"I found it in a rather ornate chest," Skulder said, running a gentle hand over the stone's surface. "I suspect the chest was once locked but it seemed a landslide sent rock and ice into the hut it was in. The chest looked as if it had been smashed against the opposite stone wall. I think the lock snapped when that happened, though I never did find it."

"Is the box still where you found this?" Gyda asked, frowning.

"Oh, my yes," Skulder answered. "The landslide had to have been a powerful one because that chest was rather heavy."

Hiccup's eyebrow lifted when Gyda spun to face him.

"May myself and Shadowfire go retrieve this chest?"

Hiccup's brow furrowed. "You think it will help?"

Gyda glanced at Onyxwing, who had moved halfway down the cavern when they settled the stone tablet upon a barrel Skulder asked them to bring from his camp. Hiccup had been grateful since there was no furniture of any sort in the nest and he did not relish sitting on stone to stare at the carving.

"I suspect the chest was magically sealed and/or trapped," Gyda whispered, leaning closer.

Onyxwing snorted. [I can still hear you, Elder Gyda,] he said. [And you are correct. Magic was used to seal all of this away.]

"Can you tell us why?" Skulder said, seemingly unphased by the dragon's words.

Hiccup guessed after having a mage unlock an ability to hear dragons, one speaking of magic sealing anything did not seem that farfetched. That or Skulder did not realize the significance of Onyxwing's words and presence.

[No,] Onyx said, head lowered and eyes closed. His sensing lobes rested flat against his skull and his wings curled inward against his body. [It is not something I wish to speak of right now.]

"Then I shall not push," Skulder replied, smiling at the dragon.

Hiccup tipped his head to Skulder before looking at Gyda. "Go," he said, "but take Fish with you please. Meatlug could better get into those ruins and if any of the stone starts to fall, she'll probably eat it."

[I would gladly eat all the stone.]

Hiccup knew Meatlug wanted to add the honorific but stopped herself. Hiccup was grateful. Skulder still did not know the Berkian dragons bowed to Hiccup and called him alpha.

"Oh," Skulder cried, "please don't unless you have to. The site must be preserved so I can do research. I'm certain this village is connected to Berk's past."

Only because he was standing where he could see the dragon did Hiccup notice Onyxwing twitch.

"Snotlout, you and Hookfang go with Gyda and the others as back up."

Hiccup waited until those going had left before stepping away from Skulder and the table. The twins looked up from where they were sitting and leaning against Barf and Belch. Said dragon looked tired, which Hiccup could understand, given the size of the explosion earlier. Hiccup was happy to note both teens had immediately directed their dragon to lay down when they entered this cavern.

Hiccup moved over to them and leaned closer so he could whisper.

"Get some sleep. We'll wake you before anything fun and interesting happens."

Barf and Belch cooed before curling around and laying their heads in their chosen rider's lap. Ruff and Tuff smiled at Hiccup and began scratching their dragon's horns. Soon both heads were lightly snoring. Hiccup smiled and continued on until he stood in front of Onyxwing.

"Let's step out," he whispered. "I need to speak to you, Silent, and Sunburn."

Onyx began walking towards the opening. Sunburn followed him. Hiccup glanced back. Astrid walked over.

"Skulder, we'll be back," Hiccup said. "Guys," he said looking at the remaining dragons, "Skulder might ask you all some questions. You can answer if you wish."

The dragons chorused soft agreements though Hiccup could see all of them sharing a glance he knew all too well. Skulder could ask as many questions as he wanted, but the dragons would tell him only what was considered general knowledge. Topics held solely for nest and flock would not be addressed. Period. Hiccup tipped his head, grateful his dragons knew what to do. He and Astrid then followed Sunburn, Onyx, and Silent out of the cavern and down the corridor far enough their words would not carry back.

"I know you don't wish to speak of all that happened," Hiccup began, "and I won't pry but I get the feeling there was more you did want to say back there."

Onyxwing sighed. [You're right. The story is painful for all involved. Sunburn and I also don't want to talk about it without our riders being present. It's as much their story as it is ours. And you're also correct about me wanting to say more. The path must be followed, Hiccup. There are things you need to learn so none of us can just tell you the answer.]

Hiccup grunted. More tests. Dragons did seem to enjoy giving those. Some were great. The race the Changewing king had Hiccup and Toothless run being the greatest of those. Some were not fun at all. Even though he knew she was not supposed to do what she did, Toothless' aunt's test still stung.

[Sorry, Hiccup,] Onyxwing said. [It was not an easy decision for any involved. Please know we don't do this with the intentions my daughter had. She tested you from a point of bitterness that I can't explain right now. The tests waiting for you were designed by Sunburn's rider but with my rider's aid. They are not meant to hurt you as my daughter's was. They're supposed to strengthen you.]

Hiccup hummed then he frowned. "Your test sounds like Gyda's words about our future. She won't tell us many things because she said somethings we still have to experience and learn from it."

"I wonder though how much of that future was told to her," Astrid said, "and how much we will actually go through."

Hiccup frowned. "You and I may need to ask her later when we get home. I want her to have time to fully read her father's letter and journal before speaking with her about it."

Onyxwing chuckled. Hiccup faced him and lifted an eyebrow. Onyxwing shook himself but did not speak. Hiccup's gaze shifted to Silent then back to Onyxwing.

"Why me?" he asked hoping this would be something they could answer.

[I'm sorry?]

"Silent came here for me. You just said I have to endure these tests and learn from them. Why me?"

Literally Nobody: Yeah, they do. Thank. If there ever is a moment of that, please let me know. Hehe, I'm glad my story is helping you learn new things. I kinda get the feeling that as a chief's son he would know more than the others in the tribe would. That and he is seriously curious about things. Skulder is awesome and we'll see what's in the box soon. Have a good day/night.