-ON THE BACKS OF DRAGONS-
-Hope reignited-
Father,
I know it's been years since I last spoke with you, and many back on Berk think me dead. Well that's partly true, Hiccup is no more. Instead I go by the name Rider now. I have traveled to many places and met many people, the tales of which would take more then this letter to share.
Anyway back on track, Astrid finally managed to find me and told me the situation back on Berk, and how Snoutlout is about to become chief. I can help but I need you to come to Thorhead Island so I can explain some things including dragons. More specifically my Dragon Toothless, my fellow dragon riders, and the nest.
Remember when I said I shot down a Night Fury just of Raven's point? I was telling the truth. Everything I did in dragon training? An illusion. Me being gone for hours? Flying with that Night Fury.
The only reason I left Berk years ago, was because I learned the truth about dragons, and knew the only way to survive was with dragons, not against them. Life is more meaningful, has more purpose, and is more complete, on the backs of dragons.
Pick a small crew that you trust dad, and head to Thorhead Island, we'll be waiting there for you.
Your son,
The original Dragon Rider.
Stoick read each word with care and respect. It was his son, but it wasn't Hiccup. The very way the words were written told that whoever wrote this was no runt, but a strong inspiring leader. It was as if the very essence of his son was placed in the ink, not a week runt trying to be a Viking, but a powerful warrior and a wise chieftain.
Each word held a sense of authority, enough to make the chief question his own opinions on the dragons. His son was proven right in the past, though never received credit. And any time something his son did wrong he would fix if given the chance. Could his son be telling the truth about being able to ride dragons?
Only one way to find out: Thorhead Island.
Stoick left his home to gather five of the Vikings he trusted, five who did not believe what Spikelout praised his son to be.
Gobber was the obvious first choice, being Stoick's closest friend and second in command for these many years.
Fishlegs was next, while he was the youngest and most inexperienced, he was now Berk's local mathematician using his skills in numbers to help manage the village the best he could.
Bucket and Mulch were next, as they remained loyal to the Chief all this time and generously provided their ship for use.
And lastly was Mjoll Hofferson, Astrid's mother. Stoick had admitted what he sent Astrid to do without her permission, yet she wasn't angry believing it was the perfect opportunity for Astrid to clear her head and see the world.
Stoick gathered them and told them what transpired in his house over eating the soup the stranger left behind. Mjoll was suspicious about Hiccup being alive, but was all too eager to find a means to end the threat of dragons.
With all six in agreement they departed immediately, using the guise of late night fishing to hide their true intentions as they sailed to Thorhead Island.
-On the Backs of Dragons-
Thorhead Island was a small island in the area, almost an entire night's journey by sea as the sun was rising when Stoick arrived. The silence that greeted the Vikings was nerve racking as the seagulls and forest was deathly still. Drawing their own weapons for comfort as together the Vikings entered the darkness under the trees.
After several minutes of walking through the woods the sounds of an explosion and the following battle shattered the silence. Following the sound of the conflict, the Vikings found themselves on the edge of a camp currently under attack.
The Camp's owners were members of the Lava Lout tribe. Enemies with just about every one who made business with their gold mines and raiding other tribes for all manners of loot ranging from crops and live stalk to valuables and worst of all: Slaves.
And while Slavery was abolished on Berk and its allies, Slavery was quite regular among other Vikings and Romans. A sad truth, but one that could not be helped.
Or could it?
Stoick caught sight of an individual dressed in black and brown armor wielding a flaming sword. Every move the flaming bade made, every strike, counter, and trust told of an accomplished warrior, one who's very presence brought hope to the chief's eyes as foe after foe fell by his sword, or the dragon at his side.
The thought came down on the Chief like a ton of bricks, finally realizing that a NIGHT FURY of all things fought at the warrior's side, knocking or pouncing any who dared charge the ungodly beast.
Not only that but on the far side of the camp, the mysterious messenger from the night before dropped the Lava Louts like flies with his bow as he climbed atop different structures throughout the camp, always staying out of reach of the Axes and Spears thrown his way.
Astrid was in the fight as well wielding her new Axe with skill and valor, besting enemy after enemy as a Deadly Nadder hovered above her, using its fire and spines to keep the Lava Louts from gaining up on the shield maiden.
The Vikings from Berk watched frozen in shock as the fight started to thin out in the dragons' favor, with all remaining Lava Louts either falling in battle or fleeing to their ships abandoning all their loot in favor of their lives and sanity, leaving the dragons and their human allies victorious.
The five victors regrouped in the middle of the camp, joined by a third dragon even Fishlegs didn't recognize. The humans made conversation while looking at what appeared to be a piece of parchment together and pointing different parts of the camp as they did so. As the archer handed both Astrid and the swordsman keys, he spoke to the swordsman gesturing to where Stoick and the others were hiding.
The Swordsman turned to face the Vikings before removing his helmet to reveal himself to Stoick. To reveal himself as Stoick's long lost son, reborn a warrior and victor. Returning as a Dragon Rider.
Stoick was speechless as he approached his son examining everything, posture, expression, muscles, and scars. They all told the tale that could not be written in words. A tale of a boy worth less then nothing, but then discovered everything.
Stoick fell to his knees in shame, knowing he failed his son as a father, merely whispering for forgiveness, only to look up as the son who brought him shame for so long, offering the Viking a hand up.
"Let me show you everything. But first we need to release the slaves and treat their wounds. . ."
