The one that almost got away (2nd version) Chapter 18, 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 18 AFTERMATH and EVACUATION

As the sun began to set on Berk, Hiccup had finally cried himself to sleep. Helga held him close and walked back to the forge.

Gober an Helga had been luckier than most. The Forge itself was made of stone, its roof covered in slate. Their house had been burned but the Forge had extra storage rooms in it that Gobber quickly turned into a makeshift home.

The main entrance area even had a medium sized hearth. After the fire had been put out and the ashes had cooled, Gobber and Helga sifted through the debris and found all of their iron pots and skillets still intact, as well as the eating utensils made from Gronckle Iron.

Gobber had kept extra furs and clothing in one of the store rooms for just an emergency such as this.

Helga entered the forge and laid Hiccup down in the middle of their sleeping furs. She walked out to where Gobber was banging away on a piece of steel. He felt her presence behind him and turned to look at her. He could tell by her expression things were bad.

"Ah take it Stoic finally got around ta telling Valka about Hiccups relocation and she flipped," said the blacksmith looking sadly at his wife.

Helga shook her head with tears in her eyes, "No husband, was I who told her. She came rushing in, packing up her and Hiccup's belongings. I could tell by the welt on her face that Stoic had struck her again."

"She was reaching to grab the boy from me arms so I told her. She was nearly out of her mind she was. She kept telling me she had to leave then said goodbye to Hiccup and ran out."

"I chased her as fast as I could with the boy in me arms, him just a screaming for his mummy. Johan's boat was just leaving and she literally lept from the dock onto the boat."

"I begged her to stay. I told her I'd work something out so she could spend time with her boy. Hiccup to was begging his mummy not to leave but it was all for naught. Valka had made up her mind long ago."

"Somehow Stoic must have done something that was the final straw that broke the Yaks back. Poor Hiccup. Hated by his father, and now, abandoned by his mother. It would break a grown man it would. I dare not think what it's going to do to that sweet little one," said Helga."

Gobber took his wife into his sweaty, smelly arms and held her close. To her, the sweat and the stink meant safety. Gobber hated to do it but he felt he had to drop the bombshell of the last council decision on her.

"Helga mah girl, ye are going to ha ta be strong for Hiccup because for all intents and purposes e is ours now. E still retains his position as heir but that is shaky at best, as it always has been. It's going to get tougher on you and the boy too."

Helga looked up at her husband, "What do ye mean my love, speak plainly," she told him.

Gobber took a deep breath, "The council has decided at Stoics request, to evacuate all women with children, and those with born children, as well as any children including orphans to be evacuated to neighboring tribes until Berk has been rebuilt and is safe to return to. Only the Shieldmaidens and Gothi are allowed ta stay."

Helga; "Are Hiccup and I going back to Scotland then? That won't be so bad, even good for Hiccup. They care very deeply for Hiccup."

Gobber sadly shook his head no. "No my sweet wife no Scotland. The council out voted Gothi and Ah on at ane. They have decided at Hiccup is too valuable to be allowed to stay in Scotland for a long period since e is heir and since he is directly linked to the Treaty of Dunbroch."

" Ah think Ah could have talked them into it except for Sir Arthur going on about Hiccups importance to Scotland and how after e marries Princess Merida e'd be staying in castle Dunbroch."

" Ah think old Yon felt insulted when e was told at and the fact that Jacob was here to tutor Hiccup on the ways of the court and Scottish culture. Sir Arthur is going ta ave a bloody fit when Stoic announces it at dinner this evening."

Helga; "Do ye know where they will be sending us?" asked the woman.

"Bog Island," replied her blacksmith husband.

In Dunbroch the King pondered on what he should do. He had sent two ships. One with their normal shipment of foodstuffs and iron ore. The second with emergency supplies and paid workman as volunteers to help Brk rebuild. The workers were to report directly to Sir Arthur.

It now had been a week since Merida had actually "heart talked" with Hiccup. When Elinor sat with Merida with her hands on her shoulders all Elinor could "feel" was great sadness and a feeling of hopelessness that was nearly overpowering.

Merida of course, being a mere baby was hurt and thought Hiccup was angry at her again, this made her cry every evening after she tried to contact her little bondmate and failed.

"Mummy, da, why is Hiccup mad at me? Did Ah do something ta make im mad? Does e hate me now? Will e never talk to me again? Does e no love me anymore? Ah love im so much, why doesn't e answer me?" asked the little Princess."

Queen Elinor, very concerned with her daughters well being, and with that of young Hiccup who she had grown to love had not seen Yara in several days.

The Queen decided to send a troop of cavalry and a carriage for her with a note to be delivered by the troop commander himself. Yara had been deep in prayer. She had read the scrolls and had learned some new things that would help and delight Merida.

Yara had also learned more about what the role of the guardian was to be. What disturbed her greatly were the tea leaves. What the scrolls had foretold had come to pass. The mother had abandoned the son.

The leaves also told her things about the Vikings of Berk themselves that worried her. There was a pounding at the door, bam, bam, bam! She rushed to the door and pulled it open.

