The one that almost got away (2nd version) Chapter 13, a How to Train Your Dragon + Brave, 2012 Crossover fanfic

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 13 The Coven

Yara greeted her other five 'sisters'. Nadier had come from Ireland, Seta had come from England, Gothi of course came from Berk, Aena came from Gaul and finally, Zena came from Germania. Yara served the women tea and a simple meal as they sat in the small hut in front of the hearth.

They sat in silence as they enjoyed their meals each deep in thought. Gothi helped her sister clear the table and then brought a bottle of brandy made from berries found in the forest surrounding the stone hut.

Yara; "Thank you all for coming here. I know your journeys were not easy. You know why you are here. The two have come together. Circumstances have dictated that action must be taken."

Another drink was poured, pipes were lighted and another log was thrown on the fire.

Zena; "Gothi, how much time do we have?"

Gothi; "The father is trying to get his wife to produce another heir at this time. That in itself is of no importance since we know Berk and all the northlands will be absorbed into the great kingdom. If the mother conceives, the boy could die soon after. The father will make it look like an accident and no one in the north will question the story he gives" said the old witch.

Gothi poured another drink for herself and the other women. Another pot of tea was brewed and a dessert of berry tarts was served.

Nadier spoke next; "The tea leaves have told me the mother will abandon the boy".

"How soon?" asked Yara.

Gothi took another sip of her tea, (the tea was a special brew that Yara had created that negated the effects of alcohol), then said, "The Chieftess will abandon her son before two moons have risen".

Aena relit her pipe and said, "the leaves have told me that the father will start a search for a new mate before winter strikes and he will be once more wed before the next summer solstice."

Seta looked over to Gothi and asked, "Does the boy's mother know of the mark?"

Gothi; She has seen the mark but knows nothing of its significance. She doesn't need to know, she will not be in his life."

Seta; "What of the Queen of Dunbroch? Has she seen the mark on the Dragon Prince?"

Gothi replied "I do not know if she has noticed the mark but she has made the connection with the boy. She is drawn to him. She will take a proactive role in his life" This statement made eyebrows raise.

Yara; "Is this connection significant?"

Gothi; "The connection is strong between the ones and the guardian. The boy feels it too, and is now looking to the guardian for affection and security".

Aena; "The leaves tell me there is a connection to one on his home island. What of her?"

Gothi; "Her name is Ylva. She is the daughter of one of the chief's enemies. She truly loves the boy but the chief has isolated the prince and he has no further contact with the lass.

Besides the girl is a female who desires other females. The leaves tell me she will die childless. She will remain close and loyal to the dragon prince all of her life and she will be a strong shieldmaiden. The girl will be close to

Hiccup later in his life and will guide him in important things he will need to know to keep his wife happy".

There was silence for a few minutes then Yara spoke again, "We all know the daughter of the queen will choose the dragon prince as her mate, we just don't know when. The leaves have also foretold of another female. One he will grow up with. One that will save him from death."

"Her name is Astrid" interjected Gothi.

"Fine, it has been foretold that Prince Hiccup of Berk will be claimed by Princess Merida of Dunbroch. These others will be distractions" said Zena.

Gothi; "These distractions are people. People the Prince needs in his life. They will help shape him into the man he will become and help the Princess understand what Hiccup means to her and her role in his life. Astrid Hofferson will be important in both of their adult lives as well. The Princess will be his wife above all others but she will not be the only mother of his children. This has been foretold" said Gothi.

"Merida even now feels the bond. Whilst in my presence the little Princess needed to be in close proximity to the Dragon Prince" Gothi continued. It

"But if Hiccup is killed?" Seta asked.

"Then the gods will be angered," said Yara.

Zena; "If young Hiccup dies, the gods will strike out at mankind. The North will be ravaged and destroyed by the unrestrained dragon attacks. The Anglish islands and Europa will be ravaged by a plague that will wipe out most of the population. Espania will be conquered by infidels from the uncivilized dark continent and in the east, a drought lasting a hundred years will wipe out the population there. Ragnarok will begin and the end of Midgard will be at hand."

Another drink was poured, this time without any more tea. The mood was serious and somber.

Gothi; "Even if Princess Merida claims Hiccup and we can get the queen to take action, the prince's life will be hard. He will be abandoned, he will see those he loves betray him, he will see those he loves die, he will be constantly be abused and he will grow up often lonely and afraid".

" Aena; "We must pray and ask the gods to empower us to give the queen in such a way that she will do what must be done and act in a way that will ultimately save the Prince's life without giving her reason to fear."

Yara; "One of us must go and convince the queen that Hiccups' life is in danger and to get her to come to us. Nadier, will the Wisps aid us in our quest?" asked the old lady.

Nadier; "Only if we are brave, only if our hearts are pure, only if we are all of one mind and only if the gods hear our prayers".

Zena next spoke; "We must join hands and meditate then Gothi must contact the queen this very night and convince her of the danger."

Gothi; "This I will do and I shall not fail. Too much depends upon it."

The old sages joined hands then meditated and prayed.

