Chapter 18 – Healing
So far Hiccup's morning had been going well. His father had been by to tell him that thanks to the other tribes the repairs to the damaged ships had been completed well ahead of schedule and the healer had informing him that she thought some fresh air and exercise would do him good. Together this could mean only one thing. That as soon as Hiccup proved he was fit enough to travel they could leave for home.
However despite his eagerness to leave his bed and escape to the outside world Astrid had insisted that she change his bandages before they left. She had been gone for about twenty minutes and he was passing the time by sketching possible ring designs in his notebook. He knew that he could buy one from a trader but he wanted to make her one himself, it would be more special that way. Materials might be an issue and no doubt he would have to speak to Gobber but he had decided that for once he would do something the traditional way and he wanted to do it right.
Hearing footsteps in the corridor outside his room Hiccup quickly closed the book and hid it under his pillow. It was probably Astrid and he didn't want her to see what he had been doing.
He looked up as Astrid entered the room, her arms laden with fresh bandages and he groaned inwardly as she deposited them onto the bed beside him. He knew he should be grateful for her help but he couldn't help wishing that Symon was the one doing it. The apprentice was a trainee healer and no doubt would be much quicker at changing bandages than Astrid but he had been called away that morning by his other temple duties. Leaving Hiccup in her care.
She helped him swing his legs over the side of the bed so that he was sitting on the edge and then proceeded to roll up his left trouser leg to get to the old bandages underneath. Astrid was methodical as she removed the soiled fabric and began to wrap the new strip in place. As she did so Hiccup caught a look at his burned skin and wrinkled his nose at the sight. The wounds had been cleaned of dirt and soot and parts of his leg looked red and raw. There was still some evidence of blisters but despite the wounds being stiff and still a little painful he was healing quickly thanks to the use of the Night Fury saliva that he had given Symon. It was possible that he might have some residual scars but the healer couldn't be certain, only time would tell. All in all he wasn't in bad shape considering his experiences.
Hiccup tried to hold back his impatience as Astrid fussed over the tightness of the bandage. When she was happy she picked up his prosthetic from beside the bed and secured it in place. Although his left calf had been badly burnt Hiccup was relieved that the damage was above where the straps to his prosthetic went. This meant that he would be able to walk around more or less in comfort and without a crutch. Although he suspected that flying might have to wait a while.
Astrid now moved her attention to his arm and he was glad that he hadn't bothered putting on a tunic that morning. She lifted his arm gently and unpicked the knot of the bandage. As he watched her work he had to admit that she was doing a good job but he still felt frustrated at the delay.
Astrid huffed in annoyance as the bandage she had been winding round his arm twisted and she began to unwrap it again, making a second attempt to get it right.
"Nearly done," she said.
Hiccup bit his tongue and held back the sharp comment that had nearly escaped his lips, knowing that he would have instantly regretted it. Astrid was doing her best and he was grateful for her help but his impatience was growing. He needed to be outside in the sunshine not stuck in doors. No one seemed to understand that he was sick of the sight of four walls. He had been stuck inside either as a prisoner or as a patient for more days then he cared to count. He just wanted to get out, see the sun, feel the breeze on his face and appreciate all the things that he had taken for granted before.
He was also desperate to see Toothless, Camicazi and Thuggory. He wanted to talk to them, explain his actions and check that they were Ok but ultimately he wanted to find out how mad they were at him. He hadn't seen any of them since the day of offering and he was worried.
Finally Astrid finishing tying the last of the bandages in place and leaned back to look critically at her handy work. Satisfied she handed him his tunic.
"There all done. How does it feel? "She asked as she helped him struggle into the garment.
"Fine, can we go now?" He said abruptly, his frustration and impatience finally bubbling to the surface.
A hurt look crossed Astrid face and he instantly regretted his tone. He quickly grabbed hold of her hand and squeezed it in apology.
"I'm sorry Astrid. I didn't mean to sound so snippy. I'm just desperate to get out of here. This place is driving me crazy."
She smiled at him, and then leaned down to kiss his cheek.
"You're a terrible patient," she said still smiling as she leaned down and helped him to pull on his boot.
Hiccup gave her one of his lopsided grins in reply.
When Hiccup was dressed Astrid leaned back with her hands on her hips and looked at him critically. Hiccup knew what she was doing she was trying to find any reason to doubt his fitness, to spot any issue that he was trying to keep from her that would suggest that leaving his sick bed was a bad idea.
