Chapter 11 - Captured:
They climbed up higher into the sky, and returned to their normal flying height. But both their eyes were kept on the ground below them. Observing.
The largely market area seemed to spread over a wide area. Appearing as stalls, small buildings and outlets.
Further they flew, once again the scenery changed.
Now they could see straight ahead of them in a westerly direction, not far after the markets stopped was yet another wall, circling around a vast area.
Only this time, this area appeared greener and fresher, nicer smells were apparent. It seemed that, this area was for fruit and vegetables. And farming too, as they could see several paddocks in this whole area. This must be the West side.
Still, to their far left in the southerly direction, Hiccup could see the ocean, though he couldn't see the wharves he spotted before.
They kept going west, and it appeared that after the wall was purely desert, flat plains and basically nothing.
"Let's turn right, head North. We know what's on the East, South and West sides now." Said Hiccup.
Toothless nodded, still not talking. And Hiccup didn't blame him, he didn't want to talk either after what horrid things he had just seen.
But they needed an overview of Myrka. They needed to know how big it was and what it consisted of.
The Night Fury turned and returned along their same flight path, now heading East.
Toothless returned to hover right above what appeared to be the central part of Myrka Markets, still very high up in the air.
"All right." Hiccup got out his compass, and directed Toothless in a northward direction.
So he began heading north, and eventually the markets stopped.
This time, what could be seen now after the markets ended into a flat desert like plain, however with a clear and defined road track between the markets and what was ahead of them.
Houses were what was here. All of which appeared exactly the same in size and shape.
Hiccup didn't know why exactly, but so far including Berk, Dyflin and now Myrka, Vikings all seem to have a fascination with building triangular houses out of only wood.
These houses looked almost the same as the ones on Berk, rather than Dyflins'. On Dyflin their houses were more oval shaped and less pointy.
They stretched for miles, and each one faced the same direction. They all were the same colour, and they went on for ages. In spatial terms, these houses stretched for a larger distance than the markets did, but at least a little more spread out.
So, this must be where all the other Vikings live. I wonder if the prisoners ever come here or if they are forced to stay in the prison.
Eventually, the houses came to an end. At this end, was one pathway which seemed to have less Vikings. However, at the end of the pathway, was something that took them completely by surprise.
A huge crater in the ground, filled with netting around the top like the craters in the prison, packed with at least thousands of what appeared to be from this distance, seats all around the edge.
It sloped down from the seats to a yet again stained red and brown ground.
Around the outside were large entrances to the seating area, and finally one very huge entrance. There also were entrances into the ground. The pathway that led from the markets split in two and circled around the crater till it met once again on the other side.
Was this some sort of humongous arena? Like a stadium?
Hiccup thought so, its appearance suited exactly that.
The very large entrance on the north side of the stadium had the long pathway leading from it. But now the pathway looked almost empty, and seemed to be far cleaner and it was coloured a dark red.
Following it with his eyes, Hiccup watched the pathway till it led to at last what looked like some sort of extremely big building.
Rather like a castle, perfectly symmetrical. It had pointed roofs from towering watch towers. Its windows small and squared. However directly above the massive doors at what appeared to be the main entrance, was one large window.
At the castle's front, were two lushy vibrant green lawns. One on either side of the leading pathway.
This must be where Myrka's leaders are.
Still they flew on, but behind the castle was just long, deserted flat light brown plains. With no sign of any other urban or industrial areas.
"So, that's all of Myrka." Hiccup affirmed. Letting out a huge breath.
"Yes." Toothless growled. "Let's go back to the mountains and find somewhere to stop."
Hiccup nodded, Toothless seemed to know what he was thinking.
He whipped around, and began flying rather quick back to where they came from.
It took a bit of time, but at the faster speed they got to the edge of the forest on the opposite of Myrka on one of the mountains they flew in-between earlier.
It certainly was a steep-ish slope. As Hiccup dismounted the Night, he nearly fell over when he touched the ground. Having to suddenly grip Toothless to avoid so.
"Well, we found Myrka." Muttered Toothless. Hiccup turned and looked at him as he sat. He looked like he was about to explode. His ears were steadily flattening, his eyes were narrowing and his teeth were out.
"It's okay-" Hiccup tried, but it was useless.
"ARRRGH!" Toothless roared, losing control of himself and sprinting to the forest. He began shooting fire blasts in all directions.
Hiccup sat down, and prepared to wait it out.
"HOW DARE THESE PEOPLE!"
Another fire blast, hitting a tree and setting fire to it. Luckily there was no wind blowing so it didn't spread.
"WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE!"
Another.
"GREAT ICE OF BEWILDERBEAST, HOW ON OUR GREAT EARTH DID THINGS GET THIS WAY?!"
