It was only about an hour later, that Hiccup came round, only to find himself stretched out on some furs on the floor in a small building that smelt strongly of herbs and smoke. Searching around the room, he saw Astrid sleeping peacefully beside him, his heart surging at the realisation she was okay.
There was also someone else in the room. A middle aged, plump woman with a kind face and black hair curled up into a loose bun was bustling around a fire pit in the middle. He could see the gray strands whisping out around her face.
She soon saw him. "Rest, child," she told him, shuffling over to him. Hiccup relaxed back into the furs.
"Thank you," he mumbled. She seemed friendly and helpful, but Hiccup remained slightly on edge. Collapsing hadn't been part of the plan, so he wasn't sure if they had received a positive reception from the rest of the Clan or not.
"What are your names?" the woman asked gently.
"Uh...Hiccup, and that's Astrid," he told her. The two had already decided they weren't going to reveal everything about themselves...just in case.
"What happened to both of you?" she asked next.
"Shipwreck," he answered shortly.
The healer nodded. "And a lot more than that, I would say," she responded sagely as she stirred a huge pot of something that smelled good to Hiccup's starving nose. His stomach grumbled loudly.
Hiccup blushed in embarrassment as the woman gave a gentle laugh.
"Been a while," he shrugged. Beside him, Astrid stirred.
"Hey," he welcomed her quietly, leaning over to tuck back a few stray hairs from her face. He could see she was instantly alert, her eyes scanning around the room and landing on the other resident of the room.
"Good, your awake," the woman beamed. "My name is Brenda. I'm the healer here in Torstein Village." She ladled out two bowls of soup, bringing them over to the two very hungry patients.
Hiccup and Astrid sat up and took the bowls, but still wouldn't take a bite, eyeing it off first in doubt.
She laughed, "Obviously, you've had a lot of trouble before coming here," she noted. "It's only soup... to fill your bellies and plump out your cheeks," she told them with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"Thank you," said Astrid gratefully, picking up the spoon.
The two said nothing further, and the soup quickly disappeared. A second bowl each soon went the same way as the first. Brenda offered a third bowl, but the young couple declined.
"We appreciate the food, but we don't want to presume on your hospitality," Hiccup told her respectfully.
She shook her head. "It's my job to take care of those who need it...and right now, you two need it."
Astrid's gaze dropped. She wasn't used to needing help, but their time in captivity had weakened them a lot. It hurt her pride more than she cared to admit to be in such a position. She swallowed hard.
"We are prepared to work in return," she offered the woman with determination.
Brenda opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a respectful knock at the door before a large man entered through. By his dress, he was obviously the Chief of this village. Hiccup and Astrid watched him warily, trying to gauge his reaction to them. He seemed concerned, but they stayed alert.
"Ah...you're awake. Good," he rumbled in his deep voice to them. Noting the empty bowls, he added, "And I see Brenda has fed you as well."
Brenda grinned at her chief. "They nearly ate the pattern off the bowl, they were so hungry," she told him.
The two sitting on the floor looked slightly abashed.
"So, you were right," said the Chief, causing Hiccup and Astrid to shoot a glance at each other in bewilderment.
"Aye...easy to tell when young people have hit hard times not of their own causing," she said.
The Chief nodded and settled on a chair, the two before him sitting up straighter and moving closer together.
"Introductions first," he started. "I'm Chief Hersker. As I'm sure you know by now, you have landed on the island of the Torstein Tribe."
The young couple kept their gaze polite but guarded as they listened. The Chief saw this and sort to reassure them.
"No need to worry. You're safe now. Nobody's going to hurt you. Can you tell us how you came to land here?" he asked gently.
Hiccup cast a glance at Astrid before telling their rehearsed story. "We were captured about two months ago, sir, and sold as slaves. We managed to escape, but ended up capsizing our boat and floated towards your shores. We're trying to get back home but we will need supplies. We're willing to work for it," he told the older man cautiously.
