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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 11 Friends across the sea
The month of Harpa (May) might have been a tense one in Berk, but in all the rest of the archipelago, it was a time of celebration. A great victory had been won, spoils had been gained, theories proved correct, heroism recognized and rewarded and wounds to be healed.
Even on Berk, things were beginning to turn around. Stoic had stayed away from Spitelout and Gunnar Hofferson. He had been generous with the spoils shared to the citizens and he had kept himself busy with the spring planting and other chiefly duties.
Valka was still afraid of him but during the first few weeks after his return, he had treated her better. Stoic and Hiccup ignored each other. Valka was not a stupid woman and had deduced that Stoics' desire for children was to establish another heir rather than Hiccup.
At first, she had considered drinking the herbal tea Gothi gave out to prevent girls from getting pregnant but changed her mind. As long as she gave Stoic all the sex he wanted and the impression she too was eager to have children the man left her son alone. Until she had enough money to leave she would have to sacrifice her body.
Hiccup, of course, lived in terror any time he left Gobber and Helga's home. When his mother forced him to be in his fathers' presence the little boy never volunteered conversation, was overly polite and hid whenever his mother left him for even a moment.
Before the attack on Outcast Island, Hiccup was often visited by Berghild, Ylva, and Helga but now no one visited. Berghild, Ylva, and baby Astrid would on a rare occasion visit Helga. Hiccup clung to Ylva and loved baby
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Astrid. Berghild would pick Hiccup up and hold him closer than she ever had before knowing how Stoic had treated him. The Chief was a man who liked to be feared so most families abstained from doing anything that might attract his ire.
Now the second day of Skerpla (June), a ship appeared on the horizon from the south. Since there was only one no general alarm was given but the chief was notified. The vessel turned out to be from the great island known as Scotland.
Scotland was a country rich in gain and iron resources and known for the quality of its weapons and the beauty of its women. As the vessel anchored in the harbor a large crowd had gathered at the docks. A small dinghy with four oarsmen approached.
When the little boat was safely tied to the docks a single tall thin man wearing a long red sash a kilt with pants underneath and a double-handed broadsword at his waist jumped off and halted in front of the Chief Stoic.
The man saluted and in a language few understood, (Gaelic), spoke, "Ah am Lord Ian Macintosh of clan Macintosh. As an emissary of our great land, ah bring greetings from my liege lord King Fergus o Dunbroch to his friend and former comrades in arms Stoic the Vast, Chief of the Hairy Hooligans."
Chief Stoic looked the man over and replied in perfect Gaelic, "I, Chief Stoic the vast welcome you as an honored guest. We will provide you and your men's food and quarters while you are with us. Please follow me to our humble mead hall where we will give you food and drink while you give me and my council the reason your liege lord has chosen to contact us."
With that, the Chief turned and led Lord Macintosh up the hill to the great hall.
In the year 0984, Chief Hiccup Horrendous Haddock II had chosen his son Harold the Bold to lead a raid against Scotland. During this raid, they had captured livestock, gold and taken many captives that would be sold into bondage and known as thralls.
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The Scottish warriors were vicious in combat and in the defense of their homeland. The raid cost two longboats and nearly a third of the attacking force. This was a lesson not lost on Chief Hiccup and he never raided Scotland again in his lifetime.
The women of Scotland were very beautiful, strong-willed and great child bearers. They brought a high price when they were sold to other Viking tribes. Many were brought to Berk.
Harold the Bold was so taken by one called Aileen that he asked his father to purchase her which of course, Harold's father did. In two years' time, Harold had learned her language and had fallen deeply in love with her. They were married under the Viking tradition in the year 0986.
In Tvimannuour (September) of 0989, Aileen gave birth to a baby boy they Stoic. As the baby grew beyond normal expectations the boy became known as Stoic the Vast.
Another Scottish thrall by the name of Leana married a young warrior named Duter Toverson and she gave birth to a boy named Gobber.