"So am I good to go?" he asked after a few moments under her scrutiny and looked up at her with a hopeful expression.
She nodded.
"Ok, but only if you take it slowly."
He smiled broadly and stood quickly, completely disregarding her last instruction. As he did so a rush of blood to his head made him feel light headed and dizzy. He swayed dangerously and would have fallen if Astrid hadn't caught him.
"I said slowly," she chided gently as she held him upright.
"Sorry...that was little to quick wasn't it," he said with a small smile and waited for the pounding in his ears and the light headed feeling to pass. After a few moments he felt steadier.
"I'm ok now," he said looking at her.
Astrid positioned herself at his side.
"Right, now take it easy this time or I'll tie you to the bed for the rest of the week," her tone firm as she wrapped her arm around him as support.
Hiccup nodded his agreement quickly. He knew she meant it.
As they moved slowly out of the room and into the corridor Hiccup caught a glimpse of bright sunlight streaming around the door at the far end and he felt his heart quicken. He was finally going outside, and this time it would be as a free Viking, no guards, no impending doom no...A loud bang from the roof halted his train of thought. The noise came again, a loud solid heavy thud, and he couldn't help the smile that broke across his face. It was a sound he knew well. A sound that reminded him of home and early morning wake ups followed by exhilarating flights. It was the sound of a rather large and impatient dragon, a Night Fury to be precise, jumping up and down on a roof. Hiccup moved more quickly towards the door.
Astrid sped up with him, scolding him for moving too fast but Hiccup ignored her as he limped quicker towards freedom. Eventually she gave up and sped up with him, realising that he was too excited to listen. They reached the door and Hiccup was surprised to find it locked. He looked enquiringly at Astrid.
"The healer took to locking to door to try and stop Toothless from sneaking in," she said placing a key in the lock and turning it.
Hiccup looked upset at this and she quickly stepped in.
"Hiccup you have to remember that having dragons so close to Vikings is something these people just aren't used to. Your Dad thought it best to keep them away from the temple complex and set up camp on the beach but Toothless has refused to stay with the others. He keeps sneaking back to find you. The healer finally got fed up and locked the door so he couldn't get in. I think she feels its unsanitary or something for a dragon to be in a hospital."
"Why didn't anyone tell me?" Hiccup asked annoyed.
"Because we knew you'd act like this," Astrid said gesturing to him in frustration.
"Hiccup you needed to rest. If you'd known about Toothless you would have been leaping out of bed before you were ready."
She put her hands on her hips and looked at him sternly.
"You know I'm right."
Their eyes met but Hiccup didn't have the willpower for a flight and his stubbornness faded. He just wanted to get outside and see his best friend.
"Ok, you're right. Happy?" He said with a sigh, she knew him to well.
Astrid looked at him hard and then rolled her eyes as a now vocal Night Fury jumped on the roof again.
"Come on dragon conqueror, you've got a dragon to get off this roof before the healer makes him into a throw rug," she said shaking her head in mock despair.
He grinned stupidly at this and she pulled the door open. The hallway instantly flooded with light and they both squinted sharply as their eyes adjusted to the bright morning sun. There was also a crisp chill to the air that indicated that winter was not far behind the late autumn weather but the sun was warm on his face and as they took a few steps forwards Hiccup closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of it on his skin. It really was good to be alive.
His moment of enjoyment however was cut short by a low, angry and very familiar growl from above his head. He looked up cautiously to see a black flat head with narrowed green eyes glaring down at them.
"Hi bud," he said a little uncertainly. Anyone could see that Toothless wasn't in a good mood and Hiccup couldn't really blame him. The last time they had seen each other Hiccup had let the temple guards restrain him and he himself had thought he was about to die. It had been a traumatic parting for both of them.
"Toothless stop it," Astrid said sternly, then shook her head.
"He's been up there all morning. I had to throw his breakfast up to him when he wouldn't come down. Even your Dad tried to coax him down but he just crosses his paws and turns away from us," she said in annoyance as said dragon did just that.
"See what I mean," she said gesturing to Toothless.
"You know for such a famous dragon trainer you might want to train your own dragon a bit better," she said in frustration, looking at Hiccup.
Hiccup grinned at this. Toothless was as stubborn as he was and this was a classic Toothless sulk which Hiccup had seen many times before. He reached up a hand to his friend.
