I do not own the story in its original form or any of the original characters. It is a work of fiction for the enjoyment of myself and anyone who reads it. The story is rated m so anyone under seventeen shouldn't read it. I sincerely apologize for the long delay. A lot of things are going on in this old man's life right now including this virus epidemic. I hope you find this chapter enjoyable. This format is hard to work with so, please excuse the way its laid out. Soon in the future, Hiccup will meet his step-mother. The little Lord will return to Berk. You will begin to see similarities to the original story. A question arose that I will address, Astrid, will always be close to Hiccup, (and they become really close as the years go by when he returns. For both their protection, Hiccup, and Astrid keep their friendship on the down-low. Hiccup, in Berk society will suffer because he is the smartest of all the children and young adults. Many of the male children are jealous of Hiccup and that leads to bad thins too.

Hope you enjoy this and I will try to get the next chapter out much faster. Thanks to all who take the time to read my story.

The sea was rough but manageable. For the past week the Berkian vessel Odin Breath had been fighting near gale winds that fought against them. Seemingly endlessly tacking back and forth barely gaining half a league in a twenty four hour period. The captain and the men were exhausted. There were only two hours between changing of rowers and still men collapsed from over exertion. Even Chieftess Freya was taking a turn rowing and piloting to show her support to the men. At present Freya was at the tiller doing her best to keep Odin breath on course for Dunbrough. She was in a foul mood. At their present rate the ship would not reach Dunbrough for another five days and that was if the weather got no worse. If it did, they would either have to find refuge or turn back for home. She had been foolish to take the children who were both seasick but sleeping in the company of Berta, the children's nursemaid. To make matters still worse, she was ill herself. From the queasiness and her sore breasts she suspected she was with child. She had to be strong for the men, her children and little Hiccup, wherever he was. Once again, without letting go of the tiller turned her head away from the wind and vomited. Truly, it was going to be another bad day.

Back in Scotland

The sun was just rising over Alderman's hill. The previous night eight suspected enemies and traitors had been tied to poles six feet apart in a circle. In the center of the circle sat a large, shiny black harbinger of death. It was a creature of legend and nightmares. The creature was twenty feet in height and just over thirty feet in length. It had a set of wings that had a span of over forty feet. It had an elongated viper like head with a mouth that held retractable fangs three inches in length. This was a dragon, but just not any dragon but was a Night Fury. The deadliest, fastest most intelligent of the dragon species. His name Vultan and he was the king of the dragons. Unknown to humans, dragons were very intelligent. They had a language and, were organized into clans. Vultan was over four hundred years old but considered barely grown. The human god Odin had summoned him and had informed him that there was a human child who was to both human and dragon worlds was the Dragon Prince. His name was Hiccup Horrendous Haddock on the 3rd.

Vultan was to guide and protect the Dragon Prince. The Dragon Prince was destined to save the dragons from extermination and would help a human princess, and Viking Shieldmaiden who would be his mates.

Odin had told Voltan that Hiccup and his princess named Merida were chosen with one other by the gods to serve and save mankind. In the days that followed, Voltan was drawn to a forest with a circle of stones laid by humans known as druids to witness the joining of the prince and princess. Not only were they joined but they would forever be mates. That night Vultan saw a great bear stalking the joined and thier guardian with evil intent. He had attacked and repelled the beast. Vultan reached out with his mind and was shocked when the human stopped and looked his way. He was linked forever with this now tiny human. Voltan would have to protect this human from harm as Loki, the Norse God of mischief would send creatures and evil humans to try and kill Hiccup.

Previously at Delaney Castle

Curiosity

After the inquiry of the suspects, Hiccup was shaken which was not surprising considering the little boys age. Tara had discovered that the bondmates were still receiving gifts from the gods. Recently she noticed that their vocabularies, understanding and thought processes were that of much older children. It was difficult for the prince and princess because they were much more aware and sometimes the world to them was cruel and overwhelming. That evening Queen Elinor had a shock when the children were beinggiven their bath.

Maudie came krunning into the queens sleepiing chamber (actually Hiccups) red faced and screaming giving a quick curtsie to Elinor and exclaiming; "Mah queen ye must come at once. Beatrice is in the bath!"

Elinor; "Ah know this Maudie, Ah gave her permission to bathe the children!"

Maudie; "ye Donna understand mah queen. Beatrice is in the bath with the children!"

The queens eyes opened wide in surprise and both women left the bedroom for the bath. Sure enough there was a very naked Bea washing Hiccup and in between tickling Merida. As Bea saw the queen enter she stood up and bowed in respect leaving nothing to the imagination. Elinor red faced but smiling motioned for the 17 year old to sit back down in the tub. The farmers daughter did so immediately pulling Hiccup into her chest kissing his cheek; "Ah'm no done without mah Prince! " Hiccup giggled and pretended to try to get away making Bea squeeze him closer into her ample bosom.

Elinor; "Do ye always bath with yer siblings, Bea?"

Bea; "Aye yer majesty. Ah bin giving bathes ta me brothers and sisters since Ah can remember, "Bea kissed Hiccup pinching his bottom. "HEY!", exclaimed a now standing up little boy. "Ye Donna be pinching yer princes bottom Bea! I should pinch yu back!", Hiccup said laughing.

Bea; " Ahm all done with ye mah little mon. Now sit yea down while I wash yer mate or yer little soldier is gonna get cold," she said pointing and laughing.

Hiccup looking down curiously exclaiming " Ah dono know why at happens when Ah get a bath."

Elinor red in the face again says, "Now be a good lad and sit yerself down like Beatrice told ye Hiccup."

Bea had Merida sitting in her lap while she washed the little girls hair.

Merida looked at Hiccup, then at her her mother and asked, " Mummy, why does that happen to Hics little thingy?" Maudie was now beet red and exclaimed, "Mercy! The things these two ask. Ah'lleave before the wee Barron's ask me something," and the maid rushed out of the room.

Queen Elinor; "At is something yul no understand now, but let's just say at its summit at he canna control now but will be useful when es a mon."

Merida pondered then Hiccup heart talked to her; "Its at stuff about babies en such", he said being very serious.

Merida; " Mummy Hic said at his thingy changing is about babies and such, is at true?" Bea looked up not hearing the little lord say anything.

Elinor; "Its very true sweet an but no something ye have to think about fer a long time."

Bea; "Aye, ats true mah princess, it happens ta all men no matter how old. At happens to me brothers all the time." Now it was Queen Elinors turn to laugh.

Bea turned Merida around and began washing the front of the little girl. Merida watched the maid and now her friend as her mother lifted her prince from the tub and began to dry the wee boy. Merida undeterred asked, "Bea, will I get boobies like yers?" as she poked one with her fingers. Bea smiled at the little red head and said, "Aye princess, someday. Now donno be touchin em unless ye ask first."

Merida; "Why?"

Bea laughed and answered, "Cause they are mine an no one touches em without me permission".

Merida; "How come girls boobies get bigger and how come boys don't get big boobies?"

Bea; "Ye ask a lot o questions for a wee lassie don't ye?"

Merida unshaken states; "Da says there is no dumb question, an asking questions I'd how Ah learn."

Queen Elinor; " Merida, quit askin Bea such personal questions. You may be embarrassing her and its no at a princess does to her subjects".

Bea; "Ahm no embarrassed mah queen. I got little brothers and sisters! Princess, little girls breasts grow because they need them to and boys don't because boys donno need em."

Merida; "Why do girls need boobies and boys don't?"

"At's cause boys donno become mummy's and girls do," said the happy farm girl.

Merida; "Why?" Bea got out of the tub and was drying herself off while she thought of a proper way to placate the curious princess in front of the queen.

Elinor had been listening intently. She was pleased with how Beatrice was handling the situation. She was a patient and kind girl. Hiccup had been listening too and asked the Queen; "Mummy, why do mummy's need boobies?" asked little Lord Delaney.

