A Son of Ice and Fire

A/N: I enjoyed writing this chapter, using some of the minor characters from riders of berk and Race to the edge. It is a bit confusing with the timeline, but the majority of this occurs two weeks after Hiccup left.

Guest: Yes, Gobber does have his interchangeable hand in this story.

Sam Hill: The Spitelout/Snotlout relationship is going to be dragged to both extremes the next few chapters, that's all I can say. Never thought about Snotlout x Yara, but that could be an interesting idea to think about going forward.

Guest: Heather is technically Dagur's adoptive sister in this story. They both took their adoptive father's surname – Oswaldson – until Heather got married of course. But I guess that it still makes Hiccup, to some degree, Dagur's 'brother' :)

Guest: Yeah Melisandre is hardly my favourite character either. I doubt we'll meet her in this for at least a while yet.

Guest: I like your idea about Hiccup and Astrid, but it's easy to forget all that happened in just a day. Over the next five or so chapters with them, it'll be built up more.

Chapter 36: Fated to lose

Hiccup

Well, at least I found the bandits' lair. Hands shackled up to a beam above me, and with cuts and bruises across each arm, and across my face. I could never have guessed I would be in this position. I stayed in the cove for two days, after I left home, but after that, I decided to visit the village to the North-West of the castle, a few hours ride from there, but a lot longer on foot. I had managed to sort out a lot of issues for them, helped people, even took a few things down in writing to work on when I got home. But just as I was about to leave, the village got raided by five or six men on horseback. I tried to fight, but by the time I had armoured up, they had made off with a large amount of food and other goods. They'd even killed three men who refused to give up their supplies willingly, as well as just injuring and terrorizing many others as well. I couldn't let that pass. These vermin needed to be exterminated for good. I took a horse and followed them. Under the cover of night, I could easily neutralize half a dozen poorly trained bandits and make sure the village is safe from now on. Hahahahahaha. Yeah. No. That didn't happen. I snuck in, managed to take the first four by surprise, as they were drinking and celebrating the day's success. Their blades were still painted red from earlier, now mine was too. I pushed in deeper, taking out another three effortlessly. I didn't even need to draw my second sword. That must be it. There definitely can't be many more than that. Yet, as I turned the corner, another eight or so men turned almost instantly to see me enter the room at the back of the cave. Oh Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. I tried my hardest, not even having the time to pull my second blade as the men converged on me. I took down five, but eventually the numbers soon overwhelmed me, and a huge, lumbering, bald guy grabbed me by the neck, chucking me against the wall. As my head slammed off the rock, I instantly blacked out. Now I'm here still. Five days later. Chained. Tied. Hopeless. Great job Hiccup.

"We should be thanking you really." The tall, black haired man laughed. "We were fifteen strong, now it's just us three. Now we get like… four times the loot." The other two men were sleeping, so it was just me and the man referred to by the others as 'Savage'.

"Cough. Five. Cough." I sniggered.

"What was that?" The clearly, very uneducated man snapped back.

"Nothing. Nothing at all, my fine gentleman." I chuckled.

"Alright. You better not say nothing." Savage snarled.

"All I'm saying is that… If you let me go, I can give you ten times the loot you have here. A whole castle full. I can make you a very rich man." I negotiated, surely someone can't be this gullible.

"I'm listening, boy, how could possibly do all this?" He asked, a slight flicker of excitement in his eyes.

"Well, you know Dragon's edge?" I asked cautiously, and he nodded. "I am very important there. If you help me, I can get you whatever you want." He leaned in closer, a smirk crossing his face.

"Oh, can you?"

"Whatever you want, all you have to do is release me." I said longingly. All I want to do is be home right now. To see Mum and Heather and Astrid and Gobber and Mulch and Bucket and, you know what, right now I'd even take Mildew. He seemed to consider the words for a long time, but as he stepped closer, his fist curled into a punch and he struck me across the face strongly.

"Hahahaha, did you think I would fall for that, boy. You are nothing. You are just a thief and we will enjoy selling your stolen goods. Tell us where you stole them from, and we'll let you leave." Savage laughed maniacally. He stepped back a few paces, holding his chest in laughter, as I just closed my eyes and sighed heavily. Will I ever get out of here? As if the Gods had answered my prayers, a loud thud sounded, and I quickly opened my eyes to see Savage had fallen headfirst at my feet, with two bald men staring at me. The taller man pulled his outstretched arm back and rested it at his side. That man has one hell of a punch.

"Was that true? Those things you said?" He asked. He was the same man that had knocked me out to start all of this, and took care of Savage as easily.

