Soul of a Dragon Chapter 38
"speaking"- human language
"speaking"- dragonese
thinking- human thoughts
thinking- dragon thoughts
I do not own How To Train Your Dragon or any of its characters
Hiccup couldn't believe that he was finally looking at the chief. He had only seen him from afar, but now here he was. The man who is supposed to be his enemy had just addressed him. Hiccup was in awe over how tall and big the man was, he never realized that before. He had seen many Vikings in his life, but they failed in comparison to the Chief of Berk. Hiccup observed him one last time before speaking.
"Chief Stoick," Hiccup repeated.
Stoick stood tall as the boy repeated his name, it was almost as if he was trying to convince himself of it.
"The one and only," the chief said proudly.
That was when the chief held his hand out to the boy, Hiccup looked at it for a second before taking it into his own. He had seen that this was how Vikings greeted each other, he shook a little as he felt the strong grip of the chief. His hand was so small in comparison. Hiccup wondered if he would ever grow to be this tall or big. He assumed not, his father had always told him that he was small for a Viking his age. But he didn't have time to think about that anymore as the chief spoke yet again.
"Who are you young one?" he asked.
Hiccup remembered the name he had given to Astrid and the old woman, he had to stick with it.
"Cloudless," he introduced.
The chief looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Unusual name," Stoick commented.
Hiccup gently smiled at the chief.
"So I've been told," he responded.
The two men finally let go of each other's hands, Hiccup knew what was coming next. He knew that there was more to the chief's question that just asking for name. Hiccup didn't know how he was going to answer them, but he had to try.
"And your age?" Stoick asked.
"Sixteen," Hiccup responded.
The Chief of Berk stood quietly for a few seconds, Hiccup could practically see the man's thoughts. Hiccup had a feeling that the man was already growing suspicious of him, after all it wasn't every day that you get a visitor like him. Especially one that literally appeared out of nowhere. That was when Stoick voiced his thoughts.
"I must say that your presence here intrigues me Cloudless, especially when you're so young," he stated. "I would be lying if I said that my village and I weren't curious about you."
"I'm sure," Hiccup responded. "I apologize if I've inconvenience you all in anyway."
Stoick could see the sincerity in the young boy's eyes, they were evergreen. This was the first time he was seeing their color. They reminded him so much of his wife's. Valka was the only person he knew who could possess such gentleness despite being a Viking. It was one of the reasons why he was attracted to her the moment he met her on the battlefield. That was when the Chief of Berk placed a hand on Hiccup's head and ruffled his hair a little. Hiccup was surprised by the sudden action, but it felt comforting. It reminded him of his father, Cloudjumper would periodically ruffle his hair in a similar manner.
"Nonsense, we are more than happy to help a fellow Viking in need," he replied.
Despite the obvious differences between the two, Hiccup couldn't help but feel honored at that. He had never been treated like a Viking before, he had spent his whole life being treated like a dragon. But he had the chance to be both, but he would never tell the Chief of Berk that. For now, he would be a Viking and he would play the role to the best of his ability. His years of observation would come in handy in this situation. That was when Stoick remembered why he was here in the first place, he had to learn more about this strange visitor. He just hoped that the young boy wasn't an enemy of some sort.
"Now tell me young Cloudless, just how did you get here?" he asked. "We just survived another dragon raid and we didn't see any signs of other Vikings near the area."
Hiccup had to think, he had to be quick to. Toothless always praised him for being a quick thinker. This time was no exception.
"Well…" he started. "You see… I was on a ship. I was with my people there, we were traveling. And… all of a sudden… we were attacked."
That caught Stoick's attention, as well as Gothi's. That was when the chief got closer to the wounded boy.
"Attacked?" Stoick questioned.
Hiccup nodded his head, he felt really guilty about making up this story. Not only was he lying to the Chief of Berk, but he felt like he was disgracing his dragon family. He was making them seem like they were the bad guys, when in reality it was the Viking's fault that he was in this current predicament. But he had to play the role, he had to remember that.
"Yes sir," Hiccup replied. "The dragons… they came out of nowhere… they attacked our ship. I tried to escape with my family but I ended up in the ocean instead. I thought I was done for… that is until I landed on your shores."
