TWENTY FOUR: Gone

Two days had passed on Stippling and one more old man had perished to the disease-but the rest of the village had stabilised. Astrid went round the houses twice a day, doling out cure and water. She had also made a cauldron of fish stew and was delivering small bowls of the food to the ailing villagers. Stormfly was faithfully at her side, concerned as the young woman pushed herself beyond weariness to tend her patients. She barely ate, didn't rest nearly enough and found that Thumper was much quieter than he had been-almost certainly because he, like his mother, was short of food.

On the second day, she perched by the fire and sipped a cup of cold water, wetting her parched lips and slaking her thirst. She was exhausted and her back was aching from too much bending...so she scrambled to a stream and methodically washed her face and arms and then she combed through and rebraided her hair. Stormfly came and sat behind her and she gratefully rested back against the warm, scaly body.

"I know, girl," she sighed, closing her eyes. "But no one has died today and many of them are looking better. Thanks for finding me some willow bark, girl. I've been able to feed them willow bark tea to keep their fever down." And then she sighed. "And we're running out of cure..."

Stormfly crooned and Astrid sighed, closing her eyes. "Just a little nap, girl. I'm really exhausted. Freya, I can remember when I could practice all day and night and still have the energy for a race with Hiccup..." She chewed her lip and her face fell. "And times change," she finished quietly, dropping her hand to her swollen middle, feeling Thumper squirm. "Just a little nap..."

Her eyes snapped open and she realised it was already dusk, the temperature rising and the clouds bunching at the horizon, though the sky appeared to be on fire. She shivered and glanced over, seeing that the fire in the Plaza had all but gone out. Groaning, she scrambled up and grabbed the firewood she had hacked from the trees with the Nadder's help and swiftly rebuild the fire, allowing Stormfly to ignite it, before stirring the cure and doling the remaining amount out into portions. Sighing, she took her dose, grimacing at the flavour and washing it down with another flask of water. Then, wearily, she rose and turned-to come face to face with a stranger.

She shrieked and scrambled back, her hand snatching at her axe and flipping it into her hands, bracing herself and swinging it round to hover inches in front of the man's face.

"Identify yourself!" she yelled and he took a pace back.

"I am Vetle...the Chief's second in command," he rasped. "Who are you?" And then he frowned. "You're the Valkyrie, aren't you." She frowned.

"I am no supernatural creature," she told him fiercely. "I am Astrid Hofferson, Dragon Rider of B...Dragon's Edge! I was sent here by Chief Kjetil of Sniffling to his friend Magnus...but there was already Eel Pox here. I did as any Rider would do-we protect and help where we can." The man frowned and almost stumbled, so she helped him sit by the fire and gave him willow bark tea.

"You made this?" he asked and she nodded, a hint of uncertainty in her brilliant blue eyes.

"Um...yeah..." she admitted. The man smiled, his lined face brightening. His grey eyes glittered.

"It's actually very good," he said. "The honey is a great touch." She shrugged.

"It was how my Mom always makes it," she admitted. "And she wouldn't let me go out and practice with my axe until I learned to make the tea. No matter that I couldn't cook anything else, I had to learn to make her willow bark tea..." The man ran his long fingers through his dishevelled grey hair and sighed.

"I thank Odin for her insistence," he said gratefully, managing a wan smile.

"I'm just going to do my rounds now," she said and he smiled.

"I'll help," he offered. "Your care has helped me to recover-and I know my wife and little ones are on the mend too. We woke this lunch time and our fevers had broken. I think you saved us. Only fair I repay that favour..."

So Astrid did her rounds with Vetle's help and found about half of her patients were noticeably better, the Chief and his family included. But some remained sick and she was grateful for the help in tending them. Between them, she and Vetle made sure everyone had willowbank tea, water, food and cure before they settled down-he with his family, her by the fire, curled by her dragon. But she slept fitfully and she woke in the early hours, aching all over. Grimacing, she scraped the pot for the last of the cure and swallowed it with more water, dropping back into a fitful sleep until dawn broke and Stormfly stirred.