Life in Viking villages was never easy, especially for thralls. The work was nonstop and demanding, the weather was terrible most of the time. Worse yet was that thralls were expected to adopt Viking culture and not practice their own.
Most thralls adapted but Aileen was not one of them. She was constantly asking Harold to take her and her son home. Harold was not a patient man and though minimal by Viking standards, Harold beat the woman on a regular basis.
One day when Harold came home, she simply wasn't there. Though many searches went out Aileen was never seen again. She left behind a four-year-old son.
Gobber's mother Leana faired much differently. Duter worshipped the ground she walked on and treated her accordingly. He allowed her to worship her own gods in their home and she kept Scottish traditions. She was hired by now Chief Harold to take care of his son which she did.
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Both Gober and Stoic learned to speak Gaelic and could read and write in the language as well. Sadly, in the terrible winter of 0994, Leana took sick and died. Stoic and Gobber grew up the rest of their childhoods without the love of a mother. It was hardest on Stoic who was two years younger and had gone through it twice.
In the year 0996, a still broken-hearted Harold the Bold stopped the practice of slavery on the island of Berk. Any former thralls who wished to leave were taken back to their homelands and those that stayed were given homes and full citizenship as Vikings.
In the year 1009, Harold the Bold ordered an expedition to Scotland with the idea of establishing peaceful communications if not relations with whatever kingdoms they had formerly raided. He sent his son Stoic, then 20, to lead the mission.
Stoic took only one longboat, forty warriors and twenty shieldmaidens. He also brought gifts and treatises in order to establish relations. Upon arrival in what turned out to be Dunbroch Stoic found chaos and war.
Dunbroach was being invaded by a Roman army made up of Romans, Saxons, and Gauls with a sprinkling of Vikings mixed in. Stoic loved a fight and hated the Romans. The Vikings landed had been unseen by the army attacking the Scots. The Viking under Berks white Dragon Head banner and led by Stoic, charged into the attacking armies right flank.
The Scottish Clans of Dunbroch, MacGuffin, Macintosh, and Dingwall had quit fighting amongst themselves and having united under the broadsword of Fergus the mighty of Dunbroch were fighting for all they were worth against the Roman hoard.
The battle itself proved to be the Scotts holding a fortress on a hill with large ravines cutting the landscape leading from the sea. The battle was at a crucial point when out of nowhere the Vikings with painted markings and howling like banshees hit the Romans flank hacking surprised Saxons right and left.
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At a rampart in the fortress, a young Lord Dabney Dingwald pointed out the Vikings to Fergus, "At the bloody hell are they up to ah wonder Fergus? There's noh enough of em ta make much of a dent now is there?"
"Ha! Noh but ahll be damned if they're not scarin those damned Saxon bastards a wee bit. Order the cavalry in, then gather MacGuffin and Macintosh and have them ready to charge" said Fergus.
Dabney; "Are ya orderin a general attack then?"
Fergus; " Aye, ahll be damned if a bunch of crazy Vikings is going ta show me up this fine day. Besides, it's a good day to die isn't it?"
Smiling Dabney said, "Aye that it is ya daft man. Yer as crazy as those bloody Vikings".
The result was, as the Roman General began to order a right movement of a cohort to deal with the new threat a thousand Scottish horsemen riding Clydesdale war horses into the Roman armies left flank, wiping away the Romans own cavalry. To the front of the now halted legions, several thousand Scotts with broadswords pikes and short swords attacked while the center was being bombarded with arrows from hundreds of Scottish longbowman.
It wasn't long before the Saxons and Gauls had enough and broke. The Romans remained in tight formation but with their flanks exposed, they were forced to withdraw but did so in good order. It was not known how many men the Romans had that day, but over ten thousand of their legions never made it home.
Fergus located the tight knot of Vikings surrounded by angry Scotts near the center of what had been the Roman right. The Viking men and women, (always a surprise to Fergus), were breathing hard and they were drenched in the blood of their enemies. Fergus noted no fear in their eyes only a rugged determination to take as many foes with them before they made it to Valhalla.
