FORTY THREE: Truth and Consequences

"Are you really my Dad?" Zephyr's voice was wary as Astrid tended the welt on her face from Johann's earlier blow. Her blue eyes were the exact mirror of her mother's, inspecting him as he sat in the pilot's seat, vaguely doing the pre-flight checks.

"I think so," he admitted. "I believe so. Apparently DNA says so-though how the Helheim they managed to get that information beats me… And I have been to worst absent Dad in the history of Midgard…"

"In your defence, you didn't know that she or Fink were actually yours until today," Astrid commented, dabbing the welt gently.

"I mean, we knew Dad…Eret…wasn't our real father," Zephyr commented. She shrugged. "Genetics. I mean, I have auburn hair and blue eyes and Fink is blond with green eyes. And Eret doesn't figure in that equation." He chuckled.

"Your Mom said you were seriously smart," he commented.

"Simple inheritance," Zephyr replied. "But…"

"I never told him because he was arrested and taken away before I knew about you both," Astrid admitted. "He was innocent, framed by Eret and sent to the worst prison anywhere. Somehow, he managed to escape…and…then, I don't know…"

"I'll explain everything…once we get Fink back," he said as the young woman sighed. "You okay?" She nodded and gently turned her hand over, showing the stained cloth that was the napkin he had drawn on.

"I kept it…because you were the kindest person I ever met," she told him. "You were the only person who understood me. I-I never realised it was because…you actually were my Dad…" And then she wrapped her arms around herself. "But you must be ashamed at what happened to me…" He reached out and gently wrapped his arms around her.

"Zephyr-nothing is your fault," he told her as she wrapped her arms around him. "You fought to protect yourself. You managed to escape and you stabbed Johann?" She nodded against his chest. "I can see whose daughter you are-eh, Milady?" Astrid gave a small smile.

"I should have fought harder," she mumbled but he reached out and pulled her into the embrace as well.

"You were told I was dead," he reminded her. "I thought you had given up-or that they were destroying my letters…I never thought they would tell everyone I was dead. But it did mean when I finally went back, no one could suggest I had escaped. I was officially announced as dead…and dead I'll remain until I have cleared my name."

"Where's Fink?" Zephyr asked, her eyes concerned. Astrid sighed.

"Eret took him," she sighed. "They went to Icefell, the stronghold of Drago Bludvist…the man Eret was working for when Hiccup..Ingen…Tallon was framed…" Zephyr's eyes widened.

"Sorry-your real name is Hiccup?" she asked and he chuckled.

"Yeah, my secret is out," he commented sarcastically. "My friends know me as Ingen and the world as Tallon Fury-but only your Mom and my cousin, Snotlout know my real name."

"So that's why Fink has his terrible selection of names," Zephyr frowned.

"Actually, I'm the reason," Astrid admitted. "Eret said they were my children so I had to register them myself. He refused to have anything to do with it. At all. So despite still recovering from surgery, I had to get a taxi down to the Registry Office on my own-with you two in tow because I couldn't leave you with Eret to look after at all-and register the births myself before the deadline. Eret insisted the boy had his name so I had to call him Eret…but I added Nuffink because you said you wanted a son called Nuffink when you got really drunk on that New Year's Eve when we went to that stupid fancy dress ball and we both went as Vikings…" Hiccup managed a small smile.

"Thor, I was the skinniest Viking ever," he commented as she smiled and looked into his eyes.

"Most handsome one I've ever seen," she murmured. Zephyr's eyes widened.

"Are you flirting with him?" she asked as Astrid chuckled.

"No-we always used to spar like this," she admitted. "So my son became Eret Nuffink Hiccup-because I wanted my son named after his real father as well. And Zephyr…well, you mentioned you liked the name when we were in the Cove that last summer, swimming in the mere and…" Her cheeks warmed at the memory. Hiccup chuckled.

"So Zephyr?"

"Zephyr Freya," Astrid corrected him.

"Daughter of Astrid Freya," Hiccup murmured. "Must be why she fights like her Mom."

"I didn't fight hard enough," she murmured but Hiccup gently stroked a stray hair off her cheek.

