Hi everyone, My apologies for the long hiatus on this story I know some of you have been desperate for an update and I'm sorry its taken so long, I'll explain as to why. At the beginning of 2015 I experienced the loss of a close friend and had hoped that after I had come to terms that life would move on and 2015 would be a good year despite is sad beginning. I couldn't have been more wrong. 2015 has become the worst year of my life. My mum for many years now has battled ill health including two bouts of breast cancer 15 years ago. She always seemed to come through and I could have sworn that she was indestructible. This time it was different. She spent the majority of the year in and out of hospital with various problems until a chance scan showed she had bone cancer from the reoccurrence of the breast cancer as well as a brain tumour. From that point things went downhill fast. In the space of two weeks my mum went from a talkative and loving soldier to a woman trapped in her own body, unable to walk or communicate through coherent gesture or words. In the space of two weeks I lost my mum and my best friend and spent my time caring for her right up until the end when she passed away at the end of October with me holding her hand. Needless to say I am devastated and her loss has knocked my feet from under me. I know I'm not the first to loose a parent and certainly not the first to loose someone through the terrible disease of cancer. Neither am I alone in having regrets about the things you wished you had done or said but I don't think anyone would question that it effects you. These were experiences that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy and will effect me for the rest of my life. I tried before Christmas to pick myself up but it was a bad time and my thoughts go out to anyone else who has lost someone close as I have or is going through similar.
I'm sorry for the long explanation, but it helps to explain and I felt I owed it to you all for your patience. I love to write and throwing myself into a world of imagination even one created by myself is a wonderful relief. You can drift away and dream up scenarios, plots, put yourself in the place of your characters and slowly imbed yourself in a safe and happy world where real life can't get you. You can always make sure the good guys win. Because that's the way life should be.
Were back , were typing and were smiling again. On with the story and thank you for sticking with me.
Cathrath
Chapter 7 – Next Generation
Astrid was started awake by Hiccups sudden scream. She looked across at her husband in alarm as he twisted and writhed next to her.
"Hiccup...oh gods Hiccup wake up," she cried reaching across to shake him.
Suddenly he lurched forward into a sitting position. His eyes wide and filled with panic as they darted around the room.
"Hiccup...Hiccup it's all right...it was just a dream," Astrid said soothingly as she wrapped her arms around him, ignoring the feeling of his clammy wet skin against hers.
Hiccups eyes continued to dart around as though he wasn't quite sure what was real. Then they focused on her and he collapsed against her, his body shaking as he finally realised where he was and who held him.
"A...Astrid oh gods...it was so real...," he stammered through his ragged breaths.
"Shhhh it's alright...it was just a dream," he said gently as she rocked him slightly.
Suddenly there were the sounds of feet on the stairs and the loud cry of a baby. The door to the room flew open to reveal Camicazi and Thuggory standing there with worried faces.
"Is everything ok...we heard someone scream?" Thuggory said in concern as he swung his candle from side to side looking for a possible intruder.
"T...that would have been me," Hiccup said in a shaky voice as he lent forward and placed his head in his hands.
"What happened?" Camicazi asked, looking at Astrid.
Astrid stroked Hiccups back as he took two deep breaths.
"It's ok Cami, he just had a nightmare. He'll be fine in a moment," she said keeping her eyes on Hiccup.
Hiccup took another deep breath and lifted his head. He was about to speak when the crying from upstairs intensified. Hiccup looked at Camicazi his face filled with guilt as he realised that his shout had woken the baby.
"Oh gods, I'm so sorry Cami. I...I didn't mean to wake everyone...especially Henrick. I...," he stopped when Camicazi raised her hand and smiled.
"It's ok Hiccup. You didn't mean to and it's not the first time I've been woken in the night. It's probably time to feed him again anyway. He'll go right back off to sleep after that," she assured him.
Hiccup nodded and ran his shaking hands through his sweat soaked hair. Astrid noticed his trembling.
"Cami is it alright if we sit up for a while?"