Elinor looked down and saw her future son-in-law was quite serious and answered, "Hiccup mah sweet little mon, mummies need breasts so they can feed their babies."

Hiccup; " How?"

Now it was the queens turn to turn beet red. "Hiccup ye might no understand but a woman's breasts make milk and she puts the nipple in the the babies mouth and the baby suckles and gets the milk."

Hiccup thought for a moment and then said, "So its like a momma Yak when she feeds her calf."

Elinor and Bea both laughed. "Yes my son, just like a Yak mummy." Curiosity satisfied there were no more questions for the rest of the night. Bath times in the future would follow this same pattern until Merida and Hiccup married.

Freya arrives at Dunbrough

A large Viking longboat was nearing the docks. On this day Freya, Wife of Stoic the Vast, Chieftess of Berk, was having a very good day. On this day she only felt slightly ill but was no longer throwing up every five minutes. She was almost certain she was pregnant. Her breasts hurt, her feet were swollen, she had missed her monthly bleeding, and her emotions were giving her either the desire to cry or to strike out. The weather had cleared two days before so the Chieftess was able to wash, take time with the children and the crew and, was able to eat porridge and hard bread without spewing it over the side. She would see the healer in a Dunbrough after they landed.

The Chieftess of Berk was, like her crew and children were impressed with the size of the castle and the town of Dunbrough itself. The town was at least three times the size of Berk and the castle itself was the largest structure she had ever seen. This day the crew was wearing their best clothes under their armor and had been washed. Her son Herg was dressed in a green linen with green linen pants held up by a wide brown leather belt and stuffed into a pair of wolf skin boots. Little Celta was Freya's 14 month old little daughter from her first husband killed in battle fighting against raiders from a neighboring island. Unlike Herg, Celta had jet black hair that flowed down her back nearly to the waste and golden hazel eyes. She had a loving disposition, desiring to learn how to sew and do all the girly things most little girls wanted. Today she was wearing the same as her mother, a light blue linen full length dress covered by a dark blue linen strapped linen overdress held by two silver pin broaches that had amber mounted in them. She had on tiny little title leather shoes. Celta was also wearing a tiny leather Krause with silver bobbles. Where Herg was out going, courageous and curios, Celta was a little timid and suspicious around new things and strangers.

Freya noticed a crowd had gathered at the docks. There were soldiers, a man in shining armor, ladies and children dressed fine clothes as well as many towns people.

In perfect Celtic a man hailed them, "Ship ahoy! Who are you and what is your business?".

Freya's Captain Org answered, "I am Captain Org Dansson. I come in peace and I bring to you Freya Haddock, Chieftess and wife of Chief Stoic the Vast Haddock from the island of Berk."

Freya; I am Chieftess of Berk and as such I am step mother to Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the third, son of Stoic, and heir to the Chiefdom of Berk. I come in peace to fetch my son and escort him home!"

The longboat bumped against the side of the dock and tied the boat up. Without asking permission, Freya, holding Celta in her, followed by Herg, stepped up, crossed over the gangplank and stopped in front of the man in the shining armor and after looking the man up and down asked tersely, "Is this the way you greet a Chieftess? Who are you and where is my son?

The man smiled and bowed stating, "Chieftess Freya, I am Sir Gawayne MacGuffin, cousin to Lord Ian MacGuffin head of the MacGuffin clan. I am currently in charge of Dunbrough Castle as second in Command of the King's Guard.

Freya: "Why didn't the King meet me himself. Many would see this as an insult. Once again I will ask you, where is my son Hiccup?

Sir Gawayne; "I apoligise madam for his majesty's absence. The King, and Queen, along with Prince Hiccup and Princess Merida are on vacation at Castle Delaney which now is young prince Hiccups home."

Freya; "My son is four years old or soon will be. How can he have a home in a castle and why do you call him a prince?

Sir Gawayne; "My lady, as you have stated, your son is next in line for the Chifdom of Berk. In Scotland, that makes him a Prince. The Prince is much loved by the king and Queen as well as the people of Dunbrough. He is also betrothed to Princess Merida. No one informed you of this Chieftess?

Lady Laura, her children and the soldiers were beginning to worry since the beautiful, tall blonde haired Chieftess seemed quite vexed.

Freya; " Arthur told me this but I thought the night was in his cups and what he was telling me was drunken nonsense. Is there anything else I should know?

Sir Gawayne; "Well my Chieftess, As I said the King and Queen love Prince Hiccup very much. It is because of that and his closeness to Queen Elinor, that Prince Hiccup was awarded the title, "Friend of the Queen". At He and Princess Merida's betrothal ceremony, little Hiccup, I mean Prince Hiccup, was also given the title Lord of Delaney Castle. He not only has a castle ma'am but the lands and the livestock that go with it. Besides being a very wealthy little boy, he is a land owner which makes him a Scottish citizen. He is now part of the royal family and will someday be Prince consort to Princess Merida.

It was a lot to take in for Freya. Herg was wide eyed and wanted to see more while Celta had her head on her mothers chest staring at the night with trepidation.

Freya; When will they return Sir Gawayne is it?

Sir Gawayne; "They were not scheduled to return for another five weeks my lady. Chieftess, you and your children must be tired after such a long journey. We have quarters that will be ready for you.

Freya was hit with another batch of nausea and a wave of hormones which made her nearly cry. Her eyes were tearing up but she tried to hold them in.

With an emotionally shaky voice she looked Sir Gawayne and said; "I have come many leagues to meet my new step-son and to introduce him to his new brother and sister. Now I find that my little son is not here."

With that she swooned and would have fallen had not Sir Gawayne caught her. Sir Gawayne's wife left her place and came up to the queen.

Lady Laura; "My name is Laura my lady. I am Sir Gawayne's wife." She looked over to her 13 year old daughter Gwendolyn and with a nod of her head motioned the girl over. Chieftess let me take you to our carriage so you can sit down. This is m daughter Gwendolyn, she can take your little girl and my son Benton can take your son to your carriage. You need to rest. Now come with me."

Freya expected Celta to throw a fit but when Gwendolyn put her arms out, Celta smiled and went to the girl. Benton MacGuffin came over and reluctantly took control of Herg. Freya could hold her emotions no longer and she threw her arms around Lady Laura's neck and wept. She was a Chieftess and a Chieftess did not cry. Lady Laura just hugged her and patted her back telling it would be all right. Freya Haddock was Chieftess of Berk, but not on this day. On this day she was just a mother of two with another on the way, a long way from home, depressed, and needing comfort. Tomorrow she would be tough again, but this day she needed a friend and Lady Laura was that friend.

Castle Delaney

On Alderman Hill, dawn was beginning to break. Voltan looked at the eight humans tied on poles in a forty diameter circle. The Dragon King had watched as many humans wearing steel scales brought these men in chains, tied them up, and then left. He had been forwarned by Odin himself that evil humans were lying in wait and would try to murder Hiccup. He had arrived and had flown over the castle once then proceeded to come to this dark and lonely place away from the castle. He had sent a heart talk message to the little Prince in warning, but there was no need as the little lad and his mate had sensed the danger just in time.

After a brief struggle, two Viking females, Elisa and Ylva, had sought out and killed the assassins. Voltan wondered why Vikings would be this far south of their territory. Little Prince Hiccup had sensed on his own as well as this King Fergus that an evil conspiracy was in place. Voltan smiled as he sensed the humans searching to find the traitors. Hiccup himself had pointed them out.

It was the that Voltan acted, Voltan heart talked; " Little Prince I am Voltan, King of the Dragons. Do not be afraid, I mean you no harm."

Hiccup replied; "I am afraid but not of you. I saw you before in the forest when you saved Merida and me from the bear. I am afraid because bad men have tried to hurt me and my family. The King captured eight men, but they won't tell the King who sent them."

