I do not own the story of How to train your dragons or any of the original characters. Any names matching public or historical figures are strictly coincidental. The story is rated M because of language and adult situations. Anyone below the age of 17 should probably not read this story.
Chapter 6 The need for redemption
Berk is only three sailing days from the Three Fates which are a group of sea stacks between Berk and Out cast Island. Outcast Island lies another days sail from the Three fates.
Stoic sits alone in his cabin looking over his maps and cross checking his attack plans. Had he imagined and planned for every contingency. Had he given the right orders to the right leaders, was he correct about the number of men and ships Alvin had at his disposal? These were all his questions and doubts.
This was his first major operation away from home without his father's presence and guidance. Much was at stake for Stoic the Vast. If he succeeded there would be much gold and silver as well as a share of prize money from any captured ships and thrawns.
His status, Odin willing, as a warrior and a leader would increase and his place as Chief of Berk secured. He had been severely admonished privately by the council for his fits of temper and for his treatment of his wife and child. That had stung him to the core.
Even his best friend since childhood, 'Gobber the Belch' had drawn steel against him in defense of his own wife, that nosey interfering bitch. Gobber damn well knew what he was doing too. He would have drawn his own blade and drawn first blood on his oldest friend but five other warriors had drawn weapons as well. Why was Odin so against him?
No one would ever have thought of criticizing Harold the Bold, let alone pulling steel. That had been humiliating, and had lowered his status as Chief to not only the council but also the village itself.
He thought about Valka and Hiccup. Why was Thor against him too? Why couldn't his wife be a dragon hating, traditional full bodied, compliant stay at home wife and give him sons and daughters that were reflections of himself?
He adored Valka, she was his everything even if she was short, frail, never gave an inch in an argument, a tigress in the bedroom, was a terrible cook but an excellent home keeper, she took her job as Chieftess seriously and was brave to a fault.
There were many things though that he struggled with concerning his wife. She had a tongue that could cut like a razor, she loved dragons, she abhorred unnecessary violence , (something the chief considered an occupational hazard to Vikings), if a fight got physical she would not raise a finger to fight back.
She used companionship, (or the lack there of), conversation, guilt and sex like weapons. Before Hiccup was born things between them had been pretty good. No matter how late he worked he could come home and expect to see her pretty face, get a smooch, a hot meal and, (unless it were her moon time), a very tiring and gratifying roll in the sack. No more.
Once Hiccup was born it seemed everything changed. Valka as always cranky and tired. She made dinner for her and Hiccup then she would go to bed. Sometimes she left a pot of something on a hook, (barely edible), near the hearth for him.
Their sex life was sporadic and forced at best. Valka was always distant and didn't seem to want or have time for him anymore.
Then there was Hiccup himself. He took after his mother. He had her green eyes. He was frail, skinny and quite often sickly. He clung to his mother and Helga Duterson for dear life.
He tried to play and talk with the boy but the runt had no interest in things that a young male Viking should be. He had made the boy a little wooden shield, spear and sword and the little shite never touched them. He'd rather play with blocks or the stuffed animals his wife and her friends made for him.
When Stoic tried to rough house with his son, the boy almost always ended up hurt or crying his eyes out to his mother. Usually that ended up with a fight with Valka and no sex for as long as a month.
He tried talking to the boy on those rare occasions he got home for lunch or before Hiccups bed time. He would try to tell tales of battle with both men and dragons but Hiccup would only act disgusted or bored then, in his weird way, turn Stoic off.
If he brought up the duties as heir and chief, Hiccup usually fell asleep. One time he picked Hiccup up and scared Hiccup in the process. Hiccup screamed like a Black Banshee and fought to get away from his father.
Valka came downstairs and tried to take Hiccup away from him, berating Stoic with every step and with every curse word known in the Norse language. He had back handed her to stop her screaming and she fell to the floor like a stone. It was only a light slap, she wasn't even bleeding.
Hiccup, the whiny little shite, twisted in his arms, roared, doubled his little fists up and screaming, began pummeling Stoics nose. Like any Viking father, (or so he thought), he turned the boy over, pulled his changing fur down and paddled the toddler good on his bare behind.