"Shut it Amos, let me speak." The smaller man ordered. "Was it true? Those things you said?" He asked, and I had to force myself to stifle the giggle.

"Hey Berthal, that's what I…" The larger man groaned.

"Yes, my friends. It's all true. I am Lord at the castle. You free me, and I will owe you both a debt. When I return home, I can get some gold, and pay you, you can both be rich." I assured. The two men seemed to lick their lips, looking at each other giddily.

"How much gold?" The larger man asked.

"A cart full of gold, my friend. Enough that you would never have to raid anyone ever again." I answered. Please let this work.

"A cart full, Berthal, you hear that." He grinned happily.

"But can we trust him, he's already killed all those people." Berthal argued. Of the two rather unintelligent men, he appeared to possess just a few more brain cells.

"How about a peace offering?" I offered, perking both of the men's interests. "You see that sword on that table. I'll let you keep it. I wouldn't leave my sword here and not come back for it, would I?

"He is right Berthal, and that is a fancy sword." Amos agreed

"I know it's a fancy sword." Berthal snapped. "Okay. Just give us a moment to discuss this in private." For two minutes, the two men huddled at the back of the room, eyeing me occasionally, as I tried to just put on the most innocent face I could. After they had conferred, they walked over confidently. "We agree to your terms." He said proudly, plucking a key from Savage's waist, and unlocking the restraints around my wrists. As my arms dropped to my side, I sighed heavily in relief. I took a step forward, but as I did, the man at my feet growled loudly, raising his head to see me unchained, and about to break free. Oh, come on. Can't I catch a break. He snapped to his feet, drawing his sword, and swiping at me. I dodged to the side, as Amos and Berthal cowered back and backed against the wall of the cave, as far away from us as possible. In a panic, I darted back, but pinned between him and the wall, Savage struck again. I forced myself back, but the wall was pressed firmly behind me, leaving his blade to slice vertically down the left-hand side of my chest. I felt the blade hit me just a few inches below the left-hand side of my neck, cutting sharply down nearly to my waist. It stung like nothing I've ever felt before, but I gritted my teeth, reaching my right hand to my back, and pulling my second sword out. With one sharp thrust, the blade threaded straight through Savage's heart and out through his back, leaving him to collapse into a pile at my feet. Amateurs. Five days and they didn't even check me for another weapon. And thankfully, they hadn't been smart enough to strip me of my armour, only my helmet, or I'm sure I'd be dead. I could feel the blood dripping down my chest, only the leather preventing me from seeing the extent of the damage. I stumbled over to the main table. Haphazardly grabbing my other sword, and helmet, as I stumbled towards the exit.

"What about our deal?" One of the two bald men asked.

"Take what you can carry and go. You released me, gave me a chance, now I'm sparing your lives. The debt is paid. The village will be getting the rest of the stuff back, so if you are not gone in an hour, you will die. Understood!" I demanded. They both sheepishly nodded, as I turned and jumped on the nearest horse and rode away, as fast as I could manage without passing out.

As I reached the village, the horse bucked on the spot, and I got threw off to the side. Landing roughly on the hard ground, I looked up to see a short blonde running towards me.

"Oh, my Gods, Hiccup, are you okay?" She asked, as she rushed over.

"Cami. I'm… fine." I mumbled, as I held the side of my chest. Only then did she notice the blood dripping from the bottom of the leather chest guard, forming a pool on the floor.

"GET THE HEALER! NOW!" She ordered, as she lifted me to my feet. She was a few inches off of a foot shorter than me, but somehow, she almost singlehandedly dragged me across to a small hut. Halfway across, the scene had attracted the attention of most of the village, and a few of the men volunteered to help take me the rest of the way. I got laid down on something that looked more like a table than a bed, but It's not like I was in a position to complain. I struggled, but untied the upper body armour, leaving only a blood-stained red shirt. I had to peel it from my skin, but soon I could see the damage. The padding must have resisted most of the blow, but the point of the blade must have cut through it, leaving an almost perfectly straight line piercing down from near my shoulder all the way to my bottom rib. If I don't bleed out, I guess I'll have a pretty impressive scar. A middle-aged man came into the shack, looking over me carefully, before mixing a few ingredients.

"Take this for the pain." He said calmly, pushing a small bowl of liquid into my hands. I quickly nodded, immediately finishing the bowl, and passing it back to him. "You may be out for an hour or two, but we'll get you all fixed up. Wait. What? I went to protest, but before a word even came out, everything went black.

