The one that almost got away (2nd version) Chapter 19, 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 19 Bog Island

Berk Back on Berk Stoic tried to keep busy. Keeping busy kept his mind off off

Valka. He didn't understand why she'd leave. Even he was shocked that she would leave because of a stupid lizard. They had been getting along so well he thought. Didn't she realize that killing the little Terrible Terror was his way of saving her from ridicule and harm?

Yes, he had hit her. She had done something very stupid. His fear had been that she would go to the council and complain. The council was already all over his ass. He didn't think in a million years she'd leave. He loved her, he really did. Stoic just couldn't see past his own Viking self-image to see the ongoing abuse he had piled on the woman over time.

In Stoic's mind, he was a traditional Viking warrior and she was a woman. In his addled mind a woman, (other than Bog Burglars and Shieldmaidens), existed only to please her husband. To cook, clean, satisfy his sexual needs and bear and rear his children. No, he didn't understand Valka's leaving at all. But gone she was, and he'd be damned if he was going to live his life alone with only that weak, pathetic shite as his only heir.

No, as soon as the proper time was up, (one year on Berk), he was going to find himself a proper Viking wife. A traditional wife who will bear him children he could be proud of not a tiny, weak little shite of a boy like Valka had given him. He took another drink of ale.

His house had been destroyed, like many others, so like a lot of the other men, he was sleeping in the great hall. He wished the council would have sent the little bastard to Scotland. Let that backstabbing son-of-a-bitch

Fergus and his interfering bitch of a wife have the little shite and good riddance.

But no, Sir asshole Arthur had made the little worthless shite a valuable asset. Now the useless hiccup of a child was on Bog Island. The gods truly hated him.

Sir Arthur worked hard every day, assisting the Vikings to build better shelters. Three supply ships had arrived in Berk. He had written the King about the current situation;

Your majesty, I must say, in all of my days I have never seen such devastation. Most of the homes and structures damaged or destroyed bodies of men, women, and children lying everywhere. In my new capacity of Ambassador to Berk, I had made a suggestion to the Chief and the council that due to the present condition of the island, that the women and children, as well as those wounded, be evacuated to safer islands until such a time that the island's defenses and homes could be rebuilt.

I also made the suggestion that buildings be rebuilt of stone rather than wood. To my surprise, the Vikings have accepted these suggestions. I had hoped that little Lord Haddock would be placed on one of our ships so that the little boy would be safe. Alas, once they understood his titles and his direct connection to the treaty they refused and sent the boy to a place called Bog Island that apparently is run by a tribe of amazons.

I am also sad to report that the boy's mother left the island a week before abandoning Lord Hiccup as he pleaded with her not to go. The evacuation ended two weeks ago. I have included a map of Berk and the relation Bog Island is to it. I wish I could report that our two soldier bodyguards are protecting our little Lord but the only male that was allowed to stay on the island was Jacob.

Our returning ships will have the agreed-upon trade items and enough gold coins to cover the additional relief supplies. Please keep sending relief ships as these people are in a desperate state. One Spitelout Jorgenson, uncle to Lord Hiccup, privately, assured me that the amazons who call themselves Bog Burglars, would never hurt a child. In addition, this man told

me that the Bog Chieftess, one Big Boobied Bertha, (yes that is truly her name), is carrying Stoic the Vasts child. I will explain these amazons traditions at a later date.

With the aforementioned information, I am fairly confident that Lord Haddock will not be harmed. I must also tell you that, in my humble opinion, I am fairly certain that these Berk Vikings will do their best to resist sending the little boy to Scotland. I recommend that, after the spring thaw, you send a show of force to show these barbarians the Scots do not bluff and take signed treaties seriously. I am sorry I could not do more.

Respectfully, Your most devoted servant, Sir Arthur Macintosh Ambassador to Berk

Sir Arthur knew his letter would not be taken well. He hoped war could be avoided. A Scottish Lord could not be held captive, even by his own people.

Dunbrogh

Yara was doing well instructing the Queen and the princess on how to use and expand on their 'gifts'. The queen could actually hear young Hiccup now and seeing through the little prince's eyes was clearer and easier. The problem was in the future Prince himself.

He, like all little boys, had a very short attention span, so getting him to concentrate long enough to communicate via heart talking was difficult. Still, they had discovered a few things. Touching through the bond was getting easier. The moods of both children were much easier to understand and the ability to get the other to cheer up or even wake up was possible.

"Merida, let's try to reach Hiccup. Mummy would like to see where Hiccup is," said the queen.

"Yes, mummy" the little princess replied, "Hickey this is Merida can you hear me, Hickey can you hear me? Please answer," pleaded the little princess.

