Brothers Of Night

by toothlessgolfer

Hiccup and Toothless are reborn together after giving their lives on Dragon Island. They will learn, laugh, lose, find, grieve, and love throughout the adventure of their new lives; all culminating in why "There were dragons when I was a boy..." Dragon Hiccup, OCs, Astrid, Valka, Stoick. Three volumes. There are sequel stories set in this world.

20. I - Ransom

"If you are not capable of cruelty, you are absolutely a victim to anyone who is." - Jordan Peterson

---

Ransom

---

It was late on a rainy night when the attack happened. Nothing had been abnormal about the day, and everyone had taken shelter against the weather. No one had seen the boat that landed on a remote area of the eastern beach. A boat that was not flying any colors or bearing any other identifying mark.

The hooded figures sulking in the forest waited for the heaviest of the rainy evening to make their move.

They slipped around the edge of the village, keeping to the shadows, and avoided meeting any guards or the monstrous dragons. One of their party guided the others through the shrubbery and along the muddied paths while keeping away from most of the dwellings.

Then they found the Chief's house. A couple of the figures readied their ropes, nodded at each other, and stole inside, the creak of the door being barely audible over the downpour. They tiptoed through the house, hearts pounding furiously in the dark, until they found a room with two sleeping juvenile Night Furies.

The men looked at each other and prepared the ropes that they had brought. They did not have enough rope or manpower to tie up both of the dragons in one go. They looked at the two dragons and silently agreed on the slightly smaller one because it would likely put up less of a struggle.

They slowly advanced toward the bed and then acted together, clamping its jaws shut and throwing ropes around its legs and arms. It woke up immediately and started thrashing about, but they had already picked it up and tied its jaws shut. One of the men held its whip-like tail to prevent any noise. They clamped its wings in tight, causing it to moan in pain. The constant patter of the rain on the roof helped to cover most of the sounds. They spared the other dragon a glance as it started to shuffle nervously in its sleep. They slipped outside and hauled the squirming dragon out through the rain and toward the bushes where their lookout joined them.

The dragon thrashed violently and whimpered piteously. Then one of the men punched it in the temple, and it went limp.

"Now why'd you do that?" one of them complained.

"Don't want it making any noise," the puncher answered.

"Don't want it dead either."

"Come on, I didn't hit it that hard."

They checked and sure enough, it was breathing just fine.

"What about the other one?"

"Should be easy enough. This one here wasn't hard at all. We'll get it down to the boat and be right back. You keep lookout, Gormun."

They carried the captive dragon a full couple miles through the woods and down to the boat. It had woken back up halfway, but it remained completely docile and quiet.

The three men deposited the bound and limp dragon in the ship's hold and ran back through the forest with one staying behind at the ship.

Gormun held out a hand to warn them on their approach. It became very clear why when they inched toward the edge of the woods.

One of the Nightmare dragons had strolled by in front of the Chief's house. But instead of passing on by, it stopped and started sniffing at the ground.

"How long's it been there?"

"Just got here, I think it is smelling something."

"That's obvious you heap of yak dung."

"Who are you calling a heap of yak dung!"

"Stuff it! Look!"

The Nightmare was staring in their direction. Then it started walking toward them, very catlike and evidently malicious in its movements.

They gave each other a glance and turned back for the forest. The monster had clearly smelled them.

Better to get away with one of the beasties than to be caught and eaten. They abandoned their position and made their way back through the forest as quickly as their legs could carry them, frequently casting terrified glances behind them the whole while expecting something to come crashing through the shrubbery.

"What is the matter? Where is the other one?"

The three of them panted heavily to catch their breath.

"We couldn't get to it. We had to run. One of them was after us!"

They looked back into the dark and ominous forest. At any moment one of the demons could emerge and attack. It was not hard for them to make the decision.

"Let's go then. Get off this forsaken place while we can."

They all hurried aboard the vessel and pushed out to sea with their quarry chained in the hold. Though it was raining heavily, there was no true storm to churn up the seas against them. There were no other dragons anywhere in sight. They would be able to make their escape.

They all slapped each other on the back in congratulations at a mission accomplished once they put some distance between them and the shore.

While one of their number manned the ship, the other three took a moment to stare into the hold at the captive Night Fury. None of them had ever even seen a Night Fury before. Its black bulk and sleek form were unlike the few other dragons they had ever encountered, most of which had been dead.

It was almost completely unable to move and had closed its eyes in what had to be fear. The one who punched it, and who also appeared to be the leader of the party, chuckled and cracked his knuckles.

"Oh well, at least we got one of them. Actually…"

Sven grinned to himself.

"There was only one of those beasties in the house, wasn't there?"

"Uh, no there were two."

He cuffed Gormun on the shoulder and gave him a look.

"If there were two, then why didn't you get both of 'em? That's what he would ask. Do you understand me Valdr?"

Comprehension lit in Valdr's eyes.

"You're right. There was only one in there. Maybe the other one was running around the island, if there even is another one."

Sven nodded.

"Exactly. We captured the only Night Fury there. Alvin can't fault us at all. I can only imagine the great plans he has for this poor beast."

---

Toothless knew something was wrong the moment he woke up. His sleep had been stalked by bad night-visions. He imagined smelling strange smells, smells of two-legs not from this nest.

"Hiccup, do you…"

Hiccup's sleeping place was empty.

And the smell of strange two-legs was far too strong. Every feeling from his nosetip to his tailfins screamed that something was very wrong. He hopped out of the nest-den and followed the smell of the strange two-legs. The trail led outside and among the trees beyond the two-leg nest.

With every step, his fear grew and made his scales tingle. Even with all the crazy things that Hiccup was prone to, he would not just leave in before dawn with two-legs of another nest.

The path led all the way through the forest and down to the ocean. There on the sand by the shores of the sea, the trail vanished.

He stood tall on his rear legs and looked around.

"Hiccup!"

There was no answering call.

What did he do?

All he saw was a pile of ropes farther back up the shore. He darted over and inspected them.

Once again, the smell of strange two-legs and of Hiccup was all over the ropes and chains. He remembered one of the horrible uses of rope and chains. In truth, there was only one reason he could think of why a two-leg would have these types of ropes and chains around a kin.

Someone had taken Hiccup!

He stood still in shock for several moments as the terrible truth sank its teeth into his insides.

There was no time to waste. He jumped into the air and flew furiously to get back to the nest. He hopped inside and ran straight up to Hiccup's sire's nest-room.

"Wake up!" he howled.

The male tended to sleep in longer than either himself or Hiccup. He heard the heavy footfalls as he rose from his sleep-nest.

"Hicc… Toothless?"

He turned around and darted into his and Hiccup's nest room. He waited until the sire stood in the path and sleepily stared in at him.

He in turn looked at his own nest and angrily growled at it.

The sire was clearly confused.

To emphasize his point he even extended his teeth and bared them toward the nest.

Stoick finally realized that something was wrong when Toothless went so far as to growl at his bed. But what?

"Hiccup! Something is wrong with Toothless!"

But Hiccup did not come running. The house was silent, save for his and Toothless's heavy breathing.

That Hiccup was missing was not terribly abnormal, but Toothless clearly thought something was wrong.

If only the dragon knew how to write and could tell him what the problem was.

Toothless got up and ran to the door with an obvious beckoning nod of his head. He clearly wanted him to follow, so he put on his boots and followed Toothless outside. He didn't even care that he was still wearing his night clothing. Toothless wanted to show him something important that had to do with Hiccup. That much was clear.

He followed Toothless all the way through the woods and down to a beach on the eastern corner of the island. Toothless stopped running and stood next to a pile of discarded refuse.

What stuck out to him though were the chains, burlap sack, and lengths of rope. Toothless caught his eye with a rumble and then growled ferociously at them.

He was just putting the pieces together when he noticed the final sign that convinced him of the terrible truth. There were footprints running up and down the beach from the water's edge to the soil. No possible doubt remained in his mind.

Someone had kidnapped Hiccup!

"No!"

He clenched his fist in raw anger.

Who would dare? This was an act of war! If any of the other tribes were responsible for this, he would make them pay.

All the tribes knew about Berk's two young Night Furies by now. They were the most special dragons in all the isles.

Could someone have possibly known exactly who they were kidnapping? It seemed that whoever had done this had deliberately chosen Hiccup.

It was impossible though, he had kept the secret too well.

Who would do something like this? Who wanted to strike against him? Letting Hiccup go out to the other tribes had clearly been a mistake.

He didn't have any time to lose. The sooner he got people up in the air to search, the better and the more likely that the attackers would be found and caught.

"Toothless, come!" he commanded.

Without waiting to see if Toothless followed, he turned and ran back to the village. He stormed up to the Great Hall and flung open the doors so firmly that they crashed into the walls with a loud clang.

Every head slowly swiveled to stare at the clearly-irate Chief.

"We have been attacked!"

Everyone was up and out of their chairs before the echoes of his roar had died away.

'Who?' 'Let me at'em!' 'Where?' 'How?'

"What happened?" Gobber's shout carried over the din or voices.

"Someone has stolen one of my dragons!"

Gobber cautiously broke the resulting silence.

"Uh, Stoick. I need to ask, how do you know one of them has been stolen? They do tend to… wander."

"Because he," he pointed down at the rather miserable-looking Toothless sitting next to him, "took me down to the beach where I found footprints, ropes, and chains. Someone was on Berk, and now Hiccup is gone!"

