Here we are again. And again, my sincerest apologies. I had sat on a bit of this for a while, but in the past number of days, this has grown to what it is. I have given much more thought to this and a few chapters to follow. Other projects have been completed and there is not much left to distract. Here's to what I hope will be a good run on the next few chapters. I hope you like this one.

Thanks for sticking with me!

Chapter 12

She stood at the table in the dimly lit cabin. She was staring at the map thereon. Willing it to give up its' secrets. Trying with all her might to find some clue as to what had happened, and where they had all come from. The open sea was the most obvious answer, but it didn't sit too well with her. It would be a logistical nightmare. That in itself posed an even greater, less desirable thought. A great fleet, the likes of which no one had yet seen. Carrying all the dragons and all the supplies they would need…

Her thoughts were slightly interrupted by a thumping and scratching from the deck above. Oðin, she needed to get up there. But not just yet, she had to go over the lists and rosters one more time. And Astrid and Camicazi were up there. And surely between the two of them, they should be able to handle him.

A part of her doubted, causing her to huff at herself slightly. Yeah sure, as if...But no, she couldn't afford those thoughts to seep in right now. Level heads and cool minds were needed now, and would be needed again very soon. If the nagging feeling in her gut was any indication. She stuffed those thoughts too, running back over the events of the afternoon prior in her head.

The Bewilderbeast had done as requested, and gathered all the dragons toward him. They had followed him, with Hiccup and Toothless leading the way. They had scouted the myriad of fjords in the area beforehand, and had found three or four that would properly suit their needs. They had chosen one farthest from Elsas' kingdom. And while it still was and easy flight away, it was far enough and secluded enough to where they would not be easily spotted or pursued. It was deep, and had a long, wide beach too. It was there that they settled the flock, and tended to the wounded.

It was also there that they discovered a possible clue as to how they gained control over the dragons. On a few of them, they found shards of a greenish-looking metal. It reminded many of the finely refined dragon root metal they had dealt with before. But this was slightly different. It was harder, and infused with a few other materials. Some suspected Gronkle Iron, which may have been possible. But there was something else too.

Some of the others had small plates pinned to their hides in obscure areas. In the center of these plates was a hole. And in some, a needle was still stuck in the dragons' hide. It appeared to be a Nadder quill, but very, very thin. As if it had been worked by human hands. And everyone knew now the effects of this refined substance on a dragon. It sapped them of their powers, then their strength. And also made them vulnerable to suggestion.

Thoughts of the man that had figured this out came to mind. But no, he was long gone. But it only made it worse. Because it meant that some one had taken that a step further. And that meant they could be dealing with someone worse. It meant, after so many defeats, the enemy leaders had sought out someone...Well, it didn't look too good for them.

She shook her head. Emptying her head of all the bad. After all, they had the most awesome(and handsome, a rebellious part of her brain added) dragon trainer in the known world with them. And between him and Fishlegs, they would figure it out.

And speaking of which, where was that man? He had left a while ago to talk to Elsa. She didn't want him to go so soon after the attack, but he had been right. To wait too long would only raise more suspicion. She couldn't blame him, really. Elsa was beautiful, and a Queen. She'd know nearly from their first meeting she would be a good match for him. Provided he had made his peace with Astrid. She had been happy to see him returning to his old self again. Smiling, and cracking jokes. Making people uncomfortable in a way that only he could. She had felt good about his prospects, and the prospects of the archipelago as a whole. Better than she had in a long time. And yet…

She felt bad for Astrid. Sure, she and Hiccup had made their peace apparently, and Astrid had spoken of Eret, son of Eret. And how he had come to be a true friend and confidant for her. But it still must sting a little. When she had brought the news of Elsas' confession to her, she was elated at first, but seeing Astrids' face drop...She couldn't help the wince. Astrid seemed to buck up shortly after though, and it had heartened her. She would talk to her shortly.

She started looking at the patrol rosters when her thoughts were interrupted again by a couple of whumps, and the sound of heavy footfalls and scratching from the deck above once more. She sighed, giving the roster one last look. She then left it in the pile on the table and headed towards the door.

As she stepped out onto the deck she was greeted by cool salty air. It was a bit chilly, but far, far warmer than anywhere in the islands from where they came from. It was nice, but a tad bit uncomfortable to tell the truth. There was a waning moon out providing little light, and the lamps were kept low. Even though they were hidden, and there were no less than six patrols out, plus the lookouts. They weren't taking any chances.

