8I didn't think it would be safe to go anywhere we'd already been, so in my infinite wisdom I decided to head in a random direction. Just a tip for those out there trying to avoid other dragon riders: before you go someplace, make sure it is in the opposite direction of Berk.
I should have taken a hint when we saw other riders in the distance flying past with increasing regularity that maybe we were going in the wrong direction. But no, I didn't realize where in the archipelago we were until Berk in all of its glory appeared on the horizon. Despite being nearly destroyed in Drago's attack, it was already more grand and built-up than any other village I'd seen. Guess they had dragons to thank for that.
I was about to turn around when Aaron suddenly sped up. "Aaron!" I hollered, but he didn't stop. He was excited to see so many other dragons, and I hadn't trained him well enough to know what "Stop" meant. So I was stuck clinging frantically to his back until we landed in the village. I hopped off as he started a conversation with a couple nearby nadders.
Nervously I looked around at the imposing village. No one took notice of me, and most seemed to be engaged in business as usual. Well, maybe I can take this as an opportunity to get some things taken care of. Besides, who would think that a young woman with a dragon would be a fugitive dragon-hunter? Surely at a trade center such as this hooded strangers in black armor couldn't be that much of an oddity.
An hour later I found myself in line at the forge. I had already purchased a few necessities that I was low on from the market, and now I was getting my favorite blade repaired. It seemed like a generic knife, but on its handle was carved the intricate pattern of a rose.
I was extremely nervous. After being alone for so long, it was hard to be around so many people and act like I belonged here. But no one had suspected anything so far, so perhaps I was worrying about nothing. I glanced over my shoulder. Behind me in line was a young man with a monstrous nightmare, a girl with braided brown hair carrying an axe, and a large man in a black cloak with a halberd.
I had been trying my best to not glance back like that very often, but I couldn't help it. The more nervous you act, the more attention you draw to yourself. I got up to the counter and set my knife on the counter along with a couple coins. The blade had obviously come loose from the handle, so nothing needed to be said as a guy in his teens nodded and took the knife to the back. I went and leaned back against the side of the building, waiting for the repair to be made.
Hearing a squawk, I saw Aaron outside messing around. Almost giving in to a smile, I noticed that his saddle-bag was open. Walking quickly over with a frown, I glanced in to make sure nothing was missing, then I strapped it shut tightly.
I tensed as I felt someone tap my shoulder. I almost spun and knocked them to the ground, but you know, I was making an effort to restrain myself today. I turned around to see the young man from the line. He had a fur jacket and a tooth hung from a cord about his neck. "This your dragon?" He asked.
I nodded.
"He seems pretty young. Any idea how old he is?" I didn't answer him, but turned and walked back to the forge. Any normal person would take this as a clue that I didn't want to be talked to. "You know, I haven't seen you around these parts," he said, leaning against the wall. Thor this guy is annoying. I had to answer him at this point though. It might seem strange not to give him an answer at all.
"I haven't come this way before."
"Really?" He perked up briefly before he returned to trying to act cool. "Yeah, uh, maybe I should show you around then? Give you the ol' Tour de Berk?"
I faked a smile. "Sorry, I'm not staying long. I was going to head off this evening. I'm just stopping for supplies."
"Oh." I glanced around, and noticed that the man in the black cloak was staring at me; at least, I assumed he was through his leather mask. "Then maybe you could meet me in the great hall for dinner? So you can have something on your stomach before you head off."
I was about to refuse, but before I did, I realized that I hadn't had a decent meal in a while. If I was with someone, it wouldn't look strange to go to the Great Hall. "S-sure."
"Cool. What's your name?"
"What's your's?"
"Gustav Larson," he said with a clumsy bow.
"Jean," I said quickly in reply. The boy behind the counter called my number.
"Well, see you later Jean," Gustav turned to leave. I went and retrieved my knife. Before leaving the forge, I remembered the man in the cloak and looked to see if he was still there, but he was gone.