"We are where we are," he reminded her. "I cannot undo the past-but I can have compassion and forgiveness because you protected my children. And now, we have to follow Eret-because he has Fink. And because he is in the most hostile place in the Archipelago. And though Dagur and his Berserkers are awesome, this is a whole new level of danger. And for that, we need allies." He sighed. "I think it's time for a detour to Dragon Island."

oOo

The two aircraft touched down at Odin's Guard Airport on Dragon Island an hour later, taxiing to the private hangers where Tallon Fury maintained ample standing for both. Heather had phoned ahead and arranged enough transport for the main players and was also in contact with a charity for victims of human trafficking and sexual violence. Having been reassured by Hiccup that Johann was dead, she had accepted that he wasn't ever going to reciprocate her affections and decided to shift her energies into helping the crowd of women who had been escorted by Dagur from Betsy's to the transport. All had been cowed, traumatised and praying for a way out and she had recognised the brittle desperation in their eyes. And somehow, she realised that those years in the company of Tallon and his crazy and supportive friends had helped her. She knew what to do, knew how to support and deal with the terrified woman and she was certain that she could empathise with them. That she could make a difference-and Tallon had authorised her to use whatever resources she needed to help them.

Cami had spoken to her at length when they landed and the two women had ended up hugging. Then Heather had walked back to speak with Hiccup.

"I…understand," she admitted. "I didn't and I was angry…but she's a victim as well, isn't she?" The billionaire glanced over his shoulder at Astrid, who was helping Zephyr into the nearest car.

"Yes," he said. "And she didn't do badly out of it much of the time but yes, she was treated badly. Eret's a bastard."

"You killed Johann," Heather murmured, her green eyes staring into his. He nodded.

"I tried to reason with him…and I offered to buy her back," he admitted. "But I feel no regret at all that I shot him." She lunged forward and kissed him on the mouth, the action desperate and urgent. He remained still, never moving until she pulled back.

"Thank you," she breathed, nodding. Her eyes searched his face for any response and then she sighed. "You don't feel it, do you?" Regret flooded his eyes as he shook his head.

"No," he apologised. "I'm sorry." She managed the smallest smile.

"They need me," she murmured, glancing over at Dagur's transport, where the women were still waiting. "They endured what I did. And they're going to need a lot of support and help in recovering and moving forward."

"You can have whatever you-and they-need," he promised.

"I know," she breathed. "You're a good man, Tallon. And you deserve happiness. I know somewhere out there, there is someone for me."

"Maybe not so very far away," Hiccup murmured, glancing at the waiting shape of Cami who was casually leaning against the driver's door. "I'm always here if you need me, Heather." She smiled. "By the way, you can use the apartment as long as you want."

"I may want my own place," she commented and then gave a small smile. "I'll locate it and send you the bill." He chuckled.

"I'm certain you'll get the best possible deal-for yourself and whatever Foundation you set up," he told her. "Now I have a meeting." She nodded, already planning her next move. He smiled, feeling relieved because in his heart, he knew now that she would be alright. She had his friends-and him-and she had a purpose, a cause that she could use her skills on rather than just helping him with his revenge. And he would miss her…but she had earned her right to choose her future a long time ago. "Goodbye, Heather." And then he turned to the car as she walked back to the transport.

They swept through the busy streets of Dragon Isle, winding through the rush hour traffic and ascending the winding road up the the Presidential Palace, being waved through the perimeter and admitted to the main building. And then they waited. Astrid was tense, for the trappings of the Presidential Waiting Room was a level beyond anything she had previously ever experienced. Zephyr was even more anxious, dressed in a tracksuit and trainers that they had purchased at the airport concession store and completely aware and embarrassed by her dishevelled shape. The twins were lounging around and poking fun at the portraits of previous Presidents while Fishlegs was looking tense and Snotlout and Dagur were grumpy because they had been forced to hand over their weapons to the Presidential guards.

A clerk appeared at the top of the ornate staircase and gave a small bow.

"You may come in now," he announced decorously. Looking around, Hiccup rose and walked up the steps, with the rest in tow. The clerk appeared shocked at the motley crew that ambled up the stairs after the billionaire. But he composed himself as they arrived at the door of the Presidential 'Granite' Office and glanced at the guests. "Mr Tallon Fury…and party!" he announced and stood back.