Everyone standing around him looked rightly angered at the revelation. It did not surprise him in the least that Astrid immediately stepped forward and spoke up.

"Chief, I will get all the riders up in the air and start searching. Do you know where they might have gone?"

"No Astrid, I don't even know who they are."

"Riders! Follow me! Go get everyone else and tell them to get up in the air and start looking! We have to find who did this." she screamed out to the entire Hall.

In spite of the situation, he couldn't help but be impressed at how quickly Astrid took charge of the situation and told people what needed to be done. She was becoming a fine leader.

Silence followed as the riders exited the Hall.

He spent a few more minutes explaining to Gobber and the rest still in the Hall everything that he knew, which admittedly was not much. Once he was done talking, he left the Hall to return home. He only vaguely noted that Toothless was nowhere to be seen.

This was easily the worst part, being stuck on the ground with no way to help find his son. There was nothing he could do but wait and hope that Astrid or the other Riders could find something.

"Odin help me…"

---

"Follow me!"

Fishlegs and the twins both followed her outside and waited for the rest of their group to assemble. She addressed them when they all arrived.

"You heard what happened, right? Someone kidnapped Hiccup!"

"I'm so angry right now!" Snotlout declared.

"We all are, Lout. Now, here is what we are going to do. We are going to split up and search off shore. Fly out as far as your dragons can. If you see a ship, follow it and figure out where it is going."

"Uh Astrid, not all of our dragons can fly as long as others," Fishlegs mumbled.

"Just do what you all can and then come back. Ruff, Tuff you go toward Dragon Island, maybe they will stop there. Fish, you can check around the island and among the sea-stacks. Lout, you take the open sea to the south. You go east, Gustav. I'll follow the wind to the southeast."

Everyone nodded in understanding.

"Someone attacked this tribe! Attacked one of our dragons. Let's go save him!"

The other five ran off to find their dragons and take to the skies. She wasted not a moment before running toward home and Stormfly's stable.

It took only a moment to fit the saddle on her dragon. Then she heard a familiar sound and spun around. Toothless was sitting behind her and intently crooning at her. She could see the concern in his green eyes.

Even though she had no idea what he was saying, his meaning was clear.

"Don't worry Toothless, I'll find him."

She hopped on Stormfly and beckoned her into the skies. Toothless bugled and followed, quickly catching up to her and flying out to sea with her.

He wants to help look.

It was time to hunt some kidnappers.

---

Up and down the axe flew as beads of sweat fell from his brow. The chop of the axe into wood echoed through the forest.

His two favorite activities when he was stressed or angered were drinking and chopping firewood, and he had already done enough of the first.

A full day had passed with no sign from anyone who had returned. The Ingerman lad had not found anything the first day. His nephews reported seeing nothing on the open seas.

It was so infuriating.

The Thorston twins and Astrid had not yet returned. That had to mean something. Maybe they were following the attackers, maybe they found something, maybe…

His anger boiled over, and he hurled the axe into a nearby tree while screaming his frustration at the skies. The axe tore chips of wood from the tree when he wrenched it free.

Then he sat down on the ground in exhaustion, quite relieved that no one was around to have seen that outburst of weakness.

Odin's beard, I'm getting old…

I just can't help him…

It was precisely that. A Chief and a father must protect his own, and he had failed to do that. Someone had stolen into his own house, the place that was supposed to be safest, and taken the person who was dearest to him.

He was powerless to do anything now. Only those who had dragons of their own could do anything about this threat.

This was the greatest reminder that he was still part of an old world. He had toyed with the idea of getting a real dragon of his own. The idea of being the only Chief to tame or ride a Night Fury had a certain appeal at one time. Finding out the truth of who he had living under his roof had changed all those plans. And there was certainly no point trying to make Toothless his own.

Might as well take the firewood back.

His musings and worrying did not abate as he returned to the village, firewood in hand.

It was entirely possible that Hiccup might escape; he was very clever after all. Whoever had taken him would not want to hurt him because a young Night Fury was too valuable.

Unless the attackers were dragon-hunters out for sport. Somehow that didn't feel right. This was too tactical, and was not the Berserker way.

He sought out the first person he could see for news.

"Any word Fjoli?"

"No Chief, Astrid is not back yet."

He nodded to acknowledge the answer and continued on his way.

The house was still empty when he got back, which meant that Toothless was still out. Where the dragon could be, he was not sure. But he found that he rather preferred the isolation at the moment.

He glumly shuffled over to the chest he kept in the corner. It was a plain, brown, wooden chest that he very rarely opened. What it contained was rather painful.

His hand trembled on the latch as he fought with himself. He needed to open it and to not open it at the same time. Then he gave it a flick and opened the chest.

The bags inside that contained gold coins were farthest from his mind. His fingers lightly brushed against the necklace emblazoned with a roughly-carved V. It had been his gift to his beloved when they wed.

He wiped his cheek of the tears.

There was something else in the chest though. Something he had kept on a whim and not had the heart to throw out. Half of a shattered, black dragon egg, the shell now frail and brittle.

He clearly remembered that day two winters ago when he had returned home and found two tiny dragons sleeping in front of the fireplace. They had been so small back then.

Two relics of the most important people in his life, one lost forever and the other…

"I shouldn't have let him go, my dear. Letting the other tribes see him was too dangerous. I was too careless."

It was late that afternoon when he heard a knock on the door and, simultaneously, heard the dragon's door open. He ran over to investigate, hoping for the best.

But it was only a tired and discouraged-looking Toothless that entered. His heart sank when Toothless looked up at him and grumbled before collapsing on the bedding.

Already expecting the news, he opened the door and met Astrid.

It was clear from the moment he saw her that the search had been fruitless. She looked thoroughly dejected and frustrated.

"Astrid, nothing I guess."

Her voice remained steady, though more subdued than he remembered.

"No sir, none of us found anything. We looked as long as we could. I… I failed."

Despite himself, he clasped her shoulder and gruffly answered.

"No Astrid, you did everything you could to find… them."

She sat down at the table and rested.

"So, what now Chief?"

It had to be one of the other tribes. No one else could have known about his dragons. Whoever was behind the attack had known where to find them, had known where they slept.

"I don't think the Vaina or Volsung would dare do this, not when they know we are stronger," he began.

"I agree. They have nothing to gain. Who would?" she asked.

She seemed nervous about broaching the topic.

"Can you think of anyone else Astrid? Anyone who would want to hurt us?"

"Only one sir, he was outcast along with those loyal to him."

'You will regret this.'

He remembered Mildew's final shouted words. They had seemed only those of a defeated, old man. Now they seemed more ominous. But who could have helped him, as it seemed like had happened?

He can't have done it alone. Would the others who I Outcast do this to me?

He started pacing, deep in thought.

"Why? What would he want?"

"Revenge maybe?" she offered.

"He was always a spiteful old man."

"Maybe the Outcasts did it."

Stoick stared into the fireplace.

"So he and his men joined the Outcasts. They told the… Outcast's leader what they knew about Berk; told him about my dragons. And…. then what?"

Stoick resumed his pacing for a full minute before reaching a conclusion.

"He planned this to get back at me…" he mumbled.

"Sir?"

"Nothing Astrid, nothing."

"What do you want me to do?" Astrid asked.

"I want you to get some rest. Then I want you to go to the Outcast's island and find out what you can. See if they are involved. But you need to do this in secret. Don't let them know you are there."

"I can do that, sir."

"The Outcasts… they are Outcasts from their tribes for a reason. Be careful of them."

"What if they did do it, and he is their prisoner? What should I do?"

"Come right back here and let me know. Don't try to do anything on your own."

"Yes, sir."

Neither of them noticed that Toothless had been attentively watching them during their entire discussion.

---

Her mother met her as soon as she returned home. The slight scowl Vidarr wore was quite a change from what she was accustomed to seeing.

"I know that look. He is sending you off again, isn't he?"

"Yes, mother."

Vidarr crossed her arms in front of her chest and frowned at the thought of her daughter leaving again.

"Where to this time?"

Ugh… you really don't want to know...

"I'm not sure yet, he was going to tell me more about it tomorrow. I know you don't like me leaving again, but I have to do this."

Her mother sighed.

"I just can't help but worry Astrid. Every time I see you and Stormfly fly off somewhere I wonder if you won't come back. I worry that you might get captured and bad men will…"

Funny that you mention that…

"I'd like to see anyone try. Don't forget who I am, mom. I can handle myself. I don't think Stormfly would like that either."

She at least grinned at the brave face her daughter was putting on.

"Do you at least know what you will be doing?"

"I'll be helping to look for the Chief's dragon."

By now everyone on the island knew what happened and it needed no explanation.

"Oh, little Hiccy. Terrible. Who would dare do a thing like that?"

You don't want to know that either...

"Well, I hope you can go find him and bring that little guy back. He is a very special dragon."

Astrid paused at the door.

"He is indeed," she whispered.

---

She set out for Outcast Island at first light with no fanfare and with limited supplies. She only brought her trusty knife for defense because her mission was one of secrecy. That made the load easier on Stormfly and let them make better time. No one other than her parents and Stoick knew about her mission.

Or so she had thought.

She had barely strapped her meager supplies to the saddle when she spied Toothless attentively watching from aside Stormfly's stable. Unsurprisingly, he seemed to be waiting for her to do something, so she walked over to him and spared him a moment.

"Hey Toothless, uh, I am not sure if you understand me but I will find Hiccup."