Voltan; "Bring them to us at a high place a short way to the northwest. Bind them and leave. Return at dawn. Ye will have the answers you seek. No human will be left behind or they too will attract our attention."

The next morning

Of the eight men, only three were left alive. When Voltan and his family landed, all of the men soiled themselves. When Voltan had jumped into the middle of the circle and roared, two of the humans simply died of fright. He let the terrible terrors have one, another he gave to a gronkle and the last went to a beautiful blue and red Nadder. As each human died, those who would live would pass out and have to be awakened. Now, as the sky began to lighten, the three survivors were unconscious but would hold back nothing when their brothers in steel scales came to fetch them. Voltan gave a loud, shrill chirp that signaled his family it was time to go.

Castle Dunbrough

The sun was up. Freya, Chieftess of Berk was just waking to a wave of nausea that forced her to run to the room called a "bathroom" by the Scott's to throw up in the ornate toilet. Freya looked in the mirror. Though she was just in her thirties, at this moment she looked fifty. She quickly washed her face and rinsed her mouth out with salt and viniger. There was a knock at the door and as she opened the door, two very young girls curtsied and introduced themselves as Mary the nursemaid and Hilda the chamber maid. In a matter of moments Mary had the children up, washed and dressed. Hilda assisted Freya to get dressed and completely freshened up.

Sir Gawayne was at a breakfast table off the kitchen sipping a cup of hot cider. The previous day, once the Chieftess and her family were fed and settled in their apartment, he had written to the King informing him that Chieftess Freya of Berk was here and that she wanted her son. The message went out early evening the day before. With luck, riding hard, they could make the trip in three days. Today he would speak to the Chieftess to determine what her immediate plans would be, then he would send two more riders with another message.

Sir Gawayne had doubled the guard and ensured the sergeants kept their men alert. Nothing was going to happen to the Chieftess and children on his watch, no sir. The Chieftess was nothing like he expected. Freya was blonde with brown eyes. Her hair was two long braids that turned into one and went all the way down her back. She was tall for a woman. Instead of armor with shield and ax, Freya had arrived in a dress, holding her baby daughter in her left arm while her right hand held onto her young son. That was until she found out Lord Hiccup was not there. He had expected anger and threats but what he got was tears and anguish, (Freya was with child but no one knew that). His wife Laura, ever ready came to the Chieftess' rescue.

Herg Haddock was interesting as well. Gawayne had seen Lord Hiccup many times but the two boys couldn't be more different. Herg was muscular, five inches taller and was very boisterous and outgoing. Hiccup was shy, thin, and a very quiet little boy. This was probably due to the mistreatment Hiccup had faced from everyone including his father. He felt bad for Herg as his father had been killed in a battle just over a year ago. He felt worse for Lord Hiccup as his father was still alive and had plotted his own son's demise. Gawayne shook his head. Vikings were strange people, though in honesty he had only met a few.

Berk

Gobber and Helga had invited Gunnar and Bergheld Hofferson over for dinner and mead. Astrid, now nearing three was sitting in her mother's lap, watching the adults conversing.

Gobber; "Ye know Gunnar, it seems ta me that Stoic has calmed down quite a bit since Freya came along".

Gunnar; "Aye, that he has. It's a good changer fer him and Berk. Freya must be feeding the chief good."

Helga; "Yer right, Gunnar. Freya is doing something fer Stoic but has nothing ta do with his stomach."

Bergheld; "That's right. Her appetite for rolling in the hay matches any man".

All the adults laughed.

Gobber; "I am sorry I live so close to them. Never heard such a racket, it's a wonder their children ever get ta sleep."

Gunnar; "Ye know that's right Gobber. How many times has he fallen asleep in the council meetings? Three?"

Gobber; "I wonder which one is the screamer and which is the moaner".

Helga; "GOBBER, minder yer manners yer in front of ladies and a baby!"

Astrid; "It's ok Aunt Helga, I like to play on the haystacks too!"

Both men and women roared with laughter. Astrid was confused. She couldn't understand what was so funny. Sure playing in the haystacks was fun but was it funny too?

Astrid; "What's so funny poppa? I play in the hay all the time with my friends!"

Bergheld squeezed her daughter, Astrid was a bright child, like Hiccup. She read well, she enjoyed walking in the woods with her and Gunnar and she was very inquisitive. Bergheld knew that she had better give a quick explanation to her baby girl, or Astrid who keep asking her and perhaps Bergheld's other friend's questions until she got a satisfactory answer.

Bergheld; "Astrid, my sweet girl, "Rolling in the hay", is a phrase we use when grown married people are enjoying each other's company in private."

Astrids eyes lit up and she said, "Oh, you mean like when you and poppa wrestle and kiss when yer in bed!"

Bergheld was beet red and speechless as her daughter innocently smiled at her.

Helga; "What do you mean little one?"

Astrid, " One-night Ylvi and I heard noises. I was scared and asked Ylvi what it was. She was giggling but wouldn't tell me so I got up to ask you and poppa. When I got there, your door was a little open so I looked inside and saw you and poppa wrestling and kissing. It looked like poppa was winning because he was on top, and you were making lots of noise. I went back and told Ylvi, all she did was laugh."

Gunnar, "Yer right, my little shieldmaiden. I always win"

Helga and Gobber were almost fallen down on the floor with laughter.

Astrid, "Poppa when is Ylvi coming home? I miss her."

Gunnar, "I miss her too little one and I think she will be home soon when Chieftess Freya returns."

Astrid, "Will Hiccup come back too? I miss him too."

Bergheld, "When the Chieftess returns, Hiccup and Ylvi will be with him, so don't you worry. I am sure that Hiccup misses you too. It will be fun to play with him and the other kids, won't it?"

Astrid, "The other kids won't play with Hiccup mummy, they say he's a runt and they hate him."

Helga, "Astrid honey, please don't say that to Hiccup. It would hurt his feelings very badly and he's been hurt enough by others."

Astrid, "I won't Aunt Helga. I love Hickey. When he gets back, I will ask him to come over so we can roll in the hay too".

Bergheld, "You won't be wrestling with anyone until yer married little girl," she said with a smile on her face.

Astrid, "Ok mummy. I was going to marry him anyway since Ylvi can't. Il think he's pretty. I won't wrestle with him, I'll just kiss him."

Helga, "Astrid, Hiccup is betrothed to marry a Princess named Merida in Scotland. It was done right after Hiccup was born. He belongs to Princess Merida and will someday have to move away and live in Scotland."

Astrid was pouting but not deterred as she said, "I don't care. When Hickey gets home, I'm going to hug and kiss him all the time. He will just have to marry me too."

Bergheld smiled, kissed Astrid and said, "So he shall my baby. So he shall."

Soon after, Astrid was asleep and her parents were wrestling once more.

Castle Dingwall

Lieth Dingwall paced as he waited for his "guests to arrive. He had gambled many times in his life but this time it was all or nothing. He had lived in this country most of his life. He had come to this place when he was four years old. His mother, twenty-year-old Lady Edith Ramsay was a second cousin to then King Kendrick Wellessly, King of all Angland. The king himself had arranged her marriage to a rich, sickly Sir Hugh Ramsay. He was Welsh and his first wife had died childless. Edyths father, Sir Averil Kimball had died in a jousting tournament. Shortly after his death, her mother , Lady Katherine had died of the palsey. Edyth, the oldest of five children, had been married off to Sir Hugh in order to provide for her siblings. The old man had been kind to her and she had given him a male child Lieth. In any case, King Kendrick needed to form an alliance with the Scots to secure his northern borders hence her second arranged marriage marriage to Sir Johnne Dingwall of clan Dingwall.

