It wasn't until the next morning when they arrived at Berk meeting them at the gate was Ake.

"Our scouts reported that were heading," said Ake.

"What's the status of my father?" Hiccup asked.

"Unchanged, I'm afraid," said Ake regretfully. "We've tried more magical healing, but nothing works."

"Have the knights returned?" Astrid asked.

"Yes, but they are returning slowly. No doubt the war's progress… as well as the darkspawn's… hinders many of them. Also, we have lost trace of several knights it slightly vanished."

"Yeah, we know what happened to them," said Hiccup as he pulled out the pouch containing the Ashes. "But that's something we can discuss later; we have the Ashes."

Ake's eyes widened. "You have? Wonderful! Let us go at once to Lord Stoick's side and see the Urn's healing powers live up to their reputation!"

Without a second to lose, they quickly made their way to Stoick's bedroom. Once then everyone watched quietly as Hiccup sprinkled the Ashes over his father. For a few seconds, nothing happened, but then suddenly, a powerful magical aura covered Stoick's body.

Then slowly, he began to stir, and his eyes opened. "Wh-where am I?"

Hiccup bent down to his father. "It's all right, Dad. You have been deadly ill for a long time. Do you remember anything?"

Stoick stared at him. "Hiccup? What are you doing here?"

"I came here to help, there is much to discuss, but I think there's someone here who wishes to say hello," said Hiccup.

Stoick frowned and looked up, and his eyes widened as they fell upon Valka. "Valka?"

Valka just stood there looking a little shaken. "I know what you're going to say, Stoick. How could I have done this? Stayed away all these years and why I didn't back to you… to our son?"

"This is why I never married," said Gobber. "This and one other reason."

Everyone just looked at him.

Valka generally looked afraid as Stoick got out of bed and slowly approached her. "I know that I left you to raise Hiccup alone, but I thought he would be better off without me. And I was wrong; I see that now, but…" She kept backing away from Stoick until her back was pressing against the wall. "Oh, stop being so stoic Stoick. Go on, shout… scream… say something!"

Stoick then placed a hand on the cheek, and she just stood there terrified. "You was beautiful as the day I lost you."

Tears then pulled out of Valka's eyes, and everyone watched as Stoick brought his face close towards and kissed her on the lips.

Heather wiped her eyes. "That was so beautiful."

Astrid looked Hiccup and smiled. "You all right?"

Hiccup smiled back at her. "Never better."

Spitelout then stepped forward. "I'm sorry to break this up, but there are some things that need your attention, Stoick."

Stoick turned and looked at everyone. "Then it wasn't a dream."

"Much has happened since you have fallen ill, my Lord," said Ake. "Some of it will not be… easy for you to hear."

"Then tell me everything."

They made their way back into the throne room and began explaining to Stoick everything that happened since he had fallen ill. He listened to everyone stories without saying a word that he made one or two twitches when he heard that Drago retreated from Ostagar and how he proclaimed himself King Regent.

He then became even more furious when they mentioned how Drago hired an apostate to kill him, which led to his nephew, making a pact with the demon to save his life. When they reached the part of Connor sending hordes of undead to attack the city, it was surprising that he didn't crush the handles on his throne.

"This is most troubling," said Stoick when he finished explaining everything. He then rose to his feet and that this Hiccup. "There is much to be done, but before that, I wish to find those who have done so much. Hiccup, you not only save it myself but everyone who lives in the city. I can see now that I was wrong, and I am proud to call you my son."

Hiccup just looked at him. "Thanks, Dad. Though I have to admit it wasn't totally selfless, we did need your assistance in order to take down Drago."

"That goes without saying, but you still need to be rewarded, and I hereby announce you and those that follow you Champions of Berk. You will always be welcome guests within these halls. I also wish to present you Hiccup, with a shield giver only to our finest knights."

Ake then handed Hiccup a shield with the Berk symbol on it. "Thanks, Dad."

Spitelout looked at Stoick. "We should discuss Drago, Stoick. There's no telling what you do once he learns of your recovery."

Stoick shook his head. "I still can't believe that Drago is instigating a civil war even though the darkspawn are on our very doorstep. I knew he was power-hungry, but this?"

"I was there when he announced he was taking control of the throne, Stoick," said Spitelout. "He is mad with ambition."