He ran into several trees, knocking a few down and uprooting them before sending another fire blast into the sky.
The fire on the tree earlier burnt the tree to the ground, it did not spread to any other trees.
"WISEST ONES, HOW COULD SIX PEOPLE AND DRAGONS EVEN POSSIBLY CHANGE THE MINDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE?! LOOK AT WHAT THEY HAVE DONE AND ARE DOING!"
He ran back towards Hiccup, and sprinted up the side of one of the mountains. His steps thundering the whole area.
"OH, NOT TO MENTION DESTROY THE QUEEN!"
He got to the tip and roared his loudest Hiccup had ever heard. An ear piercing, deafening and deep roar that would even make the gods cower in his presence.
The sound would have travelled for miles around. Hiccup was sure all of Myrka would have heard that.
After another minute…
"Toothless."
Hiccup didn't even yell, or speak very loudly. His voice was just above a whisper. But Hiccup knew Toothless would hear it. He didn't have great hearing for nothing.
The young man Hiccup looked up towards the mountain, and saw his best friend slowly sliding down the frosty tip.
Then he started running down the slope, till he eventually made it back and he seemed nervous.
He trod gently on the ground, keeping his head down and ears flat. And lay down directly in front of Hiccup. As if he was expecting to be punished.
Hiccup smiled at him.
"Toothless, nothing is impossible. Except this."
The Night looked up, confused.
"That's why we're here. To make the impossible possible. We may not be able to do enough just being the two of us, but if we find and unite the Six, who knows what we'll be able to achieve. All we have to do, is find them and get them out of Myrka."
"Let's think about what we know. We know that Gothi said two are in Myrka, we're pretty certain one of them is named Kormak and he's a guy. If he was taken from Dyflin, its possible that he is in the prison."
"As for the other, I'll have to find myself."
He nodded, looking solemn.
Hiccup stood up and grabbed his face. Staring right into his eyes. "We can do this."
"I know."
After a while they separated.
"So, any ideas?" Said Toothless.
"Let's go and get a closer look at the prisons. See if we can sneak up and I'll try and find out anything I can about Kormak." Hiccup suggested.
"What if we get caught?"
Hiccup sighed, "You know, I hate to say this. But getting caught may be our only way in and finding out."
Toothless shook his head. "There is no way that is happening."
Hiccup gave a light chuckle, not doubting Toothless would let that happen anytime soon.
"Okay, well let's perhaps take another fly over the prisons. So if we can find somewhere hidden to land and sneak in. How about that?" Hiccup asked, as an alternative suggestion that didn't sound too bad.
Hiccup stood up, getting bits of gravel off his pants.
"Hmm. Well it's risky, but I can't think of a better one."
The Night stood up too, and shook himself. Giving a scratch to his neck.
"Ready bud?"
Toothless winked and nodded. "As ready as never."
Giving a short laugh, he jumped onto Toothless and they were back in the air once again. Where they belonged.
He climbed yet again into the sky, and turned around to fly in-between the mountains.
As soon as they went over the edge of the mountains, the sight of the cleared forests, the huge wall and the prisons could be seen.
The Night Fury flew high to start with, checking out the area. There were still many Vikings walking around between the cleared forests. Though most seemed to be heading back towards the prisons, or more likely to Myrka markets. Carrying wood.
The Timberjack, or as Toothless called it, the Snapwood, was nowhere to be seen.
Now flying over the wall, Toothless flew lower. They were now flying above the dragon prisons.
Suddenly, screams of "FIRE!" rung out across the whole area.
Before they even registered what was happening, at least five bola nets came flying out of nowhere straight at them. The bola launchers were actually camouflaged against the brown dirt in random corners with Vikings standing next to them.
Toothless suddenly lurched and swerved so violently to avoid them, and fast, Hiccup was thrown out of the saddle, and sent plummeting.
"HHIICCUUUUPP!" Roared the Night Fury as he was tangled in a net and falling too.
"TOOOOTHLESSS!" He screamed back, though he wasn't tangled in a bola net.
Hiccup screamed all the way down, but landed successfully on his hands and feet. It hurt a little but not enough to cause damage. After all he did have Night Fury strength.
"TOOTHLESS!" Hiccup yelled, now standing and running around the dragon craters.
Suddenly Vikings came around another crater in the distance and saw him.
"ALL HANDS, INTRUDER!"
All those men came charging towards him, Hiccup did the only thing he could do.
Run.
He sprinted in the direction he thought Toothless was in, and ran around several craters, some of which the dragons inside spat fire out seemingly in defence.
He rounded a corner and accidently ran into about five men who were standing in front of Toothless.
"You're gonna pay for that."