Fergus; "Stand down Scotts, stand down!" He stood a few feet from Stoic and said in perfect old Norse, "Who are ye Viking and at brings you to Dunbroch?"
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Breathing hard Stoic answered in perfect Gaelic, "I am Stoic the Vast, Son of Harold the Bold, heir to the Hairy Hooligans of the Island of Berk".
Fergus, "One more time I'll ask Viking, at brings you to ma kingdom?"
"Stoic, figuring death was at hand simply said, "You looked like you needed some help".
At that Fergus began to laugh and was followed by the laughter of twenty-five thousand other Scotts. Fergus put away his sword walked forward with his hand extended. Stoic then smiled and in the Viking way, then took Fergus' arm and shook it. Fergus patted Stoic on the back and led him towards the fortress which was, in reality, Dunbroch Castle.
Fergus; "Och, ah gotta bring ya home to meet me, wife Elinor. She won't believe there is another bastard in this world crazier than ah am."
The quick visit turned into several months that only ended when Chief Harold sent another vessel to find them. Simply put, Stoic and his group of Vikings couldn't leave. Why? Because after the battle there were not enough of them left to sail the longboat back home.
At the Great Hall, after he had eaten and been refreshed with mead, Lord Macintosh addressed Stoic and the council, "My lord and lady," (he gave a slight bow to Gothi who also seemed to understand Gaelic), "My liege lord King Fergus wishes to invite Chief Stoic to Dunbroch to discuss the possibility of a trade alliance and to show our goodwill."
"King Fergus and Queen Elinor wish to see their dear friends again in hopes of developing closer ties between prospective peoples".
Stoic translated to the council and after a brief discussion, Stoic spoke, "The council is pleased with your majesty's and my friend's request. We would be honored to visit with a delegation".
Stoic raised his tankard and was followed by Lord Macintosh and the council. "Let us drink a toast to King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Together may we sail new horizons in peace and friendship."
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Several days later a longboat carrying Stoic, Valka, Hiccup, Gothi, Gobber and Helga departed Berk following the Scottish ship heading towards Dunbroch.
Stoic and Valka had visited Dunbroch several times after their marriage in 1018. Fergus and Stoic liked each other's company as did Elinor and Valka. Elinor was a big sister to Valka. Elinor could speak old Norse well and Valka could speak enough Gaelic to get by.
When they were apart, the two women kept a correspondence going via letters carried by the odd trader. It was cumbersome but it also kept the two nations connected in a small way.
Elinor was overjoyed by the news Valka was going to have a child. She knew that Valka was not from Berk originally. Valka had originally come from the Meathead tribe in an arranged marriage between the two families.
The last few letters from Valka before the winter freeze locked up the sea lanes in the archipelago had indicated that Valka had great concerns that being pregnant during the winter months was very dangerous as with the weather and the frequent dragon raids, food shortages were common and a lot of women either froze or starved to death.
Later she would write that because of those problems she had previously written she had delivered a son two months early. Her little son, called Hiccup, was small, weak and often sickly. It was doubted by some that the boy would survive.
Still, others felt the Chief should have put the boy out to the elements to die because he was a runt and would always be feeble. Stoic and Valka had refused and with the help of many were able somehow to keep the boy alive.
Elinor herself had given birth two weeks after Valka to a baby girl she named Merida. This trip would be the first time they would see each other's children.
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The attitude of both fathers was completely different as well. Where Stoic was ashamed of his runt of a son, Fergus could not be prouder of his flame-haired little princess.
Gothi was concerned for the heir of Berk but not for the usual reasons. Gothi had come from Scotland as a child many decades ago. Nobody knew how old she was or where exactly she came from. She never verbally spoke but communicated through the use of runes she drew in the dirt with her squiggly old staff. Only a few could translate for her, Gobber the Belch being one of them.