"Mad indeed," Stoick nodded. "Mad enough to kill Calilan, to attempt to kill myself and destroy my lands. He has to be stopped; we can't afford to fight this war to its bitter end."

"Can't unite the rebel army and challenge Drago directly?" Snotlout asked.

"I could unite those against Drago. However, not all oppose him. He has some very powerful allies."

"Viggo and Johann among them," said Hiccup.

Stoick nodded. "We have no time to wage a campaign against him. Someone must surrender if Midgard is to have any chance at fighting the darkspawn."

"So what we give up?" said Astrid.

"No, not at all. Drago is responsible for heinous crimes, and I intend to see him pay. But, our armies must be reserved for the darkspawn, not for each other. I will spread the word of Drago's treachery, both here and against the King. But it will have but a claim made without proof. Those claims will give Drago's allies pause, but we must combine it with a challenge Drago cannot ignore. We need someone with a stronger claim to the throne than Drago's daughter, the Queen."

"Are you referring to Hiccup, my Lord?" Ake asked.

"I do, he had already proven himself to be a leader of men, and he is the rightful heir to the throne," said Stoick.

Hiccup's eyes widened. "Whoa, whoa, you can't be serious?"

Stoick looked at Hiccup. "Valka is a mage and therefore cannot take the throne. I only have a claim by marriage, I would seem, opportunist, if I make a claim myself, making me know better than Drago. Your claim is by blood."

"Yeah, but I'm a Grey Warden. To some people it would look as if the Grey wardens are trying to take power," Hiccup pointed out.

"Which lead to their exile in this country centuries ago," Ragnar added.

"We have very little choice," said Stoick. "Without you, Hiccup, Drago wins. I would have to support him for the sake of Midgard. Is that what you want?"

"Besides, Drago already sees you as a threat he won't stop until you're dead," Astrid added.

"Fair enough," Hiccup sighed.

"There's only one way for us to proceed and that is to call a Landsmeet, a gathering of all of Midgard's nobility into the city of Aresgan. There, Midgard can decide who shall rule, one way or the another. Then the business of fighting our true foe can begin."

"We also have to come up with ways nor does slow down the darkspawn," Ragnar added. "We have to delay the advance of the horde as long as we can until we can unite all of Midgard."

"Hang on, should we be a bit more concerned about Drago attacking the city?" Snotlout asked.

"His daughter might wish to press an attack, but Drago is not foolish enough to launch an attack directly," said Stoick. "Berk is the most defensible city in all of Midgard, it has repelled thousands of assaults. If I call for a Landsmeet, refusing the compromise and attacking Berk will only support our accusations. I'm sure he would rather if I died from the poison. Had the demon not interfered, that's exactly what would've happened."

"Can't we just fight him directly?" Tuffnut asked.

"You have gathered allies, but we need those for the darkspawn. We could attend to wage a military campaign against Drago. But even if we win… would we have enough left to defeat the darkspawn?"

"No, but neither would Drago," said Ake.

"Drago is probably gambling on this attitude," said Stoick stroking his beard. "That everyone will decide facing the darkspawn is more vital than facing him, so that he can lead us against the horde."

"Then while you're preparing for the Landsmeet, we should continue trying to gather allies," said Hiccup. "We still have two treaties, one of the dwarfs and another for the Freefolk elves."

"Then we should go to Orzammar; first, my people will be hard to track," said Ragnar.

"Then we shall send out scouts in order to find any Freefolk Clans while you're gone," said Stoick.

"I can also try to get some mercenary is on board, I have a few contacts," said Spitelout.

Stoick nodded. "Do it. But before we proceed any further, I believe there's the matter of the mage—my son's tutor. He still lives, I understand."

"He does. He is in the dungeon, my Lord," said Ake.

"Have him brought here, Ake. I wish to see him."

It only took Ake 10 minutes to escort Jowan back to the throne room.

"Jowan," said Stoick looking at him without a trace of emotion. "What you have done is not in question. You tried to assassinate me and set into motion a series of events that nearly destroy everything I cherish. What have you to save your own defence?"

"Nothing, my Lord… other to say that I am sorry. I accept no mercy for what I have done."

"I see," said Stoick and then he turned to Speedfist. "Speedfist, I understand that you were friends with Jowan and assisted in his escape from the Circle. Do you have anything to say on his behalf?"