There stood a cavalry captain who saluted then said, "My apologies for the intrusion Lady Yara. Her majesty, Queen Elinor has sent me to bring you to the castle without delay. She instructed me to give you this note."

Yara looked outside past the Captain and noticed the carriage and an entire cavalry troop waiting for her. The leaves could only tell her so much. "Captain, if you could send a few of your men in, I have several chests that need to come with me to the castle."

The captain saluted, returned to his men and began to issue orders. When he left, Yara took a small knife and broke the royal seal on the envelope and began to read,

Dear Yara,

I need you to come to the castle immediately. Something terrible is going on with Hiccup. He has once again he has quit communicating with Merida. She is extremely upset of course. What is worse, when I connected with my daughter I could sense the boy is alive but felt a sense of sad hopelessness I could not endure for long emanating from him.

At one point I was able to look through his eyes and saw the sea. I don't understand. I am barely keeping Merida's spirits up. She feels the hopelessness through the bond but being a baby doesn't understand what is going on. Merida thinks her bondmate hates her because of what she feels and the lack of "heart talk".

I really need your help. I have sent a carriage and men to bring you back. I will not command you but those men will not leave without you. I beg of you dear lady, if you have any affection for the children and myself, please come at once.

Elinor Queen of Dunbroch and Scotland

Yara knew then the situation was far more desperate than the leaves had said. The joined felt things far more deeply than other mortal men and women.

These were children as well, with no experience and little understanding of the world around them or the path ahead. Loki would have his laugh and she hoped Frigga would have her way and protect both children during their arduous journey through Midgard.Yara put on her cloak, locked her door and left hastily in a royal carriage.

It was early evening when Stoic requested all to attend the meeting around the fire in the glenn. Sir Arthur was also in attendance. Stoic, standing on a raised platform so all could see took a deep breath,

"My people. We have survived a great attack by those vile creatures the world calls dragons. Our homes have been devastated, our stores for winter nearly completely destroyed and over a third of our population killed."

"We are Vikings and these things are occupational hazards. Winter will soon be upon us. We will not have enough shelter or food to survive the winter. We cannot protect our wives and children if another attack occurs."

"Because of these facts our new ambassador from Scotland Sir Arthur Macintosh put forward to me under the present dire conditions at all women and children be evacuated from Berk. It will only be until such a time as our

village is rebuilt, our defenses restored and improved and finally when we have obtained enough food to support the people."

"After much thought Ah could see the merit in this suggestion. Ah put it to the council who debated and voted on it. The evacuation will proceed in three days time."

" Our ships are due back any day as well as ships bearing emergency supplies and help. The council will decide who goes in which boat and where each boat goes. Each vessel will carry a thousand gold coins to see those refugees comfortably through this temporary evacuation."

"Yer team leaders will be told by the council where the families are going and on which boat and they in turn will tell you. Ah know this will be hard on everyone. It was not an easy decision to come to, but in the long run, it is the best thing for the people of Berk."

"Ah expect all our women with the exception of our shield maidens and the older women without children, to be ready to depart by sunset tomorrow. Yer team leaders will also inform ye of what you can take on the journey. Good luck."

There was a numbing state of shock. The people of Berk knew it was bad, but not this bad. Two days later the first of Berks ships had returned the women and children began to get aboard. As soon as the ship was refitted and the crews rested, the refugees, tents and supplies were loaded aboard and the ship left.

Sir Arthur was impatiently waiting for the first merchant vessel from Scotland so he could send his dispatches to the king. In those dispatches he included a report that the council would not send Lord Haddock back to Scotland but to a place known as Bog Island.

Bog Island was apparently run by a Viking tribe of amazons. The dispatch would note that he had protested vigorously but to no avail. The one positive note was that he had convinced the council to allow Jacob the tutor and the two servant/guards to travel with the young Lord. The king and especially the Queen would not be pleased.

Yara was very patient with Merida. Like all children her age, she had a very short attention span although hers was longer than most kids her age. The Princess had retained what she'd been already taught better than most.

For the past few days, the little girl had been very down and not her usual happy self. Yara knew it was the effect the bond was having on her. The old lady tried to think of what could be happening to the boy to make him in such dire straits. She thought about the tea leaves and then the scrolls. It suddenly slapped her in the face.

"Maudi, could you get her majesty to grant me an interview quickly," Yara asked.

"Of course. How soon would you require your audience with her majesty?" the nanny asked.

"Right now and please tell her I think I know the reason for all Merida's anxiety. She will know what I mean," stated the old healer.

Maudie left Yara in the nursery with Merida. "Princess, why are you sad?" asked Yara.

Merida's eyes got watery and she sniffed, "Ah'm sad because Hickey is sad. Ah'm sad that Ah can't heart talk with im. Ah'm really sad because e is gone and Ah miss him. If Ah could talk to im, it wudno be so bad."

Yara; "I know why Prince Hiccup is sad Merida and he has a good reason for it". She had the little Princess' full attention.

"What is the reason Lady Yara?" asked Merida.

Yara; "Do you remember Lady Valka?"

Merida nodded, "She's Hickeys mummy".

Yara"That's right. Lady Valka is Prince Hiccup's mother. If the Queen had to travel someplace and you were left with Maudie how would you feel" asked Yara.

