Chapter 14 – Its time

The imposing figure of Stoick the Vast stood firm against the force of the storm as he looked out at the fierce seas that lashed against the shores of Berk. He knew he should be with his people helping with the repairs and desperate search for food but he had come up here to be alone with his thoughts. Several hours had now passed since Astrid and the other dragon riders had begun their desperate race back to the Island of Thor.

He had not meant for the council discussions to take so long but they had been faced with a difficult decision. To Stoick the choice was simple. Return to the island without an offering, save Hiccup and hang the consequences but he had been forbidden to take part in the vote. He may be the Chief but he was also Hiccups father and they had felt that to ask him to choose between his son's life and his tribe's future was something he should not be faced with. To Stoick though it had been worse to listen to them bicker and debate whilst the precious hours remaining to his son had ticked by. Stoick was now sick with worry that no matter how fast Astrid flew they would be too late. That they would return, not with his son alive and well but shrouded, ready for burial.

However, despite his deep fears for his son and frustration at the delay he also felt an intense sense of pride and gratitude towards his tribe. With the plan to return to the island with more offerings in tatters they had been faced with a terrible decision. With the food stocks destroyed all that had remained to give the gods was the life that Hiccup had volunteered to give for them. Accepting Hiccups sacrifice would have meant a blessed and secured future but it was a future they had rejected. In the end they had voted unanimously to rescue Hiccup. Berk's future may look bleak but without Hiccup they had agreed that it would be bleaker. It had been clear during the attack that none of the other riders had shown Hiccup's leadership and even Spitelout, Snotlout's father, had admitted that as the next in line to the Chiefdom after Hiccup his son's performance had been disappointing. It was clear that Berk needed Hiccup. He was the last chance for the tribe as both the next Chief and head dragon trainer. Berk owed Hiccup for his selfless loyalty which he had shown time and time again since he had brought peace with the dragons and Berk had chosen to repay its debt to him.

Stoick's eyes swept the sky again taking in the magnificence of the storm and he felt the knot of fear tighten in his chest once more. It was dark now and he knew that Hiccup only had till the afternoon of the following day. He had already buried his wife. Please gods don't let him have to bury his son as well. Desperately he called out to the sky.

"Valla, if your there, we need you...I need you," he said out loud, his voice lost to the storm.

The wind came at him fiercer now but he stood his ground, as firm as the stones of Berk herself against its onslaught.

"Help him...protect him...please...for me," he cried out in anguish and tears began streaming down his face as he begged to be heard, begged for help.

There was a lull in the wind and he felt a warm gentle breeze caress his face.

"Valla?" he whispered in hope.

It was gone as quickly as it had come and Stoick stood there in shock. Had he just felt his wife's gentle touch once more? Had she heard him?

He was pulled from his moment of rapture by the return of the winds and a voice calling his name. He felt rage boil in him at being disturbed. Didn't they realise he needed to be alone right now? Didn't they realise what he faced loosing?

"STOICK," the voice shouted again, nearly drowned out by the howling wind.

He spun around his anger overflowing ready to make whoever it was pay. Why couldn't they leave him to mourn in peace?

"LEAVE ME BE," he roared but his anger died at what he saw.

Climbing up towards him was Gobber, Spitelout and Sven. Between them they were dragging something. They dumped it at his feet and stepped back.

"We found this skulking around the bushes down at the docks. Looks like it got left behind," Gobber said and lashed out with his wooden leg to give the object a solid poke. It gave a groan.

Stoick gave a grim smile.

"Saddle up Thornado and Stormfly Gobber, were going back to the Island of Thor. It looks like we have something to return to Alvin and Dagur."

Symon paced backwards and forwards in his room. Today was the seventh day of the offering period and he had a promise to keep. He went over in his mind his discussions with Hiccup from the previous day, going over the plan one last time. He need to make sure that he got everything right if this was to work.