The Chief narrowed his eyes in thought. "Hmm...what sort of work do you do?" he asked.
"I'm a blacksmith sir," Hiccup told him. "And Astrid is one of the best warriors I know," he said proudly.
Astrid glanced at him in appreciation for his words. "Usually I am," she added. "When we've both regained our strength. In the meantime I can do whatever work needs to be done. I'm very determined."
The Chief smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you are. We always have extra work for willing hands. And old Vard our blacksmith could use some help."
Brenda snorted, "If you don't mind working with a cantankerous stubborn old mule."
Hiccup grinned, "I've worked with a few like that before. I'm sure I'll fit in just fine."
The Chief laughed. "Good to hear. That's what we'll do then. Once Brenda says you are ready, you can start work to earn your keep. You are welcome here, unless you do something wrong. Then we'll have to throw you in jail." He said it all very politely, and with a smile on his jolly face, but the undercurrent of steel in the glint of his eye let them know he meant every word he said.
Hiccup told him sincerely, "Chief, we thank you for your generous offer. You won't have any reason to regret your decision."
"Good," said the Chief, rising to his feet.
After Chief Hersker had left, Brenda collected the bowls from her two patients. "You two will stay with me until your cheeks have filled out and you're glowing with good health again," she told them firmly.
"Yes ma'am," said Hiccup meekly, before all three burst out laughing.
Astrid and Hiccup turned to each other and smiled, relieved to find they seemed to have fallen on their feet this time. They hoped to be on their way back home to Berk soon. They only needed to stay long enough to gather a few supplies, and then they would be off.
For the time being, they would keep their dragons hidden. They had learnt over the years that it was always best to pick the right time to bring them out. Right now they needed supplies, and they didn't want to accidentally mess that up yet.
But first...
"Sleep," commanded Brenda. Hiccup and Astrid with full bellies, feeling safe and relaxed for the first time in ages, were willing to comply.
-oOo-
Johann gave a huge smile. It was always nice to dock after days and weeks at sea. He threw a rope to those waiting for him to tie off his ship. Plus Berk always received him well. Throwing out the ramp, he waited for his first customers.
"Welcome, the good people of Berk!" he called out cheerfully. "Ah Stoick! How are you this fine day?" Johann greeted the Chief and Gobber who were amongst the first to board the ship. "I'm hoping to hear good news of young Master Hiccup and Astrid. Surely you must have found them by now? I went by Dragon's Edge but nobody was there. I assume the youngsters were off on one of their missions?"
Johann's smile was wide as he spoke hopefully, but it faltered when Stoick and Gobber's expressions became more somber.
"Oh dear. Bad news I suppose?" he asked sorrowfully.
Johann was a well-travelled merchant, but Berk had always held a special attraction for him. Especially young Hiccup and Astrid. It didn't seem right that something terrible should happen to such a vibrant and courageous young couple.
"We think they were taken by dragon hunters," Stoick informed the trader.
"Hunters? But that is terrible," gasped Johann.
"Aye, that it is," agreed Stoick. "If you hear anything, please let me know," he requested.
"Of course, sir. I would do anything to help bring the young master and mistress, home," Johann told the men sincerely.
After Stoick and Gobber left the ship, Johann was left to shake his head. What a terrible state of affairs it was. Still, he had a schedule to keep and wares to sell. He would have to keep his despondency to himself for now. He smiled broadly for his next customer.
"Ah, Sven! So good to see you again, sir. What can I help you with today? A gift for your lovely wife? Perhaps a sword? What about this fine specimen... designed by an Arabian prince for a lost love," he spruiked.
It wasn't long before Sven was several gold coins poorer, and one sword richer. He gave an exultant grin as he carried it home.
-oOo-
Johann had already set sail once more, having done a successful day's trading with the residents of Berk, when Gobber noticed something. He saw Sven waving his new acquisition around, showing it to a friend and boasting about his good find. Something about the sword took his interest, so he approached Sven to have a closer look. When he did, he immediately gasped, reaching out to grab the sword from Sven's very surprised hand.
