I don't own How to Train your Dragon (Books and Movie).
AN: I edited the chapter so it would be easier to read. Please don't be shy to let me know if you notice any grammatical error. English is not my first language, and though I have been practicing it for a long time, I know there are still things I need to be reminded of.
A Little More About the Story: As the title implies, this is the story of how a certain girl finds a dragon under quite different circumstance but don't think this is just my ego trying to get high. This is her story, but is also Hiccup's. The past and his legacy are constantly, if not equally part of the story. What was done in the past, affects the present and future (though I am still debating with myself about the last one).
YES, there will be mature language and situations. Teens drinking, smoking and other (use your imagination.) I am not particularly good at writing lemons but I will show one here or there every once in a while, though don't expect much detail.
To Ultimoto: I actually agree with you regarding the paragraphs being too hard to read. As I wrote the previous chapters I got too caught up in my words. For this chapter I tried to be more careful. I hope that you and everyone enjoy it.
Chapter 6
Hiccup would never believe she changed her mind. Astrid wasn't the type to run away either. If he had done something wrong, she would have confronted him. That's what she usually did; why would this be different?
Then why, he asked himself, was he sitting by himself on the great hall not married or celebrating? Did he screw up by asking her to marry him because of the Bog-Burglars' pressure? Did he say something the night before? Or maybe, he was a little too eager the other night when he proposed to her… He would never blame her; if something had been wrong it had been his fault.
"Hiccup?" his old friend Fishlegs entered the vast doors. Behind him, Hiccup could see the sky was full of night and stars.
"Yes?" he kept his gaze down. He was at the verge of a broken heart and if he saw one more pitiful glance his way he knew he would be done.
"We were getting the group ready to go to the tunnels below, but I couldn't find the map where you told me"
"The map…" he stood up, eyes narrowed as he tried to rationalize. He had panicked, and that was the worst he could have done "I am such an idiot!" he slapped his forehead before running out the hall, leaving Fishlegs confused. He ran to the Astrid's home and knocked on the door. Sigrid opened the door, her eyes red from crying.
"I am sorry, she hasn't…"
"I know," he cut off entering the house "would you please show me to her room?"
"What in the…!" Astrid's younger brother who had been sitting by the fire shot up in a flash.
"Shut up Jokull!" she shouted to her son, and then turned to Hiccup, "follow me" the man glared at him. He didn't know what Jokull thought he wanted, but was glad that Sigrid was there.
As he had expected, her room was spotless.
"She didn't take any additional clothing, right?" he asked before Sigrid checked Astrid's clothing. Nothing was missing "Her ax is here" and the look that he shared with Sigrid was one of understanding. Astrid wouldn't go anywhere far without her ax.
"What do you think happened?" Sigrid was glad her daughter hadn't run off, her Deadly Nadder, Stormfly was actually proof that she was still within the island.
"Bog-Burglars," and he gave her an apologetic gaze. He had dragged Astrid into this, "they have her somewhere, and I think I know where"
"Then let's go get her!" she was ready to go get her own ax.
"Yeah, about that…"
It wasn't easy to explain to one of the best shield maidens that he needed to go alone to the tunnels to rescue Astrid. He didn't know how many were down there, so the most crucial thing at that time was to keep a low profile. His sword was well secured, and his torch already lit.
"Do not follow me" he repeated to his friends, "if anything happens I will send a message"
"But they have the map, you don't know where they took her," said Fishlegs worried.
"I have my ways," he said before Sigrid came into the hall holding a Terrible Terror, and a piece of clothing from Astrid's room, "thank you, Sigrid"
"You better bring my daughter back or not come back at all" and though she tried to sound tuff, her voice gave away a few times. But, this was the man her daughter loved, and her daughter was not just a formidable warrior; she was smart. So, she would trust him.
"I promise," he said before going down the rope with the Terrible Terror on his shoulder.
Once below, he closed his eyes and visualized the map he had been working on. It was all there, and with that he let the Terrible Terror lead him through the tunnels.
Deeper within the tunnels, Astrid was still being carried by Ulfar. She didn't think Hiccup had mapped as far they were now. Sweat droplets fell from her forehead and slid around her face. He would have mentioned something about the terrible heat they were now encased on. She was sure if she was to touch the wall it would be warm or hot. Her captor stopped for a moment and placed her down on the ground before he shed some of his pelts, leaving only a grey tunic and leggings.
"What in the world is this place?" he sat across from her before he brought out a water skin. He drank from it lightly before noticing she looked as heat stricken as he "want some?" and she nodded. He tilted the opening on her mouth and let some of the water flow. It would be better if they stayed there, he thought. He had an okay idea of how to get out, but if they went any further they were sure to get lost, and suffocate.
