I neither own nor claim any rights to How To Train Yur Dragon...

Hello everyone. I'm back with the fourth part of this story. I've changed my mind again. Part 5 will not be the epilog. It wil be the battle. I want to spend some time in this chapter examining how dragons are already changing things for the better in Berk, and to take a look at Stoick's ideas for the future. And I also wanted to introduce an OC that has been a main character in some of my other stories. This chapter is shorter than the ones that came before. I had originally planned to do this story in two parts, but as I was writing part 2, I realized that there would be more elements in play if Stoick had Hiccup's back after learning the truth. I also like maintaining a certain level of continuity with my stories which is why I wanted to introduce that OC I mentioned.

In part 3, I came up with the idea of it taking the boats about three days to reach Dragon Island. We know that Stoick was gone for several days to look for the nest, because we saw several days worth of progressive dragon training activity with Hiccup and Toothless. This allows Stoick and the others at least 2 days to reach Helheim's Gate, a few days of sailing aimlessly through the seastack maze and being attacked by dragons and ultimately turning back.

Based on this, I figured that if they had a direct route to the island through the stacks, they may spend about a day slowly and carefully navigating the narrow spaces. If Hiccup and the Riders of Berk were to leave on the third day, they could make the trip by flight in a matter of hours. At the end of the first movie, when Stoick and his little fleet sailed with Toothless chained up, I'm holding to the three day trip idea. We did not see the teens learning to ride their dragons. But even with Hiccup telling them precisely what to do, there is no way they could have become as proficient as we saw them when they flew in to save the day. They had to at least have put in two full days of practice, with the emphasis on getting used to flying, and the dragons getting used to having humans riding them.

Based on the timeframe I gave the events at the end of part 3, they've had a lot more time to practice and prepare, and there are a lot more dragons and vikings that needed to get used to each other. So the way part 3 ended fits the scope of a few weeks.

So let's get on with Part 4, shall we?


THE TRUTH
(Part Four)

Stoick the Vast was growing impatient. Before learning the truth, if he had found out how to reach the dragons' nest, he would have put together another expedition into Helheim's Gate, with one simple plan. Find the nest and destroy it. That was still his plan, but with the benefit of Hiccup's knowledge of what was being called Mount Helheim, and what was to be found inside, Stoick realized that the plan needed to have a lot more moving parts than he had ever considered. Without air support, an attack on the nest would be a suicide mission. So, he had agreed whole-heartedly to take the time to make sure that all the proper measures were taken. Yes, he would be landing ground forces on the island, because that was the type of warfare he had always known. Besides, the more traditional warriors who were not ready to embrace the idea of befriending dragons needed an outlet for their desire for the fight. He would not deny them that.

But if Hiccup was telling the truth about the sheer size of the monster they would be facing, and he had no reason to believe his son was lying, only dragons would stand a chance at being victorious. And Berk was gaining an army of the beasts. In the battle to come, they would not be the air support. They would be the offensive itself. Everything was proceeding apace, and yet Stoick was growing impatient. So much positive change had been happening in such a short period of time that he felt that nothing would stand in Berk's way of victory. He just wanted to get on with it and see it done.

"Here ya go, Dad," Hiccup said as he placed a bowl of stew in front of his father before walking around to the opposite side of the table with his own bowl.

Stoick sampled a little of the stew, and his eyes widened at the flavor. "This is delicious, son," he said.

"Well," Hiccup responded, "actually having enough meat really helps." He had an idea to make one of the training exercises for the dragon riders serve two purposes. One, to master complex aerial maneuvers, and two, to pick up yaks and sheep from the far side of the island and bring them to the village. All those many years of stealing livestock to feed the queen, and in the space of a day, the dragons had brought more livestock to the farms than otherwise would have been possible in a week. It was a good exercise. Stoick had been skepical, but Hiccup had said that he would even cook dinner for the two of them if it worked. His confidence was enough to convince the chief, and so here they were. Enjoying the resulting bounty.

"I had a thought," Stoick said, mouth still full of food. "When we are done with the queen, we could easily get back to raiding other tribes. And with the help of dragons, nothing will stand in our way. We could even hit the bigger tribes on the mainland."