"Hey Heather!" Cami greeted. Her eyes were drawn though, to the black shape moving back and forth near the railing. He looked almost skittish, but she knew that Toothless was worried about his human friend. He spotted her and came bounding up, pushing his snout into her belly. Her hands came up automatically.

"Hello Toothless! Any sign of our king yet?" He drew away a bit from her scratching, a sad, sad look in his eyes. She felt so sorry for him. He crooned mournfully, turning his head in what she was certain was the castle. She wondered how they did that. The dragon crooned again and chuffed.

"I'm sure he really didn't want to take Hilde, really. He was just looking out for you. We need the Alpha here to look after the other dragons." She told him. He didn't seem to be listening. He was keeping his eyes turned in the same direction. He grumbled a little. In the way she had learned that he had his own thoughts on the matter. He then let out a sad croon. He heart went out to him.

"Yes Toothless, he's the one that needs the most protecting...Most of the time. But when he is with Hildeborg, they can't see him. And they won't be able to attack what they can't see." She consoled. He didn't seem to be paying attention again.

"He should be back by now." Astrid said. Her eyes were trained elsewhere too. It was getting late, but not extremely so. Still, she worried a little. There was also that nagging feeling in her gut that just wouldn't leave.

"He's probably just spending time...You know, getting to know her and such. Can't say I blame him. -She's a beauty, and no mistake! Why, if I were a man, and thank the Gods I'm not...I'd be getting to know her real well, and gettin' my Thor on and..." She pivoted quickly, driving her fist into Camicazis' gut. When she could finally breathe, she rounded. Cami was about to give her a good thumping she was sure. But she gestured towards Astrid, pinning her with a look. Cami was instantly sheepish.

"Sorry! I...I just meant, just...Talking. Making wedding plans and such." She slapped her own forehead. Rubbing her eyes and face. Through her fingers, she chanced a glance at Astrid. She looked down for a moment, then cast a glance over her shoulder.

"It's...Fine, -Really!" Astrids' eyes cast down again and stayed there for a few breaths. She then continued watching the skies, and the fjords' entrance. Gods that woman! And she wonders why she's never chosen for many missions. Well, not the diplomatic kind anyway.

She joined the others in their watching. There was little open space. What with the mountains on either side. But there was enough that they could see some of the sky around them. They had anchored nearly all the way in the back of the fjord. In the sparse light, she could make out the shape of the Bewilderbeast resting not far away. There were two smaller ships with them now, with a third anchored many miles to the north on the other side of the kingdom. They had been getting Terrors regularly. But Hiccup had mentioned going to visit to consult with Fishlegs and Snotlout. Perhaps that was what it was keeping him.

She walked up beside Toothless. She started scratching his head idly. She could feel his tenseness. She scratched a little harder. His rumbling purr of thanks was reassuring. He seemed to relax a bit. All the other dragons had long gone to sleep. They'd had a busy day. That ball of whatever it was in her stomach gave a roll. Yes, they might just need that rest…

Toothless' earplates raised suddenly. He tensed, giving the air a sniff. His head turned towards the entrance to the fjord. Taking a couple of tentative steps, he sniffed again. A questioning croon. Her own eyes were drawn in that direction, carefully scanning the sky. He huffed and barked. Cami came up beside her. Looking at the sky also.

Toothless let out a bark and a roar. Before long, she could hear the panicked yelp, and gurgle of a dragon. The flapping of it's wings could be heard shortly after. She began to barely make out the form. It caused her stomach to sink to her boots. Something was wrong. Hildeborg nearly crash-landed onto the deck in front of them. She was obviously distressed, and Hiccup wasn't with her.

Camiacazi rushed up to her. The Bog Burglars were the experts with the Changewings. Enhancing their efforts of getting into and out of places unseen. This one was being particularly difficult, but Cami managed. Toothless was bounding back and forth barking and yelping. A quick look-over revealed no blood, and no harm to the dragon. For that she was slightly relieved. The lack of her rider though…

"Hildeborg! Where's Hiccup? What happened?' She gave a sad croon, turning her head back in the direction she came. Toothless was beside himself. She feared he might leave. Astrid came up.

"We need to go after him!" While she did agree, now was not the time. Camicazi had given Hildeborg a quick look-over and was getting ready to mount. She grabbed her arm, and stopped her.

"NO! Not...No! Not either of you!" Toothless gave an irritated growl and a bark. She needed to think. Plan, plan…How should we…?

"Cami? Get a few of the sisters over there right now! See if they can find out anything. Where Hiccup is. Send another to the Nightmare. Get Fishlegs and Snotlout and the others. If they're holding Hiccup, we'll need a plan." It didn't make a lot of sense. Surely Hiccup had explained everything to Elsa. So it either meant Hiccup was injured, or there was something else going on. Maybe something...She shook her head. She shouldn't speculate, not until she got more information. She should talk to the others as well.