"Symon, the cells under the temple where you keep your books and scrolls, are they still functional. I mean do the doors and locks still work?" Hiccup asked.

Symon nodded.

"Yes but they will be stiff and rusty. Those doors haven't been closed in a very long time."

Hiccup just smiled at this.

"Good, the stiffer the better. Camicazi is very good at picking locks and escaping. It needs to be difficult."

Symon cocked his head at this, not quite understanding Hiccups intention.

"How will that help?" he asked.

Hiccup gave him a deep look.

"How good are you at acting? Can you come up with a convincing story to get them to follow you down to the cells?"

Symon nodded again.

"Yes, but if I understand what you want me to do, it will not take the Bogburglar long to get free again."

"I know that but I have something that might just help," and with that Hiccup had opened his bag and pulled out a medical kit. From within the medical kit he produced a small earthen jar.

"What's that?" Symon asked.

"Monstrous Nightmare saliva, it's what they coat themselves with in order to catch fire."

Symon took a step back.

"Is it safe?" he asked in alarm.

Hiccup shook his head in amusement. It was strange to see such reactions in people when it was second nature to him.

"It's only a small amount and it has other uses as well. It's extremely sticky, when it dry's it makes a really strong glue."

"Why on earth would you have something like that in a medical kit?" Symon asked curious as to its intended purpose.

Hiccup shrugged.

"It's great for sticking bandages securely in place or in extreme cases it can be used to coat and cauterise a wound."

Symon had been in awe. He had learned many things from working with the temple healer but he had never heard of dragon spit being used in such a way. Distracted from their main purpose Symon had been unable to resist the urge to ask more questions.

"Are there other such things that can be used in healing?" He asked eagerly.

Hiccup nodded and reached into his bag again, pulling out another earthen jar.

"Night Fury saliva has fantastic healing properties. Here take it," and he had passed the jar to Symon. Symon saw his eyes darken a little in sadness as he did so.

"How did you get it? I thought Night Fury's were some of the hardest dragons to find," Symon said accepting the gift and looking at the jar in his hands.

At this Hiccups shoulders slumped.

"They are. That's from Toothless."

"Toothless?"

"My Night Fury...and best friend," and at that thought Hiccup had slumped into a chair his eyes swimming with tears. Feeling intrusive Symon made to leave but Hiccup had wiped at his eyes and stood once again, his face filled with determination.

"Enough of that, there is work to do," he said to himself angrily.

"Symon I need you to coat the inside of the lock of one of those cells, preferably one of the deepest and furthest away. That way when the key is turned it will bung up the mechanism and jam the lock. I've no doubt that Cami and Thug will find a way out but hopefully it will stall them long enough. Until...after...I'm gone…." he said trailing off, the determined look faltering.

With an uncomfortably feeling Symon quickly moved the topic on, asking another question.

"How long before it sets hard?"

Hiccup fixed the determined look once more on his face.

"It takes about two hours to set so it important that you don't do it too soon. Otherwise the saliva will set hard and prevent you from turning the key. They have to be safely secured and out of the way before the guards come to get me."

He had then focused intently on Symon fixing him with his deep forest green eyes.

"Do you understand what you need to do?"

Symon had returned the look with the same determination and courage that Hiccup showed him.

"Yes I understand."

Symon stopped pacing, yes he knew what he had to do but before he could put the plan into action he needed to make his own preparations. He picked up the jar of Night Fury saliva and placed it carefully in his cabinet before picking up the Monstrous Nightmare jar and a bottle of oil. He placed both in his robes. Hiccup had said that they would try and rescue him when the guards came to take him to the inner temple. That meant there were a few hours before he needed to act, enough time for him to ensure everything was ready.

Camicazi and Thuggory sat huddled in a corner of Camicazi's room talking fast and animated as they put the final pieces of the plan together. Beside them sat a pile of yellow temple robes that Camicazi had grabbed from the laundry the day before.