Merida thought for a second, Ah would be very sad and upset," she said.

"Well your highness, that is what I believe has happened to your Hiccup. Lady Valka left and didn't take her son with her and she is never coming back," said Yara.

"Poor Hickey", Merida said with baby tears running down her cheeks.

About this time, not only Maudie returned but her majesty came as well. "What have you discovered Yara," asked the queen.

Yara; "One of the many pitfalls predicted for the dragon Prince has come to pass. Prince Hiccup's mother, Lady Valka, has departed from Berk. She was forced to leave little Hiccup behind."

" I believe the Prince was there and saw her leave. Like any normal child, he probably begged her to stay but she left anyway. Now all Hiccup has left in Berk is Gobber and Helga".

Elinor; "That poor child. No wonder e hasn't communicated with Merida. E canno concentrate enough to open the bond because of the hurt e feels due to is mother leaving im behind," she picked Merida up and was patting her back, "Is there anything we can do Yara".

Yara; "There is something I think we should try. Merida can speak with Hiccup thru the bond. They feel each others' emotions through the bond. What if they could also use the bond for physical contact?"

"What do you mean Yara? How would that be possible?" asked the queen.

"My queen, how is it possible that the children are able to talk with one another being far away and without speaking? Through the bond yer majesty, through the bond," said Yara.

Elinor; "How do ye propose that we do this?" asked the queen.

"With your help majesty, instead of concentrating on talking. What if the Princess were to concentrate on what it feels like to give him a hug? We can

try it first with Merida and then both of you. Please try your majesty," pleaded Yara.

Elinor; "Alright Yara we will try. (Do, or do not, there is no try--Yoda) Merida, do ye want to try to make Hiccup feel better?" asked the queen.

"Yes, mummy, yes!" said the little Princess. Elinor had placed her little daughter on the floor.

Yara; "Princess, listen very carefully. I want you to close your eyes," Merida complied. "Now I want you to hug yourself," the little girl hugged herself, "Now Princess if ye love Hiccup as ye say ye do, concentrate and remember what ye feel like when Ye hug Hiccup."

On Berk, the first boats returned. As quickly as possible the boats were refitted, supplies for the refugees, and finally the refugees themselves. Gobber stood on the dock with Helga and Hiccup,

"Helga my darling, all the men are going to be working oor guts out to finish so all of ye can come back soon. It will be hard on us as well. Whenever you get lonely just hug Hiccup a little tighter. Ah'll be thinking of ye every minute. Hiccup my boy, Ah know ye are very hurt that Valka didn't take ye with her. She couldn't son, the council wouldn't let her."

"She might come back someday but until then Ah need ye to take care of Helga for me. Can ya du tha boy?" the blacksmith asked. Hiccup with sad eyes looked up and nodded."

"Good! Now both of ye give us a kiss". Gobber picked up Hiccup and kissed him, Gobber had never done that before. Hiccup hugged him tightly and then Gobber handed Hiccup over to one of the sailors on the boat.

Helga, "I'm going ta miss ye. You're a big lout ye are, but yer my big lout."

Gobber; Goodbye my love, take care of yerself." Gobber and Helga kissed and then he helped his beloved wife into the boat.

Amongst the women and children being on this boat were Berghild Hofferson, five-month-old Astrid and 12-year-old Ylva. They had said goodbye to Gunnar and it was very emotional.

Gunnar had refused to be put on the boat. He would find something he could do. He might now be a cripple but he was still a man. Gunnar kissed all his girls goodbye and watched them leave. It was a very hard day.

The boat cast off and headed out to sea. It was a three to four day trip to Bog island depending on the weather conditions.

There were three men who were actually on board, Jacob, Thomas, and Daniel. It was a concession given by the Council to Sir Arthur who had petitioned strongly to have little Lord Haddock sent to Scotland. He was denied.

He had a long letter to his majesty. He would send it back on one of the Scottish merchant vessels.

He didn't trust these Vikings. He was confident that they wouldn't kill the boy, but he had an unsettling feeling that they were loathed to send Lord Hiccup to Scotland. Now, for at least six to nine months Hiccup would be gone to Bog Island. The knight had done all that he could.

The women onboard had settled in quickly. They were keeping a close watch on their children too. This pleased Spitelout who was Captain of this ship. Spitelout loved his wife, and would never do anything to hurt her intentionally.

That night on the Needle after the battle was over was just him satisfying a request of one of the Bog Burglars, nothing more. The sex had been fantastic though and he actually hoped he would see Leia (Big Boobied Betha' sister) when they arrived.

Dunbroch Is Pam hs

Merida was concentrating as hard as she could. It took several tries but suddenly the little girl felt something. It actually felt like Hiccup was there with her hugging her back.

"Mummy, Hickey is hugging me back!" said the princess.

Yara smiled. She had never seen a bond like these two had before. It was a beautiful thing to see.

"Your majesty, I want you to do the same but with your hands on the little one's shoulders. What I want you to imagine and concentrate on is how you felt when you held that frightened, lonely little boy. I want you to concentrate on that and remember that the boy no longer has a mother."