Hiccup frowned. "I don't like that idea. If we defeat the queen, the raids wills stop, and no Viking need ever fear the sky again. Do you really want to trade that security for the sake of pillaging and plundering?"

Stoick sighed. "But we'll be the ones on dragons. What do we have to fear?"

Hiccup chuckled. "Oh, I don't know. How about other tribes learning about what we will have done, training dragons of their own and retaliating?"

Stoick's eyes widened. "Didn't think of that. we'd just be trading one form of bloody warfare with another with a lot more destruction thrown into the mix."

Hiccup nodded as he swallowed a bite of stew. "Here's an idea. You saw what we were able to do with the livestock today. After we were done, I flew a little way out to sea, and I watched several dragons hunt fish. From up in the air, you can see entire schools of them. Dragons can lead fishermen right to the best places to drop the nets."

Fishing had always been a gamble. Some days a boat could return with its hold filled with fish. Other days it could return with nothing. Still other days, it might not return at all. Stoick could see the logic in what Hiccup was saying. "With dragons guarding the ships, outcasts and pirates won't be a problem, and food production will be increased."

"Exactly," Hiccup said. "What do we need to steal from other tribes that we cannot now easily get for ourselves?"

"It's the Viking way," Stoick said with a shrug.

"So was killing dragons," Hiccup said with a shrug of his own.

Stoick shook his head. "So much is changing so quickly. Old people like me are going to have to catch up."

"If we beat the queen, then so many things will be possible, Dad."

Stoick grinned. "Of that I have no doubt."

"And I promise," Hiccup continued, "I will do everything I can to find as many ways as possible to make dragons benefit Berk. Not only will we be the first Viking tribe to ride dragons, but we could be the first Viking tribe to enjoy true peace."

"That's more than I've ever dared to dream, son." Stoick thought about it. "But then, I've never really thought about things the way you do." He shook his head and frowned. "The problem is that we're Vikings. Raiding is in our blood. We've always lived for the thrill of the fight. It's going to be a hard habit to break."

"Maybe so," Hiccup said.

"There will be raids," Stoick continued. "Lots of them Against us..."

Hiccup narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Stoick sat up straighter, assuming his Chief-delivering-a-lecture posture. "Think about it, son," If Berk and the dragons unite like you hope, the other tribes will learn of it. And when they do, they will either attack us because they will see us as traitors or attack us because they see us as a threat. That's why I suggested using dragons in our raids. To show other tribes that we are not to be trifled with."

Hiccup nodded. "I can understand your position. But the same goal has to be achievable without going on the offensive."

Stoick looked at his son and noticed he was wearing the expression he usually wore when he was coming up with an idea on the fly. "How?"

Hiccup's expression changed from contemplation to mischief. He held up his left index finger and shook it as the solution came tumbling out of his mouth. "We let them raid us, Dad. They will be doing things the old way, coming by ship and attacking on foot. What can they do against dragons rising up out of the village with riders on their backs raining fire down in front of them?"

Stoick was confused. "In front of them? Not on them?"

"Right," Hiccup said. "We don't need to kill any of them. We can tell them to go back home and rethink their lives. We can tell them that the dragon war is over and that we ended it. They can produce their own goods and grow their own food without fear of it being carried off. Their homes need not be rebuilt constantly. But they will be taking nothing from us."

Stoick thought about it, and it sounded good, except for one point. "They're Vikings just like us. They have stubbornness issues. What if they charge anyway?"

Hiccup didn't miss a beat. "Then we defend ourselves with the aid of dragons. Against ground warriors it might be an even fight, or one sided in their favor if they come in large numbers. But against ground warriors and dragons? They will be routed in short order. We let them board their ships and leave. Then the dragon riders will destroy their sails, forcing them to row all the way home."

Stoick nodded. So, Hiccup wasn't against using the dragons in battle if it couldn't be avoided. "So... Stubbornness issues or not, they will stop raiding us because we'd be too much trouble. They'll turn their sights on each other while we continue to produce and stockpile our resources."

"Exactly," Hiccup said with a smile.