Valka once again tried to get her son and Stoic was forced to slap her again. Yes, this time she got a bloody nose, but that was all, He went to give the boy another smack on the bare ass when he noticed that the little runt had thrown up and was no concious.
He took them both to Gothi the healer to get fixed. Disgusted, the Chief left the healers and went to the mead hall. He tried to talk to Gobber and some of the men hoping to get some sympathy for his situation. To Stoics surprise, Gobber, then the rest of the men went silent then getting up en masse leaving him all alone in the mead hall. After that even the serving girls refused to get near him having overheard the conversation.
He ended up at home drinking himself to sleep from his own stash of hard cider. Valka and Hiccup never came home again that night because Gothi had taken them over to the Gunnar Hoffersons home. Valka wouldn't go to
her brother Spitelouts home because she absolutely despised her sister-in-law Inga.
Gunnar Hofferson was annoyed when he came to the door, but one look at Valkas black eyes and bruised face along with Gothi by her side, he quickly pulled them inside. After Gothi left he barred the doors and windows.
Gunnar told Valka, "Lass you have a home here as long as you need it. you're safe here. If Stoic tries to break in I will kill him myself".
Valka finally let loose and sobbed, "Stoic was never like this before my son was born. I've had to watch Hiccup closely all of the time in fear that Stoic will accidentally hurt or kill the boy. Thats what happened tonight Guns. He did something to scare Hiccup because I suddenly heard my sweet little man scream. When I got down stairs, Stoic had him bent over his knees with his behind bared and spanked him hard.
The bloody bastard weighs three hundred pounds and doesn't realize his own strength. I admit I lost my temper and said some things I shouldn't have. When I tried to get Hiccup away from the beast ,he struck me.
When I came to, Stoic was spanking Hiccups little bare butt. I got up and tried to rescue my child once more but the bastard hit me again this time breaking my nose and splitting my lips.
Hiccup must have passed out. When Stoic went to strike hiccup again he finally noticed Hiccup was no longer conscious he jumped up, grabbed me arm and took me and the baby to Gothi's. Before Gothi had a chance to question Stoic or examine us, the bastard turned and walked into the night. Gothi said if he had continued to hit Hiccup with such force he could have killed him."
"That ass has no honor" Gunnar said, then he turned and yelled, "Woman of the house, I need your help and so does your friend". Quickly Berghild ,(one of Valkas closest friends), came down stairs with a now wide awake four month old Astrid in her arms.
"Oh my Gods Valka" said Borghild. By then Finn and Ylva had come down too. Bergild handed Astrid to her big sister and began to look her friend over. "Stoic?" Berghild asked.
Valka could only nod yes.
"Son of helheim", she said. Valkas nose and lips were swollen and both eyes were black. "Someone should take that son-of-a-bitch out and beat him bloody. Stoics always been a bully" said Berghild.
"Finn" said Gunnar. "Yes sir", answers Finn. "Son, arm yourself and take the first watch. If that bastard Chief of ours comes to the door refuse him entry. If he tries to break in call me. Don't take that worthless piece of dragon shite on yourself. Understood?" asked Gunnar. Finn nodded yes.
"Tomorrow I am going to make a formal complaint to Duter and council concerning Valka and the boy. This won't happen again. If need be you and the little one can live here under my protection."
"Thank you Gunnar. I don't want harm to come to Stoic" said Valka.
By this time Borghild had removed Hiccups clothing and she gasped. Hiccup had bruises on his buttocks and lower back, big ugly bruises no toddler should ever have.
Ylva began to cry which made Astrid begin to cry. Borghild redressed the little boy and then took Astrid and quieted her then she took her upstairs and placed her in her crib.
Berghild came back down a few minutes with a bottle and a mug. "I need you to drink this Valka, I got it from traveler Johann. It will help with the pain and calm your nerves. I will take a drop or two an add it to some warm, sweetened Yak milk and give it to your Hiccup," said Berghild.
"What is this?" asked Valka before she took a drink.
Berghild was warming some Yak's milk as she answered, "Johann called it…..WHISKEY, that's right whiskey. He said he obtained it from a village on the island called, "Ireland. Me and Gunnar drink it sometimes to help us sleep.