"I don't get it? Why are you doing this?" he didn't seem to be from any tribe she was familiar with. He hadn't even spoken to her about demands or what he wanted. They only kept going deeper underground.
He was tempted to answer her; maybe the heat was getting to his head. But, he remained silent. Time passed, and neither moved. Astrid had given up a long time ago to undo the ropes, the knots were perfect.
"You look familiar," she finally said, "where are you from?" yet, he didn't answer "fine, I thought that if we were both going to die down here then it would be a good idea to know…"
"I know whom you are Astrid Hofferson, strongest shield maiden of Berk, smart, and I have to admit pretty too" he laughed, "but as for whom I am, it does not matter even if I die"
"How can it not matter?" she asked, "Do you not care for your life?"
"I only live to serve, if I don't…"
"Then those who you serve don't esteem you enough. Think to put your life in danger like this. You know who I am; you know what will happen when they find us or if we go any further. One way or another, you will die!"
"You wouldn't understand" and he thought that, with that, she would leave the topic alone. Vikings did many things others thought were crazy because of honor, but this was Astrid so that explanation wouldn't cut it even close.
"How do you want me to understand if you don't tell me," she told him "what in the world could lead a man to kidnap the wife to be of a chief at charge of a Viking tribe that rides dragons?"
When she put it like that, it did sound kind of… No, he had sworn his life to their service. If he was to die, that would mean he did all he could to follow his pledge.
"I gave my word," was all he said before returning to his silence, but of course she wouldn't let it go at that.
Now, not so far away from them Hiccup was starting to worry. It had been a while since he passed the point where he last mapped that set of tunnels. As he moved farther in he started to notice the heat. They were probably going down. The Terrible Terror would stay near him and the light. Even a dragon wouldn't want to get lost in there.
After walking what felt an eternity he stopped. There were voices, and he recognized one perfectly. He wanted to laugh. She was using that tone; the same one she used when he messed up and needed to get his act together. He massaged his temple; he had needed to hear her and know that she was okay. From here, he could do what was needed to save her.
He kneeled down "hold this for me" he placed the handle of the torch on the Terrible Terror's mouth so it would carry it. He stood up as straight as possible before unsheathing the sword on his side. The weight was perfect for him, light but firm, also terrifyingly sharp. It didn't cross his mind then that he had never killed another man, but when it did he would stop and stare at the sky and wonder.
She never gave up, but sometimes, like right then she wished she did. Any woman would want to hate the man who ruined the best day of her life. She had made the mistake of thinking of him as Viking with purpose. His purpose was there, but it was fueled by such a miserable and unimaginable story, and a wish of acceptance too raw to start to understand.
The life of this man, Ulfar was the very much like any man born by a Bog-Burglar. At the moment, he was born he was sent to an island near the main island of the Bog-Burglar's. He was placed in a home with other boys and was taught from the moment he could walk how to work. Even before, the sun came up he was to do all type of chores; farming, herding, fishing, cooking, washing, sharpening, logging, building and so on until he no longer felt any of his limbs.
There was no time for playing, or laughing; just enough to sleep and eat. There were punishments too. Most of the times they were just beatings if you broke something or weren't fast enough. But, there were also other punishments that left you scarred all over. He had been whipped once for holding an ax, but he knew he had been lucky. If you talked back; they would cut your tongue if you glared at them; they would use hot coals to blind you, if you stole food or anything; they would cut a finger for each item. And, if you tried to escape you would be killed on sight.
It was a fair summer when the chief had visited their island. It was the first time Ulfar had ever seen her, and wasn't disappointed to find she was bigger than any man in their island just as the rumors said. She had brought her daughter, Camicazi with her to hunt. She picked him to carry their weapons and serve if anything was needed.
Because of his size, she had thought him older when he was only thirteen years old. She had him packed like a mule before they set off. He had no experience in hunting trips, so it wasn't rare when he stumbled along when handing weapons or cooking meals. He had been lucky back then because the chief was more concerned about her daughter's hunting skill, or there for lack of them. She was sneaky and smart, but rash, as well. It was more than once that the prey would get away because she couldn't stand still.
During the third night of their hunting trip, not too long after a boar had gotten away from them, Camicazi stole into the night. He had been awake, but was told not to wake the chief or else. She had wanted to hunt something to make her mother proud, so she tracked the boar into its hiding place. She would have been pierced by its husks hadn't he decided to follow her. He had tackled Camicazi out of the way before grabbing her spear and piercing the boar through its gut killing it instantly.