"But won't that just mean more conflict for the other tribes? As I think about it, it won't seem entirely right if Berk is fully at peace and secure while everyone else is at war with each other."

Hiccup sighed. "It's so messed up. But at the end of the day, it is their choice. Nothing will be forcing them to raid each other." He shook his head sadly. "The sad part is the answer will be right there in front of them, but not many will want to see it."

"What do you mean?" Stoick had an idea of the meaning, but he wanted to see if Hiccup was thinking the same thing.

"Us," was his son's response. "If all goes the way I truly believe it can, Berk can be a shining example of what is possible. We can't force them to adapt the way we are. But if they see us prospering without raiding, some of them... the smarter ones... may ask for our help."

That was exactly what Stoick was thinking. It was strange. In the space of a few moments, he had gone from imagining raids with dragon muscle behind them to imagining a world where there might be no more raids. He thought of the other tribes. Some of them were led by smart Vikings. There was Bertha of the Bog Burglars. There was Mogadon of the Meatheads. There was Oswald of the Berserkers. And there was Gelbrun of Nartara. All very intelligent as Viking chiefs went. But there was no guaranteeing that any of them would embrace what was sure to become Berk's new way of life.

Even with the uncertainty of that thought, Stoick couldn't keep the pride he felt towards Hiccup from bubbling forth. "You are a chief of tomorrow, son. It will please me to have led Berk through the times of war and strife and turn the reigns over to you in a time when peace can be assured."

Hiccup looked at the floor, clearly uncomfortable.

"A discussion for another time," said Stoick. "First, we kill the queen dragon, and then we see what the future holds. I'm just worried that too many of us old warrior types will be bored to tears with no raiding and fighting."

"Once this war is over," Hiccup said, "And the dragons are well and truly free, I will show every Viking on Berk who wants to see it the thrill of flight. And I'm sure we can come up with activities that will be exciting for us and the dragons."

"I could get behind that," Stoick said with a contented sigh.

O O O

Jarin had been a farmhand for most of his life. He never saw his prospects as being in any way significant. But he saw this new era with Berk and the dragons coming together as a possible opportunity to become more than he was likely to ever be, had nothing changed. He had no delusions of rising to a leadership role. He didn't crave power or position... Only purpose. He knew what was about to happen, and that if the chief's son was right, the war would be over soon, and all sorts of possibilities would open up. If a farmhand could become a dragon rider, then he might just find that greater purpose he so desired...

He lacked confidence. All his life he had grown up with the understanding that a farmhand was low on the ladder of status. He wanted to go to Hiccup and ask to be allowed to join the ranks, but he kept telling himself that he would be forgetting his place. Plus, his duties as a farmhand took up most of his days. and he would not shirk them.

On the day before the raid against Mount Helheim was to start, a Monstrous nightmare with an injured wing came flying towards the field he was working. It tried to pull up, but couldn't, and ended up plowing into the field, tumbling over and over until it came to rest in a heap, groaning and panting.

A visitor to the farm saw it happen and left on his own Gronkle to go get Snotlout, who was considered to be the authority on Monstrous Nightmares, as he had been the first to bond with one.

The dragon was panicking, thrashing around, having difficulty standing, clearly having sustained injuries from the crash. Jarin was right there. He had been at the arena that day Hiccup showed everyone the truth. He could wait for Snotlout to get there, or he could try to help the dragon himself. He put down his pitchfork and walked purposefully towards the downed dragon

"Hey big guy," he said as he got close.

The dragon jerked its head towards Jarin and snarled. It was not an act of aggression, but rather due to the pain it was clearly in. Any injured animal would be dangerous.

Jarin understood this as he continued to approach, keeping his open hands visible to show that he was not a threat. "I know that had to hurt," he said calmly. He was right in front of the dragon now. "I want to help. Will you let me?" he reached a hand towards the nightmare.

The dragon narrowed its eyes and growled again. But the growl ended in an upward pitching warble. A question always sounded like a question, no matter what language it was spoken in.

