The one that almost got away (2nd version) Chapter 17, 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 17 HEARTACHE

The Ingerman house was almost extinguished. Stoic was directing the effort when out of the corner of his eye he saw something. A child!

"Aida, are all the living children accounted for? Asked Stoic.

"Yes, my Chief. All those that remained alive have been rounded up and are safe," said Aida the very tired and now cranky shieldmaiden.

Stoic; "Then what the Hel is at?" said the chief and he pointed.

Aida looked over to where the small child was slowly walking in the opposite direction. She focused then said to the Chief,

"Sir, are you feeling well? That little one is your son Hiccup," said Aida.

"WHAT?," replied the Chief.

Aida was confused and very, very tired. She really didn't need this shite, "Stoic that's Hiccup!"

Hiccup was twenty yards away when he turned, recognized the Chief, and with eyes as big as plates the little brat took off running.

"SON-OF-A-BITCH! That little shite had two guards on im and e still escaped. When Ah catch him Ah'm going to beat the living shite out of im. Then when Ah'm done with him, Ah'm going to put my boot up a knights ass!" said the Chief.

Aida; "Should Ah get a search party together?"

Stoic; "Hel no. Keep putting out the fires Ah'm going to catch that little bastard myself!"

Then the 7'5", 310 pound Chief ran in pursuit of his 3' 7", 40-pound son.

After the boy had successfully evaded the Viking Chief, he found the spot he was looking for. It was a forty-foot cliff with a series of caves that could not be seen from the ground. Hiccup waited until he was sure the Chief had gone, before he came out of his hiding bush to climb up to the cave. He had done it a few times before.

About 30 feet up was a small cave with an opening so small only Hiccup could get through. The cave opened up a great deal after the entrance. Hiccup climbed into the cave and lay down. He could hear Stoic behind him yelling bad names at him.

Hiccup's fat ass father might have longer legs but Hiccup had a size advantage. He was small. Hiccup could hide in a bush, in a tree trunk, in hollowed-out logs, and in little tiny caves.

The little prince was so tired. His knees were bleeding, his hands were bleeding and he'd cut his head when he tripped once. He could feel the bond again but he was too tired to care about it. He was just going to take a little nap. He laid down and within five minutes he was asleep.

King Fergus didn't have a clue about most of the Joining. Queen Elinor was tired and confused. Yara was concerned and Merida was fast asleep. It had been a trying few hours for the little princess.

King Fergus; "Lady Yara, Ah donna understand this situation. Ah need ta understand because me wife and me baby girl are involved now. Can ye explain it to me again?" asked the King.

"I will try Sire," said the old healer, "Healers come from what is now called Angland. We were blessed by the gods with certain gifts that we try ta use ta help mankind. We call ourselves the Sisterhood.

Long ago the Anglish decided that because they didno believe in our gods and, because we had these unusual talents we must be witches. Many were burned at the stake but most we were simply driven out. We were scattered to the four winds.

One of the gifts that the gods have given us is a long life. Another gift is the Bonding of our spirits which allows us to feel the others.

The gods handed down some scrolls that foretold of things that could transpire in Midgard if the sons of men would let things take their natural course. Sometimes the gods choose individuals that are noble and pure of heart to do things on earth that most mortals canno do.

"These people are called the "Anes" (my version of ones with a heavy Scottish accent). The Anes are marked by the gods."

Yara went over and gently lifted Merida into her arms and brought her to her father.

"My King, lift the child's beautiful red locks and tell me what ye see," said the old witch.

King Fergus did as he was asked and he saw the mark. "Ah see a birthmark that's all."

Yara smiled, "Ye see what ye want to see not what is. Would it surprise ye to learn that Hiccup Haddock has exactly the same mark in exactly the same place?" asked Yara.

The King kissed his daughter's forehead and laid her on some blankets. "What does this mean?" asked Fergus.

Yara; "Merida and Hiccup are chosen anes. The gods brought them together to prevent the sons of men from destroying Midgard. The events that have occurred as of late are no accident; they have been foretold in the ancient scrolls guarded by the sisterhood.

