Chapter 27: Mala's King

Queen Mala took the dragon riders on a tour of her village. Their dedication to dragons amazed Eira. They even had a healing center to tend to their wounds. Fishlegs appeared especially fascinated by everything and did not hesitate to request more information.

"Uh, Your Majesty, what dragon is this?" he said as they stopped in front of the statue of a golden dragon.

"That is our Great Protector," Mala explained. "The Eruptodon. He eats lava from the volcano to keep us all safe. If not for him, all of this would burn to the ground."

Fishlegs appeared excited by the news. "So, it is a Boulder class."

"I think your Great Protector is asleep on the job," Snotlout said, pointing to the lava flowing down into the village.

Mala's eyes went wide. "That should not be!"

"Let us check it out for you," Hiccup said. "We can be there in just a few-"

"No, Hiccup Haddock. While you are here, I ask you to respect our ways. You may come with us on foot."

Hiccup held up his hands. "Okay, we'll do it your way."

Mala led the way to the volcano. There was a frown on her face as she examined the lava. "The Great Protector has never let the lava get this far."

Hiccup cast her an uneasy look. "I'm sure there's an explanation."

Mala turned to some of her defenders. "You three, start chopping down this line of trees before the fire spreads farther into the forest. The rest of you, come with me to the Den of the Great Protector."

"I hope everything's alright," Eira whispered to her companions as they ascended the volcano. She had an uneasy feeling that she could not shake.

"So do I," Heather said.

Mala stopped outside the entrance to the volcano. "There should be guards here." She ran inside, the riders at her heels. She let out a loud gasp. "The Protector is gone!"

"Could he just be on a different part of the island?" Hiccup said nervously.

"No, he never strays far from his food source."

"Hiccup," Astrid said as she nudged him.

"What is it?" he said.

She pointed to a dragon root arrow. "Dragon hunters."

"What?"

Astrid picked up the arrow and examined it. "And it's fresh. I think the hunters took the Eruptodon."

Hiccup's expression darkened. "Viggo. He wasn't trying to keep us from finding this island. He was leading us here. To use as a diversion so that he could steal their dragon. How did I fall for that?"

"There were too many possibilities," Eira said. "Overthinking it would have driven you mad." And she could not regret meeting these people. They could indeed be great allies.

"So, you were just a distraction after all," Mala said quietly with her back turned to them. "I was actually almost beginning to believe you."

"No, this isn't what you think," Hiccup said quickly.

Mala spun around and gave him an icy glare. "Silence, Hiccup Haddock! You've served your master well. Without the Eruptodon to protect us, the fate of my village is sealed. But so is yours."

"Mala-"

The queen held up her spear and advanced on him. "I warned you what would happen if I found out you were lying to me. Your people are going to die for what you've done. But first, Hiccup, I'm going to kill you myself. I warned you, Hiccup Haddock. I warned you not to betray me."

The guards advanced on the dragon riders, who ran to their dragons. Eira stayed by Swiftwings' side but prevented her from fighting. She saw the look in Mala's eyes and knew she was only acting out of pain. The other riders appeared to have no such reservations.

Before a fight could get underway, Hiccup ordered everyone to stop. He stood between Mala and the riders and addressed Mala in a calm voice, "Okay, look, you're right, you were tricked, but we were tricked too, okay? Viggo used us as a distraction so he could steal your Eruptodon but without us knowing. We don't work with the dragon hunters. They're our enemies."

"Viggo probably wanted us to fight each other so we wouldn't team up and stop him," Eira said.

Mala narrowed her eyes at Hiccup. "And yet, our Eruptodon is gone, our village is in peril from the lava flow, and you hold me in front of your Night Fury."

Hiccup looked back at Toothless, who appeared ready to shoot a plasma blast. "Back off, bud." The Night Fury reluctantly calmed. "We will prove it to you. We'll go rescue your dragon and bring it back. I'll even leave some people here to help you fight the lava."

Mala stared at him, lips pursed. "Only your best."

"Heather's a survivalist, she's dealt with lava before. And Ruff and Tuff..." Hiccup looked at the twins warily as they made another mess. "Uh, let's just say they... have a lot of experience cleaning up stuff. You can trust us. I swear it."

Mala regarded him for a moment before responding. "I accept your offer, on one condition, I must travel with you to save our beloved dragon."

Hiccup looked at her in surprise. "I thought you didn't fly on dragons."

"I will do whatever it takes to save The Great Protector. But if you fail me, I will kill you. If you attempt an escape, I will kill you. If I think, at any time-"

"You will kill me. Understood."