"I'm here Mer. How are you today? I miss you very much," said the little lord.

"Ahm fine Hickey. Where are you and what are ye doin?" the little princess asked.

Elinor was beginning to get a view of what young Hiccup was looking at, "Oh!" she said suddenly red-faced.

Bog Island

Hiccup; "Mer, I'm in Chieftess Bertha's longhouse taking a bath. We are in a place called Bog Island. It's a lot different from Berk. Dragons don't come here and it's warmer. There are only three boys that came the rest are all girls. They are very nice. One of the older boys got hurt though" said the heir.

Dunbrogh

What Elinor had seen was the inside of a longhouse, a tub full of steaming water and an adolescent blonde girl washing. The young lady was sitting up with her upper torso out of the water showing her rapidly developing breasts.

She felt through the bond that he was very calm. Elinor remembered that this was Ylva, Hiccups' older friend. The girl said something to Hiccup and he stood up and the little girl began to wash Hiccup. Queen Elinor could feel that Hiccup felt very warm and loved by the girl.

Merida; "I miss you to Hickey. I wish were here to take a bath with me. I miss cuddling with you too."

Hiccup; "Ylvi has been taking care of me Mer. The Chieftess won't let me stay with Helga at night. There are two nice ladies that protect me. Their names are Aura and Tina. They are very nice. Bertha is very nice too. She told me that in a few months I was going to have a baby sister. Isn't that great?"

"Merida," said the queen. "Yes mummy," answered Merida. Elinor; "Please ask Hiccup to say hello to Ylva for us" requested the queen.

Merida looked at her mother funny, "Ylva, is she with Hiccup?" asked the suddenly indignant princess. Her mother nodded. Merida; "Hiccup is Ylva there with you?"

Bog Island

"Sure, Ylva goes everywhere with me, when she isn't taking care of baby Astrid. She's nice, you would like her Mer," said the little prince.

Note: Hiccup is called 'Prince' by the Scots because they consider a Viking Chief or Chieftess as royalty so any heirs were considered Princes or Princesses.

Dunbrogh & Bog Island

Elinor saw Hiccup turn around and sit back down, she assumed in front of the adolescent girl. Hiccup felt different. She could feel curiosity and then arousal.

Once again red-faced she heard Merida shout, "Ah hate Ylva Hiccup! Yer mine, no ers! You are hurting mah feelings. Ah love you. You are supposed to love ME!".

Hiccup; " I do love you Mer. I love Ylvi too, just not the same way. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings".

Queen Elinor saw the young lady stand up and then get out of the tub, then turn around facing Hiccup. She might be young but she's all there, Elinor thought.

Merida; "Ah hate you Hiccup. Yer joined to me, no er, so quit being around er!"

Elinor felt immediate sadness and despair. She saw the still naked girl pick Hiccup up and bring him into her. She could now see the girls back and

behind. She assumed Hiccup had been hurt by Merida's words and was probably crying.

"I'm not going to do that Mer. Ylva has been my friend longer than you. She has been with me since mummy left me. If I make her go away, I'll be all alone. I'm sorry, please don't hate me," the little boy pleaded with his pint-sized fiancee.

"Ah hate you Hiccup. Ylva can keep you. Ahm never gonna to talk to you again!" shouted the Princess out loud. The little girl then began to cry and throw her porcelain dolls against the wall. Then, after about four minutes, after Maudie had swatted her on the tushy and put in the corner, Merida must have realized what she had done because she sank to the floor and began to cry even harder.

Her mother scooped the little girl up and was holding her close just like Ylva has holding Hiccup. Elinor; "You know you donno mean what you said my sweet love,du ye?" The little redhead nodded into her mother's now wet shoulder.

Elinor; "You realize you have hurt Hiccup very badly. Ah know you donno like Ylva and Ah know why. You are suffering from jealousy," the queen could see that Merida didn't quite understand, "What that means is that you feel slighted because a girl is close to your bondmate. It hurts your heart because you feel E should like no one else but you, is no at right?" Again the little redheaded girl nodded.

"Merida, Hiccup has been hurt by is da. E was forced from is home for is own protection, E met you and loves you and then E was forced to leave.

Then, is mum left im and that crushed is little heart. Now he has been taken away from the only home E has ever known and he is in a strange land. If it were not for Helga and Ylva, poor Hiccup would be all alone. A sort of an orphan.

Yer father and Ah love you and we love Hiccup to. We love you both so much that we allowed you to become betrothed to im. Even if another girl were to try to keep Hiccups' love and heart she could never be is because you ere the one E is going to get married to someday."

Yara; "Princess, you and Hiccup are joined before the gods. He can never love another girl as he loves you because he gave you his heart. You and you alone. Even if another girl hugs and kisses Hiccup, his heart will always belong to you.