He had lain on the dirt for minutes trying to make sense of what had just happened. He had just held a weapon and used it as well; for sure he wouldn't be able to get away from this one with just lashing. Then, he heard her; Camicazi had been crying. Her small frame shook with every sob. A part of him, well deep inside wanted to take the same spear and keep her silent permanently; he could say he found her dead. But, when he saw her eyes overflowing with tears all he wanted to do was protect her. So, he had picked the little girl on his shoulder and the boar on the other and marched back to camp. Bertha had been awake by the time they arrived.
He explained everything to Bertha as he cleaned the scratches on Camicazi's arm from when he tackled her.
"I understand if you slay me here, right now" and he kneeled before her, with his neck out. Better get it over with, he had thought.
"Ay ye crazy?" Bertha had said "Ye jus' saved mai daughter. What's yer name?"
Then, when he told her; she almost fell on her bottom. That crisp morning she told him who she was to him. Never did she use the words mother or son, but simply that he was of her own flesh and blood and brought him to the world. She actually revealed to him that he took after the man that fathered him, and was quite impressed by his skill though he had never been hunting or wielded a spear on his life.
When they returned to the small village where the men lived Bertha had him pack all that he had and took him with them back to their main island. He wondered during that trip what would be of him, but more noteworthy than that, why was he still alive? He felt thankful for his luck and thanked every god he knew. For a few years, he only served Bertha, and his half-sister and was quite happy with that. Bertha never abused him, and even had him join her to drink a few times. Camicazi was indifferent with him before others, but once alone treated him as a friend; even at times asking for his advice.
When he reached a height close to Bertha's he had him assist in trainings. And for that he was required to learn how to fight. He became a living target, and many times almost had his head cut off. It was of the most difficult times in his life, he was trampled over every day. But, with every day he became better and better to the point where he almost stood a chance against the chief.
Over that time, Bertha had sent Camicazi to the main land to gain different skills as she was still too small for battle. They had also heard of the Hairy Hooligans, and their dragon taming. They knew the rules of battle would have to change. By the time, Camicazi had returned she was a whole different person. Bog-Burglars didn't think much of men, but Camicazi had never expressed such intense distaste for them as then. There were times when Ulfar wondered if this was actually his little sister (that's how he liked to call her in his mind).
When Camicazi saw Ulfar, she no longer saw the boy that had saved her life and had been her dearest friend. Now, he was a pawn and made sure to use him. He was strong, skilled and with a good head over his shoulders. More than once she would take him secretly with her to visit other tribes and have him steal secrets and other things. Without realizing, he had become her perfect spy. No one ever suspected of a man working directly for the Bog-Burglars.
Ulfar could never refuse, he had long ago pledge his life to theirs. Though things were not as enjoyable now, he still remembered the good times. Even then, as he told his reasons to this woman, he only felt his resolve grow.
When he was done Astrid sat in silence for a long time. His life had been a difficult one, and like he said, he was but a willing pawn.
"You need to tell Camicazi about this," Astrid started, "tell her that you miss the way things used to be"
"She is the next chief; she doesn't have time for my petty problems" and he wanted her to be happy, and he would do anything for her.
"But what she is doing right now will draw everyone into battle. Not just your life is endangered with this but the life of every Hairy Hooligan and Bog-Burglar. Even worst, she could draw many other tribes"
"I trust her," he wanted to believe in her.
"Don't confuse trust with love, she is your sister, and you want the best for her, but right now the only thing she is going to get out of this is an early death"
"She is highly skilled, and…" he was sure she would be an exceptional leader when her time came.
"Stop defending her! You know what she is doing is wrong! You know she has no right to throw away your life when you saved hers!" but that was a fact that he had always chosen to ignore. He had saved her all those years ago.
"Like I said, you can't understand" and he wanted to believe that, it would be so much easier.
"Of course I can!" she shouted before taking a deep breath, "because I know someone who is stubborn and needs to get punched every once in a while to get him back in the right path" and she met her eyes with his "If you are willing to protect her, then protect her from herself"
And he knew she was right if he died down there and a war started then he was sure she would die. She was still so small, and Berk had dragons for Odin's sake! But, as he started to make up his mind all hell broke loose.
*********Present***********
Her dark scales reflected the light of the moon. Her large green eyes were fixed on the girl standing outside the familiar house. She had been here once a long time ago when the man known as Varick told her that if that monster ever woke up, she would find her rider here. And there stood the girl; she was thin, small, and her eyes were the same as those of the man. Her smile too was much alike, a little crooked, and a little insecure.
Varick was to be her rider, but after he had started a family it was decided his hatchling would take the role. She remembered meeting this hatchling, this Hagnes when she was small. The hatchling had been frightened by her as if she would eat her or something. Hagnes didn't return, but Varick did every once in a while to check on her and the old lady. He promised her the hatchling would be ready someday.
Hagnes smiled from ear to ear when she spotted the dragoness at the edge of the woods behind her house. She still had the saddle on. After running inside to get a jacket, she ran back to the dragoness.