The queen with Maudie and Helga's help was having a glorious time with Hiccup and Merida. The first thing she noticed when she woke up was that both children were spooning together. She thought it was adorable that Hiccup was snuggled up close behind Merida with his arm over her waist and Merida holding that hand close to her chest.

Maudie giggled and said to the queen in a whisper, "Merida should be glad King Fergus is still asleep because if e were to see them like this, e'd drag Hiccup to is father demanding a marriage contract be put into place".

Elinor spun around and faced the maid, "Where did ye get that information? Only the king and Ah have discussed a marriage contract and in private" said the queen.

Maudie; "A'hm sorry your grace. Ah was only joking."

Merida stirred, turned around, looked at Hiccup then pulled the young prince, still sleeping, into a tight embrace with her face next to his.

Maudie; "The princess sure is affectionate towards the little Viking".

Elinor motioned to the nanny to go wake Merida up. The queen then lightly took Merida's arms from around Hiccups' neck and raised him to a sitting position. The tired boy looked up at her brought his little arms around her neck.

Elinor; "Good morning my sweet little one".

Hiccup turned and kissed her on the cheek, "Good morning Elinor".

Elinor; "Did ye sleep well Hiccup?" Hiccup nodded and said, "Merida kept me warm. I like her very much. She's pretty, she smells good and she likes to cuddle."

Madie had gotten Merida awake. The little girl with bright red tangly hair said, "Good morning Maudie, good morning mummy!"

Merida then crawled over to Hiccup gently taking the boy's face in her two little hands, then kissed him full on the mouth, "Good morning Hiccup."

Hiccup pulled her over for a big hug.

Maudie laughed, "Yep, definitely going ta need a marriage contract."

Off came both of the children's nightshirts, then underwear.

Helga had walked in and the queen asked, "Lady Helga, could ye grab the prince a change of clothes including undies?".

"Yes, yur grace" and she quickly left the room.

Elinor picked up the little boy and headed into the bathroom where the tub was once again filled with warm water.

Hiccup leaned into the queen's embrace then whispered into her ear, "Elinor, I need to pee."

Elinor smiled at the boy and took him to their toilet which was a little room with a stone seat with a hole in it. Above the seat was a wooden tank filled with water. As the queen lifted the little boy up to the seat she held him carefully as the toilet was made for adults and she didn't want Hiccup to accidentally fall in. Hiccup let her know he was finished so the queen pulled the cord on the water tank and water cascaded into the toilet.

"That's neat," said Hiccup.

Ye donna ha toilets in Berk?" asked Elinor.

"No, ma'am. Just an outhouse in the backyard. Mummy has to carry me in the winter because the snow gets soooo deep."

Elinor took Hiccup into the room with the bathtub. She removed his clothes then sat Hiccup in the tub and then she began to wash him. Maudie came in with an already undressed Merida and placed the little Princess in the tub opposite the wee prince.

Hiccup exclaimed, "We took a bath last night. I won't need another one for six whole days!"

Maudie, "In the castle Dunbroch, children are bathed every day, including Prince and Princess'".

Helga had come in and she ruffled the little boys head, "Good morning Hiccup. Did ye sleep well?" the nanny asked.

"Yes Helga," said Hiccup, "Mer is the best cuddler in the whole world."

Merida leaned to the other side of the tube and hugged Hiccup.

Valka came in, "MUMMY!" cried Hiccup. Valka had dark lines under her eyes from lack of sleep. She walked a little funny too.

Valka; "The man kept me up all last night. He can never get enough of….well you know," she said.

"Ah slept well, Hiccup dinna keep me up," said the princess. The children couldn't understand why the four grownups were laughing so hard.

The four women went down to the king's private dining area for breakfast. King Fergus and Chief Stoic were already there chatting amicably. Stoic noticed that Valka and Hiccup.

"Ah see my son's, (once again dripping with sarcasm), health has improved and he has decided to join us for breakfast," said Stoic.

Queen Elinor put Merida down and gave her husband a kiss. Merida did the same and curtsied to her father then kissed him.

"Good morning Da," said the little Princess.

Valka had sat Hiccup at the small table that had been set for the children.

Stoic; "Hiccup come here and give me a kiss," said the Chief. Hiccup now stood and looked at his father with fear and said, "NO!".

Stoic stood quickly and said, "Get over here now boy,!"

With that, a clearly terrified Hiccup took off running as fast as his little legs could carry him. Stoic did not pursue, this had happened too many times before.

King Fergus; Aren't ye goin after the lad?"

Stoic; "Why? Let the little shite run" said the chief.

Elinor looked over at Valka, waiting for the chieftess to say something.

Suddenly Merida stood and with her little voice shouted, "Hiccup isno a shite. E's a little boy and Ah love him. Someday A'hm going ta marry im!" she glared at the chief with her arms crossed.

Stoic went back to his meal smiling, "Princesses donna marry blacksmiths".

Queen Elinor, "Hiccup is yer heir, isn't e? How can ye say such a thin?" the queen demanded.

Stoic gave her an exasperated look. How dare a woman, queen or no challenge him.

