Horc began breathing heavily as he tried to think of what to say. Only now was he starting to realize that attacking Hiccup was the worst thing he could ever have done. Hiccup was Stoick's daughter. She was the descendent of a Chieftain. Attacking the child of a Chief or deliberately putting their life at risk put them at the mercy of the victim. The victim would get to chose the man's fate. Horc wanted one, but there was no excuse. He had to face the consequences.

Stoick on the other hand did his best to remain calm. "One reason, Horc. One reason is all I ask for; one good reason for me to spare you even after I've seen you cutting my daughter with a knife!"

"There-I..." Horc stammered, "Stoick, I didn't mean to harm her-"

Stoick quickly lost his temper as he angrily yelled, "Good fucking job showing that!"

"There is no excuse for what I've done, but please Stoick, forgive me. I beg you!"

"How is beating the shit out of someone helping them!?"

"Please! Pardon me, I beg you to show mercy! I'll do anything! I swear!"

"You didn't show Hiccup mercy when she screamed in pain! Why should I show mercy to you!?"

"Dad!"

Stoick turned to face Hiccup, still bound to the tree roots. Hiccup glanced at Stoick over her shoulder, "Killing him won't reverse what he's done. Let him live."

Draymore rested his hand on Hiccup's shoulder. Astro stood behind Horc. The twins each took a position surrounding the men. Fishlegs and Snotlout stood next to the tree, beneath Jack as he hovered below the branches.

Hiccup glanced toward Horc, then back to Stoick, "He has a reason for doing this."

Draymore cut Hiccup loose as Stoick asked, "What is that reason?"

Hiccup rubbed her wrists once they were free, "He was trying help me keep us safe. He has a point... It's no longer safe for you if I stay here. I have to leave."

Everyone fell silent again. Horc looked at the others, slightly hoping that they'd agree with Hiccup.

After a long time, Stoick spoke. "Where will you go? here aren't any other islands in our territory."

Hiccup shook her head, "I'm not staying near Berk. That's too close. I have to go beyond our borders."

"But Alvin-"

"Dad, I understand that leaving is dangerous, but I have to do this. It's the only way to make sure nothing bad happens to you."

"Stoick," said Astro, "Hiccup's right. It's not safe for anyone for her to be here, not even her. There's nothing else we can do."

Stoick sighed, "Are you sure you'll e alright on your own? You don't want anyone going with you?"

Hiccup nodded, "I'm sure."

000

Hiccup packed a blanket and a pillow, along with some food and water for her journey. Hiccup opened to front door of her house to her waiting friends. One by one they said their goodbyes.

"Don't get yourself killed out there," Astro chuckled as he tried to hold back his fear, "okay?"

Hiccup laughed softly and nodded.

Draymore and Stoick hugged Hiccup at the same time, neither wanting to let go. Everyone feared for Hiccup's safety. Even Hiccup was afraid herself.

Stoick ruffled Hiccup's hair, "I love you, Hiccup."

Hiccup hugged Stoick one more time, "I love you too, dad."

Hiccup walked down the steps before glancing back at her friends one last time. With that she took flight and disappeared above the clouds.

000

Hiccup arrived at Dragon Island around midnight. When she landed she looked at the moon. Luckily, it was a full, round circle.

Hiccup cupped her hands around her mouth, "Gale? It's me, Hiccup! I need your help!"

For a moment it seemed as though no one was nearby. Then Hiccup heard rustling in the trees behind her. As Hiccup turned to face the source of the noise, a black-winged Lighren jumped down from the leaves and landed in front of her. Gale stood up straight and spread her arms as if she had done the work of a modern acrobat before taking a bow.

"Hello stranger." Gale said gleefully, "What brings you here on this fine night?"

"How fine this night really is depends on whether or not you and I have the same idea of 'fine'." Hiccup replied.

Gale pointed up to the sky, "Didn't you notice? The sky is alive with Aurvandil's Fire! A sight like that only appears one night every ten years!"

Hiccup followed Gale's gesture to the dancing lights that reached along the sky.

Gale continued as she meandered passed Hiccup, "I love watching Aurvandil's Fire. It's so cool! And to top it all off, my good friend, the Flightmare passes through here during the Fire! Have you seen a Fightmare, Hiccup?"

"Well, Aurvandil's Fire is the thing I really like about tonight. But Flightmares? Not so much."

Gale glanced at Hiccup over her shoulder, "Why not?"

"I have a friend whose uncle was killed by one. He was only six when it happened."

Gale looked at Hiccup sympathetically. Then her expression changed to curiosity, "So this 'he' you mentioned.. is he a certain someone you like?"

Hiccup glared and shook her head without thinking. However as she shook her head, her cheeks turned red with blush.

Gale giggled, "I knew it! So, what's he like?"

Hiccup reinforced her glare, "Can we talk about something more important please?"

Gale nodded, "Alright, we'll talk about your crush later. What's quote-unquote more important than him at the moment?"

Hiccup inhaled deeply.