Elinor got on her knees, placed and began to think. To think of the feeling she had when Hiccup reacted positively then snuggled into her bosom. She could remember his tiny little body shaking.

Suddenly, Elinor was bombarded with feelings attacking her senses. She could see that Hiccup was sitting on the deck of a ship and there were women all around him. She saw the bright sunshine and could actually smell the sea air.

Elinor concentrated even harder on holding little Hiccup close. There was a sensation of warmth as something grasped around her neck. She was startled when she felt a sensation on her cheek. It felt like a kiss.

Sitting with Helga, Hiccup started to feel warm. Then he felt something like when Merida hugged him. He smiled a big smile. He knew what it was. Merida was hugging him through the bond. He visualized her bright blue eyes. Then he thought about all that beautiful hair. He thought about what it was like to cuddle with her. He could even smell her. She wore lavender perfume sometimes.

The little prince got even warmer. He felt like his entire body was being wrapped up in a warm safe place Then he knew. It was Queen Elinor holding him and rocking him.

Hiccup was no longer unhappy. His bondmate and her mother were sending him hugs and affection. He thought about what he did when Elinor

held him like that. Hiccup kissed the queen on her cheek, so he thought hard about that.

The little boy thought hard about kissing his love on the lips. "Merida, Merida are you there? If you are, I want you to know I'm ok now. You made me feel good, so did your mom." he thought.

"Hiccup, Ah'm here. Ah have been very sad and worried. Yara helped me and mummy hug ye. Ah could feel ye and Ah could feel when ye hugged me back," said the tiny little princess.

Hiccup; "My mummy left me Mer. She left me. I begged her to stay but she still left me. I stay with Helga and Gobber now."

Princess Merida; "It's going to be alright Hickey. Ah love ye" said Merida.

"I love you too Mer and I miss you so much. I'm on a boat. Berk got all messed up by the dragons so they're sending all the mommies and kids away. I wish you were here with me. Please tell Elinor I love her too".

Merida felt a tingle on her lips and she knew it was Hiccup kissing her. Elinor was amazed that she could see through his eyes. He saw the deep worry on all the mother's faces.

A pretty girl about 12 appeared. She could see Hiccup looking into her face. She was smiling a big smile. Then Hiccups concentration broke and the bond connection was lost.

"Mummy, Hiccup feels very happy right now but Ah can't talk to im anymore. E kissed me, mummy, right on the lips. Why do ye think Hiccup quit talking?"

Elinor had been thinking herself and then it dawned on her. Helga had told her of a young girl who loved Hiccup very much and who Hiccup adored. What was her name? Then she remembered,

"Merida, Ah saw a friend of Hiccup's come ta see im. She was very happy to see im and was picking im up when the bond connection broke."

"Do you know who she might be mummy?" asked Merida.

Elinor; "I believe It is a person who loved Hiccup before we did. Hiccup was very sad when his father wouldn't let her come play with him anymore," said the queen.

Merida's face turned red and she looked like she always did when she was throwing a temper tantrum, "ITS YLVI" the princess growled.

Elinor; "At's right mahlove Ah think it was Ylva Hofferson. How did ye know?" the queen asked.

"Hiccup told me about her. She likes to hug and kiss im too!" said the obviously perturbed little Princess.

All three women put their hands over their mouths at the same time to keep from laughing. Four year old Princess Merida of Dunbroch first of her name was jealous.

"Ylvi" Hiccup screamed jumping up into his friend's arms.

Ylva hugged him close and he wrapped his arms around her neck.

Ylva; "I have missed you, my sweet little man, I have missed you," said the aspiring shieldmaiden.

When Hiccup pulled away Ylva took one of her hands, cupped the boys chin and gave him a nice long kiss on the lips. She sat down next to Helga. Berghild was right behind her older daughter and she traded places with another woman.

Berghild; "It's good ta see ye Helga, I have missed you. Truth be told I have missed Valka and young Hiccup too." she said.

A soldier walked up, he looked at the two newcomers over and asked, "Is everything alright Lady Helga?".

"Everythings fine Daniel. This is my dear friend Berghild Hofferson and this is her daughter Ylva. They are trusted friends."

Hiccup jumped and hugged Daniel's legs. Daniel smiled and ruffled Hiccup's hair and a little louder than needed so everyone could hear,

"And how are you today Lord Haddock?"

Hiccup let go of the man's legs and pointed towards the baby Berghild was holding, "I am good Mr. Daniel, that little one is my friend Astrid and her mummy and this," the little boy walked over to Ylva and sat in her lap, "is Ylvi. She's my bestest friend in the whole world," said the little Lord.

Daniel laughed and said, "Ah certainly hope Princess Merida doesn't hear ye or she will have me head," said Hiccups bodyguard. Ylva looked puzzled at the statement.

Hiccup; "Ylvi, Merida is my be, my be,...what is that word Helga?" asked the wee lad.

Helga "Betrothed Hiccup. Princess Merida is your betrothed."

"Yeah that's right Daniel, me and Mer are b-e-t-r-o-t-h-e-d. We are joined too. She is best to me in a different way Ylvi." The little boy then looked up at his friend and kissed her face.