It's an acquired taste for sure and strong enough to knock your socks off but for aches, pains and a good night's sleep, nothing beats it. Go on then, drink up the Yaks milk is ready".
Valka watched her put a good amount of honey in three drops of the "whiskey". Berghild laughed as Vala gulped a big mouthful down, turning bright red and gasping for air. "Oh yes" Berghild said when she quit laughing, "I forgot to tell ya to sip the stuff until you get used to it".
When she finally got her beath Valka replied, "Thanks for the warning you liar, ya did that on purpose so you did!" as choked some more of the fiery liquid down.
Berghild then gently picked up the sleeping boy and said to her oldest daughter, "Yilva, grab that mug and follow me," she said. As they walked up the stairs beckoning Valka to follow. Valka slammed down the rest of her whiskey and wobbled a little as she followed Ylva and Berghild up the stairs.
When they got to Finn's bedroom, she placed the boy in the middle of the large bed and signalled her daughter over. "What your going to do Ylva is to gently wake little Hiccup and get him to drink most of this. Save yourself a couple of sips because I know you're curious," said Berghild.
"What if he doesn't like it momma?" asked Ylva.
"You take the first drink then and act like it's the best thing ya ever put in your mouth. Hiccup worships the ground you walk on and if he thinks you like it he'll drink as much as I said even if it tasted like dragon shite just to please you,'' she said smiling.
For the time being Valka you and the lad will sleep in Finn's room. Its above the hearth and is always warm."
Can Hickey stay in my room with me?" asked Ylva. "No my sweet little Shieldmaiden," answered Berghild, "They need to stay together but if it is ok with Valka, you can sleep next to the door inside the room which you will keep bolted"said Berghild.
"Thank you momma" said Ylva, the little future shieldmaiden tickled Hiccups feet until he opened his eyes. His first reaction was to try to pull away but when he saw who it was , he gave Ylva a big hug. Ylva looked at the little boy and said, "Hickey I want you to drink this warm Yak's milk my momma made for you. It will help you to feel better and help you sleep".
"OK Ylvi" and he went to take a drink. As Ylva predicted Hiccup hesitated, "It smells funny Ylvi".
Ylva replied, "My sweet little man, are ye so daft that ye think I'd give ya something nasty? I'll show ye its ok" and with that she took a sip and then another.
"Wow mum, this stuff is terrific." Ylva smiled at Hiccup and said with a smile, Now it's yer turn me untrusting little twit" and as Hiccup tasted then gulped down the rest of the mug Ylva turned and mouthed silently to her mother "make me some more please!" Within five minutes Hiccup was snoring.
So for the next two weeks Valka and Hiccup stayed with the Hoffersons. On day, two Gobber, Duter and the rest of the council came over to look at Valka and Hiccup. Needless to say they weren't happy. The news had gotten around and the men of the village. They weren't happy either.
It was one thing to hit your wife in a fit of anger, it was another thing to beat a toddler as bad as Hiccup had been beaten. The men gave Stoic the stink eye anytime he walked by. Most openly carried weapons any time Stoic was around. Stoic the Vast was never a popular guy but now even he could see that he no longer had the trust of the citizens of Berk.
Stoic had tried to contact Valka but the Hofferson's door was now always barred. Gunnar came out side with sword drawn. "Stoic, you need to be off and not come back uninvited." said Gunnar.
Stoic drew his own two handed sword and screamed, "Your holding my wife and child in there and I will strike you down to get them back!" Stoic took a step forward and suddenly stopped when he hear steel leaving scabbards to the rear and sides of himself.
He looked around and saw several men including his brother-in-law Spitelout with axes drawn and shields raised. He then looked up and saw two upper windows in the Hofferson house open with Finn and Ylva holding drawn longbows with their arrows aimed at him.
"So this is how you treat your lawful Chief now is it? You're all without honor for this treasonous act!" yelled Stoic.
"Hah!" a voice yelled from behind him. He turned and looked straight in the face of Gobber the Belch. "That's rich coming from a bastard that beats a woman and a 14 month old baby nearly to death. You're nothing but a dog eating it's own vomit. You need to put your blade away, turn around and walk away before you're struck down like the cowardly bastard you are." said Gobber.
"You haven't heard the last of this Belch." yelled Stoic.