The same goes for you. Because you are joined, Hiccup owns your heart. You will never allow another male to get close to you. Many will try, all will fail. The same goes for the prince. Girls will try to get close, some may even someday try to give him their bodies to try to woo him. They will fail. You and Hiccup are joined by love and witnessed by the gods all of us who were there. The only thing that can separate you is death. Do you want Hiccup to die princess?"

Merida jerked up and yelled, "NO!!! Ah love Hickey. Ah miss im. Ah want to hug and kiss him. Ah want to take naps and baths with him. Ah just donno want anybody else to do those things."

"Merida my sweet love," said Elinor, "those things mean nothing unless you two are together. What we are trying to tell you is, that no matter how many girls Hiccup is ever around, no one will ever replace you in is heart. Only you will E marry, E will only want you to have is children, no one else.

When E kisses another girl, it's because E canno kiss you. When E hugs another girl, it is because E canno hug you. If E sleeps next to a girl unless it's you it won't mean a thing to im. Even, like today, if other girls bathe with him, it's only you that E loves."

Yara; "Princess Merida, you won't understand my words now but try to remember them. Because Hiccup is joined to you, he will never give anyone else his body because in his heart he knows he belongs to you. You will never give your body to anyone else but him." It is a great gift the gods have given to you."

Merida looked at her mum, "Mummy Ah feel so bad. Ah need to tell Hickey Ahm sorry or E wilno love me anymore."

Elinor; "You have said things that have hurt Hiccup. Ah could feel it in the bond. Ylva is comforting im this very second because of what you said. But

even though E is hurt and another is giving him comfort, E will never love anyone as E loves you. Ah think you should give im some room fer a few days and let is feelings heal. Until they do Ah doubt whether Hiccup would answer you."

Merida; "Ahm so sorry mummy."

"Ah know you are my love and take heart, you ere no the only female in this room whom jealousy as made to look foolish. Now it's time for you to take yer afternoon nap," said the queen.

Bog Island

Hiccup was holding on to Ylva's neck for dear life hysterically crying. Through the bond, he had felt Merida's anger. It saddened him. Then Merida told him he could not be around Ylva even though he had explained that he loved her differently that Mer. She didn't listen, her anger only grew. Then she told Hiccup she hated him and cut off their heat talk.

That broke him. Ylva had wrapped a fur blanket around her little man and tried to console him. Hiccup had been silent while she washed him. She had toyed with the thought of bathing with Hiccup and then decided she would try it once. She liked it and she thought he did too, but right after she stepped out of the tub the little boy went into hysterics. Hiccup had gone through so many bad things in the past few months, she hoped he wasn't going crazy. After a little while Hiccup cried himself to sleep. She got herself dressed and then she dressed Hiccup.

Bertha came in and saw the girl picking up the heir and heading out the door, "Girl where are you going, it's dark out?"

Ylva; "Something is wrong with Hiccup. We were finishing our bath when he went into crazy. I couldn't calm him down. I want to take him to the healer and see if she can help him. I will pay for it myself!" said the girl. "Nonsense, I shall go with you. Aura, Tina, follow me" said Big Boobied Bertha.

As they walked over to the healer Deidra's hut Bertha thought to herself that the refugees had been there for over a week and things had gone

amazingly well. Even the man Jacob was settling in well and had volunteered to teach the children about Scotland. There had even been a couple of her warriors that had expressed an interest in mating with the man. He didn't look like much but his offspring would be intelligent.

There had been a minor incident when a thirteen-year-old refugee named Erin had grabbed a girl named Tristan and had embraced and kissed her before she could react but he paid the price when the girl in question chased him down, beat him, then knocked him out. Really no big deal. Now, this.

Spitelout had told her all about the Hiccup's life up until now and it was not a pleasant story. She was toying with the idea of keeping the boy on Bog Island and raising him herself.

They got to the healer's hut, banged on the door and the middle-aged woman named Zelda let them in. Ylva set Hiccup down on the examination table and explained to Zelda what had transpired. The healer removed the boy's clothing, covered him with a small fur and proceeded to examine him.

The boy woke and began to go into hysterics. The girl got close to the boy's face holding both cheeks in her hands and kissing him on the lips every now and then and talking to him to keep him calm.

Zelda raised him up to check his neck, shoulders and back when she saw the mark. She looked closely for a few moments, gasped, then announced, "He is a chosen one."

Bertha, not impressed asked, "What does that bloody well mean?"

"It means, my chief that he has been chosen by the gods to do something special in this world. It means that if anything happens to prevent this boy from doing their will, the wrath of the gods will come down upon us. He must be protected, no matter what the cost," said the woman.