Daniel, "Well my Lord, if ye need anything, Thomas and Ah are right over there. Just wave," he turned and walked away. L cuz it's ya I

Berghild, "What was that all aboot Helga? Who was that man? Why was He talking to Hiccup that way?" she asked.

"And who in Helheim is Princess Merida and how is she betrothed to my little man?" asked Ylva as she hugged the little boy protectively into her chest.

Helga: "I will try to keep this brief. Ye know we went to Dunbroch to finalize a treaty right?"

Berghild and Yva nodded, "Well the king and queen of Dunbroch are very nice people and they came to love Hiccup. After the way that they saw how Stoic treats the boy Queen Elinor snatched him up and for most of our trip, kept him with her.

Merida is their daughter and a pretty wee thing she is. The King had pulled my Gobber aside and spoke with him about the boy and his father. Both the king and the queen became worried about Hiccup's safety.

Merida is a couple of months older than Hiccup. She is a beautiful little thing, very well mannered and precocious. Her and Hiccup hit it off. Well seeing this and loving Hiccup the way they came to, the King, with the queen's approval told Stoic that Scotland needed a tighter bond between Berk and Scotland than just Stoics signature.

Unbeknownst to the rest of us, Valka and Stoic brought Hiccup to Scotland when he was an infant. Stoic had spoken then about making a treaty with King Fergus. Queen Elinor suggested a betrothal to bind the two countries by blood."

Berghild; "Go on Helga, ye have me whole attention."

Helga: "The King and Queen were quite worried about Hiccup."

"Aye so was the rest of us," said Berghild.

Helga; "Anyway the King had the betrothal written into the treaty agreement along with making Stoic agree to send Hiccup to Dunbroch twice a year, two months at a time so that Hiccup can be further educated in Scottish culture and of course to spend time with his wee girl.

Ye should see them together. Merida is infatuated with my boy her. She has to be touching him, hugging him and I never saw a girl want to kiss a boy so much and she's only 18 months old."

Ylva; "So she likes to kiss him a lot does she? Well, while we are away he's mine and I'm going to kiss and hug him so much he's going to forget about this Princess!" Both women chuckled.

Berghild; "I thought ye told me ye didn't like boys, well my girl little Hiccup is a boy," she laughed.

Ylva blushed but still held Hiccup close in her arms, "I don't like boys and I know Hiccup is a boy. He's different. I can't explain it."

Helga, "It's alright Ylva. I really don't think you can get Hiccup to forget Merida. Will she Hiccup?" Hiccup smiled and shook his head.

He then looked up at Ylva, "Ylvi I love you so much. I will always love you till the day I die. It's just, I love Merida too in a different way. We are joined and she is my mate. You are my bestest friend."

Helga; " Let me finish me story boyo. Stoic tried ta force Hiccup to kiss him at breakfast one day because he saw Merida kiss her father and the chief was jealous. This scared Hiccup so badly he took off and hid like he always does.

It took them over four hours to find them and the boy was on the roof on the highest part of the castle. Oh this castle, a bloody huge thing it is. When the guards finally located Hiccup, it took the King himself to talk my little boy off the roof.

Stoic shot off his mouth like he always does and he convinced the King that Hiccup's life was in danger, so the king had written into the treaty that if Hiccup dies the treaty is no longer in place.

The Queen asked Valka for permission to watch the boy during our stay there. She of course agreed and from that moment on Hiccup was never away from the queen or Merida.

Those two children did everything together. The queen bathed and fed them together. She read them stories when they were going to bed. They even slept together.

Speaking of sleeping…" Hiccup had fallen asleep in Ylva's arms like he always did.

Berghild; "So what about those men. Why did He call Hiccup, Lord Hiccup?" she asked.

Helga; "Because of things Stoic continued to say about Hiccup, the king became convinced that if he didn't act, Hiccup would not survive the trip home.

King Fergus got together with his Lords and came with a plan. As I said before, Queen Elinor loves Hiccup very, very much. She poured affection on him and of course that lonely, abused little boy ate the attention up.

When the treaty was to be assigned there was a grand ceremony. All of us and the Scottish royalty were there including their families.

The King did three things that night.

"Go on go on. Don't keep me in suspense," said Berghild.

Helga; "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted,"

Bergheld playfully stuck her tongue out at her friend,

"The king did three things. First, he announced the alliance Second, King Fergus awarded Hiccup the title of "Friend of the Queen", which basically allows Hiccup to interact with Queen Elinor like he was her own son. He doesn't have to use her titles or make an appointment to see her."

Ylva was now sleeping with her arms around her little man whom she loved so much. Bergheld began to breastfeed Astrid when the baby got fussy,

Bergheld; "That is something. It's kind of like he is a child of hers."

Helga; "There is more my friend. Thirdly, The King gave our little Hiccup a castle, fifty sheep and 200 acres of land which makes him a citizen of Scotland.

Fourth, the King gave Hiccup the title of Lord of Delaney Castle. Oh, I almost forgot Lord MacGufin gave him a farmer and his family to take care of the castle, the sheep and to farm the land," said Helga.