President Mala Wing looked up from her elegant desk, her white sleeveless silk blouse shimmering in the light filtering through the full length windows. She smiled as she spied Tallon but her smile faltered a little at the sight of his entire party. Throk, stationed at her shoulder, scowled at the motley group as Hiccup walked in and smiled, then fashioned a small bow.

"Madame President, thank you for seeing me at such short notice," he announced in his smoothest tone. "I am very grateful." She smiled then.

"I can always make time for a man who has given so much to and done so much for the security of the Archipelago," she replied. "Please-introduce me to your friends?" He smiled and glanced at the group. Tuffnut was poking a priceless Viking earthenware jug and frowning.

"I'm sure we had one of these at home," he murmured as Ruff dragged him away before he could break it.

"May I present Fishlegs Ingerman, my attorney; Snotlout Jorgensen, my cousin and security Chief; Dagur Oswaldson my associate and fixer; Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston, my friends and rescuers-Tuff, leave that alone!; Astrid Eretson, my former fiancee and Zephyr Eretson-my daughter."

"Hofferson," Astrid muttered. "He ditched me like used goods. I'm not keeping his name, the bastard." Mala Wing gave a chuckle.

"You are all welcome," she said smoothly. "Please take a seat. You mentioned this was a serious matter." Hiccup nodded and sat with Astrid at his side. Snotlout and Dagur perched on the window seat while the twins unselfconsciously sat cross-legged on the floor, with Tuff stroking the thick cobalt and white Persian rug. Zephyr parked herself on the floor between her parents, her eyes downcast.

"I killed Johann Trayder," Hiccup began without preamble as the President stared at him in shock. "You are aware that the Grimborns are removed from he game and both are in your custody. I proceeded with removing Eret Eretson and called in all his debts. Throk was passed the data about his illicit trips to Icefell and I was given to understand that he would be arrested when he returned to his home after I saw him at the Casino."

"I was held up by urgent intelligence that Drago Bludvist's forces are massing for an attack," the Special Investigator said with a hint of apology, his deep voice measured. "By the time I arrived, the entire family had vacated the premises and only the unpleasant Bailiff was there. He insisted that the house was his."

"I disabused him of that notion," Hiccup muttered. "Eretson got away-but as he left, he handed my daughter to Johann as payment of his debts and took my son, Fink, to Icefell with him."

"So he crawled back to his master," Throk muttered, his tone dismissive.

"Astrid has now provided evidence that proved his complicity in the crimes for which a young man named Hiccup Haddock was condemned seventeen years ago," Hiccup continued as Mala and Throk shared a look. "He built his entire life and prosperity on that betrayal."

"Your betrayal," the President said.

Hiccup stiffened and his eyes widened. He went silent and the entire party looked at him, seeing him take a slow, shuddering breath. Astrid gripped his hand tightly, feeling him trembling slightly. Zephyr leaned back against his legs, her arm wrapping around them.

"You never asked for a pardon on your own behalf," Mala continued. "Just for your friends. You asked nothing for yourself."

"There was nothing that you could give," Hiccup said bitterly. "You could not restore my name because there was no evidence to overturn such an old judgement. You could not give me back eleven years in that hell. You couldn't restore my leg. Nor could you right the wrongs done to my fiancee and my father. You couldn't bring my father, who died penniless and broken, back to life. You could never alleviate the pain of betrayal I felt for all those years. And you couldn't bring me back to life. Hiccup Haddock died in Jotunheim seventeen years ago."

"And yet…the records of the Governor proved that Hiccup Haddock did not die as reported but remained in cell 34 until somewhat over six years ago, when he vanished, presumed escaped," Throk continued. "The clues you have left over the last three years you have worked with this administration, especially those in the last year, have pointed to the inevitable conclusion that you are Hiccup Horrendous Haddock." Hiccup lifted his chin, his face ashen as he realised his subterfuge was done. There was only one outcome: he was a convicted traitor and he faced the elected leader of the Archipelago Government. Mala Wing and Throk were duty bound to return him to jail.