Life was not good for Lady Edyth. It turned out that she was his second living wife. In Scotland, a Lord could have several wives though usually most of the Scottish Lords took only one wife. Lady Clarice, Sir Johnne's first wife, was ten years older and quite cruel. Any infraction brought an immediate beating. Sir Johnne could not be bothered with the trivial problems of women so he ignored Lieth's mothers pleas. Sir Johnne did take interest in Leith. Leith was schooled, taught to fight using axes, swords, maces and all other forms of weapons as well as how to ride, court manners and everything else a boy destined to be heir needed. One morning, after a particularly bad beating, Lady Edyth threw herself off one of the highest towers in Castle Dingwall. From the moment he glimpsed his mother's crushed body, he hated all Scotts. He hated Lady Clarice for tormenting his mother to death and he hated Sir Johnne more for never intervening. Out of guilt, Sir John adopted Lieth as his son. Lady Clarice had only given him a daughter Florence.

Florence was a plain girl, slightly plump, quite buxomy and because of her lack of education quite dull of mind. She was cheerful to a fault and three years older than Lieth but she loved him and not in a sisterly way. At Lieth's fifteenth birthday, Florence took Lieth aside in the castle library, locked the door, and removed her clothes. Lieth stood in shock as she removed his clothing, Florence took his hand, led him to a large chair, and made a man of the fifteen-year-old. The two step-siblings carried out a raging love affair, making love in every room in the castle and on every piece of furniture. Lady Clarice suspected the affair and began to beat Leith like she had his mother. He had struck her once in self-defence. Sir Johnne was told of it and he had Lieth flogged. To make matters worse, Florence announced to him, she was pregnant with his child. He was ecstatic. He immediatley went to Sir Johnne and asked for Florences hand. At that very moment, Lady Clarice entered the room, informed her husband and in a rage, Sir Johnne beat the now sixteen-year-old into unconsciousness. The boy would be at the healer's for a month. He would never see Florence again. Florence had been married off to a man in one of the lower clans. Every time Sir Johnne thought about his pregnat daughter, he beat the boy with his fists. Within two months Lieth was forced to marry Lady Nicole Charles, of clan Mc Doogle from the village of Berringbrook in southern Scotland on the border of Angland.

The beatings continued from both Sir Johnne and Lady Clarice. Nicole decided to speak up and she was rewarded with both Lieth and herself a two-week stay in Castle Dingwalls dungeons and in separate cells. This did something to Lieth's mind. One day, Lady Clarice was found drowned in her bath. A fortnight later, Sir Johnne choked to death on his own vomit. At sixteen, Lieth Dingwall became Lord of Castle Donegal and leader of the Dingwall clan.

Lieths secret hatred of the Scotts grew. Every time he made love to his fourteen-year-old wife, he saw Florence. Lieth decided to bide his time. The years went by, children were born, and the Dingwall clan grew in wealth and power. He smiled to himself. His guests had arrived.

Castle Delaney

King Fergus was sitting at a breakfast table in Hiccup's pantry. Ion Macintosh was there as a young Captain of infantry. It was about 7 am. The men were discussing when to leave to gather up the prisoners tied to poles on Aldermans Hill. A tired nearly four-year-old boy walked into the room and crawled up into the King's lap.

Hiccup yawning looked up at Fergus and said, "Good morning Da. Are you going to get the three men upon the hill?"

Fergus hugged Hiccup and said, " ye mean those eight prisoners tied up there don't ya son?"

Hiccup shook his head and holding up three fingers said, "No sir, only three, the others are gone."

Ian Macintosh; "Where did they go Hiccup and how do you know this Hiccup?"

Hiccup yawned again, then answered, "Ah don't know where they went. That's all the dragon King told me aboot them. He also said at the men still there will give the answers you seek."

Young Captain Roberts chuckled and said, " Ye are telling us a little boy's tail, Lord Delaney. There is no such thing as dragons!"

Hiccup shrugged and said, "Voltan says he will be there soon and he wishes to speak with Da."

Captain Roberts; "Yer grace, we donna ha time fer children's fairy tales. We must bring the prisoners back and force them to talk."

King Fergus, "Mah little man here does foolish things on occasion, but he never tells tales or lies ta me," answered the King. "Go get your company and have them ready in the courtyard. We will leave post-haste."

Hiccup; "Voltan says Ah canno come. He also said that he will speak to ye as he does ta me. Donno worry Da, Dragons willno hurt ye unless ye try ta hurt them.

The little boy then slid off the king's lap and went to the bathroom to pee. Fergus and Ian continued chatting. Ian was skeptical. He knew the two little bondmates could communicate without speaking, but dragons? Ian Macintosh would have to see to believe.

Castle Dunbrough

Freya Haddock had made a good friend with Lady Laura MacGuffin. 28 years old, slightly plum, shiny short red hair, Laura was the quintessential Mother and Lady in Waiting. She had the queen's eye because Laura was kind, compassionate and patient. She worked with all the new ladies introduced to the royal court. The second the Chieftess of Berk opened her mouth Laura had known this woman was with child by the way her voice quivered while she spoke and by her eyes that were fighting a battle with tears which she soon lost. Laura came forward and put out her arms and smiled and in an instant, the Viking queen rushed into her arms and holding her like a daughter on her wedding night

Lady Laura held the queen and whispered in her ear: "Ah know dear, Ah know. It will be alright, everything will be all right. The baby is making all your emotions turn upside down and ye were expecting the little prince ta be here. I'm gonna take to mah rooms in the castle while they prepare a place for ye. We will have a cup o warm cider and chat. Yer among friends."

Not ten minutes later, Freya was again smiling. Gwendolin had dug out some of her old dolls and was sitting on the floor with Celta. Herg had been sent with a couple of trusted guards to explore the castle. Freya's depressed mood left her as quickly as it came. She liked this woman immediately and instantly knew she had a confidant.

Laura; "How is yer cider yer majesty? Not to sharp ah hope."

Freya: "Lady Laura, I fell as though you are a friend so please, no titles when we are together, please?

Laura: "ye honor me Freya and I appreciate it. So tell me, how long have ye been expecting?

Freya; "The truth is, I haven't been to a healer and started showing symptoms a few days at sea."

Laura with slight alarm, "Ye ha no been ta a healer? We canno ha this." Laura grabbed a small bell and immediately a housemaid entered. "Connie, ah need ye ta fetch Ma Prentiss the healer from town."

"But at aboot Master Thomas, my lady? He will be most vexed!" asked Connie.

" Just do as I ask girl. I'll no ha a mon examinin me new found friend ta see if she is with child. No off with ye and make haste. If yer not back with her in twenty minutes, I'll know ye stopped off at the stables ta kiss young Eddie. Yer mum would no be pleased." The young girl curtsied, her face red with embarrassment and ran to get the healer.

Freya: "Thank you, Laura, I am grateful. You are most kind."

Gwendolyn: "Congratulations Chieftess. I wish you joy and happiness.

Are you, sick mummy?" asked fourteen-month-old Celta.

Gwendolyn: " Celta yer mum might be pregnant"

Celta: "Is dat bad, will mummy be ok?"

Freya went over and picked up Celta and smiling told her daughter, "What that word means, my sweet one is that mummy is going to have a baby and the healer will tell mum if she is, and if everything is alright."

Celta: "Is it going to be a boy baby like my new brudder?"

Freya: "It might be a girl, just like you."

Celta: "Good. Mummy where is my new brudder?

Gwendolyn came up and said, "Yer brother, Prince Hiccup is away at his castle with Princess Merida.

Celta, "Who is Merida and why is my brudder there and not with me and mummy?"

Gwendolyn, "Merida is yer brothers betrothed, and they are visiting his Castle in the mountain province of Leal where he will someday live."

Celta, "What does "betowed mean?"

Laura, "It means at yer brother, Hiccup and Princess Merida have been promised to someday get married.