Stoick's face went from neutral to livid in a matter of seconds. He couldn't believe that his enemies managed to attack another group of people before attacking his own. His hands clenched into fists at the thought of that, but he had to keep his composure. He didn't want to frighten the visitor in anyway, especially when he was another causality to this endless war.
"You were in the water for that long?" Stoick asked.
"I was, like I said I thought I was dead. I guess the currents managed to sweep me to the closet land. It just so happened to be yours."
"I see," Stoick responded. "And your family?"
Hiccup paused at that question. His family, he hadn't been gone for long but he was already starting to miss them. Especially his brother. He was so worried about the Night Fury, he wanted to know that he was safe and out of harm's way. He had to find him as soon as possible, he just hoped that he was at the cove.
"My people and I are nomads, we don't stay in one place for long. That's why we were traveling. I was with my father and brother," Hiccup stated. "I didn't see what happened to them, I just hope that they're okay."
Stoick could see the sadness in Hiccup's eyes, he couldn't help but be sympathetic to the boy's plight. He understood the pain of losing someone. He just hoped that the boy didn't end up like his wife and him, he hoped that they were able to locate his family or at least his people. It also made him feel relieved. He was worried that this boy might have been an enemy of some sort, another positive was that he didn't look like the type to work for Drago. He would admit that he had the same worries as his people did. He was worried that this was some sort of trick or test by Drago. But looking at this young man, he could tell that wasn't the case. He was happy to see that the rumors were false.
He remembered his wife's words and her wishes, she wanted Hiccup returned to his home. And now that he had all the information that he needed, Stoick made his decision.
"Until we can locate your family, you may stay here," Stoick stated.
That caught Hiccup off guard, he certainly wasn't expecting the chief to actually let him stay. But that was perfect for him, that meant that he could find Toothless and help the people of Berk gain a better understanding of dragons. His mission started the moment he landed on this island. Hiccup bowed his head to the Chief of Berk.
"Thank you sir," Hiccup said. "I really appreciate it."
Stoick nodded his head in approval, that was when an idea came to his head. He realized that the young visitor couldn't stay in Gothi's hut forever, it was limited to just Gothi and her patients. He would have to stay somewhere else, and there was only one place he could think of. His home. It was perfect. Valka wouldn't mind the company and he would be able to keep an eye on the boy. After all he's been through, the least he could do is make sure that his wellbeing was fine. As the Chief of Berk it was his duty to care for his people, but as a Viking it was his responsibility to watch over his fellow Vikings. This boy was no exception.
Plus, he didn't know why but he felt a connection to this young man. There was something about him that felt so familiar. It was almost as if he was reunited it something… or someone. But he quickly shook that thought away, he addressed Hiccup.
"You'll have to stay here for the time being, Gothi's hut is a place where only the sick and injured reside," he added. "But once you're fully healed you may stay with my wife and me."
Stoick could see the shock on Hiccup's face, once again Hiccup couldn't believe what he was hearing. Why was the chief so trusting of him? Was this a test? Was the chief onto his secret? Hiccup was sure that nothing gave him away at this point, especially when he left most of his supplies back at the sanctuary. The young boy was about to protest until Stoick beat him to it.
"I insist," he said. "I would feel more comfortable knowing that you're close by, besides my wife would enjoy the company when I'm not around."
The chief's wife. The chief had a wife! Hiccup was in awe over that fact, he couldn't a picture a man like Stoick being married. Then again, he supposed that anything was possible. He wondered what she was like. Was she big and strong like him? Was she just as capable of hurting a dragon? There were so many possibilities running through his head at the moment, but he couldn't voice them. He couldn't blow his cover… not yet at least.
"I would be honored sir," Hiccup stated with a slight head bow. "And if it's alright with you, I would like to make a request."
This caught the chief off guard, as well as Gothi. They had just meant this boy and yet he was already volunteering for work. But it did intrigue the chief.
"And what might that request be young Cloudless?" he asked.
Hiccup looked the chief straight in the eye as he prepared for what he was about to say.
"I would like to help out around here until I am able to locate my family."
Stoick wasn't so sure about the request, but he observed the teenager carefully. He noticed that the boy was somewhat thin compared to the teenagers here. But he did have some muscles, especially on his arms. Stoick could see that there were hints of scars all over his torso and limbs. There were also fresh bruises and bandaged cuts on his person. This boy clearly had been through a lot throughout his life, not just now but then as well. The old scars and healing wounds proved that, he wondered just how the teenager acquired them. If anything they proved that he was more than capable of handling himself. It looked like he was capable of some work. But the boy wasn't done yet.