Odin brought Hiccup and Merida together so they could become an inseparable team. A team that will have the power to control dangerous events. Events that could aid or destroy Midgard.

The joining is a spiritual bonding of two spirits. The chosen are brought together to an ancient circle guided by the Wisps. They are asked three questions that they must answer unhesitatingly and unguided.

There are physical acts they must perform to complete the joining. A clear and unprovoked grasping of each other's hands and a kiss freely given that seals the bond forever," said the old healer.

"This is all very confusing," said the king, "So what is going on right now?"

Elinor: "A little while ago we discovered that the children can somehow communicate without using words. They can speak through the bond. Merida calls it 'heart talking."

"But Yara, Hiccup is on Berk over two thousand miles away. How can this be?" asked the king.

Yara; "We mere humans can never understand the gifts of the gods, why they were given, how they work and for what purpose. We can only accept gifts and hope we can learn to use them and for the right reasons."

Fergus; "So what has been said, why was Ah summoned so hastily?"

Elinor; "We canno hear the conversation but Merida could tell us what the lad was saying. Later when you came in, it startled Merida and me which broke our concentration, and thus broke our connection in the bond.

Up to that point, Hiccup had told Merida that the ship had arrived in Berk. E said also at Berk had been attacked by dragons and there are many casualties and much destruction. The last thing we heard was that Sir Arthur was asked by Chief Stoic to write a letter to you requesting help."

Yara; "When the bond was broken the young prince was in communication with Merida. When she quit, we feel the boy may think she had done it on

purpose and then his feelings were hurt. Merida is doing her best to re-establish the bond but the boy refuses to communicate.

Because they are joined, Merida can still feel his emotions and with a new gift, Elenor could see through Hiccups' eyes what he was seeing. Ah can only say sire, that no little boy Hiccups age should ever see such things. It was horrible."

Elinor; "It gets even worse my love. Hiccup decided to act out and left the safety of the ship.E saw Stoic and ran with Stoic chasing im. We saw our wee lad climb a small cliff and enter a small cave. E must have fallen asleep because we have not felt anything for a while.

Before Merda fell asleep Merida said she could still feel him and that he felt safe."

"What happens now," asked the king?

Yara; "We don't know your grace, we can only hope that Merida and Elinor can re-establish the link once she wakes up."

Hiccup woke up. At first, he was frightened because he was in the dark but then he realized something else, there was Merida.

The Princess' heart is connected to his. He just had to reach out to her. All he had to do is to think about Merida and call out to her. He concentrated on what he liked about her. Then he thought hard about her eyes, they were so blue and so pretty, the way she smelled, just like the flowers in the castle garden. He thought about how warm she was when they cuddled or slept and how nice it felt when they kissed on the lips.

"Merida, Merida are you out there?" he asked.

Back sleeping with her parents in the nursery Merida's eyes flashed open and she sat bolt upright and shouted "HICCUP".

All three adults were startled awake as they had been dozing off in their chairs.

"Merida, Merida are you there. If you are please talk to me" thought Hiccup.

"Hic Ah am here, Ah am right here. Where are ye? " thought the little princess.

Hiccup; "I'm hiding in a cave on the side of a cliff. I was tired so I went to sleep but when I woke up it was dark and I was scared. Then I remembered you."

Merida; "Are you ok Hickey?" Asked Merida.

Hiccup; "I don't know for sure. Father was chasing me but he couldn't catch me. Now I'm hiding and I'm a good hider."

"Mummy, Mummy, Hiccups talking to me" said the Princess.

The King had awakened and was in shock, "Merida are you really talking to Hiccup? Asked Fergus.

Merida said, "Yes da".

Fergus got up and lightly shook his wife.

Elinor: "What's wrong, is Merida alright?"

Fergus; "Yes dear, Merida's fine. She says she's talking to Hiccup," said the King.

Yara; "The child has reestablished the bond."

Queen Elinor; "Merida my sweet. Ah'm going to lay mah hands on yer shoulders. Donna be alarmed and donna stop concentrating!"