"That's right, friend." Jarin answered. "I can help." He had not pulled his hand back, though instinct had tried to make him do so. He brought it closer to the dragon's snout and closed his eyes, turning his face away in a gesture of total trust, as he had seen Snotlout do at Hiccup's direction. The dragon rumbled a deep-throated purr and extended its snout to rest against Jarin's open palm.

Something was wrong. Everyone talked about how the moment of bonding resulted in an overwhelming emotional connection where it seemed that both dragon and rider shared the same mind. But that didn't happen for Jarin. The dragon clearly accepted him as a friend, but it went no further than that. Still, the dragon was relaxed and breathing gently, rather than anxiously. So, he had helped. "Let's just rest easy for a bit friend. Others will be here soon, and we'll get your injuries checked out and see what we can do."

The dragon looked back at him, seeming to understand his words, and it grunted painfully as it shifted to lay down to wait for the promised help. A few minutes later, Hiccup and Snotlout both landed their dragons nearby. They dismounted and approached.

"This is the raging dragon?" Snotlout said, crossing his arms in annoyance at clearly having his time wasted.

"What happened," asked Hiccup.

Jarin stood at respectful attention. He was being addressed by the Heir of Berk himself, and he knew his place. "Sir, the nightmare crashed in the field. He's injured and was panicking. He needed help."

Snotlout's eyes widened. Jarin was not a dragon rider, so he had not been guided in training a dragon. He took the initiative on his own at great risk. Not all initial training attempts were successful. Some dragons did not want to become a companion to a human, just as some Vikings did not want a dragon companion. So, attempting to train a dragon on one's own was considered extremely risky, and while not forbidden, it was advised against. Jarin had taken the risk, and that impressed Snotlout. "That was pretty stupid," he said, not willing to let his respect for Jarin's actions show.

"Snotlout," Hiccup said in a chastising tone. "It was dangerous, but this guy saw a need and filled it. He's a natural dragon rider, don't you think?"

"Maybe," Snotlout answered, feigning doubt. "There's not enough time to teach him to fly, and I don't think his dragon is in any condition to go on the raid."

Jarin felt a need to clarify. "He's not mine." When Hiccup and Snotlout turned back to look at him, he licked his lips, again becoming self-conscious about addressing his betters. "I didn't feel the bond that everyone talks about, so I think he trusts me, but doesn't want to become my companion."

Hiccup pursed his lips and nodded. "It happens. Maybe he'll change his mind at some point. But I still want you as part of the team. When we get back from Mount Helheim, and if we are successful, I want you training with Snotlout and the other Monstrous Nightmare riders. There's a lot you need to learn."

"Begging your pardon, Sir," said the farmer who had come over to see what was going on, and to make sure that his farmhand had not done something to get himself into any trouble that would reflect badly on him. He was happy that his concerns were unfounded, and that the Chief's son had expressed an interest in Jarin's future. But what was being suggested would present an inconvenience. "If Jarin becomes a dragon rider, I will lose my farmhand. Jenna, my daughter, is not old enough to help out, though she keeps begging me to let her."

Hiccup thought for a moment. "How about this. I'll ask my father to announce two farmhand positions to replace him. You can pay half of their wage, and Berk will pay the other half. You won't be paying any more than you already are, and you'll get the extra help you'll be needing. With dragon raids no longer a problem, you'll probably be producing twice as much, and you can use the extra help. And the increase in your production will justify the price for the other half of the wages."

The farmer licked his lips. "That would be more than a fair trade."

Hiccup nodded. "And in the meantime, Jarin can continue helping out here until both new farmhands begin working." He turned to Snotlout. "Any problems you see with that arrangement?"

Snotlout was dumbfounded. He had gone so long thinking his cousin was useless, and now all of a sudden, he was coming up with all sorts of solutions on how to make everyone's lives better, no matter their station. "Nope. None that I can see."

"Great," said Hiccup. "Let's fly back to town and have them bring the large supply cart up here to help get this Nightmare to the arena and into shelter."

After bidding farewell, they mounted up on their dragons and flew off, and Jarin remained next to the dragon who was now on the verge of falling asleep, feeling safe.