He fixed her with his hard gaze and seemed to grumble to himself for a moment in frustration. Then he gestured at his own chest and stretched his wings. It slowly dawned on her what he was trying to communicate. She didn't even question how he knew what she was about to do.

"No, no, no, Toothless. You can't come with. I have to do this…"

How to tell him?

She pointed at herself and then pretended to sneak by crouching down and looking around. He grumbled again and replied by very deliberately sniffing and glaring back at her.

"No Toothless, I…"

He just growled, ignored her, and launched himself skyward where he started doing slow spirals. He was clearly waiting for her and Stormfly.

No stopping him then…gods I hope he can stay hidden. What am I thinking? He is a Night Fury, of course he can stay hidden if he wants to. He better.

Her worrying was interrupted by Stormfly butting in, saddle in mouth.

"And you, I know that you can be quiet when you need to. Well, let's get on with this. We have someone to save."

Toothless fell in beside her once they were aloft. The trio only stopped once around midday to land on an uninhabited island that was little more than a jut of rock. Astrid started to take off some of Stormfly's rigging when Toothless butted into her and grumbled at her.

"Hey, what was that for?"

He looked around the deserted place and hissed.

"Yeah, there is not much here."

He just looked back up at the sky and flapped his wings.

"No Toothless, we need to wait. Oh, you don't know what I'm saying…"

Then she got his attention by pointing at the sun and then pointing down. His head bobbed as he looked up into the sky and then down at the ground, trying to make sense of her pointing. Then, like a torch catching ablaze, he seemed to understand her meaning. They needed to wait until nightfall.

He groaned once in resignation and then curled up where he stood, shading himself under an outstretched wing.

She leaned against Stormfly's side in the shade and lost herself in her thoughts. What was Hiccup having to endure? How was she going to get the information she needed?

Then she laughed and gently slapped Stormfly's side.

"Would you do that for me, you big chicken? Fly the seas to rescue your little human?"

Stormfly chittered briefly and then returned to her nap.

"Yeah, I thought you would…"

Her thoughts then took a more somber path as she wondered how she was going to get the information she needed. She was familiar with the tales of how horrific the Outcasts were. When even a naturally-violent people as the many Northern tribes couldn't accept someone's behavior, it said all that needed to be said about the ones who were Outcast. And that did not even include all those who were Outcast for treachery or law-breaking.

The best plan she could think of was to spend most of the afternoon here and only get to Outcast island after nightfall. Then she could sneak into the mead hall and listen to the gossip. The capture of a Night Fury had to be something people would talk about, and nothing was better at loosening lips than mead.

There was just the problem of possibly running into someone who might recognize her. But that was a risk she was willing to take.

---

She could feel her palms sweating and her heart racing as the moment drew nearer. They glided in and touched down. She dismounted from Stormfly and shivered at the thought that the ground under her feet belonged to Outcast Island.

Astrid looked off to the east where the torches of the harbor burned brightly, though no one seemed to be about after dark. All the better for her.

Outcast Island. The place where parents threatened to send misbehaving children. The place where the vilest of the vile were sent. And now she was standing on it and about to walk right into the bear's den.

Even Stormfly, normally very assured of herself, seemed uneasy, though maybe because of her rider's nervousness. She reassured her dragon with a rub under her chin.

"Alright girl, you need to stay here. Stay."

Stormfly obediently shuffled about and lay down. Toothless, however, did not stay put. He had vanished into the night as soon as they landed.

I hope he knows what he is doing. At least he isn't trying to follow me into town. I think...

She paused on the outskirts of the village and surveyed all she could see. There were only a couple of guards illuminated by torchlight off in the distance.

Ok, where is the mead hall? Where would everyone go?

There was only one building that could possibly be the one. It had the most people coming and going, was the brightest lit, and seemed to be generating the most noise. She snuck closer to the building, remaining hidden by the shadows.

The idea of her walking into the Outcast's mead hall, alone, to be surrounded by a bunch of violent, drunk men suddenly seemed quite stupid.

No, not just stupid. Absolutely crazy.

She paused across from the hall and wondered what her next step could possibly be. Then she noticed a side door open and a girl walked out. She saw her opportunity and marched straight across to that door. She patted the dagger hidden by her hip for reassurance, adjusted her traveling cloak, and snuck inside.

Instantly, her senses were assailed by the smell of mead and other strong drinks, bread and meats, and the raucous, constant chatter of dozens of voices. Bursts of laughter would echo out at any moment.

I don't even want to know what they are laughing about.

She seemed to be in a storeroom from all the large barrels lying around. She crept toward the door to the main hall and creaked it open. Dozens of burly men were gathered around the tables, eagerly emptying their mugs and chatting with their fellows. Some of the individual conversations were embarrassing just to overhear, but that was even true back on Berk at times. Some guys were just too… vivid with details.

There were several serving girls carrying pitchers to individual tables and enduring near-constant catcalls.

But she couldn't overhear anything about dragons over all the noise.

Alright, here goes nothing.

And she stepped through the door. She stood still, as if in a daze, as she looked around the hall in a mix of disgust, fear, and excitement. One of the serving girls picked up a new pitcher of mead, and she confidently walked over and picked up one herself.

It was a gamble to pretend to be just another server. Any of the Outcasts from Berk in the tavern were more likely to spot her. But it seemed like the best way to get the information she needed.

"Girl! Over here," a gruff voice shouted.

She glanced over and saw a table of three hefty men leering at her. Outwardly she smiled at them while she secretly imagined what would happen if she commanded Stormfly to roast them alive.

"What's such a purty face doing here?" the first man asked her.

"It's not 'er face I care 'bout," the second replied.

"I know, you'd even do it with a cow," said the first.

"You talking about his wife or the farm animals?" the man on the corner seat asked.

"Both!" the first answered.

All three of them laughed heartily.

"Oh, you men are so funny," she teased.

"Yeah, I guess we are. I'm Raigor Strongarm," the first man to speak said.

"How'd you get that name?" she pretended to be interested.

"How? Like this!"

He put his elbow on the table and showed her his muscles. He was definitely very strong.

"Go on, feel it."

She reluctantly felt his forearm.

"That's very impressive Raigor. You are very strong. You know what I really like? I like men who know things, secret things. Guys who know what the boss, Alvin, is up to."

"Oh really?" the corner man said.

"Yeah," she said.

"I know everything he has been up to. But it will cost you."

She nervously chuckled while keeping up her faux smile.

"And what is the price?"

He extended his knee and grinned.

"Sit."

She hesitated for a moment as she weighed all the reasons why she should definitely not do it. It was beneath her dignity and her mother would never approve. It also felt wrong to try to get such a man's attention using… such charms. But she had to do it to play along with his game, so she put the pitcher on the table and reluctantly sat on his thigh.

The other two men whistled at her and jeered while the corner man chuckled to himself.

"And who are you?"

"I'm Lucan. What do you want to know?"

She was about to answer when his hand moved from his side up to her chest and grabbed at her breast. She reached over to push his hand away but he resisted. It took a conscious effort on her part to not grab for her knife and cut him that instant.

"Now now sir, you… shouldn't do that."

"Oh, but I want to."

The three men guffawed and nudged each other in amusement. She closed her eyes and clenched her fists under the table, trying desperately to ignore the feel of his fingers.

"So... has Alvin done... anything special?"

"Oh yeah, he had some of his boys go hunting for some big game."

Her heart skipped a beat.

"Hunting big game?"

"Yeah, he even caught one and brought it back here."

"One what?"

Lucan leaned toward her and whispered in her ear.

"A dragon."

"A dragon?" she pretended to be surprised.

"Yeah, saw it myself. A little black beast."

Hiccup!

"And… what is he going to do with it?"

Lucan groaned and waved his free hand.

"No idea. Keep it as a pet probably, I don't really know or care."

She took a deep breath of relief.

"Well, I should get back to work."

He grabbed her wrist to stop her from leaving.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I… I'm going to get more ale."

"Well, get right back here. I'm not done with you!"

He let go of her hand and slapped her on the rear as she turned away from the table. The three men laughed at each other and continued making lewd comments. She silently fumed as she strode toward the storeroom, doing her best to ignore the catcalls and leering glares from the tables she passed by. She slammed the door behind her and stood in the dim light, practically trembling with anger.

She walked over to a spare bench, sat down, and sobbed into her trembling hands. No one had ever touched her like that before. She felt violated and dirty, like she had spent a day shoveling dung without washing afterward. Perhaps the worst part was that she had let him coddle her even though it seemed necessary to learn what she needed to know. If Snotlout had ever tried to do that to her, she would have cut off his offending hands or dueled him to the death for her honor.

It had seemed necessary to compromise her honor slightly for information. But no one knew what she had done here. She certainly wasn't going to tell anyone back on Berk. No one would know. Except she would always remember.

She seemed to feel someone staring at her and looked up to see one of the serving girls a couple paces away. The girl had clearly been watching her cry for a while.

"Hey, are you ok?"

Astrid wiped her cheek with her cloak and nodded.

"I don't know you. Who are you?"

"I'm… no one," Astrid answered.

The girl didn't look any older than her and had a very tired look in her eyes.

"How do you endure… them?" she asked the strange girl.

"I don't know. Mostly they just touch, so I don't care about that. And when they do want more… it is not like I can stop them."

Astrid felt disgusted again, but this time it was by what this girl had just said. How could this girl just accept being mistreated and used by these vile excuses for men. It made her very thankful that her father and mother had taught her to respect herself and stand up for her honor.