Camicazi nodded.
"Of course, do you want us to stay with you?" she asked looking at Hiccup in concern but Astrid shook her head.
"No its fine, we won't be up for long," she assured her friend.
Their friends nodded their understanding and with that left the room to give the pair some privacy. When they had gone Astrid climbed out of bed and threw her tunic over her head. She then moved around to Hiccups side. Hiccup reached out a shaky hand for his prosthetic but Astrid stopped him.
"Don't bother with that I'll help you to the kitchen," she said firmly as she reached out her hand for him.
"Astrid I..." Hiccup began, wanting to explain what he had experienced but she shook her head and smiled.
"Let's get some warm yak's milk first then you can tell me about it."
Hiccup nodded and grasped her hand. She then helped him to his feet and wrapped her arm around his middle for support.
They made their way into the kitchen where Hiccup collapsed into the chair by the fire. He then watched as Astrid stoked the embers back to life and hooked a small pot of milk over them to warm. When she was done she sat in the chair beside him and took hold of his hand.
"Was it the one about the fire?" She asked, looking knowingly at him.
Hiccup looked confused for a moment then realised what she was referring to. He shook his head.
"No not that one...not this time," he hadn't had that nightmare for some time now. Not that that the experience of being burned alive was something he would ever forget. That sort of thing tends to leave irreparable scars.
"I just thought...seeing as it's nearly...you know...time for the offerings," Astrid said giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.
Hiccup nodded.
"You'd think so but no...this was something different," he closed his eyes.
"It was so intense...I could have sworn it was real."
"Tell me, maybe talking about it will help," Astrid encouraged.
Hiccup opened his eyes and nodded as he looked into the flames.
"Maybe your right."
He took a deep breath and tried to gather his thoughts.
"I was running...there was a light I had to reach. I had to reach it to escape...reach it before...before the thing chasing me caught me...," he gave a violent shudder.
"If it caught me...I knew I would die."
Astrid rubbed his arm in reassurance.
"Have you had a dream like this before?" She asked.
Despite his unease Hiccup let a small smile touch his lips.
"Once...not quite like this though."
"Oh...when?" Astrid pressed.
"The night before I married you," he said glancing across at her.
"I was being chased by a huge blonde monster...with a very large axe."
Astrid's look darkened and Hiccup chuckled. Then his smile faded.
"Gods Astrid this dream was so real. I could feel the ground under my feet, the air around me. I could see the light...it was so bright but I couldn't reach it. It was like I was trapped...trapped between the light before me and the darkness that chased me," he closed his eyes. Dreams normally faded after waking and whilst some parts had others were still so vivid. It was like he had really been there.
"Is that why you screamed...because you felt trapped?" Astrid asked watching him closely.
Hiccup shook his head.
"No...I...I fell. I was so tired I couldn't get back on my feet quickly. When I did...it was too late. The darkness caught me."
He paused.
"Astrid there was something in the darkness... I can't remember what it was. I just know that it was something...or someone familiar. Something dangerous...it...it was killing me," he began to shake again.
Astrid looked at him hard for a moment then wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled his head down against her shoulder.
"Shhh...It's ok. It was just a dream. Dreams aren't real, they just frighten us. Maybe you ate something that's didn't agree with you...or dank to much mead," she said gently as she stroked his hair.
He nodded and sighed.
"You're probably right," he agreed.
They sat like that for a while before the peace was broken by the gentle rattling of the milk pot lid. Astrid stood and poured the warmed milk into two mugs and handed one to Hiccup.
"This will make you feel better...and help you get back to sleep."
He smiled and took the offered mug, savouring the comforting warmth in his hands. As the warm liquid went down his throat Hiccup found that he was feeling much better. Astrid was right...dreams were just dreams. Nothing in a dream could hurt you...scare you yes... but not hurt you.
The pair drained their mugs and Hiccup began to feel sleepy again. Seeing his eyes begin to droop, Astrid wrapped her arms around his waist again and helped him to stand. As they made their way back across the room towards the bedroom Hiccup turned and kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks Astrid," he said simply.