Bart, the farmer, put his hand on Jarin's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, lad," he said. "I took you in when your parents died and have given you the best life I could afford. I'm gonna miss you, but you've finally gotten a chance for something better. I won't stand in the way."

There were tears in the older man's eyes, and Jarin had some difficulty containing his own. "I'm still here for a while, and I plan to make the most of it. I'll have the rest of the field planted by the time I leave. And I want to thank you for always being there for me, even if I'm not your son."

Bart shook his head. "Son or not, I think of you as family. So does Jenna. She's going to be sad when you leave."

"Hey," said Jarin. "We're part of the same village. I'll visit as often as I can, and I'll help out if I can. And when I eventually get my own dragon," he looked over at the nightmare, "Since it didn't happen today, I'll be sure to introduce it to Jenna."

Bart chuckled. "I'm sure she'll love that. After what the Heir did with Toothless, she can't stop talking about how awesome having a dragon would be."

Hiccup and Snotlout returned after a little while, just ahead of the big supply cart. They tried to coax the nightmare towards it, but the dragon wouldn't budge. Jarin climbed up onto the cart and called to the dragon. "Come on, friend. We'll carry you to a place in the shade where you can rest and get food." The dragon stood up and limped towards the cart, climbing up as Jarin climbed off. Hiccup and Snotlout were watching.

"Like I said," Hiccup said to his cousin. "He's a natural"

Snotlout nodded. "Yeah, I think I might be able to turn him into something useful."

O O O

The next day dawned bright and clear, and the ships had set sail for Hellheim's Gate. Brokenclaw circled the ships twice, and then came to a landing on the deck of the lead ship and warbled a draconic greeting to Chief Stoick, who turned towards the Monstrous Nightmare with a solemn expression of respect. The bright sun reflected off the metalic orange markings on the dragon's side.

Stoick had never bothered to really look at dragons before he learned the truth. But now, his eyes had been opened and he was beginning to appreciate the natural beauty in their colors and markings. And this dragon was spectacular to behold. He looked like a leader, and he could see why so many of the dragons followed him. He looked into the Nightmare's eyes and saw... An Equal, He thought. I must think of this dragon as an allied chief in a battle against a common enemy. "Lead us home... Friend."

Brokenclaw actually nodded in response.

Hiccup had explained that only a dragon had good enough senses to find their way through the massive field of sea stacks and fog surrounding Mount Hellheim's island. So Stoick decided that a dragon should accompany him on the lead ship to serve as a guide. Hiccup explained this to Toothless, and the Night Fury understood and roared a summons to Brokenclaw. The Nightmare arrived a few minutes later and there was a conversation of grunts, growls and head movements. Stoick had considered it to be impressive. A language of "spoken" words and body language at the same time. There was no way he would ever question the intelligence of dragons after watching that exchange.

"Three days," said Stoick, "And then we end this war forever."

Brokenclaw warbled in obvious agreement.

O O O

Three days later, the pastures of Berk were crowded with dragons, each fitted with a basic saddle and a Viking rider standing beside them. There was a thrill of anticipation among everyone from both species. In the front, Astrid, Snotlout, Ruffnut, Tuffnut and Fishlegs stood by their own dragons, expressions of determination on their face. As the last few dragon and rider pairs joined the ranks, there was a loud roar from the mountain. A Night Fury's roar.

Presently, a black speck began approaching from the peak, growing larger very quickly, indicating how fast it was moving. Toothless, with Hiccup in the saddle on his back, overshot the assembly and then circled back. A moment later, the Night Fury landed gracefully, facing everyone who was there as Hiccup dismounted.

"Dragon Riders of Berk!" he called out. "I'm not all that fond of making speeches, so I'll be quick." Not a sound could be heard from either dragon nor rider on the field. "For weeks we've trained hard together. We each know each other's tendencies, and we each know our dragons. For three hundred years, Dragons and Vikings have fought as enemies. So many on both sides have died. NEEDLESSLY. Today, we fight as one. With purpose. Today our real enemy will be defeated. Today we shall all live free from the shackles of the past and we shall shape a new future!"

Ther were cheers from everyone, and elated screeches from the dragons.