"Hey," she smiled but the dragoness only turned around and lowered her body so Hagnes could get on, "I guess you are still angry about the insults" and to confirm it the dragoness used her tail to knock her off her feet "Yes, still angry" she said as she stood up before she got on the dragoness' back. She leaned forwards and scratched that peculiar place under her chin "sorry, I was afraid, but it was uncalled for to say such nasty things" and without warning the dragoness took off, but this time not as rash as last time. Hagnes actually looked around as they went higher.
Her home town had become a disarray of little lights adorning the earth, yet she could tell from where each light came from. As they went higher and higher the lights started to merge; she was sure if they went any farther they would become one light among the whole darkness of the island and the freezing sea. When they broke through the clouds and leveled towards the direction of the forest, Hagnes felt dizzy. Something was revealed to her wordlessly. In front of them, the moon danced in full bloom, just like in her dreams. This was meant to be, her heart sang, this is where she belonged.
She loosed her hair from its long braid and left it to blow in the wind. Her heart soared to a place where all the good memories had been. Her happiness extended to the dragoness; she crooned in delight. This girl was her rider and though they hadn't the best start they already understood each other. Hagnes' happiness was no different from the dragoness'; she loved to be up in the sky. Hagnes had no idea what lay ahead, but as long as she got to do this again she would be okay.
They closed on to the mountain, and a lonely light near. It was Halldora's cabin. They landed before the open door where the old lady stood with a gentle smile on her face.
"Welcome back child, I hope it wasn't too cold" Halldora said with a soft voice which made Hagnes wonder if this was how it was like to have a grandmother.
"Are you talking to me or her?" but she only offered a mischievous smile as an answer before leading them inside. The dragoness went to curl close to the fire while Halldora led Hagnes sit on a chair covered by furs also near the fire. The old woman sat across from her on a rocking chair covered by furs.
"You are the daughter of Varick Cornelius Haddock the First, granddaughter of Grima Ingun Haddock the Second, great granddaughter of Runolf Skard Haddock the Fourth, great grandniece of Halldora Rafarta Haddock the Second," she smiled at her, never did it occur to her that they were related, "and I could keep going all the way back to a thousand years ago until I reached Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third," and though she was old she knew well that she had to give the girl a minute to let the idea sink in.
"So I am like…"
"The first born of the first born mostly; some never had children, so we left our siblings to continue the blood line" it was a choice she made over a long time, but it was when she saw her little brother Runolf start a family that she realized that wasn't the life for her. Of course, those had been different times when women were expected to be submissive and all nonsense. She loved the freedom she found in the wilderness, disconnected from the frivolity of society, and the wind in her hair as she rode on the back of her friend Darwin; her Night Fury and her father's before her.
"This was what my father was supposed to tell me?"
"But there is more," of course there was more, wasn't there always? "For you see, the people of this island lived alongside the dragons until the beginning of the 17th century"
"Why? What happened?" she couldn't understand what could make the dragons leave after seven hundred years of shared history, "where did they go?"
"They are still here," and she laughed before tapping the floor with her cane, "don't ask questions yet girl, as I have more to tell you" but the old lady just stood up and went to serve them some tea.
"This is so crazy," she was laughing slightly, "and so incredible" she added looking at the dragoness.
"In my time, you are the first to take the news so well"
"What do you mean?"
"Your father," she laughed, "he was a man of science and facts. Your grandmother told him when he was about your age, and he didn't take it so well"
"Really? I thought he would be thrilled" her father had loved his work so much; she couldn't believe he could not be.
"He was… eventually. Though you, you are charmed, aren't you?" and she couldn't help but to blush. Any other person would have been terrified, but she; Hagnes Hailey Haddock was about to burst with a thousand and one questions. Maybe she was crazy.
Halldora passed her a cup before sitting with her own.
"That's a relief. Your father was supposed to take my place when I pass away," Hagnes almost dropped her cup, "careful kiddy, those are heirlooms"
"Take your place?"
"Yes," oh, here came the freaking "here looking over the family secret until the day you die, but you don't have to worry about that."
"Really?"
"Yeah," the dragons will be back, she wanted to add but couldn't when she saw Hagnes relax "the task of our family is to keep the dragons a secret" she took a moment to gather her thoughts, she was almost one hundred or did she already turn one hundred? She couldn't remember anymore. Still, she knew she had to find the best place to explain this to her.
"As you can imagine, most people won't take well to learning Dragons are real, or that we can live alongside them" that could have been left unsaid, Hagnes knew well people would freak out all over the world if they saw a real dragon, "but one can't keep secrets for always, they have to come out some day, and for us that day is sooner than later"
"Where are the dragons?" she asked, "or is she the last?" she asked looking at the dragoness.
