'1.7' An Unwelcoming welcome

"That's Miss Imora to you." I growled to the onlookers behind me. " I apologize, Imo- I mean Miss Imora." The voice stuttered.

I rolled my eyes and hid the bag under the small seat of the boat. " I'm assuming Viggo has something to do with The Dragon Riders' absence?" I requested, looking back at the two tall guards attired in red. " Y-Yes Miss." One answered.

" I thought so." I mumbled. " Are you just going to stand there or should I go alone?" I snapped at them. They hurriedly toppled over to the boat and clumsily climbed in. They grabbed two paddles and started moving it through the water.

They went at a steady pace, digging through the endless sea of water. I sat down comfortably when I was satisfied with their progress. My foot occasionally tapped against the wood when a question entered my head.

The boat rocked a few times because of the sea lapping against it, and the air was calmer than usual. I close my eyes for a few seconds, trying to enjoy the moment. The calming sound of water eased my thoughts.

I hope the Hunters will be happy. I sighed and opened my eyes. The silence was prickling against my skin, forcing me to talk with the Guards. " How did Viggo manage to create absence on The Edge?" I asked calmly.

" Uh, he sent out a ship so that that Nadder-lady will get sick." The one on the left answered. " Well, the plan worked," I confirmed. But I was curious about the boat, something piqued my interest.

" What was on the boat?" I inquired curiously. There was silence for a few seconds, but one eventually answered. " There were guards on the boat Miss. Sick guards." I lifted my eyebrows in surprise.

" What kind of sick?" My voice wavered a bit, scared of the answer. The two guards glanced at each other then looked forward. Hunter Island was getting closer and more clearer to see by the second. " What sickness?" I repeated, my voice more demanding than before.

" Miss, Ryker, and Viggo have forced us to keep silent about the matter." The right one said politely. I fell silent. What are they trying to hide from me?

" So they forced your word?" I thought out loud. " Yes." The left one answered bluntly. " Alright, I'll speak to them." I continued. " But, if you tell me now, I'll keep you a secret and you'll be rewarded." I bargain, trying to pull out information. They glanced at each other. " What kind of reward?" The right one asked skeptical of our deal.

I mean, I wouldn't blame them, striking a deal with a Grimborn is no funny matter. I've seen betrayal after betrayal not only from my father but from Viggo and Ryker too. I, on the other hand, learned with Viggo to keep to our word, but change the terms on the last possible second.

" A raise," I said unbothered, investigating my nails. That made them stop for a second, but they continued paddling after a few silent moments. " How can we trust you?" The right one asked.   " Well, assuming that you already trust me to lead when my brothers aren't there, and trusting me not kill you since you did incorrectly addressed me... I'd say you already trust me enough to make a bargain." I convinced with a silky voice.

They glanced at each other and nodded. " We agree." They said in unison. " Great. Now, what sick guards were on that boat?" I requested, squirming in anticipation.

" Miss, the guards were infected with... The Scourge of Odin." One answered rather sadly. My body froze, hoping that it didn't hear what I thought I did. I sat up and stiffened my posture. My heartbeat slowed and sweat formed on my forehead.

I had a million questions. Where did they get the disease? Were they our guards? Are they still alive? Ect. Ect.

I thought silently 'till we reached the shores. Only when they started to climb out did I have the courage to ask. " Are they still alive?" My hands shook with fear, hoping that they say yes. I didn't know why, but I thought even if it was impossible to save them, there was still a chance.

They looked down at the sand, rubbing their arms nervously. 'That confirms it.' I thought angrily. I seized the hidden bag and jumped out of the small boat. Every step I walked, was filled with anger. Every breath I breathed was packed with guilt and grief.

A few minutes later I was in my tent, angrily taking off the ragged clothes and dressing in my normal wear. I was just about to finish putting my daggers away in their special locations when I heard a roar of shouts outside my tent. My senses where immediately aware that they were all storming to my tent.

I hastily hid the bag under my bed and nervously walked to the closed dragon-skin-door. My hand opened the flap of the tent when two large hands wrapped around my waist. It pulled me into the air, pushing the dagger to the ground. "I found them! I found the intrude-" Ryker stopped mid-air when his eyes landed on me. I looked at him with a blank expression. " Ryker, what no-" Viggo asked behind him. He was holding his sword in his right-hand with a shocked yet confused expression. Of course, it didn't take him long to figure out it was me.

" Imora?" He asked uncertainly. There were hundreds of guards observing the scene. One, I mistook for a guard was Johan. And boy was he irritated. " You blabbering bunch of baboons! It was the girl! Can't you idiots see it's one of the Grimborns?!" He yelled at the top of his lungs.

Ryker set me down gently as if trying to apologize with no words. " Welco-" Viggo started but was interrupted by Johan. " Do you have it?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at me threateningly. I rolled my eyes. " Nice to see you too." I grumbled, obviously irritated as well. " Do you have it?" He repeated, in a much more demanding way. I looked him straight in the eyes and then turned around to my tent. I walked in, opening the flap for the 'guests'. Ryker was first to enter then Viggo and finally Johan.

I could tell Viggo and Ryker were both uncomfortable with the fact that Johan was breathing down their necks. I crouched down to my dagger and pocketed it in my thigh-pocket. I quickly walked over to my bed and grabbed the bag. " Viggo tells me your a master in stealing. To be honest, I was expecting a master thief to know not to hide things under your bed." Johan stated in a matter-of-factly voice. " To be honest as well, I thought you of all people know when to keep your mouth shut. But I guess you'll still be the Archipelago's most annoying man." I said in the same tone.

He had a clear frown on his face when I opened the bag. I gently pulled out The Dragon Eye and held it in my hand as if it was a prize. A smirk was pasted on my face when I saw my brother's look, unfortunately, they didn't last long.

Johan stretched out his hand, expecting the item. I pulled my hand back, knowing fully what I desired. " I want a bargain." I said, staring him in the eyes.