"Please, I don't feel right just taking advantage of your hospitality. I would like to earn my keep," Hiccup stated.
He meant it too, this is what he had been doing for a good portion of his life. Back at the sanctuary he tried to earn his keep amongst the dragons, especially when he felt guilty about being born as a human. As soon as he was old enough he fought to prove to his dragon family that he was capable of helping them. That's why Toothless and him were saving dragons and fighting against Drago and his men. And now it's why he wanted to help out around village. He had other reasons of course, he wanted to learn more about Viking life and he wanted to show the people that he wasn't a threat. He had to earn their trust first if he wanted things to go his way.
And who knows… maybe he would find out who his real family is. Maybe he could have two families instead of one.
But for now he had to focus on the current situation at hand, he saw that the chief was contemplating his request. He really hoped that he would agree to it. After a few seconds of silence, the chief finally spoke.
"Very well," he stated. "We might be able to find some work for you, nothing too harsh or difficult. Then we'll see where we'll go from there."
A big smile spread across Hiccup's face and he nodded his head. He looked so innocent and childish as he did so, Stoick found it endearing. There was something about this boy that made him just want to protect him. He had a feeling that Valka would enjoy Hiccup's company, he was already becoming found of the young man.
"Thank you sir," Hiccup replied. "I look forward to helping out around here."
Stoick nodded and then he turned to Gothi.
"You will report to me as soon as his health is stable," Stoick stated.
Gothi nodded her head and she made motions with her hands, she then gestured to Hiccup. Stoick turned to Hiccup once again as she did so.
"She said that you should be good to go within two days, three at the most. Thankfully, you had no broken bones and the swelling is going done."
Hiccup let out a sigh of relief once he heard Gothi's report, he was happy to hear that he was on his way to full health. He couldn't wait to actually walk around the village of Berk. He had done so before, but he wasn't able to fully appreciate it. Now he would get the proper chance to walk among the Vikings as if he was one of them. And it would be a good time to look for his brother, he just hoped that he was safe and where he was supposed to be. That was when the Chief of Berk made his way to the door of Gothi's hut.
"In the meantime, I'll alert the village of your stay. I'm sure the youth here would be happy to take you under their wings," Stoick stated.
Hiccup's heart fluttered a little, he thought of Astrid when the chief said that. She was around his age, and she made it perfectly clear that she cared about his wellbeing. He didn't fully understand why but he wasn't complaining. He was looking forward to seeing and speaking with her again, this time it would be on better terms than before. He just hoped that he wouldn't ruin the small bond he had with her. Nevertheless, he nodded his head again.
"I would like that sir," Hiccup replied. "And thank you for your hospitality."
The chief nodded his head.
"The pleasure is all ours, after all you're a fellow Viking," he said. "And Vikings look out for one another."
Hiccup wished he could tell him otherwise, but he knew better than that. He had to wait for the right moment. But it made him feel somewhat happy to hear that, it meant that the Vikings really weren't that different from the dragons. The dragons too protected their own and they looked out for one another, just like the humans. Hiccup could see that the two worlds weren't so different after all. No if only he could get the two worlds to see that as well.
"Thank you," Hiccup said.
With that the Chief of Berk made his exit, Gothi then went back to his side and looked over his injuries once again. Hiccup just sat quietly as she did so, he contemplated what the future had in store for him. He just hoped that no one would discover his secret, especially when he knew that Berk aligned themselves with Drago and his army. If someone like Drago was able to figure it out, he wondered if anyone was capable of it too. Astrid was the only one who knew about it, but she didn't fully comprehend what it was. He had to be careful, he had to make sure that his gift didn't slip out. No matter what, he couldn't allow himself to speak in his dragon tongue while he was here. He had to make sure of that.
Meanwhile, Stoick headed for the arena, he knew that's where the Berk youngsters would be at the moment. Despite the recovering state of their village, they were still expected to attend their lessons. Especially when the fate of their home depended on it.