The healer put her arms out to the boy and smiled to him, "Come let us talk". Hiccup let the woman picked him up and she sat down with him in her old rocking chair, "My name is Zelda. I am the healer here. What is your name little one?"

Hiccup looked over at Ylva who nodded to him, "M-my name is Hiccup."

"That's a very nice name. Your friend Ylva said you were very upset earlier. She is very worried about you. Can you tell me why you were so upset? Maybe I can help you," said Zelda.

Hiccup looked over at Ylva who smiled at him and he said, "I'm upset because Merida says she hates me. She's angry because Ylvi is my friend."

Zelda looked over at the 13 year-old, "You did not mention anyone else in the room when he got upset".

"There was no one with us Zelda. We were alone until Bertha came in," said Ylva.

"You did not hear him speaking to anyone?" asked the healer.

Ylva; "He did not speak at all. He just looked like he was concerned about something but he never spoke."

Zelda thought for a few moments then asked, "Hiccup, were you speaking to this Merida while you were in the bath?" Hiccup nodded yes.

Zelda; "Hiccup who is this Merida and where is she now?"

Hiccup; "Merida is Princess of Dunbroch in Scotland," said the boy. "Sorcery!" said the guard Tina.

Zelda look at both guards, "Leave now and repeat nothing of what you have heard or it will be your death". Both guards left in a hurry.

"Hiccup, what is Princess Merida to you? What does she mean to you?" asked the healer.

Hiccup; "Merida is my mate. I love her and I miss her very much but now she hates me!" Deidre looked at Bertha and Ylva.

"Hiccup is Merida your bond-mate?" Hiccup nodded yes. Deidre; "Hiccup are you joined with Merida?"

Hiccup looking amazed, "How did you know?" Deidre simply smiled and handed the little boy back to Ylva, "Dress him".

Bertha was getting impatient, "What does all this falderal mean healer?" asked the Chieftess.

"Hiccup is a chosen one. Merida is also a chosen one. They have been joined in spirit and soul. They are truly soulmates," said the healer.

"Hiccup, what is the name of your guardian and who is she?" asked Zelda.

Hiccup; "Her name is Elinor and she is the Queen of Scotland", Ylva gasped.

Bertha; "What is this nonsense. What is this guardian and what does this joining mean?"

Zelda shook her head, warning, "Watch what you say Chieftess or you will bring a curse upon yourself. A joining is when the gods bring together two chosen ones. They are always young. The guardian brings the children to an ancient circle at midnight where she presents the children to a coven of no less than five healers known as sisters.

The eldest sister comes forward. The children must answer three questions and then perform three tasks without prompting. When this is accomplished, the sister wraps their hands together and the gods themselves bless the union.

After the joining, the bondmates are given gifts from the gods. The guardian is given gifts as well so she can help guide the bondmates in their journey together. In essence, it is a spiritual marriage. A marriage that once joined can never be broken, not even in death."

Ylva, "So Hickey was talking with this Merida? How can this be? I heard no sound and this Merida is far away" asked the confused little girl.

Zelda; "That is an excellent question young one. Not only can these bondmates speak to each other, but it is also said that they can feel each other's emotions an even touch their mate within the bond. The guardian has the ability to see what the bondmates see and feel what they want to do. The guardian can give physical comfort to her charges through the bond."

" It is a very special set of gifts. The joining is always based on love. The love and devotion, as well as the bond, grow stronger over time."

"Hiccup, are you betrothed to the Princess?" Hiccup; "Yes ma'am. We were betrothed at court by the King himself. I love Merida and I miss her but I will not give up my Ylvi because I love her too but in a different way."

Ylva was holding Hiccup as the healer came over and placed her hand over Hiccups cheek as Zelda continued, "My Prince, Princess Merida doesn't hate you, she can't, just as you can never hate her. You are bound by your love for one another. You find happiness in one another like no others.

"One day, you both will be joined in Midgard which is a physical union. At that time, your joy will be overflowing because you will become one. Merida doesn't hate you and you will forgive each other. You just have to be patient. Go now, all is well".

They all went back to Bertha's longhouse. Bertha picked Hiccup up and sat him on her knee. "Ylva take Aura and Tina to the great hall. Get some food and some mead. Tell them I said it was ok. Don't get trashed and bring Hiccup and I some food."

"Hiccup you are a sweet boy. I like you very much," she rubbed her belly, "Hiccup, do you want to know a secret?" Hiccup smiled and nodded."

Bertha; "Do you know where babies come from?". Hiccup; "From the mommy's belly?"

"That's right," answered Bertha, " I have a baby growing inside my belly this very minute and she is very special. Do you know why?" Hiccup shook his head.