Astrid

Two weeks had passed, and still Hiccup had not returned. Everyone has told me how he's known for going out for a few days to clear his head, then he would come back, and everything would return to normal. I can see it as I walk around the edge, people are starting to get worried. The castle became colder, not the weather, just the mood in the air. As if its heart and soul had been stripped, ripped away as Hiccup left. People soldiered on, but it always felt like there was something missing. An emergency meeting was held by the council this morning, appointing Valka to be in temporary charge until Hiccup or Stoick's return. Apparently, she tried to refuse it, and give the control to Gobber, but he just said he would do everything he could to help her through it. I can't imagine how hard it must be for both of them. Heather won't even come out of her room anymore. I've tried so hard to get through to her, but I can't sit outside the door more than a minute just listening to her cry. It's like everything has shattered into a thousand pieces, fractured so far out of proportion that no miracle could repair it. I spend the days walking aimlessly around the castle, but soon I'll be fully healed and can start training again. At least that's one thing I can look forward to.

As I walked across the courtyard, the loud sounds of screaming bellowed into the air. I turned and ran, through two large arches towards the back of the castle. As I approached, a large crowd arched in front of me. I quickly jostled my way through, finding Alvin on his knees, his face burning bright red, coughing loudly and wheezing. Behind him, I could already see a few horses laying motionless in the stables behind him. Others kept a distance, but I sprinted my way past him. The smell of death hit me like a crossbow bolt. I forced the sick in my throat back down, as all around, horses lay still.

"STORMFLY! STORMFLY!" I yelled. No. My horse can't be dead. No. Please. "STORMFLY!" I bellowed once more. I sidestepped through the centre of the stables, each pen except a few holding a sight I wish I could delete from my memory forever. How has this happened? What has done this? Eyes already twitching with tears, and a heart beating like the stampede of a Dothraki hoard, I inched my way closer to the final stall. Please. Please. Don't take her from me. As I opened my eyes, no white face met mine. No white hair brushed against my hand. Nothing at all. I jolted forward, scouring every inch, but Stormfly wasn't in there. Only then did I notice the pen wasn't sealed. With one finger, I opened the gate and the realization hit me. If she's not here. She could still be alive. I turned and sprinted out of the back entrance of the stables, heading to the part of the castle where the livestock is held. As I belted out of the door, I saw her. Bucking wildly with a panic in her eyes, Stormfly and four other horses were seemingly out of control, as a few people tried to calm them down. Please let her be okay.

"Easy, girl, easy. It's me. It's Astrid." I said softly, holding my arm out in front of me towards her. She kept looking around nervously, but her pupils dilated ever so slightly when she saw me approaching. I kept my footsteps light, as I spoke calmly and gently. "I'm here, girl, trust me. I'm not going to hurt you." With all four legs now planted firmly, she kept her eyes focused on me, as I was only a few feet from her now. "That's better. See, I'm here. I'm here." As I finished, I advanced the few last steps, reaching out my palm towards the beautiful mare. Hesitantly she moved forward, placing her muzzle in my palm, as I used my other hand to stroke her hair. "You gave me a fright there, girl, you really did." I rested my head on hers, taking a deep breath. "You're my brave girl, aren't you?" I grinned, pulling my head back. As I further calmed her down, I could noticeably see the other horses had began to settle down ever so slightly as well. Soon, they were all being led away to the other stable. I walked with them, checking everything was okay. Heather's and Valka's horses, as well as the other fifteen or so horses in there seemed all perfectly fine. Even more confusing. I quickly gestured to one of the stable-keeps, who graciously took Stormfly's reigns off of me. "I'll be back soon, girl. I just have to go and see what's going on." I said softly, as I released my palm from the horse's neck and ran back to the front of the other stable.

Alvin was now spitting up blood, it honestly doesn't look good. When someone came near him, he swiped at them with his hands, trying to keep them back. He forced himself to his feet, before, whatever it is that is attacking him, dropped him back to his knees.

