Author's note: Hi everybody! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated, but quite a lot happens in this chapter, and I wanted to make sure I got everything in effectively and that the story still flowed as smoothly as possible.
Here is chapter 10, hope you like it.
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Svalgard was overseeing Brom and Sven during a sword fighting session when a soldier interrupted their training.
"There's someone asking for a council, sire," he announced to the King. "He says he can help you defeat the Dragon Master of Berk."
"I don't believe I need help," Svalgard commented as his brother in law and son sheathed their blades. "However, it couldn't hurt to hear an offer."
Emerging onto the deck of his ship, Svalgard once again found his soldiers gaping. However, this time, they were staring at a large ship that had drawn up alongside theirs. Now there was nothing remarkable about the ship itself, however there were several long, thick chains leading down from the bow of the ship into the ocean, where the waters were churning and frothing restlessly.
"King Svalgard," a voice called, and Svalgard took his gaze off the churning water to spy a large man cloaked in dragon skin standing at the strange ship's prow.
"I seek a council," the man stated softly.
Svalgard considered the large man standing before him, before turning his gaze back to the chains leading down to the churning water below.
"Let him aboard," he ordered. In moments, a gang plank was set up and the large man walked across the divide with slow confidence.
"Who do I welcome aboard my ship?" Svalgard asked the large man, who appeared to match him in stature, and commanded respect.
"I am Drago Bludvist," the man answered slowly, as he moved forward, and Brom's eyes widened as he recognised the name. "And I believe we can help each other, Svalgard. For we both desire the same thing."
"And what's that?"
"To liberate the people of this world of the dragons," Drago stated. "To destroy Berk, where the last dragon colony survives and rid the world of the dragon infestation once and for all."
Svalgard raised his chin, his curiosity piqued.
"And why do I need your help for that?" He asked. "I've proven myself capable of decimating dragon invested lands in the past."
"Yes, so I have heard," Drago admitted. "I passed the Celtic lands many years ago, where your reign had destroyed many nests. I took what was left for my dragon army."
"Dragon army?" Sven repeated, speaking up. "Why would anyone want a dragon army?"
"Well, it takes dragons to conquer other dragons," Drago smirked. "And the lands you've conquered in the past were not like Berk. They have riders," he reminded them. "You will not find it so easy to defeat as the others. But I," he continued, "I can gain control of the dragons on Berk. Make them turn on their riders. Then, Berk shall be defenceless," he grinned. "Ripe for the taking."
"How do you mean to control the dragons?" Svalgard asked sceptically.
Drago smiled before whirling his staff above his head with a loud cry and striking out at the many chains that dropped into the churning, frothing water.
Svalgard's ship rocked suddenly, causing many sailors to fall to the deck, caught off guard. Brom was able to prevent several sailors from falling overboard, Sven gripped the railing to hold himself steady, yet Svalgard and Drago both kept their feet planted firmly.
The water beneath them surged as three of the biggest dragons Sven had ever seen burst forth from the sea in a shower of water. One dragon was a deep blue, one a striking shade of purple, whereas the last was black, and appeared to be missing a tusk.
"Leviathans," Brom whispered in awe.
"The natural Alphas of the dragons," Drago introduced them calmly as Svalgard's army gaped. "No dragon can resist the command of the Alpha. So he who controls the Alpha, controls them all."
Svalgard appeared calm and calculating, though his mind was racing at the sight of three such large beasts. How could such creatures have existed without his knowledge?
"You also mentioned a dragon army?" Svalgard queried, to which Drago merely pointed skyward. Looking up, dozens of dragons were circling, high above them in the clouds.
"I've been searching for years," Drago explained. "And I believe I have finally found every last dragon in this world. So now, all the dragons left are either with me, or on Berk. And once I have destroyed Berk," Drago grinned, "I will destroy the dragons."
Brom clenched his fists reflexively, before calming himself. Eying his nephew, he was sad to see an almost eager look in the prince's eyes.
"So you will use your Alpha dragons to neutralise the dragons on Berk, leaving the people practically defenceless," Svalgard surmised. He didn't like the idea of working with dragons, but if it meant the lizards on Berk could be eradicated all the faster... "What do you want in return?" He asked.
"Half," Drago answered shortly, and Svalgard knew that 'half' meant half of all the profits. Though he also knew that 'half' often actually meant 'all', and he had to ensure the deal went his own way.
"Half sounds fair," Svalgard agreed slowly, his eyes scanning the massive beasts towering above the waves, not wanting to think of what damage they could do to his fleet if he refused. He figured it best to work with the power, than against it, in times such as these. Then, when the time is right, you take the power for yourself. Or destroy it, if you can't.
"Father?" Sven asked. It wasn't like the king to agree to something so readily.
"I have a daughter, Svetta" Svalgard continued, ignoring his son to focus on Drago Bludvist. "If you can ensure my victory over the dragons and the Berk Chief, you will have her hand in marriage, and her inheritance."
"Sire," Brom objected cautiously. "That's not how it's done. Our laws state-"
"We're not in the Celtic Isles anymore, Brom," Svalgard reprimanded his Army Chief, not taking his eyes off the large man before him. "Do we have a deal, Drago Bludvist? You ensure my victory and the destruction of the dragon race, and you will be made a royal, with your own kingdom to rule."