"My goodness," said Bergheld, "that makes Hiccup a very wealthy little boy." Helga; "Better still, the king explained that Hiccup is now a Lord of Scotland so that any attack on him is an attack on Scotland itself. Stoic was furious."

The last thing the King did along with a rather uncooperative Viking Chief we all know, he brought the little Princess over beside little Hiccup. The two sweet babies grasped the hands of each other fer dear life.

The king asked them if they understood what betrothal meant. They didn't so he gave an explanation. Rather than looking at her father like he was crazy, she told her father she loved Hiccup very much. Our Hiccup said the same thing and they both said they wanted ta be betrothed.

The King took some golden fabric around their little wrists and announced the two were betrothed. Ye know what the wee princess did then? Bergheld shook her head no.

Helga; "Well, that beautiful little redhead turned, put her free arm around young Hiccup and gave him a kiss that would have shamed a brand new bride"

Bergheld, "I bet the son-of-a-bitch Stoic just loves the fact that he can't kill Hiccup. I wish I could have been there."

Helga; "It's aboot time something went well for that boy. All that physical and verbal abuse he's suffered and now his mum abandons him."

Bergheld; "I have known Valka all of the time she has been in Berk. I was doing me wash and I saw the whole thing. Me heart breaks for the wee lad," said the nursing mother.

Bergheld; "So Hiccup's really betrothed to the Princess?"

"Yep," said Helga.

"And what aboot those three," asked Bergheld as she pointed at the two soldiers and Jacob.

Helga; "They are apart of the new ambassador's staff. The small one with the beard is Hiccups tutor the queen assigned to him and those two guards were sent by Sir Arthur to act as Hiccups bodyguards"

For the rest of the trip, Ylva stayed with Hiccup. She gave the boy a lot of affection and it seemed to distract him from thinking about Valka. The twelve-year-old truly loved the boy, and Hiccup adored her.

Hiccup didn't forsake his bond mate either. One afternoon Ylva saw Hiccup making kissing movements with his lips,

"Hickey, what are ya doing? Do ya need a kiss?" asked Ylva. "I'm kissing Merida, hugging her too" said the little boy. He stopped the hugging motion and opened his eyes.

"I miss Merida very much. I miss Elinor too," said the toddler lord.

Ylva; Tell me aboot her, aboot Merida Hic," asked the young girl.

Hiccup; Merida is very pretty. She has lots of very curly red hair. She is a little taller than me. She's really fun to play with. She likes to hug me a lot like you. She kisses like you to Ylva."

Ylva swept Hiccup into her arms and kissed Hiccup full on the lips. She held him close. At first, she had been jealous of the little redhead. How dare anyone touch Hiccup that way?

Then Ylva thought about it. She was going to be a shieldmaiden. Hiccup was going to be chief. She would actually be protecting him one day. She never wanted a boy her age to touch her, the thought was repulsive to her. When she held Hiccup, however, she felt very warm inside. She could feel her heart tingle and lately, her nether region got real wet.

Back in Berk after she left the chief's house she would go to the hot springs, get into the water and touch herself. It felt really good and seemed to relax her. A couple of months ago her monthly moon time had started.

When it happened she panicked. You weren't supposed to bleed there. Her mother hugged her and gave her "the talk".

She explained to her mother the feelings when she held Hiccup. She thought her mom might get mad and make her stop visiting Hiccup. Her mother just smiled and explained to her that it was perfectly normal. Ylva's body was changing, getting her ready to be a woman.

The feelings she had were the physical desire and that was normal too. She did warn her about letting a boy into her. Boys would want to do "that" all the time but if she did, he would put his seed into her and she would become with child.

After "the talk" there was no way in Helheim that Ylva was ever going to allow that happen. She had seen and helped her mother and Gothi when Astrid was born. Her mom told her that even though

Hiccup is a baby, he is a male and her body just does those things automatically. Bergheld warned Ylva to never, ever act on her feelings with Hiccup. Kissing and hugging him was ok, but he was a baby and things like that were taboo and not tolerated.

Ylva understood what was going on now and she relaxed. She would never do anything to hurt Hiccup. She liked the feelings he gave her, (even though he wasn't doing it on purpose) so she would continue to hold and kiss Hiccup. Hiccup stayed with Ylva until the day when she returned to Berk.

Bog island was a dreary place. Whereas Berk was mountainous and beautiful, Bog Island was low wet and swampy. The Bog Burglars were able to live due to the abundant wildlife and the amount of fish just off their shores.

One other factor was that the dragons didn't like Bog Island so there were never any dragon attacks. The Bog Burglars didn't have the greatest reputation in the archipelago. They were a fierce and independent female society.

That in itself was a problem for the rest of the tribes due to Vikings were a male dominated people. Another issue was how they built their society.

In Bog Burglar culture, males from other islands were selected to come and copulate with the female who selected them until said female became pregnant. Then the male left to return to his home.

If the woman bore a girl child, she was raised as a Bog Burglar. If it was a boy, the child was returned to its father or adopted out to families on other islands. Bog Burglars visited islands for the purpose of procreation as well. This didn't settle well with the women of that island because the Bogs didn't care if the man had a woman or wife. He was just a means to an end.