She blinked herself awake, feeling muzzy and lightheaded. Her throat was sore and she coughed, each spasm hurting her throat.

"Well, that's just great," she grumbled and staggered to her feet. Vetle and the Chief emerged, accompanied by their wives and helped draw water, fuel the fire and handed round bread and jerky. She forced herself to chew, though she had no appetite and felt a little sick. "Just great."

"I don't know how to thank you, Astrid," the Chief said. He was still very pale but his voice was stronger and his wife was bustling in the Plaza. The Hooligan smothered a cough and then nodded.

"It was only what any one of us would have done," she explained. "You have enough willow bark but we've run out of several ingredients for the Eel Pox cure. Now there are some of you feeling better, I have the chance to go fetch some more from the Healers' Island." The Chief's wife, a kindly woman with honey hair and blue eyes, who offered her name as Fanne, caught her hand with a concerned look on her face.

"Are you sure, my dear?" she asked. "You look pale and you have been working non-stop caring for us. You have a child to care for and..."

And a part of Astrid would have loved to agree with her and take it easy-but half of the village was still sick and they were out of cure. And while she was exhausted, she was also stubborn. She had survived the Scourge of Odin and going blind-while Hiccup had survived being struck by lightning and losing a leg. Being tired certainly wouldn't cut it as an excuse for not doing what needed to be done. So she shook her head and gave a wan smile, squeezing the Chieftess's hand.

"I appreciate the kindness-but I'm a warrior," she said, more to convince herself than Fanne. "I am the only one who can make the journey in such a short period of time-and half the village remains ill." She paused and then smiled. "Once I've fetched the medicines, I can rest. Is that acceptable?" Fanne smiled.

"You take care," she said. "At least, let me pack you some food and some fresh water. It's a fair journey and you don't have to care for all of us now. Let us care for you as well, Astrid." And a small smile tugged at her lips, lighting her tired face.

"Thank you, Fanne," she said. "I would really like that."

Knowing what to expect this time and prepared for any hostile dragon attacks, Astrid soared up from Stippling, seeing Magnus and Fanne wave at her from the Plaza before they swung round and headed towards the Healers' Isle. There was a very strong easterly breeze and she shivered, for the air was bitter. But even as Stormfly struggled and they passed the halfway point to the island, the clouds darkened and thickened and a storm blew up from nowhere, furious and frigid. They lost sight of the sea, lost sight of the sun and the Rider knew she was being blown off course. Diving down to see if there was any land, the brave Deadly Nadder was battered mercilessly, tossed on the winds and scourged by hail and driving, icy rain. Astrid found her chest tight and coughed as they fought, looking for land. She had no clue where she was and as they flew on for far longer than she knew they should be doing, she felt Stormfly start to falter, exhausted by the constant battle to stay in the air and try to progress against the storm. Her head swimming and head pounding, she peered through the grey rain and saw the smudgy distant silhouette of land.

"Th-there, g-girl..." she managed, her teeth chattering. "Just a little further..."

But Stormfly was dipping as the shadowy land grew closer and Astrid's vision was darkening even as they started to fall from the sky until everything finally faded to black.

oOo

The storms battered Hiccup and Toothless as they headed down from the north-though they found shelter in a small, unnamed rocky island partway between of Berk and Outcast Island. Hiccup and Toothless had visited most of the seastacks and rocky outcrops around Berk in the four years since they became friends and partners-in-flight so when the conditions became impossible to fly in, they had automatically headed to the nearest shelter. But now, soaked and cold, the pair were holed up and frustrated.

"Wrath of the Gods," Hiccup muttered as he poked the fire with a stick. He had changed into his spare tunic and leggings-because his others were soaked-and he had shed his drenched armour to dry in the warmth of the cave. "Definitely being punished for not going after her straight away. And turning back. I mean, I thought spending a month being tortured by Hunters would have been enough but noooooo...." He sighed. "I mean, I know Astrid is brave and determined and can take care of herself...but as she gets more pregnant, I know she won't be as agile or have as much stamina and she will need someone." He stilled. "And that someone should be me."

Toothless warbled and Hiccup reached back and rested his hand gently against the warm, scaly hide.