Merida opened her eyes and nodded. Elinor put her hands lightly on her baby's shoulders. Elinor tried to think of what she should concentrate on. She began to think of how it felt when Hiccup sat in her lap. She then

thought of how nice it was to give him a bath with Merida, she began to feel his warmth.

Hiccup; "Merida I love you and I miss you already. Right now here I'm all by myself and I don't know what I should do."

Merida; "My da's here and mummy too. Everybodys worried about you."

Elinore began to see through Hiccup's eyes and she thought she was beginning to hear him too.

"Baby, tell Hiccup Ah'm right here with ye," said the queen.

Merida; "Hic, mummy wanted me to tell ye she's right here."

Hiccup; "I'm really glad. I was cold but now I'm not. Did you tell the King about Berk needing help?" asked Hiccup.

Elinor surprised, "Ah can hear him! E sounds like e's speaking from the next room" said the queen.

Merida; "Da, Hickey wants me to tell ye that Berk needs help and could you please send a boat. E also wanted to know what e should do right now."

Fergus; "Tell Hiccup that if e is safe to stay where e is so e should stay where e is. In the morning then Ah want him to go back to the ship. Tell im is father canno hurt him because all the Lords and Ah would come and punish him."

Merida relayed her father's instructions and Hiccup promised he would stay where he was. Queen Elinor wanted to know if he could see anything. Hiccup got up and looked out of the tiny cave entrance he'd squeezed through.

Merida; "Mummy Hiccups going to look out of the cage now!"

Hiccup; "It looks like the woods on the other side of the village are on fire but the village isn't burning anymore. Mer a lot of people died here. I saw them on the ground. There were even boys and girls our age."

Elinor was shocked and astounded because she could see the fires too.

In Berk, Sir Arthur and the rest of th Scots were preparing to go into the night to search for Lord Haddock. Stoic had come into the ship's common area and he wasn't happy.

"So sir knight, Ah'd like to see me wife and me son," demanded Stoic

"Lady Valka and Lady Helga are in the cabin area napping and Lord Haddock is with them," said the knight.

Stoic; "Oh is e now?" asked the Chief. Sir

Arthur; "Quit beating around the bush Chief. What do ye want?"

Stoic; "Ah want a clear understanding at if that little rat shite of a son o mine gets is own self killed, the people of Berk will no be held responsible and the treaty will stay in place"

"What in the bloody hell are ye talking about?" asked Sir Arthur.

"Well, Ah'll tell ye, sir, high and mighty, Ah just got back from trying ta catch the useless bastard no five minutes ago. The little shite can run fast on those puny legs of his."

"Good luck findin him too. Once the runt hits the woods, it's next to impossible to find is little arse. Like Ah was sayin though, Hiccup got oot on is own and ran into the woods, Ah got witnesses ta prove it and at Ah went after him.

So ye can include tha too in yer letter to yer dear sweet interferin King Fergus. If e's dead, it's no on my head or the villages.

Oh, and by the way, the forest to the northwest is on fire and threatening to spread. If Ah'm lucky, the fire will take care of im and then we will all be better off!" said Stoic.

Sir Arthur ran through the passageway. He saw Thomas on guard, "Thomas open up!" said the knight.

" But sir, their still asleep in there," said the soldier.

"OPEN IT UP DAMN YE!" ordered Sir Arthur.

Thomas quickly opened the door the outer room and sure enough, Valka and Helga were sound asleep on the king sized bed. He went over to the other door where Daniel stood guard.

"Open it up Daniel" said Sir Arthur. Unlike Thomas Daniel opened the door up stepping inside along with the black knight and found Jacob who was out like a light but no Hiccup. There was, however, an open porthole.

"Damn!" said the knight. Wake up everybody Wake up!" yelled Arthur.

Jacob; "What's wrong sir, where's Hiccup?".

Sir Arthur; "E's gone. Squeezed out that porthole and took a little walk while all of ye was resting. Stoic and Hiccup saw each other and Hiccup ran into the woods. We are going to go and try to find him, in the dark on a strange island, with fire all around us and possibly a stray dragon or two. Easy!" the knight said sarcastically.