She smiled at him.
"That's what I'm here for stupid," she answered warmly. Then she made a soft swipe at him.
Hiccup looked at her in confusion.
"What's that for?"
"For calling me a blonde monster," she said scowling at him.
Hiccup chuckled.
"Fair enough."
They were soon snuggled back under the furs and after a brief kiss both drifted into a deep and thankfully dreamless sleep.
When Astrid stirred the next morning it was to the delicious smell of cooking. She glanced to where Hiccup should be beside her but wasn't surprised to find him missing. The smell from the kitchen had a familiar feel to it and one that she hadn't experienced for some time. She smiled as she threw aside the covers and began to dress.
As she left the room she was met by Camicazi and Thuggory who had ventured down themselves in search of the source of the delicious smells.
"What is that fantastic smell?" Camicazi asked as she made it to the bottom of the stairs.
Astrid smiled.
"A rare treat," she said simply and beckoned them towards the kitchen.
When they opened the door they were greeted by the sight of a freshly laid out table and Hiccup bent over the fire. He stood up and grinned at them as they entered.
"Morning," he said cheerfully.
Camicazi looked at him with surprise.
"Hiccup what's all this?" She asked gesturing to the table in surprise.
"Breakfast," he said simply as he placed a fresh loaf in the centre of the table. It was still steaming.
"...and an apology for last night," he added sheepishly.
Camicazi looked at him in surprise.
"You don't need to apologise Hiccup," she said firmly.
Hiccup shrugged.
"Maybe but I feel bad about waking everyone and this makes me feel better," he said grinning.
"Trust me you don't want to refuse Hiccup's cooking is amazing," Astrid said as she moved eagerly towards the table
Thuggory looked at the loaf and the pan of fish that Hiccup was now lifting from the fire, his mouth watering.
"I wasn't going to," he said quickly and joined Astrid.
"Come on Cami sit down," Hiccup said indicating to the table.
She shook her head and smiled at him before joining them. With everyone now seated Hiccup began to dish out the fish.
"Hiccup this smells amazing," Thuggory said as he inhaled the fantastic aroma of the seasoned fish.
"You wait till you taste it," Astrid said with a grin as she began to tuck into hers.
"Eat up," Hiccup said as he put down the pan and took his own place.
The next few minutes were filled with the sounds of contented eating and small sounds of pleasure as the food was quickly consumed. When he had finished Thuggory leaned back and sighed.
"If this chiefing thing doesn't work out for you Hiccup you can always have a job as my personal cook," he said looking at his friend with a smile.
"Seriously though that had to have been the best fish I've ever tasted," he added giving his wife a half apologetic look.
Camicazi just smiled.
"Where did you get the fish? I thought we were out."
Hiccup stretched happily.
"You were. Toothless and I went fishing this morning."
"That must of taken hours?" Thuggory said in surprise.
Hiccup smiled.
"Not when you have a dragon who can blast them out of the water."
"Cheater," Astrid laughed looking at her husband fondly.
"You didn't have to do all this Hiccup," Camicazi said suddenly looking awkward.
"You're meant to be our guests and guests don't cook, let alone visiting Chiefs."
Astrid laughed again.
"Ahh Cami this is Hiccup were taking about...since when does he do anything he's supposed to?"
They all laughed at that.
"Sorry Cami, I just wanted to do something for everyone to make up for last night. Plus I love cooking. Trouble is being a Chief means I haven't had much chance lately."
He gave Astrid an apologetic look. She reached over and gave his hand a squeeze.
"Don't worry about it. You know I love cooking just as much as you do. Although given the choice I'd rather eat yours, it's so much better than mine."
Hiccup smiled at the complement.
"What's the plan for today?" he asked.
Camicazi and Thuggory looked at each other for a moment before Camicazi spoke.
"Mum, Modagon and Scarlet won't be back till sometime this afternoon so we thought we could go down to the bay and take a picnic.