"I only ask that you honour the pardons you promised for my friends," he said tonelessly. "And that you consider the fate of my son, who is innocent and a prisoner of Eretson, conscripted to fight for Drago against his will. He does not deserve to share in the fate of the man who stole him."

"You don't make any plea for yourself?" Throk asked in his deep voice.

"No."

"Then I do!" Astrid exploded, her fists tightening. "Hiccup was innocent of the crime he was convicted of. He was never a traitor-and I can prove that all he did was help a friend and deliver a package that Eret claimed would cost him his life or at least significant injury if he failed. I have phone records showing contacts between Eret and Viggo before the flight was even made, let alone after between the arrest and the trial. There are payments from Viggo to Eret's accounts and emails detailing his liabilities. I sent them all to Tallon Fury."

"I have them," Fishlegs piped up. "And the judgement from Viggo Grimborn's arrest and arraignment cast serious doubts on all judgements issued from that court under Judge Jarg-including the decision to alter a misdemeanour to High Treason and rush through a trial. He denied any appeals despite there being complete lack of process and appalling evidence of collusion of the Prosecutor and the Judge. I will be filing a motion with the Archipelago High Court to reopen the case and quash the conviction."

"And if he won't ask for something for himself, then we will," Ruffnut added. "Your Worshipfulness, we found this man in the sea half a mile of Freezing-To-Death. He was pretty much a skeleton and absolutely scared to death. It was pretty obvious who and what he was. But it was clear the poor bastard had suffered more than anyone should have to as punishment for whatever he did. And when we asked him…"

"He said he was innocent," Fishlegs said quietly. "He was broken. And it was clear this was who he was-an innocent, decent man. He worked for his berth. He pitched in and repaired the ship. He saved our lives more than once. And we came to think of him as our friend and as our brother. We helped him set up his company and have supported him-because when we found out what had happened to his father and that everything he had clung onto in jail was gone, we knew we had to stay with him. He needed people: he couldn't be alone. And he couldn't be inside without being able to see the sky. It was horrible to see. If you have any compassion, any decency, you would see he had suffered enough, even if he had been guilty. But my friend is innocent."

"Dude. And Head Honchette. Tuffnut Laverne Thorston at your service," the male twin announced with a wave of the hand. "Look, our little Ingen here is a man who was meant to be with us. He embraced our unorthodox life, he actually made us a profit and he stopped those outcasts gunning us down. He saved me from falling into a volcano! And he shared all of his wealth and good fortune with us. When my sister was injured, he flew her to the best unit in the North and made sure she made a full recovery. He has given away millions and millions to charities-not just obviously but secretly over the years. And despite his habit of stealing everyone's breakfast, he is the most generous, kind and honest man I have ever met." He paused. "Oh and he had us do everything we could to prove that Eret and Viggo were traitors."

"President Wing-he used his resources and his own resourcefulness to locate my younger sister," Dagur said, scratching his stubble thoughtfully. His emerald eyes were candid. "She had been groomed and kidnapped by your Trade Minister, Johann Trayder, and used as a prostitute and escort for several years. She was never allowed out without a minder and when he found her, she was mentally…broken. He managed to smuggle her out with the help of his friends and he contacted me when she was free. He cared for her for years, helping her recover and ensuring that she had a home, a family and friends who would look after her." He paused. "Eret gave his daughter-Zephyr, who it turns out was actually Tallon's…Hiccup's…daughter-to Johann as payment for his debts. Johann imprisoned her and held her against her will in Betsy's." Mala and Throk shared a look of horror.

"She escaped," Astrid piped up, her hand curled around her daughter's shoulder. "My brave girl fought back and escaped. Tallon took us direct to Trader's Isle and Betsy's. We went after her and Johann refused to release her. He was threatening to assault her…and maim her. He had my daughter and he was going to cut her…"

"I killed him," Hiccup said, lifting his chin. "And I have not one single regret."

"He was never going to let me go," Zephyr said quietly, her voice shaking. "He just wanted to…" She closed her eyes. "And I told him no and that I wanted to go home-but he said I was mine because of Dad's…Eret's…debts…"

"Slavery and indentured servitude were outlawed in the Archipelago over two centuries ago," Mala murmured, appalled.