The last and most of "talents" was the fact that they were the best thieves in the archipelago and perhaps the world. It was rumored that a Bog Burglar could steal the underwear off a man while he was wearing them.

The Bogs were also expert blackmailers. Though they would never blackmail the father of one of their children, any other men were fair game. They were also famous for gambling and there were few takers because the Bog women didn't lose. This was another way Bog women could get a man to sleep with her. Big Boobied Bertha had won a bet with Stoic the Vast before the battle of Outcast Island and now she was nearly four months pregnant with his child.

Leia, Bertha's sister, was now three months pregnant with Spitelout Jorgenson's child. No blackmail or paying a debt here. Leia simply asked him. Leia was a beautiful girl with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. She was tall at 5'10" and like her sister had been blessed by the gods with ample cleavage.

No, Spitelout had been impressed by her handling of the battle for the Needle so when she explained what she wanted and why as well as promising his wife would never find out he relented.

The two lovers had actually made a connection as well. It was the reason Spitelout had insisted on being the Captain of the vessel carrying refugees to Bog Island.

On the evening of the third day, Bog Island was sighted. Most of the children had been sick as well as many of the expectant mothers. All were tired of being cooped up on the ship.

Bertha had received a carrier pigeon from Berk, which in itself was amazing considering pigeons were the favorite snack of Terrible Terrors. The letter attached explained the situation and requested sanctuary for the women of Berk.

Bertha standing on the dock, "Leia, are the shelters ready? We must treat these women as sisters. Many have lost loved ones. There are widows and orphans in the group as well. I have also been informed that the Chief of Berk,s own son Hiccup is among the refugees."

Leia: "Yes Chief, we are ready. We have converted both boathouses into longhouses. We have gathered enough furs for bedding and we built two fire pits inside each boathouse so cooking and heating shouldn't be a problem. The orphans have been divided up amongst our warriors including the boys. We have built a small longhouse for the widows."

Bertha nodded as the Berkian longboat tied to the docks. As soon as the gangplank was secured, Bertha, Leia and five warriors came aboard. Daniel and Thomas got in front of Helga and Hiccup with their shields and swords at the ready.

Bertha; "What are you to basterds supposed to be? You are not Vikings, where are you from? Put away your weapons or I will allow my archers to strike you down!"

"I am Thomas McBane and this is Daniel McWiliams. We are Scottish soldiers from Dunbroch Castle and have been assigned to protect Lord Haddock with our lives if necessary,!" said Thomas.

Bertha; "So where is this Lord Haddock you speak of?" asked Bertha.

Helga and Ylva came out from behind Thomas with Ylva holding a very frightened Hiccup.

Helga; "This child is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock lll, heir to the Chiefdom of Berk, Friend of Elinor Queen of Scotland and Lord of Delany Castle. He is 18 months old.

His teacher Jacob is with us too," said the nanny/stepmother.

Bertha laughing; "Put down your weapons soldiers. We do not make war on children, especially the heir of an ally. Where is this Dunbroch you speak of?" asked Bertha.

The two Scottish bodyguards put away their swords and shields and Daniel replied to the Chieftess after bowing, "My Chieftess, Dunbroch is a part of the country called Scotland. The king and queen are worried about the boy so they assigned the three of us to Lord Haddock to protect and educate him."

Bertha pointed at Helga, "What is your role in this woman?" asked the chieftess.

Helga; "My name is Helga. I take care of Hiccup. He stays with my husband Gobber Duterson and I since his father hurt him and his mother abandoned him."

Bertha moved over to where Ylva was holding the little Lord, "Who are you and why do you hold the heir?"

Ylva standing tall and sticking her chin up as she spoke; "I am Ylva Hofferson daughter of Gunnar and Berghild Hofferson. I am Hickey's friend. Hiccup is little and you're frightening him. You should be ashamed."

Bertha laughed even harder, "I think you are more than his friend. I admire your spunk and your courage. I give ye, my word Ylva, that while you are on Bog island no harm will come to you or your little Lord!"

Spitelout had come forward. He bowed to Bertha and then to Leia who now stood beside her, "Chieftess, could I have a private audience in my cabin?"

Bertha; "Leia, with the exception of Helga and Ylva, start taking these women to their quarters then the great hall for something to eat."

Leia saluted and began to lead the women to the gangplank. Each woman from Berk was met on the gangplank by a Bog shieldmaiden. If the woman had multiple children more than one shieldmaiden would come to help.

Inside Spitelouts cabin the captain showed Bertha to a chair. A single shieldmaiden stood guard behind the big-chested woman.

Spitelout; " I was hoping to see you alone Chief." Bertha; "This is my bodyguard Anna. She goes everywhere I do and will never repeat what she hears.

Now Spitelout my old friend, explain to me what's going on. Why does a mere baby have two bodyguards, Scottish soldier bodyguards at that and where is Valka?."

Spitelout; "You have seen the boy is small," Bertha nodded, "Stoic has harmed the boy and his mother in the recent past. He spanked Hiccup a few months ago to the point where the wee lad almost died. He has made threats of death towards his son ever since.

