Chapter Twenty-Two: Prepare For War
Hiccup's POV
We landed our dragons, and ran into the village.
"Everyone! We need to get to the Great Hall, now. We don't have much time!'
"Why, Hiccup? What's happenin'?' a villager asked.
'I'll tell you once we get inside.'
I stood in the middle of the platform, next to the firepit.
'Okay, everybody. This is a crisis, and you all know that whenever there's a crisis, it's my job to fix it.'
"What's the crisis, Hiccup?'
I took a deep breath, and spoke the name of one of the most feared men in Viking history.
'Drago Bludvist.'
Everyone gasped.
"He's back?! How long until he gets here?! We need to evacuate!'
'Don't worry, people. I have this all under control. Return to your homes, and pack everything. Go to the docks, and board the life-dragons.'
'Yes, Chief.'
"And what do you want us to do, eh, little Hiccup?' Gobber asked, patting me on the shoulder. My uncle Spitelout was behind him.
'Gobber, go up onto the watchtower, and guard the village, with the sentries. If Drago comes-'
'I'll go down fightin', like Stoick did.'
'No, Gobber, no. It's too dangerous.'
'But I have Grumpy now!'
'Even with him, you wouldn't stand a chance. Look, if any army dragons come, fire at them with the catapults.'
'Aye, aye, sir.' Gobber mock saluted me, and hobbled off with Spitelout.
I sighed sadly, and walked outside, looking at the stars.
We'd probably be enjoying a night flight, now, if it wasn't for him. I thought of Toothless.
Suddenly, a dark shape came flying out of the sky. I felt sick. Had he arrived already?
Thank Thor, it was only a Terrible Terror.
It came flying up to me, and rested on my shoulder, panting heavily and squeaking. I noticed a manacle with a chain on it, attached to it's leg. On that chain was a piece of paper.
Valka picked up the little dragon in her arms, and stroked it's spines softly.
"Are you an airmail dragon for him?'
It didn't reply.
'Don't worry, you're safe now. Hey, Hiccup, what's this?' she pointed to the piece of paper, and pulled it off. She attempted to pull off the manacle too, but the Terror only squealed in pain.
'He's put it on so tightly you can't get it off. Must be some kind of tracking device, so that if you escaped, it'd be easy for him to find you again.'
Still stroking the Terror, she handed the paper to me.
I read what was written on it, and gasped.
"Hiccup, what is it?'
'Guys, you really need to see this.'
I held up the piece of paper, and they gasped too.
On the paper it read:
Dragon Master,
Prepare for war.