But her more sympathetic side said that she didn't know what this girl had been through; she had not been mistreated every single day for most of her life. Maybe this resignation and numbness was the natural result of being regularly abused. Maybe it somehow helped the girl make it through each day.

I will not end up like that! Never!

"I'll be going now," Astrid mumbled before walking over to the door. But she paused after opening it and looked back at the serving girl.

"Stand up for yourself. No one else here will."

Then Astrid stepped outside without waiting to hear if the girl gave her any response. She set out through the village, ignoring the few people she did pass by and holding her dagger under her cloak as a precaution. Thankfully, she did not run into anyone who was interested in her and was able to make it back to camp without being accosted. Cloud cover had rolled in and made it much darker than it had been before.

Stormfly quickly rose at her approach, and Astrid eagerly ran over to hug the dragon's spiny head. Stormfly seemed to feel that her human was upset by something and eagerly nuzzled her back.

"Hey girl, I'm glad to see you. Yeah, yeah, I know you are happy to see me. We should leave soon, I hope you aren't too tired. Can't stay here and be seen."

Gathering up the few supplies she had brought was quite difficult in the near total darkness, and she had to rely on memory more than sight. Once she was done there was just one more detail.

"Hmm, I wonder where he has gone… TOOTHLESS!"

The only warning was a slight shuffling sound behind her that could not be from Stormfly. She spun around and was met with a huff of dragon breath to the face and faintly glowing eyes. She just barely managed to not scream in surprise.

"Toothless! Don't… don't do that."

He just grumbled at her in what she thought was a questioning tone.

"Hiccup is here, I know he is."

Toothless looked off toward the distant lights and growled softly.

"We cannot stay here. We have to go back to Berk."

He must have understood her meaning from his sad warble. Even through the darkness, she could see how his ears drooped.

Gods, I've never seen him so… lost before.

She inched closer to him and was surprised that he didn't shy away when she put a hand on his neck.

"Toothless, look at me," she whispered.

He did.

"We are not leaving Hiccup. We need to let the others know that he is here."

He shuffled about anxiously and grumbled to himself. She gave him a final pat on the neck and then returned to Stormfly. She was pleased to see that Toothless spread his wings too in preparation for flight.

"Come on girl, let's go home."

The three of them were aloft moments later, Toothless only distinguishable as a moving void silhouetted against the clouds. The midnight winds had a chill that she was not used to, and she crouched as closely to Stormfly's back as she could. The dragon needed no direction to know the way home.

Astrid spared a single backward glance though the clouds at the distant lights from Outcast Island. She tried to imagine what was going to happen once she relayed what she knew to Stoick. He was going to learn that the Outcasts invaded his island without provocation and abducted his son. Would that mean war between their tribes? It had been generations since one of the local tribes had made true war against another. The terrible possibility seemed to draw closer.

I'll be back on that island soon for sure. One way or another.

---

Hiccup did not like ropes at the moment. They were tightly wrapped around his entire body, awkwardly pinning his wings in against his side. They had even tied down his tail, apparently lest someone get whipped out of frustration. Nor did he appreciate the collar and chains around his neck and the bindings around his mouth. The tiny cell he was locked in was also absolutely inhumane.

Actually, there was almost nothing about his current situation that he liked.

It had been three days that the ship had been at sea. They left him locked in the cell almost all the time. It was not difficult to figure out that the men were Outcasts. The way they acted and the language they used clearly seemed like people who were not part of a proper tribe. A violent, gods-forsaken group of oathbreakers and Loki-spawn cast out from proper tribes for their crimes. What had clinched it though was when he overheard one of them mention Alvin's orders. That could only mean Alvin the Treacherous and the Outcasts.

He sighed and shuffled about to find a more comfortable position.

Why would he want to kidnap me?

The one positive in all this was that none of his kidnappers had actually done him any violence except for the initial punch. That first day had been the worst, especially when he overheard the one named Sven talking about gutting the 'black beast' for fun. But he was almost certain that such speech was just boasting or in jest. He had half expected them to kick him or starve him or something else bad. Instead, they brought him fresh-caught fish or salted meat every day as well as some water.

He had the crazy thought the first day that he might be able to communicate with them, if only he could get free for a few moments. But they did not even spare him a glance except in anger or apparent hate; he never even had a chance to make real eye contact. Plus, there was nothing for him to write on or write with.

Most humbling of all was being treated like a dumb animal after being a part of a tribe that had come to accept him and speak to him as an equal. The silence of not being spoken to, that was something he had always been accustomed to. Not having the opportunity to relieve himself in a civilized way though was the worst part.

There was still the chance that someone might come to rescue him. Toothless was sure to realize that something was wrong and would find a way to let his father know. And then…

But from what he could tell there was no sign that the boat was being followed.

How could they ever know where I am? Stupid me...

He was on his own for now.

Three whole days of wondering about these men's motives, or of Alvin's intentions. Three miserable days alternatively trapped in a foul cell, to say nothing of how uncomfortable the ropes and bindings were. Three days that passed in a slow, monotonous blur.

Then he distinctly heard the sound of seagulls. Seagulls meant land. Land meant he was closer to being off the ship, and also closer to Alvin. It was shortly thereafter that he heard the men start shouting to each other and to other voices he could barely hear. There was no doubt after the boat pitched and came to rest.

They had arrived at Outcast Island.

The ship docked and Sven and another captor, Balder he was called, brought him out of the holding pen. A couple other strange men came up and walked on either side of him, probably in case he tried to escape. He had no real choice but to follow them, led by the rope he had been muzzled with.

If he had expected to see a broken-down wreck of a village, he was very surprised by what he saw.

The Outcasts had established a small community on their island. There were pens filled with farm animals, people were hard at work, and everything seemed rather ordinary. Almost as though this was just another tribe of people instead of the horrific, faithless, gods-forsaken, oath-breaking heathens that they were. The main difference compared to what he was used to was of course that there were no other dragons that he could see. All the people around him looked his way in a mix of fear, awe, and anger; however, everyone looked away from him as his gaze wandered in their direction.

Still, being paraded through the village like a prize cattle was deeply embarrassing.

However, even the surprise from being on Outcast island and seeing how normal it looked didn't stop him from shivering slightly when he saw the dragon skulls hung as decorations over many of the doors.

We used to be like that too though.

He was led through the village square and toward one of the larger buildings whose purpose he could not initially guess. It didn't look quite like the Outcast's mead hall. It became very clear what it was when he was brought up to the massive doors and could smell the place.

It's their stables.

But it wasn't exactly true. There were cells inside in which there were several other dragons. But the cells were like Berk's old dragon-fighting arena's cells had been. Metal bars enclosed each cell and the trapped dragons were chained or muzzled to various degrees. Most of them lay flat on their bellies and didn't bother looking up as he was brought in.

What are they doing here?

"Alright, which one does this go in?" Valdr asked.

"None of them," shouted a new voice.

Hiccup looked at the strange man and his two guards. He was very tall and strong with a short-cropped beard. Most significantly though, he had a presence and air of authority that clearly indicated that he was in charge here. That meant that he had to be...

"Boss, here's the beast," Sven said as he handed over the reins.

Alvin took the rope and stared down at Hiccup with a very appraising look.

"Where is the other one?"

Sven and Baldr glanced at each other.

"There was only one in Stoick's house. We looked around for the other but one of their Nightmare-beasts almost caught and ate us."

"I see. He said there were two of them. I wonder what happened to the other one. Maybe it died. Who knows."

"Where is it going to be put?" Sven asked.

Alvin looked back up at the few men gathered around.

"I've had a special cell built outside the village. This beast is worth more than all the other dragons we've captured, and I don't want to risk anything happening to it. My boys will take it away. You've all done well. An extra portion of mead for all of you."

The men cheered and congratulated each other on a mission accomplished.

Typical... a bit more mead in return for a mission to sail to another tribe, sneak into someone's house at night, and steal a dragon, seems like a fair trade...

Alvin's two armed guards took the reins and led him from the Outcast's stables and out through the village toward the nearby mountains. After a few minutes of walking, they eventually got to a cliff which had a prominent cave at its base. Sure enough, there was a cage inside the cave's entrance.

Great, another cage...

The two men dragged him up to the cage and shoved him inside without removing any of his bindings. Then they stationed themselves outside the cave and took up guard duty.

He looked around his new prison and made sure that he couldn't somehow break out. While being bound and imprisoned was not enjoyable, at least he wasn't on a rocking boat anymore and he didn't have to lay on hard boards this time. This time he was on dirt, which meant he could write. Plus, he was mostly out of the way of the Outcasts and wouldn't need to suffer much attention.

Now, why did they capture me? Think... I don't get it.

He lay down and closed his eyes.

I'm sure Alvin will come up here sometime. Then I'll ask him. That will be a big surprise for him.

---

Astrid arrived back on Berk slightly after dawn. The flight back home was very quick for both dragons as they were flying on a tailwind the whole way. Still, both Stormfly and Toothless were very exhausted and wandered off in their own directions after landing.

The first persons she sought out were her parents, whom she immediately ran over to. She threw herself into her mother's arms.

"Mom…"

"Oh starling, what's the matter?" she said as she ruffled her daughter's hair.

"Nothing, I just… I'm glad to be back here."

"I guess you didn't find anything."

"Actually I did."

Then her father came over and gave her a hug as well.

"What's the matter?"

"I have a bad feeling... And I am just tired of being sent all over the seas for the other tribes out there."

