Disclaimer: I do not own How to Train Your Dragon.


AN: Wonder if anyone's still reading this. Well, if you are, THANKS! AND THANKS TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED.


Chapter 7:

Hiccup sighed as they continued on their journey. For Odin's sake, why did the dragon tamer have to live this far away from Berk?

He had passed countless islands, some of which he recognised as islands regularly populated by dragons. Dragons that Alvin must have stolen and used for his army.

Though, he reasoned with himself, if he (or she) tamed dragons, they would be a much wanted person, either to have helped with the war before him or to get killed for treason for attempting to communicate with the dragons.

That froze him up.

What if the dragon tamer wouldn't help him?

He had went up, all hopeful and wishing that the dragon tamer could help him.

But what if the dragon tamer was like the rest of the Vikings before Hiccup had proven them wrong? He (or she) might not help him.

And, even if he (or she) tamed dragons, what did he expect for her to do? Go and somehow get an army of dragons to combat Alvin's dragons and Vikings?

They wouldn't stand a chance.

Toothless seemed to sense his distress, and flicked a ear to Hiccup's hand, which was resting on the saddle.

"I'm ok, bud."

Toothless, though reluctant, took that as an answer, and continued onward.

Both said nothing, deep in thought, while the air whistled around them.


Astrid looked around the cell, sighing. It had been a few days since Hiccup had miraculously appeared, not a day older, and then left.

She had been caught and whipped violently, but she refused to divulge any information.

She, Astrid Hofferson, was a Berkian, a Hairy Hooligan, and Thor be damned if she didn't keep up the title.

But a small part of her was hesitant.

Was she really doing this out of honour and loyalty of the tribe?

Or was it because of the small flame, despite the fact that she had been married to Snotlout (nearly) happily for the past few years, that sprang up when she saw Hiccup, and had escaped with her before she was caught once again?

He hadn't changed a bit, while she herself and the rest of the Archipelago had changed completely.

Toothless also seemed the same, more wary because of the surroundings, but other than that, still as friendly, playful and loyal to Hiccup as ever.

Astrid worried her bottom lip with her teeth as she turned to the bars of the cell, before turning to the other side, where a tiny window too small and far up for them to reach allowed the barest trace of sunlight inside.

She had to admit, being in this place for two-three years really dampened your spirit - a lot of them wanted to tell Alvin everything.

Mildew did, that bumbling fool, though he had been killed not long after.

Astrid wished it was her axe going through him, long and torturous. He deserved that much.

But then Hiccup had appeared, and everyone's morale was boosted up when he had escaped, and was in search of the dragon tamer.

Only the older ones were worried. What if the dragon tamer was only a myth? What if there wasn't even a dragon tamer and they had sent Hiccup on an endless duck-and-goose chase?

No. She shook her head.

She can't think like that.

She had to be positive.

For her tribe, her friends, her family and her husband, who was currently looking at the wall blankly, still unsure of how to take the news of Hiccup returning.

And for Hiccup.