Soon it was outside the arena's walls and staring down at the young Vikings, along with his childhood friend, Gobber. The handicapped Viking was busy teaching them how to throw their axes at the assigned targets. He watched in awe and frustration while some missed and others succeed. However, the one that stood out the most was Astrid Hofferson. The young woman not only hit her target, but she managed to hit it directly at its heart. Despite not being her father, the chief couldn't help but feel paternal pride over her. He always accepted that kind of feeling, especially when he missed watching his child grow. It was the closest he was going to get at this point.
Finally Stoick interrupted them.
"Attention!" he exclaimed.
That was when the young Vikings and their teacher stopped what they were doing. They all turned to their chief and they quickly performed a quick bow in his presence. Gobber, on the other hand, waved causually to his friend.
"Ah Stoick!" he greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure of ya interrupting me class?"
Stoick frowned at the Viking's happy-go-lucky attitude, but it was just Gobber being Gobber. With that he moved onto his announcement.
"As you know, we have a guest here on our island," he stated.
That was when the young people started to chatter amongst themselves, they hadn't forgotten about the strange visitor. They hadn't been able to see him, with the exception of Astrid, and they didn't know too much about the situation either.
Astrid stood still and quiet once she heard the subject of her chief's declaration. It was the boy, the very same who captivated her so much. The same boy who now had a name, Cloudless. His name was Cloudless and she was finally reunited with him after so many years. She wondered what the chief had been able to learn about him.
I just hope that he didn't give too much away. The last thing I need is for him to be pushed out of the village because of his secrets.
She was worried about him, she didn't want anyone to find out that this wasn't his first visit to Berk. If anyone found out they would surely hurt him… or worse… kill him. Astrid quickly shook that thought out of her head.
I won't let that happen. He's not a threat, I know that. But nobody else does, hopefully he's learned how to be a good liar. Well, he has to be. After all, he's never told me anything about himself either. I just know that he has a father and brother… and that he had experience with dragons. But now I also know his name, at least that's something.
While she thought to herself, the chief talked to them. He was telling them to be polite and welcoming to the young visitor, he also told them about the boy's situation and that he would be staying here until further notice. Astrid zoned in and out during the announcement, her thoughts kept wandering back to the injured boy. She couldn't help but smile a little at the sound of his name, it was unusual but then again, so was he. He was unusual, and that's why she wanted to learn so much about him. She wanted to know more about the boy with the dragon necklace… the boy named Cloudless. She was daydreaming at this point.
But she was soon brought back to reality once she heard her name.
"Astrid!"
She flinched a little but she quickly regained her composure. She looked at the chief and stood proudly.
"Yes sir!" she responded.
Stoick gestured to her.
"Come here please," he added.
Astrid nodded her head and she made her way outside the arena. She was now standing in front of the chief.
"Astrid," he addressed. "Now that you are aware of Cloudless's situation, I was wondering if I could ask a favor from you."
"Sure," she responded. "Anything Chief Stoick."
"I was wondering if you would take the time to act as Cloudless's guide during his stay here," he said. "After all, the boy isn't familiar with land and he could use some help socializing with the rest of the Vikings. And since you're around his age, I figured that you would be the perfect candidate for such a job."
It took a lot for Astrid not to cheer. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, it was almost as if her dreams were being answered. She wanted to become close to the boy and now she had the chance. The chief had just given her the perfect opportunity to do so, and she was going to take it.
Of course I do it! Calm down though Astrid, don't give yourself away. Just keep your composure and everything will work out.
"I would be honored sir," she said in a formal tone.
Stoick was pleased with her answer as he nodded his head and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you Astrid, make sure he feels right at home," he responded. "That's what the boy needs at this point."
She gave him a firm nod and she was dismissed. Astrid went back to her training while Stoick went to make a similar announcement to the rest of the village. He would also have to tell Valka about the arrangements he made for the guest. Valka was always the maternal soul, he was sure that she would appreciate having someone around the house in his absence.
Astrid continued to excel in her training, all the while there was a smile on her face. Her peers questioned it a little, they had never seen that kind of look at her face before. She looked excited, there was a hint of gentleness and valor as well. Astrid felt special as she practiced her skills, during this time she thought about the boy. He was the only one to make her feel this way, and she didn't want it to end.
Cloudless… I can't wait to finally become a part of your world. The same way you became a part of mine.
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