Just a quick note before we begin this chapter. After finishing the previous chapter, I decided a day after posting it, when I gained the influence and momentum, to go on ahead and make this next one, seeing as you how guys quite liked the last one. And thus, here we are!
I will say that things in this chapter may nearly get "berserk" if you know what I mean, though I guarantee you that you will understand what I mean later on through this chapter!
Now, let's move on with our story!
One week later…
Hiccup's conflict against Karvein and his Barbarians had proven to have been a total success. With the sacking of the Bloody Berserker's village, the defeat of their Clan, and the death of their Chieftain, the Tribes of the Archipelago were one step closer into bringing down Ivar.
However, a larger obstacle now stood in their way.
Within the Mead Hall back at Dragon's Wake, Hiccup and the group were gathered - standing around the long-table and discussing the next move while they stared down at the map set down in front of them.
"This next fight is going to be tricky." Hiccup said as his finger scanned over the map. "We've managed to defeat two of Ivar's right hand Chieftains, but two still remain. However, we may need to change up our strategy."
"Why? What's the problem?" asked Astrid.
"Well for starters… we may not be able to face one Clan alone this time, but rather the two that remain, and at the same time."
"The Iron Wolf and Broken Axe?" asked Magnus. "But why can't we just- oh…"
As his eyes glanced down at the map, Magnus saw what changed Hiccup's decision, making him as well unsure. It was after all a hard choice to make.
From behind, Sigurd stepped forward, taking a look at where Hiccup and Magnus scanned the map.
"I see…" he said. "We can't hope to reach the Iron Mountains without having to cross the tundra south of it; the Arid Highlands."
"But why is that so important?" asked Snotlout. "We can just attack the Broken Axe Clan and their Chieftain first while we have the chance to-"
"It's because the Iron Wolf and their Chieftain would just march down on us from the North and destroy us." answered Hvitserk as he dragged his fingers across the map. "They still have better engineering than us, and their dozens of Devastators could tear our army apart."
"...Maybe not us." commented Sigurd. "But maybe him."
His finger crossed over the map to a spot located between the Arid Highlands and the Iron Mountains, and in that spot was a large wooden Viking Fortress of some sorts drawn on it.
Hvitserk's eyes widened, almost mind-blown. "Oh no… he's in the crosshairs of the Iron Wolf and Broken Axe."
Hiccup rose a brow. "He? Who are you talking about?" he asked.
"...A friend of ours." replied Sigurd. "Someone who has the support and knowledge we need to defeat Ivar. But, if I stand correct, then both Chieftains - Vlar and Hjalmar, may soon attack him."
"We can't let that happen." spoke Fishlegs. "If what you say is true, then he is vital to our campaign. If Vlar's forces reach him first along with Hjalmar's Vikings in support, we'll lose the help we need to defeat Ivar. All our efforts would have been for nothing."
"Not unless we act fast enough." said Heather as she stepped forward. "We have Dragons on our side that are smarter and stronger than the ones they have. If we are quick enough, then we can reach this friend of ours in less than a day. I say the Riders should fly to him, and our army should follow behind us."
"We have to." Sigurd nodded. "He's a greater warrior than Hvitserk and I. And if there's anyone who can help us in stopping that maniac, it's him."
"Then it's settled." said Hiccup. "If there are any objections to this plan, then please; speak your mind right now, otherwise you are free to go-"
"Wait!" interrupted Tuffnut. "I have an objection!"
Hiccup sighed, slowly shaking his head. "Yes, Tuff?"
"I say, that instead of flying to save this random dude, we should blow up the Iron Foundry! Sneak in, mess with their forges and workshops, and BOOM! We're done! And besides, I bet that guy could hold off against our enemy on his own without us. I mean, he is in a Fortress-"
"Tuffnut that is the stupidest idea I've ever heard come out of your mouth!" growled Eira. "Unless you want to sneak into that foundry and go through all the defenses and Devastators that are set up, then you're clearly risking yourself for nothing."