Bertha; "Now I'm going to tell you a secret but you must promise on your honor never to tell anyone. Do you promise?" Hiccup wasn't sure what honor was but he promised anyway.

Bertha rubbing her belly so the boy could see, "Hiccup the baby in my belly is your sister. She will be born in five months and I intend to name her Camicazi Haddock". Hiccup put his little hand on Bertha's belly, truly happy and amazed.

Berk

Berk was recovering but the pace was slow. Five Vikings could build a wooden longhouse in two days. Even with the Scottish stonemasons that were arriving and overseeing the work, that same longhouse took nearly three weeks. Stoic had 257 Vikings and thirty Scots working on the recovery project. It was still going to take at a minimum of seven months and those were working months.

Winter would be upon them soon and there would be many days they could not work. Gobber missed Helga and Hiccup very much. You don't understand how much you take someone for granted until they are gone. Most of the men felt that way.

Gobber was proud of the work they were doing. He was on the crew that built the two storehouses and the new stables. Both buildings were made of stone with walls three feet thick. Each roof was reinforced from the inside and of course, the top was covered with slate. Each building was also covered by three feet of earth and thatch. It would be a difficult task for even a Night Fury to get to their food supplies and livestock.

They had even built an emergency shelter in the side of a hill which could easily house every mother and child on the island. The houses were built using a thick wooden frame and then stones.

Instead of an open pit that left the longhouse smokey during the winter, there was a minimum of two hearths that were properly ventilated by what the Scots called chimneys. The men were learning new building skills as well.

Gunner Hofferson was now a pretty good stonemason. He had a crew of young Vikings to help him. All new buildings were to be built using stone so, after this emergency, Gunnar was going to be a very wealthy man.

Stoic was still the same arrogant ass he had always been. During a recent argument with the Scot Sir Arthur, Stoic had drawn his sword and attacked the knight. It was a huge mistake. Sir Arthur had calmly separated Stoic from his sword in about two minutes and giving the Viking Chief a nasty wound on his thigh that required stitches.

Yes, he missed Helga, not for the obvious need for sex but she was his right hand in almost everything. The smithy shop had been totally rebuilt with a large house attached. Helga and Hiccup would love it. Right now it was just too quiet.

Dunbrogh

Queen Elinor had decided that five days were enough. She went down to the nursery where Merida, Maudie, and Yara were. Yara spent most of her time with Merida now. Most of the time she just watched the little girl.

Sometimes Merida would stop playing and just sit silently with her eyes closed. "Princess what are ye doin?" the old witch asked. "Ahm seeing how Hickey is," said Merida. "How is E?" asked Yara.

The Queen walked in and said, "Hiccup is fine. All Ah feel is contentment. Ah think he has found a little happiness on this amazon island E's on. Ah think it is time for Merida to try to reach out and talk to the boy. Mah daughter misses er friend and though she made a terrible mistake, young Hiccup needs to forgive and forget."

Yara; "You realize, your majesty, that we are speaking about a 3 year old little boy?"

Elinor; "Ahm quite aware that there is a risk E will might no respond but Ah feel we have to try."

Yara thought for a moment and went over to kneel beside the little princess. Maudie walked over to her majesty and whispered into her ear, "Ah

donno trust at bloody witch. Merida would have been better off if none of this were to have happened to her".

Yara stood and looked at Maudie, "You are a stupid and ignorant woman. Hiccup and Merida are each other's lives, each other's happiness. I have shown the queen two futures, one with and one without the young prince in it.

Queen Elinor decided upon the joining because she wants the best future and chance of happiness for her daughter. Do not ever again speak to me of things you know nothing about and do not understand.

You are a nanny. Speak again in such a way as you have today and I promise I will remove your tongue!" Maudie gasped, placing her hand over her mouth.

"Princess, let's hold hands with your mummy, then try to contact Prince Hiccup. Princess, I want to remind you that you and Hiccup are joined. You and the Prince love each other and demonstrated that to the gods. Regardless of whatever he says, he will always love you and he will always be your mate.

In his heart, no one can ever take your place. Many will try and they will fail. He is a long way from you right now. He has given up hope of ever seeing you again so he may say things that might hurt you. Ignore it and know that you own Prince Hiccups' heart and no one can take it from you, not even Hiccup himself. Do you understand? Merida nodded yes.

Dunbrogh & Bog Island

The little girl walked over to her mother and took her mother's hands in hers. She smiled a big smile then closed her little eyes and began to concentrate on the one she loved. "Hickey, Hickey, it's Merida are you there?" asked the Princess.

"HI MERIDA! How are you?" asked the little Lord of Delaney.