The plan was simple. Disguise themselves as temple staff, create a distraction and grab Hiccup as they brought Hiccup across the temple courtyard towards the Main Hall. They would then make a break for the tunnels that crisscrossed under the mountain to hide. They guessed that the tunnels had probably been made by whispering Deaths many years ago and had been an opportune find. Once night fell they could get to the boat and flee the island. They knew there was a possibility that Hiccup might resist them but they had planned for this to. If they carried out the plan quickly they could be away before he had time to object, Thuggory was even prepared to carry him if he had to.

A loud knocking sounded at the door and they both looked up in alarm. Thuggory stood quickly and shoved the hand drawn map of the tunnels into his pocket as Camicazi threw her cloak over the robes to hide them. With a quick check that the evidence was hidden Thuggory then moved to the door and opened it. The young man that brought Hiccups meals walked in and bowed.

"Are you Hiccups friends, Camicazi and Thuggory?" he asked.

"We are," Thuggory confirmed.

"I am Symon, an apprentice at this temple," he said.

"What can we do for you Symon," Thuggory asked a little impatiently. He wanted to get back to their preparations for Hiccups rescue.

"It is what I can do for you or more importantly for Hiccup," Symon said in earnest.

Camicazi quickly got to her feet.

"What do you mean?," She asked. Symon turned to her.

"Hiccup has become my friend as well and I have been trying to find a way to help him. I am only an apprentice and forbidden to touch the books of law unless under the tutelage of my instructors but to help Hiccup I have broken that rule. I entered the catacombs under the temple where the ancient books of law are stored. It's taken me many days and hours but I have finally found something that will help him, something that will stop the ritual."

Camicazi came quickly forward and grabbed Thuggory's arm.

"Why tell us first? If it can save Hiccup why have you waited to act?" She said with a note of anger in her voice.

Symon hung his head and took a deep breath. The trap was set, the bait laid.

"I am worried that the explanations of my presence in the catacombs and punishment for breaking temple laws will detract from the information I have found and the chance to save Hiccup will slip away. They will come for him in two hours."

Camicazi gripped Thuggory's arm tighter and looked at him in alarm at the news that Hiccup had so little time left.

"What is this information? How can we help?" Thuggory said quickly, hope evident in his voice at a chance to save their friend.

Symon hated himself but kept his resolve.

"Only full temple staff or council members can view those scrolls and books. You are both the heirs of your tribe and therefore council members. I need you to bring the books up from the catacomb and present the information to the Elder," he said hoping that they would take the bait.

He saw from the looks on their faces that they had and he felt sickened at the lies he was telling but his promise to Hiccup came first. He would pray for forgiveness later.

"Will you help?" He asked putting the full sound of desperation into his voice.

They fell for it.

"Yes, yes we will help. Lead the way Symon and hurry," Thuggory said and with that the three of them left the room at a run.

Symon noticed that in their haste they had left their weapons behind which would make the next stage much easier.

As they quickly wound their way down the dark stone corridors under the temple Symon lit the torches to light their way, illuminating the many rooms of stacked books and scrolls.

"What did they use all these cells used for?" Camicazi asked as they hurried along behind him.

"They were used in ancient times to hold prisoners and sacrifices," Symon answered as he moved forward lighting more torches.

Camicazi shivered at the thought that Hiccup could have spent the last few days locked away down here in the dark awaiting his fate, rather then in the relative comfort of his room.

As they neared their destination Symon prepared himself for the next phase of the plan. He needed to be quick and convincing.

"It's just up ahead," he said gesturing with the torch he was carrying and after a short moment a large room at the end of the corridor came into view. He entered the room and set the torch into a bracket in the wall. He had decided that he could not leave them alone in the dark down there.

This done he stepped aside to allow them to enter. He then pointed to a desk in the centre.

"There, on the table. That is the book that I mentioned, I have marked the paragraph you need," he said as he indicated the book he had prepared earlier.

