Chapter 8 - An offering is made
The small group looked at Hiccup in shock at his declaration.
"Riders…..are you sure son…..couldn't this belong to one of our own dragons?" Stoick asked turning the object over again in his hand.
Hiccup blanched and looked insulted.
"That's not Gobber's or my handiwork. It's brittle and poorly finished. We wouldn't even let something like that into the scrap bin," he said his tone indignant.
Stoick looked at the metal again, deep in thought.
"If it's not ours, then whose?"
"I think I know," Hiccup said quietly and they looked at him expectantly.
Hiccup took a deep breath as his anger threatened to rise up again.
"I think those dragons were ridden by Outcasts."
Stoick looked at his son in surprise and disbelief.
"Explain."
Hiccup took a deep breath and began to slowly explain his theory.
"Look we all know that Alvin and Dagur are up to something. They were both acting suspiciously earlier when we left the great hall and I wouldn't be surprised if they had been waiting for the news to reach us. It's clear that both of them being here and in partnership is no coincidence and if anyone buys that 'want to be good again' routine from Alvin then their mad. Dagur has the manpower and dragon hunting skills to capture dragons and Alvin is clever enough to training them."
"Hiccup, Alvin has always said he needed your help to training dragons," Astrid cut in.
Hiccup shrugged.
"He needs my help to make it easy but it was inevitable that Alvin would figure out how to train dragons eventually, with or without my help. He just won't be treating them very well. You can get results with a whip the same way you can with a gentle voice and some dragon nip."
"Ok so what if Alvin and Dagur do have dragons now, what's their plan?" His father asked.
"After all those times we've beaten and humiliated them, revenge of course. I think they are trying to get back at us for all the defeats we've handed them."
"You mean you have," Astrid said.
Hiccup gave her a wry smile.
"Maybe so but whatever their reasons it's a perfect partnership."
Stoick shook his head.
"Hiccup no one trusts either of those two and I think you may be on to something but this single piece of metal is not enough to accuse two tribes and their Chiefs of treachery. We need more evidence but we don't have any witnesses. None of our men saw dragons with riders, the fog was just too thick. Alvin must have some deal with Loki to have that fog come down as it did to conceal their attack," Stoick said frustrated.
"It wasn't luck or the help of the Gods," Hiccup said confidently.
"What do you mean?" Astrid asked.
"Alvin never leaves anything to chance. He cheated, stole an idea from us."
Hiccup took in the confused faces around him.
"Look Gobber said that the fog came down thick and fast without warning. For it to appear so quickly it couldn't have been natural. Do you remember when Alvin kidnapped me and took me to Dragon Island? When you rescued me Astrid was knocked from Stormfly onto Alvin's boat. To conceal our attacks we used the dragons to heat the water and produce steam. Alvin did the same but on a much larger scale. That's how he hid the attack. He didn't need to destroy all of the boats because no one would know what had happened. With no witnesses the attack could be blamed on wild dragons and no one would be any the wiser. It was a brilliant plan."
Suddenly there was a loud clapping and a deep chuckle from behind them and the group spun round to see Alvin leaning casually against the rail, several outcasts either side of him. They had been so engrossed in their discussions that they hadn't heard them climb on board.
Alvin straightened and started to move closer giving them a broad smile that didn't suit him.
"Well thank you I'ccup for the praise, it means a lot coming from you," Alvin's drawled as he stopped in front of them.
Hiccup stood his ground and glared.
"Alvin," he spat.
"Now, now I'ccup, I told you before, that's no way to treat an old friend, especially one that's holding yur tribe's fate in his hands."
"Why Alvin, why do this? Its poor form even for you," Hiccup growled angrily.
Alvin laughed.
"Not from where I'm standing it isn't. The way I see it you have two choices I'ccup. Either you and yur tribe get expelled and perish or you come over to us and train my dragons."
"That's desperate Alvin. You know we will let everyone know what you've done. You won't get away with it," Astrid said defiantly stepping up beside Hiccup.
Alvin curled his lip in a snarl at Astrid. Astrid glared back.
"Now I'ccup you're a bright boy, you don't have the evidence and even if you did manage to prove something and I doubt it, do you really think this is the whole plan," Alvin said with a grim sneer.
Hiccup changed his tactic.
"Why do you still need me to training your dragons? It looks like you managed on your own. Took you long enough," Hiccup threw back and felt satisfied when Alvin's flinched at the jibe.
