Italics mean Dragons speaking
True to her word, Astrid and I went flying the next day. As she was going to participate in the race, she didn't know exactly where it was going to be. She did assume, however, that the Mists wouldn't be included. The race was going to be open to anyone and everyone, and there were some pretty inexperienced people who would want to be in it. It didn't really matter to me. I was just glad that Astrid was flying with me again. We went all around the island, finding almost every possible course for the race. Astrid seemed pretty confident as we landed.
"We'll be unbeatable." she said as she took my saddle off. After giving me a good scratching she left. I waited until I saw Toothless heading towards the dragons' table and joined him.
You were right. There is going to be a race.
Did Astrid talk about it?
Yep. She just doesn't know where it's going to be.
Sounds fun.
The next day the race was announced. Everyone, humans and dragons alike, were buzzing in anticipation. Few seemed to be able to wait the three days. I remained cool and collected, despite the fact that I was just as eager. The skies above Berk were filled with people and dragons, practicing. There were several rather humorous mid-air collisions and near-accidents, but for the most part everyone was dead serious. I heard something about a prize. Finally the day came. Everyone gathered in the middle of the village, where Hiccup's dad, Stoick, waved his arm for silence.
"It's a fine day for a race." he yelled, and everyone quieted. "The elders have decided that, because some of you are less experienced in flying, there will be two different races: one for those with a lot of experience, and one for those with less. Those that want to participate in the easy one, meet in the Great Hall. The rest, stay here."
Those who were less apt in the air and children left. I saw Freya being dragged off by her mother and breathed a small sigh of relief. At least I wouldn't have to deal with that little pain in the tail. Small pieces of paper with the race course drawn on them were handed out. Astrid, who seemed startled when the two different races were announced, gasped as she looked at the map.
"We have to go through the Mists?"
Apparently she didn't know about my extra practice time in the Mists. Several other people voiced the same concern.
"If you don't like it, you can do the easy race." Stoick said. There was a lot of muttering, and several people left. When everyone settled down, Stoick continued with the instructions. "You will start above the docks, circle the island as it says on the map, and return back to the docks. There will be bonfires to mark where the course is. Any questions?"
Several people asked questions about the course, cheating, and other minor things.
"Will there be a prize?" one burly-looking teen asked.
"That's for the winner to find out." Stoick answered. There were murmurs of what it might be. "Any other questions? No? Then head for the docks!"
Everyone started off. Astrid looked apprehensive as she walked by me. I could tell she was worried about the Mists. After all, she had only been through it with me a few times, and none of them recent. Toothless and Hiccup caught up to us.
"Feeling nervous?" Hiccup asked.
"No, not at all." Astrid was getting to be a good liar.
Are you feeling nervous? Toothless asked.
Just a little. You?
The same.
How many do you think are doing to die in the Mists?
Depends. A lot are going to cop out at the last second, and some are going to take it ridiculously slow.
That's no fun.
You're turning into an adrenaline junkie, aren't you?
I grinned. That just means I'll fit in with the rest of you crazy Vikings.
We reached the cliff above the docks. Astrid showed me the map and explained it. I was careful to memorize it as best I could, even though I knew there would be markers. Everyone got on their dragons, and Stoick stood in front next to a huge cylindrical piece of metal, holding a mace.
"One last word. You must go through the Mists, not around or over. Anyone who tries to avoid it will be disqualified. Everyone clear? Good. On your marks, get set..."
He hit the metal thing and everyone took off. I was close to the front, but not leading. No point in wasting all my energy now. The air thrummed with the sound of wings as every dragon tried to take the lead. I rose slightly above the masses. Most of the humans wouldn't realize there was three dimensions they could use and would settle for trying to shove everyone else out of the way. I have to admit, it was pretty funny seeing some of those massive humans riding dragons, especially the ones on Gronkles. The first turn came up, marked with a huge fire. I took it easily, catching sight of Toothless' red tail fin flying below the rest of the dragons. Apparently Hiccup understood that he could use the airspace above and below the others. They were probably going to be my biggest competition. Behind me, I could hear yells as several people were caught cutting the corner. A large natural arch loomed up, with fires on either side of the opening. We were going to have to go in single file. With a few powerful strokes I went just behind the leader. To my surprise it was Hygelac. I grinned as we shot though the arch. This was going to be more fun than expected. I could hear everyone behind us coming through the arch, the sound reverberating off the walls. Soon we were going to be surrounded once again. Time for some Nightmare-baiting.
I think you have the wrong race. I said as I came up even with him, This is the one for the more experienced fliers.
Then what are you doing here? Hygelac shot back.
Winning. With that I pulled ahead. Hygelac did just as I was hoping and shot off. Idiot. I moderated my pace and let the rest catch up. After a while Hygelac would either realize that I was behind or he would run out of energy. Another turn came up. I slowed down slightly as I came to it, allowing several others to go ahead. Just as I suspected, there were yells and roars. I made the turn and was confronted with a maze of tall columns. Several dragons were in the water, having run into one of the rocks, and several more were making their way off the course with some sort of injury or another. Hygelac wasn't one of them, much to my disappointment. Toothless came up beside me and winked. I grinned, and we separated, weaving through the columns as fast as we dared to go. Between Astrid and I we managed to avoid crashing. As soon as we cleared the rocks we shot off again. I could barely see Hygelac in the distance. He seemed to be slowing down, and we soon caught up with him.