The pair moved eagerly forward and round the opposite side of the table, leaning over the book in order to read the text. When he was sure that they were fully distracted Symon quietly backed out of the door.

"I'm sorry...I'm so very sorry," he said in remorse as he pushed it closed. He was grateful that he had oiled the hinges earlier as it moved easily and slammed in to place with a loud clang.

Camicazi and Thuggory cried out in alarm as the door closed and surged forwards but before they could reach it Symon had turned the key stiffly in the lock. His heart was in his mouth as he listened to their frantic banging on the door and cry's for him to open it.

He withdrew the key and put it safely within his robes noting the thick substance that dripped lethargically from it. The saliva was setting fast and would likely hold for a few hours before they found a way to escape. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as the sound of shouting and pounding from the other side of the door grew more insistent. He stepped forward and laid a hand on its iron bound structure, glad that it was thick and sturdy enough to withstand the pounding of the mighty form of the Meathead heir.

"I have a message from Hiccup," he said loudly and the sounds from the other side of the door ceased.

"He says that he is sorry...so very sorry for doing this to you, and to thank you for what you were prepared to do for him. He cannot express how much your friendship means to him and he is grateful to you for what you were prepared to risk for him but he cannot let you do it. He cannot let you sacrifice your futures for him. He asks you to forgive him and to forgive me for carrying out his wishes."

He did not wait for a response. He had given them Hiccups message and now his promise fulfilled he had another duty to perform for Hiccup and it would be his last.

Astrid slipped wearily from Toothless's saddle and dropped to her knees before plunging her cupped hands into the cool water of the stream. She drank thirstily, Toothless doing the same beside her. She paused for the briefest of moments before using Toothless's saddle to shakily pull herself back to her feet. They had been in the air perpetually since leaving Berk, taking only the briefest of stops on islands they passed with freshwater to slake their thirst but never stopping for more than a few moments. As desperate as she was to rest she knew that Hiccups time was running out and that thought alone spurred her on.

She glanced briefly at the sky for a sign of the other riders but there were none. Toothless being by far the fastest had soon out flown them. He was always fast but the added determination and urgency to get to Hiccup had made him unstoppable. She turned as Toothless barked at her and flared his wings eager to be back in the air. She nodded and wearily hauled herself back onto his back before clicking her foot into the pedal and letting his tail out. They were back in the air in moments.

Symon left the catacombs with a heavy heart. He had fulfilled his promise but it hurt him to think that even though it had been at Hiccups own request he had probably just destroyed the last chance Hiccup had of salvation. He moved back to the central complex and made for the Elders study. He knocked and entered at her invitation. She was dressed in her formal robes and standing in front of the fire. She looked at him and then without speaking pointed to the table where a small bottle sat. He picked up the bottle and left. Words were not necessary he knew what the vial was and it was his duty to give it to Hiccup and to ensure he understood its purpose.

Hiccup set down his charcoal pen and looked long at the letter in front of him. It had been hard to write but he felt better for it. He reached across to his left wrist and gently untied Astrid's maiden band. He caressed it for a few moments before bringing it up to his face, taking in Astrid's scent once more. He then gently folded it and laid it on the letter which he then proceeded to fold around it. This done he sealed the letter with wax from the candle beside him and traced his initials into the setting substance before turning it over and writing the name 'Astrid' on the front. He then placed it beside a second letter addressed to his father. It was done, his preparations were almost complete, just one thing remained to do. He stood and prepared to knock on the door and ask the guards to fetch Symon when the door opened and Symon entered carrying a bundle of white fabric.

Knowing that Hiccup would want to be alone for as long as possible today, to make his preparations, Symon had kept at a distance until he had news to report. Symon now looked at Hiccup to gauge his state of mind before speaking and noted that although pale Hiccups face still bore the same look of fixed determination it had the day before.