Stoic looked at the queen with disdain, "Hiccup will never be chief of Berk. E is too weak of spirit, too weak of body and doesn't want the job. E may not survive into adulthood. Our winters are terrible and we ha dragon raids frequently. No to mention that the kid has no interest in weapons and would be killed if were challenged. Valka will give me another child in due time and that child, male or female will be the heir. If Hiccup does actually live, e will work in the forge as my man Gobber's apprentice. E will never be a warrior and E will never chief."

Merida yelled again, "Yer mean, Ah hate ye" and stomped off.

Stoic chuckled, "If my son had half her spunk he'd make a good chief."

Fergus shook his head, "Stoic, Hiccup is just a wee babe. Who knows at e will grow inta."

Stoic just ignored the king and continued to eat.

Queen Elinor stood, "Please excuse me, Ah've suddenly lost me appetite. Merida, please come with me darlin. Ah have breakfast for you in the nursery," and the queen began to leave. Elinor suddenly turned again to Stoic and said, "Ye know mah daughter is right, ye are mean."

Without looking up Stoic replied, "Life in Berk is hard. Every person must struggle and fight. On Berk, only the strong survive including the son of a Chief. Ah have to be hard to keep the village alive. Ah don't expect you to understand the life of a Viking" he grumbled.

Queen Elinor; "No Stoic, ye are cruel. Ye like terrifying people including yer baby son. While e is here in Dunbroch castle, Prince Hiccup is under the King's protection.

Stoic had enough, "Fergus, ye Scots need this treaty as much as Ah do. Mah family is mah personal business. Ah will not sit here and be insulted by a woman who does not know er place."

Now Fergus stood and looked into Stoics' eyes and said, "My wife is queen but even if she were not, women in Scotland are citizens, not pieces of property. Aye, Ah do want this treaty, however, ye will apologize to er majesty now or ye will face me in the courtyard in a duel."

Stoic knew he had to return with a treaty. The food was needed as was the iron ore. Red in the face from anger he turned to Elinor,

"Yer Majesty, Ah misspoke. Ah was disrespectful and for this, Ah am truly sorry. Ah would not intentionally insult you or any other lady here in Dunbroch."

Queen Elinor just nodded and turned to leave. As she left she shot Valka a glare that would freeze a volcano.

When Stoic and Valka got back to their quarters, Stoic exploded. "How dare that Scot bitch challenge me? How dare a woman interfere with the way a man deals with his domestic issues? Ah tell ye Valka if we didn't need this damn treaty and alliance Ah'd pack the ship up and leave this bloody place. They even let that little red-haired shite insult me. That's what happens when ye show discipline and spoil yer children. And don't think Ah'll be forgetting about that son of your either, the cowardly little shite."

Valka was incensed, "First Stoic, he's OUR son. I didn't make him by myself. Second, since the beating you gave him, he's terrified of ye. Third, why did you even ask him to kiss ye? Ye knew how he would react. Now I have to go find my boy. Oh, if you ever insult him in front of me again, start wenching because you'll never get me in yer bed again."

Stoic flinched at that statement. Valka might be too skinny and have tiny boobs but she was an animal in the sack. "Go find yer son woman, Ah have to meet with Fergus in a couple of hours to finalize the deal."

Valka, Queen Elinor, Helga, and Gobber searched everywhere for the little lost prince. Only the prince wasn't lost. He'd had to hide from Stoic before in his home and at Gobber's plenty of times. He understood how his father felt about him even at the tender age of 16 months. That was alright with Hiccup as he hated his father. He wanted nothing to do with him and in his little mind, being chief meant being like his father.

Hiccup wanted to be like Gobber. He wanted to be a blacksmith but his father had said a blacksmith couldn't marry a princess and that made him sad, very sad. Hiccup had climbed up the highest tower in the castle and was sitting on its roof crying.

It was happening again. He had let his guard down and let someone into his heart and now that he was going to be a blacksmith she could not hope to be with him.

He loved Merida. She smelled nice, he loved her tangly red hair which was beautiful and he liked to touch it. Merida gave great hugs and not since Ylvi had anyone kissed him so much. He liked to kiss her too. When she was with him got funny feelings in his stomach like with Ylvi.

The best though was last night when Merida cuddled with him. He felt safe and for the first time in a long time, he didn't have a nightmare. Now that couldn't happen anymore. Man, he was sad.

Hiccup loved Queen Elinor too. She smelled even better than Merida. She made him feel safe too, but even she couldn't protect him from father. His father had a long memory too. When they went back he would punish him and mommy too. He thought about running away but then he wouldn't see Helga or mommy again. He just didn't know what to do.

Gothi was back in the castle. She had to figure out a way to get Queen Elinor alone and then had to convince the young queen of the importance of Hiccup Haddock. She must let her know of Merida's importance and how the connection worked.

Gothi could sense even now that young Hiccup was in trouble. He was flirting with death for some reason. The guards were running to and fro everywhere.

Gobber passed her, then noticing he stopped and told her, "Hiccup is missing. E ran from is father again and is hiding someplace. You know how hard it is to find im when e's hiding in Berk. The castle is even bigger."

Gobber continued on his search. Gothi thought for a moment. She closed her eyes and tried to think where Hiccup would go. Hiccup was a smart child. He would pick a place where he was hidden and where he couldn't be grabbed by Stoic.