"Gather up all the gear. Thomas go try and get Gobber e should be up at the forge. Get back here fast!" said Sir Arthur.

The knight walked into the other room and explained the situation to the boys mother, then he said, "When Ah see Lord Hiccup again, Gobber and Ah are going to have a long talk with him," said Sir Arthur.

With that they all headed out. At 8 am four men walked out of the forest, exhausted and filthy. Stoic had managed to be standing there when they made to the dock where the ship was located. Stoic had a large grin on his face.

Gobber just looked at him and said, "Donna say anythin".

The men climbed aboard and went below decks. Stoic left laughing. At about 9 am a tiny figure moved stealthily through the debris to the dock. He halfway back threw the porthole when he looked up into the unhappy faces of his mother, Helga, Gobber and finally Sir Arthur.

"Ladies could ye excuse us for a while," as Gobber finished pulling the toddler through the porthole.

Gobber: "Sir Arthur and Ah are going ta have a long talk with little Lord Hiccup". Valka shut the door, then Helga and Valka could hear the tearful screams of the little boy.

Helga smiled, "It sounds like Gobber is talking to him first."

The king and queen, after a good night's sleep had decided at breakfast to get Merida back on a schedule and to restore some normalcy to her life.

They were concerned about Hiccup but they had done everything within their power to try to keep him alive. This experience had been very overwhelming for all of them. Merida was going to start princess lessons today.

Originally Elinor had thought to wait until she was five years old but since they had sent Jacob along to begin lessons for Hiccup she figured that Merida as his bondmate should do so too.

Queen Elinor, with the King's approval, asked Lady Yara to take up residence in the castle. While Merida was at lessons, Yara would be at her cottage studying the scrolls to see if there were hints as to what the capabilities of joined bondmates should be.

When Merida finished her princess lessons at two she would spend two hours in the nursery with Maudie. At four Yara would sit with her in the nursery and see if any new gifts had been discovered and to try to hone the gifts she already had.

Hiccup would be behind her in this respect but the queen was ok with that. Merida would help teach Hiccup along with Yara when he was back in Dunbroch.

Elinor was convinced that Merida helping Hiccup to learn new things would help the bond grow stronger and would aid in developing feelings of affection, loyalty, and devotion towards one another that they would need in the future.

Princess Merida joined her parents at breakfast. Maudie, of course, supervised Merida and was responsible for her daily care. Maudie loved her very much and Merida thought of the nanny as she would an aunt.

Maudie looking at Merida eating her porridge said, "Merida when ye get a moment, tell the King and Queen what ye told me when Ah was getting you dressed fer breakfast" said the nanny.

The Princess, not looking up from her porridge said, "Hickey got a spanking".

The King; "E did? How did ye find oot about that?"

"E told me," answered the princess.

Queen Elinore concerned asked, "Sweet one, who gave Hiccup the spanking?"

"Master Gobber and Sir Arthur," answered the little redhead.

Maudie; "Tell them the rest princess". Merida, looking annoyed at having her porridge interrupted looked at Maudie, stuck her tongue out then said to the queen,

"Hickey told me that e got a spanking fer being a bad boy. E also said Helga is making him sit in the corner to think about wha e did."

King Fergus almost laughing asked, "What exactly did e do daughter?"

Merida; "Well da it was a lot of stuff let me think," she placed a finger on her chin, closed her eyes for a second thinking, and said, "Oh yes Ah

remember now. E said e got spanked because e left the ship when e was told not ta, he ran into the woods without an adult and e was oot after dark."

King Fergus; "It sounds like master Gobber was correct in punishing young Hiccup. Ah think Ah would have done the same."

Merida; "Oh yes, Ah almost fergot. After e got spanked Sir Arthur gave im a mean talking to. Something about no going places without an escort and for putting himself in danger."

Elinor; "Sounds to me like Hiccup told you a lot" said the queen.

"Hiccup knows Ah love him so e tells me everythin," said Merida giving her mom a proud look.