Those were the last words Hiccup heard. As he felt a sudden jab of something in his shoulder. Before he passed out though, he caught a blurred glimpse of a black mass in chains and with several tranquillizers sticking out of him.
He awoke to searing pain.
"Welcome back to the land of consciousness. Mr."
And again, alarmingly a fierce sharp sting of pain on his back. He screamed out in agony.
He was standing up. And he opened his eyes, saw that he was facing a bright red slab of wood, and then sun's brightness forced them shut again.
He couldn't move. As he regained his senses, he realised he wasn't wearing any clothes. His arms were tied up above his head, and his legs were tied too.
"What the-"
Another lash.
"OWWW!" Hiccup screamed.
Laughter. He heard many people behind him laughing.
"That's more like it boy." Taunted someone.
His back was killing him. He could feel long deep cuts to his back. There were at least three already. He realised he was being whipped.
"You're new here, ain't ya you piece of filth." Spat someone.
"I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTH- OOWWWW!" Another crack of the whip.
Blood was certainly dripping out of him like water from a mug. He had never felt such pain.
"Now that is where you are wrong boy." The same man spoke. "You were found in the restricted area where some of our food supply comes from."
"All newcomers to Myrka must come by boat, and only stay in the markets. Unless their business requires our leaders. That is our law. Surely you know that, our laws are known to most Viking tribes."
"Anyone unknown to Myrka's guards who is found in the north, east or west sides without permission or evidence that they can be in such areas, shall be punished."
"But I wasn't doi- OOWWW!"
"Don't start arguing with me boy! And what's more, you were riding a dragon! A rare type too, we haven't seen that type of dragon before. But you're not the first dragon rider we've caught. You're the second, as a matter of fact."
"WHAT HAVE YOU DON- AAHHHHH!" He screamed again as another loud crack of the whip tore into his back.
"And don't worry, your precious dragon will be fine. We'll take great care of him."
"YOU LAY ONE- OOWWWW!"
"That's enough out of you. If you keep talking, I'll whip ya twenty times! That's seven so far. Are you going to keep speaking?"
Whimpering and crying, he shook his head and forced his lips shut.
More laughter. "Good boy."
He felt a sudden jab at one of his buttocks, and he plunged into darkness.
He awoke to find himself in shade, and lying face down on the ground. Which was gravel and sandy. He felt something wet pressing into his back. Disgusting smells wafted into his nose. It smelt like sewerage.
"Owww." Hiccup moaned, feeling his painful stinging cuts in his back, he was in so much pain.
So that wasn't a dream. I was being whipped.
"What's your name?" A voice above him spoke.
Hiccup turned his head and rested his cheek on the ground. He saw lots of people standing around, all looking at him.
"Hiccup."
All the people around him made noises of complaints and groans.
"Ohhh, I would never have guessed that." Said one, clearly upset.
"What a stupid name. Why couldn't you have a better one?" Said another.
Another gentle dab of wet clothing onto his back. It seared, and Hiccup hissed in pain.
"Ignore those idiots. They always do that to newcomers." The voice behind him said.
"How long have I been here? And can I stand up?" Hiccup asked.
"You got into this cell about a few hours ago. You won't be able to stand up. No one could possibly stand after being whipped seven times and after three hours sleep." Said the voice behind.
"Well I'm going to try." He muttered, determined.
He felt the hand with the rag being withdrawn.
Hiccup brought his hands up, and pushed.
It was searing pain, but he just managed to sit up, then push with his legs, which hurt a lot and finally stood up. His back was killing him, but he could just deal with it.
He looked around. All around him were guys. One looking as young as him, another looking at least forty. And two others, one who looked in his twenties and the other who looked in his thirties. Then he turned right around and saw the guy holding the cloth. He looked in his thirties too.
It was a wet rag, stained red and a bucket of water on the ground next to him. Looking around, he knew he was in one of the cages. Sturdy, tough and rough looking bars surrounded him.
He could see outside too, and all along he could see other cages in the distance all on this solid, gravel dirt. Although none of them had a cover over them except this one.
Hiccup noticed all of a sudden that all the guys in the room were staring at him. And even some of the guys in the other cells were too. Most with shocked, stunned faces.
"What?" He asked.
"How- how are you standing? You've been whipped seven times and you're standing, the guard said it was seven whips. I've never seen anyone stand so fast after being whipped more than three times after waking up." The guy with the rag said.
"You're not even half as buff as most of the guys in here."
"Aren't you in heaps of pain?"
"How did you get here?"
Hiccup was getting bombarded with questions.
"Look everyone just stop for a second." He held out his hands in front of him, and suddenly noticed his birthmark on his arm.
It was black, no glow or anything.
Thoughts of Toothless came rushing back to him.
"TOOTHLESS!" He screamed.