Within a few minutes, three riders came up on deck. They checked their gear. Toothless had growled and grunted at the other dragons, and they were off in a flash. He bounded after a few steps but stopped, watching them go. He gave a sad croon after. It nearly broke her heart.

"Don't worry Toothless, I'm sure he's fine!" She reassured. She placed her hand on his head and started rubbing and soothing him. She hoped she was right.

0oo0

The Gods surely hated him…

Either that, or this was punishment for his treatment of Astrid. Either way, he probably deserved it. Well, maybe not all of it. But why did they need to punish him now? They could've waited until they had gotten back.

-No, because that wouldn't have stung so bad. It wouldn't be nearly as embarrassing either. He had let his guard down, and then had allowed himself to be captured. He should've brought Toothless. He should've let Hildeborg let loose on them. He should…

He sighed, leaning against the wall. He was so tired. He looked around the room, errr cell again. There was a small table with a washbasin. A chair, and a bed. The mattress was stuffed with, at least...Not, moldy straw. There was a tiny window too. It opened onto the fjord. The cell was clean at least. And not damp.

He pushed off the wall and hopped over to the window. He could see a small bit of the harbor too. There were no ships coming or going, and he could faintly hear shouts of people, and the sound of hammers and pickaxes. Probably repairing the damage from the raid he supposed.

He ran through the events in his mind and what they found after. He had never seen anything like it before. It probably meant they were dealing with a new enemy now, but who? And where had they come from? He suspected Frenchy had something to do with it, but he obviously wasn't working alone…

He hopped back over to the bed and sat down. He knew he should try to get some sleep, but the questions would start all over again. He huffed, much like his interrogation last night. They kept at him with the questions, and kept at it for most of the night.

"Where did the dragons come from? Where are they now? What was your purpose in this dastardly attack? How many dragons are under your command?" And on and on...He tried to answer them truthfully at first, but it became clear that no answer he gave seemed to satisfy them. They'd used the same technique as well on some of the prisoners they'd taken. He stopped answering after a little while, causing them to become a bit more forceful in the delivery.

And there near the end, he couldn't help but think that maybe some of the officers were acting on their own here. Elsa had seemed pretty upset at his capture, but...Why didn't she tell them to release him? If she did have these powers, why didn't she use them? Or at least threaten them? Maybe she herself was in on this. She did after all shoot ice at him. Maybe she was after him the whole time...It did make sense. Luring him in. Making him drop his guard around her, then...Capturing him, and holding him hostage in exchange for good behavior, or something else? It didn't seem right, but he couldn't be absolutely sure. It wouldn't surprise him to find out she had some other purpose. But it still didn't feel right.

Maybe he felt this way because...well, because he had started to fall for her. She was smart, and she cared for her people. The fact that she was beautiful was just sauce with the goose. He had started to feel a connection between them. He wanted to believe she had been sincere in their conversations. That the feelings she conveyed and the obvious interest she had shown in him was real. The thought that she had been deceiving them all along made him sick to his stomach.

But no, they'd had people watching in the background. They had been running patrols all along. Especially since the incident with Frenchy. Surely something would have been noticed. But there had been nothing. It was a small comfort, but given his situation NOW, it didn't help too much. He was imprisoned, unable to find out what happened and where the perpetrators were right now.

His situation now started to make him angry and frustrated. Just when he'd thought...It didn't matter now. He needed to get out of here...Get out of this strange country, and get back home. That was all that mattered now. He got off the bed and hopped back over to the window. He was pretty sure he could make it out of this cell, but what next? If he could just make it outside, he was sure one of the Bogs would spot him...It would be difficult, sure...But not impossible…

His thoughts were interrupted by one, no...three angry voices. One of which may be a womans. He looked around the cell. He could grab the table...No, the chair then? The washbasin? He needed to strike as soon as the door opened, leaving no time for a reaction...The voices grew louder. There was definitely a woman...And two men…

"I swear Barak! If you don't let me in, I'll definitely give you a pounding! Then I'll tell everyone about the whole...pie incident!" "P-Please your highness I, I have my orders!" "And who's orders might they be? Son...I outrank you! By a whole score! I'll make sure you're mucking stalls and washing dishes for the rest of your natural life!"