Freya, "I wanted to ask about that Laura. How did all this come about and why have the King and Queen Give a little boy such honors and titles.

Laura looked down at her feet as she answered, "Ah canno say my friend. The facts ere no pleasant and its no me place ta tell. It could bring ruin and harm ta me and me family."

Freya, "Please, Lauara, I need to know. Please tell me, I beg of you!"

Laura, "Before ah tell ye..."

Gwendolyn, "MUM NO!!!!" The knight's daughter was plainly afraid.

Laura, "Chieftess Freya, ah must have ye word of honor at ye will never repeat what ah will tell ye. Ta no one, not even yer husband, especially no yer husband!"

Freya, Please, Laura. I give you my word of honor on point of death should I ever repeat your words".

Laura, "Very well. Gwen, take Lady Celta to the nursery and play with her there. A very nervous Gwendolyn picked up Celta and under guard took little Celta away.

Laura went over and double bolted the door to her chambers. She then turned to Freya and said, "Ye ere no going ta like many things ye will hear. Are ye sure ye want to know? Many peoples lives, including Prince Hiccup and Princess Merida's life, will depend on yer silence."

I must know, please my friend tell me. Have me frightened."

Laura took a breath then looked Freya, Chieftess of Berk, straight in the eyes and said, "King Fergus, Queen Elinore along with our Chancellor, Lord Ian MacGuffin did the things they did to save yer step-son Prince Hiccups life."

Castle Dunwall

King Fregus was in the great hall of Delaney enjoying breakfast with Ian MacGuffin, General Guinness and ten of his most loyal knights. He was concerned about the strange dreams and the stirrings in his heart. His anger had dissipated somewhat, but the thought of the attempt on an innocent little boy kept his resolve simmering.

King Fergus; "Ian, Ah need ye and Arland ta take fifty men and a wagon and fetch our prisoners. Keep a good eye out. We don't know how deep this treason goes."

Ian; "We will leave as soon as we are ready. Give me twenty minutes". The King nodded in approval.

Yara woke suddenly, her heart beating rapidly. In the night she had what she thought was a vision, a terrifying vision. In her sleep, she had dreamed of a misty place. A place where ye walked in the fog and couldn't see farther than an outstretched hand. She had heard movement but could not see the cause. Then out of the mist, a great dark shadow rose, with glowing eyes, great wings, and claws. The great beast opened its mouth and spoke to her.

"Sorceress, I am Voltan, King of the dragons. I come in your dreams to give you instructions. There are steel scaled humans preparing to leave the castle. You need to be with them. I have need to communicate with them through you. It is vital to save the life of one dear to you and to all dragons. It has all been foretold. This one will become known as the "Dragon Prince. He is in great danger and needs our protection. If he dies before his time, a great catastrophe will be inflicted on the human world and all of us in the realm of dragons will be destroyed. You must go now. I will be waiting."

Yara quickly rose, dressed and headed to the grwat hall where she sensed the King would be. She was terrified. She arrived at the great hall to see King Fergus sitting at a table, speaking to several knights.

Yara; "Excuse me, mah king, Ah apologize for intruding but Ah must speak to ye alone for a moment." The King rose and excused himself. The knights did as well, leaving just Yara and King Fergus. The king saw, by the look on her face, that something strange was going on.

King Fergus; " Good morning Yara. What is wrong? Is it something with the children? Speak woman."

Yara swallowed and replied, "Yes my Lord King. It has to do, in a way, with Prince Hiccup!"

King Fergus: " Ye ha mah attention, at is it?

"Last night mah King Ah had a vision. In this vision was a great beast and the beast spoke ta me in old Norse. It said its name was Voltan, King of the Dragons. The dragon told me that Prince Hiccup is in great danger and that I was needed by him to go with men leaving this morning in order for him ta communicate ta them."

At first, the king thought the old healer was daft, but he too had been troubled by dreams filled with things he could not comprehend. He looked at the wide-eyed woman and knew she spoke the truth.

"Guard!" he spoke to a soldier of the king's personal guards, "Take this woman ta Lord MacGuffin and tell him that Yara is to accompany him when he leaves to pick up the prisoners." The guard saluted and he and Yara left for the stables. It only took a moment for the King to decide he was going as well. Dragons were legends of myth but according to the Queen and the children, they not only seen one, but they had seen him breathe fire on a huge bear. This was something the king wanted to see for himself. Shortly after the sun came up it began to sprinkle. By the time the king's party left the castle, it was a steady, drenching rain. The plodded on the few miles it took to get to the top of the hill. The sight they saw, had many of the men wretching their guts out. Of the eight men tied six feet apart in a circle, three survived but were unconscious, two had been burned to a crisp, one was covered in shart quills, one had been buried to the neck in what had been molten lava , and the last had all of his skin torn off, had his eyes and genitals torn off and was missing all his fingers and toes.

Lord MacGuffin: "By the gods, what happened here?"

Yara; "The gods have sent dragons to dispense justice so we could discover the truth. They are still here though we can't see them."

General Guinness; "Hold yer tongue ye stupid woman or Ah'l cut it oot."

"Ian, check and see if any are alive, undo their chains and put them under guard in the wagon," ordered King Fergus."

As the soldiers began to dismount the rain seemed to have stopped. Suddenly the horse began to scream and rear up. There was a sudden wind that helped toss the men from their saddles. The ground suddenly shook and then there was a stillness.

Yara; "My king, The king of dragons is here".

King Fregus; "Where Yara, I can't' see a thing in this fog. And speaking of fog, why didn't the fog lift with the wind?"

A huge roar sliced through the fog and then flames danced right above them in the sky. The fog suddenly dissapeared and there, standing before them was a huge black dragon, staring at them with glowing eyes. Two men fainted, most wet themselves, three ran for their lives. The dragon roared once more then Yara yelled out, "Everyone drop your weapons. Do it now or we all die".

Dingwall Castle

The rain had begun again as three cloaked and soaked horsemen climbed off their horses. Leith Dingwall ensured that everyone was inside with all the windows shuttered before the strangers arrived. He greeted each and shook each hand. Leith the hustled the men to the great hall under heavy guard. Unbeknownst to him and his guests, Leith's oldest two sons, Ozzie (14) and Patrick (10) had found an old passageway that stopped just above the huge fireplace. There were openings where the mortar had fallen out which allowed the two boys a clear view of the entire great hall. They had used it several times before as a hiding place. It was a little warm and very dusty but it was an excellent place to hide out when they had misbehaved. Ozzie's father led the cloaked men into the hall and then had the men remove their cloaks to hang in front of the fire to dry. A servant knocked on the door, but instead of having the servant come in and dispense the drinks, his father took the tray and served the men himself. The men's tunics and pants were non-descript, their armor, however, was not. Ozzie couldn't place where he had seen it before but he knew for sure these men were not Scots. All the men were seated and his father gave welcome and then as the first stranger spoke, Patrick nearly gave them away,

Patrick; "SAXO...!"

Ozzie was able to slap his hand over his brother's mouth before he said any more. All the men looked but then laughed and got back to their business at hand.

Lord Dexter Mountbatten; "Ye got rats Dingwall, ye need more cats!

Dingwall, "Ah need moor cats like Ah need more children," all the men laughed again. Na lets get down ta the business at hand. Are yer troops assembled and ready ta go?"

Lord Alexander Dwayne; "Yes our forces are quite ready and in position. We have also brought along 5,000 mercenaries, mostly Danes but some Franks as you requested."

Lieth Dingwall; "Good! Ah, will use them ta feel out the defenses. It has been reported ta me at Fergus as usual, has only brought 400 or so men, most of the king's guard, to protect im and at little shite Viking."

Lord Thomas Freemont; "And what of the assassination attempt my Lord?"

"It failed because yer "best in the world Saxon Bowmen," couldn't hit the broadside of a barn," said Lord Dingwall.

