Stoick led the warriors to several places where the sun didn't shine, but also close to the paths in the woods. They needed to stay close to the village to make sure everything would be alright. Gobber had taken some of Hiccup's spyglasses to give them to each group so they could keep an eye on the women and children. Some villagers were sent to the beaches to look for more ships and the others were sent to scout from the cliffs close to the mountains or take cover until night time.
Alvin was at the docks, talking with Savage and his men to make sure they understood the plan. One of his men had been picked out to be a part of the main task of the plan. The solider was just as high and beefy as Alvin himself, and all he needed now was the armor. Alvin's blacksmith's came with the armor having detailed it perfectly along with his helmet and the mask crafted as Alvin's face.
"Find Stoick and keep him and his men distracted, I'll take care of our little dragon conqueror," Alvin ordered his 'twin' who nodded in surprise. He knew the plan would work out perfectly and it would also keep Stoick away from his boy. The Berkian's wouldn't have time to figure out who was who before the boy was in his hands.
Hiccup ran faster than he ever had thought he could as he noticed the outcasts make their way towards his house. He went away from his hiding spot around the corner and walked properly to catch his breath from the unexpected workout. Just as he rounded the corner he bumped into someone, making them both fall deep into the snow beneath their feet. Looking up, he noticed who it was. The person took out a hand to help him up after standing up herself.
"We've been so worried! We thought the outcasts had gotten to you!" Astrid yelled, pushing him up roughly. Only a second later she punched his shoulder, making him lose his balance but recover shortly after.
"What was that for?!" Hiccup shouted back at her, not harshly, rubbing his sore spot.
"That's for scaring me! Now come on, we need to take cover before they find out we're hiding up here," She said, dragging his arm for a few steps before he walked by himself. As they arrived at the top of the path, Hiccup looked over the sight as he couldn't help but smile. There were children and women, injured warriors and old people settled down to take cover as they waited for everything to be over. Children were playing around in the snow, women sewing clothes and men talking in whispers, obviously afraid of getting heard by either their wives or the invaders.
It almost seemed to be a normal Snoggletog, but as always, something had to ruin the moment. At this moment it was the outcasts invading Berk at such time. Astrid led him towards his friends who were sitting at the end of the cliff, scouting for any too-close-for-their-liking outcasts. They lay down on their stomachs, Hiccup taking out his spyglass to scout with them.
Mildew sat on the side of his bed, hearing faint laughter's and children playing just outside his hut. He took a little peak through his door, seeing Hiccup with his friends by the cliffs scouting. The plan was going perfect.
All he had to do now was find a way to get to the boy and that was fast. His time was soon running out, and he knew that Alvin was just acting for now. He held his dagger in his hands, running his fingers along the blade to examine the weapon in his hands. He gave one last devilish smile before he stood up, covering the dagger beneath his shirt, and stepped towards the door.
"Looks like Alvin are heading for the woods. Let's hope they don't find the others," Hiccup removed the spyglass from his eye as he looked over at his friends. He had watched closely as Alvin and his men headed for the woods in hope to find what they were looking for. He was just glad he was up there instead of down there with him.
"Yeah, but we should watch our backs. Who knows what he's planning and why he's here," Astrid replied, looking deeply in his emerald green eyes.
"Isn't it obvious? He's here for Hiccup, duh!" Ruff sassed, gesturing to Hiccup with her spyglass.
"I don't think so. I mean, how would he know Hiccup is alive? Something's not right," Fishlegs sat up, scratching his chin in deep thoughts.
"Well I really don't want to lay here all night, chicken legs anyone?" Snotlout asked, holding up a plate of cold chicken. The others looked at it in disgust, not wanting it unless it was warm. But if they had heated it up by making a campfire, their cover would be blown. Snotlout on the other hand, ate it as if there was no tomorrow. And who knew? Maybe there wasn't.
Mildew took a hand on his back to see if the dagger was covered enough but also reachable. He took a deep breath before he walked towards Hiccup and his friends, hearing a bit of their conversation.
"We should take shifts. Snotlout, you've got first watch," Hiccup commanded them as he stood up, brushing some dirt off his clothes. He took a few steps away from the others, muttering something under his breath as he walked over to one of the elders in hope of getting a blanket, "Where are you Toothless?"
Mildew changed his direction, following the boy close behind as he pulled out his dagger from his belt. In a second, the tip of the dagger was barely touching Hiccup's slender neck. "Not here to help you, that's for sure," He whispered in his ear, pulling him closer. Hiccup let out a yelp of surprise by the force pulling him backwards and the sharp edges of the blade pressed against his throat.