Astrid's eyes lit up at this prospect.
"Sounds like a great idea. What do think Hiccup?"
Hiccup just shrugged.
"As long as I'm not buried under paper with a cramp in my hand from signing things I'm happy."
So with the plan for the day set they began to clear the table and make their preparations.
An hour later they were happily lazing on the soft sand enjoying the sound of the sea and each other's company.
Thuggory and Camicazi had immediately made for the water to swim whereas Astrid and Hiccup has opted for just laying on the sand together whilst their dragons lay basking in the sun beside them.
"I can't remember the last time we got to be together like this," he said as he looked down his chest to where she lay using his stomach as a pillow. Astrid turned on her side and smiled at him.
"It has been a while hasn't it."
Hiccups face became a little more serious as he cupped her face and stroked her hair gently.
"I promise Astrid when we get back I will make more time for us. I miss our times together."
She leant into his hand and sighed contentedly.
"That would be nice Hiccup but don't feel that you have to. I know how important your duties are."
Hiccup suddenly sat up and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
"Not as important as you," he whispered earnestly as he brushed a stray hair of her eyes. Within moments their lips had met and they were caught up in a deep passionate kiss, which they would have happily continued if it hadn't been for the sudden shower of cold water that tipped over their heads. They broke apart gasping to the loud peel of Camicazi's laughter.
"You should...see...your faces," she gasped between laughs as she doubled over trying to get her breath back and dropping the large shell she had used to carry the water in.
Astrid and Hiccup shared a look and a smile played at the corner of each of their mouths.
"Shall we Mrs Haddock?" Hiccup asked with a smile.
Astrid grinned back.
"Whatever my Chief orders," she replied demurely before both of them leap to their feet and began to chase Camicazi who had taken the warning and started running down the beach her laughter following her.
By noon they were all thoroughly exhausted and had finally collapsed on the beach together. Hiccup and Astrid had eventually caught up with Camicazi and the chase had ended with her being dunked straight into the sea by Astrid. Hiccup had been sensible and kept his prosthetic out of the sea water. They were now happily drying and setting about eating lunch.
"Gods that was fun," Camicazi said as she handed out cheese and bread to everyone.
"I feel like a kid again," Thuggory said laughing as he took a hungry bite from his cheese.
Hiccup nodded his agreement then leaned over to kiss Astrid on the cheek.
"I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed. Thank you," he said with affection and gratitude towards his friends and wife. Astrid smiled and leaned into him.
"See women have all the good ideas," she said giving Camicazi a sly wink.
Camicazi smiled at them both then her attention was drawn to something out at sea. She stood and cupped her eyes to shield them from the sun.
"That's mum's ship," she said pointing to where a shape had appeared in the dark water. Thuggory stood to look himself.
"Your right," he confirmed before turning to look at Astrid and Hiccup.
"We should get back to town. Gods knows what they've let Scarlet get up to this time. You can stay here if you want and join us later," he said with a slight apology to his voice at having to cut short their picnic. Hiccup just waved his hand in understanding.
"Of course but we'll come with you," he said standing and helping Astrid to her feet.
Astrid nodded her confirmation.
"Of course we will. It's been ages since we've seen little Scarlet and we should be there to greet Bertha and Mogadon when they arrive."
They began to pack away the remains of the picnic and shortly after began the hike back to the town opting to walk as Toothless and Stormfly followed behind.
As they entered the town it was clear that the lookouts had also spotted the ships arrival and word has spread quickly that their Chief's were home. After quickly dropping off the bags they made their way down to the dock just as the ship pulled in. Once moored a gangplank was quickly dropped and a figure, golden hair streaking behind them shot down it and into Camicazi's arms.
"Muma," Scarlet cried with joy as Camicazi hugged her daughter.
"SCARLET," A sharp female voice shouted in annoyance from the gangplank as Bertha emerged on deck. She glared angrily at her Granddaughter.