He moved forward and placed the items he was carrying on the table. As he did so he noticed that the food Hiccup had been brought that day laid untouched.

"Is it done?" Hiccup asked in a quiet voice as Symon stood upright again.

He looked at Hiccup and nodded.

"It is, they cannot interfere," he said sadly.

Hiccup closed his eyes and bowed his head before nodding slightly.

"Thank you Symon. Thank you for what you have done for me. I will never be able to repay you," he said.

"There is nothing to thank me for Hiccup. Although it saddens my heart I was happy to carry out your request."

Symon looked down at the items he had placed on the table.

"These are from the Elder. A fresh tunic to wear and...something to help when the time comes," he said trying to control his voice as he reached into his tunic and pulled out the small bottle.

He handed it to Hiccup and took a deep breath.

"This is something we call the draught of peace. It is a drug that induces a feeling of calmness and detachment. It will also numb the body and eventually let the taker drift into a deep sleep. Take it when you hear the first gong. It will help you...when..." but he couldn't finish the sentence his words sticking in his throat.

Hiccup tightened his hand around the vial and nodded before placing it carefully down on the table. Hiccup then looked at Symon and a dark look crossed his features.

"I have no right to ask more of you Symon but I have two final requests."

"You don't need to ask me Hiccup I will do whatever you want."

"The second you're not going to like, the first is much simpler," and with that he picked up the two letters.

"Will you give these to Astrid and my father when you see them?" He asked holding them out.

Symon took the letters.

"I will see they get them," understanding immediately what they contained. He put them safely into his tunic.

"What is your second request?"

"I need you to bring Alvin and Dagur here. There is something I need to say to them."

Instantly Symon shook his head.

"Hiccup no...I won't do that. I'm not letting those two in here again to taunt you, torture you...on today of all days. Why would you ask this?" He said in absolute shock.

Hiccup smiled grimly.

"Because they asked me a question and I intend to give them an answer. Please Symon for me. I assure you they won't be here long, they are not going to like the answer."

Symon bit his lip, unsure if this was a good idea but Hiccup had requested it and he could not refuse him anything even if it did seem to be unwise. He sighed and nodding.

"I will try and find them but there may not be enough...time," he said catching himself at the meaning.

"You won't have to look far. I'm pretty sure you will find them lurking close by. They will be expecting this," Hiccup said with a small smile.

Symon nodded and left the room. When he was gone Hiccup moved the vial out of sight in case Dagur and Alvin realised its purpose and lifted the tunic up. It was soft to the touch and made of pure white wool. It was well made and no doubt comfortable but its purpose was clear.

'Like a lamb to the slaughter,' he thought, before laying it down and removing his own tunic.

'Might as well look the part.'

Symon returned after only a few short minutes. He had found the two chiefs lurking down the side of the building. At being told Hiccup had requested to see them they had feigned surprise at being asked but claimed to be delighted to accompanying him. Symon wasn't fooled, Hiccup had been right. They had obviously been expecting this.

As they entered the room Symon motioned for the guards to following. He was taking no chances this time and would not leave Hiccup alone with them. Hiccup was standing in his usual place at the window and paid them no heed as they entered. They stood there in awkward silence for a few moments before Dagur spoke.

"My, don't you look the part," Dagur mocked noting the white wool tunic that Hiccup wore.

Hiccup didn't look at them. He just plucked absently at the front of the tunic.

"I guess the gods have got something against green," he said his voice steady.

"Ar knew you would see sense in the end I'ccup," Alvin drawled in delight.

Hiccup continued to look out of the window as though he had not heard him. A little uneasy at Hiccups silence and lack of eye contact Alvin continued.

"You'll love Outcast island I'ccup we've got a nice comfy room already for you," he said.

Symon couldn't help snorting in disgust at this. 'Room' more like cell he thought. Dagur looked at him and glared. Symon glared back. Ignoring Symon Dagur turned back and addressed Hiccup again.