Lord Dwayne; "What about the men we sent in?"

Dingwall: "None ha returned so Ah must assume they are captured or dead. In any case, the cats out of the bag." Lord Dingwall rolled out a large map which he weighted down with their ale mugs. "In two days at first light two days, Lord Freemont and his men will move along the king's road and capture and hold the village of Middleton Stoney. Ye will leave some of the villagers alive and send some in all directions to sew panic amongst the civilian population. Ye will fortify and defend the town against the counter-attack at will surely come. Hopefully, there will be refugees clogging the road so any reinforcements coming to the king's aid will be slowed down.

Lord Dexter; "And what of my men?" asked the Saxon.

"Yer men will cross the king's road just to the west of Middleton Stoney, then ye will swing around to the West and cut off traders highway to the south". This too will stop reinforcements arriving from Macintosh." Ah, will leave two thousand me at the castle to defend it and to harass MacGuffin's when they move. Ah intend to take five thousand of my men, along with the five thousand mercenaries to take the high ground to the north and west of Castle Delaney. At will leave youYe c, Alex, to and cut off the Traders Highway. This will prevent reinforcements from coming from MacGuffin. Ah, will leave 2000 men at Castle Dingwall. Ah, will take three thousand of my men along with the five thousand Mercenaries and take the high ground to the North and West of Castle Delaney. At will leave you, Alex, with the main army of fifty thousand to surround the castle. It is old and in disrepair so taking it should be no problem. an offer the king terms but once inside the castle ye will search oot and kill the king and all of his men. Ye will kill at little Viking pup and I will put is head on a pole above the main castle gate."

Lord Freemantle; "We will not kill the royal family. Saxons don't do that. It's bad enough we will be violating a long-standing treaty between King Henry and King Fergus. I will not take part in murdering children." Both of the other Saxon Lords grumbled in in agreement.

Dingwall; "Very well. Once the castle is taken, Ah will gut and hang the little Viking bastards body from the main gate. Ah will give the queen and any female ta the Danes. They will all take a turn on the royal bitch and if she lives will become a slave. As far as the princess goes, Ah may give her ta me sons ta play with, then I will smash er head against my castle wall then feed her ta me dogs. King Henry won't squawk when we give im Scotland under a Saxon banner. And if yer worried aboot the Vikings, shite, the boys father wants im dead so e will probably reward us handsomely."

This was enough for Ozzie Dingwall. He grabbed his brother and said, "Patty, we gotta warn the king. Ah, will grab a horse and head for Delaney Castle. Wait till I leave through the servant's gate and tell mother allwhat we heard. Tell only mum."

Patrick; "Ah canno believe at father is doin. E's a traitor Oz, a traitor!"

Ah, know Patty, Ah know. We gotta warn the king. Try ta get mum ta leave. If we donno warn the king, E'll think we was in on it and ye know they hang traitors."

Patrick gulped and said, Ah like Hiccup. Ah love Merida an the queen. Ah dunno want anything ta happen ta them. But what o Da? They'll hangim fer sure.!"

Ozzie; "Ah, know Pat, but da as made is own bad choices. We must save the royal family. If we donna, we will be ta blame fer sure."

Fifteen minutes later, Ozzie had his great black mare at the Servants gate. Several girls he knew had gone to distract and draw the guards away from the gate. He had a young maid named Anna with him. He kissed her goodbye, opened the gate and for two miles walked his horse through the driving rain, past the many soldiers now around the castle. He the mounted his horse and rode like the devil down the Traders Highway to Castle Delaney, and the king. He just hoped he'd be in time.

Back at Castle Dunbrough, Chieftess Freya Haddock the Fierce as she would become known, was sitting, drinking tea and eating lunch with her new friend Laura listening intently to the story that was unravelin.

Laura: "Ye see Freya, the Scots had battled invading hoards for centuries. The Vikings, the Danes, the Saxons, the Franks and the Gauls. Our shores are rocky and our land hilly and easily defended. The Clans used ta fight agin each other as well. During the last civil war, King Fergus won a tremendous victory over the other Clans. Instead of killing off is enemies, taking their lands and their families as slaves, Fergus pardoned them and sought peace. The Clans were so grateful at they elected him unanimously ta be king. Fer ten years he sought out peace agreements with the Saxons to the south, and the Gauls and Franks to the east. The Vikings were always a threat to the trade we had with all these former enemies. We were invaded by a large army o Romans, who now call themselves Eyetalians. We were in a bad way during the battle for Dunbrough when suddenly, a group of Vikings under the command of yer husband, Stoic the Vast attacked the Romans right flank. Though few in number, the Vikings attacked with much bravery and bloodlust. They were quickly surrounded by thousands of Roman soldiers and they took terrible casualties. Nah King Fergus, watching the battle behind the redoubts of a fortress, decided that he could no let the Vikings die lest shame come upon the Scots. Fergus rallied his forces and attacked the Romans from several directions. The Roman lines broke and they retreated under good order back to their ships. They left thousands of dead and wounded men on the field. Fergus met and befriended Stoic at very day.

The two men would continue to be friends. Stoic became Chief after is da was killed in battle and the first thing he did was to seek out Fergus through mutual emissaries. A formal meeting was held at Castle Dunbrough and treaty of mutual defense and trade was hammered oot. Now Stoic ad brought is first wife with im. I was introduced to her at court after the signing. Both Chieftess Valka and our Queen Elenor had small children. Hiccup who was tiny being born to early was tiny and frail. Merida, queen Elinore's daughter, and our princess Merida had been secretly promised to each other when they were first born on a prior visit ta Scotland. " At this point, Laura paused, took a bite of food and a big gulp of wine before she continued.

Freya: "That cant be all Laura, tell me the rest!"

Laura: " Are ye sure Freya? The rest you'll no like."

Freya: "Yes, please Laura, I must know the whole story".

Laura: "My friend, yer husband is one of the toughest, smartest, and bravest warriors this world as ever seen. Unfortunately, e can also be a very cruel mon."

Freya: "How so?"

Laura: "Ah didno see this with me own eyes, but story has it at while on Berk, Stoic beat Valka and almost killed Hiccup when he spanked the boy when e was just a wee baron no older than a year. It is said, is cruelty is the reason Valka left. Hiccup is terrified of the mon. The story goes at breakfast one mornin, Stoic demanded a kiss after seein the princess kiss er da. Hiccup screamed and ran away. The poor little lad hid so well at it took all o the Royal Guards and Servants ta find in. When they did, e was hidin on top of the castle's highest turrets roof. It took the king imself ta talk the boy down. Ah am sorry ta tell ye at, it is also said at Stoic and Valka didno even look fer the boy. Stoic out o hatred an poor Valka oot o fear."

Freya: What happened after they found my son?"

Laura: Ah was at the castle along with the rest o the ladies in waitin because of the treaty signin. Ah am no a high rankin lady so Ah were no upfront o things. There were a rumor at Stoic was even goin ta ave the boy thrown inta the sea once the Vikings left."

Freya: "Lady Laura, you do not know what you are saying. This just can't be true!"

Laura: "Ah am sorry Chieftess. Ah told ye at ye wereno goin ta like it. Ah kin stop if ye wish it."

Freya thought for a moment and then said, "I'm sorry Laura. I did ask you to tell me. I need to know these things if I am to be a good mother for Hiccup. Please go on. We are friends now and I value what you have to say."

Laura: "Ah donno mean ta upset ye. At this point, Lord Gobber got word of Chief Stoics' intent. He was very angry. Told Stoic to is face at if little Prince Hiccup didno make it back ta the Island o Berk, neither would e. Ah must admit at me an several ladies eard Stoic say more en once at Hiccup wudno er become chief. Ah cudno believe me ears, but say it e did. At's when Elinore stepped in. She had Hiccup in er arms any time Stoic was around. She even made a deal with the boys mum, ta keep the little prince in er rooms ta keep im safe. When het majesty told the king, Fergus was irate. It is said e held a private meeting with his Lords an they agreed on a plan ta save the boy."