"Then it shall be done."

Snotlout approached Hiccup with a frown on his face. "She's coming with us?" he said. "That's totally gonna mess up our rhythm."

Hiccup stared at him. "What rhythm?"

"We'll be fine," Eira said. "I think it's very noble of her to want to do the work herself."

"You can fly with me and Toothless," Hiccup said to Mala. "We'll start canvassing the-"

Suddenly, arrows flew from behind rocks near the lava. Dragon hunters! The riders scrambled for their dragons. Eira quickly reached Swiftwings and then glanced at Snotlout just in time to see him fall from Hookfang's back. He landed in front of Mala, and when he stood up, his helmet blocked an arrow a dragon hunter had aimed right at the queen. Eira let out a breath of relief.

Mala immediately got to work fighting off the dragon hunters with amazing quickness and speed. Soon, she had them cornered and cowering. Everyone stared at her in amazement.

"She is definitely coming with us," Snotlout said. "And to think you didn't want her to come, Hiccup."

Astrid stormed up to the dragon hunters and glared at them. "Which way did they go? Tell us!"

At first, the dragon hunters refused to talk, but a threatening look from Toothless changed their minds. "North!" one of them said. "Viggo went North with the dragon!"

"Thanks, bud," Hiccup said, striding towards the dragon. "Saddle up." He glanced back at the queen. "Come on, Mala."

"No," Mala said. "I will not be flying with you, Hiccup Haddock. I shall fly with... him." She pointed at Snotlout, who finally managed to get situated properly on Hookfang.

Snotlout appeared as surprised as the others. "Me?"

Mala smiled at him. "Yes."

"Oh, good," Hiccup said.

Eira wondered what was going on with the queen. She did not like the way she looked at Snotlout or how she climbed behind him on Hookfang like she belonged there. Something was not right, but there was no time to figure it out. Hiccup ordered everyone into the air, and soon they departed Defenders of the Wing Island.

Once they were out above open water, Eira flew near Snotlout like normal. She tried to focus straight ahead, but she could not help but notice Mala fawn over Snotlout. It made her feel sick.

Finally, Mala looked over at the girl and gave her an inquisitive look. "Can we help you?"

"No, I'm just flying," Eira said a little more sharply like normally.

Mala frowned. "You have to fly right here?"

"Eira always flies with me," Snotlout explained. "We're partners."

Eira smiled and nodded.

Mala's frown deepened. "Partners?"

"You know, we fight together and watch each other's backs," Snotlout said.

This appeared to put Mala at ease. "Ah, I see."

Eira wished Snotlout would give a better explanation than that, but she did not want to appear petty by correcting him. Silence drifted between them, and then Eira noticed Mala touching Snotlout and examining him all over.

"Uh, why do you keep doing that?" Snotlout said, clearly uncomfortable. "You're freakin' me out, lady, okay? It's called personal space."

Mala did not appear phased by his concerns. "I think, with a little less mutton and a little more exercise, you will be perfect."

Snotlout blinked. "Uh, perfect for what?"

"To be my king."

Snotlout's eyes went huge. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Did you just say 'king?' Hold on, I thought I heard 'king.'" He looked over at Eira. "Did she say 'king?'"

Eira felt stunned and could only nod. This escalated quickly...

"It has been foretold that a man from afar would come to my island and save me on the field of battle, and that man will become my king," Mala said. "Snotlout, you are that man."

"Doesn't he get a choice?" Eira said, fighting back the uneasy feeling that took hold in the put of her stomach.

Snotlout looked at her like she was crazy. "Of course I agree, this is awesome! Did you hear that, Hookfang? Finally someone recognizes my worth! Forget being chief, I'm Snotlout, King of the-" He paused. "Wait, where are you guys from?"

Eira wanted to argue but all words left her. Snotlout was ignoring her now anyway. How could he go from feeling uncomfortable around Mala to agreeing to be her king? She knew the answer. It had nothing to do with Mala. He just wanted to be king so he could prove to everyone he was worth something. Did it not matter to him that Eira alright thought that?

"There he is," Astrid said, breaking her out of her thoughts. A lone dragon hunter ship sailed the ocean below.

"Viggo and the Eruptodon, traveling without any backup?" Fishlegs said. "That's weird, right?"

"Yeah, it is, Fishlegs," Hiccup said. "He's up to something." He flew over to Snotlout and Mala. "Why don't you two hang back? Something doesn't feel right. And you're not used to aerial combat."