"She's right." agreed Magnus. "We cannot go into the Iron Foundry without having to fight past through their heavily fortified defense. That Fortress is a giant blacksmith, always at work. Our best bet in destroying it would be if we blew it up with our Dragons while the Iron Wolf and their allies were focused on our allies. That way, they could not arm the defenses of that Fortress."
"But aren't the walls made out of iron?" asked Ruffnut. "Hellooo, it's called the Iron Foundry for a reason-"
"Anything made can be broken, Ruff." Magnus interrupted. "And besides, it's also wood and stone you know. Either way, despite what we think about that damned Fortress, our plan is clear. We will save this new friend of ours, one way or another."
"Then it's settled." said Hiccup, sighing in relief. "You are all dismissed."
They all replied in a nod as they turned towards the doors of the Mead Hall, quickly emptying the room and making their way out until no one was left in the hall aside from Hiccup...
...And as well as Snotlout.
"Hiccup." he said as he turned back around to face him. "May I stay for a moment? I'd like to have a word with you about something."
He gave a quick nod to Snotlout, allowing him to go ahead and take a seat next to him by the long-table.
For a moment they would sit in silence, pondering on what to say - but Hiccup would be the first to speak.
"Is there… something you wanted to tell me, Snotlout?" he asked. "Something on your mind?"
"Sort of." he answered, leaning forward in his chair. "I just wanted to say that… I think it's time."
"...Time for what?"
At first, it would be difficult for Hiccup to comprehend what Snotlout meant. But then his eyes turned back at him, and he saw that he was filled with... pride.
"It's time to pass the reins on to you." Snotlout sighed, showing off a proudful look on his face. "Hiccup, since the day I said that I'd teach you about being the Heir of Berk, I watched you progress by the day as you led our people to victory over the enemy. You led us successfully against Karvein, and Frode before that. And after so much, up until this point, I can now say that you are ready."
Hiccup arched a brow. "Wait- what? But… I don't understand. You said that you'd teach me how to-"
"I lied. I never did." chuckled Snotlout. "You didn't need me to teach you how to be Heir. You only need yourself. And that's what you did. You taught yourself through experience on how to take care of our people through a time of war. If you can accomplish that, then you can certainly accomplish it through peace..."
"...So, what do you say?"
Snotlout's words never inspired Hiccup so much. His acts of courage, strength, strategy, wisdom, and so much more had all led him to this moment where for the first time ever, he accepted himself by title for who he was. He clearly was no longer the thrall he was known for back in Kattegat. He clearly was no longer a runt.
He was the Heir of Berk, and for months, that title had been long overdue.
Hiccup blinked in shock as he looked directly back at Snotlout who still showed the same sense of pride to him. But surprisingly, the Jorgenson also felt unworthy of continously carrying the title of Heir, thus, he knew it was time to pass it on to Hiccup.
"I remember when it happened nearly two months ago, the exact day when I refused to become the Heir." Hiccup began. "But I won't turn down that title today. Now I am ready. This time, I won't let it pass."
"Then perhaps it's time to see it done."
A voice from nearby caught both Vikings' attentions, and as Hiccup and Snotlout turned around to face the source of it, their eyes fell upon Stoick who stepped out of the shadows, grinning with pride and happiness.
"D- Dad? How long have you been standing there?"
"I came in when your friends left." he said, making his way forward. "And after overhearing the entire conversation, all I can say from your response my Son is that I am proud of you. It is about time that the title passes on... Now, stand up and kneel. Snotlout, give me your sword."
The two Vikings nodded as they stood from their chairs, with Hiccup kneeling in front of Stoick and Snotlout standing by him as he gave him his sword.
Then, the Chief spoke as he made a saluting pose to Hiccup with Snotlout's sword.
"Where one Heir goes, another rises. I hereby declare by the highest order of Berk that the title of Heir passes willingly on from Snotlout Jorgenson, over to my son, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, who will go on to lead the Hairy Hooligan Tribe of Berk to a new and brighter future after I pass, with my hopes that his reign as Chief will bring our people into the dawn of a new age."
