Chapter 5 - Outcasts for a Reason

Hiccup felt himself starting to panic as he pressed himself closer to the wall. In this crowd of people no one would notice if someone slipped a blade between his ribs and it was obvious that Alvin and Dagur were counting on just that as they advanced on him. Hiccup made to cry out hoping that someone would come to his aid but his cry was choked from him as Alvin's hand closed around his throat. Once again he felt Dagur's blade at his side and he squeezed his eyes shut convinced he was about to meet a painful end when a loud voice sounded in front of him.

"Hey what do you think you are doing?"

Both Alvin and Dagur turned to meet the newcomer and Hiccup gulped a desperate gasp of air as Alvin dropped his hand from his throat. At the same time Dagur withdrew his blade from Hiccups side and slipped it back under his tunic and out of sight. Hiccup opened his eyes to see not a man confronting the pair but rather a heavy set muscular boy of around his own age. He breathed an inward sigh of relief he knew this boy. His name was Thuggory and he was the son of Mogadon, Chief of the Meathead tribe.

"Are these two bothering you Hiccup?" Thuggory asked. Hiccup nodded not daring to speak.

Alvin let out a low growl at the boy who dared interfere in his fun and looked ready to lash out at Thuggory but Dagur laid a hand on his shoulder and shook his head in a warning gesture. They were starting to be noticed.

"I suggest that you take your 'pet' Dagur and get away from here," Thuggory said meaningfully in a slow dangerous voice, clenching his fists. His muscles rippled as he did so adding to the effect.

Dagur's face split into a silent snarl and he turned to Hiccup.

"See you around Hiccup. Don't go far will you, we haven't finished with you yet," he said in low voice just loud enough for Hiccup to hear before turning and pushing his way through the crowd followed by Alvin.

Hiccup let out an explosive breath and sagged against the wall in relief.

"Thanks Thug," he said gratefully.

"Odin knows what would have happened if you hadn't showed up."

Thuggory shrugged.

"No problem, what were they after? I know that the Hooligan's have had a few run-ins with the Outcasts and the Berserkers but I didn't think it was bad enough for them to go around targeting individuals. What did you do to get on the bad side of both Chief's?"

Hiccup scratched at the back of his head thinking quickly. He owed Thuggory an explanation after that save but the knowledge that they had trained and flew dragons on Berk was still something that they avoided advertising. Having two tribes on their backs was bad enough without adding the whole Archipelago.

"I've kind of been the reason behind a couple of their defeats and their really not happy about it," Hiccup said evasively.

"I see," Thuggory said looking at Hiccup with an odd expression.

"You've been up to your inventions again have you?….Or have you been doing something else?" Thuggory asked looking at Hiccup knowingly.

Hiccup became a little flustered at this. What did Thuggory mean? Did he know about the dragons?

"I…um..what…do you mean?….yeah inventions….right," he stammer meaninglessly.

Thuggory leaned closer.

"I know about Berk training dragons Hiccup," he said quietly.

Hiccups shoulders slumped and he put his head in his hands groaning. Oh gods not again, what was his father going to say when he learned there was another tribe out to get him.

Thuggory placed a heavy arm around Hiccups shoulders.

"Hey its ok, we know about it but we don't care," he said reassuringly.

Hiccup looked up from his hands.

"You mean that?" He asked warily.

Thuggory nodded and smiled, offering his hand as a gesture of sincerity.

"Yeah I do. Frankly we think it's a bit strange and slightly unnatural, but each tribe to his own."

Hiccup smiled and stood up straight, taking the offered hand gratefully.

"Thank gods for that. It's seemed like up to now that everyone who's found out has either wanted us to train their own dragons for them or to help hunt them down. How did you find out?" He asked in curiosity.

Thuggory shrugged again.

"Well there were several rumours after you defeated the 'Red Death'. You can't get away with slaying a gigantic dragon and not get talked about but it was Trader Johann that let it slip. He didn't say much but we put two and two together."

"Well thanks anyway," Hiccup said relieved. He then turned to look in the direction that Dagur and Alvin had left.

"I just don't understand how they both got to team up and what did you mean by Alvin being Dagur's 'pet'?" He asked turning back to Thuggory.

Thuggory leant up against the wall.

"Well, my Dad and I arrived here a couple of days ago, about the same time as Dagur and his Berserker's. The Meathead's don't like Dagur any more then the Hooligans. Personally I think he has a few rivets loose and all that rubbish about Oswald stepping aside for him is just downright lies. However, like it or not Dagur is the recognised Chief of the Berserker's and has every right to be here. Alvin however is another matter, he, definitely has no right to be here."

"I agree, but then I'm biased," Hiccup said looking intrigued at Thuggory. Thuggory continued.