Mala nodded. "Remember, Hiccup, if you fail me-"

"I know, I know. You will kill me."

Mala smiled at Snotlout. "Or perhaps I'll have my new king do it for me."

Snotlout brightened. "Ah. You heard her right. King Snotlout!"

Hiccup blinked. "Wait, what? How is that a thing?"

"Unlike you guys, she recognizes royalty when she sees it. But don't worry, Hiccup, I'll make it a quick and painless death."

"Oh, gods." Hiccup flew away, shaking his head.

"What a muttonhead."

Suddenly, Eira could not stand to be near him. She zoomed past him and stopped near Astrid. "Let's get this over with," she muttered.

Astrid looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"No reason..."

"Okay, everyone," Hiccup said, "let's ambush him before he can react."

The dragon riders flew down and began attacking. The dragon hunters did not even stand a chance. They were soon running scared and eventually surrendered. But Viggo and Ryker were nowhere to be seen, not to mention the Eruptodon.

The riders split up and searched the ship. They scoured every area both above and below deck, but they came up empty handed. By the time they regrouped, Hookfang had landed on the ship with Snotlout and Mala.

"We searched everywhere," Hiccup said in dismay. "No Viggo, no Eruptodon. The hunters he left behind on the island were another misdirect."

"Oh, I hate to say it, Hiccup," Snotlout said, "but this recent failure... I really wish there was something that could be done." He looked back at Mala for confirmation.

"This does place me in quite a quandary," Mala said. "On the one hand, your valor in battle and the grace in which you fly your dragon are undeniable, on the other hand..." Everyone looked at her incredulously. Was she serious? "There is a possibility. New rulers are granted one pardon for condemned Vikings. If you feel it is in order, my king." She looked at Snotlout for his answer.

"Only one pardon, huh?" Snotlout said. "Oh, gosh. Save it. Use it. Save it. Use it."

Fishlegs frowned. "What is he talking about?"

"He's a king now?" Astrid said in confusion.

Eira narrowed her eyes at Mala. "She seems to think he is."

"I mean, I suppose I could use it," Snotlout said. "Probably score some points with the peasantry, you people. But I wonder if it's too early in my kinghood to burn my only pardon. I'll have to think about it."

Astrid glared at him and took a step toward him with her axe raised. "I suggest you think faster, King Snotlout. I don't offer pardons."

"Fine. Fine. Fine. You're pardoned. Whatever. But you owe me. And don't assume you're automatically invited to my parade." He glanced at Mala. "I get a parade, right?"

"If you wish," Mala said.

"I do, I wish."

"You're the king of snap decisions," Eira muttered. She turned to Hiccup. "Let's just go so we can sort this all out and get back to our normal lives. I've had enough of this adventure."

Hiccup looked at her in surprise. "I thought you were excited about finding new allies."

"I was." Eira's gaze hardened as she watched Mala. Then she looked down to conceal it. "I guess I'm just tired."

"Okay, if Viggo wanted us to go north, he is definitely heading south."

"Is it just me, or does Eira not like Mala?" Fishlegs whispered to Astrid as they mounted her dragons. "I thought Eira liked everyone. Well, except for Heather at first, but she had a reason."

Eira met Astrid's eyes to let her know she had heard him. Fishelgs was right on all accounts, but she could not tell them why, for she did not even understand herself.

"Who says she doesn't have a reason now?" Astrid said.

Hiccup continued to lead the search for the Eruptodon. Unfortunately, hours passed and they came across no clues. Something still seemed to be bothering Eira, but Hiccup could not afford to figure that out right now. He was more worried about Mala, who appeared weary riding Hookfang.

"Are you okay, Mala?" he asked gently.

"Yes," Mala said. "I'm fine."

"If you're feeling airsick, we'll be landing soon to water the dragons."

Mala lifted her head and looked at him with a sorrowful expression. "He's hungry, Hiccup."

Hiccup blinked. "Who, Snotlout? He's always hungry."

"No, the Eruptodon. He must constantly eat lava, or he will die. When I was just a little girl, there was an earthquake that disrupted the lava flow. It wasn't long before the Eruptodon was frantic and starving. He became so weak, he wasn't able to fly to another food source. Only deep prayer for the lava to return saved our beloved dragon, but, now..."

Hiccup frowned. So, that was her concern. "Mala, look, a starved dragon is no good to Viggo. He has our Dragon Eye, he must know this about the Eruptodon. In the meantime, that can help us. We'll fly over active volcanoes until we spot him."