Most people saw Gothi as a healer, others as the village wisdom, but the reality was far more complex. Gothi had come from a family that had practiced the dark arts. They had not left their homeland voluntarily but had been driven out because of their strange practices and beliefs.
Gothi did not practice the dark arts herself but her understanding of herbs and medical practices made her a healer. It was said that she could read people's minds and even know when a person would die simply by looking in their eyes. Gothi could also see into the future but no one knew that.
When young Hiccup had been born she had told everyone the boy would survive and become strong. Nobody believed her. When delivering the boy Gothi had noticed a strange mark at the base of Hiccups' skull. The boys' parents and the villagers thought it was merely a birthmark but Gothi knew better.
In the ancient scrolls, she had studied as a young woman there was a tale of humans that had been touched by the Gods for greatness that had been given these same marks. The scrolls predicted someday one would come that would lead several kingdoms and would be able to tame the wildest of beasts including man.
It was said that this one would come riding on the back of the most fearsome of creatures who brought lightning and death. Gothi believed Hiccup had this mark.
She had foreseen the troubles the boy would have to endure. She saw the hatred of a father for his own child and that should the child be killed before
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he could reach his destiny, Odin and the gods would cause havoc on Midgard. She also saw that Elinor of Dunbroch would have a vital role in the boy's life.
The trip across the southern sea was uneventful for the ten days it took to get to Dunbroch. Stoic was in good spirits, believing that an alliance between Berk and Dunbroch would not only benefit both financially, a military alliance would also enhance Berk's (and his own), reputation in the Viking archipelago.
Elinor bounced her girl child on her knee and laughed as the wee one giggled. Merida was a vivacious child, with a blood-red main like her father and the face and beauty of her mother. She had inherited deep blue eyes from her father.
Merida was curious, intelligent and alert. She had great self-confidence, stamina and brought joy to all that were allowed around her.
Elinor; "Merida, in a few short days mummy's dearest friend is coming for a visit from far away".
"At's her name mummy?" asked Princess Merida. "Her name is Valka. She a Viking Chiefs wife from the land of Berk far to
the north" said Queen Elinor.
"A Viking! Is she pretty mummy?" asked Merida.
Elinor; "Och yes and she has a wee son named Hiccup that is your age".
"Hiccup is a funny name mummy, why did they call him at?" asked the toddler.
"Well my sweet one, the Viking culture is much different than ours and they pick names for different reasons than we do so please don't tease him. Yer father is trying to make a treaty with the Vikings."
"At's a treaty mummy?" asked Merida.
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"Tis nuthin tha a wee lassie needs ta be worryin little head aboot," said the queen.
Now at this stage of her 16-month life, Merida's tangle of red locks just reached to neck. She, like Hiccup, had a 'birthmark' on her neck that no one seemed to notice.
Onboard Stoics longboat the family was having dinner in the main cabin. Hiccup sat close to his mother and as usual, kept to himself with a wary eye on his father.
Stoic made polite conversation with his wife, "Ya know Valka, this treaty will be good for Berk. We will get much-needed iron and foodstuffs as well as protection for our ships that might sail this far south. In return, they get our surplus wool and dragon skins."
Valka raised her eyes at the terms dragon skins but said nothing. The subject of the fair treatment of dragons was a lost cause. Valka cleared her throat, "It will be good to see Elenor again. We get to show off our babes and catch up on things. I have missed her."
Stoic; "I have been considering leaving Hiccup aboard with Helga. He is so frail he might get hurt and you know how prone to sickness the little runt is. I only brought him because I knew you would not come without him and Elinor might have taken offense".
Valka; "NEVER and I mean NEVER call my son a runt again or I swear by Odin's Beard you will never bed me again. You may be ashamed of your own son but I am not! If ya leave Hiccup aboard I will not ever step foot ashore myself. Then you truly will be shamed in front of the Scots."