"Ah well you see I'ccup its true that I have riders now but the dragons are still a problem. I can only get them to do what I want by force, they won't work for me on their own. That's where you come in see. I'll give you two choices, train dragons for me and I will settle things with the temple and save yur tribe or be yur normal stubborn self and watch yur tribe fall. Think about it I'ccup, how do you think it will feel when yur home is laid waste, you're family and friends slaughter or enslaved, knowing that you could have done something to prevent it?"
Hiccup clenched his fists at the dilemma. He couldn't let his tribe suffer on his behalf. He felt his resistance start to crumble at the impossible situation.
Sensing his son's dilemma, Stoick stepped in between them.
"You never did listen to well Alvin. He said no."
"Step aside Stoick, this is between me and I'ccup and I will get what I want, one way or the other," Alvin snarled.
As quick as a flash Stoick had raised his fist and planted it solidly into the centre of Alvin's face, knocking him backwards across the deck.
"He said no," Stoick said again approaching the fallen Outcast.
He reached down and grabbed Alvin's tunic, hauling him partway off the deck and raised his fist again.
"I may not be able to draw a sword but I have other weapons at my disposal," Stoick said menacingly but stopped in mid strike as Alvin began to laugh.
"Ah Stoick you were always amusing in a fight. I told you, I always get what I want, one way or the other and there's nothing you can do to stop it," Alvin said still laughing.
Stoick tightened his grip on Alvin's tunic.
"What do you mean?" he said angrily.
"Dad," Stoick noted the concern in his son's voice and stood upright, dropping the still laughing Outcast to the deck before turning to him.
Hiccup was standing at the rail looking across the beach. There was a party of temple guards crossing the shingle towards them. They were heavily armed and moved with purpose towards the boat.
Alvin stood and wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth.
"Last chance I'ccup, join me willingly and save yourself and yur tribe or come to me later begging. Either way, you will work for me, you don't have a choice," Alvin said grinning
Hiccup looked back at Alvin and scowled. Alvin had him in a corner but he wasn't beaten yet. There was still a chance he could figure out Alvin and Dagur's plan, find some way out of this situation. There were still options.
"No," he said firmly.
Alvin shrugged.
"Suit yourself," and stood aside as one of the temple guards reached the top of the rope and climbed onto the deck. Several others followed.
The first guard looked grim as he approached Stoick.
"Stoick the Vast of the Hooligan tribe you are ordered to present yourself to the Viking council. I am here to escort you and your son to the great hall," the guard said politely but put his hand on his sword hilt to emphasise his words
Stoick stepped forward.
"We are accepted guests of this temple. On what grounds are we summoned?"
"You have been challenged as to your tribe's right to be here. You have been called before the council to answer the accusation," the guard answered solemnly.
Stoick looked outraged at this.
"Who dares accuse the Hooligans of not meeting their obligations?" Stoick said. His fists clenched in anger.
The Guard looked sympathetic but continued resolutely.
"That is not for me to say sir. I have been sent to collect you to answer to the charge. Please come with me."
Stoick looked like he wanted to say more but got himself under control.
"Fine let's go then. Hiccup, stay here and continue the work on the boats I will be back shortly," Stoick said as he made to follow the guard but stopped when the guard raised his hand.
"I'm sorry sir but my instructions are to bring both you and your son," he said apologetically.
Stoick froze at this and Hiccup caught him snatch a glance at him and noticed a strange look flash across his father's face, it looked a little like his father was afraid but Hiccup shook off the thought. His father was never afraid.
"Fine, Hiccup with me. Astrid, continue the works," Stoick said and moved towards the side of the boat without a second look at either of them.
Hiccup looked at Astrid and he noted the look of uncertainty on her face.
"I'll be back soon," he said before turning and following his father to the rail.
As he passed Alvin he didn't look at the Outcast but felt a shiver down his spine as he felt Alvin's eyes on him. This was Alvin's doing he was sure of it, and Dagur's but Hiccup was determined. They had gotten out of some tight spots in the past. This was no different.
The walk back to the temple was tense. Despite his apparent confidence on deck when he was face to face with Alvin Hiccup couldn't help feeling nervous as he glanced around at the guards surrounding them. Now he had time to think over what was happening Alvin's words were echoing over and over in his head and he started to feel fearful. Whatever was happening was certainly of Alvin's and Dagur's design either as their primary plan or as a backup and Hiccup was certain that it was not going to be good for him or the Hooligan tribe.
Without realising what he was doing he moved closer to his father's side feeling the need for his father's protection. He looked at his father's face and saw the same grim expression he had seen before. Something serious was happening and he was powerless to do anything.