Drago considered a moment, before holding out a hand.
"Deal."
~..~..~..~..
"Father," Sven objected as he followed the king and his uncle back into the king's quarters once Drago had returned to his ship. "What are you doing?
"Finally putting Svetta to good use," Svalgard answered shortly. "She was always meant to be a bargaining chip, and now she can finally do what she was born for."
"But this isn't how it's done," Brom argued, thankful that Sven at least seemed to object to his father's plan. "What about the Games? Giving every suitor a chance to win her hand?"
"We aren't in the Celtic Isles, Brom," Svalgard repeated. "And what suitors have proven available to her? Besides, I am giving Drago the chance to prove himself, for he won't win Svetta until he ensures my victory."
"And what's this about Svetta being 'half'?" Sven continued. "I thought I was the sole heir to your kingdom, and Svetta would take on whatever estates she was wedded into?"
"I've always planned for you to be the sole heir, Sven," Svalgard informed him. "However, contrary to what your uncle and sister seem to think, I am aware that a kingdom can grow too great for one man to rule effectively. So, you will become the High King, when I am gone," Svalgard placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "ruling over my homeland in the West and these newly conquered Northern lands. Svetta, when married, will inherit the Celtic Isles, though she and her husband will have to answer to you. She will rule," he qualified, "but beneath you." He smiled slightly. "I am aware of my governing councils changing things to suit themselves, and so would prefer my lands to be ruled by my family, even Svetta. For then we can ensure she rules the Celtic Isles how you wish."
"You can do that?" Sven asked, for his father had never told him about this plan.
"The decree is being pushed through back home right now," Svalgard nodded.
"You have never spoken of this, to me, Sire," Brom spoke up, doing his best to control his tone. "When were you planning of informing me? I too am a member of your council, and so have a vote."
"But the majority of my council are back home Brom," Svalgard told him. "And as I need a majority vote, I thought it better for the change to be done there, than here, for you are only one man."
'And too far away to change the minds of the other council members,' Brom finished in his mind, clenching his teeth.
"And you would just let a man like Drago take on the Celtic Isles after he marries Svetta?" Sven stated flatly. "How is he worthy of any part of our kingdom?"
"He's not," Svalgard answered shortly. "Drago's only use will be to get rid of the dragons. Once all the dragons are destroyed, he will no longer have any use." Svalgard smiled as he saw realisation appear in his son's eyes.
"You're going to kill him as soon as he's done as he's promised," he nodded in understanding. "Svetta would be happy about that. I can't imagine she'd relish the idea of marrying Drago."
"When the time comes, she'll marry who she's told to," Svalgard waved his hand dismissively. "In the mean time, we can use her as a carrot on a stick, for men who want a piece of my profits."
Sven grinned, impressed.
"You thought of everything, Father," he congratulated. "I can see I still have more to learn."
"Don't worry, son," Svalgard assured him. "I don't plan on leaving this world anytime soon. You will learn to be as ruthless and cunning as you have to be to win in this world, mark my words."
As Brom saw the smile on Sven's face, he felt his heart fill with despair.
'I'm sorry, Linden,' he thought. 'I fear I have lost Sven. May the Great Goddess Cerridwen guide Svetta through the times ahead.'
~..~..~..~..
Flighty glided above the ocean, her eyes searching beneath the surface of the water for the fish she knew were there.
Spotting a flash of scales, Flighty changed direction slightly, just as Toothless had shown her, so that her shadow didn't fall over the fish, alerting them to her presence.
Sending a plasma blast into the water just in front of the fish caused them to fly into the air as they swam straight into the explosion. Triumphantly, the small Night Fury snapped up five fish, her mouth gaping as she struggled to get them all down.
A Night Fury call caught her attention and, turning, she spotted the Alpha, Toothless and two of the other dragons she'd met, flying above her, carrying their human riders.
Flighty flew up towards the Alpha eagerly, hoping he'd seen her using her improved fishing skills. Because of him, she now had a full stomach for the first time in her memory.
Toothless let out a pleased call as Flighty approached, proud of her. She'd really improved her fishing skills since he'd been teaching her, and the smaller Night Fury was finally gaining some much needed weight.
"Hey, Flighty," Hiccup greeted as the new girl fell in beside Toothless. "Good to see you're getting better at fishing. And just off the coast," Hiccup noted as they flew over the harbour towards the Academy. "Aren't you getting brave?"
"Toothless will have to do more than go fishing now, if he wants to keep impressing the new girl," Snotlout advised sagely. "I'm an expert on these things, you know."
"Oh really?" Hiccup asked, not even trying to hide his sarcasm.
As they swooped through the academy doors to land on the floor of the arena, they found Eret and Fishlegs continuing their dragon training with Svetta and Cara.
"Princess Svetta, Cara," Hiccup greeted as he dismounted. "I hope your lessons have been going well?"
"Your teachers here at the Academy are a credit to you, Chief Hiccup," Svetta smiled, gesturing to their two instructors. "I've learnt more about handling dragons in one afternoon than I ever learned through studying."