"Not if Drago has any say," Hiccup said quietly. "His men believe they are above the law and that everyone else is their possession and plaything. That the abomination of Betsy's and Johann's proclivities were allowed to persist today is a stain on the Archipelago's reputation for human rights." And yours, the silent accusation added.

"The islands are traditionally autonomous and partially self-governing," Mala mused, "but maybe, in light of this horror, that needs to be restricted." She nodded. "Johann is dead. And his establishment?" Snotlout gave a smile.

"You don't have to worry about that, Madame President," he said with a huge grin. "Dagur and his men helped the women to safety and then blew it to Helheim."

"The women are here on Dragon Isle," Dagur added, nodding. "My sister is arranging assistance for them. I think she intends to help with their rehabilitation and ensure that this isn't the end of their story but just another turn in the road."

"I will fund her efforts and any Foundation or Charity she intends to start," Hiccup said without hesitation. Throk scowled and folded his arms.

"You know, there is an Archipelago-wide arrest warrant out for Johann Trayder for High Treason?" he said gruffly. "He eluded our men on Berk and Dragon Isle-and it was likely, in the Northern Markets and Icefell, that we would never get our hands on him. He would just slip away, shielded by those he had always favoured and advantaged over others." He snorted. "And yet our friend here has not only caught up with him, but brought down his vile trade in human flesh and ended his life and any aid he could offer to Drago." He glared at Hiccup. "You're making us all look bad, Fury!" He shrugged.

"I was just rescuing my daughter," he said evenly.

"And you are sure he's dead?" Throk checked.

"Well, he had seven holes in his chest-three in the heart-as well as a knife wound to the gut and a bullet wound to the head which I gave him just to make sure," Snotlout explained. "And then we put him in a locked dumpster." Mala steepled her fingers and sat back in her chair.

"So Berk is secure," she checked. "The Grimborns are in my custody. Ryker is co-operating. Viggo is not. Both will be jailed for life in the Maximum Security Prison in Hopeless-a jail that offers palatial conditions compared to Jotunheim. Johann is dead and now we can continue to undo the work he has done in undermining our prosperity and favouring certain islands over others. But Drago remains…and he is preparing for his final attack."

"With my son among his forces," Hiccup said urgently. "Madame President we have to get him out." She was shaking her head before she even spoke.

"I cannot authorise any mission there,' she said.

"You don't have to," the billionaire said. "I will go. I have to free him. It was my desire for vengeance that left him exposed. I could have warned him and offered my help when his father was bankrupted. I should have been there." His self-recrimination was vicious but Zephyr grasped his hand and he looked down into her blue eyes, the mirror of her mother's.

"You couldn't have known," she told him softly. "No one would imagine he could be so cruel, so utterly twisted to treat me as a chattel and kidnap Fink just to hurt Mom."

"I should have," Hiccup murmured, his thumb gently running over her knuckles. "I know him. The man is a monster." He took a deep breath. "And I have to go rescue your brother. Even if it costs my life…because he doesn't deserve it. He deserves to have the life that I never got. A life with his family and friends…" Zephyr sniffed and she clung tighter to his hand.

"Maybe you're just not thinking boldly enough," Dagur suggested. "Drago is preparing to attack. That means he's not yet ready. So you could launch a pre-emptive strike. Tallon has a strike aircraft that can insert low and fast and deposit a small team ahead of a diversionary attack. Maybe he can rescue his son in the process. Or maybe you can crush Drago before he can bring war to the entire Archipelago." The President stared at him in shock.

"You are asking me to go to war," she murmured.

"War is coming," Hiccup told her. "You have done everything you can to protect your people…but Drago has had decades to prepare. And he knows his supporters are being weeded out. If he doesn't act now, he will lose his best chance. I have to go-because Fink is my son. And I…" He swallowed. "I care for the boy. He doesn't deserve the father he's got. He doesn't deserve to die. He deserves to be home with his mother and sister."

"And his real father," Astrid murmured. Then she looked at the President. "Madame President-you really have no option. If you wait, he will cause terrible damage and deaths across the islands. At least now, you have the opportunity to take him down on Icefell, away from innocents."