"Queen Elinor; "Is Hiccup still frightened or upset?".

"No mummy, Hickey told me e knew e was wrong and that is bottom hurts."

Queen Elinor chuckled and said, "Well it sounds like yer betrothed learned a firm lesson and that e took is punishment like a man. Now finish yer breakfast. Ye have lessons in half an hour".

Merchant Johan had come back early and was docked. He had brought goods from Bog Island and a message for Stoic and the council. The council meeting was held on day three after a massive effort to rebuild the great hall.

The council had two new members, Gobber Duterson who had replaced his father and Gunnar Hofferson who had replaced Minar the Younger. Stoic came forward, gave a slight bow, "Ah come before the council with new information and new proposals. Ah am happy to announce the Alliance between Berk and Dunbroch, Scotland.

As Ah had mentioned previously, this alliance will bring us trade that will enhance our food supply and ta help us produce weapons. It will also secure our southern trade routes as well as provide for added defense should we be unfairly attacked.

Yon Ingerman; "And the betrothal?".

Stoic; "The betrothal ceremony was held and successfully completed. Mah son (he said it like the words were poison in his mouth), was honored by King Fergus and the Lords of Dubroch."

"The third item is that as per the agreement, King Fergus is establishing an embassy here, consisting of four men, Sir Arthur Macintosh a knight who is the ambassador, a tutor fer Hiccup named Jacob sent by the Queen of Scotland herself and two male servants."

Spitelout; "How was your son honored?" the councilman asked.

Stoic; "Ah shall let the ambassador explain at", and with that, Stoic gave a nod to the door guard who opened it and in walked Sir Arthur Macintosh of castle Dunbroch along with Jacob the tutor.

Sir Arthur; "Ah bring ye greetings from King Fergus and Queen Elinor of Dunbroch. As per the items stated in the treaty, we are here to help normalize relations between our two countries and to assure compliance with the treaty.

This gentleman beside me is Jacob Maclehany, royal educator assigned by the Queen with the king's approval to tutor Lord Haddock in basic studies and court procedures."

Yon Ingerman head of Berks council asks, "Why did you refer to the Chief's son as Lord Haddock?"

"Councilmembers, whilst in Dunbroch Lord Haddock endeared imself to and is loved by the royal family so much so that the King gave im the title, "Friend of the Queen". Lord Hiccup was then awarded the title of Lord of Delaney Castle."

Toman Svenson asks, "Sir Arthur, what do theses honors mean".

Sir Arthur; "The title, 'Friend of the Queen,' gives Lord Haddock great honor and prestige in the Scottish court. This award was given to Lord

Haddock personally by our King and grants Lord Hiccup unfettered access to her majesty."

"Lord Haddock and only Lord Haddock, outside of the royal family has the right to call her majesty by her name without the usage of her honoraries such as not having to address her as Queen Elinor, your majesty, your grace and others used by her subjects. It is truly a great honor."

"Because of the affection the King has for Lord Haddock, the king, with the approval of the Lords as well, gave Hiccup the title of Lord of Delaney which consists of castle Delaney itself, 200 acres of prime farmland, fifty sheep, and a farmer and his family."

"Because of this, Lord Haddock is now a citizen and Lord of Scotland. Throughout the known world, it is known that any attack on A Scottish Lord or the royal family is an attack on Scotland itself."

Spitelout; "Sir Arthur I am curious as to why young Hiccup was assigned a tutor?"

"My Lord Haddock is presently a baby, but it was noticed by her majesty that even at the young age of three, that e has an extremely high intellect. Her majesty feels at because ane day Lord Haddock will be married to Princess Merida, the lad should be educated in such a way that he will understand Scottish heritage and culture as well as the idiosyncrasies of the Scottish court and the people he will be helping rule."

Eric the Red asks, "Why will Hiccup need to know Scottish culture and law when he lives here on Berk?"

"Councilmembers, as the treaty was written and signed by Chief Stoic and Lady Gothi it is agreed that the then, Prince Haddock, will take permanent residence in Castle Dunbroch as part of the royal family."

