Chapter 4 The Betrayal

The sun was beginning to disappear behind the ocean in the far distance as I made my way to the docks to meet my father. I squinted my eyes while I looked into its bright and colorful beauty as I walked down the main path of the village.

I carefully stuck to the far-right side of the path to make sure not to bump into any of the people walking in the opposite direction to the great hall. Two hours ago, messengers came through the village informing people that at sundown there was to be an announcement fallowed by a celebration in the great hall and everyone was encouraged to come. All day you could see maids scrambling through the market searching for ingredients to soups and pies they were so desperately trying to make on such short notice for an entire village, along with men haling large barrels full of mead and ale to the great hall.

This meeting has been that talk of the village since it was announced. While working in the forge I couldn't help overhear all the people that came to ask Gobber what this gathering was about. I guess people thought he would know since how close he a dad were. But one bye one they where sent away with no answers. I smiled at the thought of the great secret gathering that not even the chiefs closest friend knew was about, oh how shocked they will be when they find the truth. I couldn't help but stare into the faces of people I passed bye and imagine that shock they will hold tonight.

But even with all my happiness I frowned as I couldn't escape the feeling that something wasn't right. For years it seemed as if my father couldn't even look me in the eye or talk to me without his famous disappointed stare. And now out of the blue he decides I'm trust worthy and would make a suitable heir. Something just didn't add up. I closed my eyes as I walked and tried to think back to the past month to find out what changed. But as hard as I tried I couldn't find an answer. Just more questions.

I was quickly brought out of my thoughts as I was pushed to the grown by something I could only describe as solid as a tree. I opened my eyes to see another boy my age, with a meaty frame and short black hair that could only belong to one person.

"Snotlout", I said under my breath as my eyes widened by fear.

"Why don't you watch were your going runt", he snarled as he moved to stand over me.

With hate in his eyes he raised one of his fists at me and threaded, "I swear I wish one day you would do us all a favored and just disappear, we all know how well that runs in your family", he said as he laughed historically.

I then began to hear more laughter coming from behind him. I looked and saw the rest of his gang standing there watching. I could see Ruff and Tuff snickering at Snotlouts joke. Fishlegs was standing there intently staring at the ground with an unconvertable look on his face. And Astrid just stood there with her arms crossed not showing any emotion.

And as usual I just sat there staring at the other teens with my mouth sealed shut and wide eyes. I felt my mouth run dry and all the joints in my body lock up. My blood started pumping as fear coursed through my veins. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. I could only watch in fear.

Then to my surprise Astrid spoke, "Enough Snotlout, if we don't hurry and get to the great hall before everyone else then there will be nothing but scraps left to eat", she said with the same emotionless face.

This caused Snotlout to pause for a moment. Then with an evil looking smile he looked down to me. I flinched away preparing for the worst until he spoke, "To be continued", he said before he stepped over me and continued walking while laughing with the twins as they continued to the hall.

And with one last pitiful look Astrid went to fallow them with Fishlegs walking close behind still holding the same uncomfortable look that he had before. As I watched them disappear into the crowd of people I released a breath of air I didn't know I was holding. I slowly got to my feet and looked down at my now mud stained clothes and shook my head in disappointment at myself.

Why. Why can't I stay strong? Why can't I be brave? Where does this fear come from? I thought to myself as I continued down to the docks where my father would be waiting. As I walked I continued to think about my sorry state.

How inspiring I must look right now. Oh how the people would cheer at the sight of there future chief. How other tribes would shake with fear at the future chief of Berk. With his mud covered cloths and his knees wobbling with fear.

"And right after I made a promise of no more cowering", I quietly chuckled to myself as I stopped and looked up at the now barely visible stars.

I continued until I finally reached the first wooden boards that made up the docks. There I could see my father standing next to two men. As I got closer I found that I didn't recognizes these two men.

One was tall and thin and looked to be very fit. My father still dwarfed him like he did with most men. But he was still a mountain of a man in his own right. The next man stood next to him. He was a few good feet shorter than the first and he sported a large and round gut.

As I got closer I my mind started to quiet. I could feel my palms begin to sweat, I could hear the old board under my feet squeak as I walked over them, and I could feel once again the nagging sensation in the back of my head telling me something wasn't right. The feeling plagued me as I walked until I was standing in font of the three of them.

"Ah there you are boy" "gentlemen this is my son", my father said as he introduced me.

Both men looked at me with disturbing grins before the short one spoke, "We've hear a grate deal about you Hiccup".

"You have", I said as I began to finally notice the large ship docked behind the two men flying colors that I had never seen before.

"Oh yes boy in fact we've come all this way just for you", the short one spoke as he made a waving had jester directed at the ship.

Two more men the came into sight stepping off the ship. My eye went wide as both men quickly came toured me. Each one grabbing one of my arms before forcing me down to my knees. I tried to fight back and force myself free but it was no use. They were to strong and just laughed as I tired to twist and pull free.

I stopped struggling as the short man began speak again, "Ok chief stoik we've fulfilled our part".

"Very well", he said as he handed him a small bag.

"Now!", the short man said clapping his hands together and looking at the taller man. "I'm sure that now this nasty business is done the chief here would like to put this behind him, so we better be off".

"Of course, brother. Take him the ship".

I started to struggle again as the two men began to drag me to their ship. As tried to fight back a saw my father walking away on the dock to the village. As I watched I began to fight twice as hard.

"WAIT WAIT DAD!" I called making my father stop in his place.

"I don't understand whats going on! Please don't leave me! Please!" I pleaded.

He sat there for what must have seemed like an eternity as I waited for any response. But still he did not move. I could feel it again. That feeling that I have felt all my life. The feeling that has paralyzed me in the face of danger. The feeling that has torn me and my father apart. The feeling that has made me that laughing stock of the village.

Fear.

Never have I felt it so strongly never as it coursed through my veins as it has now as I waited for my father to respond. Until I watched him take another step and continue walking away. My heart sank and my stomach dropped so hard I thought I would puke and my fear was replaced with terror as the men dragged me onto the ship as I continued to scream.