Stoic looked at his small son who was trying to hide in his mother's cloak. "Be on your best behavior lad. While you are here you are considered a prince of Berk. Try not to get hurt or embarrass our people. Do I make myself clear?" said the chief.
"Yes, father" answered the frightened little Viking.
With that Stoic wiped his mouth with his furred sleeve and left the cabin. "I hate him mummy" whispered Hiccup.
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"I know my sweet love. I know. Hiccup, Queen Elinor has a little girl named Merida. I'm sure she will want to make friends. Wouldn't that be nice?" asked Valka.
Hiccup sighed and said, "I miss Ylva. I miss her so much. I even miss baby Astrid. Why do they hate me now? What did I do?" asked the lonely little boy.
With tears falling from her eyes the chieftess kissed her son on the head and said, "The Hofferson's all love you, my love, especially Ylva but right now they are sad because Finn was called to Vahalla. They don't hate you, my son. Tomorrow try to be brave and please give little Merrida a chance to be your friend. Please, for me?"
"I will mummy I promise. Can I sleep with Gobber and Helga tonight on deck?" asked Hiccup. "Yes you may, run along and be careful," said Valka.
The Next day the Viking ship was sighted and King Fergus, Queen Elinor, Princess Merida, and the kings' entourage waited at the docks of Dunbroch to properly greet Stoic the Vast and his family. A great horn blew from the longboat which in the traditions of Berk was a salute to the King. Soon the longboat docked and Stoic led the procession of Vikings on land.
Greetings were exchanged and Stoic introduced Gobber, Helga and Gothi. "Fergus, how are ye? May I introduce our Blacksmith Gobber the Belch and His wife Helga. Next is our village healer and senior council member Gothi. You, of course, know my wife Valka" said Stoic.
The Viking Chief had purposely ignored Hiccup whom Valka was holding in her arms. Elinor, confused by the omission and error in protocol handed Merida whom she had been holding to King Fergus, then walked up to Valka with her arms extended to Hiccup who smiled and allowed himself to be held by the Queen.
With Hiccup in her arms, she looked directly at Stoic and interrupted before her husband could start introductions and asked, "And who might this be Chief Stoic?"
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Red-faced and embarrassed he'd been upstaged and caught red-handed trying to ignore his own son replied in an insulting tone dripping with sarcasm replied, "This fine example of Viking manhood, (which Stoic said with a voice heavily coated in sarcasm), is my son, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III."
There were a few chuckles then silence as Queen Elinor, (a kind family-oriented woman, and a stickler for proper court protocol), walked over and stood in front of Stoic. Queen Elinor kissed Hiccup on the cheek and began to introduce Hiccup to the royal family, "Prince Hiccup, mah handsome wee little man, ah have the honor to introduce myself. Ah, am Queen Elinor of Dunbroch first of her name and protector of Dunbroch castle."
She then kissed him and hugged him then said, "This my Prince, is my liege lord husband Fergus King of Dunbroch, the hero of a hundred battles and protector of the Realm."
King Fergus gave a slight nod of his head and gave Hiccup a big smile. Hiccup smiled back and gave a little wave of his left hand.
The Queen then continued, "And lastly mah sweet little Prince, I have the honor ta introduce my daughter, Princess Merida of Dunbroch first of her name and heir ta the throne of Scotland." Merida gave a shy wave that Hiccup returned.
Hiccup in a loud voice, told the Queen, "I like her Queen Elinor, she's pretty!"
Queen Elinor turned and looked at Valka, "Follow me my friend, and with your permission, ah shall keep hold of this silver-tongued devil. Ah, need to keep an eye on this ane in case he sweeps our wee lassie Merida, off her feet."
Everyone except for Stoic laughed.
A while later Queen Elinor was leading the Vikings in a quick tour of the castle culminating in leading the Vikings to their prospective rooms. King Fergus took Stoic to his large office in the west wing of the castle while the
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children were placed in the care of a trusted nanny Maudie a young woman whose only job as to take care of the Princess.