"Shall I go tell the Elder that we withdraw our demand Hiccup?" He said then rubbed his hands together in manic glee.

"Oh I've got so many dragons for you to train. It will be great, you and me brother, riding into battle together. We will be the scourge of the Archipelago. Everyone will fear us. Just wait till..."

"No," Hiccup said

Dagur paused, cut off in mid speech.

"What did you say?" He asked narrowing his eyes in Hiccups direction.

Hiccup now turned to them.

"I said no."

"What do yur mean no," Alvin said incredulously.

"Exactly what it's meant to mean, No. Two days ago you asked me a question and I'm giving you my answer."

The pair just looked at each other in surprise.

Hiccup took a step towards them, his faced fixed with determination.

"You two really are idiots. After all this time you still don't get it do you. You used to ask how a ninety pound boy could defeat you time after time well this is how, by not giving in, by fighting, by being prepared to sacrifice everything for his home and people."

"I know of your attack on Berk. I know that you delayed my father's return. You thought that it would aid you, didn't you. You thought that with no option left to me I would save myself and give myself up to you...well your wrong. If you haven't worked it out yet I have stubbornness issues. I will not come over to you. I will not train your dragons. I am prepared to die to save my tribe and you, you have lost."

He moved closer to them his face livid with anger and a grim smile of triumph. They both took a step back at the uncharacteristic display of aggression from Hiccup.

"You can attack us but we will grow stronger, you may threaten us but we will become more defiant, you may kill us but for each that fall another will take their place. It will be the same with me. I may have been the first to train dragons but I will not be the last. My work will continue after I am gone and Berk will raise an army of dragons to protect herself and see you defeated. There will be nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. My father will find you and you will pay."

He stopped a few paces before them, a grim sense of satisfaction building in him as he watched their faces change from shock to anger then finally to fear.

"Now get them out of my sight," he spat in anger and with that they were bodily dragged out of the room by the guards their faces a mask of defeat and shock.

At their departure Symon and Hiccup exchanged a solemn look before Symon bowed deeply in awe and honour. Hiccup gave a nod back in acknowledgement before turning silently back to the window and his own quiet contemplations. Symon left the room then knowing that it was time to leave and that he was unlikely to meet anyone quite like Hiccup ever again.

Astrid gave a cry of alarm as Toothless suddenly dropped a few feet in the sky. She leaned forwards and whispered words of encouragement to him and she felt his wings pick up their frantic beating once more. She knew in her heart that Toothless would not give up but he was tiring fast. How much longer he could keep up the relentless pace she didn't know she just hoped that he had enough left to reach Hiccup. She took a quick note of the suns position and corrected their flight slightly before laying herself low in the saddle and urged Toothless on.

Hiccup gave a shudder at the sound of the gong as it echoed through the temple. It was time. His eyes swept the sky one last time before looking down at the small bottle in his hand. His hand shook as he removed the stopper and brought the bottle to his lips. The substance within was bitter and he coughed as he swallowed before placing the bottle back on the table. He closed his eyes.

It was done. He had wondered if to take the drug would be an act of cowardice but he had reasoned that walking willingly to his own death could not be considered cowardice by anyone's standards. If one small thing helped him maintain his courage and dignity then it surely could not be begrudged.

He opened his eyes and looked up at the sky again. The storm that had shrouded the island since his arrival was still boiling overhead and the thunder echoed, coming closer. He wondered if Thor was angry at what was about to happen to him but if he was why hadn't he done something to prevent it? He looked at the door as the gong sounded again. They would be coming for him soon. He looked to the sky once more and prepared himself.

"Dad...Astrid I know that you can't hear me but I want you to know that I don't blame you for what is about to happen. Please don't blame yourselves. I'm doing this for you, for our tribe. I know that Mom will look out for me and I'll come and visit, even if you won't know I'm there... I love you both so very much," he said to the sky willing his words to reach them.