Freya mesmerized said, "What was the plan and how did it turn out?"

Laura: "No one knows fer sure but Ah kin tell ye at took place. The queen kept Princess Merida tagether at all times. Its good cause the wee ones absolutely adore one another. They ere always playin, oldin ands and kissin like they were older kids. Cute as can be ah tell ye. Anyway, there was a party at was gonna be held in honor of the treaty bein signed and fer respect fer the Vikins. The King requested the presence of all members of the court, includin meself, ta be in attendance fer a special ceremony. If ye had seen yer usband at day you would ha known e thought it was fer im and Chieftess Valka like the rest of us. WE was wrong. In front of the court ere comes little Lord Hiccup dressed like a knight and wearin tiny armor looking like a Roman Centurion. The queen told all of us ladies at Hiccup ad seen a picture and like it so the King and Queen ad it made fer im. Ah'm sorry, Ah went down a rabbit hole didn't Ah. Well Hiccup comes up in front o the King and Queen and just like e'd been doin it is ole life, takes a knee. The King tells im ta rise and tells the court at because of is devotion to the queen and the live the Queen as fer the boy, at Hiccup was awarded the title o "Friend o the Queen", which gives im the right to approach the queen and call er by name just as a vlose friend or like Her daughter Merida does. The Queen got up and placed a golden necklace with a medalion around is neck. All of us were shocked but that was just the beginning. Next, Princess Merida was announced and actin like a grown lady comes up, curtsies to her mum and then took Hiccups and. The King and Queen rise and the King formily announced at Hiccup and Merida are legally betrothed and at they will be married after Hiccups' seventeenth birthday. Merida took his little face and planted a smooch on him at made every maid in attendance blush. The last part was the best."

Freya: "What happened then?"

Laura: "The King gives little Hiccup a castle, land, livestock, a farmer and his family as well as a small chest of gold pieces. E the looks the whole court overr and then bestows on Hiccup the title of Lord of Clan Delaney". King Fergus explained to the Vikings that Hicvup was now part of the royal families of Scotand and a Scottish citizen."

Freya: "The King gave a three-year-old a castle, pledges my son in marriage to his daughter, a princess, and gives him wealth. Why?"

Laura: "Ta save is life my lady. If any harm comes to yer boy, the country of those who harm im will be at war with all o Scotland."

Freya: "Truly Laura?"

Laura: "Truly. You should also commonly rumored at two children were taken into the woods by the healers and "bonded" by the gods ta each another forever. Ah ave seen with me own eyes how close they are. The healers are rumored also ta be witches but ye didno ere at from me."

Freya: "Now you are teasing me Laura. Bonded, and by witches, come on?"

Laura: "Ah know ye donno believe and ye scoff. Watch em sometime. You'll like the rest of us how they look at each other. They don't act like the babies they are but like teenagers much older. It is said at they can talk through their minds without movin their lips and at long distances too. Just watch my friend, you'll see fer yerself. These two children ere as close as they can be."

Freya just pondered what Laura had said while she sipped her ale.

Aldermans Hill near Castle Delaney

Keeping an eye on the enormous shape that was the black dragon, King Fergus dismounted as well as Ian MacGuffin, followed closely by Yara the healer. The King looked at each tied figure. Yara stopped to examine each body. Lord MacGuffin had the two apprehensive knights position their terrified men to protect the king.

King Fergus outload to himself: "At in the bloody ell happened ere?" as Fergus walked over the scorched ground.

Yara: "These three are still alive my king."

Suddenly the man dressed in knights garb began screaming at the top of his lungs, "Save me, save me, for the god's sake please save me."

The other two men came around and began screaming and crying hysterically. Voltan roared again and immediately all three surviving prisoners defecated themselves. One man passed out and the other two quit screaming but continued to sob and beg the for mercy. To their credit, none of the humans had bolted when the King of the dragons had roared. Voltan was pleasantly surprised and walked a few paces closer. The black dragon looked at Yara and warbled. To her amazement, Yara received mental communication from the huge beast.

Voltan hissed in his language: "Human female, I am Voltan, King of the Dragons. I have come to speak to the one who protects the Dragon Prince. So long as humans are calm and do not try to harm us, no harm will come to them."

Yara: "Mah king, the dragon has spoken to me. Ah canno explain how Ah can understand the beast, but Ah do. It says its name is Voltan and at e is the King o the Dragons. E says at if we donno try to harm them, they wilno harm us."

King Fergus: "Assure the beastie at mah men wilno raise a and against im. Ah give im mah word."

Voltan sat on his haunches for a moment and eyed the humans carefully. He had no time to spare so he spoke again to Yara: "Female human is this the one who protects the Dragon Prince?"

Yara: "King Voltan, I am called Yara. I am a healer..."

Voltan: "You are a magic-user, not a simple healer of humans. Do not lie to me again".

Flustered Yara replied, "Ah am sorry King Voltan. Ah didno mean ta lie, it's just at humans will harm me if it were known at Ah am a magic-user. These humans call mah kind witches and if we are caught using magic, burn us at the stake."

Voltan: "No matter, is this one, (and the old dragon looked at King Fergus), that protects the Dragon Prince?"

Yara: "This is King Fergus. He is our leader. Who is the Dragon Prince?"

Voltan growing impatient growled: "Do not play games with me magic-user or I will burn you myself. Tell your king that the five dead humans were those who actively were trying to kill the Dragon Prince and his mate." Volton pointed at the prisoner to the left and said, "This one was helping the one at the middle but had no knowledge of any of the planning."

The dragon then pointed his snout to the one on the right and said, "This one should not have come, he is loyal to your family and the Dragon Prince. The one in the middle is the one you want. He is a leader of those who would have killed Hiccup and his fire head mate. This one is evil and knows of the evil ones that are coming."

King Fergus: "At is it sayin Yara? Who is coming? Why are they coming".

Yara: "E said evil is coming oor way. Much evil. E told me who knows about the plot."

Coltan roars then yells at Yara and the King: "ENOUGH! You do not have time for this! Evil humans are coming! They are many, as many as the leaves on a tree. They come to kill the Prince and the Princess and all with them in the human mountain. You must take them away this very day or they will die. You must go NOW!" To emphasize his point the Dragon King blew a stream of fire into the sky.

Yara: "Mah King, we must go now! The Dragon told me at an army is coming oor way. They intend to kill the children and everyone in the castle."

Lord MacGuffin began giving orders to his men. They untied the surviving prisoners and placed them in a cart. As they did so, King Voltan gave three loud chirps, then he and the rest of the dragons flew away. With the King leading the way, he, Yara, Ian MacGuffin, along with the Kings guard headed back to Castle Delaney as fast as the cart could move. When they arrived at the castle, they were met by General Guinness. The King shouted an order. Instantly the sound of horns and the Castle bells could be heard, giving warning to everyone.

The men and Yara dismounted. As they walked in the courtyard towards the Castle, King Fergus noted that all the men and women around him were already well on with the task of packing up.

General Guinness: "Tiss good to have ye back mah King. With the news, we were much worried with yer safety!"

King Fergus: "At news mon?"

General Guinness: "Two riders arrived after ye left. One from Castle Dunbrough an one from Castle Dingwall!" The General hesitated.

King Fergus stopped as the small group entered the great hall. He looked at the General then said, "All right old friend, Ah kin tell by yer face the news isno good. Give me the rest."

Guinness: "Yer no gonna like this. The rider from Castle Delaney reports the Chieftess o Berk as arrived with er children ta see Lord Hiccup and ta take I'm home. The other rider, young Ozzie Dingwall, brought the worst news. E told me and the Queen at is father is a traitor. E also told us at Lord Dingwall is bringing a huge army o Saxons ere ta kill all the royal family. If the Dingwall boy is ta be believed, E ered is da say at E as been plotting is fer years. E said yer givin Castle Delaney ta Hiccup was the last straw."