"There are too many to count, all over the world" she took a deep breath "it's time" the old lady laid her cup on a side table before leading Hagnes to a door at the end of the room. When she opened the door, there were only stairs going down into the darkness.
*******Past**********
His heart was pounding loudly in his ears; his breath came in ragged short takes as he measured the chances of his next attack. The man before him was much bigger than him, probably bigger than most of the Vikings in their island, but that difference didn't seem to matter when he saw Astrid sitting behind him tied up.
The sword was an extension of his body as he darted straight forwards, something that the other man didn't expect, and finally gave him the upper hand. He slashed and cut the man's arm deeply before balancing his good leg and then using his prosthetic to kick the man in the gut. A regular foot would have meant nothing to a man this size, but Hiccup had experimented with his leg, and taken into account it could serve more than a replacement to the real thing.
The man fell to his knees, holding his gut as his supper spilled into the tunnel's floor. He didn't know who the man was, but he did know he had taken the love of his life.
Astrid was speechless as the small Terrible Terror chew on her ropes, a torch lying on the side giving them enough light to watch the fight before them. It had all started with a wild cry from the young Chief as he charged forwards. He had taken Ulfar by surprise, never did it occur to him that the Chief, and by himself would come after him. He had just enough time to dash to the side and grab his ax and shield to block.
The sword that he had blocked and now had cut him was remarkably different from the ones he was used to fighting against. It was almost invisible to the sight with the little light they had, but he had already felt it was sharp, if not sharper sword around. He tried to slash the young man with his ax, swinging left and right, but none of his hits landed. He dodged each attack easily by bending, dashing, and even jumping over where the ax left the air vibrating. Was this truly a man? He was faster than any man he had ever known. He was starting to wonder if he was an elf or maybe he was losing too much blood.
His vision was starting to blurry; he couldn't believe he was being bested by this excuse of a Viking. However, as he was able to focus on his eyes, he realized he would never see so much determination as now for the rest of his life, however, how long or short that was.
"I can't believe they would send a man to do their dirty work," he said circling the already exhausted man.
"Words are cheap in battle," he held his battle ax tighter, waiting for Hiccup to strike.
Astrid was finally freed, the small Terror holding the torch again on its mouth and standing on her shoulder. She was still behind Ulfar and watching in wonder as the two men, very different from each other, confronted on a battle that would probably end with one of them dead. She wasn't surprised that Ulfar was a formidable warrior, but Hiccup… That was a entirely different story.
She had helped Chief Stoic a few years ago to train his son, giving him the most basic weapons to start with. It was soon decided that he couldn't work with none of them, but this time instead of just giving up, he had gone off to make his own weapon. No one at the time believed that the thin piece of metal could do much damage. It was beautiful, no doubt about that. It was at least the double of length of a regular Viking sword making its reach substantial. It was thinner as well so the weight wouldn't slow him down. The hilt was of the finest imported leather, one of the few extravagancies he ever allowed himself. In no time, he had shown that he could wield it well. He was fast and sneaky, so it made it the perfect weapon for him.
She had seen him spar and was well within average, but now as he confronted a real opponent she knew to be wrong. Ulfar's blood covered most of the ground around them, and the scent of sweat covered the air.
"You will confess that it was the Bog-Burglars who put you to this," Hiccup said with the tip of his sword barely touching Ulfar's neck, "or I will cut your head off here and now"
"Hiccup, stop!" Astrid finally snapped out realizing it could end right then, "it was them, but they were using him"
He removed the blade, at least he had made the point that even though his appearance left much to wish for he should still be feared, "what do you mean?" he trusted her judgment and probably the lecture she had given him had indeed made some impact as the man made no movement to attack him.
"He is Camicazi's brother," Astrid began before Ulfar launched at the small Terrible Terror and took the torch from its jaws before running deeper within the tunnel, "ULFAR!" she screamed after him, but he was soon gone leaving a trail of red dots behind him. "Hiccup, we have to…"
"Tell me the rest in the way," he said graving the torch Ulfar had left behind before they started to follow.
He just couldn't do it. His sister and mother would see it as a betrayal even though he only wanted them to be okay. More blood dripped from his wounds, and then he realized Hiccup's sword had done more damage than what he had thought. His legs, arms and sides hurt as if someone was pouring hot coals into them. The cuts were thin, but the blood gushed with every breath he took. He would die down there, he was sure.
Not far he could hear the couple following them. He envied them. As soon as she had asked him to stop he had done so. They trusted each other without doubt; he couldn't say the same for those he cared about. The farther he ran, the hotter it got. He wondered how long he would be able to last down there, then the floor disappeared from under him.