"Come on Bud, come down. I've missed you," he said gently and smiled as Toothless lifted his head to look at him.
The angry look softened a little and he stood, then with a leap and flare of his wings jumped off of the roof and onto the ground beside them. Several people stopped their activities around the complex to watch in awe as the Night Fury approached the boy, his tail swishing angrily behind him.
"Gently, he's not fully recovered," Astrid said firmly to Toothless as dragon and rider came face to face.
Toothless looked Hiccup up and down, sniffing him over. Assessing Hiccups condition carefully for himself.
"It's alright Bud, I'm nearly healed," Hiccup said as he placed a hand on the side of Toothless muzzle.
Toothless gave him one last quick glance up and down before huffed loudly and sitting down on his haunches, turning his head away from Hiccup as though he didn't care. Hiccup smiled again in amusement at his dragon's behaviour. He pouted and turned his head to the side to mimic Toothless.
"Aw are we sulking...big baby," he mocked as he cast Toothless a sly sideways glance.
Toothless did the same but realising he was copying Hiccup he huffed again and shifted a little further round.
Hiccup was fighting the urge not to laugh at his friend's behaviour and quickly formed a plan to get his attention. He gently unwrapped himself from Astrid and she looked at him questioningly.
'Trust me', he mouthed to her silently.
She looked at him again and her brow furrowing in confusion.
Hiccup moved slowly towards Toothless. He was confident this was going to work...well fairly confident. He was nearly close enough to touch him when Hiccup stumbled and fell forward. Toothless and Astrid gave a simultaneous cry of alarm but Toothless acted the quickest and caught him between his two front paws, wrapping his wings protectively around his rider. Hiccup laughed and Astrid growled in annoyance. He had taken her by surprise with the fall but she could see now that he had fallen purposely and away from his injured arm, putting his trust in Toothless's instinctive nature to protect him in order to get his attention. It had worked but she would be having strong words with him about it later. For now though she watched the reunion.
"See knew you couldn't stay mad at me for long," Hiccup said chuckling against the dragon as he found his feet.
Toothless gave a growl of annoyance at the trick but didn't let Hiccup go. Hiccup reached up and wrapped his arms as best he could around Toothless's neck, burying his face against his warm scales. He then spoke softly into his ear.
"I'm sorry for scaring you bud, I really am. It was hard...really hard to leave you all behind but my tribe... my duty is more important than my life. It was something I had to do."
He leaned back a little to look Toothless in the eye.
"Can you forgive me?"
Toothless responded with a purr and leaned down to nuzzle his face against Hiccups.
"Thanks bud," Hiccup said and smiled up at his friend.
Toothless's mouth split into a wide toothless grin and then without warning he stuck his long tongue out and proceeded to lick Hiccup from chest to face.
"Ewe...Toothless," Hiccup complained leaning back away from the dragon and trying to shake the fishy saliva off him. He gave the dragon an annoyed look.
"You know that doesn't wash out," he said shaking the loose saliva onto the ground. Astrid jumped back out of the line of fire before starting to laugh.
"It's not funny, " Hiccup said, his face looking stern as he glared at her but he couldn't keep it up and soon he was laughing along with her.
The rest of the morning should have been spent resting and recovering but news quickly spread that Hiccup was out of his sick bed and it wasn't long before he was being swarmed with people shaking his hand and asking him dragon questions. Some were even talking about treaties and asking when they would be signed. Hiccup had no idea what they were talking about. Hiccup found the number of people still around the temple surprising. It was several days after the offering time had passed but it didn't seem like many tribes had returned home. Astrid tried her best to keep the crowds away but it was Toothless who stopped them eventually, growling at them as he wrapped protectively around Hiccup and Astrid. This caused the crowd to stop and move back with uncertain looks on their faces.
"Toothless No," Hiccup said firmly, placing his hand on his head. Toothless flicked his ears in annoyance and continued to watch the group warily but he did stop growling.
Hiccup looked at Astrid uncertainly. The last thing they needed right now was an incident in the middle of the temple. No one was reaching for their weapons but they were looking at Toothless warily, it was a tense moment. Thankfully the arrival of his father broke the tension.
"Come on, come on, move back everyone. Give the boy some room. He just got out of bed this morning for Odin's sake," Stoick shouted gruffly as he pushed forwards and placed himself between the eager Vikings and Hiccup.