Hiccup wasn't afraid of anything so he would be somewhere where others were afraid to go and where it would be next to impossible to be captured physically. Where in a castle would that be? Then she looked up. Of course, one of the towers. But now he was truly in danger. She grabbed a guard and simply pointed her staff upward. The guards eyes suddenly got wide, the tiny prince was hiding in a tower.

Lord Ian MacGuffin rode through the gates with his wife and family in tow. Close beside him was his wife Minnie, a beautiful raven head woman who had a sweet disposition. Ian only had one son and his name was Gilmer. At age 10 he was tall and proud. He held his head high as he led his five sisters through the castle gates.

Gilmer's sisters were Bonnie age 8 blonde hired and had an adventurous spirit next came Vertie. Vertie was 6 and she had red hair and she was very into being a lady. Then there was Kaitr another redhead. Kaitr was 4 and very shy. She did her best to stay out of the limelight. Last were the twins, Grace and Sophie. They were, well 2 and going through the terrible twos.

Lord MacGuffin saw the captain of the guard and asked what was going on.

The captain said as he saluted the clan leader, "My lord , the young Viking prince Hiccup is missing".

Ian; "How long?" asked the clan leader.

"At least four hours my lord." said the harried captain of the castle guard.

Lord Ian turned to his wife, "Minnie, Ah ha ta help in this search. Prince Hiccup is only 16 months old and e's a tiny lad."

Minnie kissed her husband's cheek and said, "Ye gah Ian and take Gilmer with you. The girls and Ah will find the chief steward and get settled in our rooms. Gah find the wee little one".

The lord dismounted and handed the reins to a groom then called to his son, "Gilmer, ta me!". Gilmer was a good boy and immediately complied. "Gilmer we go to help in the search for a little Viking prince.

E's only 16 months old and had reddish-brown hair. E is very small," said Ian as he put his hand down showing just how small. E will be frightened. What Ah tell ye next stays between you and Ah," said Lord Ian.

Gilmer gulped but was proud his father was going to share a confidence with him, "Yes Da?"

Ian considered how to put his next words, "Well son, when Ah was on Berk, Hiccup ran and hid like this three times. Ah was told by the chief's brother-in-law that the chief nearly beat him to death a few months ago and since then young Hiccup has been terrified of his father. The little prince is quite good at hiding.

It was told to me that the chief does not like is own son. But as Ah said, this stays between us. The only shared this is so if ye find im first ye will know what the lad is feeling and for your future dealings with him. You should also know that the chief has isolated the boy. He has no one back in Berk."

"Ah understand Da and Ah will be careful," answered Gilmer and off they went to join the search.

"Where could my precious little man be?" asked Valka to no one in particular.

Helga; "If he is so precious to you why do you let that ass husband of yours abuse him?"

"If I stand up for Hiccup it will be much worse for him, you know this Helga," said the chieftess.

Calls for "Hiccup! Hiccup where are you?" were heard by Elinor, Valka, and Helga.

Helga; "You are brave enough to threaten me for even suggesting Gobber an I adopt the boy but you can't lift a finger to protect your tiny son from that bully bastard Stoic," said the clearly distraught women.

So that's how it is thought the Queen. At first Elinor was shocked at Helga's words but it was plain as day, those were the words of a concerned parent.

Elinor stopped and turned around, "My lady's, quit yer squabbling! There is a little boy oot ere who is confused and all alone. E IS OUR FIRST AND ONLY CONCERN!" said the queen.

On the roof, Hiccup saw people looking for him. He saw a place to hide better and as he moved a shale tile broke loose the little prince nearly fell. Unfazed, Hiccup found what appeared to be a chimney vent and Hiccup crawled next to it. It made him nearly invisible. The problem was the smoke emitted by the vent. It made him cough uncontrollably.

Suddenly he heard "Prince Hiccup, are you up here?" said the guard that Gothi had shown where the toddler might be hiding.

Unfortunately, the vent chose that moment to smoke sending Hiccup into a coughing fit.

"Mah prince Ah know yer here please show yerself so Ah may come to get you. It's no safe for you here. Please, yer highness!" begged the guard.

Nothing. Hiccup had hidden in the forest with trained Shieldmaidens unable to locate him. There was no way he was going to expose himself. The guard left. Now Hiccup moved again. He found another place that he could hide in and this time no smoke.

King Fergus and Stoic were in the King's office again. A guard came in and whispered something to the king.

Fergus stood, "Hiccup has been missing since morning. Ah suggest we join the search.'," said the king.

Stoic stood and told the king, "The best thing to do is to cancel the search. Ye won't find the little bastard, e's too good. Mah trained scouts canno find the boy when e hides. Cancel the search. Sooner than later the runt will get hungry and make himself known. One time Hiccup was missing for three days. E won't stay gone that long this time cause that stunt nearly killed him," said the Viking Chieftain.

"What the fuck is wrong with ye man?" asked Furgus incredulously, "We're talking aboot a sixteen-month-old baby. Yer only son too!" Fergus was stupefied at the Vikings attitude.