There was grumbling from all except Gobber and Gothi.

Spitelout: "Ye agreed to this Stoic? Hiccup is the heir to the Chief of Berk or did you forget that?"

Gobber stood and faced the council, "E never forgot shite. Stoic as never intended to allow Hiccup ta be Chief. Hiccup doesn't live up to is bloody standards of wha a Viking should be and with the exception of Gothi here, neither do any of ye."

"The only reason yer concerned now is that the Scots value Hiccup for is mind not whether or not he can lift an ax. Ah personally am glad the Scots did this because now Hiccup may survive to reach adulthood."

"When he does, the boy will have a chance at true happiness. Ye don't have ta, believe me, ask the chief if e ever intended for Hiccup ta take over as Chief?"

Yon Ingerman; "Well Stoic, is what Gobber says true?"

Stoic thinks a moment before answering. He's got to spin this the right way or he will look bad.

"Valka and Ah, along with King Fergus and Queen Elinor, agreed to the betrothal years ago. Ah knew then that Hiccup would be required to live in Scotland with is wife Princess Merida."

"Valka and Ah have been working hard to have another heir to take mah place, so yes Gobber is quite correct in his statement that Ah never intended to make Hiccup Chief. Ah knew by the terms of the betrothal agreement Hiccup could not stay in Berk."

Spitelout angrily stood, slammed his fist into the table and asked, "Why was the council never informed of this?"

Stoic; "Because Ah have never believed that Hiccup will survive to be married. Hiccup is small and weak, worst still e does not want to follow the practices of our culture."

"In truth, Ah angered the gods by even keeping the boy alive as long as Ah have. As all of ye are aware, Ah should have given the infant to the snow as is Viking tradition."

More grumbling.

Yon Ingeman, "Stoic, I find your last statement to be very disturbing. With the high rate of infant mortality in Berk, especially in winter, with the wailing of mothers permanently planted in our ears, you tell this body you REGRET not practicing a tradition not followed for over a hundred years?

"Stoic, you do understand that there are at least ten grieving families that would give their right arms to have a child like Hiccup? I am glad your father is not alive to hear what you just said because you truly are a disappointment to me."

Before a now enraged Stoic the Vast could speak Sir Arthur once again addressed the council,

"Council members, as ambassador from Scotland it is my duty to point out that according to the treaty that has been lawfully signed if Lord Haddock dies, the treaty is nullified.

" More importantly, if it can be proved Lord Haddock was killed, that fact would be an automatic declaration of war against Scotland herself."

"As Ah said previously, Lord Haddock has endeared imself to the royal family and the people of Scotland. E has shown great potential that has been recognized and rewarded by the Lords of Scotland and the King."

"If the Chief and the people of Berk value Lord Hiccup Haddock so little, Ah would respectfully request that you allow me to take im and any who would wish to go with him, back to Scotland where e would be raised in a loving supportive environment."

"A place where he would have the opportunity to grow up and honorably serve the people of Scotland."

This last statement irritated the council except for Gobber and Gothi.

Yon Ingerman still standing addressed Sir Arthur and Stoic,

"Lord Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, may never grow up to be a typical Viking. He may never become a Viking Chief because of his betrothal and he

will one day leave Berk for Scotland, but one fact remains that can never be changed."

"Hiccup is a descendant of a long line of Viking Chiefs and he has Viking blood running through his veins."

"The Council and the people of Berk value any child of Berk even if his father does not. WE, will nurture and raise the child in the Viking culture."

"Hiccup may learn Scottish culture, he may one day marry a Scottish Princess, but he will always be one of us."

Chief Stoic cleared his throat and Yon looked at him, "Are there any other surprises Chief?" there was an air of disgust in the tone and Stoic detected it,

Stoic: "Berk has a housing and food shortage. In a few months, we will have the village repaired and the supply vessels from Dunbroch will have started arriving.

"Our Scottish allies have built houses of stone and have taught many of my men how to build one. Up to this time we have always built our houses with wood."

