I'm sorry. It was really, really mean of me to leave you hanging like that for... three months. But, I'm trying to get better. And, just like my psychologist says, I'm 'fighting the voice in my head that says there is no point'. So hopefully I'll update more.
I've also had a random spurt of inspiration and now all I want to do is write. It's great!
Now for the shoutouts that are long overdue:
Massive HTTYD Fan: Of course he will! That's one thing I love about Viggo. Because he is such a smart and cunning character I can use him in so many different situations. And planting doubt is one the suits him greatly.
PutMoneyInThyPurse: Psychological warfare is so much fun to write. And I do agree with you on the 'Dreamworks Dismissal'. While I understand that it is a kids show, it really frustrates me that there isn't a single hint at all the bullying that happened. That was one of the factors that inspired me to write this story. And thanks for letting me know that I've written the Riders in character. I really appreciate it.
Michi Haddock O'Brien: Thanks so much for your comment! It makes me so happy when people are able to come to the same conclusion as I do when they read my work! And I'm glad you enjoyed the description!
Guest: Sorry about the massive wait. Feel free to scream at me though!
Tahlibahli(Guest): No! Please don't die!
TTGG03: You'll have to read on to find out.
~O~
Trust Is Key
Chapter 4
~O~
"If that's the case, then you won't have any issue listening to what I have to say."
Hiccup stared Viggo down. This was a trap - that was obvious - yet, Hiccup needed to know how Viggo got the information he had. It had been chewing at him since the incident. This may be his only chance to find out what had happened.
It took a few moments to decide, but finally, Hiccup responded. "Then let's talk."
A smile crept up Viggo's face. "I have a question for you Hiccup Haddock. Why do you think the inhabitants of Berk praise you the way you do?"
Hiccup knew where this was headed. "Because I ended a three-hundred-year-old war."
"You saved their lives. Praise and thanks could only be expected. But, what if you hadn't defeated the Red Death? What if you had never tamed the Night Fury? How would the people of the Archipelago treat you then?"
Hiccup knew the answer to that question. He always had. If he hadn't defeated the Red Death he would continue to be an outcast. He never would have any friends, and never be accepted. Snotlout would take his place as heir and then he would be banished forever - assuming he hadn't taken his own life by that point.
But he couldn't tell Viggo that - that would be playing right into his hand.
"I take your silence means you know the answer." Hiccup hadn't realised that he'd been silent for so long.
"It doesn't matter what could have happened, Viggo. Because I did defeat the Red Death, I did befriend a dragon, and I did end a war. So my question is, how and why do you know so much about what happened?"
"The how, I cannot answer. I swore secrecy with my source. As for the why, I like to get to know my opponents. A man as smart as you must understand that it's the best way to find a weakness in a man."
The logic was sound, yet, something was missing. It made perfect sense for Viggo to gather information to find a weakness. If Hiccup could, he would do the same. But for Viggo to go out of his way to express that was his plan didn't sit right. Hiccup was missing something, and it was driving him insane.
"If that's all, then Johann and I will be going."
"Of course, but before you do. I have a small favour to ask." Hiccup raised an eyebrow at Viggo. "Pay attention next time you and your Dragon Riders attack one of my fleets."
That point struck the confusion of the whole situation even deeper. Hiccup was always paying attention. Viggo knew that. The Dragon Hunter was smart enough to know that Hiccup's eyes were never focussed on one, single spot. He scanned each and every ship for a weak spot. He examined every stance that the Dragon Hunters formed in order to determine the best approach. What didn't he pay attention to?
But there was no time to ask as the Dragon Hunters holding Johann pushed the man towards the exit of the cave. Not looking back, the man sprinted away. Hiccup took one last look at Viggo's passive expression before signalling Toothless and following suit.
Hiccup had hoped the encounter would ease his mind, instead, it only left him with more questions unanswered.
~O~
Once Hiccup was in the air, the usual thrill of flight did not calm his mind. Instead, the wind only seemed to block the rest of the world out. Hiccup's mind couldn't stop replaying what Viggo had said.
What on Midgard was Hiccup supposed to pay attention to? He prided himself on his observance skills. It was due to his ability to concentrate on several things at once that Hiccup was alive. While others may call it a short attention span, Hiccup's observant mind was what had led to so many discoveries. It was what had kept him alive during raids. It was what had allowed him to avoid getting beaten up by Snotlout and the Twins when they were younger. It was what eventually had led him to shoot down and befriend Toothless.
So what was he not seeing?
"Master Hiccup?" Hiccup looked down from atop of Toothless down at Johann. "I can see the Northern Markets from here."
Hiccup looked northwards and nodded. After they had left the Island, the two had agreed to head to the Northern Markets. There were many sailors in the area, and with Johann's reputation, it wouldn't take long to find someone to survey his ship for any remaining damage. They had also agreed that it would be best for Hiccup and Toothless to depart before they got to close. The Dragon Hunters had started to occupy the island more and more as of recent, making a visit all the more dangerous for Hiccup.
"I should be alright to sail on from here, Master Hiccup," Johann called from below as he started to unwounded the thick rope the attached Toothless to his ship.
Hiccup started the same task on his end of the rope.
"I'll see you around Johann," Hiccup said as he pulled the remaining rope up and stuffed it into Toothless' saddlebag.
"Wait!" Hiccup looked down at Johann. "I have something before you go."
Gently Hiccup lowered Toothless onto the deck of Johann's ship as the man approached with a paper scroll tied with twine.
"This is for you and the other Riders. I was able to snag it from a Dragon Hunter a couple of days ago. It's supposedly the areas where some ships are to hunt for dragons. I forgot about it until now."
Hiccup took the parchment and unrolled it. There weren't many markings - only five - but it would help the Riders a lot. Over the past few weeks, it was becoming harder and harder to locate ships in the vast expanse of the ocean.
"Thanks, Johann. I really appreciate it."
The Trader smiled. "I better be off then. As much as I trust your Riders, Master Hiccup, I would like to ensure that my ship has been properly repaired."
"Not a problem, Johann. I'll see you around."
And with that Toothless and Hiccup took off into the air. And it wasn't until Johann's ship was out of sight did Hiccup notice that Johann hadn't told a single story on their three hour trip from the Island to the Northern Markets.