Now angry Stoic looked at Fergus, "At sixteen-month-old baby has done this at least fifty times in Berk. Whatever danger e is in e will get imself out of as e always does. When e pops up this time is little ass is going back ta the ship and kept there," said the irritated Viking.

Incensed, King Fergus pointed a finger at Stoic and said, "If ye put tha scared little Barron on tha boot, ye can get yer ass on it too and sail away. As a warrior, there are none better than ye, but as a father, ye are a failure and an asshole. You take Hiccup out of this castle before the treaty is signed there will be no treaty or alliance.

YPut tat boy on tha long boot and ye will ha insulted me, the queen and mah daughter the princess. When ye insult the royal family, ye insult Scotland so be warned!" shouted the king then he turned and walked out.

Stoic once again was furious. Once again his tiny little shite of a son had caused him trouble. The gods hated him and he knew why. He kept the

worthless runt alive when he should have drowned or left him to the elements The kid would pay this time and if Valka got in the way he'd get rid of her too. He didn't know how or when but he would eliminate his little pain in the ass forever.

The guard who had heard Hiccup had finally caught up to Queen Elinor, he took a knee, "Yer majesty Ah think Ah know where the boy is. Ah didn't actually see im but Ah heard im coughin."

The queen grabbed him and pulled him to his feet. "Where is e Charles?" asked Elinor.

"On the roof near the northwest tower. Ah called to im but e would not answer me," said the guard.

"Ye have my thanks, Charles," said the queen. The guard led the three women to the tower, then led the queen to the access door. The queen opened it and looked around. No Hiccup.

"Are ye sure Charles" asked the queen. "Yes my queen, Ah'd bet me life on it," said the guard.

Elinor; "Hiccup are ye here? It's Elinor my sweet. Please come to me, I'm very frightened and I miss you. Please, my love. Merida misses you too," shouted the queen.

Hiccup started crying when he heard Elinor's voice. She treated him even better than his mom. "I'm not coming out my queen. Please go away. I'm just staying here for a while. I'll be ok," the sad little boy said.

Elinor; "Hiccup, my darling boy, please come here yer no safe. You could fall," begged the queen.

"Please go your majesty. I'll be alright I like being by myself. I'm not worth all the trouble. My father said so," said Hiccup.

"Hiccup, you're fathers an ass. What will Merida do if ye fall off the roof? What will your mother do?" asked the queen.

Hiccup stopped crying. His tears were replaced by child anger. "Princess' and Queen's shouldn't be with a blacksmiths apprentice. My mother will have another baby soon. My father has told many people, who told me. I deserve to be alone. I'm a bad boy," cried the little boy.

Elinor was now terrified. This small smart little boy had put the pieces together. His father had finally convinced him he was useless, a burden, a burden not worth saving. Damn the man.

Hiccup; "It's ok your highness. I hide on the roof and the cliffs at home all the time. I am great at hiding. Right now I'm a little tired so I'm going to take a nap."

Elinor; "NO HICCUP! Ye can't do that sweet. If ye won't come in, Ah'm going to come get ye!" said the queen.

The guard yelled at Elinor, "My queen, those old shale roof tiles wilno hold yer weight. You'll fall to yer death."

"Ah can't just leave him there. Hiccup, please come here. Ah couldn't bear to lose ye. Merida wilno ever be the same if ye die," begged the queen once again.

No answer. The queen thought for a second. Then climbed down the ladder,

"Charles find the king immediately and tell him Ah need him. Now!" said the queen. The guard named Charles ran down the steps.

Gothi had grabbed Gobber and headed for the chief's quarters. When they got there she banged on the door hard with her staff. When Stoic opened the door, he was greeted with a rap on the head from Gothi's staff.

"Damn that hurt," yelled the Cheif, "What the fuck do you want" Gothi pushed past the chief and went to a chair and sat down.

Her many years were catching up to her. Gobber barged into the room as well. Gothi wrote something in charcoal on a small piece of parchment then handed it to Gobber. Gobber read it then looked at Stoic, "Gothi orders ye to

close the door. What she has to say is not for the ears of the Scots" said Gobber.

The chief grumbled but complied. It was a dangerous thing to piss off the old hag. Gothi had a larger piece of parchment and she seemed to be writing a book. Once again, after she had finished writing, she handed the message to Gobber so he could read it to the chief.

"The message says, Gothi knows yer thoughts and what ye intend to do. Ye are chief but you should not be. You have angered the gods more than Alvin the terrible. At this very moment, another child risks his life to reach out to Hiccup.

You are stupid and ignorant. Hiccup has been blessed by the gods to do great things in his life if he is allowed to proceed naturally," said Gobber.

Stoic; "Hiccup will never be chief of Berk, e is to weak".

Gothi shook her head. She pointed to the paper and Gobber started to read again. "Gothi writes at Hiccup will never be Chief of Berk because if e is not murdered, e will rule a kingdom larger than the world has ever known.

Yer future is bleak Chief Stoic. Your wife will abandon you and your son. You will remarry and the woman will bear you children. She will actually grow to love Hiccup. You will name an heir but none will gain the title because Berk will be no more as a kingdom.