Hiccup and Astrid stopped a moment when they heard his panicked scream before continuing with worry. Astrid had explained to him most of what pushed Ulfar forwards. He wasn't a dishonest guy, just misguided and too caring for those who didn't appreciate him enough. They reached the slope Ulfar had fallen into, it was incredibly steep. A wave of heat hit them, and they stood back. The Terrible Terror went to the ledge and looked down curious, its pupils dilating to thin slits before it hissed and went back to Astrid's shoulder.
"If he is hurt we won't be able to help him by ourselves," Hiccup kneeled down before he started to write on a parchment he had brought with him. He wrote a message to their friends before handing it to the Terrible Terror "you can smell you way back, right pal?" the Terrible Terror puffed its chest in pride, no other dragon could surpass his kind as a tracker, "alright, I need you to take this back up" and with that the dragon was gone into the darkness.
"Ready?" Astrid asked him after a moment of silence.
"Never will be, but what the heck," and they jumped together and slid down to the depths of the earth.
*******Present*****
She was afraid of the dark; most people were though they would never admit it. They feared the unknown; of something being there that they didn't know. For what could have been a minute or thirty she stood in the darkness of the passage as Halldora tried to find a working flashlight on a box lying near them.
"These tunnels were here even before the first Vikings arrived. It was only by luck that they were found" the old woman finally got one that lit up and handed it to Hagnes "A gift from your dad, though I wouldn't mind some more batteries" Hagnes promised her; she would bring some later "follow me child, is not too far" but Hagnes wished it was. The tunnel they were walking through was beautiful.
The tunnel was probably the oldest still standing Viking construction. The floor was of cobblestone that had been polished to perfection. Every circular stone was apart from each other perfectly creating the image of a Monstrous Nightmare. She pointed the flashlight farther ahead; there were many more dragons as far as the light could go. The walls met in an arch at the top depicted the history of the Vikings. She had seen similar images in the museum, so it was not difficult for her to understand what they meant. As they walked she saw battles between the Vikings and dragons, and then almost as they reached a gate there was an image of a Night Fury with a boy on its back flying away from the battle.
"Hiccup" though the carved stone had lost its color a long time ago, she could still tell it was her ancestor.
"I never get tired of coming here," Halldora went forwards to the gates. They were just as beautiful with dragons polished into the metal. They intertwined with each other as in a dance. Some carried people on their backs, "give me a hand child," she went before pushing the old doors open. She cringed as the rusty hinges cried with resistance, but she didn't hesitate and opened them fully. She realized the gate, and the tunnel itself could actually fit the biggest dragon her ancestors had.
At first she didn't know what to make of it. There were a lot of passages on both sides, but only when she got closer did she realize they didn't go too far. They were like rooms. The first one she saw was empty, but ahead she could tell the others had something on them.
"This one is my favorite," Halldora had already reached another space. It was covered with a few spider webs that old woman swatted away easily with her cane. Hagnes was sure she came here every once on a while to clean. She pointed the flashlight towards the content of the space before jumping back with a scream.
"WHAT IS THAT!" then quickly covered her mouth.
"You won't wake him up," Halldora said sadly as she stepped in "I have tried" the old woman removed a few more spider webs from the light blue scales of a Deadly Nadder.
"Is it..." Hagnes entered the space where the dragon rested. It didn't move at all, not even breathing.
"No, he is just taking a nap, though I bet you, he didn't know it would last this long" the old woman led her to a few more stables where she cleared more spider webs. All of the dragons were there; Hideous Zippleback, Monstrous Nightmares, Gronckles, Terrible Terrors, more Deadly Nadders, and others. They walked the long corridor. There were many other interlinked tunnels with more stables. Just how many dragons were there?
"More Dragons?" they reached another iron gate.
"It's better if you see it" and Hagnes pushed the gates open.
It was utterly dark. Halldora pulled a lever, and Hagnes listened to several things move in the dark. They sounded far and close like stones grinding; then far spotted a flame far above. More lights followed going down in a spiral. Houses, shops, schools, more stables, roads, and paths were revealed as the lights lit up through mechanisms made of iron, wood and stone until the last light lit right at the entrance. Hagnes watched curiously as a circular stone grinded against a sharp edged one before sparks flew and lit an oil lamp in front of them. The lamp itself had a duct where the oil flowed into it.
Hagnes stood still, just taking everything in. The inside of the mountain was hollow. They had carved their way in and made their homes there. It was an unconquerable fortress, and at the entrance only laid the dragons' stables as if invaders needed to be discourage even more. The buildings were of wood and stone of two or three floors in height. She noticed, some looked decidedly much like her old house; from the 17th Century. Others were much older and took a liking to different cultures around them making them their own. There were houses that felt like castles, but most were much like those of the latest period of the renaissance. But they were different in a remarkably unique way; the houses depicted dragons everywhere they could. All wood and stone work showed off tails, claws, and snouts and so on.