Ignoring the other man's protests, Gobber studied it closely. There was no doubt...the sword was exactly what he thought it was.
"Where did you get this?" he asked Sven abruptly.
"Trader Johann. He got it from an Arabian prince..." Sven started but was interrupted when Gobber strode off in a great hurry, taking the sword with him.
"Hey, Gobber! That's my sword!" he complained loudly.
"Not anymore," was the curt reply.
Gobber raced towards the Great Hall, where he had last seen the Chief. Bursting in through the open doors, he waved the sword about and yelled, "Stoick! Come quick!"
Stoick frowned at the urgent tone coming from Gobber, but didn't hesitate to stop what he was doing and stride quickly over to his best friend. Although he was a little surprised to see Sven puffing up behind him and yelling at Gobber.
"Gobber! What's the meaning of all this?" questioned Stoick firmly.
"This sword...look at it," urged Gobber, shoving it forward.
Both men ignored Sven as Stoick took the sword and studied it. He'd seen too many samples of Hiccup's work to not recognize it straight away.
"Where did it come from?" demanded Stoick immediately.
"Sven had it," was the answer.
Both friends turned to the surprised Sven, who started to get the idea something important was going on with the sword. He backed up a little.
"I bought it from Johann. An Arabian prince..." he started to say. Till he found he no longer had an audience.
"Where did they go?"
Gobber and Stoick called to their respective steeds, Grump and Skullcrusher, the heavy dragons flying over to meet them. They didn't take long to catch up with Johann, landing heavily on his small craft.
"Sirs!" cried Johann nervously, hoping the large beasts and large men would not sink his ship. "What is the occasion for this undeserved visit?" he asked.
Stoick pulled out a sword, making Johann jump back in trepidation. "Sir?" he asked worriedly.
"Where did you get this?" the Chief asked roughly.
"Ahh...I see you've taken a liking to the sword made by an..." Johann began.
"If you say Arabian prince...I'll toss you overboard," threatened Gobber. "What's the real story?"
"Er...okay," stuttered Johann nervously.
Stoick brandished the weapon, flipping it so that the trader could see the handle. "See this signature?" he asked. "Do you recognize it?"
Johann peered at the design. "Well, no...I thought it seemed familiar when I..." his voice trailed off as his mind put two and two together. He gasped in dismay. "This is Master Hiccup's work!" he said, completely shocked.
"Yes," said Gobber grimly. "Where exactly did you get it from? Think carefully now," he warned.
Johann frowned as he thought. "I believe a sailor left it at the gambling den in a seaside port town," he finally told them. "It's not unusual for Gamiel, the owner, to sell items to me that others have used as payment for debts."
"Where did the sailor get it?" asked Stoick with a growl.
Johann shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that one," he told them sorrowfully. "Perhaps the den owner might be of further assistance? Although he is a long way from here."
"Where, exactly?" demanded Stoick.
Johann rushed below deck to bring out a rolled map. He unraveled it on a crate and pointed to part of the mainland further North. "Here."
Stoick and Gobber's eyebrows both reached high above their foreheads.
"There? How on earth did Hiccup's sword end up there?" they wondered incredulously, staring at the map to a spot so far away, it was almost impossible to comprehend that much distance.
"I'm afraid good sirs, I simply don't know the answer to that one. But I must warn you...it has been several weeks since I purchased that sword," replied Johann.
Stoick nodded soberly. "Thank you, Johann. I appreciate your help."
Not much later, the two men were back in the air on their dragons.
Gobber drifted closer. "What are you thinking, Stoick?" he asked carefully.
Stoick frowned deeply. "I'm thinking it's time we went for a trip," he decided.
Gobber nodded, already expecting that answer.
