Lost

Chapter 17

I suddenly snap awake to the sound of screaming, only this time it's not me. My eyes fight to adjust to the darkness as I reach to my side for Astrid. My stomach flips as my hand drifts over dirt. I quickly sit up. A wave of dizzy ness overcomes me and I fight the urge to pass out. More screaming comes from the entrance of the cave.
"Ahhhh get off! Let go of me! Hiccup!" I hear her scream urgently.
"Astrid!"
I snatch up my firesword and spark it to life. The cave is instantly filled with light. I squint my eyes and try to focus as the walls spin around me. Through all the panic I slow my breathing and close my eyes. After a few seconds the nausea subsides and I snap open my eyes. Instantly the panic returns as I look around me. Toothless and Stormfly have been knocked out cold by sleeping darts. Then my attention turns towards the entrance and my heart drops. Two men covered in black furs are wrestling with Astrid to try and take her out. Her constant thrashing and screaming is making it hard for them to contain her. I jump to my feet and sway as another wave of nausea sweeps through my body and I curse this fever. I reach back against the wall to gain my balance. I look back towards the fight and the world slows down. The bigger guy dodges Astrid's punch and throws her one in the stomach. She staggers for a second too long as the big guy grabs her tightly and the normal sized man reaches behind his back. My hearts skips as he aims the dart gun at her and fires, hitting the side of her neck.
"No!" I hear myself shout as I see her wince. She turns her attention towards me. Her mouth forms my name before she falls to the ground. My mind clears and I'm instantly filled with a major dose of adrenaline. I stand straight as I gain my balance back. My leg is throbbing uncomfortably but I ignore it.
"I'll take her back. Make sure the wimp doesn't follow us," I hear the normal sized man demand. He runs off with Astrid over his shoulder and the guy twice my size focuses back on me. We slowly circle each other as I gain back my strength thanks to the adrenaline rush.
"Who are you?" I demand, gripping my firesword tighter.
He chuckles before standing still and spreading out his arms.
"We are the men of Lendara, and you are trespassing. Only one way to deal with trespassers here, by death. Though your girl there is a lucky one. If she wasn't so feisty and good looking then she would already be dead!"
"Where are you taking her!"
He smiles again and draws out a sword. "It's getting pretty boring back in town. I'm sure that fine lady will keep us entertained for quite a while."
My anger boils over and I shout as I run towards the man, ready to shove my sword through his skin. His sword clashes with mine as I dodge his swings and he dodges mine. Then I stagger too long as his sword connects with my left arm, leaving a gash below the shoulder. I jump back and grab hold of my arm. The man chuckles. "So weak. Too bad you won't make it out alive to save your precious girl."
My eyes pierce him with an evil glare as I forget about my arm and rush forward. Our swords clash again as his threatens to overpower mine. He kicks me hard in the stomach making me lower my sword which gives him a clear punch to my face. I stagger back and shake my head to clear the dots fogging my vision. I stand tall and breathe. Think Hiccup! He favors and guards his right side so he must be weak there, unlike me. He also puts most of his weight on his left leg. A strategy forms in my head as I see him rush towards me. A wave of calming focus washes over me and the world slows. I prepare my flaming sword and wait for his approach. He lunges from the left and I dive to the the right, slice my sword across his left side, and roll under, leaping back on my feet. He growls in pain from the burning gash in his side. He focuses back on me and rushes forward. I stop his sword with mine, twist his arm, and watch as the sword goes flying far to the right. His attention lingers on the sword long enough for me to fiercely kick his left leg under and send him falling to the ground with a grunt. I hold him down and put weight on his injured side receiving a painful shout from the defeated man. I bring my sword close to his neck, singeing his face hair off and stare right in his black eyes.
"Where are they taking her."
"You can't make me talk." He spits back. Done with his crap I shove my knee hard into his side and before he has a chance to scream I throw a hard punch to his jaw. Then I bring my sword closer to his neck.
"I'm going to ask one more time. Where is she!" I demand. Sweat rolls down the mans face as his eyes grow weary and slowly fog up with defeat.
"It's a town just off of South point."
He grunts back in pain.
"I need more info than that!"
"They should be back by now. They will keep you're pretty little girlfriend in the dungeon on the West side of town. Good luck trying to get her out of that place. You'll never make it out alive!"
I shove my knee harder in his side, take the hilt of my sword, and smash it on his head, knocking him unconscious. I run to the dragons and take out the darts. They should be awake soon and can take care of this guy when he wakes up. I snap off my sword. I forget about my broken leg and horrible fever as I sprint into the dark and head towards the village. There isn't a hint of dawn in the sky which means I'll have the shadows to cover my back.