Because of your past deeds, you will die in your bed despised and hated by the people you were supposed to lead. You will be buried in a hole like your forefathers before Harold and your grave will soon be forgotten.

Hiccup must face much hurt and pain in his young years because of you. He will be abandoned by his mother and you will continue to degrade him. In doing so, you will be cursed by the gods and Berk will suffer. You will face a threat greater punishment than any other seen by any Viking.

You have publicly declared Hiccup to be weak and a coward. You are a fool. Hiccup will overcome all the evil brought on by your attitude and

decisions. He will become the greatest warrior the archipelago has ever seen. He will be loved by his people and own the hearts of many women.

Hiccup will grow to love Scotland and one day soon it will become his home. All this will come about if he is not murdered. This warning you are given so heed it carefully.

I curse you as the gods have cursed you. If Hiccup is killed before he can achieve his destiny set out by the gods, you will die the same day in agony. If you have someone else kill Hiccup both you and the assassin will writhe in great pain begging for death. You are despicable because of your thoughts and deeds. You will forget this moment in time but your destiny has already been set by Loki himself," said Gobber. The old lady and Gobber left the room.

On the roof, the queen was beside herself. Valka was hysterical. She and Helga had both called out to the child with no success. Elinor had even considered getting Merida to come up but she decided against that. Hiccup dying would scar her, seeing him die might destroy her precious baby.

Finally the king showed up and Elinor brought him aside, "Fergus, that asshole has convinced our sweet little man that e is worthless. Stoic has also convinced im that e can never be accepted by us because e is a blacksmith apprentice. Hiccup believes he is below us. E seems to think his father is going to replace him as heir," said the queen.

Fergus brought his wife into his arms and told her, "It's not the boys imagination. Stoic told me so himself. E threatened to take the boy to the boat and never let im set foot in the castle again. Ah informed him that we, as a family, would take insult to that.

Ah also told him that if he did take the prince, that e should get on board imself and keep going because there would be no treaty. Ah must tell ye Ah fear for the Hiccups life once he leaves here," said the King.

Elinor: "Ah feel the same way. Ah can't explain it, but Ah have an emotional attachment to Hiccup. Merida does too."

Fergus; "Och dear, that's just puppy love Merida and the boy have".

Queen Elinor; "I really don't think so. Hiccup and Merida are far more mature for their ages then they should be. Ah have seen her face when she's near him. She glows with happiness. Ah have also seen the way she reacts to him."

Before another word came out Lord MacGuffin came up the stairs with young Gilmer. The King got a gleam in his eye because he had an idea.

Yer majesties what is the situation? Is the boy still alive?," asked Lord MacGuffin.

Queen Elinor answered, "We think so Ian. Before the King arrived up here Hiccup told me he was tired and was going to take a nap. Ah think e did cause no one has heard from im in about an hour."

Ian; "We are 250 feet off the ground. The little man is no coward that's for sure. No one has even seen im?".

"No", said the queen. "His father told me that when Hiccup runs and hides no one can find him until he chooses to return," said the king.

Ian; "It is true Fergus, Ah've seen it with me own eyes. Hiccup is terrified of is Da. He ran three times in the week I was there. The Chief sent his shieldmaidens to find him. They failed. Hiccup came back the next day because e was hungry."

Looking around the lord noticed something, "Where is his father?" asked MacGuffin.

Elinor; "E couldn't be bothered."

Fergus; "Ian, what shape is Delaney castle in?" asked the king.

Gilmer; "Da, Ah think the roof will hold my weight. Ah am willing to go out and see where the prince is. Ye can put ropes on me to protect me in case Ah fall," the ten-year-old said.

Ian patted his son on the back, "Gilmer, my son, at is an excellent idea. Guard get me some stout but a small line," requested Lord MacGuffin.

"Why are ya interested in Delaney Castle? It's livable but would need some repair."

Fergus stroked his beard then asked, "Would ye be willing to sell it to me and twenty acres?" asked the king.

Elinor; "What are ye up ta Fergus?" asked the queen.

"Well the boy is oot here because his father convinced im a blacksmith canno be with a princess correct?" asked the king.

Elinor; "Yes my husband that is the meat of it. So ye see it isn't just puppy love with the Prince," said the queen.

Fergus; "What if Ah made him a Lord and gave him the title, 'Friend of the Queen? Ah will give him land to solidify his reason for remaining in Scotland."

Ian MacGuffin piped up with, "E doesn't have to have a title to associate with a Lord or Lady. We have guests all the time at Balmoro."

"Aye MacGuffin that is true but Ah'm dealing with a 16-month-old boy who has been convinced by his Hiccup believes e would no longer be able ta be with Merida whom, according to me wife, loves im and e her."

Ian, "You'd do this for a little boy, a mere baby just because he has a baby crush on your daughter?" laughed MacGuffin.

King Fergus got serious, "No Lord MacGuffin, that's not the only reason. Stoic is a terrible man. Ah have strong concerns for the boy's safety. Besides this act that Hiccup has done today, Ah am convinced that Stoic intends to kill the boy."

Ian; "Kill his own son? What could a baby do in 16 months of life that would cause is father to want is death?"