-oOo-
Early the next morning, Stoick and the four teens were assembled in the village centre, ready to launch. The village they were going to, was marked on the map Fishlegs carried. It was a lengthy journey so Stoick had made sure they had plenty of provisions to keep them going. They would bolster their food reserves with fish and game that they would find along the way. He also planned to drop in and visit a few allies along the way for the same purpose. Although they had to be careful…not all their allies were comfortable with the dragons.
Looking over at the twins already arguing, he wasn't so sure he was comfortable with the other riders.
This was familiar territory….after all, they had already flown together when they were searching for Hiccup and Astrid. But Gobber had been with him then.
Stoick rolled his eyes. "Why do I feel like I'm in more trouble than Hiccup?" he asked in his baritone voice.
"You'll be fine, Stoick," said his friend Gobber reassuringly. "And if they play up, you can drop them in the ocean," he said nonchalantly.
Stoick sighed. "What if he's not there?" he asked his friend quietly, revealing his deeper concerns. "What if we can't find them. What if something's happened to them both? What do I do then?" he asked worriedly.
Gobber placed a heavy hand on his friend's shoulder. "Then we'll figure out what to do. But we know he was alive, Stoick. Don't forget that. He made that sword, and that's no small feat. If he was well enough to forge a piece of work like that, then he's well enough to come home. They're alive, Stoick." Gobber thumped his stomach. "I feel it in my gut."
Stoick nodded, his brows drawn together thoughtfully. He knew how much Hiccup and Astrid meant to Gobber. The man treated them as if they were his own children. If Gobber felt the missing pair were alive, then he would draw hope from that. All Stoick had to do, was find them. He glanced over at the teens he had decided to take with him.
Provided he survived the ordeal of flying with this lot.
Under Hiccup's guidance, the four had become exceptional dragon riders. They had proven themselves time and time again during their adventures together fighting off the dragon hunters, and locating new dragons in far off lands. Stoick had developed many lasting friendships with Vikings from other tribes over the years, but Hiccup and his team had reached far beyond what he could ever hope to achieve. His son had done things Stoick himself had never thought possible.
He leaned forward to give his dragon, Skullcrusher, a pat. Riding on the backs of dragons was something he still struggled to believe was possible, even after all this time. He didn't know what had happened to either of his children, but he hoped Hiccup's record of doing the impossible helped carry the two through. Until Stoick could get them home.
Finishing his last minute packing, Stoick paused to consider the weather. Winter would be here soon. He intended to fly straight through, find Hiccup and Astrid, then fly straight back again….dependent on the condition he found the two in. It was a risk to be travelling this late in the season, but he was willing to take it to get his son and future daughter-in-law back home. He estimated a little more than a week should get them there.
Straightening up his shoulders, he shot a look over at the others. It was time.
"Dragon riders," he roared, instantly gaining the attention of the youths. "Mount up. It's time to go."
Snotlout and the twins hollered in delight, leaping onto the backs of their excited dragons. Fishlegs was a little more demure in his approach. Soon Stoick was leading the way for the small group of five plus their dragons into the unknown…hoping to find what they were looking for.
-oOo-
The day after Hiccup and Astrid arrived at Torstein Village, they found themselves at the Chief's home meeting with his family.
"This is my daughter Tula, and my nephew Erik," said the Chief proudly.
Hiccup and Astrid politely shook hands with the two. Tula appeared slightly younger than they were. She wore her long brown hair pulled back loosely and tied with a leather tie. She was slender and quite beautiful, although a little shy around the two strangers. Erik was older than the rest of them. He had longish black hair which he tucked behind his ears. About the same height as Hiccup, he was a lot broader. He shook their hands with a strong grip.
"Welcome to Torstein," Erik declared enthusiastically to the pair.
Hiccup responded. "Thank you. We really appreciate you helping us out like this." Astrid nodded in agreeance.
Chief Hersker waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense. Besides, you may end up helping us out if your blacksmithing skills are any good," he laughed whole-heartedly.
Astrid grinned and gave an adoring glance at her partner. "Oh, he's good alright. But much too humble to boast," she teased lightly.
