Searching For You

Chapter 28: Navigating Rough Waters

The hunters, and flyers, had been searching day and night under Krogan's orders. They continued East as they had been told, but came up with nothing. Several of their ships had gone missing without so much of a trace of their existence.

Krogan's patience was beginning to wear thin. He grumbled as he looked down at his map once more, sitting atop the deck of one of their remaining ships. Even their dragons had been useless in tracking any scent. "Krogan, sir," a hunter approached him cautiously, "we've lost another ship, no word as to their location." Krogan turned to look the man in the eye before grabbing a hold of his neck and hoisting him into the air. "You are lucky I am losing men by the hour, or you would be swimming home," he dropped the man leaving him crumpled on the ground and gasping for air.

One brave man stepped closer to Krogan, giving his concerns, "Sir, we need to regroup, head to Berk and gather more flyers." He said carefully. Krogan turned to him with an eyebrow raised. "So, the Berkians have agreed to our alliance?" He chuckled, "Very well, then."

He gave out his order as he walked over to his dragon, "Gather our remaining men and ships, and set sail to Berk." Krogan sat atop his red Singetail, leading the hunters toward that lowly isle.

Johann had been waiting for Krogan's return. He had heard nothing of the lead flyer over the past few days. No word of any success, nothing to imply they had found what they were looking for. His patience was about spent. He heard the shuffle of feet behind him and turned to see one of the Hecan soldiers coming toward him. "Chief Boral requests your presence in the Great Hall," The man said firmly. Johann nodded as the man turned and returned from wherever he came.

Once the man was out of sight, Johann couldn't help but grumble. He wasn't particularly fond of Chief Boral. The man was quite the brute, and Johann tended to favor intelligence over strength. This was part of the reason he was always so impressed with Hiccup. Johann believed that it was brains that could win any battle. However, he was also smart enough to know he would not be able to accomplish his goals alone this time. He required the Heca's numbers and strength to give him the best chance of victory. This was not a small group of six teenage dragon riders he was up against anymore. No, this threat would come on a much larger scale.

But, even if he was working with Boral and his tribe, it didn't mean he had to enjoy their time together. This alliance was nothing more than business.

Johann made his way towards the Great Hall, preparing for whatever would be thrown his way.

Guards lined the steps on either side, silent and watching. Had Johann not been on their side, he may have felt afraid. Pushing the thought aside, he pushed open the large doors. The Hall was dimly lit with the large pit in the center bearing a small fire. Boral sat on the side of the fire, where Stoick would have usually sat. He looked up at the sound of the door's movement.

"Johann, glad you could meet me here," Boral said as he stood, pushing his papers to the side. Johann only tightened his chest as he tried to be as cordial as possible. "Of course, Chief Boral. What kind of alliance partner would I be if I couldn't make myself available to my allies?"

"What have you to say of your flyers?" the Chief asked, getting right into the purpose of their meeting. "I must admit I have not received any messages as of recently, however, I have requested they return here to properly discuss their findings," Johann reassured, put off by the Chief's questioning of his men.

"Hmm," the Chief grumbled, "as soon as they return, retrieve me immediately. I would like to be present during this discussion."

"I'm sure I can have that arranged." How was this man able to get under Johann's skin more than Krogan could? Johann decided he would not leave this meeting the only one put off. "May I ask, what is your plan with our current captive Hybrid's? I was under the impression you didn't take prisoners, especially ones of their kind." Johann grinned devilishly.

The Chief stared into him with an almost in-human ferocity. That hit the spot. "My methods should be of no concern to you. What I plan to use them for is for me and my men to know. Not some wannabe mastermind who couldn't keep a handle on a group of teens. You think I haven't heard of your ploys to control the dragon trade, Viggo Grimborne's disappearance, or any plan that has failed under your order?" Boral was standing much closer to Johann now. "You should consider yourself lucky that I ever signed an alliance with you in the first place. At least the Berkians are easy to boss around. If you wish to continue this alliance, you will think twice about questioning me." He finished firmly.

"My apologies," was all Johann could say through a tightened jaw before he turned and exited the Hall. Brains. That was meant to be his advantage, and yet, he nearly cost himself this essential alliance with a single sentence. Now was not the time to lose this tribe. Perhaps when more was accomplished.

All in due time.

Annie watched as the sly man made his way towards the Great Hall. She didn't know him well but knew well enough where trouble was.

None of the unconscious hybrids had ever woken up. They were still alive, if barely, their chest moving slowly, their bodies covered in dried blood. The people around them either avoided them at all costs or walked by with a sneer on their faces. She had never been one to be ashamed of what she was. Her parents taught her to be proud, no matter what anyone said.

But, here, she couldn't help but feel their glaring eyes. She wanted to hide away and never be found, never be seen. She had tried to keep her hopes up when she was first put out here. But, as the hours passed, her hope dwindled. The sun was shining down on her and, although it wasn't particularly warm, it was unpleasant. The ropes holding her to the pole were beginning to irritate her skin. The smell of blood was becoming nauseating. Nothing here brought her hope.

She rested the back of her head on the pole and closed her eyes, trying to think of anything other than her current situation.