Heart of a Berserker: Oneshots

Not Alone

A/N: Hello, everyone! My Heart of a Berserker series is over, but I will write a few oneshots and post them here. They may take place during, before, or after the series. If you have a request, I will try my best to make it happen. This first one is about Harald meeting Stormheart as explained in Heart of a Berserker: Love.

***

Not Alone

Harald Forkbeard did not need anyone. He was a clever pirate with a talent for getting what he wanted. He needed nothing but his own intellect. Other people only got in the way. He was alone. A small chirp from the Terrible Terror perched on his shoulder as they sailed in the night brought him from his thoughts.

Yes, there was Leopold, but that was an entirely different matter. For one, Leopold needed him, not the other way around. Also, Leopold could perform a variety of tasks for him. While Harald did not need him to accomplish those tasks, he made his life easier. And that was exactly the same situation now as he approached the small island brimming with ships.

Wary guards met him at the dock. Harald remained calm and insisted they take him to their leader. With much reluctance, the guards acquiesced and led Harald to a tent on the side of the island near a worn-down village. The lead guard slipped inside. Harald tried not to listen to the guard discussing the 'intruder' with a woman. It mattered not what they though of him now; he would get his way in the end. Finally, the guard returned and grunted, "make it quick."

Harald entered the tent, and his eyes immediately fell on the regal woman. She was dressed in fine blue robes, and her dark hair was braided with colorful beads. She stood tall and proud despite her recent loss. Her gaze penetrated him, warning him not to cross her. This was not quite what he expected. She was a far cry from her over-emotional sister he met earlier. This one would be much harder to crack. "Queen Stormheart, I presume," he said to break the silence.

The woman's expression did not change. "It is I. And who are you?" Her voice was as tightly controlled and guarded as her expression.

"I am Harald Forkbeard, a humble trader." He paused to examine her face for recognition. He did not think his name had spread this far, but he could not be too certain. It did not matter either way, but he needed to know in which direction to proceed.

Instead of questioning him, Stormheart glanced at Leopold. "Why do you travel with a dragon?"

Harald almost smiled, for her question offered him a perfect segue. "Leopold is my companion. Dragons have always fascinated me, and I believe they interest you as well."

Stormheart's eyes tightened ever so slightly. "Whatever you think you know about me-"

"I assure you, I am a friend. In fact, I believe we can help each other a great deal. Our ancestors were allies - back when mine lived peacefully among dragons and yours worked with the Luminous Krayfin."

Surprise flashed on Stormheart's face. "What do you know about the Krayfin?"

"I know your relationship was severed because of our enemies: Berk and Berserker Island. I know they still live freely in the archipelago while we are cast out here." Harald's voice rose as he spoke, allowing a sliver of anger to slip through. "But it doesn't have to remain that way. We can return to our homeland and take back what is ours."

Stormheart stared at him long and hard. Finally, she gave him a tiny nod. "I know the story of my ancestors, and I admit it would be nice to obtain justice for my people. However, I am unable to go off on a grand adventure at the moment. My tribe has fallen upon hard times, and it is up to me to ensure their survival."