Gareth woke up early as he always did, eager to start his day. He stretched his arms and legs, feeling his muscles tense and relax. It had been a year since he had started his training, and he was amazed at how much he had grown. He remembered how he could barely help his dad row the boat for a minute, but now he could do it for several without breaking a sweat.
As he got dressed, he thought about how he had been running as practice. His dad had told him that Vikings had to be strong and fast, and that they had to be ready to fight dragons at a moment's notice. Gareth had taken his dad's words to heart, and he had been running every day to build up his strength and stamina.
When he arrived at the docks, he saw his dad already there, readying the boat for the day's fishing trip. Gareth jumped aboard, eager to help. His dad smiled at him, proud of his son's determination.
As they rowed out to sea, Gareth's dad told him that the village they lived in had recently received news of a neighboring island being attacked by dragons. Though their own island had been spared, some of the food stores had been taken. The news had everyone on edge, and Gareth couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Gareth listened intently, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. He had been training for this moment, and he was eager to prove himself.
In response to the recent dragon attack on the neighboring island, the villages of Gareth's island and the neighboring island began to trade with each other through some traveling merchants. They exchanged goods such as food, clothing, and precious metals, but most importantly, they traded for tools and weapons to better prepare themselves for any future dragon attacks. Gareth's father was particularly interested in acquiring some sturdy spears that would allow them to defend themselves against any dragon that might come their way. Gareth helped his father with the negotiations and was thrilled when they were able to secure a good deal. As the merchants left the island, Gareth couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that they were better prepared for whatever may come their way.
For this Gareth had asked his father if he could teach him how to weld a spear but he denied, but Gareth's father recommended Erik, a skilled spearmen, to teach Gareth how to defend himself against a dragon attack. Gareth was eager to start his training and was grateful for his father's recommendation.
Erik was a tough and no-nonsense teacher, but Gareth found him to be very knowledgeable and experienced in dragon combat. Erik taught Gareth how to wield a spear with precision and how to anticipate a dragon's movements. He also showed him different ways to evade and counterattack a dragon.
Often when encountering a dragon its best to remain agile moving around the beast, keeping your spear between you and the dragon so its less inclined to rushed you. Next thing to watch out for is the dragons fire, if it feels the need it will spit fire at you. Best thing he thought of doing in that situation is block it with a shield or moving out of the way.
Gareth trained diligently, running and practicing with his spear every day. He wanted to be ready for any dragon that might attack his village or the neighboring one. He knew that the safety of his family and friends depended on his ability to defend them.
As he trained, Gareth began to develop a sense of confidence and pride in himself. He felt like he was becoming a valuable member of his community, someone who could protect and serve others. And he knew that he had Erik to thank for that.
Gareth couldn't wait to show his father and Erik what he had learned when the next dragon attack came. He was determined to be ready, no matter what.
....
A elder Viking had then told everyone that this must be that Deadly Nadder migration that happens every few years but must have been delayed somehow. Which worried everyone because Deadly Nadders are a vain and aggressive spine-shooting Tracker Class Dragon. With a keen sense of smell that makes up for a blind spot right in front of its nose.
The Deadly Nadder attacks from a distance, always staying just out of reach while launching fireballs at opponents.
Which means that all the preparations they have done so far would have to shift to accommodate to the different attack that's coming. Having bait available to act as points of interest and groups to scare of the dragons would be difficult. While hiding the remaining food is a strategy many villages including ours use.
Gareth watched as the villagers rushed about, trying to prepare for the impending dragon attack and they needed to be ready to defend themselves. Some moved food from houses with families to hidden storehouses periodically in the village so that even if they lost some it would only be a portion rather than all of their food. Gareth's father had been out fishing when the news arrived, but he had come back as quickly as he could to help with the preparations.
Gareth felt a sense of unease settle in his stomach as he watched the chaos around him. He knew that his father and Erik, the spearmen he had been training with, would be able to defend themselves, but he wasn't sure about the rest of the villagers. He knew they had been attacked by dragons before but this was the first time he had taken an active part in defending the village.
As the day wore on, the tension in the village grew. The merchants who had been trading with them had left, trying to get as much distance between them and the dragon migration. The villagers worked tirelessly, fortifying their homes and preparing weapons and traps to defend themselves.
Gareth knew that he wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how. He wasn't yet strong enough to fight, and he didn't have the skills to build the defenses that the village needed. He felt a sense of frustration and helplessness, and he wished that there was something he could do to contribute more. So he was determined to watch and learn how they fought so that he could help in the future.
As the sun began to set, the village fell silent. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of the waves and the rustling of the wind in the trees. The Village was silent, watching for any signs of the approaching dragons.
Gareth felt a sense of dread wash over him as the minutes ticked by. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he knew that it wouldn't be good. He tried to distract himself with just about anything, but he was still anxious he would soon become an active defender of his village. He knew his father would be near by so he wouldn't be overwhelmed but anything could happen.
Suddenly in the morning, there was a loud roar in the distance. Gareth's heart leapt into his throat as he realized that the dragons were almost upon them. He tensed, ready to fight or flee, whatever was necessary to help protect his family and his village.
The villagers watched in horror as the dragons started to fly over their village in a large swirl scanning their village for food. Some started to swoop down towards their village, their sharp talons and deadly fire breathing abilities on full display. Gareth's heart raced as he watched the chaos unfold, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could help defend his home.
As the dragons descended upon the village, the spearman Erik ran out of his home and assembled in the village square along a few others, each clutching their shields and spears tightly as they prepared to repel the dragons from their bait. Gareth's heart pounded in his chest as he watched them, his eyes fixed on the sky as the dragons drew closer.
As they neared, the dragons let out deafening roars, causing the ground to tremble beneath Gareth's feet. He could see the glint of their scales in the sunlight, and the gleam of their razor-sharp teeth as they opened their jaws in a menacing display.
Erik and others held their ground, their spears at the ready as the dragons swooped down towards them. Gareth watched in awe as they worked together, their movements precise and calculated as they fended off the onslaught.
For an hour, the battle raged on, with both sides taking some light losses. We lost some of the bait when several dragons shot fire at the same time making everyone either evade or put up their shields. distracting them long enough for the dragons to grab some of the food. But eventually, the spearman emerged victorious, driving the remaining dragons back and forcing them to retreat.
Despite their best efforts, several buildings were set ablaze by the dragon's flames, and a few of the villagers were injured. But thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of those who fought, the majority of the village was able to repel the attack and drive the dragons away.
As the dust settled and the adrenaline began to wear off, Gareth couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for those who had fought so valiantly to protect their village. And though the threat of another attack still loomed on the horizon, Gareth knew that he was ready to do his part to defend his home alongside his new mentors and friends.
As the last dragon fled from the village, the villagers breathed a collective sigh of relief. But as they turned to inspect the damage, they found that the attack had left its mark. Homes were destroyed, crops were burned, and many of the village's precious tools and weapons were lost.
Gareth rushed to his family's home, heart pounding with fear. As he approached, he saw that their home had been spared, but the homes of several of their friends and neighbors had not been so lucky. He felt a pang of sadness and anger as he saw the devastation wrought by the dragon attack.
Despite the destruction, the villagers were determined to rebuild and prepare for any future attacks. They worked together to repair homes, replant crops, and forge new weapons and tools. Gareth was grateful to be a part of such a resilient community, and he knew that with their determination and strength, they would be able to withstand whatever challenges lay ahead.
It's always exciting to see how a story unfolds and evolves with each new chapter. Especially since I'm the one writing these chapters and planning these interactions. I hope this process has been enjoyable for you as well, and I look forward to continuing to work with you on this project or any others in the future!