A group of at least ten Udam stalked the forest and frightened every animal that caught sight of them. But the odds appeared to be in their favor since the Wenja encampment in the distance had yet to be alerted of their presence. The men were sitting around the campfire eating and listening to stories while the women were tending to their tents for the night. Thin palls of smoke and the amber light of the flame stood out in the darkness, warding off four-legged predators and attracting Udam who were eager to feast on Wenja flesh.

The Udam clubmen hold their positions as the spearmen and archers skulked through the shadows with weapons readied and the intent of surrounding their quarries. However, their approach rescinded when a volley of arrows soared into their throats and silenced them in spouts of their own blood. Bewildered and infuriated, the clubmen decided to yell and charge the encampment until more arrows pierced their skulls and brains.

All Wenja in the camp prepared their weapons as the commotion provoked them into a protective state. After seconds of seeing almost nothing around them, they managed to exhale in relief when the flames revealed the five newcomers with bows and arrows in their hands.

"It's alright!" Astrid said as she led her four companions and their animals to form a defensive circle around the encampment. "The Beast Masters are here to help."

Emerging shouts and flames in the distance supplanted the chieftess' words as the animals growled at the incoming trespassers with their masters by their side. A larger group was rallying to attack.

"This is going to be a bloody night," Snotlout proclaimed while slowly drawing the arrow on his bow with a deep breath.

"Bring in those meatheads! The Wenja are ready to fight!" exclaimed Tuffnut.

"Time to avenge the spirits of the fallen!" added Ruffnut enthusiastically.

"Whatever you say, my love!" Fishlegs chimed in with a less murderous tone.

The fire and the war cries of the Udam grew stronger, and it was as if dawn was awakening faster than expected. With their trusted bows and arrows and four-legged companions by their side, the Beast Masters and their Wenja allies prepared for the worst.

Before Astrid could let loose another arrow, a thunder-like roar rattled the air around the camp and beyond. The Udam, the Wenja, and their animals were all stunned in stillness. What followed after were screams of terror as something massive swiftly mauled and clawed Udam warriors to death, deliberately extinguishing the flames of their torches. Those who retreated were instantly chased down and silenced. Two Udam spearmen decided to continue their plan in running towards the Wenja, but one immediately had a spear splitting his spine and the flames of the campfire allowed him to vaguely witness a pair of crimson eyes and a mouth filled with dagger-like teeth enveloping his face.

The Beast Masters and their allies watched in astonishment as Hiccup retrieved his bloodstained spear from the dead Udam whilst sitting astride a huge white lion that was licking the blood around his mouth. Light from the fire created a daunting image for the surviving aggressors. Fighting a man with a huge and fearsome beast that would heed to his every command in the dead of the night could be seen as suicidal. They chose to die another day and fled north, deeper into the forests of Oros as an owl descended from the trees and harassed them with pecks and scratches.

"Hiccup?"

Astrid's inquiry prompted her husband and his new affiliate to turn their faces towards her.

"Sorry for being late," Hiccup responded as he dismounted the lion and hugged his wife with a kiss.

"You were right on time," corrected Astrid with twinkles in her eyes. Hiccup then shifted his focus on his friends who were ogling on the curious lion. The other animals could merely lower their heads with deference.

"Now this is a beast," Tuffnut admirably whispered as the lion purred and allowed the humans to caress his mane and pelt.

"Why does the chief always get the most awesome-looking ones?" questioned Snotlout sarcastically.

"These teeth and claws can mince an Udam with little effort," Fishlegs examined with fascination. Hiccup chuckled with warmth as the owl returned to his shoulder. He then turned to the direction where darkness still gripped the forest.

"It's safe, Manoo. You can come out now."

Manoo rustled through the vegetation before he revealed himself to the group. The present Wenja gave him a warm welcome of chants and cheers. Hiccup then rested his forehead on Astrid's as embers from the campfire drifted to the starry skies.

"Lions are proud and strong beasts, Hiccup," informed Tensay as the lion nuzzled the palm of the shaman's hand. Many of the villagers viewed and listened to the conversation with awe and a hint of fear. "He will serve you and your friends well."

"I have seen lions hunting before," Jayma added. "Several of them can bring down a young mammoth."

"This will give the Udam another reason to fear the Wenja!" Karoosh's proclamation earned him cheers from some of his tribesmen.

"Piss Man is lucky to have a lion as a friend." Fishlegs simply smiled at Wogah's quip.

"The big cat can help the Wenja with many problems!"

"You got that right, Urki!"

The Twins snickered and butt heads as they prepared to plan the kinds of mischiefs with the aid of a lion.

"Tonight, we shall dance to honor the Beast Masters and our new ally!"

Sayla's announcement was reinforced by the lion's resonating roar and a standing ovation. Hiccup and Astrid merely leaned onto each other whilst sitting together on a log. The lion eventually reclined next to the couple with Astrid tenderly stroking his mane.

"He likes you."

Hiccup's statement was aptly met with Astrid's laugh.

"I'm just glad that you are back."

"It was a harrowing experience. But after this, we'll do everything else together."

Astrid gifted Hiccup a peck on the cheek as the couple enjoyed the night together.

"No one, not even the Udam, can stop the harmony we will bring to Oros."

Tensay gave the couple a meek beam from the distance, one that slowly shrank into a frown when he turned his head to the south. He knew that the Udam was just one of the many obstacles for the Wenja.