"Come child" Halldora led her through to the center of the large spiral where the floor showed off the same insignia as in the Dragon Manual. Hagnes realized then that the insignia was a Night Fury doing a spiral.
"All this time, right in front of our noses" Hagnes finally found her words "this is incredible! So! So the dragons entered a hibernating state! And... and..."
"Let me tell, won't you," the old woman laughed "yes, the dragons entered a hibernation state three hundred years ago. The people of Berk were heart broken. They had grown and expected their children to grow along the dragons. So, they left and built a new town"
"Our town,"
"Yes, your home. To keep the dragons safe all swore they would never speak of the dragons to their descendants. Only the direct linage of the Haddock would know and guard over the secret for as long as the dragons slept"
"But how come that Night Fury is still awake?"
"Night Furies come from somewhere else," she said, "There has never been more than one at the time. When one reaches old age and is close to death they leave for a month or so towards the west then return with an egg that hatches soon after they pass away. It has been like this for hundreds of years. Each family had a preferred dragon and shared a memorable bond with them. However, our family as you can imagine has an even stronger bond. It is but a tale, but it was said that the Haddock lineage have been bounded to the Night Furies by the gods. We serve each other, we look out after each other, and we care for each other"
"But there is more, isn't" Hagnes said, "why would we stay bonded for so long to them if there wasn't more reasons" and her dreams flashed behind her eyes. Just remembering that gargantuan creature in the sky of her dreams gave her goosebumps.
"Its better you get back home, or your mother will worry" she should have known the girl would put the pieces together without her saying anything, but it was all too soon to show her that. She wasn't ready, and if she showed her that she would probably take the first boat off the island.
************PAST****************
The following morning Bertha and Camicazi were invited to a special event at the great hall. Camicazi guessed that Ulfar had failed, and the wedding would go as planned, but the scene that welcomed at the hall wasn't the one that she expected. The whole village had gathered at the great hall and stood in silence watching. Ulfar was on his knees and held down by several Vikings. Hiccup stood before him with the tip of his sword pressed slightly against his cheek drawing a line of blood.
"You just made it in time," Hiccup said in a neutral voice, "this man was the one to kidnap Astrid, and now will be executed" the young leader drew his sword back before adding, "I gave him the chance to tell me who had put him to it for his life but he refuses to speak, so he will pay with for his silence with his life"
"A wise choice," said Camicazi cursing in her mind. Ulfar seemed to accept to his fate. He didn't try to fight back, or say anything when she and her mother came in.
"Hiccup, this isn't like you" Gobber stepped forwards; he and most of the tribe weren't ready to watch the most sensible of their company take a life without resentment "the lad…"
"I gave him the chance to explain himself," he reminded him, "you know I don't do this with content. Never have I been a man to enjoy senseless bloodshed, but that doesn't mean I can't end a life if necessary. If there was another way I would take it," then he spoke to Ulfar, "is there anything you would like to say before… well you know"
"You are a brave man, a good warrior" Ulfar said after a moment of silence, "a rightful leader, and I am honored that it is you that takes my life. However, I am not a traitor and will never lead you to who you want."
"Then I won't apologize for what follows," Hiccup said raising his sword before swinging it down.
"STOP!" screamed Bertha before intersecting Hiccup's sword with her ax, "What….what if…"
"Mother!" Camicazi, though small, tried to pull her mother back, "this is no time for senseless pity, let the chief do his job!"
"But…" that was her boy, the only man she had ever trusted. She had seen him grow to be a great and brave warrior, and loyal. He was willing to give his life away for them though she had brought him to a life of misery and servitude.
"I don't need the pity of a woman," Ulfar raised his head to look at her, though there was no resentment in his eyes, only gratitude. She was his mother, she had given him life, and she had taken him under her wing though it went against all that she and her tribe believed, "get it done with already!"
"As you wish…"
"I beg you not!" and Great Bertha got on her knees, "do not kill this lad"
"Idiot!" cried Camicazi in outrage before turning and running out of the hall. They would be slayed there and then, and she had no intention of joining them.
"Take my life if you must, but not of my boy" and she looked directly at him in the eye, from that moment he didn't doubt her words.
"Bertha" Gobber couldn't stop looking from her to the young man. There had been a reason why he felt as if he knew the boy. He had seen a remarkably similar face many times reflected on the surface of waters, and mirrors in his youth.
"I have never given him anything in life but hardship, this is the least I can do. Please spare him," this was something she thought she would never admit. At times she had wished, while watching him give his all in the spars that she could let him have a normal life; find a pretty girl, start a family… have a real life.