Fergus, now very pale in the face says, "Is ere anything else?"

The General: "Ah took it upon meself ta start the evacuation as there is no way in hel Ah kin hold this castle with four underdogs men. No with the number o men comin at young Dingwall reported. Ye should be proud o Ozzie. It is a difficult thing ta find lot yer father betrays is King. It takes great courage and loyalty ta have ridden all night ta report the action of is da."

The group had arrived at the chambers of the royal family. He motioned for Ian MacGuffin to come over to him. After sending the guards away he said to MacGuffin: "Ian, Ah have a difficult task fer ya ta do. Ah need ya ta pick five o our most trusted knights. Ye will be tasked ta take Elinor and the children ta Upper Heyford. Take them ta the monks there. Ah will give Ye a letter ta give ta monk at runs the place.Ye must all travel in the clothes of farmers an Ye must get a plain covered wagon fer Elinor and our children. Ye must protect mah family with yer life. Ah know Ah am askin Ye ta leave yer own wife an children. Ah also need ya take the two Viking girls. Can Ye do this mon?"

Ian MacGuffin: "Aye yer majesty. It will be done as ye say. May Ah make a suggestion my liege?

King Fergus: "Anything mah friend."

MacGuffin: "Donno takes a wagon. Just take horses. Leave at nightfall as no ta cause panic. The Princess and Lord Hiccup can ride with two of our knights or the two Viking girls. We can take pack horses for our tents and supplies. It will be much faster and we wilno hafta stick to the roads. We can hide easier too. If we have to Ah kin sneak her majesty, the children and our traveling party out by the back gates facing the farmers home if ye think the enemy is close. Ah also suggest at ye order the castle, the farmers home as well as the crops and sheep destroyed so as no ta leave anything ta the enemy. It will slow them down. Have the people take only is essential too. Ah, would have the people gone before dawn tommara as well."

At first, the king said nothing then, "Ye have been mah friend fer as long as I can remember and Ah trust yer opinion. If we survive this treachery, Ah will find Hiccup another castle worthy of me daughter. Yer council is always sound and Ah wilno ferget at or yer loyalty. Do as ye have suggested but Ah want y family gone in the next two hours. And Ian, I will protect yer family with my life."

The King turned and went to where Elenore was in Lord Hiccups' future bedroom. There he found Elinore asleep on the bed with Merida and Hiccup curled up beside her. Instead of waking his wife and the children up, he went and found Beatrice, Hiccups housemaid.

King Fergus: "Bea, Ahe need ya ta prepare Elenore and the children up for a trip. Ah, will speak to yer father because Ah need ye ta go with em ta help Elinore and Maudie with the children."

Bea curtsied and said, "Yes yer majesty", then hurried to do the king's bidding.

King Fergus woke Elinore and the children up. Maudie came into the room and Fergus said to her, "Maudie, find commoner clothes fer her majesty, the children and yerself." Maudie hesitated and gave the king a look. Fergus: "OFF WITH YE, ERES NO TIME TA EXPLAIN. BE QUICK ABOOT IT!"

Elinore: "Fergus, ats goin on? Ah, need ta know at the trouble is."

Fergus motioned her to come close and when she did he whispered, "Mah dear sweet an, we ave been betrayed. Dingwall is comin ere with a Saxon army ta kill us and take oor kingdom. The dragon told us at the army ad men like leaves onna tree, we canno hold this castle against at many men. Ah canno guarantee yer safety on the way home so Ah am sendin ye and the children to the village o Upper Heyford. Ere is a Christian monastery ere and most of the monks are former Anglish soldiers. I have done many things for them and protected em from raiders. Ah am sending a letter with ya askin sancuary fer ye an the children. Ah trust them and ere God with yer lives. Ye must wear only common clothes and no use any honorifics ye must turn into a young widow with ere two children. Maudie and mah trusted men will play their part an once I explain it ta Ylva and Elisa Ah know they will go along with the plan and protect ye."

Elenore, "Ah canno leave. Yer mah husband, Ah must be by yer side through all things. Please donno ask me ta do this Fergus."

Fergus, "Elenor I canno ave ye go with me knowin at it is probable Ah might not make it to Macintosh on the west road before the enemy overtakes us. Ah must lead my men and oor people ta safety, even if the odds are no good. Ah canno undertake this worry about ye. Ye know if the Saxons capture ye, ye will be raped and kept as a slave. Those devils will rape and kill all the other women if we are caught and every child will ha thier heads smashed in. They might even try ta rape Merida too even though she's just a wee lass. Ah know it will be hard but as yer husband Ah am askin ye ta ta go. As yer king Ah am commanding ye to."

Elinore wiped her now flowing tears as Maudie and Bea walked in with the clothing. Bea was more excited than frightened as this would be her first trip away from home. Maudie had the look of terror. Ylva limped in followed by Elisa. Now Merida and Hiccup were looking frightened. They could both feel Elinor's fear and foreboding. They could sense fear from everyone. Merida walked over to Elinore and pulled on her skirt, "Mummy ats wrong? Why are ye cryin? Ahm scared."

Elinore: "Donno worry my sweet an. We are goin on an adventure. On this adventure, we will be riding horses and pretendin ta be hidin from bad men. We are gonna travel wearing the common peoples clothes and we are to act like common people, never usin oor titles or at of anyone else. We will be campin oot too. Wilno at be fun?"

Merida clapped her hands together and jumped up an down yelling, " we're goin on an adventure, we're goin on an adveture, yippee!" She ran over to a stii frightened Hiccup, giving him a great hug sayin, "Is will be soooo much fun Hickey! Ye love ta prentend just as much as Ah do. We will be campin too! Ye kin show me all at Vikin stuff ye know aaaaannnd, we will sleep with mummy in a tent. We can cuddle together and with mummy! Wilno at be fun?", the red-haired princess asked her mate.

Hiccup gave a weak fake smile and hugged Merida back saying, "Ah have fun any time Ah am with ye my mate." The little Viking Prince walked over to the King, raising his arm to the king signaling he wished to be picked up. The King gave a big smile and picked the boy up. Hiccup gave the king a big hug around the king's neck and whispered, "We're no pretendin are we da. Bad men are really after us huh?"

King Fergus whispered back, "Yer too bloody smart mah son. Yes there are bad men comin this way. Ah, must send ye, Merida, and Elenore to a safe place. Ah know ye donno understand but ye must be very brave. If ye see any bad men, ye and Merida must hide until they go away. Ye must protect Merida, Hiccup. The bad men will bad things ta Merida if yer captured. Yer my brave boy. Just listen ta Elenor and Lord Ian and do at they say and everythin will be alright. Ye must keep smilin even when ye donno want ta so Merida wont get frightened. If ye think somethin is wrong, you just take Merida and hide. Ah, know yer the best hider in the world. Now go get dressed in yer new clothes."

Within an hour Fergus had kissed his family including Ylvi and Elisa goodbye. Before Lord MacGuffin got on his horse, Fergus took him aside, "Ian, Ah trust ye with mah family but if things go bad and yer sure ye canno escape...," the King took a deep breath then gave Ian a bear hug as he whispered into his friend's ear, "If things go bad donno let Elenor and the children be captured alive". The two men broke apart and Ian replied, "Ah will do mah duty mah king and should Ah fall, mah men will do that last duty too but only as of the last resort."

Then King waved, turned and went back inside wher it took three tankards of scotch whiskey to get himself together. It was two oclock when the family left, three am when the last soldier left heading towards Macintosh. As the soldiers and the now refugees left, Castle Delaney was totally in flames.

The next chapter is the Exodus.