He then closed his eyes again and let a tear fall down his cheek. The sound of the gong came again and he wiped it away with the sleeve of his tunic. The door to the room opened and he turned.

The faces of the guards that entered were solemn and he looked at them for a few short moments before taking a deep breath and approaching them.

"I'm ready," he said.

With the guards flanking him on both sides the quiet procession began to move down the corridor. Hiccup noticed a strange tingling sensation in his fingers and he realised that the drug was starting to take effect. He prayed that it would not kick in to soon, that it would allow him to make this final walk without assistance.

They entered the courtyard and Hiccup took in his first breath of fresh air for several days and he paused for a brief moment, savouring it. It was one of the last breaths he would take. The normally busy complex was empty and silent as they crossed it and Hiccup wondered if they had all taken refuge from the reality of what was about to happen, for a moment he wished he had done the same, run when he had the chance but he pushed the thought aside. The time for regrets was over.

The procession moved on, now climbing the steps to the Main hall. Once inside they turned down a small corridor to the right of the council chamber. Hiccup had seen this corridor but paid it no attention before, now he could see a pair of ornate doors at the far end. The Elder stood in front of them, waiting. They stopped and she came forward to towards him.

"Are you ready Hiccup," she asked in a gentle voice.

He nodded and she sighed.

"Promise me something," he said suddenly, surprised at the calmness of his own voice.

"Anything child," she said looking at him.

"Don't let this happen again, don't let anyone else go through this. Get rid of that law. For me," he said his voice passionate as he pleaded with her.

She sighed again.

"I have tried child, to save you, but I promise you that I will keep trying, I will find a way."

She then stepped forwards.

"Your honour yourself, your father and your tribe with this act Hiccup. We will never forget what you have done for them. Will you accept my blessing before you depart this world?"

He nodded and bending slightly, bowed towards her. She placed her fingers on his forehead and traced the sign of the hammer.

"Go with Thor Young Hooligan. He will greet you in Valhalla and your eternal place at his side as one of our greatest Hero's is assured. We will never forget you."

She then leaned forward and kissed his forehead. When she pulled back her face was wet with tears.

Hiccup closed his eyes and stood straight again.

"When you see my father, tell him I forbid him to go to war. Punish Dagur and Alvin but no wars. I don't want anyone to suffer for my sake."

She nodded.

"I will tell him."

She then looked at him long and deeply as if testing his resolve.

"Are you ready?"

He nodded but couldn't bring himself to speak further.

The Elder turned and raised her hand. At this signal the guards pushed open the doors to reveal the Inner courtyard.

As they moved forward once again Hiccup felt his legs begin to go numb.

'Not yet, please not yet,' he pleaded as he tried to keep his balance. As he did so he looked around.

A sea of faces met him. Each of the tribes we're represented there and his heart lurched when he saw them. They watched his approach, and their faces told of a deep anguish at what they were about to witness. No one wanted this but with their own tribes to protect they could not interfere. Dagur and Alvin were lurking behind Mogadon and Bertha but it was the look on their faces that filled Hiccup with a dull sense of satisfaction and victory. Alvin's was a mask of anger at being denied his prize and Dagur chewed nervously on a fingernail as he paced. They had never expected their plan to go so far, he knew that now. They had expected him to come to them, expected him to save himself in the end but they had been wrong. They had underestimated him once again and it had been their undoing. There was nothing they could do to stop the ritual now. He had won.

His moment of triumph was short lived as he felt his legs start to give way but his dignity was saved as the guards either side of him took his upper and lower arms in theirs as support and began to guide him forward. It was then that his eyes caught sight of what awaited him.

At the centre of the courtyard stood a large pyre of stacked wood and straw. Hiccup could see items of clothing, chests, bags of food and flagons of wine mixed in amongst the wood but what made his heart stop in his chest was what lay in front of him. The wood of the pyre itself had been stacked in such away to leave an open space at its centre and the front stood open like a gaping maw ready to swallow him. At its centre a short stake of just over a meter high had been fixed.