There were murmurings of apologies from everyone and they stepped back.
"Look I know your all eager to speak to Hiccup and I promise that as soon as he is ready he will answer your questions and sign your treaties," Stoick continued.
Hiccup glanced at his father in confusion.
"What treaties?"
His father looked down at him.
"I'll explain in a minute," he said before turning back to the crowd.
"We'll talk about it this evening at dinner but for now just let the boy rest and regain his strength."
The crowd looked around and nodded to each other in agreement before starting to disperse. When the last of them had moved away Hiccup looked again at his father.
"What did you mean by treaties?" He asked again in confusion.
Stoick smiled and indicated towards the lake that was just visible between two buildings.
"Let's sit down over there and I'll explain," he said.
Slowly they made their way towards the water and once there Astrid helped Hiccup to sit against the very bolder they had sat against a week before. They then joined him.
Stoick looked at his son closely. Hiccup looked tired which was to be expected but he also looked well, much better than he had expected after such a short time. He would check with the healer later but he was confident that Hiccup would be able to travel soon, maybe even the following day.
"You've become quite the celebrity," he said smiling at his son.
"I saw," Hiccup responded, looking at his father.
"Dad, what did they mean by treaties?"
Stoick smiled broadened.
"Normally people leave a day or so after the festivities finish but this year you might have noticed there are a few more people around then you might expect."
Hiccup nodded.
"Well everyone is in awe of what you went through and was prepared to do for us Hiccup but it's not just your bravery that they admire it's the way the gods have shown you their favour. They believe that you have been blessed."
Hiccup looked embarrassed at this. He didn't see what he had done as bravery he had just seen it as necessary. As for being blessed, well he wasn't sure about that. From his point of view it seemed more like he was cursed to keep ending up in these situations. He was about to protest but his father continued.
"Well they have stayed longer for one reason," Stoick said and placed a hand on Hiccups shoulder.
"You son, they have stayed longer because of you."
Stoick smiled again at the shocked and surprised look on Hiccups face.
"W..Why," Hiccup stammered.
Stoick shrugged, still smiling.
"They want your blessing," he said simply.
"M...MY WHAT," Hiccup spluttered loudly.
"Your blessing son, they all want to sign treaties with the Hooligans but they want your signature next to mine. They seem to think it will be good luck. That our good fortune with the gods will be their good fortune if they ally with us, with you to be me more precise."
Hiccup stared at his father in utter shock, momentarily lost for words. Then it dawned on him what his father had just said. His father was chief not him, not yet. His father had to find this a little humiliating to have to defer to his seventeen year old son in matters as serious as treaties. Hiccup started to feel terrible about what had happened. It was as though he was unwillingly undermining his father's authority.
"I...I'm sorry Dad...I never meant...never wanted. You must be furious," Hiccup said in remorse.
Stoick looked confused for a moment and then gently took hold of both Hiccups shoulders so he could look at him.
"Furious? I'm ecstatic. Hiccup think about it, with all these treaties our future is secure, safe. We will have guaranteed trade and allies for many, many years. Son you're the future of this tribe, you both are," he said glancing at Astrid who smiled and took Hiccups hand. Hiccup felt himself blush at his father's meaning but she squeezed her hand none the less.
Stoick continued.
"I know you don't feel ready to take over just yet Hiccup and I respect that but to have the other chiefs and their tribes recognise you and in such a way is fantastic news."
His father's words made sense and Hiccup smiled as he too began to realise the implications. With so many treaties in place not only would the tribe be prosperous but there would be peace as well. It had been a difficult and terrifying road and not one he wanted to repeat but they had finally achieved everything that they had set out to achieve when they left Berk.
Stoick prepared to stand but before he did so he looked at Hiccup again.
"I need to make final preparations for our departure. If you feel up to it and the healer says you're well enough we plan to leave sometime tomorrow."
Hiccup couldn't contain his eagerness and a broad smile broke across his face.
"Finally," he said in relief and excitement.
He wanted to get back to Berk as soon as possible and put the whole sorry mess behind him. He knew that he would have to come back at some point. As chief it would be a duty he could not avoid but right now he just wanted to get as far away from the Island of Thor as possible.
His father nodded and then turned to address Astrid.
"Make sure he rests," he ordered.
Astrid nodded.