"I agree. Maybe you should settle down here on Berk. Get married..."

"Really dad?" she groaned.

"You know I like to tease you, my daughter," he chuckled.

She sighed.

"I know. I should go report to the Chief."

"Ok, we will have some soup for you when you get back," her mother mentioned.

Then she headed on up to Stoick's house. She reached out to knock on the door but paused. This moment, this information that she was going to convey could drive her tribe to war.

I didn't cause this. They did. And we can't let them keep Hiccup as a prisoner.

She knocked twice and nervously waited. Then the door slowly creaked open. She stifled a gasp when she saw her Chief.

He looked very unkempt with his beard all tangled and hair unwashed. He also smelled heavily of ale.

"Astrid, you are back! Come in…"

They both sat down at the table, which incidentally had several empty mugs scattered on it.

"So, what did you find out? Tell me."

"I... overheard some men there boasting that Alvin had his men capture a dragon. A small black one."

A dark shadow seemed to pass across Stoick's face.

"I couldn't see the dragon myself, but it has to be him."

Stoick stood up without saying anything and started pacing with his hands behind his back. She could not quite tell what he was thinking, and she could not bring herself to ask.

"Astrid, how many dragons do we have?"

"Pardon?

"How many trained dragons do we have that could fight for us?"

"Fight? About twenty, but we haven't been training them to fight."

"They are dragons, Astrid. I don't think they have forgotten."

"Do you think we will have to fight the Outcasts?" she reluctantly asked after a brief pause.

"I know Alvin. He is not the type to sue for peace," he growled back.

"Maybe we don't need to actually fight them. We could just show them how many dragons we have, and then they will have to give him back."

Stoick just frowned and waved his hand dismissively in the air.

"Alvin has never been one to listen to reason before. If I had a dragon of my own that I could fly on, I'd go there right now and tear out his beard myself..."

They must have a history together...

"But would he risk his tribe being destroyed?"

Stoick stared off at the wall, clearly contemplating something.

"Maybe you are right. Talking to them could be a good idea. But they attacked us; they attacked me and took my... one of my dragons."

She said nothing and pretended to not have noticed his near-stumble.

"I cannot let that go unpunished. What lesson would that set if I let my own tribe get attacked and don't respond with force?"

It seemed a rhetorical question, so she didn't answer.

"That would make me look weak."

"So what are we going to do about it?" Astrid asked.

She waited as Stoick stared toward the fireplace, clearly deep in thought.

"I will ready the ships and go to meet Alvin. It takes three days to sail there. You will bring all of our dragons on the third day."

He made a fist and violently slammed it down on the table.

"And I will burn down his entire island if he does not give me back my dragon."

---

He had the entire tribe assemble in the mead hall at midday. It was only fair to let them all know what was going to happen and how he... how they all had been attacked.

"Everyone, gather around. There is news!"

He waited as everyone settled down and gave him their attention.

"We all remember that someone stole one of my dragons."

Yes, everyone murmured.

"I found out who did it. It was Alvin and the oath-breaking Outcasts!"

"Damn them... By the gods... Mildew... I knew it..."

"Yes, they snuck into our tribe like the cowards they are and attacked us."

"How dare they... Sure did... Let me at'em..."

He held up his hands and bid them quiet down.

"I am going to sail to Outcast Island and get my dragon back. Who is with me?"

No hands immediately went up.

"Think about it. We cannot let this attack go unanswered. What will it be next, will we stand by idly and let them take our sheep or our daughters?

"No!" several voices shouted.

"Are the dragons part of Berk just like you and me?" Astrid added.

"Yes!"

"And are the Furies special among all the dragons?" she added.

"Yes!"

Stoick looked around at the hands that started going up throughout the crowd.

"That's more like it. But I only need a few of you for the ships. Everyone who rides a dragon will also fly to Outcast Island a couple days later."

"Sir, what will the riders be doing there?" Fishlegs hesitantly asked.

Stoick grabbed his hammer and held it aloft.

"They will come with to make sure the Outcasts do what we want, or else we destroy the Outcasts!"

A roar echoed out from the assembled crowd as everyone got to their feet.

"Have we forgotten how to wield the axe and hammer?" Stoick roared.

"No!"

"Are we weak and frail?"

"No!"

"Have our dragons lost their fire?"

"No!"

"Will we abandon one of our own?"

"No!"

"Good. Ready the ships! We leave immediately."

With that, Stoick marched out of the Hall to raucous applause from his gathered people. Everyone started talking about the possibility of war with the Outcasts and how easy the battle would be with the dragons on their side.

Astrid listened in on all these conversations people were having and felt disturbed. They reminded her of things the other tribes would say; that dragons were tools or weapons to be used.

We've never actually been raided by another tribe. We don't know how bad it is. Gods, I hope it doesn't come to war.

There were also logistical problems for her to consider. She had to gather all the dragon-riders along with their beasts and lead them all in a flight across the ocean to a new island. Nothing like that had even been attempted before. Plus, no one had ever thought to teach their dragons commands for attack. It hadn't seemed necessary.

She saw a group of her riders assembled in a corner of the Hall and already eagerly talking to each other. Fishlegs and Gustav looked rather concerned, while the twins and Snotlout looked more excited.

That figures...

They all hopped to attention as she approached.

"You heard the Chief, let's start getting ready. We need to check on everyone else who can fly with us."

"Do you think there will really be war?" Gustav piped up.

"I hope not but we need to be ready in case."

She sent them all off to meet the other dragon riders on Berk. Fishlegs stayed behind for a moment with something clearly on his mind.

"Astrid, do you agree with Stoick? Is this the best way?"

"I tried to talk to him. He seems certain that Alvin won't cooperate. But he is the Chief; we have to do as he says."

"Will our dragons need to fight the Outcasts?"

She didn't answer that question.

"Because I don't think any of us have taught them those things. We've tried to avoid violence you know."

"I know Fish. I'm sure Alvin will see reason and do what is right."

Privately, she wasn't so sure.

---

He stood on the precipice of the cliff and watched as the two-leg boats moved out to sea. All the biggest two-legs had been directed onto the floating-tree-things by Hiccup's sire. It was clear what was going on.

The sire was going to save Hiccup and was taking much of the nest with him to fight. It was good that the Alpha and sire should protect his own. He just wished that he could do something as well. Just like all those season-cycles ago when he had known in his liver that Hiccup was in danger.

It was something that he had never gotten around to explaining to Hiccup. Kin could sometimes know when one of their closest kin was in danger. It was a feeling deep in the liver that could only be felt to understand. That it had worked back then was completely unexpected since Hiccup was then only a two-leg.

He growled and shuffled anxiously as the floating-tree-den water-walkers continued on their journey.

I should be there to help fight.

He had never seen two-leg nests fighting with each other. How would that fight happen? What would it look like? Or would there not be a fight at all?

Why is he not taking any kin with him? They are much better for fighting. Maybe it would just be a battle of Alphas where each tries to show dominance by being strong. Perhaps threats or talk alone could make the other Alpha give up Hiccup.

He spread his wings, jumped from the cliff, and glided down onto a small cropping of rocks at the ocean's edge. Once he landed and settled down, he turned back to the rocky cliff face and took several deep breaths.

I can do this.

All his focus went to that feeling that had once been instinctive. To the act of letting his inner-fire-air mix with his mouth-water. He stared at one specific place on the rock wall, gathered the destructive mass in the back of his throat, and...

Coughed violently.

Then he growled in frustration with himself.

Am I still not big enough?

It wasn't easy to remember how many cycles he had passed when he first learned how to wield his flame. It seemed like he should be able to by now. Not having that fire at his disposal was like being fangless and clawless in a way.

More waiting... grr... maybe I'll be able to flame next cycle.

He jumped from the rock and flew back up to the nest and nudged open the entrance to his and Hiccup's two-leg cave. His bed cushioned with furs was as comfortable as always, but something else was different about the cave.

It was empty and completely quiet.

He closed his eyes and dreamed of gliding over the enemy nest and raining down glowing destruction on the beasts that took Hiccup.

---

Astrid walked purposefully through the village toward the forge at midday. A full day had passed since Stoick took the ships out to sea, and she had spent the time since thinking long and hard about combat.

Her lessons of years past about how to fight dragons were as deeply ingrained as ever. All the techniques for blocking with a shield, thrusting with a spear, and hacking with axe and sword were still clear to her three years since she had practiced with them.

Dragons all had weaknesses. Only now she was in the position of having to worry for the safety of Berk's dragons. A single stray spear or a lucky arrow could kill any of their dragons. That was a risk that now needed to be considered and planned for.

Nords had armor and shields for protection, but dragons only had their natural scales. While those were certainly formidable defenses, they did not cover all vulnerable areas, like the neck and throat.

If Berk's dragons were going to see war, it was only right that they should be protected.

"Gobber, are you there?"

"Aye, around back."

She walked around to the rear of the forge and found Gobber sitting on an old stump, staring out to sea.

"You look quite thoughtful," she mumbled.

"I was wondering what's going to happen out there. I told him that I should come with, but he only wanted the best to go with him on the ships. Not this..." he waved his stump in the air.

"We will be going after him tomorrow. Everyone who can fly there at least. I hope that we only need to ensure a diplomatic solution."

"Who knows? Dragons can be useful in aggressive negotiations," he added.

"That's actually what I meant to talk to you about. We both know almost all dragons' weaknesses. It doesn't seem right to take them into battle without any protection at all."