"Do you accept this burden, my Son?"
Hiccup bowed his head. "I do."
Stoick swung the sword down to his side as he gave it back to Snotlout, now looking down at Hiccup.
"Then by Odin's blessings, I title you to be the Heir of the Hairy Hooligan Tribe for as long as you live. Long may you stand, Hiccup! Rise, Heir of Berk!"
Hiccup quickly stood to his feet, grabbing ahold of Snotlout's right hand as he accepted the Viking's handshake.
The Jorgenson gave a light grin. "My father would have called me a fool for doing this but uh… I must say; congratulations."
"Thanks, Snotlout." said Hiccup. "Maybe now we can-"
The lad's words would be suddenly interrupted mid-sentence as the doors to the Mead Hall swung opened, and running in came Eret who was out of breath, almost as if he had something urgent to share.
Stoick looked at him curiously, making his way closer to the Trapper.
"What is it Eret?" he asked. "Has something happen?"
"...Sort of." he said breathily. "My Trappers just spotted a Dragon flying above Dragon's Wake, and it keeps flying in circles - almost as if it's waiting for something."
"Well, what is it?" asked Hiccup.
"It's a Skrill. The same Skrill we saw from the battle against the Barbarians. But that's not the worst part."
"Why's that?" questioned Snotlout.
"...Because Dagur is about to go Berserk over it."
...
All eyes were narrowed up towards the sky. The Skrill kept flying around like a lost bird, or as if it was waiting for something to happen. No one knew - not even the Chieftains, nor the group, and nor Dagur - whose eyes kept a gaze on it.
"Come on already!" the Berserker shouted. "Do something! What are you waiting for?! I want you!"
"I don't think shouting at it is going to help, Dagur! Just leave it be!"
Hiccup's voice caught their attention as he walked towards the group, pacing quickly with haste.
"And besides, if you're hoping that you'll be the one to tame it, I'm afraid that is probably not going to happen. At least, not through screaming like a maniac."
"I disagree!" he replied as he unsheathed a miniature-crossbow from behind his back. "Our banners have the mark of the Skrill, Hiccup! It's my destiny to tame it, and I will do it even if it means-"
"Dagur! What are you doing?" interrupted Astrid, taking a step forward. "You're going to shoot it?"
"No… I'm going to shoot at it to grab it's attention... Of course, I'll make sure it misses."
"Shoot at it and aggravate it!?" grunted Snoore. "That's crazy!"
"Think about what you're doing, Dagur!" responded Bertha. "You'll endanger us!"
"It's madness!" Magnus growled. "If you shoot that Skrill, it will attack us! We must find a way to reason with it! We can't just-"
"Oh shut up, all of you!" spat Dagur as he stepped closer to Magnus, almost angrily. "And you Magnus, if you want to fight over it, then be a man and let's do it through means of muscle. Not your pathetic excuses and-"
"Wait! Stop Dagur!" Heather interrupted as she stepped in front of her brother with her arms out. "What would be the point to fight over a Dragon that isn't even rightfully ours? Can't you see that our Tribe's mark is the crest of a Skrill only because it represents who we Berserkers are? It doesn't represent anything else - not the Skrill, and not some stupid calling to tame it! It's just us."
"...But sis. Don't you see that I'm just doing this for us? You, I, and-"
"What would I want to do with a Skrill, Dagur!?" she grunted, but not before lowering her tone. "...You're trying to make it look like such a big deal. Like it's some god. This isn't what we're all about, Dagur. It's the man that makes a Berserker what they are, not the Dragon... Please… just let it go."
Dagur sighed as he narrowed his eyes down to the ground, lowering his crossbow. He shook his head in disappointment, not because he could not tame the Dragon, but because he nearly lost himself and almost challenged Magnus, who he presumed wanted the Skrill greedily for himself. But that was not the case.
"I- I'm sorry." he said, backing up. "I guess the craziness nearly got to me. It's just that I've haven't seen a Skrill up close in a long time... I guess it's just not my time yet for a Dragon."