"Well, it's all about hands on experience," Eret commented proudly.
"And I think, tomorrow, we could take you two out to meet some wild dragons," Fishlegs announced. For Svetta and Cara had done miles better than his teenage students had. 'I guess it goes to show how a little maturity can help with your focus and dedication to learning,' he thought.
"Wild dragons?" Svetta repeated, and she couldn't tell whether her pounding heart was due to nerves or excitement. Maybe both?
"Really?" Cara asked eagerly. "You mean we can try and get our own dragon?"
"I don't see why not," Hiccup smiled at the enthusiasm. "After all, everyone on Berk has a dragon of their own. So why not you? You could then show your people how amazing dragons really are."
"Wait, wait, wait," Snotlout objected. "You want to give the enemy their own dragon firepower?"
"Snotlout," Hiccup warned.
"What?"
"I can understand why you would think I'm the enemy," Svetta spoke up for herself. "But I am not the same as my father."
Hiccup turned to his cousin.
"See?"He gestured to the princess. "Svetta's not the problem. Svalgard is."
But Snotlout stubbornly crossed his arms.
"How do you know she's not just pretending?" He continued. "For all we know, she could be here on a mission from Svalgard to gather information about us and our dragons so that he can defeat us all!"
"Whoa, so she's like a spy?" Tuffnut wondered aloud.
"I'm not!" Svetta defended herself quickly. "I swear! My father actually forbade me to come here!"
"That's just what a spy would say," Ruffnut dismounted her dragon and pointed her spear at Svetta accusingly.
"Ruffnut," Eret stepped in front of Svetta protectively, "put the spear down."
The order pulled Ruff up short.
"Wait. You're defending her?" she asked, gesturing with her spear towards the princess.
"Yes," Eret answered shortly. "She means no harm here. She's a guest. Now put the spear down."
"You!" Ruff turned her furious gaze onto Svetta. "What did you do?"
"Nothing!" Svetta answered automatically, not knowing what she was meant to have done.
Seeing the look on Ruff's face, Hiccup quickly moved forward.
"Okay, Ruff, calm down," Hiccup tried to placate the woman, to no avail.
"Get away from Eret now!" Ruff yelled at Svetta. "Or do you want to take a Viking on? We fight to the death, you know!"
Hiccup quickly disarmed Ruffnut and passed the spear safely to Fishlegs.
"Ruffnut," Hiccup placed himself in front of the woman firmly. "Svetta is here as a diplomatic guest, and so is under protection while on Berk."
"And how do you know she's not a spy?" Ruff argued glaring at the princess, who still stood warily behind Eret.
Hiccup paused. "I don't," he admitted. "Which is why I have Eret and Fishlegs looking after both Svetta and Cara. However, I do know that Svetta is not like her father," Hiccup added quickly, seeing Ruff was on the verge of attack. "At the Council of Chiefs she was one of the few to agree to anything other than war, so if we want to avoid battle, we must trust that she can influence her father. The Princess is here on my invitation, Ruffnut," Hiccup pressed. "And if you attack her that will be considered an act of war."
Clenching her fists, wishing she still held her spear, Ruffnut took a deep breath before sending a final glare in Svetta's direction.
"For the record," Ruff told her, "I wouldn't trust you as far as I could throw you."
"And she could actually throw you pretty far," Tuff spoke up. "She once threw me into the path of a wild Monstrous Nightmare. It was awesome!"
"I can understand why you wouldn't trust me," Svetta directed her comment to the woman who continued to regard her with suspicion. "And I don't blame you, as I am, after all, the daughter of the man trying to take over your homeland. However," she was quick to qualify, raising her hands defensively as Ruff's fists clenched once again, "as your Chief has said: I do want a more peaceful resolution, and so I accepted his invitation to come to Berk, against my father's wishes. My father would more likely punish me than praise me next time he sees me, for defying his orders."
Ruffnut regarded the Princess silently, stone faced.
"I'd like a front row seat for that," she said, turning to re mount her dragon. "Come on Barf," she told her dragon sullenly. "Let's go and break something."
"Uh, right behind you, Babe," Snotlout called to Ruffnut as he urged Hookfang to follow the twins' Zippleback through the arena door.
"Well, that was horrible," Hiccup sighed, turning to Svetta and Cara apologetically. "I am so sorry for Ruffnut, ladies."
"I thought you handled that pretty well, Hiccup," Fishlegs told the Chief, his own heart pounding after what had nearly happened. "Although, the twins have loved causing trouble ever since we were kids."
"I think there was more to it than that," Cara commented aside to Svetta, who frowned in confusion. "Tell you later, Milady." Cara smiled.
"It's alright, Chief Hiccup," Svetta turned her attention to the Berk Chief. "I apologise for causing trouble. I don't blame your Riders for being suspicious. I just hope I can gain their trust."
"You will," Eret assured the princess, gaining her attention.
"Thank you for coming to my defence," Svetta said gratefully. "You didn't have to do that."
"Hey, like the Chief said," Eret gestured to Hiccup, a little awkwardly, "you're a diplomatic guest under protection."