Fergus; "Prince Hiccup isn't Viking enough for is father. E's not big enough for his father. Ah really don't think Stoic is in is right mind. E's jealous and resentful of the lad. The Chief has convinced imself that his own baby son is the source of his problems with his wife and the village."

"At's insane!" exclaimed lord MacGuffin.

Queen Elinor; "Aye, Ian but that's what we are dealin with. We are just trying the boy alive by convincing the stupid Viking bastard his son has worth, said the queen.

Ian smiled and said, "Ah'm in. The boy can have the castle and 200 acres. Ah'll even throw in a tenant farmer, his family, and fifty sheep. The family can farm, herd the sheep and live there so long as they take care of the castle as well."

Fergus; "And what would you want for this nice castle and the land?" asked Fergus.

Ian, "Ah'll trade ye for twenty acres along side the river Taney where all those nice trout live" said the lord.

Fergus; Are ye serious Ian? That's a fine bit of property yer givin up just so ye can fish," said the King.

Ian MacGuffin laughed, "Well Fergus Ah'll tell ya. When Ah was on Berk Ah got the chance ta visit. Stoic is hated by most of Berk. E is cruel and dishonorable. E lets his petty jealousies and temper rule his better judgment.

If not for the council and several families placing Valka and Hiccup under their protection, the young prince would already be dead. Hiccup may be small but e's extremely intelligent. E expresses himself like an adult and is mind is far more mature than it should be for his age.

Did you know he can write runes and do sums? Granted his writing is simple and rough but he gets his points across. E picked up Gaelic in month

just by listening to Lord Gobber. Ah'll be honest. Ah will betroth him ta Kaitr if tha will help im sta alive.

Ah don't think the title will keep im alive but it's a good idea because it will give him status among his people and other tribes. Plus Ah want to see the look on his face when he sees his son gain a title. If you could tie Hiccups' life to this damn treaty and alliance then Stoic would be forced to keep him alive."

"A'hm ready father," said young Lord Gilmer. It was an hour past the noon hour.

Queen Elinor kissed Gilmore on the cheek, "Be careful Gil. Just try to see where e is and if e's awake, try to get im to talk to us"

Gilmer nodded and headed out. He checked the first vent, nothing. He slowly made his way to the second vent, nothing. Then at the third vent he saw Hiccup sleeping in the warm sun like he didn't have a care in the world even though he was 250 feet in the air with nothing but a stone courtyard below.

Gilmer bent down and spoke to him, "Hey little man. Wake up. The King wants to see ya," said Gilmore. Hiccup did wake up and startled he yelled and as fast as lightning scramble on all fours to get away from the stranger. A tile broke and Hiccup fell.

Elinor screamed, "Hiccup!" Hiccup was in full blown escape mode but he had nowhere to go. He rolled and scrambled to the fourth vent.

The king got his wife out of the portal and yelled at the scared boy, "Hiccup, come here. Yer father was wrong but ye are going to get killed up here."

Hiccup yelled back, "I don't care. Father said I'm not going to live and be a big boy anyway."

The King shook his head and said, "Here Ah thought ye loved Merida and Elinor. If ye die today falling from this roof they will be devastated, at means they will be so sad they won't ever be totally happy again. You know how

that feels Hic, Ah know you do. I know you don't want that either," said the King.

"Princesses and Queens can't be around blacksmiths, my father said so," stated the young Viking prince.

King Fergus, "Yer father is mistaken but no matter. The queen loves you so much, A'hm going to give you the title of 'Friend of the Queen'. Do you know at that means?"

Hiccup stood up and came around the vent in full view of the King. By this time Gilmer had made his way back and had crawled back into the upper part of the Northwest tower. Queen Elinor gave him a great hug and a kiss right on his mouth, "Thank you, thank you, Gilmer. You were very brave. You will be rewarded tomorrow evening in front of the clans," aid the queen. A huge smile crossed his face as he crawled out of the upper portion of the tower.

When he got down, Valka asked him, "Is my Hiccup ok?".

Gilmer replied, "E's still on the roof my lady, talking with the king. Hic has courage and e scrambles around up there like a mountain goat. Ah never saw the like. And e's a wee babe too." Valka smiled and Helga was ecstatic.

"If anyone can talk Hiccup down, King Fergus can," said Gilmer.

Valka; "Ah think I'll go down and let Gobber know what's going on ".

Gothi had arrived. She looked at Valka and shook her head in disappointment. Valka knew the reason, she had not protected her son. She had never fully protected Hiccup from Stoic and she knew it. The entire village knew it and now Fergus and Elinor knew it.

Valka felt smothered. She felt trapped then she left going down the stairs on the way back to their room and Stoic. The Chieftess of Berk couldn't face her son right now and she felt overstressed. She had to find a way to escape from Stoic. Hopefully, when she did, she could take Hiccup with her.

Now King Fergus had Hiccups attention, "Hiccup, as a friend of the Queen, you will be made a Lord. Ye will be given land and even a small castle. Would ye like that?" asked the king.

Hiccup nodded and said, "Why would you do that for me. I'm nothing," said the little Viking.

