Author's Notes: Hello! Meee again! I'm SO sorry fo rthe long wait! I hope I can think of a battle plan to realistically outsmart Viggo. Bit of a reference to the flight suit here. As always, please review! And here we go into another chapter...
As Hiccup walked back towards his team, he knew they couldn't believe what had happened. They all heard what he said, and it had somehow stricken something deep inside Mala that the warrior queen finally yeilded to. It was an amazing moment, two leaders locked in a soundless battle in the ring of amber flames. Somehow, he'd come out of it alive, but just barely. He casually wiped the blood away from his neck. He'd probably end up with a scar there...Perhaps he should make something with a higher collar to hide it. Maybe something black, to match Toothless. Or he could incorporate the DragonFly 2. Maybe 3. Focus, Hiccup!
The other dragon riders were all crouched in somewhat of a huddle outside the cave, waiting for him to make a plan. He knew, now, that although some wouldn't admit it, they saw and depended on him as their leader. The battle plans were his. The final choice was his. Six lives rested on his scrawny shoulders. It was the lonliest feeling in the world. He knelt down beside them, spreading out a sheet of parchment on the stony ground, but Astrid shook her head. "They're doing their best, but the lava is still flowing. It'll reach this spot before you can say Terrible Terror. Let's move to higher ground." Hiccup nodded, relieved for a choice that was not his. "Terrible Terror", said Tuffnut. "Where's the lava?" Every other member of the team, even his sister, glared at him. "Sense of humor? No? Jeez, what is with these people?"
They all gathered up on a ledge of the mountain with the parchment spread out in front of them, and Hiccup stared at it thoughtfully. He could feel the Defenders' eyes on his back, and tried not to let them distract him. "Astrid, do you have a pencil?" "I do", Heather piped up. "Thanks."
He lightly sketched a map of the nearest hunter port. Astrid cringed. Mala frowned. Oops. Now she thinks I know it well and will be suspicious. The problem would only worsen if he tried to explain himself, so he did not bother. "Astrid, you and Heather will be here, behind the guards. Twins and Snotlout, you distract them so the girls- not you, Ruff- can sneak past. Then they can take out the guards, and Fishlegs and I will go in and figure out where this dragon is being kept. Is everyone clear?" Everyone except the twins nodded. Hiccup rolled his eyes. "For once, just do what Snotlout tells you."
The plan was made. Their lives were on the line. Sunset was approaching.