"You know you're supposed to wait for one of us before going ashore," she continued angrily as she stalked her imposing figure down the gangplank and onto the dock. Another figure mounted the gangplank behind her laughing heartily.
"Don't scold the girl Bertha. She's just happy to see her parents," Mogadon laughed.
Bertha rounded on her fellow chief with a scowl.
"You're no help...what if she had fallen into the water."
Mogadon shrugged unconcerned.
"There's more chance of you or I falling in then her. She's got the balance of a cat."
Then he noticed the two figures standing beside his daughter-in-law and son who were now being regaled with tales of their daughters adventures over the last few days.
"Hiccup...Astrid," he said warmly in greeting as he stepped onto the dock and approached the pair.
Hiccup suddenly felt a rush of nervousness. He had known Mogadon and Bertha since he was a child but this was the first time he had greeted them as a visiting chief on his own and on their island. There were certain formalities to observe, including his greeting. He stepped forward to meet the man and placed his fist across his chest as he gave an awkward half bow.
"Greeting Mogadon, Chief of the Meatheads," he said haltingly as he tried to remember the words of the formal greeting.
Mogadon looked taken aback for a moment before roaring with laughter and sweeping Hiccup up in a bear like hug that took the young chief completely by surprise and off his feet.
"There's no need for all that rubbish boy," he said as he continuing to laugh.
Hiccup looked surprised for a moment then grinned.
"Sorry, I was just trying to do it properly," he said as Mogadon finally placed him back on the ground.
Mogadon clapped him heartily on the back causing Hiccup to stumble slightly.
"I've known you since you were babe in your father's palm Hiccup there's no need for all that formal stuff, were friends," he said finally offering his hand. Hiccup took it and shook it warmly.
"Mind you your father would be proud that you've remembered your lessons," Mogadon said with a sad grin.
Hiccup nodded his appreciation at the complement but felt a well of emotion at the mention of his father. Seeing that his comment had had an effect on the young man Mogadon placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Sorry lad I didn't mean to open old wounds. I miss your father as much as you, he was a great friend but I know that he would be proud of you. How about we open a barrel this evening and drink to his memory."
Hiccup smiled at this and nodded. The moment was broken by a small blond figure charging at him. Having now finished regaling her adventures to her parents Scarlet had finally noticed that there were others on the docks.
"HIC," she cried in joy.
Reacting quickly Hiccup caught the small blond haired girl up in his arms laughing.
"Hello Scarlet."
"Hello Hic, did you bring Gummy with you," the young girl said her eyes bright and excited.
Hiccup chuckled at her pet names for him and Toothless. Scarlet never used their proper names.
"Yes Scarlet I did, would you like to go for a flight later if you're Mummy and Daddy say so?"
At this Scarlet's eyes lit up even more and she nodded.
"Please," she said eagerly. Then she noticed Astrid who was standing beside Hiccup.
"Hello Astrid, you look really pretty today," she said smiling.
Astrid beamed at the little girl and held out her arms.
"Thank you," she said as Scarlet leapt from Hiccups arms to hers with a squeal of delight. Astrid laughed warmly as she hugged the little girl.
"Scarlet, what did we just tell you?" Thuggory admonished his daughter as she began to rattle off her adventures once again. Scarlet paused in mid rush and pouted.
"It's alright Thug, I love hearing how brave she's been," Astrid said as she listened to the girl attentively.
"You have been brave haven't you?" She asked turning her attention back to Scarlet.
"Oh yes, just like you and Hic," she said proudly.
"Are you going to train Phantom and Rocky for Mummy and Daddy?" she asked suddenly looking eagerly between Astrid and Hiccup who frowned in confusion.
"Scarlet, you weren't supposed to tell them yet," Camicazi scolded her daughter who completely ignored the rebuke and continued to look eagerly at Hiccup and Astrid.
"Who's Phantom and Rocky?" Hiccup asked looking at his friends.
Both looked a little awkward at the question and gave their daughter a stern look.
"Umm...our dragons," Thuggory said.
"Or...they would be...if we could train them properly."
