A Second Chance

Chapter 1

The snow fell softly in the thick woods. A lone figure trudged through the deep drifts. The figure stopped at a tree and looked up. The tall pine disappeared into the cloud covered gray sky. Her hood fell back to reveal blonde hair and pale blue eyes. She sighed as she pulled out her axe. The same axe that she had used for fifteen years.

She swung her axe at the tree and felt some satisfaction when a sharp thud rang out in the silent forest. She continued to swing her axe for over an hour but the ancient pine refused to fall. She paused to look at her progress in the growing darkness. She placed the axe back on her belt and made her way back to where the boats were anchored.

In the time that she had been away Astrid could see that much of the meager cargo had been off loaded and placed on the beach. She could see where different piles of cargo were being used to make temporary homes. Gobber had already started building his forge. She could see Gustav sneaking away to an unknown place.

"Hey Gobber, can you sharpen my axe for me? It has gotten dull."

Gobber hobbled over and took the axe from Astrid. He looked over it for a moment before handing it back with a sad sigh. "Sorry lass. That axe has reached its end and I don't have the materials to make a new one right now. Now that I think about it... He was the one that made that there axe."

Astrid gasped in surprise as Gobber continued. "Aye, he made most of the weapons that everyone uses. Now where did Gustav run off to? He was supposed to be helping me set up."

Astrid shrugged and headed toward where tents were being set up. She passed Fishlegs telling stories to some of the younger kids. Ruffnut and Tuffnut called out a greeting to her as they carried some boars to the pit the Thorston clan had made. She punched Snotlout as he once again tried to flirt with her. As Astrid finally reached her families tent she could see Stoick speaking with most of his counsel discussing plans for new Berk.

The next day Astrid slowly trudged back to the tree.  She stopped in surprise when she spotted the brand new axe lying against the tree. A note was tied to it.

" To Milady Valkyrie, noticed you were having a hard time yesterday. Hope this will help. Your Dark Guardian."

Astrid looked around and picked up the axe. She ran back to the boats. She ran around looking for Gobber. She found him talking with chief Stoick. She held out the axe as she panted from her run. Gobber looked at the axe for a moment before turning back to Astrid.

"Where did you get this lass?"

"It was at the tree I started to cut down yesterday. It had a note, someone was watching me."

Stoick grew angry and called for everyone. "Burn it all! We wouldn't be able to survive if whoever they are kicks us out. Astrid you and the gang will search around the area you were in. Spitelout you take some of the men and search down the beach. The rest of you start preparing defenses you too Gobber. We need our weapons in the best condition."

Everyone scattered to do as Stoick commanded. Astrid and the gang ducked into the forest as the sound of Gobber working and singing began to fill the area. When they reached where Astrid had been working. Astrid knelt down looking for tracks as the others ranged out around her.

"Okay everyone spread out. If you see anything stay hidden. Try to follow them back to where they are staying. If you can't follow them come back here and we will track them together. Tuff, Ruff you head that way. Snotlout you go east, Fishlegs you go west. I am going deeper into the forest."

Astrid watched as the others slowly disappeared into the trees before following the barely noticeable tracks. Snow once again began to fall. As the light began to dim Astrid Dove behind a tree. She could see a black figure by a small stream. The figure stood up from filling a water skin.