The Legend of Puff
Chapter 10
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Astrid stood in the doorway of the house she shared with Hiccup. She sighed, and her breath smoked in the freezing morning air.
The morning was bitterly cold. Why, after such beautiful days of spring, did the Arctic Circle have to step in and remind them that it was master of the weather? The cold seemed to freeze her bones.
Hiccup hugged her one last time, and smiled at her sadly.
He had been called away to a meeting of numerous Viking chiefs… (Those of importance - although Hiccup would never admit it, Astrid was proud that her husband was a leading ruler of the time).
Jackie stood by her side, his hand in hers. Hiccup bent down and touched his cheek.
"Have the cherry trees in Honah Lee bloomed yet?" he asked.
"Maybe," Hiccup said. "When I come back, we can check."
Jackie nodded.
Hiccup mounted his dragon, and set off, and Astrid watched him go with a pang of regret. She wished she could be with him always and forever. Why did he have to leave?
Jackie's bright eyes followed Hiccup until he was out of sight - and then he turned and went inside.
Somehow, Jackie wanted it to be today. The waiting became unbearable - today. Honah Lee was strong enough, he was sure of it.
He went to his sister's room.
She was curled in bed. Jackie shook her shoulder, and her eyes opened.
"We're going somewhere today," he whispered to her.
Hiccup sat bolt upright, chills creeping along his skin.
He had been flying in the rushing wind for hours, and not felt any cold like this. This cold came from inside.
Toothless' head jerked round, and he wheeled in the sky. Hiccup could feel a question, a question rising in his dragon… should they turn back?
Hiccup swallowed.
He knew something was wrong.
"What is it, buddy?" he whispered. "Can you tell?"
Toothless shook his head.
"Yes," whispered Hiccup over the rushing of the wind. "Yes."
His heart was pounding. He knew, he KNEW that something, something at home, was terribly wrong.
"Turn back."