"If only it were so easy. The Eruptodon doesn't need an active volcano to eat. Its appetite is insatiable and its desire immense, so much so that it will eat through the crust of a dormant volcano until it erupts."

Fishlegs gasped. "Dormant volcano? The snow-capped peak at Dragon's Edge is a dormant volcano."

"We have to get back to the Edge!" Eira exclaimed.

Hiccup's eyes narrowed. "Classic Maces and Talons move. Viggo's gonna use the Eruptodon to destroy our home."

So, they flew as fast as they could back to Dragon's Edge. The sun was rising by the time they arrived, and the dragon hunters were already attacking. It took the riders some time and ingenuity to get past the hunters and their own defenses.

Finally, they made it to the base of the mountain and found the Eruptodon frantically eating away. Hiccup tried to pull him back, but he resisted and got back to work.

"He's in a feeding frenzy," Mala said in dismay. "Nothing will stop him."

"Hiccup, it's going to erupt!" Fishlegs said frantically.

"We can't lose the Edge," said Astrid.

"I'm more worried about all the other dragons on this island," Hiccup said. "What will happen to them?" There had to be a way to stop the Eruptodon without hurting him. He glanced at Eira, noting her concerned look.

"I now understand, Hiccup Haddock," Mala said, "you're not an enemy to dragons. The good of the many outweighs the good of the few, but with all of this knowledge you have, what good can it do for one starving dragon?"

"Wait a minute, that's it. We're not gonna kill your dragon, Mala, we're going to feed it. Meatlug!"

But it turned out Meatlug had used up all her lava in the previous battle. However, she let out a cry, and wild Gronckles started flying over to them. The dragons spewed out lava, attracting the attention of the Eruptodon.

Hiccup grinned. "Meatlug! You're amazing!"

"Your dragons are not unlike our beloved Eruptodon," Mala said with a small smile. "They will stop at nothing to protect your home. They are truly part of your tribe."

"That's what we tried to tell you," Eira said. She gave Mala a small smile, which faded when the queen glanced back at Snotlout.

Hiccup took in a sharp breath. Oh boy. Now he had to deal with another problem. Was there any chance this one would resolve itself?

Eventually, the Eruptodon became content, and the group helped lead him back to the volcano on Defenders of the Wing Island. Thankfully, those left behind had stopped the lava flow from entering the village. Mala gathered everyone around for a small celebration.

"It is a good day, a day we shall always remember," the queen said in an authoritative voice. "The Great Protector has been returned, the village is safe once more, and the Defenders of the Wing have new allies in our fight against Viggo Grimborn: Hiccup and the dragon riders."

Everyone clapped and cheered. Hiccup could not be more relieved with the way this had turned out.

"I have also chosen a new king," Mala said. Hiccup turned to Eira and noticed her frown. "One that I am sure will be worthy, and serve you well. His name is Snotlout."

"Oh gods," Hiccup muttered. Here it came.

"Hiccup," Eira whispered. "You have to do something."

Hiccup hesitated. Up until this point, he had not believed this was actually real. "Maybe we should wait and see what happens?" There had to be a catch.

"Thank you, my people, thank you," Snotlout said. He strode towards Mala, but Throk grabbed his arm to stop him. "Hey, easy with the new goods, Throk-man."

"Where do you think you're going?" Throk said gruffly.

"Hello? Aren't you paying attention? I'm going to stand next to my queen and take in the steerage."

"A new king must first prove his worth to Mala. A new king must walk across the Pool of Valor." Throk motioned behind him to a lava pit crossable by large rocks.

"Fine, I mean, I prove myself daily, but if it will make queenie happy..." Snotlout took one look at the lava pit and ran to Hookfang.

"My Snotlout is courageous," Mala obliviously continued, "my Snotlout is brave, and my Snotlout is-" She paused as she realized what was happening.

"Hookfang, go, go, go, go, go!" The Monstrous Nightmare took off at top speed with Snotlout.

"Leaving?"

Astrid smirked. "Better get used to that."

Hiccup gave Eira a weak smile. "See?"

Eira frowned. She shook her head and walked away from the group. Hiccup sighed and followed her.

"Listen, Eira," he said, "Snotlout was just... being Snotlout. He wasn't really going to-"

"Exactly." Eira spun around to face him, her expression grim. "Tell me, given his reaction to Queen Mala, do you really think he can handle it if I tell him the truth about myself?"

And to that, Hiccup did not have a response.

A/N: Sorry for quoting so much from the show, but it was all pretty important. There's some tension between Eira and Snotlout now. How will it be resolved?