The guards gently steered him forward towards the opening. Once inside they turned him around so his back was to the stake and gently pushed down on his shoulders. Hiccup closed his eyes as he sank to his knees. He kept them closed as he felt his arms pulled around the back of the stake and his hands bound, ropes wrapped around his upper body to hold him in place. There then came the sound of heavy logs being moved and the small amount of light he could see through his closed eyelids went dark as the pyre was sealed with him now at its centre.

His head began to swim as the drug moved through his system and his mind dragged him back to another time, another place when he had faced the flames once before. He had been falling, falling through heat and licking flames that threatened to take him, but before he had succumbed to the bliss of unconsciousness he had felt the motherly embrace of strong paws and leathery wings around him. How he longed for such an embrace now, for all this to be a dream, some horrible nightmare.

The spinning stopped momentarily and he opened his eyes coming groggily back to reality but Instead of the leathery wings of his friend he longed for he found himself closed in on all sides by wooden walls. His breath came faster now as he began to panic. It was happening, it was really happening, he was going to be burned alive and he squeezed his eyes shut as tears began to stream down his face. He put his head back against the pole as the panic overwhelmed him and he pulled weakly on his bonds, a natural and automatic reaction to being trapped but his arms and legs were numb now and he could no longer feel the ropes. His breath caught as he heard the muffled voice of the Elder.

"Thor, accept these offerings, freely given to you to show our dedication and commitment to peace. It is with sad heart that we send one so young to you but accept his life as sacrifice, freely given for his tribe."

With that everything fell silent. Hiccup held his breath. He wasn't sure why. He was bout to die, breathing should have been something he cherished and made the most of while he still could but he had been waiting. Desperately hoping for a divine intervention, for the rescue he longed for despite all his brave words, but none came. As the terrible reality of his situation washed over him he wept harder, wept for the life he would never have...a wife...children...a future. He had given it all up to save his tribe. His quiet sobs the only sound in that lonely terrible place.

Then he heard it, the distinct crackle of flame as torches were brought forward. He began to struggle again knowing it was stupid and pointless to try but a deep primal need to survive had taken hold. He heard the sound of the torches being pushed into the dry wood and then the crackling grew louder, closer. His struggles became fiercer but his strength was failing, his vision beginning to blur.

For a long moment there was just the sound of the flames but then slowly tendrils of dark smoke began to work their way into the area where Hiccup knelt, stinging his eyes and burning his throat. He gasped for air and began to cough. He could feel the heat now, inching towards him as the dry wood caught and the flame began to eat through the outer layers of the pyre. Small sparks and embers began to rain down on him and he flinched as their hot surfaces touched his skin and he felt the heat against his exposed hands and face begin to intensify. Suddenly flame appeared close to his face and he cried out, trying to pull away from its licking tongue. More flames joined them, encircling him, reaching hungrily toward him. He gasped as the flame consumed the air around him and he coughed harshly as he desperately tried to draw breath.

He prayed for the peaceful, pain free oblivion that the drug had promised and he began to sag against his bonds as his prayer was answered, the drug finally beginning to take its full effect. As he began to sink into the blissful darkness of unconsciousness he thought he heard a voice, quiet and gentle as it whispered in his ear.

"Hold on...he is coming."

Suddenly there was an almighty crashing sound and the pyre around him began to shake. Large sections began to fall, catching him as they did so. He cried out weakly unable to move out of their way as they burned him. The pyre was collapsing onto him and he braced himself as something dark clouded his remaining vision. He welcomed deaths dark embrace as it came to take him but through the drugged fog of his mind something strange registered. The heat was less and the pain of burning wood no longer there. It was not the darkness of death that surrounded him but strong leathery scales...wings...

"T...Toothless," he whispered in realisation before the darkness finally claimed him.