"Are you really willing to give your life for his?"
"Only if you swear no harm will come to him" she moved her hair to the side to reveal her own neck.
Right there and then any other Viking chief would have swung his sword and cut her neck and then the neck of her son, but he was not just any other chief.
"I won't take your life Bertha," her head snapped to look at him in shock. She believed he was going to kill her son in front of her eyes, "nor your son" he tried no to smile when he saw her relief, "I will spare him with the condition that you don't try anything like this again and that the treaty between our tribes continues"
"Is that really all you want?" she was sure she had shown she would do anything for her son.
"I am anything but a fool Bertha; your son will stay here in Berk for as long as I see necessary to insure this agreement" by then Ulfar was standing, but couldn't bear to see his mother on her knees. She was a proud warrior, but for him; she had shed it all off. He never imagined she would go this far.
"A few extra hands at smithy would be of help" Gobber said before catching Bertha's eyes, "does he have any skill?"
"He is a fast learner" she said as she stood. Relief flowed through her when she realized Gobber knew the boy was his as much as hers. Their child wouldn't be alone. She walked up to her son; "Ulfar, I am sorry" he had suffered so much because of her, she was sure just that an apology wouldn't be enough.
"You have given me life twice mother," after all those years the words actually felt true; he had never felt so happy, "there is nothing to be sorry about, but I hope that someday I can join you and Camicazi back home" and without a second doubt he would go back to them, but as long as he was needed there to keep the peace he would stay.
"I am sorry to keep this short," Hiccup said, "but you must leave as soon as possible." He needed to leave his impression as Chief; be all business and cut the courtesies.
"Understood," Bertha took her dominant tone again before extending her hand towards the young chief, though her hand was larger Hiccup was able to give a strong squish back into the shake before she left the hall with all her dignity. Almost as if what had happened before never did.
"You have been blessed by Loki; your plan worked just as you said," Ulfar said walking up to Hiccup, "that will be a good reminded never get on your bad side again."
Hiccup hoped it would be a good reminded for Bertha too because at the moment, there was something that worried him more.
************ Previous Night *************
When they got Hiccup's message they had been expecting the worse, but when they reached them and saw Astrid tending to her captor they couldn't remain quiet. The twins more than once tried to swing their swords and axes, but a single glare from Astrid kept them in place; Snotlout wasn't so easy. He had been beaten to a pulp more than once by the shield maiden, so he wasn't afraid of her wrath. Still, she was as stubborn as a yack, and couldn't budge her from his way as Fishlegs tended to the man.
"Where is Hiccup anyways!" Snotlout had enough; he needed to demand Hiccup killed Ulfar.
"He went down that path," Astrid said, but before she could warn him off Snotlout was well on his way. When they had reached Ulfar, Hiccup had frozen before he explained to them his plan, and then he told her to stay before he followed the path.
He wasn't sure if it was the situation or the incredible heat that radiated from that place that had him so upset, but he knew he needed to push someone around. As Snotlout neared the end of the path, he saw a light. When he reached the end of it, Hiccup stood at a ledge looking down. Deep down a river of lava flowed.
"Incredible, isn't?"
"What is incredible is that you didn't kill that bastard," Snotlout snorted, though he was fascinated by the show below.
"We can use him," Hiccup said calmly, "get the Bog-Burglars to admit they were behind this. He is Bertha's son; we might be able to work a deal with them"
"The honorable thing to do would be to fight them," he spoke like a true Viking.
"I know," and Hiccup understood where his cousin came from, "but right now we are too weak. Think of your wife Snotlout, what would become of her if we lose"
"We won't," but he didn't sound as sure as he wanted to. When it came to his Dylla, he would do anything; even listen to reason.
"That's the whole point of this visit Snotlout; to show we are still strong and formidable. It's a whole different kind of battle. We can take on the Bog-Burglars, but if the other tribes ally with them; we won't leave the battle intact"
"So, what's your plan?" and Hiccup explained his idea as he did to Ulfar and Astrid, then asked him to tell the rest as he needed to check something before they went back. He walked a path that went even deeper down following the lava flow. It pooled on what he guessed was the mouth of an underwater volcano. He didn't know how he knew, but he did. The gods were behind this; he was sure when he saw the glaring eyes in the lava. As soon as he glared the creature submerged into the melted earth where no living being would be able to reach it. They would have to wait until it decided to come out, but from his size he was sure it wouldn't be any time soon.
The young Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus was the color of new fallen snow. He named it "White Death" and from its features he could tell it was a male. It was probably left there by the Red Death before attacking them. It was double the size of a Horrendous Nightmare, which meant it was quite young.
"You will have to come out sometime" then he went back to the others.
********* To be continued… *************
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