"We know the mission. We know our enemy. And while this one queen is larger than any dragon that has ever been seen by any of you, it cannot be invulnerable. Axe and sword will not hurt it, but it cannot be invulnerable. With the help of our dragons, we will as one bring down this... Behemoth. And while it may be terrifying to behold... WE.. SHALL NOT... FEAR!"

"WE.. SHALL NOT... FEAR!"

"WE.. SHALL NOT... FEAR!"

"WE.. SHALL NOT... FEAR!"

Over and over the dragon riders chanted those words, pumping their fists in the air as they did so. Hiccup allowed it to continue for a few moments, also pumping his fist with his people. In his mind, there was turmoil and doubt. So much could go wrong. So many could die today, both dragon and Viking. But the war had to end. And today, one way or another, it would.

"Dragon Riders!" he called again, and the chanting stopped. "Mount!"

Nobody wasted any time climbing into their saddles, and many wings began unfurling, readying to propel dragon and rider into the air.

"Dragon Riders!" Hiccup cried "Fly!"

All of Berk was watching from the village as every single dragon took flight, carrying loved ones and friends to the great destiny that awaited.

O O O

Stoick had taken over steering the lead ship himself, keeping an eye on Brokenclaw as he stood on the deck, turning his head from side to side, aware of the noise from the Queen's mind which was outside of the audible range for humans. the crazy twists and turns through the massive sea stacks would have been impossible to figure out without the dragon's help. And with the ever-present fog, it was almost impossible to tell which direction they were heading, except for a few small gaps at random intervals that allowed sunlight through enough to determine east from west.

Gobber joined Stoick in silence, marveling at how the dragon was assisting them. But he broke that silence when the dragon carving on the front of a mangled Viking ship came into view. "Oh," he said, feeling uneasy. "I was wondering what happened to that ship."

Stoick swallowed hard. He had been on that ship a few expeditions ago. He shuddered at the memory of the dragons coming out of the mist, trying to make them turn back. Stoick had ordered the crew to press on, and then the ship was forced off-course and into that very sea stack. There was no dislodging it, and Stoick and his warriors and the crew were forced to board one of the other ships and turn back. "The dragons must have been forced by the queen to push us back."

Brokenclaw turned to face him, head shaking from side to side.

Stoick narrowed his eyes. "You attacked us of your own free will?"

The nightmare actually nodded.

Could Hiccup have been wrong? Are they really our enemy after all? Stoick couldn't help but wonder. "Why?"

The dragon turned around and thrust his head forward indicating the way ahead. He turned back to Stoick, and gently nudged the chief in the chest, then pulled back, assumed a posture of sadness, and shook his head.

Stoick realized the reason. "Odin's beard," he said, looking to Gobber. "The way ahead would have led us to the nest, but not knowing what we would have faced, it would have been our deaths." He had been furious on that day. He was sure that he was so close to finding the nest. And he had been. He turned back to the dragon. "You did it to save us?"

Brokenclaw nodded again.

"So, whenever we sailed in here and were attacked, you weren't trying to defend your nest?" Stoick had a feeling that he knew the answer.

Brokenclaw shook his head.

"You just wanted us to stay away."

Another nod.

Stoick closed his eyes, hit with a wave of regret. "And then we would attack, you would defend, and lives were lost on both sides."

And again, another nod.

Stoick sighed. He had been such a fool. "I am so sorry," he said.

Brokenclaw nuzzled Stoick's chest and purred. Then his eyes widened as he jerked his head around, A moment later, the ship ran aground on a beach that was formed from small black smooth rocks rather than sand.

The silence around the entire place was palpable. Stoick walked forward to stand next to the nightmare. "Well done. Now go find Hiccup and the others and then we will see you all in a bit. As the nightmare took flight, Stoick turned to address the Vikings who had sailed with him. "We're here!"

To be continued...


Well... There's part four. I don't plan for there to be as long a delay between this and Part five.

In the meantime, If you are interested in my OC, Jarin, I invite you all to read "Jarin and the Riders of Berk" and then "Jarin and the Legacy of Nartara." His role in "The Truth" is done.

So, Until next time.