Helga, of course, took care of Hiccup and accompanied Maudie. Once the children were occupied and the men were gone, Queen Elinor took Valka by the hand and led her to the Queen's chambers. She ordered tea.
It took the servants a few moments to come back with the tea. When the tea set was set down and the servants had left Elinor looked at her friend, "Valka, ah know something is terribly wrong. What King insults his own son and heir? Ah was embarrassed for both you and the boy. The King took note as well. I know every part of my husband's face and his eyes told me he is concerned. What the bloody hell is going on?"
Valka gave her the entire story including physical and mental abuse. Valka; "Poor Hiccup is terrified of his father. Stoic nearly beat him to death. The man does not understand that no small child can be spanked like as he did."
"Elinor; HE SPANKED HICCUP? HE'S A BABY!" shrieked the Queen.
Valka; "Stoic has tried to force a mere baby to do things that he feels a normal Viking child should do. He expects a mere baby, whose barely walking, to fit a mold no child would understand or be able to comply with. I fear if not for the protection of the council Stoic might have gotten rid of my boy by now.
Stoic was dressed down by the council for his abuses and ever since he resents Hiccup. He takes pleasure in insulting his own son as being weak and unfit to be his heir. Gobber and Helga take care of Hiccup most of the time during the day and usually Hiccup is asleep by the time Stoic gets home." said the Chieftess.
Valka was sobbing by this time. "I don't know what I'm going to do Elinore. He makes me have sex with him almost every night in hopes of producing another child that will more fit Stoic's image of Vikingness. If I do give him another child a Chief in Viking culture is within his rights to depose one Heir in favor of another." she cried.
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"We used to have visitors who would bring their children around to play with Hiccup. Now no one comes around in fear of making the Chief angry. I just don't know what to do. We can't live in fear for the rest of our lives."
In another part of Castle Dunbroch, another Viking was lamenting his woes to his friend. "You're a lucky man Fergus. You have a kingdom, you have subjects that respect you, you have the love of a great woman who has given you a healthy and beautiful heir" said Stoic.
Fergus, "Aye, at ah du but you've no dun so bad yerself. Valka's a lovely lass, and from wat the traders tell me ya just came off a great victory which made you a hero and a very wealthy man. Hiccup seems to be a good lad. A bit small for his age but he's still a wee baby. He still has plenty of time ta fill out and grow taller. He is, after all, a Viking and yer heir!"
Stoic only looked at the floor and said, "I believe the term you were looking for to describe my son is 'runt'. You can add useless, pathetic, sickly and weak to his list of titles. As far as my wife is concerned, there is no love between us. Not since that child was born.
Speaking of Berk, well, I would not be surprised to learn that when I get back that I have challengers to my throne. In any case, I need this treaty to better feed my people and the alliance to help protect my ships and my reign.
Hiccup will never be Chief. He's too weak in stature and in spirit. I have my doubts that he will survive long enough to enter dragon training." King Fergus was taken aback by Stoics' words.
Fergus; "Ah don't think the treaty will take much to get done ta our mutual satisfaction. Our clan leaders may look fer some sort o blood bond to seal the deal though. Ye wouldn't have any spare eligible lads or lassies we could marry off with ya?"
Stoic laughed, "No, not with me, unless one of your clan leaders would accept that little bastard of mine as a down payment", laughing even harder. Fergus pretended to chuckle and only said, "I think wee Hiccup is a little young to be considering consummating a marriage, but I'll put the offer out there."
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Fergus was definitely going to have to have a talk with Elinor about the Viking Chief and his family.
In the nursery, Hiccup and Merida were getting to know each other under the close supervision of Maude and Helga. Gobber was there to translate between Maude and Helga.
Gothi was there watching the children when she noticed something. Carefully she walked over to the children. She wrote something on a piece of parchment using a charcoal pencil and handed it to Gobber.
Gobber read it and then asked Maude, "Gothi would like to hold and give the Princess a hug if that would be alright."