"And you appear to be doing a good job of that, Eret," Hiccup commented with a raised eyebrow.
"Just doing my duty, Chief," Eret defended, back to his cocky self.
The sound of a commotion got everyone's attention and they looked around to see Toothless and Flighty playfully chasing each other around the arena. Skullcrusher and Meatlug had to move quickly to get out of the way, lest they get bowled over.
"Fishlegs, look," Hiccup laughed in amazement. "Flighty's not even remotely afraid anymore."
"Toothless has really brought her out of her shell," Fishlegs observed.
At that moment, Flighty, being so focused on catching Toothless' tail, didn't even see how close she was to the group of humans, and soon knocked Svetta off her feet.
"Whoa, you alright?" Eret asked as he helped her up.
"Yes, fine," Svetta answered, not taking her eyes off the black dragon who was now crouching before her, still and staring. Taking a deep breath, Svetta slowly moved forward, only to have Flighty back away just as much.
"You're afraid of me?" Svetta asked in confusion. Fishlegs opened his mouth to explain, only to have Hiccup raise a hand to stop him, glancing at Eret to signal he stay back, unless needed. He wanted to see how Svetta would do on her own.
Cara watched hopefully as slowly, Svetta lowered herself to a crouch, making herself as small as possible. Curiously, she tilted her head, studying this dragon she had only ever heard about in stories. Flighty tilted her own head, mirroring Svetta's gesture.
"Chaos dragon," Svetta's voice seemed far away. "Mother used to say you were the greatest of them all. Uncle Brom says that while all dragons can see into your heart, you can see into the souls of others."
Cautiously, the princess crept closer to the black dragon.
"My people once revered your kind and called you friend," she told Flighty as she slowly extended a hand towards her. "And I hope one day all of you will be able to return to our land."
Cautiously, Flighty began to creep forward and the humans held their collective breath.
"Trust me," Svetta whispered, no longer aware of the others around her as she met Flighty's large green eyes, and she could swear, the dragon truly could see into her soul. Shifting herself so she knelt on one knee, Svetta bowed her head, her hand still extended.
"I swear on my family's name," she vowed, "to do everything I can to ensure the dragons are protected, and the war between humans and dragons ends once and for all."
Cara felt her heart leap as the black dragon pressed her nose into Svetta's palm at her words.
Svetta raised her head before slowly getting to her feet.
"Thank you," she whispered, running her fingers over the smooth black scales.
"When a Chaos Dragon is seen," Cara quoted, "a kingdom will fall."
"And a new order will rise," Svetta finished with a nod before turning to the Chief. "Hopefully one of peace," she added with a smile.
"I'm sure it will be," Hiccup said surely. "Especially now that you've found your dragon," he gestured to Flighty.
"Nice dragon wrangling there, Princess," Eret smiled proudly as Flighty resumed her game with Toothless.
"Thank you." Svetta smiled at him. "I had a good teacher."
~..~..~..~..
As the sun began to get lower in the sky, Hiccup landed Toothless at Gothi's house and entered to find Astrid slowly getting to her feet.
"Astrid," Hiccup hurried forward. "You shouldn't be up yet."
"I'm tired of bed," Astrid announced, pushing his hands away stubbornly. "I feel better, and with everything going on, I want to do something to help."
"You can help," Hiccup said firmly as he gently pushed the stubborn woman back to sit on the bed, "by making a full recovery rather than making your injury worse."
"Well," Astrid countered smugly, "Gothi says I'm a fast healer, and as I don't have any infection, she says I can go."
"What?" Hiccup turned to the old woman who sat calmly by the fireplace. "Gothi, you can't be serious," Hiccup argued. "She was shot by an arrow just yesterday! I know it missed her organs, and there's no infection, but there's no way that Astrid is well enough to-"
Hiccup broke off as the elder used her staff to scrawl in the dirt floor of her hut.
"She says: my wound is healing well," Astrid reported proudly, "and walking around should help my body become stronger, and recover faster." Astrid sighed. "She just says I shouldn't go into battle just yet, as it could make the wound burst open again."
Hiccup couldn't ignore the anxiety in his stomach, but still, no one knew more about healing on the island, than Gothi.
"Alright," Hiccup agreed reluctantly before turning to Astrid. "But you stay by me, understand? I know you, and I'm not having you pick up anything heavier than a bowl of mutton. That includes your axe."
"Oh, come on!" Astrid objected.
"No," Hiccup stood firm. "You can walk around the village, teach lessons at the academy, oversee the construction of the defences, and help update the Book of Dragons. But I'm not having you exert yourself and making your injury worse. If you do, you'll be on nothing but bed rest until you're fully recovered. Deal?"
Astrid considered a moment before nodding.
"Deal," she agreed with a smile, kissing Hiccup on the cheek to seal the arrangement.
"Thank you Gothi," Astrid told the old woman, who gave her extra bandages and medicine to take with her, which Hiccup quickly claimed.
"Yes, thank you for taking care of Astrid, Gothi," Hiccup said gratefully to the village elder before escorting Astrid outside to where their dragons stood guard.