"Every dragon raid the houses that are hit even the slightest by dragon fire burn to the ground. Ah have sent our ships to all of our allies requesting aid. Those ships will be returning soon."

"Our Scottish friends have also suggested that our women and children be evacuated to our allies in the archipelago until such time as Berk has rebuilt its homes and its defenses. Ah feel that this suggestion has merit. Ah propose that all new structures be made of stone with thatched roofs."

"Thatch can be obtained in abundance from the plains to the north and from Bog Island. Big Boobied Bertha is a friend of mine. Ah am sure she will deal fairly with us. Those ships I sent requesting aid have another message to each of our allies requesting temporary sanctuary for our women and children."

"We have an abundance of gold in the treasury that can be used to support our families while they are away. Under ancient Viking law, the other tribes cannot turn our families away. Ah request at the council carefully consider this suggestion."

Stoic and the two Scots were ushered out of the great hall so the Council could argue in private.

Stoic; "Sir Arthur have you written that letter to King Fergus requesting aid?"

"Yes, chief Ah have as ye requested. Shall I write an addendum requesting sanctuary for women and children?"

Stoic; "No. This a Viking internal matter. WE Vikings take care of oor own. Ye Scotts have no respect for Viking culture or traditions. Ah donna like at."

Sir Arthur got into Stoic's face and replied, "The only Viking traditions we disrespect are the barbaric ones such as the ane where a father can leave a child to freeze to death simply because the child is small or weak. We Scots respect and cherish life and we always will" said the knight.

One of the Council guards stuck his head out of the great hall and requested that Stoic return. Stoic looked at the somber faces of the council. He felt like a trapped rat.

Yon Ingerman stood and spoke, "Chief Stoic you have shown great wisdom in the proposals you brought forward. We accept you're proposals that all new structures be built of stone."

"The process of building with stone is slower but the structures will be stronger and retain heat in the winter better and also be fire-resistant."

"The council also agrees with the suggestion that there should be a temporary evacuation of women and children from our island until such a time as we can house, feed, and defend them."

"We hereby order all structures from his day forward be built of stone with thatched roofs. We order that in three days' time all women and children be organized for evacuation."

"You will gather the names of all of them and bring them to the council. The council, not you, will decide on who travels in what boat, who crews that boat and where that boat will travel. Each vessel will carry 1,000 gold pieces to pay their hosts for their hospitality."

"Lastly, you have shown great disdain and disrespect for your child since he could speak and walk. You have injured the child to the point of near death."

"It is the decision of the council that Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Friend of the Queen of Dunbroch, Lord of Delaney Castle in the country of Scotland, be removed from your care and that of your wife."

"The council feels that Chieftess Valka should have been more proactive to protect your son. Councilman Gobber and his wife Helga will take care and protect him until such time as the boy is wed to Princess Merida of Dunbroch."

"The boy's mother shall be given the right to visit her son at the discretion of Helga Duterson. You will have no contact with the boy from this day forward. If the boy is badly injured or killed you will be blamed."

"You will, however, provide adequate funding to assist in raising the child, the amount to be decided by the council."

Stoic was absolutely fuming with rage, "This is an outrage! Ye canno take mah, son. Until Ah say otherwise, e is the sole heir of Berk. Ye can't take away a boy from his mother. Ats cruelty at its worst. This is an outrage and an insult and Ah won't stand for it!"

Yon slammed his fist against the table, "You will obey the will of the council or by Odin, I will have you removed as chief and banished. If it were in my power, I would make it so if you have any future children they are removed a well. You are a cold, manipulative arrogant piece of shite who can't be trusted around children. The council has spoken, now get out!"

The next day Stoic knew he had to tell Valka the decision of the council. He had no clue as to what her reaction would be. She herself had suggested that the runt stay over at Helga's for a time until things got back to normal.

Up until now, his life with Valka was a win, win situation. Now, the council had labeled Valka and himself unfit to raise a child.

The council had insulted him. They had taken his only child away from him, sure he hated the little shite but he was HIS son. They had taken the heir of Berk away from its Chief.