Merida; "Ahm fine my Prince. Ah want to tell ye Ahm sorry fer hurting yer feelins. Ah could never really hate ye".

Hiccup; "It is fine Mer. I know you didn't mean it. Hey, I'm going to have a baby sister in a few months. Chieftess Bertha told me so. I'm also getting a cousin according to Leia."

Elinor looked at Yara; "E feels genuinely happy. Ah think the amazons are treating im well," said the queen.

Hiccup; "It's really fun here. There are lots of kids to play with and lots of stuff to do. Me and Ylvi sleep in the Chieftess' hut. She is really nice. Sometimes at night, if Ylvi goes over to be with her mummy, Bertha rocks me on her lap until I go to sleep."

Merida; "At is so nice Hickey. Ah have been so lonely without you. Ahlove you and Ah miss you very much. Do you miss me?" asked the little girl.

Queen Elinor speaks to Yara, "The boy just started feeling down like something suddenly started to bother him." Yara nodded.

Hiccup; "Mer, during the day I go over to the ladies longhouse. I hear them talking a lot. They say the council and Stoic are never going to let me go back to Scotland. They said it's because I'm too valuable an asset. I don't know what an asset is, but the only way I'm going to be able to see you is to sneak and hide on a boat. That's going to be hard because they always have me guarded," said the little Prince.

Merida; "So what er yer going to do?"

Hiccup; "Well, I can't go back to Scotland, so I can't marry you, and I can't marry Ylvi because she doesn't like boys and is going to be a shieldmaiden so I guess I will learn to be a blacksmith. Then I will go to Berserker Island and try to join the Berserker army. They aren't allowed to get married either and if I cant marry you I wont marry anybody."

Merida had tears welling up in her little eyes.

Queen Elinor again spoke to Yara; "So Sir Arthur was correct. Those Vikings do intend to welch on the treaty. Ah will bring this up to the King and we will see about at."

"Merida, tell Hiccup that the King himself will come to get him, by force if necessary," said the queen."

Merida relayed that message then said, "Don't you want to marry me Hiccup? Ah love you. Don't you still love me?" asked the princess.

Hiccup started to cry, "I will always love you Mer. I will always want to marry you but I also heard the ladies say that I am a runt and won't ever be good enough for you. I think they are right."

I will never love anyone as I love you but I want you to find somebody else to love and marry. I'm nothing. I want Yara to get somebody good enough to be your mate and join you with them. Tell yer mum and Da that I love them and tell them to give the stuff they gave me to somebody that is worth it. I'm sorry they won't ever let me come because I really do love you. I like Scotland better than here too."

Merida was sobbing now barely able to keep the bond. Yara whispered to Merida, "Remember what I told you, child. He is your bondmate. You are joined before the gods. You will see Hiccup again and he will be your husband someday. Tell the prince to take heart. If those stupid Vikings keep him there, all of Scotland will rise up and come get him."

Queen Elinor; "Tell Hiccup he is one of us now Merida, he is a Scottish citizen. He is a friend of the King and he is Lord of Delaney Castle. He is important to us and we Scots take care of our own."

Merida told everything to Hiccup that Yara and her mother had told her to tell the little prince then she added, "Ah will always love you Hickey and Ah will never love anyone else. Ah am yours and you are mine. No one is ever going to take you away from me. Ah am getting tired but you be brave Hiccup. Ah love you, my prince."

"I love you too Mer" replied the little boy then they broke the bond.

Queen Elinor; "Baby, you made our Hiccup feel better, Ah could feel it and so could you. Let's go talk to your da about this. E will know what to do."

Bog Island

Life on Bog Island really wasn't so bad. Even the big boy Erin (13) found that if he quit trying to force the issue with Bog Burglar girls, they would seek him out.

Jacob the Tutor had begun to teach school on the island which Bertha was grateful to the point she was considering asking him to stay on Bog Island permanently. It would have to be finalized by her council but she knew that they were already considering the same thing.

There were about 10 men on an island of 1200 women. They were professionals with skills such as blacksmith, baker, hut maker, cooks, etc. The men had very strict rules to abide by and each had their own hut.

They were seldom alone because even though Bog Burglars could not marry, they could lay claim to the men permanently on the island. Most of the men had been claimed by at least three women by mutual consent.

Jordan the baker was claimed by no less than eight. Apparently even being pudgy and not much to look at didn't mean much because he was very good at pleasing a woman.

Most of the men had children on the island but as per Bog law, the men were held in common by all the children and any male children were taken to other islands to be raised by other families. All the children loved the men and they loved the kids.

Two women, Brenna and Sylva, had already laid claim to Jacob. Jacob was oblivious but was happy for the female companionship. The odd thing was, they didn't just share Jacob, they all lived in the same hut together. Bertha smiled every time she saw the man thinking of how interesting things were for him at night.