"Stormfly!" Astrid greeted eagerly as her dragon hopped towards her, lowering her head for a long awaited pat. "Good to see you girl." Feeling something nudge her hand, Astrid turned to meet Toothless' large eyes.
"Hey Toothless," Astrid stoked the Night Fury under the chin, where he liked it most. "Thanks for keeping Hiccup out of trouble for me."
"Oh, me out of trouble?" Hiccup repeated with a raised eyebrow as he placed Astrid's medicine into Stormfly's saddlebag.
Astrid merely smiled.
"So, where to first?" Astrid asked as she instructed Stormfly to lie down so she didn't have to stretch to reach the saddle.
"The Great Hall," Hiccup announced, helping his stubborn love onto her dragon. "The princess arrived today, and as a peace offering, is lending me her own Book of Dragons. We're beginning to translate it tonight." Once Astrid was in the saddle, Hiccup checked to make sure the wound hadn't opened, but it seemed Gothi was right: Astrid was a fast healer, and the bandages were still white, indicating there was no bleeding from the movement of mounting her dragon. However, judging by Astrid's grimace as she swung her leg over Stormfly's back, she was still in pain. But, Astrid being Astrid, she simply gritted her teeth and put up with it.
"The princess is here?" Astrid queried. "What's she like?"
"Uh," Hiccup tried to think of the right words to sum up Svetta. "Polite? Formal? They must give etiquette lessons or something where she's from, I swear."
"Do you think she can convince her father to call off the attack?" Astrid asked seriously.
"I don't know," Hiccup admitted as he mounted Toothless. "But, she's sweet, has loved learning about dragons today, and even made friends with Flighty," Hiccup added optimistically. "And she's sworn to do everything she can to protect the dragons. I'm sure we can trust her."
"Okay," Astrid nodded, trusting Hiccup's judgement. "I look forward to meeting her."
~..~..~..~..
In the Great hall, the fires were blazing as the lamb roasted on the spit, as usual. Musicians were playing, and Gobber could be seen amongst them, playing his pan pipes enthusiastically.
"Here you go Ladies," Eret placed a plate of roast lamb in front of Svetta and Cara. "The best Berk can offer."
"What service," Cara smiled, giving Svetta a nudge under the table. "Thank you Eret."
"Yes," Svetta took her eyes off a group of dancers nearby, "thank you Eret," the woman smiled gratefully as the man sat down opposite her.
"You still look like you're out of your comfort zone," Eret told her.
"I am, a bit," Svetta admitted slowly. "I've barely been outside the castle walls."
"Except for..." Cara prompted, causing Svetta to chuckle.
"I was just thinking that's what this place reminded me of," she smiled at her friend.
"What?" Eret's curiosity was piqued now.
"Well, I'm not sure if you've picked this up yet, Eret," Cara began with a cheeky smile, "but my Lady Svetta, while intelligent, hasn't had much, what you would call, life experience."
"I believe I did get that impression," Eret grinned at the blond woman who avoided his eyes.
"I wasn't isolated," Svetta defended herself, " the palace was full of people. But I was a Royal, so our servants weren't really allowed to talk to me, aside from official business. And then there was my father's rule: I couldn't leave the grounds," she explained. "However, when my nursemaid passed away and Cara became my new maid, she convinced me to sneak out through the servants' entrance."
"I don't believe it," Eret smiled teasingly, "You actually broke a rule?"
"Oh, trust me, she needed a lot of convincing," Cara assured him. "But eventually, I was able to sneak her out and we went to a local tavern, where Svetta experienced her first taste of what life was like in the real world."
"It was a lot like this, actually," Svetta added reminiscently as she looked around the room. "It was loud, with music and singing, people talking and laughing."
"And dancing and drinking," Cara finished with a grin.
"Yes, though I didn't like the wine," Svetta remembered, "but that dance you taught me was fun," she added to her friend. "So much more fun than those formal dances at court, where every move is so precise, you can disgrace yourself just by stepping with your right foot instead of your left."
"You'll have to teach Svetta how the Vikings here dance, Eret," Cara suggested, though Eret ducked his head awkwardly.
"Cara, don't push it," Svetta told the redhead, seeing Eret's discomfort. "Considering we're trying to stop a war, I'm not sure if dancing is appropriate anyway."
Cara sighed. Typical Svetta: focusing more on propriety than enjoying the fact that, for the first time in a long time, she could actually do whatever she wanted.
"Eret," Cara spoke up again, "could you get us something to drink, please?"
"At your service," Eret nodded before heading towards the barrels near the hall door.
Cara turned to her friend.
"I know you're inexperienced at this type of thing, Milady," she began, "and so, as your friend, I believe I should point this out to you: You have a handsome man flirting with you. You should take the opportunity to flirt back."
Pausing in taking a bite of roast lamb, Svetta placed her fork back down onto the plate before turning to her handmaiden.
"What are you talking about?" Svetta asked. "Chief Hiccup told Eret to look after us during our stay on Berk. That's what he's doing, nothing more."
"No, he volunteered to look after us," Cara clarified. "And he defended you from that woman who accused you of being a spy. Why would he do that?"
"He probably feels it's his duty," Svetta suggested. "His father was head of my mother's royal guard, after all. Besides, his chief ordered that I was not to be harmed. He was just following orders."