"Makes sense to me-but I'm insane," Tuff admitted, lacing his fingers behind his head and lying back on the Persian rug. "Cool ceiling, by the way. Love the gold bits."

"Throk?" Mala asked as the tall agent looked at the people facing him. From what he had learned about Hiccup Haddock-both before and after his imprisonment in Jotunheim-the man was decent and generous, a clever man who spread his good fortune and cared from his friends and family while never deliberately harming another…except the men he had specifically pre-warned the President about. The plan had merit and Throk's instinct were screaming that if they allowed Drago the front foot, supporters would arise in places like Meathead, the Northern Markets, maybe even Jaegerby…but the decision to launch such a mission would go against all of Mala's instincts and against the prevailing military wisdom of containment.

"I would counsel…that you consider their words carefully," he said slowly, watching Mala's eyes widen in shock. "They are absolutely correct. If Drago launches his attack, innocents will be killed. It is a matter of when, not if, he strikes and where. A co-ordinated strike may act as a diversion to enable a small team to insert and rescue the boy…and maybe weaken their perimeter defences…" Mala tapped her fingers on the red leather blotter on her desk.

"I don't like it," she murmured. "I was elected not to go to war but to bring us together. To improve life for everyone."

"Drago isn't going to care," Snotlout piped up.

"Yeah-the people of Berk didn't really notice any improvement when you were elected because we still had Viggo," Astrid commented. Wearily, the President nodded.

"I will consult with the Generals," she breathed and then she paused. "Throk-can you ensure that all those who have so vociferously counselled for continued containment are corralled and not permitted any external contact following the meeting. At least until we have confirmed that not a single one of them has ever received a penny from Johann…?" Throk nodded.

"But what about…Hiccup Haddock?" he asked in his deep voice, his eyes returning to the seated shape of the billionaire. Mala inspected the man and then she nodded.

"I will await Mr Ingerman's evidence before I make an assessment," she decided. "Tallon Fury has proven himself as a loyal friend to the Archipelago Government and a decent man, assisting us in bringing down treachery and corruption. It is clear that the conviction he alluded to is unsafe and urgently requires review. Until such time as that is completed, I will release Tallon on his own recognisance."

There was a pause and then the twins were cheering and Astrid pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Um…what?" he asked, dumbfounded.

"You're free to go," the President told him. "I would suggest you don't leave the Archipelago, though I would not stop you if you wanted. Because I have the very distinct feeling that you want your name cleared once and for all."

"You mean you're not locking me up?" he asked in a faint voice.

"No," Mala said softly. "From what I heard, you have served more time than you ever should have. And suffered infinitely more than any man ought to."

He took a couple of shuddering breaths.

"Really?"

She nodded and then gasped as he curled forward, his shoulders shaking with sobs. His hands rose to cover his face as his entire body shuddered. Astrid wrapped her arms around him and cradled him into her body, feeling his arms wrap around her and his face bury into her neck. Murmuring softly, she gentled his hair and pressed a soft kiss on the top of his head.

"It's okay, Babe," she breathed. "You don't have to go back there. Ever. You're safe. And I'm here with you. I'm never letting you go." And then she looked up as the twins wrapped their arms around them, with Fishlegs and Snotlout also wrapping a huge around them. Dagur shrugged and joined in as the President frowned.

"His friends would do anything for him," Fishlegs told her. "We wouldn't let you take him back-no matter what he says. He's paid far too high a price for another man's treason." Hiccup waved a hand feebly.

"Air!" he gasped and managed to look up, though his friends were still clustered protectively around him. He palmed his damp cheeks dry. "I'm sorry…" But Mala had risen and walked to face him, crouching before him.

"I should be apologising," she said in a humble voice. "I don't think anyone appreciated how much you suffered-and how grave the threat of incarceration would be to anyone who had endured that place. I trust you, Tallon. I will not imprison you and I promise…I will do everything I can to see your name cleared." He straightened up a little, feeling Astrid snuggle against him and took a shuddering breath.

"Thank you," he said.

"Get some rest," the President ordered them. "I will be in contact in the morning with the answer." But as Hiccup rose, Astrid still holding his hand and his daughter standing at his other side, his face was set.

"No matter what you decide, Madame President, I am going to rescue my son."