

Harald grinned wickedly. "Because we want them to know exactly who we are."

I did not quite understand, but I went with it. A comfortable silence passed between us as we moved through the water. I admired Harald's confidence and poise. He truly loved sailing. It must have felt good to be back out here after remaining on land for so long.

Eventually, I spotted a ship in the distance. "That appears to be our target," Harald said. "Follow my lead. We will board their ship and threaten them with our weapons. This probably goes without saying, but do not strike except to defend. When they surrender, take anything that appears to be of value."

I nodded. "Okay. Got it." My heartbeat quickened with anticipation, and I took deep breaths to calm myself.

"You two, stay low," Harald said to the dragons. He then focused on steering the ship right to our target. The other pirate ships spread out and formed a semi-circle. When we were close enough, I recognized the markings on the men on the ship.