"I did, though I had no knowledge that he was a blood mage," said Speedfist. "But I can say that he seems to be in earnest in his desire to repent."

"I see, but what do you suggest that I do?" Stoick asked. "As the injured party, my ability to see the merciful path is… strained. In addition, my son's judgements will be conflicted as he tried to poison me."

"I would suggest giving him back to the Circle," said Speedfist.

"Fair enough, a wise decision." Stoick then turned to Jowan. "Jowan, I hereby turn you over to the Circle of Magi. May the Maker have mercy on your soul."

"Thank you, my Lord," said Jowan and Ake escorted him out.

"Now back to the matter of the Landsmeet," said Stoick. "It will take some time to recall all my forces and organise our allies. I would prefer to wait until that is done before calling the Landsmeet. I would also prefer to challenge Drago with an army just as strong to prove to everyone that we are capable of fighting the darkspawn."

"We'll leave for Orzammar in the morning," said Hiccupvery good.

"Very good," said Stoick.

Heather then approached Stoick. "My Lord, there is something that I wish to ask of you."

Stoick looked at her. "What is it, my dear?"

Heather then pulled out her horn. "Hiccup told me the crest on the horn belongs to his family, and I've had this for as long as I can remember. Do you know who my birth parents are?"

Stoick took the horn and examined it. "I indeed recognise this, I gave it to an old friend a long time ago to celebrate the birth of his daughter."

Heather's eyes widened. "You knew my father?"

Stoick closed his eyes. "I did."

"'Did?'" Hiccup noted.

Stoick looked at Heather sadly. "My dear, your father was Oswald Oswson, the Teyrn of Berserker Fields."

Heather's stared at him, and slowly tears poured down her cheek. "And now he's dead and accused of being a traitor."

Astrid comforted Heather as she cried in her shoulder.

"I thought that I had a chance to meet my real family now all hope is dashed," Heather cried.

"Your brother might still be alive," said Hiccup approaching her. "He was out scouting just before the Battle of Ostagar."

"Small chance of that," said Snotlout, which earned him an elbow from Ruffnut. "What is it with you women your elbows?"

Heather brushed the tears out of her eyes and looked at Hiccup. "Thanks, Hiccup. But right now I want to prove to everyone that my father was not a traitor and I want to bring his murderer to justice."

"You'll have it," Hiccup promised.

Hiccup found Sten outside training, though judging from how he was holding his weapon his heart wasn't in it.

"That weapon not a good fit?" said Hiccup as he approached him.

"No, it's not," said Sten. "And I fear that I will never find a weapon that is a good fit."

"What do you mean?" Hiccup frowned.

Sten looked at him. "I told you that my brethren and I were sent here to seek answers about the Blight. We made our way across the Midgard country without incident, saying nothing of the threat we were sent to observe. Until the night we camped by Lake Calenhad. They came from everywhere. The earth beneath our feet, the air above us, our own shadows harboured the darkspawn. I saw the last of the creatures cut down, too late. I fell."

"That sounds a lot like what happened to me, and Ragnar had Ostagar," said Hiccup.

Sten nodded, looking sympathetic. "I heard the stories of Ostagar. Your kith stood their ground while others fled. No one can do more than that. I don't know how long I lay on the battlefield among the dead, nor do I know how the farmers found me. I only know when I woke, I was no longer among my brothers. And my sword was gone from my hand."

"You most likely dropped it in the battlefield," said Hiccup.

"Perhaps. I searched for it. And when I failed, I asked my rescuers what had become of it."

"Did the farmers know whether it was?"

"They said they found me with nothing."

"And you took them at their word?"

"I did. I knew they didn't have the blade. They have no reason to lie to me. I panicked. Unthinking, I struck them down."

Hiccup frowned. "I know little about the qunari, but I know enough that you don't part them from their weapons."

Sten nodded. "We consider our weapons are part of us, losing them is the ultimate disgrace. We are supposed to die with them in our hands, and even if I did return to my people to report to be arishok, I would be slain on-site by the antaam. They would know me a soulless, a deserter. No soldier would cast aside their blade while he drew breath."

"So without it, you can't return home," said Hiccup. "Where exactly did the darkspawn attack you?"

"Near Lake Calenhad, I can market on our map if you like."