Cara rolled her eyes. "Believe it or not, Milady, people don't always do things because it's 'the rules'. Take that woman who threatened you today."
"That was strange," Svetta frowned. "She was disobeying a direct order from her chief."
"But she didn't lose control until Eret defended you," Cara reminded her pointedly.
"Yes, you said you thought there was more to it than simple suspicion," Svetta remembered. "What did you mean?"
"Like I said: she only became furious when Eret stepped in to defend you," Cara pointed out leadingly.
"So?" Svetta frowned in confusion, causing Cara to let out another sigh.
"Oh, Svetta," she began, wishing she'd snuck the princess out of the castle more often, "you're a smart woman, but your lack of life experience has made you very naive in many cases. I actually worry about you at times."
"Why?" Svetta asked.
"That woman, Ruffnut, I think Hiccup said her name was, became angry only when Eret defended you. She told you to get away from Eret specifically," Cara explained to Svetta as a teacher would explain to a lost student. "It seems like Ruffnut rather fancies Eret, and didn't like the idea that he was protecting you."
"So you're saying she was jealous?" Svetta asked sceptically.
"And judging by how the two of you have been acting, she may well have cause to be," Cara added with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Now Svetta was really perplexed. "I haven't been flirting."
"Yes you have," Cara insisted, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "Gods, you don't even recognise flirting when you do it yourself, poor woman," she muttered.
"Regardless," Svetta brushed the concept aside, "it doesn't matter anyway."
"What do you mean: it doesn't matter?" Cara objected.
"I've known my whole life, I'll have an arranged marriage with whomever wins the Games when my father thinks it's time," Svetta reminded her best friend. "Unlike you, I don't get a choice."
"I didn't get a choice either," Cara reminded her friend firmly, "until Brom saved me from my fate so I could work at the castle. Only now, do I get a choice, and that experience reminds me that you need to take every opportunity you can. You are the farthest from your father you have ever been, Svetta," she reminded the princess. "You can finally have a go at making your own rules. At least have some fun while you can."
"Alright, first round of drinks is on me," Eret announced his arrival as he approached the table with a couple of tankards, accompanied by Fishlegs and a woman Svetta recognised from the council that morning.
"Ladies, this is Valka, Hiccup's mother, and one of the best dragon trainers on the island," Eret introduced. "Valka, this is Princess Svetta, and her maid, Cara."
Svetta and Cara stood up politely.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Valka," Svetta greeted the Chief's mother formally as she and Cara curtsied.
"Oh, there's no need for formalities here," Valka assured the two women as they resumed their seats, "and please, just call me Valka."
"As you wish," Svetta nodded in acquiesce. "Master Fishlegs, thank you again for teaching us this afternoon," she added.
"It was amazing," Cara gushed, for now that Svetta had appeared to make friends with the female Chaos Dragon, Cara wanted a dragon of her own and couldn't wait for lessons tomorrow. "You're such a good teacher."
"Oh, my pleasure," Fishlegs drew himself up proudly. "And here," he placed a large brown book on the table, "is our own Book of Dragons.
"Wow," Svetta gently traced the emblazoned cover with her finger tips. "It's so thick. You've clearly gathered a lot of information."
"I'm proud to say I've made many of the additions over the years," Fishlegs preened.
"And we're learning more every day," Valka added with a smile. "I'm fascinated to hear about the dragons of your homeland."
"Oh, yes," Svetta remembered, brining her book out of the bag at her feet and placing it on the table. "Here it is."
"Oh, this is so exciting," Fishlegs did his best to contain his enthusiasm in the presence of their guests as he got out parchment and charcoal. "Two dragon loving cultures combining their knowledge together."
"We should probably wait for Hiccup before we begin," Eret reminded everyone.
"It's alright, I'm here," a voice announced and the company turned to see Hiccup escorting a blond woman slowly towards their table.
"Astrid!" Valka greeted as Svetta and Cara stood up politely.
"Oh, you're alright!" Fishlegs sighed in relief as Hiccup helped his betrothed sit down and Eret pushed a plate of roast lamb towards her.
"Good to see you on your feet again, Astrid," he told her.
"You didn't expect an arrow to keep me down for long, did you?" She asked with a smile.
"You're the woman my brother shot?" Svetta asked in surprise, unknowingly raising a hand to her injured shoulder, which still throbbed.
"Yes," Astrid admitted, meeting her gaze. "And you must be the one I shot."
"Yes," Svetta admitted slowly.
"Uh, Astrid, this is Princess Svetta, King Svalgard's daughter, and her maid Cara," Hiccup warily made the introductions. "Svetta, this is Astrid, my bride-to-be."
"My brother shot the Berk Chief's future wife?" Svetta asked, her eyes wide. That would normally be considered an act of war, based on her father's methods.
"Well, I shot you, so I think that makes us even," Astrid told her. "Though in my defence, you were aiming an arrow at Hiccup."
"I wasn't aiming at Hiccup," Svetta clarified. "I was aiming at the dragon. My father's law."
"But now, Svetta's here to hopefully help us avoid a war and to show good will, is sharing her culture's knowledge of dragons," Hiccup was quick to try and stay focused on the concept of peace.