What's the matter? I taunted, Tired already?
Shut up. He growled. I could hear Toothless snickering beside me.
I've seen snails move faster than you.
With another growl Hygelac shot off again, albeit slower than before. Toothless winked, understanding my plan, before slowing down. I followed suit, conserving my strength for the final leg of the race. The other dragons caught up with us. I could tell the numbers had decreased significantly. Another turn came up. I risked a glance back as I made it and noticed that most of those who were left were about the same age or slightly older than Astrid and Hiccup. With that interesting little fact stored in the back of my brain, I focused in front of me. Clear until the next turn, with a slight tail wind. I spread my wings wide and let the wind do some of my work. Veering around the turn, I once again caught sight of Hygelac. He was definitely moving slower this time. I restrained a grin as I caught up with him.
If you had any brains at all you would have saved some of your strength for when it really mattered.
Hygelac growled, but was too tired to go any faster. I passed him and could hear him growl as several other dragons did the same. Knowing there was some other little surprise ahead, I let a Zippleback pass me. I made the next turn, and the Mists came into view. The Zippleback suddenly veered away. Either it didn't want to risk it, or its rider didn't. Toothless came up beside me.
Now for the fun part. He said. Grimly, I knew that I would either have to get through before any of the other dragons did or be forced go slower, in order to avoid colliding with another dragon. I sped up, and he matched my pace. This frustrated me slightly. Whoever got through first would, in all likelihood, have enough of a lead to win. I gathered my reserve strength and shot ahead of Toothless, barreling towards the mist-enshrouded rocks.
Are you crazy? Toothless yelled. I didn't answer. Vaguely, I could hear Astrid screaming for me to slow down. If I did there was a good chance that Toothless would take the lead. Time to see if all my practice had paid off. I hurdled into the mist, swerving around rocks. This path was familiar to me, as I had flown through it several times. Astrid was silent, instead hanging on for dear life. I was sure she was praying. I didn't slow down. If anything, I sped up slightly. With one last roll we burst through the mist. I slowed down slightly and gained altitude, hoping that my rush hadn't taken up all my energy. The last turn came up. Going around it, I glanced back and saw that Toothless had made it through the Mists, but was now too far behind to take the lead. The docks were ahead. As we came closer I could see Stoick holding a large piece of green cloth. I slowed down, gliding past him as he dropped the cloth. Those that were gathered at the finish line, including those that had, for various reasons, quit the race, cheered as I landed. Astrid jumped off and hugged me, putting her face close to mine.
"You stupid dragon, you could have gotten us both killed."
By the tone of her voice I knew she really wasn't angry. Toothless and Hiccup landed.
Nice flying. Toothless said.
Thanks.
Ready for whatever prize Stoick came up with?
Right now I'm ready for a nap.
I don't blame you, after that stunt you pulled. Wasn't Astrid yelling for you to slow down?
I shrugged. Probably. I was going so fast I couldn't hear her very well.
You're crazy.
No, I've just had a lot of practice.
Toothless rolled his eyes and snorted. I settled down and watched the few who had made it through the Mists land. After a while a head count was taken, and everyone who had started the race had made it back. Everyone headed back to the village. I could see quite a bit of stuff exchanging hands as we went. Once everyone was gathered in the middle of the village, Stoick again raised his hand for silence.
"Quite the races we've had. Will the winners please step forward?"
I followed Astrid to the front of the crowd. When I saw Freya pouting next to her parents I almost sighed with relief. Maybe this would put her in her place. The winner of the easy race was a young boy I had seen once or twice and who vaguely reminded me of Hiccup. After a pointless speech saying how well he did, he got a medal while his dragon, a Nadder, got a large cod. Then Astrid was called up. There was yet another long and pointless speech about her flying ability and my speed. Then with a flourish Stoick produced a large silver cup, engraved with dragons and with dragons as handles. Astrid accepted the cup, looked inside it, and laughed. Curious, I peered inside. There was a large fish, a sea trout. I had only tasted it once, but I still remembered how absolutely delicious it had tasted. I also remembered that they weren't found around here, but further south. Much further south. How the Vikings had obtained one I had no idea. I looked at Astrid with large, expectant eyes. She laughed again.
"Well you did win it for us, even if you did almost get us killed."
Without further adieu she tossed the fish to me. I caught and ate it, almost purring in content as I savored the delightful taste. After swallowing I looked up and saw Hygelac at the rear of the crowd. If looks could kill, I would have been dead in a heartbeat. As it was, I winked at him. He growled and stalked off. There was a little more talk, and everyone started dispersing. Astrid went over to her parents, who embraced her. Freya was alternating her scowl between Astrid and me, and I suddenly had a feeling that something bad was going to come of it. I didn't think on it too much, though. I was tired, and sleep seemed more important than wondering what a little girl was plotting. I stayed awake long enough for Astrid to take my saddle off, then promptly fell asleep.