"It's a long shot, but we might be able to find a clue of its whereabouts."

"Those words may be empty, but… thank you all the same."

Ragnar went to check on Heather, she was sitting in her room looking at her horn.

"You doing all right?" he asked.

Heather shook her head. "I thought I had a real chance to find my family, but I let it slip through my fingers. I knew I was born in Midgard if I had shown the horn to someone they would appoint me towards Lord Stoick as he could have introduced me to my father and brother."

Ragnar sat down next to her. "You know I don't have much luck in the family department either. I never knew my parents, my father died before I was born, and my mother just left me."

Heather looked up at him. "She abandoned you?"

"Let's just say that you humans are not the only ones who have tragic romance stories."

"What happened?"

Ragnar sighed. "My father was the clans keep, and my mother was a skilled huntress in another clan. My mother's clan did not approve of the match, so whenever our clans met, they would meet in secret and get to know one another. It was doing one of these meetings that they were attacked by bandits made up of both human and city elf. My father was killed, and my mother was wounded, but she managed to make it all the way back to my father's clan, but she was utterly devastated over the loss of my father. She stayed in our clan long enough to give birth to me and then disappeared, she was never seen again."

Heather just stared at him. "That has to be the most tragic romance story I have ever heard, but I'm sure that she just left you?"

Ragnar shrugged. "My mother's heart was broken beyond repair, I guess I was just a reminder of what she lost."

Heather then rested her head on his shoulder. "Your story makes a lot of my family rather significant."

"I don't think anyone losing a family is significant," said Ragnar wrapping his arm around her waist.

Hiccup had made his way to the war table where his father, mother, Spitelout, Gobber, Ake and Astrid were looking over.

"What's the situation?" Hiccup asked.

"We've been getting reports of fighting within the Bannorn, the sooner we get things started with this Landsmeet, the better," said Astrid.

"And the darkspawn?" Hiccup asked.

"They're practically running around unchecked, we got look for the even went as far as Crestwood," said Ake.

"That far north?" Hiccup stared.

"Apparently the darkspawn were chasing several refugees, according to the mayor they damage the dam's floodgates flooding the entire village."

"Many survivors?"

"Most of the villagers were up ground when it happened. Apparently, some of the refugees were suffering from the Blight, the mayor wanted to distance them from the villagers."

"Good thing he did," said Hiccup.

Stoick was absolutely frustrated. "This would happen to Oswald was in charge, I can't believe that Drago placed Johann in charge of the north and made him treasurer."

"Eret said that Johann was the one that placed the contract on me," said Hiccup.

"You still trust him, son?" Stoick asked.

"You would have killed Ragnar me by now," said Hiccup.

"Fair enough, though imagining hiring the Wolves emptied to the Treasury quite a bit, money we could have used to better equip our army."

"I'm doing the best I can the materials I have, but we'll be running our supplies soon," said Gobber. "My suppliers at Orzammar haven't come through, in fact, I've heard they haven't even been able to enter the city."

"Are you suggesting that something is going on in Orzammar?" said Spitelout.

"Something is going on over there, though I have no idea what."

"Good thing we're heading to Orzammar," said Astrid looking at Hiccup.

"Seems no matter where we go gone we need to sort things out, I'm hoping that this will be simple," said Hiccup.

"With our luck so far I wouldn't count on it."

"I say that the war meeting is adjourned for now, but I would wish to talk to you in private, son," said Stoick.

"Sure, dad," said Hiccup.

Everyone soon left the room, though Astrid looked Hiccup with concern before leaving.

Hiccup and Stoick looked at one another in awkward silence.

"What did you want to talk about?" Hiccup asked.

Stoick took a deep breath. "I wanted to apologise to you."

Hiccup blinked, his father never apologised it, anyone, as far as he knew. "Say what?"

"You heard," said Stoick. "After losing your mother, I couldn't bear to lose you, and that's why I never want you to leave the castle. Though by doing this, I nearly lost you when you, when I heard about, Ostagar I feared the worst."

Hiccup rubbed the back of his. "I wasn't exactly a good son myself, I just wanted you to be proud of me; that's why I kept on trying to prove myself."

Stoick gave a small smile. "I suppose I should be grateful to Duncan when he conscripted you, it's just a shame I can't say that to his face."

"So where does this leave us?"