"You got it Chief," she responded and looked hard at Hiccup.
Hiccup threw his good arm in the air.
"Fine, I'll rest," he said in defeat.
"You see that you do," his father said and with a final squeeze of his shoulder left Hiccup and Astrid alone.
Astrid and Hiccup spent the rest of the morning sitting by the lake, enjoying each others company and watching Toothless chase insects around its edges. Eventually he got bored though and rolled onto his back, falling asleep in the sun.
"Well someone's enjoying themselves," Astrid said as she carefully set down the flagon of water she had just pulled from the well and indicated to where Toothless now lay.
"He's not the only one," Hiccup said in contentment as he closed his own eyes and leant back against the rock.
He opened them again when he felt Astrid's hand on his forehead.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Fine," he said, a little too quick to be convincing.
Astrid scowled.
"Ok, I'm a little tired," he admitted.
"Want to go back?" She asked.
Hiccup shook his head.
"No, I'm fed up of being trapped in doors. I'm happy here," he said squeezing her hand in reassurance and smiling warmly.
"In that case how about some lunch," and she opened the bundle she had been carrying with the flagon to show an assortment of bread and cheese.
Hiccup's stomach gave a health growl and Astrid laughed.
"I'll take that as a yes shall I," she said in amusement as she sliced him a chuck of cheese and broke the bread. She then poured a mug of water for each of them.
Hiccup took a bite of the cheese and chewed happily. After his initial hunger had been sated he turned to Astrid.
"Have you any idea where we might find Camicazi and Thuggory? I really need to see them and explain my reasons for what I did."
He had expected Astrid to give him an answer him but instead she grimaced and looked away.
"What's the matter?" He asked confused at her response.
Astrid was silent for a moment and then sighed deeply before turned back to him.
"It might be best to stay out of their way today," she said cautiously.
Hiccup frowned.
"Why? We might be leaving tomorrow. I don't want to go without seeing them."
Astrid sighed again and Hiccup began to get concerned.
"Their alright aren't they? They got out of the cell Ok didn't they?" He asked a little alarmed, thinking they might have hurt themselves or something.
Astrid nodded.
"Yeah they got out Ok. They managed to undo the hinges to the cell door. Took them a few hours but they got out in the end. It's just...well you know how Cami can get...she's wasn't too happy about the way they were trapped down there."
Hiccup shrugged.
"I can understand that Astrid but there's something else isn't there? What aren't you telling me?"
Astrid sighed again in resignation. She knew he would keep pushing if she didn't explain.
"Look I know why you did it and I don't think Thug is upset with you but Cami? Well you know she can get a little...well fiery when she gets upset."
Hiccup nodded a feeling of foreboding creeping up on him. He had known Camicazi since they were both very small. Both Astrid and Camicazi could be fiery when they got angry. With Astrid it was weapons, with Camicazi it was words. When her emotions got the better of her Camicazi was a force to be reckoned with.
"Just how upset are we talking?" He asked feeling afraid now. He guessed that they would be unhappy with him for not letting them help him but he had hoped that they wouldn't take it too badly, from the sound of it though Camicazi had done just that.
"Well she cornered Symon yesterday and when he wouldn't let her in to see you she threaten all manner of things and called him all manner of names for his part in what happened. He fled to the temple, to the Elder to be more precise. That's why he didn't change your bandages himself this morning. He's been hiding from Camicazi."
Hiccup groaned and put his head in his hands. This was not good news but Astrid continued and the news just got worse.
"I think the Elder got fed up with her this morning and told Bertha that if she didn't control her daughter better and stop her hounding her apprentice she would outcast them both personal. I think it was an empty threat but it did the trick."
Astrid looked over at Hiccup as he lifted his head from his hands. Where only a few moments before he had looked relaxed and calm he now looked pale and worried and she berated herself for telling him so soon. She had wanted to wait a little longer.
"Hiccup, look, don't worry. I don't think she's as mad as she's making out. You just scared her, you sacred all of us and you know how she is when she gets emotional. Thuggory isn't angry with you. In fact he's done everything to try and reason with her and calm her down. Give her another day and she'll be fine."
Hiccup chewed his lip nervously as he thought about how angry Camicazi was. He hadn't meant to hurt anyone just protect them, even if it was from themselves. He hated to think that his actions had cost him his friendship with the two heirs. He just hoped that Astrid was right and Camicazi wasn't as angry with him as she was making out. He tried to convince himself that it was just her way, acting over the top as always, at least he hoped so. They sat there in silence as they finished eating.