The womans voice sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it. It, it didn't matter now. He needed to act. He made his way over to the table, then grabbed hold of the chair. He needed just one good chance. The voices sounded very close now. He shifted, tightening his grip. The was the sound of jangling keys, -fumbling at the lock. He shifted once more and raised the chair…

The door opened. He made to swing, but stopped. His balance faltered. He had a split second to register the hair, the eyes...The look of surprise, -just before it turned to a frown. He had one blink of an eye to realize who she was, and another to realize she'd drawn her arm back. His next moments were filled with pain and stars centering on his nose. He barely recalled dropping the chair and then landing on his backside. -He may have passed out for a moment…

When light and sound came back to him, there were multiple things registering again. Hands were patting him down and a worrisome voice. There also seemed to be a slight struggle going on.

"HICCUP! Hiccup! Oh! I am so, -so sorry! Are you OK? I just...You were..." He put his hand to his face. His eyes were watering and his nose was bleeding. -And his butt hurt. It seemed to take a back seat to what was going on, and why she was here. He blinked once, then once more. He immediately recognized Anna. Turning his head slightly, the other person was...Captain Hansthrope! He seemed to be trying to assuage the guard.

"He, he was about to attack the Princess!" The Captain was unfazed.

"Aye! He may have been, but look! 'E's on his arse now. Honestly son! 'Ow much of a threat can a one-legged man be? Let it go! An let us be with 'im for a spell. 'Afore I set the Princess on ye!" The mans' eyes went wide and he seemed to pale a bit. He nodded and turned, standing in the doorway. Anna then started painfully shouting nearly in his ear.

"YOU, you took his leg!? Why! What? H, How cruel is that? What did you do that for?" The guard spluttered.

"I, I wasn't the one what took it! They did that. So he wouldn't, couldn't escape!" Anna actually growled.

"ARRGGGGHHH! You, you give it back to him this instant! T, That's just mean!"

"P, please Princess! I, I don't know where it is! They, they brought him here like this!" She harruphed and turned her attention back on him.

"A, -Anna? Princess? What...why are you here? This, this is a bad idea!" He expected someone else, the fact she was here and not...He shook his head slightly. That wouldn't do.

"-And Captain Hansthrope? Why, what..." The fact that they were here and not the others…

"I, we came to see you. To make sure you're alright, and being treated well." She bit her lip. Something wasn't quite right. Captain Hansthrope bowed.

"Aye! 'twas the princess' idea. And I thought I should accompany her. And, just so ye know. It's Commodore now!" The man smiled slightly. He was a bit happy for him but.

"W, what's going on? Why am still I here?" The two spared a glance. Anna bit her lip, and worried it.

"Please Hiccup! Elsa...Was just, -watching out for you. She was concerned you'd get hurt. You know, trying to come back and explain it all. You, you might have been shot at and, well...I know it doesn't sound like a good excuse but..." Her eyes darted side to side. She lowered her voice some.

"She, she wasn't sure what was going on herself. The guards barging into her room and all...She, she thought it best also to play along for now." She winced as she delivered the last line. It made sense, he supposed, in a womans' way of thinking...maybe. He shot a look to Karl. He nodded.

"Aye, Highness! Not a very prudent decision. But it's got the Queen worried that there's somehat else going on." He frowned as did Karl. He had to know.

"Anna, You really shouldn't be here. You need to go!" She frowned and tilted her head slightly.

"Hiccup! You, I...We, we were worried about you. Elsa wanted to come herself..." He finished for her.

"But she realized what a bad idea it was and didn't! You may be in danger if you're seen coming here!" Which she more than likely was. He was a bit angry. But maybe she was a bit innocent in these matters. Still, they could be both implicated...But only if, unless...This was what they wanted all along. He couldn't ignore the possibility.

"And you, Karl? Are you in on it? What do you know of this? What's going on?" He looked only slightly ruffled.

"There's been a few meetings, -gatherin's I was not invited to...E'r since the attack. Seems maybe there's some what doesn't want ye ta go and take the beasts. Many who say ye were in for it th' whole time. I know your Highness ta be honorable. Ye treated me well, even tho' I was your prisoner. An' th' Queen's been good ta me. It's her I'll be loyal too until th' end!" If he had been left out, it meant they thought he wouldn't cooperate with what ever was going on. He could probably trust him too. But with the situation he was in...It was a mess he didn't want to be a part of.

"And what are the Queens real intentions? What is she after?" He didn't really mean to say that, but the whole thing stunk way beyond what was happening here in Arendelle. If capturing him was their goal, keeping him here in the dark. That could be part of the plan as well. And the questions came...Why would someone attack with such a small force and just disappear? Why would they attack knowing they were here, -knowing they possibly had dragons of their own? Why did they leave their dragons behind? It had begun to coalesce, then the idea would vanish.