"Aye. Just know I wont be as easy as yer fourteen month old baby boy" said Gobber. "Oh, before I forget, oh great one", Gobber mocked, "the council is formed and are waiting in the mead hall. They want to see ya, ya low life scum bucket".
Once again Stoic turned to Gunnar Hofferson raising his sword arm as if to strike when a feminine voice yelled out "One more step ya fat bastard and you'll find an arrow in your left eye" said Ylva from the upper window. Stoic stopped as he looked up at the girl and saw the bow taut and ready to fire and that several of the townsmen had gotten into an attack stance.
Gunnar calmly looked into Stoics eyes and said, " In front of these witnesses I proclaim that Valka and Hiccup Haddock my wards and from this day forth are under the protection of my house and my family. Any harm that is afflicted onto her or her son by you or any other I will consider an attack on meself and me family. I will claim a blood price in the ring, and as my friend Gobber has said, ya will find that I too am far more of an obstacle than a woman or a baby. Now begone from my home or I will be forced to remove you dead or alive" ordered Gunnar.
With a final look around Stoic put his sword back in its scabbard and stomped up the hill towards the mead hall.
Valka was bruised and disillusioned. What had happened to the man she married, what happened to the boy that wooed and won her heart, the father of her child who had struggled with her too keep the wee lad alive? She just didn't understand, and what was she to do?
She had to protect Hiccup from the very man who had sired him. But how? She cold try to move back into her brother's house but it wouldn't work now that her father was dead and her brother married to a troll.
She couldn't stay with the Hoffersons because they were not a wealthy family and sooner or later Stoic would challenge Gunnar to battle in the dragon arena.
She couldn't divorce Stoic as she had no means to keep her and her little son alive. Perhaps she could work here and there to make enough money to earn passage on merchant Johanns ship. Aye, that was a good plan but it would take time and she had to protect Hiccup somehow as she worked.
She would talk to Helga and Gobber. Perhaps they could watch over Hiccup while she worked. Valka knew Gobber and Helga loved Hiccup like he was their own. Then there was the Hoffersons. She knew that Berghild and Ylva dearly loved Hiccup and would protect him to the death if need be.
She knew Gunnar and Finn took their protection oath very seriously and would fight Stoic if he tried to get rough with the boy.
When she was home she would keep herself armed and would sleep with Hiccup in his room with the door barred at night. Right, that's what she would do. She would return home and bide her time, working and saving money. She would tell only Helga and Berghild of her long term plans.
"Aaaaaaahhhhh!" poor Hiccup was having another nightmare. She picked her son up and gently rocked him, "it's alright my darling mummies here, mummies here. Go back to sleep."
She noticed Ylva rubbing the boys back. "Ylva its ok my sweety. Hiccups ok now."
"No he's not Valka." said the upset little girl. "He's terrified of the Chief. I swear by Odin's beard if the Chief ever harms Hickey again, I'll find a way to kill him!" said Ylva.
Valka looked over at the eleven year old with sad eyes and said, "I know you love Hiccup nearly as much as I do. Trust me when I tell you I have a plan to protect Hiccup. Why don't you sleep in the bed with us and I'll put Hiccup in between us. Hiccup loves you very much. I know with us both cuddling with him he will sleep more soundly."
"Thanks Valka. Hiccup is my little man. I am not attracted to boys, I know I should be but I'm not. I hope I can find a maiden to be close with someday but I tell you this, I will always do my best to watch out for Hickey. I will protect him with my life.
I am hoping that someday Astrid might take a liking to him but if she doesn't, if when Hiccup comes of age and if he has nobody to love him, I will put my weapons down and love him myself. He is the only boy I will ever do that for. He will not be alone anytime I'm around, to you and Odin, this I swear!" stated the young blonde.
"Ylva, you are a good and loyal friend, Hiccup is lucky to have someone like you in his life, now go to sleep young Valkyreie." Valka then placed the snoring toddler in between them and returned to sleep.
Stoic feared no man but he did fear the council. Only they had power over him. Only they could order him to do things and only they could remove him as Chief. He was disgusted with the entire situation. How dare these fools interfere with his personal life?