Heather laid a hand on her brother's shoulder, nodding. "Leave it to someone else. Maybe there's another reason for why it's here."
"...Or perhaps that is the reason it's here." replied Magnus as his eyes lifted to look up. "It'd make sense if the Skrill wanted someone else after all. Especially since I found it in the woods when we first arrived at Hvitserk's village, and after rescuing it - it had a strange interaction with me."
"What did it want?" asked Dagur.
"I don't know… but I intend to find out now. Everyone- stand back!"
"...Do as he says." Hiccup nodded.
Magnus raised his arms out, motioning for everyone to step back as he kept a gaze on the Skrill that kept flying around in loops, and once everyone stepped out of the way, it was only him in the center of it all.
Eventually, the Skrill did seem to notice this, and it slowly but surely stopped flying as it gazed down at Magnus who was staring back at it in intrigument, but also curious.
"I saw you before!" he called out, though he knew that the Skrill most likely did not understand a word he said. "I saved you from the Barbarians when you were caught, and you were there when we were fighting them! You helped us kill our enemy! But why are you here?"
At first, nothing happened. But his voice lowered in tone as he narrowed his eyes down a bit."...What do you want?"
A long moment of silence then followed. All eyes were focused on both Magnus and the Skrill who looked at each other almost as if their eyes were intertwined. Even Hiccup, being a nerd over Dragons, was heavily interested in the situation.
And then, it happened.
The Skrill swooped down from the air, slowly gliding it's way towards Magnus until it landed right in front of him, standing more than a few feet before the young Viking and Chief.
Magnus at the moment wasn't sure what to do, but when he tilted his head towards Hiccup, the lad gave a nod as he gestured with his head towards him and the Dragon.
Knowing now what to do, Magnus took a deep breath and slowly began making his way forward.
With each step he made, his boots gently sunk into the snowy dirt as he nervously eyed the Dragon. After walking midway, he then raised his hand out, though he kept it closer to himself rather than the Dragon so that he would not alarm it.
After what seemed like more than a minute, Magnus was soon at least three feet in front of the Dragon, and thus far, it was showing no aggression to him. The only signs it gave however were a few growls here and there, but nothing hostile.
Standing now a couple of feet in front of the Skrill, Magnus slowed down in his trail and came to a complete stop, keeping both legs by his side as his arm then slowly reached out to the Dragon, holding his hand at least a foot or so away from it.
Nothing happened…
...But then, he felt it.
A scaly feeling hit his skin as the Skrill leaned it's head forward with ease, gently placing it against Magnus' hand with its eyes closed, and as the Dragon pulled back, they opened up to reveal a surprising friendly look in them, showing now that both the Skrill and Magnus were officially bonded.
Hiccup stepped forward from the crowd as they muttered with silent and excited discussions on what just went down before their very eyes.
"The Skrill has become more than just an ally to you now, Magnus." he said, smiling. "He, is now your friend, and he will be by you until the very end… Congratulations, Magnus."
"Well done indeed!" called out Eira as she approached the lad and placed an arm around him.
Magnus chuckled, nearly blushing. "Thank you, everyone. But if we're to celebrate this Dragon's welcome into the crew, we're going to have to name him."
"How about Striker?" asked Fishlegs. "Could suit him since he strikes out lightning."
"Maybe even Flash." suggested Astrid. "After all, everytime he breathes out lightning, the skies brighten up with it's flash."
Hiccup smirked as he rose a brow, looking back at Magnus. "It's your choice. Well?"
"...I think I'll name him Thorwind." he said, glancing back at the Dragon. "He will fly through the soothing winds, wielding the power of Thor's lightning that will strike our enemies down from the skies. Where we go, we will be by you, Hiccup."
Thorwind gave a quick look back at Hiccup, surprisingly bowing his head in a Dragon-like nod which would make the young Viking grin in amusement.
"Thorwind it is, then." he nodded. "Welcome aboard, Dragon Rider!"
New Heir, new Dragon... things are about to become more in our characters' favors!