Astrid and Hiccup grinned at them.
"Why didn't you tell us you were trying to training dragons, you know we'd help?" Hiccup asked.
Thuggory rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"We didn't want to impose on you. This is supposed to be a holiday."
Hiccup laughed.
"You idiots, training dragons is my hobby, of course well help."
Camicazi and Thuggory started to look excited.
"Really."
Astrid grinned at them.
"Of course."
Scarlet laughed excitedly.
"Can we go now? Please...please...please," she pleaded bouncing excitedly in Astrid arms.
"Hang on sec missy," Mogadon said as he stepped back into the little group.
"Hiccup and Astrid only got here yesterday and your grandmother and I have some things we need to talk to Hiccup about. Best to leave it till tomorrow," he said looking at his Granddaughter firmly. Scarlet looked disappointed and a sulky expression crossed her face.
"Tell you what Scarlet. How about I take you for a flight on Toothless before bedtime," Hiccup said trying to cheer the little girl up and looked across at Thuggory and Camicazi for approval. They nodded and Scarlet's face instantly split into grin.
"Well, seeing as that's all settled shall we retire to the Great Hall. I'm sure Berthas got a few barrels of mead that need some help being emptied," Mogadon said with a laugh.
Later that evening the group were comfortably settled in chairs before the large fire pit in the Great Hall cradling a mug of mead and reminiscing about old times. Mogadon took a long draught of his mead and turned to Hiccup.
"Aye, those were the days," he signed happily looking at Hiccup.
"Your father was one of a kind Hiccup, never too harsh, always fair and always stood up for his people. Just like you lad. He'd be proud of you right now," he said raising his mug a small salute.
Hiccup coloured in embarrassment.
"Mog's right Hiccup," Bertha added, noticing the young man's embarrassment.
"I knew you mother and father both well and I know that they would be proud of the man and the Chief you've become."
Hiccup smiled shyly.
"Thanks, it's just...it's just been so hard. There's been so much to take in, so much to do. If it hadn't been for Astrid this last year I don't know what I would have done. She's kept my feet on the ground and my head out of my hands," he said with a small sigh and glanced over to where Astrid sat with Scarlet on her knee talking with Camicazi and Thuggory. Scarlet was once again telling everyone about the adventures and the trouble she got into on Meathead Isle. Bertha reached over and put a reassuring hand on his arm.
"It was the same for all of us Hiccup. No one will ever tell you that becoming a Chief is easy. You're younger than most I'll grant you but you've doing your father and mother both proud. Just keep doing what you're doing."
Hiccup smiled feeling a little better at the praise. It was good to have the counsel of two older and more experienced chiefs. It made him feel as though he wasn't as alone as he first thought. Modagon drained his mug and suddenly stood.
"Right let get down to business," he said as he strode over to the table behind him where a stack of parchment sat. Hiccup watched him with curiosity.
"Business?"
"Yep, I know technically your off duty Hiccup but we might as well get this out of the way...now where is the blasted thing?" He muttered as he dug through the paper.
"Ah ha," he said triumphantly as he pulled a large document free and flattened it out on the table. He then gestured to Hiccup to join him.
Hiccup stood and looked down at the parchment with curiosity and began to read.
'We the Bogburgulars and Meathead tribes do hereby enter into the following treaty with the Hooligan tribe. This treaty being...'
Hiccup looked up in surprise.
"A treaty?"
Modagon smiled.
"Of course it's a treaty. As your here we might as well get it all sorted, pointless carting it all the way to the island of Thor and back again. What's the matter?" He said noticing the hesitant look on Hiccups face.
"Um...I wasn't...wasn't sure that you would want to sign a treaty with us..."
Modagon looked shocked at this.
"Of course we want to sign a treaty with you. The Hooligans, Bogburgulars and Meatheads have been allies for years. Why on earth would we not sign this year?"
Hiccup looked awkward.
"Um well...now my father's gone..."
Mogadon's look softened in sudden understanding.