"Hmm, I hadn't given any thought to that. Never thought they needed much more protection."

"I just think that we should do something to help them. Especially since we seem to be thinking of them like weapons now..." she let her displeasure seep into her voice.

Gobber easily noticed.

"You don't like what Stoick said."

"Obviously."

"That sounds like something Hiccup would say too. I guess I think that they are a definite advantage, and we would be stupid to not use them in our defense. Just like we would expect any great warrior to help out the clan."

"But think about it Gobber. If we start using them as weapons, the other tribes will have to do the same. Everyone will have to get bigger, meaner, and deadlier dragons of their own before other tribes can. That cannot end well."

"Maybe not, but that is out of our hands, or hand in my case, to decide. There have always been wars as far back as the histories tell even if we have avoided them for a while. We should be thankful that we are on the strong side now."

She reluctantly sighed.

"I suppose that makes sense even if I don't like it much. Anyhow, I have a few ideas for some armor that we could make for them. Mainly for the neck and belly since the main danger they would face would be from bows and arrows."

He took the sketch that she brought and looked it over.

"This is really good, Astrid. I daresay almost as good as Hiccup's old drawings. I can get started on these as soon as I get some measurements and a lot of leather. It'll be my next real project."

"But not before tomorrow?"

"Sorry, it takes time and a lot of leather..."

She mulled it over before voicing another question she had.

"Why do you think Alvin did this? Do you think he knows about Hiccup?"

Gobber looked unusually thoughtful as he rubbed his chin.

"I doubt it. It's possible Hiccup may have slipped up and let someone know who he is, but I think we'd know if that secret got out. No, Alvin probably just sent his men to capture Stoick's dragons. If I had to guess, I'd say that Alvin wants something from Stoick and thinks that he can negotiate by keeping Stoick's pet as prisoner."

That seemed like a reasonable explanation to her, but there was something else that was bugging her. Something that she couldn't ask anyone else on the island.

"Gobber, do Stoick and Alvin have a history together?"

Gobber sighed and took a deep breath.

"I really shouldn't say anything about it, but you and me are already keeping one big secret anyway. They were best friends once."

"What?" she exclaimed.

"Yeah, best friends. Got into all kinds of trouble when they were lads. Running off into the woods at night, hunting wolves, peeking at ladies, and pretending to be Chiefs. There was one big difference between them though. Stoick was better at following rules when it mattered. Alvin seemed to enjoy being chaotic and unpredictable without listening to anyone. So Stoick became Chief and Alvin's antics became more than a nuisance to the tribe."

"It was after Valka was taken and he was left to raise Hiccup on his own. Alvin disobeyed a direct order from Stoick and took several youths out into the woods for survival training. Out there they were attacked by a dragon that burned one of the kids. That's how Rangrim the Hideous got half his face melted. I'd never seen Stoick so mad. He and Alvin practically shouted themselves hoarse; Alvin saying that he was just keeping up tradition and making boys into men and Stoick saying that Alvin disobeyed an order from his Chief."

"I guess both were right. Anyhow, it ended with them both drawing blades and Stoick Outcasting his former best friend. They haven't seen each other since then."

"Wow, I thought that they had a bad history. What do you think they are going to do when they meet?" Astrid wondered.

"All I am sure of is that there will be a lot of shouting."

---

Gods, they couldn't have just taken some of these ropes off. But no... why think about whether the dragon is comfortable? I mean, to not even let me stretch my wings? So thoughtless.

Perhaps worse than the ropes was the collar. It had been strapped around his neck almost since the first moment they captured him, and it was starting to itch whenever he moved. His temporary solution was to remain still and keep doing what he had been doing for the last few hours.

Waiting and thinking.

Alvin was sure to want to come and gloat over his prize before too long.

Sure enough, a single voice announced its arrival late in the afternoon.

"Darrak, Ulfgar, get off your rears and stand."

"Sorry Chief." "Won't happen again."

"You two say that every time. Now, now, let's get to it."

The two guards and Alvin came around the corner and stood outside the cage. Hiccup stared calmly right back up at Alvin.

"Glorious lizard isn't it?"

Hiccup had to make an effort to still his twitching tail.

"It don't look too dangerous," one of the guards muttered.

"The legends say that it can blow a man's body into pieces with just one shot. And its claws can open you up from neck to belly in one swipe," Alvin replied.

"I'm sure glad it's in the cage," the guard said.

"Has it given you any trouble?" Alvin asked.

"No, it's just sitting there and being quiet."

"Seems like it knows its manners. Ulf, go get it something to eat. Dar, give me a moment with the beast."

Both of the guards headed out of the cave, leaving just the two of them behind. Alvin came over and knelt at the side of the cage, not a couple feet away from him.

"Such an impressive dragon. Kind of wish I could keep you myself and ride you when you get bigger."

Hiccup openly chuckled in amusement at the thought.

"Are you laughing at me?"

Yes, he nodded.

Alvin blinked in confusion, and Hiccup got up and stepped over to the bare patch of dirt where he had already carved his greeting. The ground was illuminated enough by torchlight that his message was clear to see.

Hello

Alvin took a long, hard look at the scrawling.

"Darrak. Get back here!" he shouted.

"What's the matter boss?"

Alvin crossed his arms and frowned at the guard.

"Whose idea was this joke?"

"What?" the guard was clearly confused.

"Ok, I mean it. What is the trick!" Alvin growled at the man.

Hiccup angrily snarled and knocked into the cage with a loud clang. He waited until Alvin was looking directly at him, and then he started writing.

Alvin

No trick

At that, Alvin grasped the cage with a hand that trembled. His gaze darted back and forth between the writing in the dirt and the young dragon that he had just seen carve the symbols into the ground.

"Impossible…"

I can write

"No… dragons are dumb beasts… you can't…"

Hiccup answered by pointing at the symbols and giving Alvin an obviously amused look.

"I… this is…"

Alvin wildly stepped back from the cage and turned to Darrak.

"Get out!"

The burly man was apparently very eager to oblige him and quickly departed. Alvin started pacing and only occasionally glanced over at him before resuming his pacing. Hiccup patiently watched as the terrible man started to wear a rut in the ground before the cage.

What must he be thinking? How hard is this for him?

Alvin eventually turned back to him.

"Dragon, do you understand everything I am saying?" he gruffly asked.

Hiccup slowly and deliberately nodded once without breaking eye contact.

"How?"

My Chief taught me

"Your Chief? Stoick taught you?"

Yes, he nodded.

"I don't believe it… He... how could he do that? Can any other dragons write like you?""

No.

Alvin suddenly turned away from him and started mumbling to himself. Something seemed odd about the way Alvin was surprised. He had to growl and point at the ground to recapture Alvin's attention.

Why did you capture me?

Alvin didn't even appear abashed.

"I had my men capture you because… wait, do you have a name?"

Hiccup

"Strange name for a dragon. Where have I heard that before?"

He named me after his son

"Oh. Hmm, I bet it is a sad story. Really painful for Stoick. By the divines, I'm talking to a dragon…"

And it is talking to you

"I see that! By my beard…"

Not an impressive one to be honest…

Alvin paced a few more seconds before he spoke again.

"I needed to capture you and the other Night Fury to make a point to Stoick. He and his dragon-master girl gave other tribes dragons to use, but they didn't give us any of the beasts. My people don't know how to control dragons."

Hiccup growled at that.

No control

"No? What then?"

Friendship

Alvin stared at the word and did something very out of place. He burst out laughing.

"Friendship?"

Trust

"Trust? I've never heard anything so stupid in my life! Well, actually I take that back. I have heard that before, but that was a long time ago. Look where that got her."

It's true

Alvin just shook his head, clearly unconvinced.

"There must be more than that. I'm sure that the dragon-master girl knows tricks to get dragons to do what she wants. We need to know what they know too. Being the only tribe without our own dragons would make us weak, would make me weak. We cannot be left weak."

As much as I don't like his way of thinking, he does make some sense.

What about me?

"I'll give you back to Stoick after he gets me beasts for my tribe."

That could take you a while... you remind me of the Volsung. In the meantime...

Can you take these off?

Alvin glanced at his bindings and muzzle in suspicion.

They hurt

"I guess so. You're not going to bite, are you?"

He just rolled his eyes.

"Can I trust a dragon, a talking dragon?" Alvin muttered to himself.

Alvin stared suspiciously for a few moments, and then he unlocked the cage door and let himself in.

Almost funny how nervous he is. He's much bigger than me.

Hiccup held himself very still as Alvin undid the straps at his sides and removed the layers of rope wrapped around him. Alvin hesitated for a moment with the muzzle, but eventually pulled it off as well. That left only the collar by which he was strapped to the cage. Hiccup tugged at it while looking plaintively at Alvin.

"How do I know you won't try to escape?"

Hiccup glanced at the open cage door. He could try to escape if freed.

I promise

"Promises. Those aren't worth anything."

Alvin backed away and through the door, which he then closed and locked. Surprisingly though, he walked over to the side of the cage.

"Come here."

Hiccup got up and shuffled over to the edge of the cage with the chains clanging with each step. Alvin glanced at his jaws, now free of the muzzle, and hesitated. Then he cautiously reached through the bars and unstrapped the collar, which fell to the ground with a dull thud.

Hiccup stepped back from the bars and rubbed his sore neck.

"Don't try anything, or I'll have to put them back on you."

Alvin then saw something else that he had never expected to see. He saw a dragon bow to him.

"Uh, you're welcome. Your food should be here soon."

