This is one of the first stories I have ever written so I don't expect to get a lot of views but please review the content. Its rated M for safety cause I will use strong language in some areas and other things best left for later chapters. Please tell me what you think of it, I'm open to criticism .


"Down!" shouted a Viking as a new fire erupted on one of the thatched roofs of the many houses lining Berk's coastline. This fire was not something a dragon could induce, but something man-made. Since the end of the war with dragons, Berk's neighbours steadily grew agitated at the number of dragons entering the Viking settlement. This, and after years of suffering under dragons, finally prompted the other Viking clans to attack Berk en masse. After only four months of relative peace Berk was again at war.


"Okay guys we take this nice and easy." said Hiccup, fighting the noise of clashing metal outside the command tent. "The Viking clans led by Chieftains Birka and Hedeby are gathering here, at the southernmost point of our new wall. They are planning to dig a mine under to collapse the walls and sally through the breach. Our job is to prevent that." said the boy to the thirty Vikings that comprised his elite group of riders. These were no ordinary men since they all flew Nightmares into battle, one of the hardest dragons to tame and train within the four months given to them. But these men had pulled it off, and to compensate for lack of dragon riding prowess they made up for in ferocity. Although Hiccup would have preferred his original team of five, Astrid had been assigned by Stoick to defend the wall, Snotlout and Fishlegs were given the offensive, and the twins were to guard the rest of Berk during Hiccup's absence such as times like these. So here he was, with thirty fully grown, bloodthirsty Vikings. "Our plan is to swoop in and take the equipment in the first volley, the dismounting to kill hand-to-hand will follow during the second pass. Dragons in the air to provide cover while we try to capture the leaders alive. Any questions?" said Hiccup. As no hand was raised he whispered to himself, "Then let's hunt".

The Night Fury, accompanied by thirty Nightmares, was quite a sight indeed. Hiccup sat on Toothless as they surveyed the looks on the faces of the soon to be dead besiegers. He suppressed his disgust at the coming slaughter because he had to appear in control of the situation around his men.

"Alright, we make the first pass on my mark!" as he turned to glance at the ballistae aimed their way. When he gave the signal, thirty Nightmares pulled ahead in a slow descent. Toothless eagerly joined the pack and swooped down, low and gaining speed the Night Fury let out the first of its devastating fireballs which was known for its bluish haze after impact. The nearest siege engine burst in a brilliant colour of flame and the next after that, till all the towers were smouldering. The Nightmares soon followed, they're bright orange fire licking the mining equipment and the unfortunate men standing guard. On the second pass the riders dismounted. The Nightmares began to systematically set themselves on fire as the Vikings charged the line of defenders who stubbornly protected Birka and Hedeby.

"ODIN!" cried the riders as they met steel with steel. In the midst of the fighting stood hiccup, sword and shield in hand. In the four months of peace he had decided to master his prosthetic, and what a better way than to train in combat. In those few months he slowly built up his skills and by the start of the war he was considered at par with any seasoned warrior in Berk. Hiccup's sword flashing high and low, the invading Vikings stood no chance, as the riders neared the Chieftains' position on the hilltop by the now wrecked siege engines. These Vikings knew too that their time as chieftains were coming to an end.


Two Hours later...

"Good job Hiccup!" said Stoick to his son as he clapped him in the back. "Yeah awesome work dude!" said Fishlegs and Snotlout. The two had drawn so many conclusions as to the outcome of the raid. Well Snotlout mainly while Fishlegs ranted on about the enemy's armour strength and other whatnots. But above it all Hiccup came to appreciate the knowing smile of Astrid turned his way, and he knew it was not because he was successful but because he was still alive.

She punched him hard on his forearm, "That was for making me worry!" and she gave him a kiss on the lips, "And that's for coming back alive". Hiccup just grinned and hugged the Viking girl; in those four months of peace he and Astrid had formed a unique bond. Astrid had realized that she had loved him deeply and decided she was to tell Hiccup. They had been happy for a month before the eruption of the war. Now everyday was merely a contest on who survives in the end of the day.

The two stayed in the hall till everyone left. Hiccup then said he would stay and get something to eat while Astrid got some sleep over at his house since the Hofferson's house had burned to ground weeks before. She pulled the cloak tightly around her and glanced at Hiccup one last time. He was still seated and fiddling with a new invention as he ate and was muttering something about not being able to speak properly in front of Astrid. She merely smiled and turned to leave. She was halfway down the path when a deafening boom was heard. She glanced back instinctively and saw the great hall burst in flames. She shouted out immediately, "HICCUP!".


So how was it, please review so I can improve.

Thank you.