More hot days ahead here in Australia, but fortunately my bus has good air-con. The story is hotting up too (see what I did there?) so I hope you enjoy. Back in a few days, Marty.

Chapter 15

The night air was bitterly cold on Hiccup's un-gloved hand as he held aloft a flaming torch to light his way. A flurry of snow whipped and danced in circles on the wind, but Astrid's tracks were so fresh he had no trouble following them. He had no idea where she could be headed, but he was sure it would not be towards the Great Hall. Even with the wind, along with the considerable distance between himself and the hall, Hiccup could still clearly hear the singing and many other sounds of celebration, indicating the Snoggletog Eve Feast was in full swing.

He came to a bare patch of ground where the swirling wind had not allowed any snow to gather on the ground but by walking around the edge, he was soon able to pick up the trail once more. He followed the tracks out to the western side of the village, towards the Dragon Academy, but before he had reached the gate, the tracks suddenly turned north. At first Hiccup thought the werewolf was trying to confuse him but then he realised the new direction would take the beast to Bucket's chicken run; Astrid must have picked up the scent of the birds.

Hiccup started to run, hoping to catch up to Astrid while she lingered in one place, but then he heard a loud yelp. Instantly he knew what had caused the beast to cry out so suddenly, it was a Thorston monster trap.

"What on Earth was that?" Gobber said as he appeared unexpectedly.

"Oh I'm sure it was nothing Gobber... um... what are... you doing out here?" Hiccup was surprised and disappointed to see his lifelong friend and teacher in smithing.

"I just went back home to fetch this crate of beer; that Elydonian Brandy Yak Nog tends to make me giddy after half a dozen bottles. But I think we'd better investigate that noise first, before I head back to the hall."

"Oh no need... I'll take care of it, you go and enjoy yourself" Hiccup begged "Don't forget, it's Snoggletog Eve."

"But that yelp could have been..."

"It was probably Toothless slipping in the snow" Hiccup tried to reassure Gobber.

"But Toothless is in the Great Hall with your father."

"Ah... well... there you are then; if it were something to be concerned about, you can be sure Toothless would have sensed it and gone off to investigate" Hiccup said convincingly.

"I suppose you're right" Gobber nodded "That dragon has a nose for knowing when there's trouble about."

"Exactly; so you head back and I'll let you know later if there was anything there" Hiccup smiled.

"Okay then" Gobber agreed and resumed his trip to the all, beer bottles clanking merrily in their crate.

"Phew" Hiccup exhaled.

"Wait a minute..." Gobber turned back "what are you doing out here anyway?"

"Oh just fetching some more firewood; gotta keep Astrid warm you know."

"Aye of course; give the poor lass my best."

"Will do" Hiccup waved as Gobber finally walked off again.

Having lost far too much time, Hiccup made a point of racing off in the direction of the werewolves cry only to find an empty Thorston Noose Trap, now ripped to pieces and scattered everywhere in the snow. Even though the twins had failed to catch their monster, they had spooked Astrid so she was no longer headed towards the chickens. Her tracks had returned to a westerly direction and Hiccup wondered if she may be headed for the forest. A few more minutes of track following confirmed his theory as the wolves footprints lead him into the trees.

Back at the Great Hall, Gobber sang one of his favourite songs (the one about the Goblin) as he approached the huge doors. Being very careful not to drop the crate, he lifted the bolt with his nose and used his wooden leg to pull the door open. Suddenly he was knocked onto his back as a certain Night Fury burst past him and ran off into the night.

"What do you know" Gobber said to himself as he picked up the scattered bottles "Hiccup was right; well don't worry lad, help is on the way to ya."

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Ah... the plot thickens for a cat with ambitions. This seasonal bearded guy in the red suit apparently is willing to take requests. So all I have to do now is get myself down to the nearest shopping center (ugh... all those humans) and then tell him what I want while sitting on his lap. Sounds humiliating but I suppose sacrifices have to be made sometimes.

Fight the power, Boo Cat.