"Yeah, I know-it was my choice to rescue Snot and though it meant I could warn the others about Viggo, Krogan and especially Johann...I won't ever forgive myself if I lose Astrid because of it." And then he sighed. "I've already lost Berk. And unless I find her, I will keep searching for the rest of my days. You know that."

There was a small croon and Hiccup rested back against the vibrating body.

"It's a long way to go, bud," he admitted. "I asked you to fly the whole length of the Archipelago and beyond and I really don't know where Astrid is. The islands down there are not on any map-and all I can do is search island after island and ask if they have seen her. And the time for the birth is getting closer...so I guess I oughtta make sure I have what is needed, in case she needs me..."

Toothless crooned and rested his head on his front paws.

"Yeah-I'm overthinking...but I have to go-and I had to let Dagur and Heather go, because there are things they need to do." He stared into the flames. "I know I have to stop Johann and Viggo-but not at the cost of Astrid. So I have set the others to do what we have to-and I have to trust them to complete the missions." He reached for his saddlebag and pulled out a cylindrical shape, wrapped in an oilskin, carefully unwrapping his DragonEye 2. "I guess I should try to get this working..." And then he looked at the dragon. "I can't sleep, bud. My mind is just whirling...so I'll concentrate on this until I'm exhausted..."

A shape appeared out of the darkness and a small green shape flapped in, hitting him in the face. He collapsed backwards and carefully prised the dragon off him, staring into the familiar shape.

"Sharpshot!" he laughed as the dragon licked his hand. "Hey-you coming with us, little bud?" The dragon gave a chirp and curled up by his hip, purring. Toothless flicked an ear and gave a small warble. Smiling, the Viking glanced out the cave mouth at the raging storm and then back at his dragons. He knew what he had to do and now he had everyone he needed to help him on the trip. Brow furrowing as the dragons both dozed, he leaned closer and began to carefully adjust the DragonEye 2.

oOo

Eyes fluttering open, Astrid winced at the light and flung her arm across her face, blocking out the painful rays of the weak sun. There was a movement over to her left and a middle-aged woman with a serene unlined face and dark hair pulled back into a thick braid leaned close, her hand thoughtfully raised to shield her eyes from the light.

"How do you feel?" she asked, her accent unfamiliar though the words were perfectly understandable. Astrid frowned and swallowed, her eyelids fluttering.

"Tired," she mumbled. "Feel like I've done four rounds with a Whispering Death..." The woman's brow furrowed.

"Your words are very strange," she said honestly. "Do you have a name?" Wearily, the dragon rider sighed.

"Astrid, Astrid Hofferson," she managed more strongly and forced her eyes open, trying to focus on the shape standing over her. The woman was calm, her style of dress unfamiliar but she spoke in Norse and she gently lifted a metal cup of cold water to Astrid's dry lips, allowing the girl to wet her parched lips and mouth. Throat bobbing as she swallowed, Astrid felt the cool water revive her and her blue eyes darted around the room, seeing the walls composed of large blocks of dark grey stone, shutters opened to admit light. There was a fire burning warmly in a fire pit and thick furs were tucked around her body. Suddenly she struggled.

"What-what happened?" she asked and then her head snapped down. "Thumper!" Her hand pressed to her middle and she frowned but the woman grasped her shoulder reassuringly as a flicker moved under her hand.

"Your child is fine," the strange woman reassured Astrid. "He has been moving well while you have been sick." Propping herself up on her elbows, Astrid glared at the woman.

"What happened?" she demanded sharply and the other woman smiled gently.

"Astrid-you were found on the cliffs overlooking the village of Granite Isle," she said. "I am Anja the healer and you were brought to me. You have been sick for a week, with a high fever, a cough and sickness..."

"Eel Pox," Astrid confirmed and then she winced, resting her hand against her head. "Thor, I took the cure as soon as I started feeling unwell but I became...confused..."

"If you had not been found, you would have died," Anja confirmed calmly. "You were very sick. Women with child are often more affected by illnesses and can be far closer to death than would be expected." Astrid frowned and then stared into the woman's grey eyes.