Stoick looked at him. "You know you don't have to leave, I'm sure that your companion Ragnar is more than up to the challenge."

Hiccup looked at him. "I'm a Grey Warden, it is an occupational hazard."

Stoick smiled at him. "I'm proud to call you my son. And I'm actually glad that you decided not to listen to me otherwise we'd never discover that your mother was alive."

"It was a shock, believe me. How are you taking it?"

"I'm just happy that she's alive, though I still wish she sent me a hint over the past 20 years."

"As the one big happy family now."

"Oh, I still think we're a long way before we get to that point. But for now, I'm glad that she's alive."

After that, Hiccup made his way to his chambers, and he was pleased to see that nothing had changed. Everything was exactly where he left it, Toothless was even sitting in his corner, and that is if he was fast asleep.

He smiled and sat on his bed and began to remove his boots.

"So how did it go?" said a voice, making him jump.

Hiccup turned and saw Astrid had entered the room in a blue nightdress and Hiccup cheeks turned pink.

"I-it went all right," Hiccup stuttered.

Astrid giggled slightly. "You see me naked, there's no need to be so flustered any more."

"Easy for you to say," said Hiccup feeling rather hot under the collar. "What are you doing here anyway, in your nightdress?"

"Just wanted to make sure you are all right, I was concerned that your father gave you a hard time again."

"No, he just wanted to apologise to me."

Astrid looked surprised. "The apologise?"

"I had the same reaction, believe me."

"At least the two of you finally buried the hatchet."

"I still think we have a long way to go."

"At least it's progress."

Hiccup nodded and looked at her curiously. "Now why don't you tell me the real reason why you're here?"

Astrid then approached him. "I just want to see where work had after the temple?"

"You mean after the kiss or after we stripped naked?"

"Whichever takes your fancy."

Hiccup lifted her chin so that she looked him in the eyes. "Astrid, your possibly the most beautiful and strong-willed woman I have ever met and I have got more than a childhood crush."

"Then why have you never acted on it?" Astrid asked curiously.

"For one I wasn't exactly the most popular guy in the city, despite being the heir," said Hiccup. "Second, I saw how you handle Snotlout's advances, and I knew the direct approach wasn't going to work."

Astrid laughed. "I get the feeling that he wouldn't be as forward as Snotlout, I mean he seems to think that we are in a relationship until he sees another pretty girl walking down the lane."

"Fair point, but I don't know whether I'm worthy of you."

Astrid stared at him. "Hiccup, I've been wondering whether I'm worthy of you."

"Me?"

Astrid rolled her eyes. "Hiccup, you're a Grey Warden that has survived the greatest military blunder in Midgard history, fought against the city of undead, carted away through a tower deal with the abominations and found the Urn of Sacred Ashes. And if that wasn't enough, you're the heir to the throne while I just the sister of a knight, who was only a commoner into a few years ago."

Hiccup rubbed the back of his head. "Well, when you put it like that…"

Astrid then placed a finger over his lips. "Hiccup, ever since you won that tournament you haven't been out of my mind at all. Though for the first few days, I wanted to strangle that of yours."

"I was impressed that you didn't kill me right there and then," said Hiccup.

"But…" Astrid continued. "…then we got word of Ostagar, and then I was utterly devastated, I don't know why. I just regretted never getting to know you, the real you mean. Then you came back and saved us all, and that's when I knew."

"Knew what?"

"I knew standing right in front of me was a man I would follow, there was a man who I could call King. You only prove to be even more as we travel performing impossible tasks where others would know how doubt failed. When you slew the High Dragon, I knew that moment that what I was feeling was love."

"You make it sound like some kind of fairytale."

"I'm trying to be romantic here so can you be serious for one minute?"

"Sorry."

"I don't know how things are going to end up, but I would regret it if you die before I admit my feelings."

Hiccup would like to say that no one was going to die, but he knew that was a bald-faced lie. He read enough stories about the Grey Wardens to know that all of them were destined to die fighting the darkspawn.

"So would I," said Hiccup.

The two of them then passionately kissed one another and wrapped their arms around each other's waists. Their tongues danced inside each other's mouths and while they were doing that Astrid began to undo the straps around his armour.

Hiccup allows here's passion to control his body in his hand slipped beneath Astrid's nightdress, and she gave a little gasp. Though she did not stop kissing him and Hiccup took that as a sign to continue.