He ran to the bars, "WHERE IS TOOTHLESS?!" he started pulling and smashing his fists against the bars.
"Dude, shut up! You'll get us all in trouble!"
"But-but, Toothless…"
Hiccup sank down to the ground, on his hands and knees and bawled his eyes out. Not even caring about the pain in his back.
"How is he doing that? He's moving all over the place…" Muttered another guy.
"Who is Toothless?" Asked another guy.
Wiping his tears, he muttered, "He's my friend."
Hiccup brought his arm around and stared at the mark. "I-I'm sorry bud. I failed yo-you. I'm so-so sorry." He sobbed.
Hiccup heard many footsteps, and all the guys went behind him. Hiccup hid his arm into his chest, not wanting it to be seen.
"Where am I?" Hiccup asked, now wiping his face with his hand and sniffing. He stood up and faced the others.
"Myrka prison." The five guys said at once. "Well, the male one. They separate the boys and girls into different sections. You're in the male healing cell now. All these guys are my assistants. I'm the healer." Said the guy with the rag.
Hiccup held out his hand. "I'm Hiccup."
The guy took it and shook. "I'm Brand."
Brand was the tallest. Though his legs weren't that long, his chest and neck were. He had brown eyes. He was also quite thin.
Hiccup noticed Brand, and everyone else in the cell as well as in the other cells, were all shirtless. Most were a darkly skinned brown colour, a couple of them were white, and Hiccup was one of them. Then he suddenly wondered if he was shirtless too.
He looked down and saw he was shirtless too, but he had baggy, torn grey pants. Just like everyone else.
Brand turned around. He pointed to the youngest guy. "This is –"
Hiccup heard thundering footsteps coming towards their cage, just as someone shouted "You're standing already boy?"
He whipped around and saw a medium sized Viking wearing a sort of uniform. With two bright red stripes going vertically from his shoulder to the bottom end of his long sleeve t-shirt. Two diagonal line strokes of brown going through the middle horizontally, and the rest of the uniform was completely black.
He walked menacingly towards the cell, and Hiccup backed off a little.
"Well, time to take you to your own cell."
"Sir," began Brand, "His wounds need to heal. Please let him take this cloth so he can dab them."
"Fine." Said the guard as he began unlocking the cell.
Brand quickly thrust the rag into the bucket once more, then passed it to Hiccup.
The guard opened the caged door, and grabbed Hiccup and held him up in the air above his head as if holding a barrel.
"You're heavier than you look!" Exclaimed the guard.
He took Hiccup outside and threw him onto the ground.
Hiccup screamed in pain, having landed on his back. Bits of gravel and dirt creeping into his wounds. Though he did not release the cloth.
The guard cackled and turned around to lock the door once again and shove the keys into his pocket.
He picked Hiccup up again, this time holding him is his arms due to him thrashing around.
Hiccup tried to get out of the grip, but it was useless. He was too weak and the guard was strong. So he gave up and went still. Clutching the rag tightly.
Eventually he reached another cage, which was empty and unlocked.
He dropped Hiccup inside and locked the door.
Hiccup, overcome by pain and tiredness of thrashing around before, fell asleep.
He awoke to a freezing ground. He was curled up on the gravel in his own cell this time and shivering. For a moment he thought he was on that rocky island he woke up on yesterday.
Opening his eyes, he knew it was night time. He could see.
"Hey buddy, you okay?"
Hiccup looked towards the other cells to his left, and saw one guy, who like him, was also shirtless and wearing a pair of torn, grey pants in a cell opposite him.
"Yeah I'm great. Never felt better." Hiccup replied. Trying to keep his voice down, he hated to think what would happen if he was caught talking.
The guy gave a warm hearted chuckle.
Hiccup realised he was still holding the wet rag.
"I know this is going to sound weird, but it's what all the slaves and prisoners ask newcomers once they are put into their own cell. It's only some stupid prophecy that I swear someone made up, but we ask it anyway." The guy spoke.
Hiccup nodded and sat up, grunting in pain. He began dabbing his wounds from what he could reach with the rag.
"All right, what is it?"
The guy sighed, as if he had asked this question to people a million times.
"Apparently, there's this prophecy/legend that was made up years ago. It goes like this, 'It was said that the one who rides the dragon of night would free us from our slavery and imprisonment.'"
The guy laughed his head off.
"I know! It sounds ludicrous right? Who the hell would ride a dragon anyway?" He chuckled to himself.
Hiccup said nothing. He wasn't sure whether he should say anything.
"Now you're not answering me, you must think I'm insane." He laughed again.
Hiccup turned and looked at him.
"I don't think you're insane."
The guy smiled, "Thanks. But yeah, know anyone who rides a dragon?"
After a furious debate in Hiccups head, he finally came up with an answer.