"I wasn't alone," she said in a low voice. "I would have been found with a dragon, a blue and gold Deadly Nadder..." The healer frowned.

"I was told you were found with the beast," she admitted. "The creature is locked in the arena though the Chief has not determined its fate yet. I believe he wanted to speak with you first to see what you have to say on the matter." Astrid frowned and rubbed her eyes.

"Bring him in," she growled roughly. "I am happy to answer any questions he has and..." But Anja started laughing and the blonde gave a scowl.

"You are nowhere near fit enough to meet our Chief yet!" she laughed. "Astrid-you are our guest and we will not harm your pet or you. We will ensure that you recover and are fit before we determine whether we can allow you to stay on the island..." Anja refilled the cup and handed it to the young woman.

"I can take care of myself," Astrid said stubbornly before a bout of coughing shook her body. The baby jabbed her furiously under the ribs. "Ow!"

"But let us take care of you...until you regain your strength," Anja suggested, gently stroking the stringy blonde hair from the girl's pale face. "Please..."

"Well, Thumper seems to have his strength back so it's just me," she said and lay back, angry at herself for her weakness but head buzzing with weariness. "And I am grateful, it's just..." And then she bit her lip.

"Just what?" the healer asked kindly and perched on the side of the bed. "You are young and beautiful, Astrid. You are with child. Your Tribe should be surrounding you, protecting you-especially later in the pregnancy. But you are alone. And that concerns me." Lying back, Astrid closed her eyes and rested both hands flat over her stomach, fingers splayed protectively over the rounded flesh and feeling a shimmy under her hands.

"Me too," she sighed. "But I can cope. And I will tell you, Anja...just...not now? Let me rest and regain my strength and then I will explain why I am here and not back home with my family and friends and the man I love."

Who belongs to another. Who I will never see again.

Anja patted her hand and pulled the furs up further.

"Get some rest," she said kindly. "You are welcome here for as long as you want. As long as you need."

oOo

In the Council Chamber, carved deep into the granite cliffs of Granite Isle, the fire illuminated the dark space containing a throne and the man sitting proudly in it, his prime councillors standing in a loose semicircle in front of him. Chief Torgeir was a tall and very powerfully built man, his face rugged and hard, his grey eyes cold. His hair and full beard were both dark brown, as most of the inhabitants of the village and he was dressed in leather armour, worked cunningly with knives concealed in numerous sheaths across his belt and arms. A studded leather band restrained his hair and his fist creaked as it tightened.

"Anja says she has woken," he announced, his voice gruff and gravelly.

"Finally, we can get some answers," Terje said. The man was a calm man of early middle years, his blue eyes thoughtful.

"It is obvious she is a heretic," Egil noted. He was tall and rangy, his long face mournful. "That beast was wearing packs and saddle, like a horse. But it was..."

"A dragon-yes, I noticed," Torgeir said dryly. "At the Chief meetings, they mention a Tribe from the far north where the Vikings have shattered tradition and become Dragon Riders instead of hunters. I suspect she is one of those breed." he paused and lifted his head. "Berk. They came from Berk."

"But she is clearly an outcast or exile," Terje noted. "Late in pregnancy, heavy with child and travelling with what looks like everything she owns...she is looking for a home, protection..."

"And Thor, she's beautiful. That golden hair, that face, those lips...I ache for her to take so I can have her..." There was an embarrassed shuffling of feet at the Chief's words. The third shape-a scrawny, almost emaciated man with hooked nose and pallid green eyes that looked over a wispy and disappointing grey moustache and beard and chuckled.

"Easy, Chief," Knut the Wise said. As Village Elder and prime councillor, the old man was an odd mixture of tradition and ambition, relishing his ability to manipulate people's lives like an evil old spider. And he could see a way of gaining status for the Tribe and for the Chief. "She is already pregnant meaning she is not pure...and according to our traditions, she can't marry you..."

