As the days slowly passed Viggo could feel his strength returning and was soon free to roam about the village. However, he found himself spending most of his time assisting Amelia as everyone else was not quite ready to trust him with any other tasks.

Elder Amelia, though cautious, recognized the potential for change in Viggo. She assigned him various chores and duties within the village, gradually integrating him into their daily life. Viggo took on these responsibilities with a sense of purpose, determined to prove himself to the community that had given him a second chance.

Stromwalker became a familiar sight around the village, his majestic form soaring through the sky or resting near Viggo as a constant companion. The bond between dragon and rider grew stronger each day, a testament to the transformative power of redemption.

One day as Viggo was helping the cartographer draw out a map of the surrounding archipelagos Elinor approached, regal as ever. "You really have made an effort Viggo Grimborn, to contribute to our community," she acknowledged, her tone measured.

Viggo nodded, focusing on the task at hand. "I'm here to prove that I can change, that I can be a positive force. Stormwalker and I owe this village our lives, and I want to repay that debt."

Elinor's eyes lingered on him for a moment before she spoke, "You're still that same old suave businessman that I used to love."

"I'm afraid that will never change my dear," Viggo said, gently taking Elinor's hand and placing a small kiss on her knuckles.

Elinor pulled her hand away, a flicker of admiration in her eyes, "You really are difficult."

Viggo chuckled softly, "Perhaps, but you can't deny I do have an air of charm around me."

Elinor rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You can't charm your way out of this one Grimborn." Her finger teasingly ran along his jaw. The banter was cut short when Brynhildr cleared her throat from behind Elinor. "Excuse me, Your Highness, but I got word of some mysterious ships approaching the island, and King Ragnar is nowhere to be found."

"This is troubling, Ragnar never leaves the village unless it is absolutely necessary. Alright, Brynhildr gather the counsel for a meeting," Elinor instructed before turning to Viggo, her eyes filled with desperation. "I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't the only option but I need you to take Stromwalker and search for Ragnar. Please, he's the only family I have left."

Viggo's gaze met Elinor's, and for a moment, the playful banter faded, replaced by a solemn understanding. Without hesitation, he nodded, his determination resurfacing. "I'll find him, Elinor. You have my word."

As Brynhildr rushed off to gather the council, Elinor clasped Viggo's hand in gratitude. "Thank you, Viggo. I know you've changed, and I believe in you."

With a reassuring smile, Viggo excused himself from the cartographer's side and approached Stormwalker, who sensed the urgency in his rider's demeanor. The village looked at him, their once-questioning eyes now filled with a glimmer of trust.

Mounted on Stormwalker, Viggo soared into the skies, scanning the vast expanse of ocean surrounding the island. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and purple across the clouds as the pair embarked on their mission to find King Ragnar.

The cool wind whistled past Viggo as he held onto Stormwalker's scales, the dragon's powerful wings cutting through the air. Viggo's thoughts swirled with a mix of determination and concern for the safety of the village and its ruler.

As they reached the outskirts of the archipelago, Viggo spotted the mysterious ships on the horizon. Their dark silhouettes hinted at an ominous presence. Stormwalker descended closer to the water, gliding just above the waves to avoid detection.

Viggo's keen eyes scanned the ships for any sign of King Ragnar. He knew that the situation could be dire, and every moment counted. The moonlit night revealed the ships' details, revealing unfamiliar markings and ominous designs that hinted at a potential threat.

After a thorough search, Viggo and Stormwalker discovered a hidden cove where the ships had anchored. As they cautiously approached, Viggo could hear hushed voices and the clinking of armor. He motioned for Stormwalker to land on a concealed ledge overlooking the cove.

From their vantage point, Viggo observed a group of figures disembarking from the ships. Clad in dark armor and carrying weapons, they moved with purpose towards a concealed entrance in the cliffs. Among them, Viggo caught a glimpse of a familiar figure – King Ragnar, bound and escorted by the mysterious intruders. Looking around the rest of the hideout Viggo spotted several cages with various dragons inside of them. Viggo scanned the area deciding that even with Stormwalker he was outmatched and it would be better to return to the island and plan with the council before trying to rescue Ragnar.

Returning to the island, Viggo wasted no time in briefing the council about the ominous threat looming on the horizon. Elinor's worry deepened as she heard the details, and the council members exchanged concerned glances.

"We need to act swiftly," Brynhildr declared, her stern demeanor adding weight to the urgency of the situation. "Viggo, what did you see at the cove? Do we have any idea who these invaders are?"

"Unfortunately the only information I could gather was that they are dragon hunters. I do not recognize the symbols however, they must be a new rouge faction operating away from Haldor," Viggo replied, his brow furrowed with concern. "They have King Ragnar captive, and it seems like they've been capturing other dragons as well. We need to strategize carefully before attempting a rescue mission."

Elinor, her usual regal composure now tinged with worry, nodded in agreement. "We can't risk a direct confrontation without a plan. We need to gather information about their numbers, capabilities, and intentions. Viggo, can you and Stormwalker conduct reconnaissance without alerting them?"

Viggo nodded resolutely. "We can stay hidden and observe their movements. Once we have enough information, we can devise a plan to rescue King Ragnar and the captured dragons."

The council members discussed their options, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the village's defenses and how to best coordinate their efforts. Despite the urgency, they knew that a hasty and uncoordinated attack could put the entire village at risk.

As the council deliberated, Viggo shared the details of the hidden cove and the layout of the enemy's base. The cartographer worked quickly to sketch a makeshift map, marking potential entry points and areas of interest.