"My Dad told me that Alvin's tribe used to be known as the 'Hysterics' but a few years ago they started to raid other tribes and villages. This in itself wasn't the issue, we are all Vikings after all but the Hysterics had signed treaties with these tribes. With the whole Archipelago on the brink of war Alvin seemed to think that he wasn't done breaking rules and committed the ultimate insult, he raided this very temple. The sacrilege could not go unpunished and it was declared by the temple Elders with the full agreement of all the tribes to outcast the Hysterics."

Hiccup looked stunned as Thuggory finished the story.

"Wow, I didn't know I guess that explains why their called 'Outcasts' but if that's the case then how on earth is Alvin even here?"

Thuggory looked grim at this.

"Well it seems that there is a rule that allows a rejected tribe to be reintroduced if they are supported by another Chief and his tribe."

Hiccup shook his head in disbelief.

"Let me guess Dagur is supporting the Outcasts reintroduction."

Thuggory nodded.

"You got it. The other Chiefs and the Elder are not happy about it but Alvin has brought along the required sacrifice, loot of course, so he has met all the requirements. If he behaves himself for the rest of the visit and makes good on the sacrifice in a few days time he will be 'accepted' again."

Hiccup looked serious at this news.

"I need to tell my Dad about this. Thanks Thug, if there is anything I can do to repay you let me know."

"No problem Hiccup and there is something you could do," Thuggory said standing up from his prop and looking eagerly at Hiccup.

"I hear you've got quite good with a sword. Promise me we can have a fight before you leave."

Hiccup smiled shyly feeling flattered that a warrior like Thuggory was asking him for a sparing session. There was a time when people just pushed him aside and laughed at the suggestion.

"Of course, but how did you find out?" He asked intrigued, the skill was a fairly recent discovery and he couldn't for the life of him figure out how Thuggory had got to hear about it.

Thuggory shrugged.

"Cami told me."

"Cami...what Camicazi from the Bogbuggler's, how in Thor's name did she find out?" Hiccup exclaimed even more confused.

Thuggory smiled and pointed into the crowd.

"I think your girlfriends been bragging."

Hiccup turned to where Thuggory indicated and was instantly confronted by a nimble girl of around eighteen who leapt onto his neck in a tight hug, her blond hair streaming behind her. Holding her hand, and looking very disgruntled at being dragged across the room, was Astrid.

The four teens had finally managed to find themselves a spot in the corner of the hall away from the main centre of talk and had even managed to sneak some chairs and a small table. Now comfortable and relaxed they were using the time to talk and catch up. The Meathead's and the Bogbuggler's were close neighbours and did a lot of trade with each other. This meant that Thuggory and Camicazi saw quite a lot of each other. Hiccup however hadn't seen them in nearly a year and there were lots of things to talk about. Mainly the questions were for him though. About the dragons, his new fighting skills, how his chief training was going. Hiccup hated the conversation being all about him but he put up with it for politeness's sake. Astrid snuggled closer to him and sighed in contentment. She was extremely proud of her boyfriend's new talents. Camicazi let out a giggle at Astrid's unconscious gesture and she gave her a meaningful look. Astrid just winked back which set Camicazi off again.

Camicazi had always been an excitable girl. She, like Thuggory and Hiccup, was the heir to her tribe, being the daughter of Bertha Chief of the Bogbuggler's. However appearances were deceiving. She may have looked and acted like a typical Viking maiden but she was a master thief and extremely quick with a sword. She and Hiccup had always been friends and unlike others she had always stood by him and claimed he had 'potential', pleased now to be proven right. Thuggory laid a calming hand on her arm and she gave him a shy look. Astrid raised an eyebrow at this gesture and nudged Hiccup knowingly. Hiccup looked at her in confusion having absolutely no idea what she was indicating. Astrid sighed, for someone so intelligent it was amazing how something's were completely beyond him.

"Something you want to tell us?" Astrid said addressing Thuggory and Camicazi.

"Oh...right..um yeah...," Camicazi stuttered and blushed, her normal confidence going out of the window.

Thuggory took hold of her hand tenderly.

"Cami and I are getting married," he said simply looking over at a stunned Hiccup and Astrid.

Astrid put her hand to her mouth and then without warning threw herself across the table into Camicazi arms with a squeal of delight. The two women hugged each other tightly letting out garbled congratulations and thanks. Hiccup and Thuggory looked at each other in complete shock at the two woman's sudden display. Had Astrid just 'squealed'? Hiccup tore his eyes away from the two hugging women to look at Thuggory. He then smiled and offered his hand across the table which Thuggory took.

"Congratulations," Hiccup said shaking Thuggory's hand.

"Thanks," Thuggory said simply.

Astrid and Camicazi broke apart smiling and Astrid returned to Hiccup's side whilst Camicazi sidled up to her husband to be.

Hiccup now addressed Camicazi.

"Congratulations Cami," he said smiling happily at her. She smiled back, positively glowing.

"I know it all seems a bit sudden but Thug and I have been seeing each other for sometime now and few weeks ago he asked me to marry him," Camicazi said looking lovingly at Thuggory who leaned in for a kiss.