There was deep silence as they mounted the steps to the main hall and entered the council chamber. The atmosphere was tense as the small party made their way to the centre of the room. The other chiefs of the tribes stood around the room encircling them.
Hiccup glanced nervously around noting the look on each person's face. Some were unreadable but Hiccup caught a glimpse of Camicazi and Thuggory and noted the worry and uncertainly etched on their faces and felt his own feeling of concern rising. He then saw Alvin join Dagur and whisper something in his ear but tried to ignore them and focus on the events that he sensed were about to happen.
There was a light murmuring of whispers around the room but these were brought to an abrupt stop when the aged Elder stood. Hiccup looked at her and noted that she to had the same grim, worried look on her face.
"It is with a sad heart that I have called this council meeting," she said looking from face to face before focusing on Hiccup and Stoick.
"Stoick the Vast of the Hooligan Tribe, I have called both thee and thy son to this place to answer serious charges. These charges bring into question both you and your tribe's dedication to peace and commitment to the gods."
Stoick stepped forward his face set as he looked around the room.
"The Hooligans have always met their obligations and with peace in their hearts. We have done nothing to shame us or this temple. What is this false accusation?" He said in a clear loud voice.
The Elder continued.
"It has been put forward to this council that the Hooligan tribe has not made allowance for their dues to the Gods and that they are here under false pretences. Whilst I accept what you say is true that the Hooligans have never shown aggression to this temple it is also true that you have not as yet presented a sacrifice to be made as everyone here has done."
Hiccups breath caught in his throat. This was what Astrid had been so worried about when she had learnt of the Blue Whales fate.
Stoick squared his shoulders.
"We have full intention of making the customary sacrifice as we have always done but our vessel carrying the offering was lost at sea. Our fleet attacked by dragons. We need to return to Berk to bring more."
The Elder shook her head.
"The time of offering is already upon us. There is not enough time for you to leave for Berk and return before the period of offering passes. You are aware of the consequences if you cannot make your offering?"
Stoick tightened his hands into fists and nodded.
"I am, but I ask for more time."
"Chief of the Hooligans as my time as Elder I have had the pleasure of calling you friend as I did your father before you and I have known you and your tribe to be honest. However in matters relating to this temples duty to the Gods and our laws I must be resolute and firm. I can see no way for you to complete what you ask in the time frames that the law allows."
Hiccups heart sank. This was true. It had taken the whole fleet three days to reach the island. With even the fastest vessels it would take two to three days to make it back to Berk and a further three days laden with offerings to get back to the Island of Thor. With loading time on Berk and the fact that it was nearing evening time it seemed an impossible task. Even with a good wind and current they couldn't make it back in time for the offerings to be made by the seventh day.
Others seem to be doing the same calculation and there were murmurings of agreement around the room.
"The Hooligan lies," a voice said clearly and loud enough to be heard over the murmuring.
All talk in the chamber ceased immediately and Dagur stepped forward. Stoick stepped forward to meet him, his fists bunched in anger.
"How dare you accuse me of lying. Our offerings were lost, the state of our fleet shows that we speak the truth," Stoick spat angrily, his face turning red.
Dagur put up his hand and continued in his singsong voice.
"I don't doubt that Stoick. I merely mean to point out to this council that I think you are lying about not having anything to offer to the Gods."
Stoick shook his head at the boy Chief before him.
"And just how am I lying boy? Do you see me sitting on a pile of jewels or swathed in heaps of furs. Everything we planned to offer has been lost. We have nothing of value only what the advance party bought with them and anything that survived the attack," he said flatly the anger still clear in his voice.
Dagur smiled slowly and looked at Hiccup in a way that made Hiccup feel uncertain and frightened.
"Nothing of value...I wouldn't say that," he said quietly keeping his eyes on Hiccup.
"What...I...don't..." Stoick started to say in confusion and followed Dagur's gaze towards Hiccup, wondering what Hiccup had that was so valuable, and then he turned quickly back to Dagur his eyes wide in shock and realisation.
Dagur smiled coldly before turning to the Elder.
"Reverend Elder, I believe I am correct in quoting the law when I state that if a tribe does not offer sacrifice then another tribe can choose for them," he said.
She nodded, her eyes showing the same shock in understanding as Stoick's.
"You are correct," she responded her voice wavering slightly.
"Good," and Dagur turned slowly back to Hiccup. Hiccups blood went cold at the look in his eyes.
"No..." Stoick exclaimed in horror.
Dagur smiled.
"Then it is my right by law to make this demand. I demand that the Hooligan Chief sacrifice the greatest thing he has to offer to appease the Gods...his son and heir."