He would deal with Gunnar Hofferson and his family soon enough. Gobber and Helga would get their comeuppance as well. As he approached the mead hall he was going to ask for some changes to the law concerning wives and children as well as laws that would deal with anyone who chose to challenge the Chiefs rights in anyway. He'd show them all.
At the mead hall Stoic stopped just outside and addressed one of the guards, (at council meetings there were always five personal guards
present), "Please inform the council that I, Stoic the Vast Chief of the Hairy Hooligans is present as they requested".
One of the guards nodded, momentarily stepped inside then returned, "my Chief, please follow me" said the guard who proceeded to show Stoic to a chair in front of the council. The guard then returned to his station outside.
In front of him as a table with the six council members facing him. The council consisted of Duter Toverson, Gothi, Yon "Big Nose" Ingerman, Spitelout Jorgenson, Toman Knifeblade Svenson, Minar Spearhead Yungar.
Duter was the leader of the council and spoke first, "Stoic the Vast, we the high council of Berk have summoned you before us to discuss with you matters of great importance to you, the people of Berk and the people of the archipelago as a whole.
Your family has ruled Berk since its founding over three hundred years ago. It is a proud lineage, one of honor and greatness. Berk has prospered under Haddock leadership to the point where we are now one of the most prosperous Islands in the archipelago.
Furthermore, your father established peace among our rival tribes and originated the idea of "The Thing" where together our tribes came to form trade agreements, iron out differences peacefully and to establish laws that have helped our people lead safer more productive lives.
We recognize Harold the Bold for these achievements and more. It was a sad day for all of us when he fell during the recent and most cowardly attack of Alvin and his pack of Outcasts. We realize that you were thrust into being Chief sooner than you or any of us had expected. We realize that you were not given proper time to grieve and prepare yourself for your new role" said Duter.
Stoic stood to address the council, a little too quickly for the guards comfort, and all three drew their swords. With a hand gesture and a slight shake of the head from Duter the guards sheathed their weapons. "Sit down young chief you are making my guards nervous" said Duter.
Stoic sat down and gathered himself before speaking, "I am fine with my present responsibilities. I take my duty seriously and do my very best to keep the village happy and prosperous. I uphold the law……..", he was interrupted by Duter, "Do ya now? I knew both of your parents while they were alive. I can't ever remember a time where your father raised a hand against any woman especially your mother. I also know that your father never raised a hand to you. Am I mistaken young chief" asked Duter with several of the other council members grumbling.
"No counselor, what you say is the truth but there are no laws that interfere with……….."
Duter angrily interrupted, "ENOUGH! You have no honor and you are a bully!"
Stoic began to get up again but found a strong arm on his shoulder keeping him in his seat and a dagger against his throat held by the guard behind him.
Duter looked to the guard to his right then said, "disarm the Chief," and as the guard did so Duter looked at the guard holding Stoic down and said, "Bjorn, put the dagger away and draw your saber. If the Chief moves or speaks again without permission you have my permission to kill him,"
Duter paused before speaking again, "Stoic, your father never allowed his emotions to rule him. He was always cool and collected even during the worst dragon attacks. You apparently are not like your father," he pinched his nose then rubbed his temples trying to delay the headache he knew was coming.
He looked over to Toman and said," Toman please read the actions of the young chief here that have brought concerns about his leadership in the eyes of the citizens of Berk and the councils eyes".
Toman read out, "1) Insulting outbursts against citizens of Berk, 2) Insulting his own wife and child in a public place, 3) Insulting the wife of the blacksmith in public and making threats against her husband who stepped in to defend her, 4) killing of an enemy attempting to surrender, 5) beating his own wife and son to the point that Gothi the healer had to fix the Chieftess'
broken nose and knocking a child of less than two years to the point of unconsciousness, 6) trying to gain entry into a citizens home by force, and finally 7) threatening an entire family because they granted protection and safe haven to the Chiefs wife and child".
"Thank you Toman. "Stoic there are some who would claim a blood feud with you at his very moment. There is a wide consensus that you be removed as Chief. There has been talk of forcing you to divorce Valka and to force you to support her until such a time as she can be wed to a man worthy of her. Finally there were even suggestions that you be exiled to Outcast Island," the old warrior looked down and paused for a moment before continuing, "Stoic the Vast, Chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe stand and hear the judgement of the Berk High Council".