Hiccup blushed and rubbed the back of his neck, a little abashed. "Hopefully I'm up to par with your expectations," he told them modestly.
"We'll soon find out," promised the Chief. "I'll take you to meet Vard, our blacksmith, shortly. And Astrid, I hear Brenda has asked you to help her. Will that be alright?" he asked.
Astrid nodded and directed a mischievous grin at Hiccup. "That will be fine. I've had plenty of experience patching this one up over the years," she said, indicating to an embarrassed Hiccup. "He always manages to get into trouble."
Hiccup grumbled as the others chuckled, "I don't get into that much trouble," he protested.
Erik pointed to his metal leg. "Is that the result of one of those times," he asked curiously.
Astrid nodded. "Got too close to a dragon," she told them seriously.
"It wasn't as if I could have prevented it," he muttered. "Besides, you were there too."
"Luckily for you. I had to drag you home," she reminded him.
He smiled at her with fondness and appreciation. "Something I'll always be grateful for."
The Chief and his family watched the two banter between each other, noting the familiar way they glanced at each other, and the caring way they spoke.
"Are you two married?" the Chief asked.
Hiccup and Astrid immediately blushed. "Ah….no, we're not," replied Hiccup.
"Are you engaged?" came the next question.
Astrid shook her head. "We're very good friends," she told them, taking Hiccup's hand in hers, her loving gaze giving the rest of the story to their observers.
"Ahhh…." grinned the Chief knowingly.
What the Chief also saw, but Astrid and Hiccup hadn't, was how his daughter Tula stared at the auburn haired youth with great interest. He also saw Erik doing the same to the beautiful blonde shield maiden. He said nothing for now.
The young couple before him had already told him they were trying to head back home after suffering some adversity. He didn't know who they were, so he had no interest in cultivating an impossible friendship with the newcomers. He was willing to help them, but how much was dependent on them.
Winter was already spreading it's cold fingers throughout the area, and he fully expected the first snow storm to appear any day now. He knew how precious the passing time was, and how difficult travelling in the colder weather could be. He wasn't sure if the pair were willing to risk such conditions, and he didn't know if he wanted to offer them the chance to winter with them. Time would tell.
-oOo-
A few days later, the Chief had a whole new perspective on the pair. Despite both Hiccup and Astrid still not being well enough to last a full day at work, both had done more than the older man thought possible. Hiccup had taken to the forge and to old Vard like a natural, slotting himself into that environment easily. The works he had created in that short amount of time were to be considered amazing.
Vard had been the only blacksmith for so long now, but the old man was definitely slipping. None of the youngsters in the village had shown any interest in working with the cantankerous old blacksmith, finding it too difficult to live under his rule.
Hiccup on the other hand, had deflected all of the old blacksmith's complaints and grumbling with good humor and respect, adjusting to Vard's routine and not forcing his own. Even if Hiccup's superiority behind the hammer had immediately been obvious, he had still listened carefully and humbly to Vard's instructions, to the point where he had earned the old man's grudging respect. Something that had really shocked Chief Hersker. He had never seen Vard give a young person any kind of acceptance before. And he'd been chief a long time.
Astrid had also surpassed all his expectations, helping Brenda whenever she could with keeping the occupants of Torstein Village healthy. On top of that, she had stopped one day, to correct a young boy's grip as he practiced his sword fighting and somehow ended up with an impromptu class of youngsters, all clamoring for her to teach them more of the fine art of offense and defense.
Chief Hersker was beginning to see the wisdom in keeping this pair in the village a little longer...a whole winters worth of longer. He already had a plan. He merely needed to find them to discuss it with them.
"Tula…Erik…have you seen Hiccup and Astrid?" he asked, as the pair crossed the village centre.
Tula paused and shook her head. "No…this is the time of day they both disappear," she told her father. Erik stopped behind her.
"What?" demanded Hersker.
Erik confirmed it. "Doesn't matter what they're doing, they both leave for the forest at this time of day."