Svetta swallowed nervously, before bowing towards Astrid.
"I would like to formally apologise on behalf of my brother for causing such a grievous injury to the future wife of the Berkian Chief," she told Astrid and Hiccup, her voice sincere. "I am pleased to see you are recovering, and I hope that we can work towards a peaceful outcome for both our people, beginning with the sharing of our dragon knowledge."
"Well," Astrid raised her eyebrows in surprise, Hiccup had been right about this woman being formal. "I'll certainly accept an apology from you, Svetta. And I'm sorry for shooting at you too. I hope we can avoid war, but you should know," she smiled, "we Berkians are extremely tough."
"Yes, I can certainly see that," Svetta told her earnestly. "There aren't many who could be up and about so soon after being shot with an arrow."
"Astrid's the strongest person I know," Hiccup informed their guest and Svetta could clearly hear the pride in his voice.
"So," Astrid continued, turning back to Svetta, "what's this Book of Dragons you've brought with you?"
"It was my mother's," Svetta informed the group, opening her book. "This was passed down to every royal in my family line to learn from and add to. My father had ordered every book in our library that featured dragons, mermaids, the fey or any other Otherworldly creature to be burned. My mother hid this in my room to keep it safe. Now it's the only surviving record of our life with dragons."
"It's an honour that you would share something so precious with us, Princess," Hiccup told her sincerely. "Thank you."
"Alright," Fishlegs couldn't contain himself any longer. "Where shall we start?"
"Wait a minute," a voice spoke up and Hiccup held back a groan as Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut sat down at the table. Ruffnut made a point of sitting beside Eret, sending a glare in Svetta's direction.
Svetta frowned suddenly, remembering Cara's words from earlier, and decided to tread carefully as she had no desire to start another confrontation. She just had to show Ruffnut that she had no cause to be jealous.
"Hey guys," Hiccup greeted cautiously. "Svetta was about to show her goodwill and desire for peace by sharing her own Book of Dragons with us."
"It's passed down the royal line!" Fishlegs added excitedly. "We are in the presence of a historical royal artefact!"
Svetta and Cara smiled at the enthusiasm.
"And how do you know she's telling the truth?" Ruffnut argued.
"Yeah," Snotlout agreed quickly. "She could just be making stuff up. We can't read that!" He gestured to the strange runes on the open page.
"Which is why I am helping," Eret got up quickly, and made his way around the table so he was beside Svetta and had easier access to view the book.
"Shall we see how rusty you are, Eret?" Svetta smiled, a slight note of challenge to her tone.
"I'm not rusty," the man stated firmly, moving closer.
Svetta smiled, gesturing to the book. "Then by all means, Master Eret," she invited.
Squaring his shoulders, Eret leaned forward to study the gaelic runes on the open page, and it wasn't long before a frown appeared between his eyes.
"Eret?" Hiccup asked, concerned. For if Eret couldn't help back up Svetta's translation, Ruffnut and Snotlout were right: they had no way to prove that Svetta was reading them the truth or not.
"It's okay, Eret," Svetta touched his arm sympathetically. "It's been a long time."
"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you, Princess?" Eret asked, smiling smugly. "But I was just getting lost in the reading. After all this is part of my history too."
"So what does it say then?" Snotlout was getting impatient.
"It tells the story of how the earliest Celts and the dragons first made their pact of Peace," Eret explained proudly. "Humans arrived on the Celtic shores, then known as the land of Erin, to find it filled with all manner of different dragons, who guarded the land," he summarised. "Upon seeing the power and knowledge of the Dragons, the Celts made a pact with the Black Dragons of Chaos, so that, as long as the Dragons existed in the hearts and minds of humans, they would be protected from persecution. In return, the dragons would share their knowledge of Dragon Lore as well as the many worlds that existed alongside this one, including the Dragon Homeland, which the Celts called Dragon Haven."
Svetta stared at the Celtic Viking in shook.
"That's... absolutely right," Svetta announced. "That's the first story. I'm impressed," she admitted with a smile.
"Told you I was the whole package, Princess," Eret reminded her, and as he turned, Svetta gasped slightly, struck by the sudden closeness.
"Uh," clearing her throat, Svetta quickly turned back to the book, trying to re focus on the task at hand. "We probably won't have time to translate the whole book," she told the group, avoiding Cara's eyes and smug smile.
"Which story would you like most?"
"What kind of species of dragons do you have?" Fishlegs asked eagerly, though Hiccup overrode him.
"I'd like to hear more about this 'Dragon homeland'," the Chief requested and Svetta turned to the corresponding page. She'd read this story many times, and it was one of her favourites.
"The realm of Dragon Haven," she began softly.
~..~..~..~..
As the moon rose through the clear, cold sky, Dagur sat on the deck of his ship, sharpening his sword pensively as screams could be heard from below deck.
Macy had wanted to find out more about what was going on with Hiccup's 'other army' the guy twin had mentioned. So, a group of Berserkers had been sent out as a scout, where they found a large ship with a circular dragon motif on the sail. Another scouting vessel. The orders had been to get information, so, sneaking aboard the ship as the sun set, the men had silently kidnapped a sailor and brought him back to the Berserker Chief.