"MAESTER COMING THROUGH!" A voice yelled gruffly from behind. I turned to see Mildew shove his way through the crowd to the front. As he stepped into Alvin's sight, I saw a look of anger flash across the bigger man's eyes, before he turned and coughed heavily again. He tried to speak, as Mildew took another step closer, but all that could be heard was a faint gargling sound coming from his throat. "Alvin, friend, let me help you." Mildew said softly. Unbeknownst to most there, I saw Alvin curl his fingers into a fist, as his glare hardened towards the old man. Before he could act, the sickness swiped him off-balance, as he plunged his hands into the dirt to steady himself. As his hands hit the ground, they weren't enough to keep him up, and they were soon followed by the loud thud as his head slammed against the floor. His eyes closing instantly upon the impact. With the help of a few people, Alvin was dragged onto the back of a cart, and taken away with Mildew at the head of the pack. That man hated Mildew. If there is any chance that scraggly old bastard had anything to do with this, and could have killed Stormfly, I'm not letting him out of my site. If Alvin survives, it would be very interesting to hear what he has to say. I followed the group, even staying in the room with Alvin. I covered my mouth with my coat, just in case it was contagious, and just sat there waiting. One thing is certain, I am not letting him lay here unconscious, with no-one but Mildew. There's something very, very shifty about that old man. And I'm gonna find out what!

Hiccup

"Gods Hiccup, are you just a magnet to trouble?" Camicazi teased, as I opened my eyes.

"Something like that." I murmured, still a little dazed from whatever potion I had been duped into drinking. "You no longer have… bandit problem." I stuttered, looking down and seeing the hefty wound down one side of my chest. Stitches all along it, and several bandages soaked in blood at the side of me, I looked left to see her sat there.

"Are you serious? You went after them alone. You fucking idiot." She yelled, a deep look of concern on her face.

"It was no trouble. Just head for about twenty minutes in the direction I came into the village at. There should be a cave, it should have most of your stuff there. They won't be coming after you all again." I said, while attempting a smile.

"Well, thank you, but just look at this." She said softly, pointing to the wound. "What are you trying to prove?" She asked nervously.

"I'm not trying to prove anything. I just had to do it." I responded strongly.

"Stop lying to me Hiccup. I know as well as you do, why you did this." She said sadly.

"Go on then, tell me, why did I do this?" I retorted sarcastically.

"With your father gone, you feel as if you couldn't fill his boots at the edge. You are here because you want to show yourself you can be like him. That you are strong enough to live up to his expectations." She said bluntly.

"That's not… I mean… You're wrong." I stuttered. Damn. She's got me.

"Hiccup, no-one wants you to be your father. No-one. I've known you a long time. This isn't you. Charging head-first into danger with no plan. Stoick has one way, you have another. Copying him will just get you killed, I don't want you to get killed." She finished softly, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"You've always been a great friend, Cami, thank you." I grinned, a she smiled back at me. "Just a quick question, didn't you realise I was gone? I was chained up for five days. Five days." I asked determinedly

"We all thought you'd gone home." She shot back defensively. "I should've known when that council meeting was held earlier you were in trouble. You are such a dick, you know that?"

"Hey, I don't need you yelling at me as well, I've had enough of that back at the edge." I said honestly, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Not funny, you know everyone is miserable there." She said solemnly. I groaned heavily, as I sat upright, reaching to the side for my own shirt, when she slapped my arm away. "Don't even think about it, Haddock. I'll get you a fresh shirt, then I'm taking you back myself. Deal?" She asked forcefully. I nodded acceptingly. I didn't want everyone to be miserable. That was unfair of me. I've fucked everything up. Again. I watched her leave, the cold air blowing against my bare skin making my hairs stand on end. As the emptiness seemed to close in, I just closed my eyes and thought about everyone back home. Then about Camicazi. Cami for short. We have known each other since we were children. The same with Thuggory and Mogadon. As dad never went out of his way to visit anyone more than a day or two's ride away, I had to make all the friends I could in the village. People who didn't care about my title. All three are around my age, and the people I trust most from the three villages. That's the main reason I chose them to be on the council. Without trust, the whole thing falls apart. At least this way, I could make sure each village had a voice.

Cami came rushing back in, with a large green woolen shirt. I quickly pulled it on, shifting my legs to the side and slowly sliding off of the bed. My entire left-hand side was aching, and I was walking like I was completely drunk, constantly having to shift my weight so my dead half didn't drag me down. I had all my armour and weapons shoved into a sack that was tied onto the side of the light brown stallion. Cami jumped up first, holding her hand out. With a sharp pull from her, and a helping shove from another one of the villagers, I was soon sat firmly behind her. I placed my arm around her waist, as she nudged the horse with her boot, and it bolted away. I breathed heavily, as the cold breeze attacked from all angles, piercing through the thin layer, and chilling me to the bone. At Cami's blistering pace, the journey took us under two hours, and soon the archway of Dragon's edge's secondary gate loomed above me.

"RIDERS AT THE NORTH GATE!" Came the call from above. I closed my eyes, sighing heavily. I don't ever want to leave home again…