"Darrak! Get back here."

The guard answered his call and came into the cave.

"You saw that the beast can write?"

"I think so Chief..."

"Do not tell anyone. Do you understand?"

"Yeah."

"And let me know if it starts acting up or tries to escape."

Alvin spared a single glance back at the cage and then left the cave.

Don't worry, I won't bother.

Finally being free of all the shackles and ropes, he was finally able to stretch and yawn freely, even if still in the cage. Plus, it seemed like he was going to get something to eat soon.

He isn't so bad really. Maybe a little harsh but not stupid like I thought. I just hope it isn't too long before he and my dad talk.

As nice as it was to be able to stretch his wings again, it could not compare to actually flying. But he knew to not complain about the significant improvement in his condition.

---

Stoick tightened his white-knuckled grip on the rigging. He did not even flinch as the longboat heaved in the waves, sending a spray of mist over all of their heads. The wind violently whipped his hair and beard.

He glanced back at the other three vessels following behind his. They had all been making good time for the first couple days at sea. Tomorrow, they would all arrive at the Outcast's island. Including Astrid and all the dragons that Berk controlled. And then...

It wasn't clear what was going to happen or what Alvin would do. He clasped his brother's shoulder and gave him command on deck.

"Keep it up men. I'll be below."

He ducked inside his quarters and lay down on the floor, only cushioned by the layers of furs he had laid out. He stared up at the roof as the ship slowly swayed and the minutes passed in relative silence. His fingers found his hammer's handle, which he gathered to his side. It was the one thing he had brought with him in case Alvin would prove to be stubborn, which was a definite possibility.

It's been so many years since we've seen each other. I don't know what will happen.

He closed his eyes and saw his men and women standing on the shore of Outcast Island. Hordes of vile outcasts crowded around them as axes flew every which way. Bodies fell and screams filled the air. Dragons swarmed overhead and flames sprouted from the village. He strode forth among the carnage, a visage of pure wrath with his hammer crushing skulls.

Is that who you are, my love?

He bolted awake in alarm and looked around the cabin. That voice... it was too real.

"V... Val?"

Nobody was there, of course.

"What's wrong with me?"

I wasn't this nervous back when we went to Dragon Island. Maybe it's that we might be fighting people this time.

"I didn't seek this out. He brought it on himself."

One way or another, Berk was going to forge a new, stronger reputation tomorrow.

---

The island came into view on the horizon before midday. All hands on deck stared in the same direction, everyone whispering about their destination. The cursed place that many had once held as being worse than Dragon Island.

He arranged his cape and donned his helmet.

"Steady men, steady."

"Almost reminds me of the old days, eh Chief?"

There was indeed something about the possibility of imminent combat that got ones' blood flowing.

"That it is Hakon. Stay alert when we get close. They are not expecting us."

Sure enough, there was a flurry of activity on the port's docks as the ships came closer. It certainly wasn't every day that one of the tribes received four of another tribe's ships unannounced.

He glanced back out to the skies from where Astrid and company would surely arrive.

His four ships pulled into the inlet that sheltered the port but held off on pitching anchor. They all watched as an armed crowd gathered on shore.

"Alright, I'm going ashore."

He and several other men got into a rowboat and paddled ashore. In almost no time at all, they touched shore. He was the first to jump onto land and walk up to the gathering.

They stared each other down, fifty of them to just him. But he was a Chief, and he remembered how to let it show.

"I have business with your Chief. Go get him."

It was not a minute before the crowd parted from the rear and a single large figure strode forth as the murmuring increased. The two hulking men faced each other down on the shore.

Alvin the Treacherous and Stoick the Vast.

They both stared levelly, neither saying a word or betraying any expression. The tension in the air was palpable.

"Well, well. Stoick the Vast. Not quite as vast as I remember though. I am very surprised to see you here."

"Believe me, I'm not here because I wanted a vacation."

"I was actually about to send some of my boys to give you a message myself. Really surprising that you just happened to come yourself," Alvin announced.

"Must have been the gods' will."

"It's customary for a Chief to let another Chief know about plans to pay a visit."

"Normally yes, otherwise it might seem like an unprovoked attack or veiled threat."

"Certainly, but we all know that you're just here to visit an old friend you haven't seen in, what, fifteen years now."

A silence followed.

"Well, as you are my guest here please come join me for an ale. I'm thirsty."

Stoick gruffly strode forward and followed Alvin through the Outcast's village while the rest of his men disembarked and gathered on the shore. He recognized a couple of the men he passed by and stared them down. None of the former Berkians could hold his gaze.

"What do you think about it, Stoick?"

"About what?"

"My island. My people."

"Never thought a bunch of murderers, scoundrels, and betrayers could make anything of themselves."

Alvin laughed heartily.

"Don't think that describes everyone here. Some of us are only guilty of having bigger manhood than others."

"Is that what you tell yourself? I seem to remember that your 'performance' with women was nothing to speak of."

"Ha! That was a long time ago, my friend..."

They arrived at the Outcast's mead hall.

"Everyone out!" Alvin roared.

"Why?" a burly drunk man slurred.

"Because I said so and you don't want to be fish bait, that's why."

Everyone else left except the two of them and one serving girl who timidly brought them both drinks.

"So, why are you here, dear vomitbrains?"

Stoick slammed the table and almost spilled the ale at being called his hideous childhood name.

"I think we both know why I'm here. You attacked me."

Alvin crossed his arms and frowned.

"Well, I have no idea what you are talking about. Do tell."

"You sent men onto Berk and captured one of my dragons. I know you did."

"How do you know that?"

"It doesn't matter how I know. What matters is that you are going to give him back to me."

Alvin leaned forward.

"I know your secret. The dragon's secret."

Stoick forgot to breathe for a moment. Had Hiccup told Alvin the truth? Had he figured out on his own somehow?

"What secret is that?"

"That it is clever and can talk, er, it can write. That you somehow managed to teach it. And it is a Night Fury too. That makes it all the more valuable and special."

"Where is he?"

Alvin waved his hand in every direction.

"Hidden."

It was Stoick's turn to lean forward, his anger starting to show.

"I swear, if you have hurt him..."

"Oh no, I've done no such thing. My boys gave it a bit of a bruise when they captured it, but nothing else."

"Why did you take him?"

"Stoick... you should be able to figure that out."

"Tell me yourself."

"Getting a little slow I see. Fine. You've shared your dragon-knowledge with the other tribes, with the Vaina and the Volsung. I've heard that they are taming their own beasts now. We don't have any of them tamed."

"So you kidnapped one of my dragons to make us share our secrets?"

"Exactly."

"You could have just come to us and asked. Why didn't you just ask?"

"Stoick, would you have told us if I came to you and politely grovelled at your feet?"

"No, but that is not the point. You could have tried."

"I didn't see a point wasting time."

"Ok, I'll save us both some more time. You will give me back my dragon now, and we will leave in peace. I'll even consider sharing some of what we know about them."

"And what assurance would I have that you would honor your side of the bargain?"

"My word of honor."

Alvin naturally rolled his eyes and groaned.

"But I know you don't understand that," Stoick said.

"I see we still understand each other at least that much. And I don't think I am going to give it up. It's my leverage over you, so to speak."

Stoick got up from the table and opened the tavern door.

"Why did you come here Stoick? You knew I couldn't give it up for nothing."

"Yeah, I knew that."

Stoick marched out of the tavern and set out for the docks, where he was met by the same crowd and about thirty of his strongest men. Everyone had some form of weapon with them.

"So, you don't want your beastie back after all, is that right?"

He didn't answer. All he did was pick up his hammer.

"I mean it Stoick. Do you think you can frighten me with a few men? We have you outnumbered five to one."

"I know. You have more men, but I have them," he pointed out over the sea, where figures were fast approaching.

Alvin's smug grin faded quickly as he grasped what was going on. His men were ready to fight against people on the ground, but no one had grabbed bows, pikes, or shields to fight against dragons.

"So what are you going to do Stoick? Threaten us with your tame lizards? No, that's not you."

"You think you know me? I will protect my own!"

He couldn't add anything more before the air was filled with the beats of dozens of wings. Bright red Nightmares, sparkling Nadders, serpentine Zipplebacks, a couple of the heartier Gronkles, and even one Night Fury.

All the gathered Outcasts started looking up at the swirling mass gathering over their village and swarming over their heads as though they expected an attack at any second.

One of the blue Nadders separated from the flock and dove straight for the gathering near the shore. The Outcasts started to back away in fear, leaving a clearing right before Stoick. Stormfly gracefully touched down in the clearing and hissed at the assembled gathering.

"Chief!"

"Good to see you Astrid."

"So it's true, that's a sight I've never seen before," Alvin muttered as he stepped forward.

Astrid stared at him from her perch and then dismounted in a single fluid motion. She stood not twenty paces away from some of the vilest men in the realms and felt absolutely no fear. She even recognized a few faces from the previous evening, one of whom she would have gladly stabbed. Lucan stared at her in shock and disbelief.

"My, my, what a pretty thing you are..." Alvin teased.

"If you try to touch me, she will roast you alive."

"Oh, I believe it. Just teasing you. You certainly do control your beast well."

"It's not really about control, Alvin. I trust her, and she trusts me. I think she likes carrying me around, and I like caring for her needs. It's a relationship."

Alvin grimaced and seemed unconvinced.

"What! No... He said the same thing, but that can't be it."