Valka and Stoic were taking a long walk in the woods as they did every so often. Suddenly Valka stopped, bent over and had something in her hands.

The Viking Chief looked over and saw a nest of barely hatched Terrible Terrors and she had one in her hands. Stoic could take no more from this daft woman of his. Is wife, the Chieftess of Berk was cradling a creature whose kind was responsible for the near destruction of Berk and were responsible for the deaths of over 35% of the population. It was finally too much for the Chief to take.

Stoic slapped the creature from the woman's hands, he then stomped the nest and every one of the baby dragons into mush. Valka had the audacity to try to stop him so he punched her in the face. She fell. He went to pull her up, but she turned and ran.

Back at the village, the trader Johan was preparing to leave. He was heading to Meathead island next on his trade route.

Valka ran back to Helga's house and began to pack back up the meager possessions she had kept with Helga for safekeeping. She began to pack Hiccups stuff as well.

Valka's brother Spitelout had given her enough money so Valka and the boy could book passage on any boat leaving Berk if she needed to.

Helga came in and saw what Valka was doing. When she realized what the end result was going to be, Helga went into the room next to the forge and grabbed Hiccup.

Valka came charging in with her bag. "Helga, I can't take anymore I have got to leave. I can't spend another moment with Stoic. He's an animal," said Valka.

Helga: "You can't leave Valka, Hiccup needs you".

Valka; "Give me my son, Johan's boat is leaving soon. Hiccup and I are going to be on it!"

Gobber had heard the commotion and came into the room. "Valka, you have to stay with us. You don't understand. The council placed Hiccup in our care for protection. You must stay because we can't let him go with ye."

Hiccup was fully awake now and crying. Valka's mind was racing. She couldn't stay, it would be the end of her and as she rubbed her belly, it would be the end of the child Stoic had planted in her womb.

She had found out the day before she was pregnant. She decided then and there it was time to go.

"What do you mean the council gave him to you?" asked the disturbed Chieftess.

Gobber; "Stoic said some things to the council yesterday that convinced the council he was a danger to the boy and couldn't be trusted to raise him."

"They also decided that you couldn't protect him so they gave him to us for protection. They said you can come visit but the boy can never be alone with ye again. I'm sorry."

Valka was near hysterics, she had to go. Her life and the life of her unborn baby might depend on it. Hiccup was safe here, she was convinced of that .

In Valka's mind, she simply had no choice. She kissed Hiccup on his lips and with tears streaking down her face,

"Hiccup baby, mummy's got to go away, far away and I can't take you with me. I'm sorry. I will always love you my little man but I can't stay with ye any longer. Goodbye, my sweet love. I'm so sorry," and with that ran out of the forge and down towards the docks.

Helga, also now crying, "Valka stop, think about what you're doing. Please stop, we can work something out".

But Valka kept running.

Hiccup was screaming over and over again, "Mummy come back, come back. Please don't leave me, mummy". Johan's ship was pulling away from the docks and Valka literally lept from the docks onto the trader's ship. She collapsed on the deck crying.

She had spoken with trader Johan many times before. Helga was at the dock holding a hysterical little boy who had one little arm reaching out and his little hand trying to grasp at nothing.

Even after the ship disappeared over the horizon, Hiccup cried over and over again, "Please don't leave me, mummy".

In Dunbroch a very hysterical little princess entered her mother's chambers screaming,

"Mummy, Mummy, somethings wrong with Hickey. Something is bad wrong with Hickey!" the princess cried.

Queen Elinor; "What's wrong with Hiccup mah darling?" she asked.

"Ah donna know Mummy. Ah donna know why, but me heart hurts very, very bad Mummy," said Merida.

Queen Elinor got on her knees in front of her little princess and placed both of her hands lightly on her daughter's shoulders.

As Elinor concentrated she was nearly overpowered by the depths of despair. For a brief second, she saw something. It looked like the sea. Then more despair. The queen broke the connection and tried to console Merida. In her mind, she knew Hiccup was alive but Merida was right. Something was very, very wrong.