Tula added, "Wherever they go, it must be a long way. They both come back very exhausted."
"Hmmm…" wondered the Chief. What could two strangers be doing every day that demanded so much from them.
Erik asked him, "They'll be back in a few minutes. Do you want us to bring them to you?"
"Please," responded Hersker. "Send them to the house."
And with that he sauntered up to his home with a confident stride.
-oOo-
Meanwhile, Astrid was giving Stormfly a massive cuddle and a loving scratch under the chin. "I know you like that…makes you feel good, doesn't it girl."
Hiccup was standing beside her, giving his own dragon some attention. He turned to Astrid with a lop-sided grin.
"That looks like fun," he began, indicating to the chin scratching that Stormfly was obviously enjoying. "Got any for me?" he teased, cocking his head sideways to expose his stubbled chin, and pointing to his jaw.
Astrid laughed and willingly complied, wiggling her fingers at him as she approached before scratching under his rough chin. Hiccup grinned and closed his eyes in pretend bliss. Toothless rolled his eyes at their antics and left to frolic with Stormfly.
"Mmm...gooooood," Hiccup drawled, making Astrid laugh again. She stopped scratching and his eyes snapped open. "Why did you stop?" he asked in a teasing tone. "That's actually pretty good. No wonder the dragons like it so much."
"Okay then... your turn," she told him, directing his attention to her proffered neck.
Hiccup's gaze took in the smooth skin of her throat. His expression went from one of laughter to one of desire. Moving closer, he raised his hand. But instead of light hearted scratching, he gently stroked the skin instead drawing a quiet gasp from her. The moment quickly turned sensuous when he replaced his fingers with his lips.
"Hiccup," she whispered lowly, melting into his touch. His mouth shifted to hers, seeking her soft lips. She welcomed him, drawing him closer. The heat between them intensified, till they finally drew apart, faces flushed and eyes smoldering. Hiccup tucked her into his chest, still breathing a little heavier and held her tight.
"Okay...I have to agree, that was pretty special," she teased lightly, deflecting the intensity of the moment.
Hiccup chuckled. "The dragons won't be getting any of that," he answered, earning himself a slap to the chest.
The two were silent for a few moments, each to their own thoughts.
"Hiccup...we are going home...aren't we?" Astrid asked, her voice trembling slightly.
He kissed her temple briefly. "Of course. Why do you ask?"
She shifted. "We still don't even know where we are for starters. Only that it will be a long trip back. And I don't think either of us will be up to the flight...especially if winter hits while we are travelling."
He frowned, releasing her and sitting on a log. She sat beside him. "I'm very much aware of all your concerns," he started. "I don't really have the easy answers yet. We can only focus on getting our health back quickly, and collecting supplies for now. If possible, we'll try to leave before the snow starts. But if we don't, then we'll be forced to stay and that's just not going to work with the dragons. They usually find somewhere warm for the winter. We can't leave them in the snow without protection."
Astrid chewed her lip and nodded. "What about sending a message home?" she asked.
Hiccup shrugged. "Toothless and Stormfly are the only dragons who know where Berk is. The others are getting ready to leave, which makes me think the snow will start any day now. We'll have to hurry if we want to leave before then. All the merchants and travelers will be docked for the season too. At this stage, the only way to get a message home is with ourselves."
She frowned. Hiccup covered her hand with his. "I know you're worried about everybody back home. I am too. And they will be really concerned about what's happened to us. But at the moment there's not a lot we can do about it...except get home as fast as possible."
Astrid stood up with determination in her eyes. "Let's get back then, we've got work to do if we're going to earn enough for supplies."
Hiccup stood with her. "Okay. Bye Toothless. Bye Stormfly. We'll be back tomorrow, same time," he told the nuzzling dragons, giving them both rubs.
The Night Fury crooned in concern. "It's alright Toothless. Not much longer, bud."
After reassuring the dragons a little more, Hiccup and Astrid left for the long walk back to the village.