Maude looked over to Gothi and then Merida. "Princess, this nice lady's name is Gothi and she is the village healer where Hiccup lives. She would like to hold you for a moment and give you a hug. Would that be alright with you?"
At first, Merida looked frightened but Hiccup grabbed her hand which caused Merida to look at him and using baby Gaelic Hiccup said, "Its ok Mer, (Hiccup called Merida Mer and Merida called him Hic), she looks scary but she's really very nice. She just doesn't talk".
Merida smiled at Hiccup and stretched out her arms so Gothi would pick her up. Gothi smiled reached down and picked her up.
Merida; "Are ye very old?" she asked Gothi. Gothi laughed and nodded. It was then she looked at Merida's neck and saw the mark. Momentarily the old healer's face became very serious and her cheeks grew red. Her smile returned and she gave Merida a big hug and gently placed her back on the floor.
Gothi once again scribbled something on the parchment. Gobber read it and tough-looking a little perplexed told Merida and Maudie, "Gothi would like to thank the Princess for allowing her to hold her and she would like to know where Dunbrochs Chief Wisdom could be found."
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Maudie simply summoned a servant who then guided the old lady out of the room. Gobber started to follow believing Gothi would need a translator but the old lady hit him on the head with her staff and shook her head.
Meanwhile, in the Queen's chambers, Queen Elinor was doing her best to comfort her Viking friend. "Ah don know wha I can du Valka, but ah will think very hard on it. While ye are here in Dunbroch ye are under the King's protection, even from Stoic. Ah, canna promise wha ah can du once yer away on the ship but there must be somethin ah can du before."
She thought for a moment. "Valka, tonight we will be giving a dinner in yer honor and we ha invited our clan leaders. Ah, doubt Stoic will treat ye or Hiccup badly in front of them. Ah will du ma best ta bring positive attention to you and Hiccup and at will help with our clan lords and ladies. Don't ye worry we'll figure somethin out. Have ya thot aboot leavin?" asked Elinor.
"Yes I have,'' said Valka, "but I would have to travel outside the archipelago or Stoic would track us down." I'm trying to save enough money now but he watches me very closely. He has intimidated our villagers to the point where I doubt we would receive any sort of overt help."
Queen Elinor; "Just be brave and keep a stiff upper lip like those bastard Anglish like ta say. Yer going to be here for at least two weeks, so let's no worry ourselves aboot it right now. Let us go see whet our children are up ta".
Merida and Hiccup were playing with some of Merida's stuffed animals happily gabbing away.
"Hic, are there really dragons were ye come from? Mum says they are a Viking myth."
Hiccup looked confused and asked, "Whats a mi-ith?"
Merida; "A myth is kind of a story people tell over and over again. Hiccup; "Oh, well dragons aren't 'mi-iths'. They attack us a lot and try to
steal our food. Many people have been hurt and killed and we have killed lots of them. Uncle Gobber had his leg bitten clean off by one didn't ya Uncle
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Gobber?" asked Hiccup. Gobber nodded and hiked up his right pants leg and showed Merida his peg leg.
Merida's eyes got big as she looked over at the fake leg. "It's just like when me da got his leg bitten off by Mordu', the little red-haired girl exclaimed.
Gobber, "Aye tha it tis princes except fer the facts tha Mordu is a great bear and the one et took me leg was a great fire breathin Monstrous Nightmare that tried to swallow me whole but only got me leg."
Hiccup; "Not all dragons are bad though. The other day me and me mum came upon a baby dragon and its mummy. It was bright green and had big yellow eyes. They were nice and even let us pet them. My mum said they were called 'Terrible Terrors'."
Gobber; "Hiccup, now don be fillin the girl's head full of tall tales."
Indignant with a boy child's ire Hiccup shouted, "I'm not tellin a tale uncle Gobber, just ask my mummy, she'll tell ya".