The only other males on the island were Erin (13), Timothy (10) and Hiccup now 36 months old. All girls 15 and under were ordered to drink moon tea every day. This prevented unwanted pregnancy in those too young to raise a child.

Erin had already been seduced by three older girls Fanta (15), Julie (14) and Seda (14). Erin was clueless the night all three girls trapped him behind the great hall. It had been an eye-opening experience for all four of them and entertainment for the nights watch.

Bertha had brought them all in and had a talk with them along with Zelda hoping to scare them out of intimacy, but neither the talk or the switching the four got from their mothers slowed them down one bit. In fact, they hit it every night trying to do things in hidden spots.

It became a game with the Bog Burglars in trying to find them. It had an effect on Erin however. About a week after the three had started their carnal relations, Erin started suffering from cramps in his testicle area. Zelda laughed at his distress when all the mothers got together and made the girls watch while Zelda examined and treated the boy. The humiliation worked and the boy stayed away from the three girls until the cramps went away.

Timothy had not reached puberty so physically there wasn't a great deal he could do but it didn't keep girls from wanting his clothes off while they kissed and fondled him.

One night Timothy's mother (Grace) had to literally beat a twelve-year-old named Zarina because the girl kept sneaking into the women's quarters and getting into Timothy's sleeping furs. After the second night Grace ran out of energy and gave up and after that Tim and Zarina cuddled up every night usually naked. It was a big laugh in the lady's longhouse.

Hiccup had a different sort of problem. Girls from the ages of 6 to 8 would take him to the hot springs near the swamp to take warm baths with the boy. Aura and Tina (Hiccup's guards) thought it was funny, Ylva did not.

It seemed to Ylva that any time she took her eyes off of the little boy, a couple of girls would grab him, kiss him and then try to get his clothes off. She knew they were just curious but for some reason, it made her mad.

Being an island of amazons, it wasn't too long before Ylva herself was claimed by a girl named Elisa. Elisa was 14, had jet black hair that went all the way down her back, blue eyes, she was tall with large breasts and a nice figure. She swept Ylva off her feet. Bergheld didn't like it at first but finally

decided to let things be. It wasn't like Ylva could get pregnant and on Bog Island relationships like this were considered normal.

During the day, the girls would go to the hot springs together. There Elisa educated Ylva in the world of female love. Some days they would take Hiccup with them. Elisa had never seen a male before and was curious as those little girls. Ylva had told her Hiccups sad story. Elisa fell in love with the little boy too.

At the hot springs, the two adolescent girls would examine him very closely. When the adult women were not around they would touch the too, curious to see if the areas that felt good on them felt good on Hiccup too.

Hiccup is just under 4 years old and loved the attention and affection. He liked being held kissed and touched too. It was innocent curiosity being satiated. They showed Hiccup their bodies as well telling Hiccup what things were for and allowing him to touch them as well. The little boy loved Ylva and was growing very fond of Elisa too.

One warm day they were picnicking on a small grassy knoll. Hiccup took a nap and the girls had playtime. Ylva was quite vocal and woke the little boy up. He, being the intelligent little guy he was asked what they were doing. Ylva was red-faced and speechless, Elisa was older and quietly explained.

Elisa tried to explain that males and females did the same thing. When he didn't understand, Elisa took off her clothes and then his and explained where things were supposed to go. Hiccup might have turned red but when he finally understood his eyes got real big and he blushed even more.

While redressing the little boy they began to have a conversation.

Elisa; "So now you understand how babies get into the mommy's belly and where they live and then come out."

Hiccup nodded and then asked, "That's going to happen to Aunt Bertha?" asked the little Lord.

Ylva; "Yes my little man, that's going to happen to the Chieftess." Hiccup; "And the baby got in there, (he pointed to her crotch) the same way?"

Both girls laughed. Hiccup then asked a question that stopped the laughing momentarily when the young heir asked, "Elisa, are you and Ylva going to have a baby too?" Then for the next half hour, a red-faced pair of girls had to explain why not.

That night when they went to sleep and Hiccup was on the chieftess' lap listening to a story he asked a question; "Aunt Bertha, does it hurt when the baby comes out?"

Bertha; "Very much little man".

"Then why do ladies do it if it hurts so much," asked the little boy.

Bertha; "Well Hiccup, women go through that because then they have a baby and most ladies like babies very much."

Hiccup; 'Is that why Ylva loves me?'

"No my Lord Hiccup (she said teasingly), she learned to love you just because you're you. Helga and I love you because we wish you could be our little man Hiccup' she answered.

'How come my mummy didn't love me?" Bertha; asked Hiccup.