"I want her," Torgeir said icily, his eyes ruthless. "I always get what I want, Knut-you know that." The older man nodded, reading his Chief's desire for the beautiful blonde. The Chief had visited her most days, gazing at her face and stroking her lithe body. Anja the Healer had been appalled but no one could stand against the wishes of Torgeir when he was set on something so she had remained in the room, ensuring he did not molest the unconscious woman.

"She is striking," Egil said in a mollifying voice. "And if she rides that dragon, she can teach us-and give the Tribe an edge..."

"Heresy," Terje muttered. Torgeir slammed his fist onto the arm of his throne.

"It will repel raiders and especially the army of IIvo," he growled. "And I want her."

"But Frida has been approved by the Council as being of good family, good breeding stock and she is expecting to marry you," Steinar piped up. He was a solid man, his long black hair and beard braided and a reliable supporter-as well as a kinsman of the nominated girl.

"Things are different now," Torgeir said without hesitation. "This girl is special. She is beautiful with hair of gold and a body that shows she is a warrior-and fertile. Think of the sons I can have from her! They will have my strength and her skills. My warriors will ride dragons and we can conquer the neighbouring islands and end the pointless squabbles we have with Chiefs Iivo, Hanu and Jussi."

"But she is not pure," Egil argued.

"Nor am I," Torgeir reminded him. "I've had my share of fun and sowed a few bastards..." Knut nodded, stroking his straggly beard and thinking hard.

Torgeir will reward me handsomely if I do the impossible and legalise him being able to marry the stranger, he thought, eyeing the others. But she is clearly independent and may not choose him. Yet she has a weakness-two in fact. And we can play on both until she is trapped and ours...

"Chief-I believe the Lord Odin has opened my eyes to the means to granting your desires," he announced. "The girl has woken and is weak and a long way from home. So you must make her welcome. Show her around yourself. Court her. Be gentle and courteous and get her to want to stay."

"And if the wench is uninterested?" he growled as Knut smiled.

"You have her dragon in the arena," he reminded the Chief. "She's not going anywhere. If she spurns your suit, announce that she has the choice to stay here as prisoner for trespass-or as your wife. And threaten the dragon as a last resort...or the child."

"And that's another matter," Torgeir began but Knut merely folded his arms confidently.

"It is not a problem, sire," he said smugly. "You must marry her by the next but one full moon..."

"Which is in seven weeks," Terje supplied dryly, watching the old man cautiously. He could read the man was making it up as he went along-but because he was facilitating the Chief's desires, Torgeir always fell for his schemes.

"More than adequate time," Knut replied sharply. "If you marry her before then, you may consummate here, before the Council and take her as yours."

"But she'll still be heavy with another man's child," Torgeir growled. Knut gave a cold smile.

"There are ways to force her to labour before her time," he revealed. "And as soon as she is delivered, you and I will take the babe to the Heights of Thor and we will cut out its heart. By killing the child in that holy place, Lord Thor will erase it from existence and she will be as if she were pure and solely yours...and then you can make those sons in her body..."

Egil, Terje and Steinar all shared a horrified glance. What Knut was proposing was abominable and against all decency, let alone everything they understood of their religion and customs. Knut was manipulating again and this time, he seemed to have gone a long way past the bounds of too far. But as Torgeir gave a sudden chuckle of approval, all three men bowed their heads and said nothing. Each man hated the abject cowardice he was showing but was secretly relieved that it wasn't his daughter who had caught the eye of the vicious Chief and his evil and amoral Chief Councillor. And all the men silently promised that if they had any way, they would try to get the girl away from him.

If they could.

"I like it!" the Chief announced, jumping to his feet. "Thor, I can feel the blood surging in my loins already at the thought of that beautiful woman all mine..." Knut smiled cruelly and nodded.

"All in good time, sire," he cautioned calmly. "First, the girl must gain her strength and then we can begin to pull her in. It will be much easier if she comes of her own will-and what woman would not want the protection and affection of a strong, brave, handsome Chief who can elevate her from outcast to Chieftess?" Breathing hard, Torgeir finally gave a nod.

"I shall be patient," he conceded and walked across the room. "But not for too long. I want that girl, Knut-and one way or the other, Astrid Hofferson will be mine!"