3). The Ship
1747 A.D
Northern Atlantic
Uncharted Island
British Sovereign Waters
15:38 PM
The ship sat in the dry dock, almost glaring at the crew and there fearless Captain.
It's demonic charm terrified the crew, not Hiccup. He was intrigued by the fine vessel. How did it arrive here, what happened to her and where are her crew?
They approached the dry dock and were they impressed, precious metals lay untouched for what appeared to be decades they were layered in dust.
Fishlegs peered at the tools and gasped, they were so finely produced, for he proclaimed. 'A work of the Gods.'
Hiccup peered at the Demonic vessel for over 15 minutes. She had layers upon layers of reinforced hull, her main deck consisted of 20 cannons, her gudeck consisted of 22 heavy cannons, her stern was large and stacked up a further 2 levels and included an assortment of inspection balcony's like the traditional Dutch galleons of old. He enjoyed the decrotive features , such as the Demon inspired port-holes and the large Sconces at the Stern of the impressive ship. He knew there was more. He just couldn't see.
Her Infernal bow was her most formidable weapon. It's gaze could drive an armada running, the most disiplined crew insane it's possibilities were endless.
The rest of the crew raged in excitement as they cleared through the supplies.
Along with a few other Saliors, Hiccup clambered onboard the what appeared to be abandoned vessel. He grinned smugly.
'Check the Hold, I shall depart to the Captains quarters.' Commanded Hiccup.
The Crew did as instructed.
'Tuffnut, with me.' Hiccup beckoned.
Tuffnut wasn't an individual who liked doing what he was told, neither did he do it. However under the command of Hiccupp he felt noble, as if he was on a crusade commanded by Thor himself.
They walked up the squeaky stairs, the 3rd step almost deteriorating as they stepped on it.
He walked towards the door when the sound of clanging metal echoed the cave. All of the Crew, onboard the Dutchess or not ceased there assignments.
Hiccup ignored the cry of metal which seemed to have been sourced from the Captains quarters.
'Tuffnut, on the door.'
Tuffnut did as instructed and kicked the poorly locked door. As it opened the shriek of metal echoed the cave, this again came from the Captains quarters.
The two of them walked into the interior,they were stunned by the architecture of the cabin.
They stared at what appeared to be an Office, a finely constructed desk sat dormant in the room.
On it layyed a book, it's title remarking 'The Dutchman's Curse'. Hiccup gazed at the book, he had overwhelmingly emotions on its contents.
Tuffnut has drifted particularly into the hallway, gazing at something in the corner.
Hiccup turned, 'What are you staring at..'
His words echoed...
Both boys were now staring at what appeared to be the charred remains of the former Captain of the vessel. He appeared to have been gagged and tied to a chair while he had been set alight.
Little fire damage had been unleashed on thecompartment, he however was another story. A depressing story at that.
All that remained of his legacy was this ship and a hat, a grand hat it was, it had been lined with a golden fabric and statured with a golden crest on its left face, this crest resembled a skull.
He removed the hat from aside the man, grinning sharply.
'Your duty has ended, your legacy adrift, it's in good hands.' This respectful statement echoed throughout the Captains quarters.
He placed the hat on his head, smirking as he so. This sense of pride hit him, he was now the Captain of an impressive ship. A ship that would echo his newfound legacy.
It had been over two weeks since the discovery of the remarkable vessel. Hiccup had christened the vessel, 'The Dutchman' and dubbed himself Captain
Knight. The ship had been repaired to an extent, basic functions such as sails and steering had been repaired, holes below the Waterline and most certainly above had been repaired.
The ship still required some repairs, with resources and tools not present in the cave.
The Cargo-Hold Fishlegs and the Saliors had checked previously was filled with canned-goods and ammunition, though they were over a decade old they were still fit for human consumption.
The damn was one of the few incursions in there master plan. Located at the entrance of the cave it had prevented The Dutchman's escape. Hiccup and Fishlegs talked over what course of action they should permit.
Remarkably, Tuffnut suggested that they decimate it with the chase cannons located at the Bow.
'.. Sometimes Tuffnut you prove yourself smarter than how your currently portrayed.' Remarked Hiccup, Tuffnut smiles taking the remark as a compliment.
Fishlegs, the vessels first-mate ordered for the chase cannons to be utilized. After over an hour of final preparations and chaos in attempting to load Chase cannon No. 1 they were ready.
A rope was hoisted, the cover of the gun port which resembled a demon lifted revealing a chase cannon. The two Saliors manning the cannon hoisted two ropes, pulling the terrifying cannon forwards.
'Commence firing operations.' Shouted Hiccup who had began to sound like an Officer of the Royal Navy.
Cannon No. 1 fired, instantly breaching the dense damn water propelled forwards, rushing down the canal channel.
The Vessel was relinquished from its supports and propelled forwards from the rush of water.
They were finally underway.
Light exploded across The Dutchman's bustling deck. Sailors under the supervision of Fishlegs, secured and hoisted the ancient sails propelling the ship onto the open seas. The ship began to creak as they rushed forwards, this was a normal occurrence on any ship.
Tuffnut was at the helm, he drowned in the pride he felt after being bestowed the position of Helmsman by Hiccup.
Tuffnut though a clumsy individual, proved his skill as a helmsman regularly on the Daustain when he was permitted to pilot the ship by Captain Rellik.
'Tuffnut, set the Bearing 138 Degrees North, We shall depart to Tüońs.' He commanded.
The incredible vessel would turn sharply right and begin its treck towards the pirate heaven.