"Ye are something Hiccup. Ye are special. The Queen does not love and cherish every little boy she meets. Merida loves ye too. That makes you very, very special," said the King.

Hiccup thought for a moment then said, "It doesn't matter my king, my father won't let me have it. If you give it to me, he will just take it and give it to his next heir, said the tiny little boy.

King Fergus; "No Hiccup, ye are wrong. Once Ah give this title to ye, no one, not even your father the chief can take it away," said the king.

"Truly," asked Hiccup. "Truly. Now come on over and lets get off this roof. Ah don't know about you but I'm starving" said the king.

Hiccup came over to the hatch and crawled in. As soon as he was in, Queen Elinor took him into her arms. She kissed him on both cheeks then on the lips.

"Hiccup, please, please never scare me like that again. Ah thought Ah was going to lose you and Ah don't know if Ah could bear that. Ah know Merida couldn't." That's when Elinore noticed that Hiccup was filthy. He had cuts on his knees, hands and his forehead. His clothes were nearly ripped off and ruined and he was bleeding a little.

They made their way down the ladder into the tower itself. The King and Queen looked around and saw only Council member Gothi.

Queen Elinor; "Lady Gothi, where is Hiccup's mother?" the Queen asked. Gothi only shook her head. King Fergus could tell his wife was fuming. Because of the boy's condition, Elinor went straight to her chambers and requested her chief healer.

The queen had stripped the little boy of his ruined clothing. The King smiled at his wife. She was the consummate mother. He also smiled because Hiccup had cuts and bruises all over him but not one whimper. The lad was tough and fearless. It perplexed Fergus that his own father couldn't see it when everyone else could.

The healer came in and tended to Hiccup's wounds. Fifteen minutes later Elinor plopped a very dirty little Viking in a tub filled with warm scented water.

"Hic, Ah need to speak with the king for a moment. Will ye be alright if Ah leave ye alone?" asked the queen. Hiccup nodded and grabbed some soap.

The queen pulled her husband just outside the door but still in view of the little man attempting to scrub himself.

"Fergus, I have the solution to our problem," said the queen.

King Fergus, "And which particular problem would that be my love," asked the man but knowing what his wife was going to suggest since he had thought of it himself.

Elinor; "The problem of keeping that sweet little one alive," said the queen.

"You have my attention woman, tell me already," smirked the King.

Elinor too a deep breath and said, "Betrothal".

"BETROTHAL!" exclaimed the king.

"Yes my love, betrothal. Berk needs this treaty and alliance more than we do and Stoic knows it. Tomorrow, you place an addendum in the treaty that states for the treaty to be in place, HICCUP HORRENDOUS HADDOCK III, Friend of the Queen and liege lord of Delaney Castle, must on his 18th birthday, take Princess Merida of Dunbroch, first of her name as his wife.

It will be further stipulated that the young Lord must visit Dunbroch at least twice a year so that the King and Queen can be assured of the

betrothed welfare. It will also stated that Hiccup Haddock is a Lord and Clan leader of Scotland as well as the betrothed of the future Queen of Scotland so any act of violence on his person will be an act of war upon Scotland itself.

Lastly, if our lords and clan leaders throw a fit because their heirs weren't considered we will bring up the old law that states a King can raise his wife to be queen, but a Queen canno raise her husband to be King, especially ane that is foreign-born.

In other words, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Lord of Delaney will be Prince Consort to the Queen no King. We will also remind the bastards of the importance of the alliance and that Princess Merida is our daughter and does not belong to them.

The King laughed, "Elinor my love, I am not sure I can do at", said the King.

Elinor; "Why the bloody hell not?"

Fergus; "Ian MacGuffin and Ah ha already discussed the matter. Seems E wants Hiccup ta be betrothed to is girl Kaitr. Ye remember her, pretty little four year old a is and Minnie's. She came over a while back an played with Merida."

He tried not to smile as he looked at his wife who was red in the face with fury.

Elinor; "So wha yer tellin me then is at yer willin ta turn yer back on yer own daughter and have her happiness slip away and crush her little heart when ye announce a betrothal of the ane she loves to another in front o the whole court?

You'd snuff out that little child's smile an at glint in her eye every time she mentions the little Vikins name. You'd let her think night after night that tha sweet little Vikin would be huggin, kissin, and snugglin with another. How can even think aboot such a cruel thing? An ats just Merida.

At do ye think tha will do ta young Hiccup. Ye might as well have left im on the roof ta die cause betrothin Hiccup ta Kaitr will do the same ta the both of em. Ah wilna stand fer it. Ah bloody well wilno stand fer it. Do ye hear me ye big twit a man?"

Fergus laughed out loud.

Fergus; "I was anly pullin yer leg wife. Ah love ye an me daughter more than me own life and like ye, A'hm growing ta love at boy meself. I will do everything in me power ta see Merida gets her wish ta marry the young Viking. Ye fergot ats what we agreed to originally anyway."

Knowing she'd been had, Elinor lovingly kissed her husband and smiled. Fergus; Ye know Elinor, Ah am sincerely glad you are on my side,". They kissed again and Elinor returned to finish bathing her future son-in-law.