Chapter 7: Meeting The King
Shortly after Astrid had announced that she and her group would be traveling to this strange "Higher power", Stoick had made sure to talk to them. Inside his house that talk is being held.
"Astrid, please explain what you mean by higher power."
"I am afraid she can't quite do that Stoick." says Camicazi as she enters the building with Dagur. "As the rest of our agents have accepted, their life is a secret. only able to share with those of Agent Status. It is an honor though."
"Indeed, you get to adventure out into the world to take notes on all the villages for the King's command." says Dagur. "Speaking of the King, he is expecting us to meet him today."
"Alright, as long as they come back in one piece." says Stoick.
"Oh, no harm will come to our new agents. Although they might never return to Berk specifically but it's worth a shot."
As the ships are prepared, Stoick and his men advance to Helheim's Gate to search for the nest, whilst Astrid and her crew leave for the kingdom. On the journey to the kingdom, Dagur, Astrid, Camicazi, Ruff and Tuffnut, Fishlegs, and Snotlout all talk about life in the kingdom.
"The kingdom is layered with many glorious houses. At the foot of the kingdom we have a Gate stronger than any, as well as a mechanic's clan, where they work on building new technology." says Dagur as he flips a lever on the ship and it starts to levitate into the air. "A simple invention, where the ship hovers over the water and the land makes it easier to raid."
"Yes, although the kingdom usually never raids, we just deal with possible threats." says Camicazi.
"So, tell me about this King of yours then?"
"Well Astrid, the King was put in place when he was 16, after his father fell injured during a fight. That fight was soon ended once the king we have now was put in power. Then he made the Council of Viziers, each member the commander and spokesperson of the regions: Farming, Fishing, Hunting, Building, Mining, Exploring, Training, and the mechanics." says Dagur. "At least you will get the opportunity to meet with the council, I have had meetings with a few of them but not all."
"What these Viziers?"
"They're like a secondary chief, if the king was to go on holiday his most trusted officers would take the charge." says Camicazi as they start speeding up a little. "Ah, looks like we are getting faster."
"Yep, you know what this means. We have entered the Kingdom's borders."
"How can you tell?" asks Fishlegs.
"Well, when our king was put in charge and he had developed a source of power that can charge the speed and force of somethings, he made sure small Power Cores were put all around the palace and guarded so nothing could intervene with the security of the walls." says Camicazi as a dragon is sighted in the air. "Ah, must be Heather."
"Welcome to the border of Draconia, please state your business." says the mysterious rider.
"We are here with the new recruits for the King's personal Agent force."
"Ah, Camicazi and Dagur, I thought it was you who was speeding through our walls."
"Well Heather, I see you are back and have been promoted from Defender's of The Wing to the Town Guard."
"Yes, a nice promotion for sure. Anyway the King is at the Mountain Fortress." says Heather as they sail towards the fortress. "Welcome to the Mountain Fortress, the latest edition to the Kings ruling."
As the ship arrives at the docks, they see a man walk out in a cloak only recognisable by the Draconian forces.
"Ah, I see you have finally arrived."
"Yes Valentine, do not worry. The king will be happy with this lot."
"He is expecting you all in the diner chamber, let me take them from here." says Valentine as the Berk teens follow him. "So any questions as we pass through this cave?"
"Yea, how did you manage to construct such a fine building from the outside and still end up with a perfect place?"
"Simple, we used a whole lot of gronkles and a few other dragons to dig these caves out."
"Alright, what about the docks?"
"They were made so ships could enter without going through the main window."
"Right..." says Snotlout. "But why is the king meeting us here and not at his palace?"
"Because I wanted to get to know you all a bit before I let you into my village and palace." says the king as the doors open and the party walk inside. "Please have a seat."
After everyone takes a seat, some men in chef robes come around and provide drinks.
"I believe you wish to know a little about me before I ask of you?" asks the king as they all nod. "Very well. My full name is King Ryder. King of 18 years, having been in power for 2 years and a lot has happened under my rule. I am sure you noticed a few as you entered our Power Wall?"
"Certainly. I must say, I enjoyed how the boat could float above the water."
"Very good, I have also taken into consideration that your villages are constantly under threat of dragon raids, and a horrible winter?"
"Yes, The winter is a horrible thing to constantly occur."
"Well, I may have found a solution to that problem." says Ryder. "I have come up with an idea to send a small convoy into the archipelago so you may get delivered some certain materials, including food, weapons, tools, and housing materials."
"Everything you will get will be a Yearly occurrence during Winter so make sure to enjoy."
"Thank you Ryder." says Fishlegs.
"I have also heard that Berk's long lost heir to the chieftain was named Hiccup Ryder Haddock. I have my ways of learning certain things"
"Yes the story is true, but we have no idea whether or not he actually survived." says Astrid.
"Well then." says Ryder as Valentine walks in. "Ah Valentine these are the new recruits from Berk. Astrid, Ruff and Tuff, Fishlegs and Snotlout."
"Good to meet you all."
"Same here."
As the night goes on, dinner is finished, desert is done, and now the tour of the mountain.
"So who is up for a tour of our gracious Mountain Fortress?" says Ryder as he exits the diner and heads towards the Caves. "Further on this pathway, there is a forge, and a few bedrooms, the lower levels are where you will find the bathing rooms, and storage areas. Above the whole place you will see that there is a small farm, so that is where we will be getting our food from."