"Hiccup that makes no difference. You're Chief now and we are more than happy to sign a treaty with you. That is if you are with us."
Hiccup smiled in relief.
"Of course I want to sign."
Mogadon placed a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder as Bertha joined him.
"Where's this coming from Hiccup...why the doubt?" She asked.
Hiccup sighed.
"Sorry...it's just...I'm not my father and this is the first time I've done this one my own...it's so important...I guess I'm just afraid that people won't want anything to do with us now that I'm Chief."
Mogadon looked at Hiccup firmly.
"Did your father never explain to you why the Hooligans have had so many treaties these last few years?"
"Yes, but..."
He was cut off by Mogadon.
"Then stop doubting yourself. It's an honour to sign a treaty with you Hiccup, more so then with your father if I'm honest."
Hiccup smiled.
"Thanks Mogadon," he said in gratitude.
Feeling more settled and confident he picked up a pen to sign the parchment but paused as he continued to read.
"Hang on...this is a join treaty between the Bogburgulars and Meatheads," he said in confusion.
Mogadon smiled.
"So it is."
"Why...?"
"Because it time for the next generation to take over," Bertha explained softly.
Hiccups brow furrowed slightly then his eyes widened in understanding.
"You mean that you and Mogadon are...are stepping down...so that..."
"That we are," Modagon confirmed.
"And I can tell from your surprise that Cami and Thug haven't told you yet," he added.
"No, they never said a thing," Hiccup said glancing over to the pair who where now watching the discussion with interest. Bertha gestured for them to come over.
"Mog and I will be stepping down official during the Time of Offering celebrations. That's why we will be leaving a little earlier for the Island of Thor this year. We need to talk to the Elder and make preparations for the ceremony," she said looking at Hiccup as Camicazi and Thuggory joined them. Astrid followed holding little Henrick in her arms. Scarlet was now enjoying herself playing with Toothless.
"I can also see that they failed to tell you that part as well," she said giving her daughter and son-in-law a firm look. They glanced at each other uncomfortably.
"Sorry Hiccup. We were going to tell you tonight at dinner. We just didn't want to spoil your holiday. We have to leave the day after tomorrow for the Island of Thor so that we get there before everyone else."
Hiccup shook his head and chuckled.
"I don't mind, just a day away from my duties is a rest. I'm more relaxed right now then I've been in months."
Hiccup placed a hand thoughtfully on his chin.
"You don't really need to leave that early you know," he said looking at them.
"Hiccup its three days by boat, if we don't leave the day after tomorrow we won't get there ahead of the other tribes," Thuggory protested.
Hiccup smiled.
"Who said anything about boats?"
Understanding settled in Thuggory and Camicazi's eyes.
"You mean...you'll fly us?"
"No...not exactly," Hiccup said looking at Astrid. They shared a knowing look.
"Hiccup how...?" Camicazi continued in a frustrated tone at not getting a straight answer from him.
Hiccup turned back to Mogadon and Bertha, ignoring Camicazi's question for the moment.
"Shall we sign this treaty?" He suggested to the two other Chief's.
Mogadon smiled and searched on the table for the pen which had been buried during his hunt for the treaty. Hiccup then turned back to Camicazi and grinned.
"Then we can talk about these dragons of yours," he continued.
Understanding dawned on Camicazi and Thuggory.
"You don't have to do that Hiccup," Thuggory started but Hiccup cut him off.
"No arguments Thug. Besides I think we'll come with you," he said looking across at Astrid for confirmation. She nodded her agreement.
"What about your holiday?" Camicazi protested.
Hiccup shrugged unconcerned as he took the pen from Modagon and bent to sign his name.
"It's still going to be several days before the tribes get there and I can catch up with Symon," he said as he stood and passed the pen to Thuggory who was now barely able to hide his excitement.
Hope you enjoyed. Sorry were not quite at the action yet but don't worry its coming. Thank you all for sticking with me. You really are a wonderful community and I love being a part of it.
Cathrath