Merida hugged Hiccup and old him, "Its ok Hic, I believe ye".
Hiccup hugged her back and Merida kissed his cheek. Hiccup looked at Merida and rubbed his cheek where she had kissed him.
Merida saw this and giggled, "Have ya no been kissed before Hic?"
Hiccup smiled, "Ylvi used to hug me and kiss me all of the time but she doesn't come around anymore. I miss her a lot".
"Why doesn't she come around anymore Hic?" asked Merida.
Helga interjected, "Ylva is a sweet girl, older than you who loves Hiccup very much but she has a new baby sister named Astrid to help take care of and can't come over as much. You know this Hiccup".
Hiccup pouted and looked down at the floor, "Ylvi doesn't come around anymore because father won't let her. Nobody comes anymore. Helga, I'm
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tired, I want to go back to the ship". Helga picked Hiccup up and gave him a hug. Helga; "Come sweet one, you can rest in me and Gobbers room".
As Helga turned to go with Hiccup nestled into her neck, Princess Merida ran up and tugged on Helga's leggings, "Hiccup, Hiccup don't go. Don't you want to play with me some more?" asked the princess?
Hiccup shook his head not looking at her. Merida; "Then can I come an take a nap with yu?
Hiccup; "No Mer, father will just make you go away like everybody else."
Merida ran back to Maudie with tears in her eyes and Hiccup began to cry as well. Gobber walked over and patted the baby princess on her back and said, "I'm sorry princess, Hiccup is just lonely and afraid. You keep tryin ta be his friend. He needs one so badly, even if just for a little while." Then Gobber too left to follow Helga to the chambers they were given.
Gothi made her way out of the castle and out of the town towards a house on the edge of the forest. It was a small stone house surrounded by thorny gnarled bushes and equally gnarled trees.
As the old healer was about to beat on the door with her staff the door opened and a woman strangely similar to Gothi looked at her and said, "I've been expecting you. Gothi climbed slowly up the steps and into the small stone cottage. "Sit," the other old woman said to Gothi.
Gothi; "You've not changed Yara".
"Nor you sister," said Gothi. Yara gave Gothi a steaming cup of tea. "You have brought the ONE with you?" asked Yari.
Gothi only nodded. "Has 'SHE' seen him? Asked Yara?
Gothi; "They were together when I left the castle" answered Gothi.
"What about the other?" asked Yara. "She is too young to make the journey, ye know this. The leaves have foretold this and the wisps have confirmed it" answered Gothi.
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"The leaves also tell me the ONE is in great danger " stated Yara.
Gothi only snickered at the other old woman. Gothi; "He will be in danger his entire life. The scrolls told this to the ancients. We can only manipulate events so much my sister or we dare the wrath of Loki himself."
"We must decide on how we must proceed and quickly. We must decide whom to trust first. His own father, even now wishes him dead and may act on it." said Yara.
"It can only be Elinor," said Gothi. "The scrolls say that everyone before HER will abandon and betray him. Only HER love can save him and we are close to that crossroads. The boy is so close to giving up. His father has isolated the child. His heart is broken and you know only SHE can mend it."
"Has the princess claimed him yet? Asked Yara.
"No", said Gothi, "but I could feel the bond starting. The problem is, the one is so heartbroken he can't feel her. That is why we need Elinor. I saw the compassion in her eyes today and how she reached out to nurture him. She feels him but does not yet understand. That is why we must tell her and tell her now!
"But will she believe?" "I have already contacted all of our sisters. We will meet at the great circle for the gathering in two days. You must bring her there then. The gathering will convince her our words are true and she will know what must be done. Until then, the Dragon Prince must be protected," said Yara.
Gothi rose and made her way to the door. She turned and walked to the door. She stopped and without turning around just said, "In the next five days we have the chance to bring lasting peace to Midgard. If we fail….."
"If we fail and the two do not become one the peacekeepers will not be born then we will be responsible for the beginning of Ragnarok," said Yara.