Stoic stood somberly awaiting his fate. Duter looked up and in a loud voice said, "Chef Haddock, it is because of the respect and love we hold still for our fallen leader and comrade, your father Harold the Bold that we are not removing you as Chieftain of Berk.
Because of your bravery on the battlefield and your leadership leading this village that we are going to give you an opportunity to redeem yourself.
There needs to be a punitive strike make against the Outcasts. You will send word to all the other tribes to meet here to discuss strategy and to gain support. From Berk you will be given 20 ships, 100 sailors, 250 warriors and 50 Shieldmaidens.
If the other tribes give you additional support, fine if not so be it, you will still plan and execute the attack regardless. Your objectives will be to cripple what remains of the Outcasts fleet, you will burn their village, their crops and kill what livestock you can find. You will liberate any slaves you find and return them here along with any Outcasts captured alive.
All plunder recovered will be returned to Berk and divided amongst the participating tribes. You will not attack the two fortresses but bottle the surviving Outcasts in them. You will lead the assault. Should you be killed your wife will take over as Chieftess and rule until Hiccup can take over or he abdicates his role to Spitelout Jorgenson or his son.
If the battle is lost, do not return to this island again. Finally, as far as Valka and Hiccup are concerned know this Stoic, the council as a whole extends its protection to your wife and child along with the Jorgenson, Hofferson and Duterson clans.
You are not to take Gobber the Belch or Gunnar Hofferson on the raid as Gobber will stay as blacksmith and Gunnar will be acting head of Berk in your stead. Valka will decide where she resides for the near future and you will have no say in that.
You can communicate with your wife and child so long as a guardian is present until such a time as you are deemed safe to be around them. Do you understand the will of the council?"asked Duter.
"I do", answered Stoic.
"Then you may go and start your preparations and may Odin guide your steps". With that a very angry, humiliated and red faced Stoic turned and walked out.
Later….
BANG, BANG, BANG! Stoic was jolted out of his daydream back into the reality of his cabin, his ship and his mission, "COME!" he shouted at the door and a young boy entered, Chief, "Captain Olaf says the wind is picking up and he requests your presents on deck!" said the boy.
"Thank you Jordy tell the Captain I'm on my way up." said Stoic.
Up on deck it was pitch black and raining as Stoic approached the Captain. "How goes it Olaf?" asked Stoic.
"I don't think it's going to get real bad Chief, just a few squalls. I've signalled the fleet to spread out to avoid collision. The squalls will delay us some but we should get to the fates without any losses" said Olaf. Stoic patted the Captain on the back, "Great job Olaf, I knew I could count on you".
Stoc smiled. The funny thing about the situation was that once he had made the announcement of the raid had been given, all animosity went out the window. He had more than enough volunteers. He had been pleasantly surprised with the amount of resources and troops the other tribes had provided, and that the other Chiefs had approved of his battle plan. Now all hat needed to be done was to meet at the Three fates, issue final orders and begin the attack.
True to Olaf's word, the squalls held them up a day. They arrived last at the Fates and the other battle commanders had beached their vessels at the center sea stack and were waiting for him. The mood was jovial.
The Shieldmaidens who were assigned to hit Hogshead on Outcast Island had gathered together on their black ship and here waiting for afternoon to cast off. Stoic was disappointed that Bertha wasn't leading the maidens to Hogshead, he was even more shocked and dismayed when Leia the Younger presented him with his ceremonial dagger, "where did you get this?" Stoic demanded.
"Leia only smiled rubbing her belly winking at the Chief and replying, "Bertha told me to tell you not to worry that she is well and everything is alright, she turned laughing all the way as she joined the maidens on the black painted ship. Stoic about passed out. Great! ,now could add blackmail to the things that were plaguing him.
The black ship soon departed and the rest of the fleet prepared to get underway. Just before the dawn of the next day the main battle fleet departed. Stoic knew all his chips were on the table.
Either he had guessed right and his plan succeeded permanently saving his reputation as a leader and general or he was wrong and the long Haddock lineage as Chiefs of the Hairy Hooligans and Berk would soon be over.