When the meeting came to a close Elinor grabbed Viggo's arm stopping him from leaving. She waited until everyone else had left before talking, "Are you ever going to refer to him as your father?" Viggo stayed silent, contemplating the best response. She was talking about Haldor, the chief of Celestial Perch and leader of all dragon hunters.

Viggo met Elinor's gaze, his expression serious. "Even if I could forgive him for what he did to my mother he knows I betrayed my people and will never accept me as his son."

Elinor's eyes softened as she understood the weight of Viggo's words. "I can't imagine the pain you carry, Viggo. I wish I had been there for you and could have helped you avoid going down such a dark path in life. I just hope you realize that you don't have to detach yourself from your past to become a better person."

Viggo didn't respond, there was nothing left to say. He simply took in the warmth of Elinor's compassion, closing his eyes as she ran her thumb along his cheek in comfort.

The atmosphere in the village was tense as preparations for the reconnaissance mission were underway. Viggo, alongside Stormwalker, hovered near the cliffs overlooking the hidden cove. The night shrouded them in darkness as they observed the movements of the mysterious dragon hunters below.

From their concealed vantage point, Viggo and Stormwalker observed the patterns of the enemy. The dragon hunters seemed to be well-organized, patrolling the area and maintaining a vigilant watch. The captured dragons were kept in large cages, their roars echoing through the cavern.

Viggo took mental notes of the enemy's numbers, their weapons, and the layout of the base. In one of the darker corners of the cave, he noticed a tent, most likely occupied by the leader. Continuing to watch he saw someone walk out and start barking orders to the other hunters. From what he could tell they were a younger girl with short brown hair framing her face and a full set of armor made from dragon bones and scales.

After hours of meticulous observation, Viggo and Stormwalker returned to the village, landing near the council meeting area. Elinor and the council members eagerly awaited their report.

Viggo hopped off of Stormwalker and gave him a pat as a way to tell him he did well before addressing the council. "The dragon hunters are a formidable force, well-organized and armed. They have a significant number of troops and seem to be led by a young woman with zero tolerance for failure."

Elinor's eyes narrowed in thought. "A new leader among the dragon hunters. This complicates matters. We need to know more about her and what drives her to attack our island."

Viggo nodded. "Agreed. I also observed the layout of their base. There's a tent in the corner where the leader seems to reside. If we can gather more information from there, we might uncover their plans and motivations."

Brynhildr chimed in, "We should organize a small, elite team to infiltrate the enemy base and retrieve King Ragnar. Stealth and precision will be crucial."

Elinor nodded in agreement. "But we must act quickly. Every moment King Ragnar and those captured dragons remain in their clutches is a moment too long."

The council members began strategizing, taking into account the information gathered by Viggo during the reconnaissance mission. They discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the dragon hunters, potential entry points into the enemy base, and the best way to approach the rescue mission.

Brynhildr, with her experience in combat and tactics, proposed forming a small team comprised of skilled individuals from the village. She suggested selecting those with a combination of stealth, combat prowess, and knowledge of the terrain. The goal was to minimize the risk of detection while maximizing the chances of success.

Viggo volunteered to be part of the infiltration team, emphasizing his familiarity with the layout of the enemy base and the way they operated. Despite initial hesitations from some council members, Elinor vouched for Viggo's commitment to the village and the need to utilize his unique knowledge.

As preparations for the rescue mission unfolded, the village buzzed with a mix of tension and determination. The chosen team gathered in a secluded area to finalize their plan of action. Elinor approached the group, a steady expression adorning her face and a delicately wrapped sword resting in both of her hands.

"Viggo Grimborn, I present to you a sword made only from our finest materials. This weapon shall only be used to defend Drakeholm Isle and her people. If you betray us in any way then this vary sword will strike you down where you stand.

Viggo gingerly took the ornate sword into his hands inspecting every detail. "I swear on my life, and on this blade, that I will do everything in my power to protect this village and bring King Ragnar back safely."

Elinor's eyes held a mixture of concern and determination. "I believe in your redemption, Viggo. Make sure this mission proves it."

With the solemn oath made and the sword entrusted to him, Viggo felt a renewed sense of responsibility. The infiltration team, consisting of skilled individuals from the village, gathered around a detailed map of the enemy base. Brynhildr, taking charge of the mission, outlined the plan with precision.

"We have identified a less guarded entrance on the eastern side of the base," Brynhildr explained, pointing to the corresponding spot on the map. "We'll approach under the cover of darkness, utilizing the natural terrain to avoid detection. Viggo, your knowledge of the layout will be crucial in navigating the interior and reaching the leader's tent."

The team nodded in agreement, their faces focused and determined. Each member knew their role, and the success of the mission depended on their ability to work seamlessly together.

"Alright men, mount up!" The troops all claimed atop armored dragons and prepared to take off. Elinor walked up to Viggo, who was adjusting the straps of Stormwalker's saddle and placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to gain his attention.

"Please promise that both you and my brother will return safely," she pleaded moving her hand to his face and staring into his eyes desperately.

Viggo met Elinor's gaze, a genuine sincerity in his eyes. "I promise, Elinor. We will bring King Ragnar back, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure the safety of the captured dragons. You have my word."

Elinor nodded, a mixture of gratitude and worry on her face. Then without warning, she kissed him. It wasn't anything grand, just a small peek, but it was all Viggo needed to know that she trusted him. "For luck," she said moving a loose strand of dark brown hair behind her ear and trying to hide her blush.

Viggo, momentarily surprised by the unexpected gesture, couldn't help but smile. "For luck," he repeated, his gaze lingering on Elinor. With a final reassuring glance, he mounted Stormwalker, and the infiltration team set off into the night, their dragons soaring toward the hidden cove.