Hiccup felt a little awkward at the display of affection and wondered if that was how others felt around him and Astrid.

"You said yes, obviously," Hiccup said amused.

The couple broke apart and looked sheepish. Astrid then piped up.

"How did your parents take it?" She asked. Being both heirs' to their respective tribes put certain boundaries and obligations on them.

Camicazi looked a little awkward at this.

"Well Mum wasn't too pleased as first. She had set her mind on me marrying within the tribe but Thug and his Dad managed to convince her."

Thuggory nodded.

"Dad saw the advantages of an inter tribe marriage right from the off and gave his blessing. Our islands are so close that on a clear day we can see each others shores. The strategic values were just too good an opportunity to pass up. It took a little bit longer to convince Bertha but she saw sense in the end. We will both in time take over the chiefdom of our tribes and when we do the tribes will merge."

Hiccup and Astrid smiled at the pair.

"I'm glad it's worked out for you both," Hiccup said with genuine happiness for them. It wasn't uncommon for the nobles of the tribes to enter into arranged marriages for their children. To be in love and have your parents accept the match was a real stroke of luck. Hiccup hoped that his own father would not object to his choice when the time came and he looked at Astrid.

Camicazi noticed the gesture and smiled.

"Thanks Hiccup, anyway when are you two getting married?"

Hiccup started to splutter.

"What...um I don't know...I hadn't thought...," he said awkwardly rubbing the back of his head as he always did when he was flustered. He glanced again at Astrid who smiled at his discomfort and squeezed his hand.

Hiccup was saved from answering the question by his father who had appeared through the crowd looking more then a little anxious and panicked. He visually seemed to calm when he spotted Hiccup surrounded by the other three teens.

"Dad, are you all right?" Hiccup asked concerned as his father approached them.

"I am now, I've just run into Dagur and Alvin...I thought," Stoick said pausing.

Hiccup understood his father's concern immediately.

"I'm all right Dad I ran into them as well but Thug here persuaded them to leave me alone," Hiccup said.

Stoick turned to Thuggory and nodded to him.

"Thank you, and congratulations, your father has just told me about your engagement," Stoick said in gratitude.

"Your welcome, and thanks sir," Thuggory said in return.

Now visibly calmer Stoick gave a deep look towards his son and his girlfriend. Hiccup got the hint and inwardly groaned. It had taken him months to pluck up the courage to ask Astrid to be his girlfriend. Now everyone seemed to want him to move onto the next step. Asking her to marry him seemed like an impossible hurdle. He loved Astrid more then anything else and dearly wanted to spend the rest of his life with her but part of him knew she was too good for him. Marriage seemed so final, he still wanted her to have the chance to run away and choose someone else, even though it would break his heart. His father opened his mouth to say something but Hiccup was saved once again, this time by the approach of a young man in yellow robes.

"My apologies for disturbing you," the young man said politely.

"The Elder has asked me to show you to your quarters."

Stoick nodded and gestured to Hiccup and Astrid who stood. The young man then spoke again this time addressing Astrid.

"My apologies warrior maiden but we have limited accommodation for women, would you object to sharing?"

Astrid was a little taken aback by the formal address and didn't respond at first. Camicazi spoke for her.

"She can share with me, my Mother has a room to herself and I have a spare bed. You don't mind do you Astrid?"

Astrid shook her head.

"No I don't mind at all."

"Good, we've got lots to talk about," and Camicazi nodded her head in Hiccups direction. Hiccup rolled his eyes.

'Why me?' He thought.

They followed the man out of the main hall. Hiccup noticed that the crowd was starting to break up and he supposed that the others were making their way to their rooms as well, it was quite late. In the thinning crowed Hiccup looked for a sign of Dagur or Alvin but could not see either of them anywhere. Part of him felt relieved at this and part of him felt wary. At least when he could see them he knew where they were and what they were up to. Out of sight who knew what they were scheming.

Once out of the hall they were lead to a series of large buildings which appeared to have been built with many levels. The buildings really were like nothing Hiccup had seen before. Back on Berk the main building material was wood. Here wood seemed to be used only a support material as the main structures were made entirely of stone, even the steps. Hiccups mind was already alive with ideas and he was looking forward to putting them into use when they got home.

As they approached the largest building Camicazi took hold of Astrid's arm and pointed to a smaller building beside it.

"The women are staying in this building. Come on I'll show you to our room," and with that she started to walk towards the main door.

Astrid turned and placed a chaste kiss on Hiccups lips.

"See you in the morning," she said in a tired voice before turning and following Camicazi.

Thuggory leaned in and gave Hiccup a knowing punch on the arm.

"Seriously Hiccup, get on with it and propose. If you loose that one it's going to be your own fault."

Hiccup rubbed his arm. Why did everyone insist on hitting him to get their point across? He looked back at where Astrid had disappeared into the building. Perhaps Thuggory had a point. He sighed and followed the rest of the party his mind alive with his thoughts.