"I...Hiccup. What are you saying? You think...You think she wanted this? To, to have you imprisoned? NO! Hiccup! She...She's just, -really worried about you. She really cares about you!" She was frowning at first. But she softened as she made her confession. He wasn't entirely convinced. A part of him wanted to believe their intentions were good but there was no denying his current predicament. At any rate, he needed to get out of here. He needed to think. He pinned Anna with a look.

"Anna? You have to convince them to let me go. Talk to whomever, do whatever it takes. You know I, WE, -had nothing to do with this...If whoever did this is still out there...It, it could be very bad. You all need to release me." She nodded.

"O, OK Hiccup. I'll, I'll try!" He put his hand on her arm to gather her whole attention. He turned to Karl as well.

"My people, they'll come for me. You have to know this!" Anna's eyes went wide.

"Hiccup? What, -what will they do?" He wasn't entirely sure himself. She worried her lip. Looking nervously side to side. He shook his head.

"I, I don't know. I'm pretty sure they will try to talk first though. There will only be a problem if I'm not released." She looked at him. Worry obvious in her eyes. There was something else.

"I appreciate you coming to see me, but you can't do that again. Stay close to your sister, she'll need you. You have to give an impression for now that you're against me. But gather what support you can." Her expression dropped slightly, but she nodded.

"Go now. May, maybe I'll see you later." She nodded, taking his hand in hers.

"Hiccup? Is there...Any, anything you want me to tell Elsa?" He thought for a moment, nothing came immediately to mind. Dark thoughts had started to seep in, That maybe this was part of a scheme...He then thought about their time together, her warmth, her smile, her deep blue eyes washed most of that out.

"Tell her...Nothing has changed. I, I can understand why she did it. But my people, they...may not be so understanding. We, we may not see each other again for a long while." His insides sank. He hated feeling this way. Which is why he acted the way he did. To avoid this...He didn't come down here to get involved. Neither in local politics, nor anything else. Much less a romantic entanglement. He stamped those bad feelings down. He began to realize he didn't want to be that way again. He wanted to be with her, he didn't want to be alone forever, not really. He wanted to believe they were just as they seemed, two sisters just trying to run their Kingdom as best they could. He just wanted to...not feel that hurt, that disappointment again. He was at war with what he wanted and what he should do, against what was happening, and what he needed to do.

"If, if anything changes, you send word to me, -personally!" She nodded. Her lips were set in a thin line. She put a hand on his arm and squeezed gently.

"-Go!" He told her. She gave a single nod and stood. Anna gave him one last look before going through the door. Karl made a move, but he stopped him.

"Karl? You know what's going on..." He nodded. He was loyal to her. Enough so that the rest of the leadership hadn't included him. He closed his eyes tightly. Already he could see the possibilities of what might happen. He opened one eye, intently looking at the man.

"Karl? Could you, -would you take orders from someone who is not your King?" He only seemed to consider it for a blink of an eye. He nodded.

"Aye! Highness!" He was relieved. The outcomes of the ideas he'd just had flashed through his mind. They made him shudder to think them.

"If you know what's going on, then you should know what has to be done!" Karls' eyes wandered for a moment.

"And who ever did this, who ever attacked your country...They're still out there." Again he considered. He grabbed his chin.

"Prepare a ship or a boat. Hide it. Have it ready to sail on a moments' notice. NO. ONE. Can know!" Karls' eyes met his.

"You know how it has to happen...Your world wakes up one morning, and the girls are gone! No notice, -no word. They're just gone!" Karls' eyes narrowed, and hardened.

"Aye! Highness! They just up and disappear!" He nodded.

"We, we have agents in Honningsvåg, and Gaamvik If you can get them there, they can get you to me." He nodded. He features shifted slightly.

"I'm sorry it has come ta this, Majesty. I tried ta tell 'em. Convince them it wasn't you. But it seems their minds were set. I donna know what their end game might be but...Do ye think this Messier Probius might have some'hat to do wi' it?" He nodded.

"I think so. Only, he's not the sort of person to gather others to his cause. I don't think he's exactly working with anyone on the inside here, but maybe someone else is." That made a bit more sense. But still...Karl held his hand out. He helped him stand, shaking it when he had regained his balance.

"Farewell, your Majesty! May we meet again in happier times!" He nodded.

"Thank you Commodore! Watch after them, and be careful." Karl nodded and went through the door. The guard gave him a considering look before closing the door and locking it.