A month or so ago, the Chief traveled to Scotland to sign a treaty with the King there. Apparently, according to Gobber, Stoic made comments that alarmed the King. Queen Elinor, his wife, took an interest in the boy. Valka gave her permission to take care of the boy herself.

Queen Elinor came to love the little boy and I can tell you, Hiccup has that effect on women and he doesn't even know it. Stoic continued his threatening rhetoric and both the King and Queen became increasingly concerned over Hiccup's life.

The King and Queen of Scotland have a daughter named Princess Merida. She is a couple of months older than Hiccup. Anyway I digress, the king and queen took actions to try and guarantee Hiccups life and safety.

They gave him a title, "Friend of the Queen", he is treated like her own son and she, as his mother. The King then gave the boy a castle, livestock, 200 acres of land and a farmer and his family."

" They have Thrawn's in Scotland?" asked Bertha.

"No", replied Spitelout, "the farmer is like a servant. He is given room and board. He and his family, farm the land, take care of the livestock and the castle.

The other thing the King did was to give Hiccup the title of Lord of Delaney Castle. The title of lord makes the boy a type of royalty in Scotland. He is now a citizen and Lord of Scotland.

Literally, should Stoic or anyone else harm the boy, it would be as though Scotland and her people were attacked. There would be an immediate and all-out war."

Bertha; "The king and queen care for the boy that much? He's so tiny. I can't believe Stoic would harm his own son. Where was Valka in all of this?" asked Bertha.

The King and Queen of all Scotland love that little boy so much that Lord Hiccup and Princess Merida are betrothed," he said.

"NO!" said Bertha.

"Yes," said Spitelout, "And as far as Valka is concerned, she abandoned her son a week ago. She left with trader Johan and no one knows where she went."

"Stoic must have been devastated," said Bertha.

Spitelout; "Yes you'd think that my sister leaving him would have shaken him up but it hasn't. I came here for two reasons, the first to make sure that little boy is well taken care of and the second was to see your sister."

Bertha; "She told me she had mated with a man after the battle she never said who. Those men cannot stay here. I will assign two bodyguards for the boy and he and his friend will stay in my longhouse".

Spitelout; "Helga will like that," said the captain. "Helga?" questioned the large chested Chieftess, "I was speaking of the

girl Ylva. I have changed my mind. The teacher, the one they call Jacob may stay. I will house him with one of my shieldmaiden couples.

Explain, Bog Burglar law to him and tell him of what he will be required to do." With that Bertha got up and made to leave the ship. Spitelout followed her. Just as she was stepping up on the gangplank she turned,

"Spitelout, Leia will be here in a couple of hours so you can fill her in," she said with a grin. Then she pointed to the two guards started to follow Helga, Hiccup, and Ylva she said, "You two stay on the ship. Try to get off and you will be killed," she looked around and finally saw Jacob,

You, teacher," she yelled, "you will come!

Spitelout, you will sail on the morning tide". Down on the docks she pointed to two shieldmaidens Aura & Tina and waved them over.

"I'm giving you two a very special assignment. See that little boy that tall girl is holding?" asked Bertha. The two women nodded.

"He is the heir to Berk and a Scottish Lord. You will protect him with your lives. What's your name again girl?" asked Bertha.

With a glare, the young lady answered, "My name is Ylva Hofferson. This is my mother Berghild and the baby is my sister Astrid."

Bertha smiled, walked over and tickled Astrid's chin making her smile back.

"Berghild, I want you to allow Ylva to come and stay at my house. I need her for Lord Haddock here."

Berghild; "My daughter is a child, she needs to be with her mother!" Bertha; "I give you my word of honor she will be well treated. She will eat the best food, she will be given clothing and I will pay her while she takes care of the boy. She will be well guarded.

During the day she can be with you and her sister. Lord Hiccup here is too valuable to be left alone. He trusts Ylva and I trust her."

Helga; "Hiccup is my charge, I take care of him!"

Bertha; During the day Hiccup can be with you, but at night he stays in my home. There is no argument on this. If Ylva refuses my offer, I will assign one of my young shieldmaidens to take care of him. What say you Ylva? You will earn a silver piece every day and a gold piece every week."

Ylva looked at her mother with pleading eyes, "Can I mum? We could use the money. Hiccup will have a hard time going to sleep if I'm not with him. Please?"

Berghild thought for a second, "You say she will be protected at all times?" asked the concerned mother. Bertha nodded yes.

Berghild; "We will do this on a week to week basis on the condition that at any time my girl can quit and come to me!"

"Agreed" said Bertha with a smile. The Chieftess then spat in her palm and held it out for Berghild. They shook and then Ylva and the Chieftess.

Bertha turned to Helga who started to cry. Bertha; "Dry your tears woman. You have done a good job. I take him for a personal reason. I want to get to know him. I want him to get to know me and my sister."

Helga; "Why chieftess what is a little boy who's been abandoned by his mother, to you?"

Bertha smiled and rubbed her belly, "He means a lot to me. I'm carrying his sister!"

The Chieftess, Ylva and Hiccup and the shieldmaidens protecting him and bringing their baggage march up the small hill towards the Chieftess' house, leaving Helga in shock. So began Hiccup's life on Bog Island.