Astrid finally ended the straps around his chest plate, and it fell to the ground. The only stop kissing when Hiccup began to remove nightdress, and she removed his shirt. No sooner had they removed them then they went back to kissing, and Astrid's hands fumbled with his belt. It took about 30 seconds to undo the belt and then pulled down his trousers and is under close at the same time.

The two of them were now standing naked before one another, and then Hiccup suddenly placed his hands behind Astrid's buttcheeks and lifted at her off the ground. Astrid quickly wrapped her hands around his neck as he guided her to the bed and gently placed her down on top.

Hiccup looked at her. "You ready?"

Astrid nodded and braced herself as Hiccup penetrated with his dragon. He could tell them by the moans that she was in pain and waited for her to adjust to his size. She then nodded, and he began to move his hips slowly.

Astrid gasped with each and every single thrust, but slowly the pain started to turn to pleasure. She then placed her legs behind him and pushed him in deeper, wanting him to go faster. Hiccup increased his speed thoroughly as not to hurt her. The two of them moved in perfect rhythm, and none of them seemed to have noticed that Toothless was in the same room.

The two of them then came at the exact same time, and Hiccup then removed himself from Astrid. He then fell down on the bed next to her, and the two of them looked at one another smiling.

"That was incredible," said Astrid panting.

"Didn't you know I had it in me," said Hiccup.

"I guess the rumours of Grey Warden's prowess aren't exaggerated," Astrid smiled as she cuddled closer to him.

"I feel I can go for another round," said Hiccup.

"You might, but I can't," Astrid laughed and then she looked him seriously. "What are we going to say to the others?"

Hiccup frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I don't want them to know about us, not just yet."

"Why not? Why do we care what they think about us?"

"We don't, I guess," said Astrid awkwardly. "It's all just some new, I just want to share it with you right now, you know."

Hiccup looked at her.

"Look, we'll tell everyone, I just want the time to be right."

Hiccup nodded. "Yeah, I get it. This isn't the time, we can't take a chance of anyone doing anything different, including us."

With that, the two of them filled asleep in each other's arms.

At Aresgan, an emergency Council meeting had been established regarding from information that Viggo acquired.

"Stoick has recovered!" Drago roared.

"Indeed, apparently young Hiccup located the Urn of Sacred Ashes and cured his father," said Viggo.

"There nothing more than a myth!" Krogan yelled.

"Apparently not as evidence has shown," said Viggo narrowing his eyes. "My spies also informed me that you use an apostate to assassinate him."

Tyrell looked at his father. "Is this true?"

"Even if it is they have no, we have nothing to worry about," said Johann.

"That's not the point Johann!" Tyrell snapped. "It will now seem to everyone that my father tried to eliminate all those who could have stopped him from his rise to power. This also brings the question about Oswald's treachery."

"I did what I had to in order to protect the kingdom," said Drago glaring at his son. "Cailan was going to open our borders to the Asgardians, and I have no doubt that Stoick and Oswald were assisting him; they were probably the ones who put that idea in his head."

"Stoick will no doubt try to act against us, we have to put him down," said Krogan.

"I'm afraid a very small chance of that," said Viggo. "My spies are spies, not assassins and no doubt well guarded at this point. Plus even if we do make a move against him, it will only assist our enemies, and even some of our allies might question our motives."

"What do you suggest we do?" Drago asked.

"My spies informed me that Stoick the plans on setting up a Landsmeet," said Viggo. "I say that we let him."

"Are you out of your mind?" said Krogan.

Viggo sighed. "Clearly Stoick was the better Commander. Don't you see that this move he is making is a brilliant one? We can't act against it; otherwise, it will confirm his claims, plus it would also stop the fighting and allow us to unite the country."

"Are you suggesting that we play along?" said Drago.

"If you weigh they would legitimise your claim and give you much stronger army," said Viggo. "If we play our moves correctly, we might even be able to absorb the army that Hiccup is gathering."

Tyrell nodded. "It is the most sensible move, if we keep on killing one another we may not have enough manpower to deal with the darkspawn or the Asgardians."

Drago just sat there and looked everyone present. "We'll let things proceed, but I still want Hiccup dead."

"As you wish," said Viggo.