Bertha "I don't know my sweet one, I don't know".

Hiccup thought for a minute then asked, "Do my friends love me too when they Hug me and kiss me and take my clothes off?"

Ylva choked on the ale she was drinking, Bertha, Leia, Aura, and Tina were laughing hysterically.

Bertha: "No baby boy, they didn't kiss and make you take your clothes off because they love you son. They take your clothes off because they are curious little girls who want to see if their mothers were right about boys being different than girls. You are the first little boy they have come in contact with. Do they take their clothes off too?" asked Bertha.

Hiccup; "No aunt Bertha, only Ylva and Elisa do that," Hiccup said.

Bertha looked at Ylva who blushed and looked guilty. "Well Hiccup, from now on, if any girl tells you to take off your clothes, you tell them they have to take off their clothes first. Then you'll be even."

That night Bertha had a long conversation with Ylva and the next day she had the same conversation with Elisa. The curious little girls? Well about half quit asking young Hiccup, the other half-stripped then there was an examination of both sexes. All the little girls, (and some of the big ones), still kissed Hiccup. That was an occupational hazard for him.

Dunbrogh

King Fergus was furious. How dare a pack of ignorant savages refuse to hold to the details of the treaty? Fergus called a meeting with his generals and his admiral he also sent for Lord MacGuffin.

Fergus; "Admiral, using that map ah gave ye can ye find this Bog Island?" "Aye, my king. Tha I can." "Ian, ah want ye and the admiral here ta take one thousand men to this Bog Island and fetch young Hiccup".

Ian; "What if they refuse mah king?"

Fergus; If they do we will invade the place and destroy it. Ahm going with ye".

Bog Island & Dunbrogh

Back on Bog Island, things were going well. Hiccup was in daily contact with Merida. Queen Elinor was a little concerned when Hiccup explained physiology and the facts of life to Merida. How did a 3 year old know that information and in such detail?

That night when she was giving Merida her bath, "Mummy, is all that stuff Hickey told me about babies true?" asked the little princess.

Elinor laughed and said, "I'm afraid so my little lamb."

Maudie; "That boy has been bewitched my queen," looking straight at Yara.

"No Maudie, Hiccup is just sharing information, very detailed information, with his bondmate," said the queen.

Merida stood up in the bathtub and looked down on herself, "So Hiccup puts the baby in there (she pointed to her vagina), I get fat, and then the baby comes out there too?"

Now even Queen Elinor turned red. "Yes dear, that is pretty much it, but the baby takes nine whole months inside a woman's womb before it wants to come out. You and Hiccup don't have to worry about that for another fifteen years when you are married".

Merida looked at herself again, "Mummy, babies must be really small to come out of there," then she sat down.

Queen Elinor chuckled to herself when Hiccup got here she would have to watch them a little more closely. She had no doubt that the next bath they took together was going to turn into a show and tell.

Life went on. Hiccup and Mirida turned four. Bertha had her baby girl whom she did name Camicazi Haddock, sister to Lord Hiccup Haddock. The little prince didn't understand how Camicazi could be his sister because Bertha was not his mum. Bertha explained it was because they had the same father. This seemed to placate the little boy.

Hiccup and Merida heart talked every day. They continued to kiss and hug each other through the bond. Hiccup found out that Leia's baby girl named Raven Jorgenson was his cousin.

Little Astrid Hofferson grew bigger and began to crawl. Hiccup enjoyed being around her and Hiccup was so good with her that no matter how bad her moods were Hiccup could always calm her down.

Jacob had agreed to stay on Bog Island as long as Bertha allowed him to return to Scotland every now and then. Brenna was pregnant and Sylva wanted to be. How was Jacob going to explain that to his mother?

The repairs to Berk were taking longer so their stay on Bog Island was much longer. Ylva and Elisa stayed girlfriends to the point where Bertha and Elisa's mother allowed the girl to stay in the chieftess' longhouse. Hiccup loved them both and enjoyed cuddling with both of them very much.

Helga and Bergheld became really close and little Astrid was growing like a weed. Both women could tell she was going to be a rare beauty. Life was good back in Dunbroch too.

Merida turned four as well. On her birthday her father gave her a black colt she named Angus. Yara had taught Merida so well that she could hold conversations with Hiccup and others in the room at the same time. The bond was growing too. During the day they could feel the hands of each other like they were holding them. They seemed to hug and kiss longer and at night Merida would tell Queen Elinor that she and Hiccup were spooning.

Elinor could sense that daily life for Hiccup was very good. In the spring it had been seven months and still no Hiccup. King Fergus had enough. One morning in late March 1023, King Fergus, Lord Macguffin and 1,000 Scottish soldiers headed for Bog island.