Chapter 1
Two magnificent kingdoms were in the stage of war, fighting for one's honour and vanity. Chaos and destructions spread like wild fire through cities and towns, making people running around to seek refuge. Many souls are lost and many more will if the war continues or fall to Dark Warlock. King Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Father to his people, King to the land and the Lord of Berk has won the battle against his cruel nemesis, the Dark Warlock – Boneknapper. The whole kingdom of Berk celebrated the victorious event - day till night. Boneknapper's sons, Joshua and Sullivan, fled to the woods and they swore they will avenge their father's defeat but both of them got caught and been sentence to death. Before Boneknapper dies, he cruse the King.
"To whom that bear and carries the name of the Haddocks', the heir to the barbaric king, a murderer to my sons, shall dwell in misery and pain. The heir shall live in despair, sorrow and sadness that torture the living souls!" he drew his last breath and dies in one of his asylums that lies far away from Berk.
Three years later, the Queen – Astrid Hofferson Haddock, become pregnant and give birth to a baby boy. The child was born with amber coloured eyes and silvery white hair; it was the features of his late great grandfather. He was named Jeremiah Stoick Haddock and he will be known as the Rider of the Storms. When the young prince was born, he did not cry like other infants normally do. The whole kingdom was worried that they may lose their heir to the throne. But the doctors have confirmed that the prince is healthy. Another two years passed, the prince does not even smile nor cry. His parents were worried that something may go wrong. So they decided to take a 'quick visit' to Grand Warlock.
"It takes a few days to reach the Warlock's place but it worth more than nothing." Astrid murmured to herself and swabs her son's head.
They arrived safe at the Warlock's place and as usual, the Warlock has already prepared for their arrival. The Warlock was called Grimbeard, the Warlock of the North. As they stepped inside the front yard, the Warlock has sense the dark spell that surrounds the young prince. He quickly orders his servants to take a special medication from his house.
"Welcome. I've known what you need. Have no fear."
"You're truly the only one we can hope for. Please help us." Astrid sobs secretly.
"Come here, young Prince Jeremiah Stoick Haddock. I want to see you closely."
"Go now, Jeremy. He just wants to see you." As Hiccup hold his son's hands.
Jeremy, the Prince, slowly walks to the Warlock. He stares at the Warlock emptily, without any feelings of nervousness, anxieties or curiosity as a child. The Warlock touches his head and eyes firmly. He enchants some ancient word through his mouth. Then his servants came and brought the medication he asked for.
"Your Highnesses, I had sought through the Prince's eyes and I must say that your son is curse by Boneknapper. His magic can last long even after his death. Your son's eyes are full of emptiness. He can't even know how to show his feelings. I just can ease some of the burden he carries but the rest is up to him. And this thing, make sure he drinks it on the hundredth moon. In the human tongue, it's ten years of age."
"The rest is up to him, but how?" Astrid asked.
"Let time lead the way."
Twenty years has passed since the war started and Jeremiah or better known as Jeremy had grown into a fine man. His tutor, Maggiorelas had taught him many kinds of wonders in the world. He taught him the geographic landmarks of the world and the grand history that always made him more excited in every word that he spoke. Jeremy only learns books with Maggie so, he trains his fighting skills with the Weapons Master, Colonel Gobber. But unfortunately, Jeremy still stays the same. He could not laugh, giggle, mad or even smile! He never does what other people do, like complaining or sighs too! Although he is in that condition, his family cares and loved him, so as his people. Somehow he did show affections to people around him. Now, his parents realise what the Warlock had told them about Jeremy. Grimbeard had secretly cast a spell to increase Jeremy's affection to others and minimise some of Boneknapper's curse.
"Mother, Father. When will the ambassador come?" Jeremy politely asked.
"Son, don't be too formal with us. No one's watching, just called us as usual." Hiccup pads his son's shoulder.
"Ok, Dad. What will we discuss with the ambassador? Will it involve our trade route to the West and South?"
"I think they'll arrive before dark. We'll mostly discuss about the East people – that's who they really are. I hope that we can bond relationship through this discussion and increase our chance to associate with them."
"Jeremy, go now and talk to Maggie about this. I think he can come with us later on. In this matter, he should dig all of his ideas from his old but magnificent brain." Astrid joked but Jeremy still would not smile or laugh.
Hiccup and Astrid continue their discussions. Jeremy just walked away and opened the hallway door. He needs to find Maggie and bring him to his Mum and Dad. While he was in the search for Maggie, he saw a Will-o'-The-Wisp. Maybe it can lead him to his fate, where people say that Wisp will always make a person meets his own destiny neither sooner or later. He just followed the Wisp until he stood up a big stony wall dividing the castle and the city. Then, there was no sight of the Wisp. He climbed up the wall and saw people running around to earn living and others just goofing off. In the centre of the city, there stood a magnificent statue of the goddess Athena. At that exact moment, he had some sort of feeling rushing in and out in his chest. A smile was about to break out but it was interrupted by Maggie who was calling him from behind.
"What are you doing up there? Climb down now." Maggie directs him as if he was the prince or more likely to be prefer as an old sleepy king.
He and Jeremy were almost like father and son. Most of the time, he spent it with Jeremy, lecturing him how to smile or laugh! He even shows funny and weird portraits drawn by his own hands. Sometimes, he just taught silly things to Jeremy such as how to sleep comfortably with a rock or how to bath without using water! He said it will be useful if their country is struck with a crisis.
"It's nothing. I was just taking a sneak view behind the castle's wall, that's all. It's just plain nothing. Can I ask you something, Maggie? When was the statue build? I mean the big statue of Athena in the city."
"Oh. It was build long before you were born. Around 250 years ago. Ok. What did your parents told you? And when will the ambassador come?"
"Yes, right. I forgot to tell you that Mum and Dad are looking for you. They are in the Great Hall now. They'll need your help to figure out what plan is the best before the ambassador arrive. And, Dad says they'll be here before dark." he hops down from top of the wall.
"There is no much time left so I better hurry up. And don't try to climb that wall again. It's dangerous."
"Yes, Maggie."
As Maggie rushes to the Great Hall, Jeremy suddenly fell into a very deep silence and walks slowly to Training Ground where he always polish his skills. Apart from that, that place is where he learns the way of living and a place to think. In this cloudy afternoon, he stood in the middle of the Training Ground, looked up to the sky then closes his eyes. His silvery white hair was gently wafted by the wind. He prayed to their goddess, Athena. He hopes that 'She' will grant his wish that has long stayed in his lonely soul.