Part 3

Thora's heart was hammering. Hemming had sent her brother to guide her to him. She was so excited to see him and talk to him in person. They ended up at an old campsite they used to go to as a family. There was a waterfall fed lake, that has a series of caves behind it. It was a beautiful spot especially since the sun was starting to set. She followed Ryder into the cave, were there was a fire set up with food and water.

Ryder couldn't believe his eyes as Hemming hit his sister on the back of the head. Her knees buckled and she fell to the ground. "Why did you do that?"

"Can't have her running off."

"You said you were just going to mess with her confidence."

"I changed my mind." Hemming started to close in on him. The older boy had at least six inches and some muscle on him. Ryder backed up. "Don't you want your father to see that you are a real heir? That your sister should have taken her place after you in the line of succession after you were born."

"You didn't have to hurt her."

"She's just unconscious. Now go and deliver this to your father." Hemming gave him the paper. "You remember what to say?"

"It was shot into a tree with an arrow near my head."

"Good now run. You need to seem worried and out of breath."

"What are you going to do with Thora?"

"She will stay here tied up but don't worry. She will be safe."

Ryder nodded, turning and jogging out of the cave. This would be the best way to step out of his sister's shadow. Thora had always been the favorite, even if their parents hadn't said that. She was a great warrior like mom but she had dad's compassion and artisticness. The village loved her too. She went out of her way to help people. It wasn't like he hadn't tried to be those things, but he always seemed to have an awkwardness about him. He'd trip and break something or accidentally make the conversation awkward. There was always a little pity in people's eyes. The only people, aside from his friends who got him, was his GrandGob and Uncle Eret. Though they were very involved in the village they were still outsiders.

It was dark now but he knew the way home from anywhere on the island. His house was lit and as he got closer he could here slightly raised voices.

"She doesn't just stay out without telling us Hiccup! What if he has her?! We need to get out there."

"Astrid we can't just accuse the heir of Spear Island. We have extra guards out already because of what he almost did to Floata last year."

Ryder froze. He had known Floata had had a black eye last time Spear Island had been here. The story had been that she was helping her father on the boat and had been in the wrong place. His parents had made them lie and know he had put his sister with this man. He pulled some charcoal from his pocket, quickly writing on the back of the paper. He set it on the doorstep, banged on the door and took off back into the woods.

Astrid was livid with her husband. How was he staying so calm? Gobber wasn't helping either. She was glaring at her husband who was still in Chief mood when there was banging at the door. Hiccup rushed to the door, throwing it open and finding no one.

"Hiccup?"

"There's a note." He picked it up and closed the door. He started to read and Astrid watched his face fall. "No" he breathed. Astrid went over and grabbed the paper from him. She started to read:

You made a choice for the world and changed lives you had no right to touch.

I have your precious daughter. And heir

Chief hiccup, be in a boat alone at midnight

show me where you hid the dragons

Or your daughter won't see 17

Underneath was written.

Mom and Dad I'm so sorry. Hemming got in my head and made me think that time without Throra around would make you see me. I am so sorry. I'm going back to fix this. Tell Thora I didn't mean it or to ruin her favorite camping spot. I love you, Ryder

Astrid locked eyes with Hiccup. His face slightly blurry with tears. He nodded, "We aren't losing any more family." His voice was hard. "Gobber you gather the men and lock down Spear Island people. Don't answer any questions. Astrid and I are getting our children back." Gobber hurried out the door, as they went upstairs to put on their armor. At first there was a silence as they put things on. Hiccup seemed to know she was struggling with a shoulder strap and turned to help.

"I'm sorry" "You were right." they said at once.

"I know you didn't mean to make it seem like I cared less. You've had more time with the kids then I have but I do love them Astrid."

"Hiccup I shouldn't have yelled like that. I know you love them." She cupped his cheek.

"We aren't settling for any less then all four of us coming back." She kissed him. " Let's get our children." She grabbed her axe as Hiccup slung his shield over his back and his sword. It wasn't as cool as his Dragon Blade but it still had some hidden surprises. "Thora loved going to that waterfall with the caves. It's this way." Astrid started toward the path. Where she noticed familiar shoe prints. "Ryder." she breathed and took off. She could hear Hiccup behind her, as they rushed down the path.

Thora came awake slowly. The back of her head was throbbing as her eyes slowly opened. Her hands and feet were tied. She could feel the stone care wall at her back and she searched for a sharp point to cut the rope on her hands.

"So the princess is awake." Thora stilled. No it couldn't be. Her vision had cleared enough for her to see the silhouette of someone on the other wall. "Keep trying to get free and I'll make it worse."

"What do you want?"

"I want to kill those dragon's your father is hiding."

"There are no more dragons. They left 19 years ago and no one knows where."

"That's a lie. You know were."

"No I don't"

"You talked about flying with them in your letters." Her heart sank. It was him.

" My parents tell great stories and I said I would dream of flying with them. But I never have because they are gone." She slowly began working on the knot again.

"Thora!" Ryder came rushing in. Holding his dagur in his hand and coming to her side. He pulled her up and cut her hands free. He then cut her feet. "I'm sorry."

"It's ok. I know you didn't mean it."

"I'm going to puke. You Haddocks are so weak. Exceptionally you boy. No wonder you got passed up for a girl." Ryder rushed Hemming. "Ryder no!" But it was too late. Hemming had blocked Ryder's attack and now held Ryder's dagur to his throat. Ryder caught her eye and she held it. "Like I said weak."

"My brother is not weak. We are the children of Berk's Fearless General Chieftess Astrid Haddock and Chief Hiccup Haddock the World Changer. Grandchildren of Brenna and Axel Hofferson. Grandchildren of Chief Stoick the Vast and Valka Dragon Whisperer. I am Thora Asta Haddock and he is Ryder Finn Haddock. We will not cower to a little boy like you."