Macy was currently below deck, conducting an 'interrogation'.
'She better be getting something good,' Dagur thought sullenly. He enjoyed torturing people as much as the next Viking, but he had to admit, he loved the kill too much. Their screaming and pleading just got so annoying after a while. But, his sister had quite a flair for it, and could make it last for hours, even days, if she wanted to experiment.
But now wasn't about fun. It was business.
"Okay," Macy announced as she arrived on deck, "I think I got everything from him."
"And?" Dagur asked impatiently.
"Well," Macy considered as she perched on the ship's railing. "The sailor is part of a scouting team for a 'King Svalgard' who rules over areas north and west of here. He married into the Celtic Isles before his wife was allegedly killed by dragons and the land became his. He's in the area to expand his kingdom, the Berkian archipelago being next on his hit list."
"Some stranger thinks he can just come in and-"
"Oh, it gets more interesting," Macy encouraged her brother to be patient as she continued. "Svalgard is a ruthless and cunning dragon killer, and has recently made an alliance with Drago Bludvist."
"Drago Bludvist?" Dagur repeated slowly, for he had heard of the man creating a dragon army to eventually destroy the dragons.
"And Svalgard has said that if Drago can ensure Berk's downfall," Macy continued, "he will be given the hand of his daughter in marriage, and so her inheritance, and half the profits. He'll be made a royal."
"Huh," Dagur raised his eyebrows. "Svalgard, Drago Bludvist and his dragon army, verses Hiccup and his band of Dragon Riders. Sounds like an interesting party. What do you think, sis?" He asked. "Should we crash it?"
"What's the point in crashing a party if you don't get any profit?" Macy put forward, hopping down from the railing as two Berserker soldiers dragged the unconscious prisoner up from below, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
"Throw him overboard," Macy ordered lazily. "He's no fun anymore."
Obediently, the soldiers tossed the sailor's limp body over the railing and Dagur leaned over the edge to watch as fins appeared almost instantly, circling in the waves below.
"You really do beautiful work, sis," Dagur complemented his sister, observing the cuts in the man's form as blood began to pool around him.
"Thank you," Macy smiled, leaning against the railing to watch alongside her brother.
"So what about Svalgard and Drago?" Dagur pressed as the water churned.
"We have options," Macy considered. "One is: we could just let them kill each other, come in at the end and finish everyone off."
"Boring," Dagur rolled his eyes, clenching his sword tightly. "No one is killing Hiccup but me."
"Well then," Macy smiled, "I suggest we get an invitation to the party."
~..~..~..~..
Author's note:
So, what do you think?
Seeing how Drago was not killed at the end of the second movie, I could easily see him returning in the next one. And usually, when a bully loses a fight, they come back with more back up, so I figured Drago would have spent the time getting every dragon he could lay his hands on to get his revenge on Hiccup. And of course, have not one but three challengers for the Toothless to deal with.
Svalgard, I want to show as incredibly focused on his goal, which is basically to make his kingdom as big as possible while still having absolute control. He is smart enough to see that completely disregarding his daughter would be a liability, but in his eyes, Svetta would always be second to Sven.
And while he understood the significance of having Brom as an ally, Svalgard has never fully trusted him, as mentioned earlier.
I was planning on Flighty becoming Svetta's dragon, and decided the first step, forming a bond, should happen in this chapter, as there isn't a lot of time before Svalgard's army arrives and this is also the chance for Svetta to form her own opinions, her own alliances and her own connections, combining the stories she had been brought up listening to with the current knowledge she had gained through her experience. I see befriending Flighty is her first step to becoming a leader in her own right. It's a small step, but an important one.
I thought it would be more plausible if there was a slight rift amongst the Dragon Riders of Berk, and as Snotlout had described Svetta as the enemy in earlier chapters, I thought this would be a good place for Svetta to be confronted with suspicion, as it's not something she's used to dealing with. It also shows how more in sync Ruffnut and Snotlout are, I think, as both are usually out to cause trouble. Though Ruffnut may just not trust Svetta, because she has Eret's attention...
As mentioned earlier, Svetta has lived a rather sheltered life, and I wanted to have that scene with her and Cara in the Great Hall to show just how much Svetta relies on Cara. You get a glimpse of Cara's life before meeting Svetta (which I'm hoping to touch on later), and while Svetta has helped Cara educate herself and better her way of life, Cara can see that Svetta's 'education' has been lacking also, and tries to help where she can.
Svetta's book of dragons is different than the Berk one, in that, rather than simply describing different species, it's more of a history book, detailing the stories of the various encounters with dragons that the royals of the Celts have experienced over the years.
In reality, I know Astrid probably wouldn't be recovering as fast as she is from her arrow injury, but I just couldn't stand the thought of one of my favourite characters being bedridden. Especially Astrid, who can never be kept down for long.
I have an idea on where I want Dagur and Macy to go in this story, but seriously, do you think I have too many characters now? I'm afraid I won't be able to give each one justice, but I'll strive to do my best.
Please leave a review, I appreciate constructive feedback.