"Nope, that's it. That is our big secret. Be good to the dragons, and they will be good to you. Of course, that requires that you are able to be good, so you might have some issues with that part."

They were then interrupted by a truly frightening sound, something that had been so ingrained into their collective memories that even the Berkians reacted on instinct and ducked for cover. The sound of a Night Fury dive.

Toothless pulled up at the last second and landed alongside Stormfly. Then he bounded up to Astrid and stared down the male two-leg who was clearly this nest's Alpha. He bared all his teeth and growled dangerously.

Alvin, to his credit, managed to not flinch, though he did look quite perturbed.

"So that is the other Fury. Guess it didn't die after all."

Another growl was all he got.

"It sure doesn't seem as friendly as mine."

"You captured his brother, so of course he is angry," Astrid explained.

"Enough, it's time to end this! Alvin, get my dragon and bring him here," Stoick exclaimed.

Alvin gave a signal and several men ran off into the forest. They emerged several minutes later leading their captive by a heavy metal chain. Stoick clenched his fists at the sight and barely managed to restrain his anger.

Toothless snarled openly and took several threatening steps in Alvin's direction before Astrid stepped in his way.

"No Toothless, wait..."

He very reluctantly settled down, though he kept his malice-filled eyes trained on Alvin.

"Alright Stoick, here it is. Alive and well as I said," Alvin said when he took hold of the chain.

"Set him free now."

"And what do I get back?"

"Your life."

"My life?"

"And the lives of all your people. Sounds like a good deal to me."

"You need to do better than that Stoick, that's not your style."

"Listen to me, all of you! You will give me back that dragon, or we will burn down every one of your buildings and ships!"

All the Outcasts and Berkians had by now drawn their weapons, though the Outcasts looked noticeably more nervous given the swarm above their heads and village. No one moved while the two proud men stared each other down in a battle of resolve. The seconds passed as nerves began to fray.

"Fine. Astrid, go do it."

"Just a moment Stoick! What is wrong with you?" Alvin blurted out.

"Nothing."

"But you would really want a war with us? How many people would die? You would threaten us like that all over a dragon, are you serious?"

Stoick rested a hand on his hammer hanging from his side.

"Yes."

Alvin now looked thoroughly flustered, and he was clearly weighing his options. Astrid decided to take the opportunity to speak up.

"Alvin, my Chief means it. You don't understand how special Hiccup is to Stoick and the rest of Berk."

Something seemed to change in Alvin's visage, a grim resignation became apparent.

"I do understand that. That's why I have to do this."

Alvin drew a dagger from a pocket and, quick as lightning, held it against Hiccup's neck, drawing a whimper of fear from Hiccup and gasps of shock from everyone else. Stoick's smug confidence was broken, and he visibly wavered. Astrid felt a chill like ice in her veins, and she barely managed to restrain Toothless from leaping at Alvin in desperation. This was not at all how she had hoped the encounter would play out, and something tragic could happen at any moment.

She quickly stepped forward and put herself in the clearing between the two peoples.

"Ok, everyone stay calm. Alvin, if you kill him, we will have no mercy on any of your people. Don't you know that?"

"Girl, what is your name?"

"Astrid Hoffirdottir."

"You have quite a fire in your belly. About my tribe, we don't stand a chance in the world anymore unless we get our own dragons, as Stoick knows quite well. So I'm not really risking anything that isn't already lost."

"But you aren't lost. We can still teach you what you need to learn to... get your own dragons as you say."

"Let me guess," he sneered, "give up the dragon first and trust that you won't turn on us the moment you have him back?"

"Of the two of us, who is the one who is known for treachery and being faithless?"

She held up her hands to show that she was unarmed and slowly walked up to Alvin. She lowered her voice so that only he could hear and chose her words very carefully.

"Stoick raised both of them. Hiccup is like a son to him, strange as it seems. Do the right thing... for everyone."

Alvin didn't move or say anything for a long time. Outcasts and Berkians alike started looking around at each other, unsure of what was going to happen.

"Well, when you put it that way..."

Alvin then put the dagger away and unlooped the rope from Hiccup's neck. Then he gave Hiccup a soft nudge on his flank.

"Go on, go home."

An audible sigh of relief went through the gathered crowd as Hiccup darted over to stand behind Stoick. Toothless also dashed over to Hiccup's side and snuggled close to him.

"So now what Stoick?" Alvin asked.

Stoick got back up and walked forward to meet Alvin again.

"You've got your beastie back. Now what are you going to do?"

Stoick was torn on what to do. His wrathful side still wanted vengeance for the wrongs that Alvin had done to him and to Hiccup. On the other hand though, Alvin had given in, and he did have a duty to keep his people safe and alive.

Give in to what he wanted, or swallow his pride and righteous anger? What kind of Chief was he?

"Astrid, go lead everyone back home."

"Yes, sir," she eagerly replied before hopping on Stormfly. The two were aloft a moment later.

"I'll tell you what Alvin. You pick ten of your people and send them to Berk when you are ready. We'll teach them what we know about the dragons, just like we have with the Vaina and Volsung."

"You would really allow Outcasts on your island?"

"No one will like the idea, but I will tolerate it."

"Ok Stoick, that's a good enough deal for me."

"Good."

Neither of them cared for pleasantries now that they had reached their agreement. Alvin called to his men, and they all turned back to return to their village. They were all visibly relieved that the dragons that had been circling over their homes had turned out to sea and were departing the island.

Stoick turned to his gathered troops. Everyone's relief was palpable.

"I know we are all tired of being at sea. But I don't think anyone wants to spend the night here on this island. Let's go home!"

Everyone raised their fists and cheered repeatedly. Even Toothless joined in with a triumphant roar at his nest's success. Then all the men and the two dragons started toward the port, with many of the men giving Hiccup a pat on the head and a few words of encouragement.

"Did those bad two-legs hurt you?" Toothless asked.

"No."

"Do I need to flame this nest when I am bigger?"

"No Toothless."

Toothless just grumbled in disappointment.

"You go with your sire. I will fly with water-walker."

Toothless then jumped into the air and started gliding above them. The rest of them arrived at the port and started reembarking on the ships when...

"Stoick!"

Stoick groaned and turned around at Alvin's voice.

Now what does he want?

Alvin ran up to him all alone.

"I almost forgot to tell you. You should probably do something about Dagur."

"Dagur? Of the Berserkers? What about him?"

Alvin raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"You don't know? I thought if anyone would know, it would be you."

"Nope. No idea."

"Well, well. I know something that Berk doesn't know. You really should get out into the world more."

"Are you going to tell?"

Alvin paused for dramatic effect.

"I heard that he is looking for a Skrill."

---

Stoick stood on deck and stared out over the sea. The skies were clear of clouds and all but one dragon who had unsurprisingly stayed with the boat to keep Hiccup company. They had all been at sea for a full day since leaving Outcast Island, which gave him plenty of time to think.

Alvin had shared all that he knew, not that it was much. All he knew was that Dagur had the idea to unite all the Berserkers behind the ancient symbol of their peoples. No one knew why they had chosen the Skrill as their symbol. All that mattered was that if he were to find and tame a Skrill, the Berserkers would be a far greater threat as a united force.

And that didn't include how destructive a Skrill could be. He thought back to the last time he had ever witnessed such a dragon in battle. It had been decades ago before he was even the Chief. There were no other dragons in the air that night, the Skrill was destructive enough on its own. Everything metallic began to burn with the same lightning as the storm overhead. Those who did not drop their weapons got their hands melted, and only the rain prevented the homes and buildings from burning down. It was as though Thor's power itself had become incarnate in the Skrill's presence. The mystical power the beast seemed able to wield made it almost as feared and hated as Night Furies.

The idea of such a powerful weapon in the control of a warlike people who answered to a deranged leader was very unsettling. At least Alvin had understandable motives. Neither he nor Alvin had any idea where the Outcasts had gone to find a Skrill. There wasn't much that anyone could do except hope that Dagur never found what he was looking for.

He went back into his cabin to escape the activity for a moment. His heart was moved once again to anger and pity when he saw Hiccup apparently sound asleep, partly wrapped up under a few spare wool blankets on the floor.

Hiccup had done almost nothing but sleep in the two days since they left Outcast Island. He suspected that Hiccup was intentionally trying to avoid talking about anything. Could he really blame him? Hiccup had been captured and held prisoner by Outcasts for several weeks during which he was chained by the neck and treated like a dumb beast.

He walked over and knelt at Hiccup's side. Despite not being someone usually prone to outward displays of tenderness, he put a hand on Hiccup's shoulder.

"Son?" he whispered.

No response.

Sigh.

"I know you can hear me."

Hiccup slowly nodded without opening his eyes.

"I don't have anything to write on now. We can… uh… talk about it all when we get home. Deal?"

Hiccup grunted once in acknowledgment.

"Don't worry, you are safe now. I will never let anything like that happen again. I promise."

Hiccup peeked out and looked up at his father before solemnly nodding once.

"I'll be up on deck if you need me. It is a nice day. You might think about… flying. It might get your mind off what happened."

Then he left his son and returned to the deck. He folded his hands on the railing and looked out toward the horizon where Berk would eventually appear. Toothless continued to circle the boat up above on the evening breeze.

Astrid did very well. She got Alvin to come to his senses when I couldn't.

Her performance led to another significant realization. One which he hadn't made at the time but had been reluctantly considering over the last couple days.

She is becoming a real leader. Maybe even enough to lead us if... I cannot find a way to fix Hiccup.