Once finished Astrid leaned closer to him and positioned herself to lie back against his chest. As she did so he wrapped his arms around her and placed his chin on top of her head, sighing in contentment and pushing the inevitable confrontation with his friends aside for the moment. The sun, the food and the comfortable position made them drowsy and it wasn't long before they both started to drift off to sleep. They had only closed their eyes for a few brief moments when an alarming shout came that made Hiccup jump and look at Astrid with wide fearful eyes.
"HADDOCK"
"Oh Gods," was all Hiccup could say. He knew that voice. High pitched, angry and most definitely female.
Astrid kissed him with a smile.
"It will be alright. I told you she's not as mad as she's making out," Astrid said before standing.
Hiccup grimaced and turned to look around the boulder. Camicazi did not look happy at all. Her hair was wild around her shoulders, which were heaving and her face was red and livid with anger. Despite Astrid's assurances Hiccup couldn't help being convinced that he was looking at a very, very angry female Viking who looked like she wanted to kill him.
He dived back around the boulder.
"She's got me convinced," he whimpered. He could hear rapid footsteps approaching now and squeezed his eyes shut.
Astrid just smiled and stepped forward to catch Camicazi in mid stomp.
"Stop it Cami, you know you're not really angry with him. You're just as relieved as the rest of us that he's Ok," she chided but kept a firm hand on her friend's shoulders as she tried to shrug Astrid off to get to Hiccup.
"The little...he trapped us...trapped me...with his accomplice that no good temple lackey of his. We wanted to help, we were his friends and we were prepared to give everything to save him. Instead we were just thrown aside like a piece of rubbish. It was humiliating, it was unfair, it was..."
"Necessary," Hiccup finished as he sighed and stood to face her, his heart heavy at her choice of words.
Camicazi's eyes flared with anger again as she looked at him and Astrid tightened her grip on her friend. She was fairly convinced that Camicazi wouldn't hurt Hiccup but she wasn't taking any chances. Camicazi was a proud Viking and Astrid was starting to worry now that she really had taken this a little too badly.
Hiccup looked at Camicazi for a few moments and then lowered his gaze sadly.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Cami but I stand by my reasons for what I did. I couldn't let you sacrifice your own freedom and lives for me. You and Thuggory have a life and future together ahead of you and your tribes need you. I couldn't let you throw all that away because of me, you both mean too much to me."
He looked back at her and their eyes met again. Hers still filled with anger and his with resolve. He sighed and lowered his gaze once again.
"I'm sorry, I hope you can forgive me...in time," he said quietly.
He looked up at the sound of more feet approaching and saw Thuggory running towards them. He too looked angry and Hiccups heart sank further as Thuggory's raised voice joined Astrid's and Camicazi's as they began to argue with each other. Hiccup couldn't make out what was being said and in truth he didn't want to. He began to back up towards Toothless who had been woken by the shouting.
"Come on bud. I don't think I'm wanted here," he said sadly and took hold of Toothless harness for support. Toothless gave a chirp of reassurance and they started to move away. His departure went unnoticed by the group.
When Thuggory reached the group he was seething with anger but it wasn't directed at Hiccup it was at Camicazi.
"Why did you run off like that," he shouted angrily as he grabbed hold of her shoulders, pulling her from Astrid grasp and turning her to look at him.
Camicazi turned her head away from him but he was having none of it.
"We agreed to talk to him together Cami. Why did you run off and leave me?" He accused.
Camicazi turned to him, her own eyes flaring with anger.
"You left me standing there," Camicazi said gesturing angrily towards the temple courtyard.
"I was talking with Chief Stoick," Thuggory said in frustration.
"I saw, probably talking about that good for nothing...little...," but she was cut short by Thuggory shaking her shoulders firmly.
"Yes, I was talking about Hiccup but do you have any idea what about? Have you even bothered to find out...to listen to what happened to him?" He said his voice loud and angry.
"I don't care...the little...he lead us on. Made us think he was in danger but in the end he had a plan didn't he. Bet he talked his way out of it...all this saved by the Gods stuff is just rubbish. Bet he was just after the glory," Camicazi said her tone accusing and mocking as she turned her head away in defiance but it didn't faze Thuggory. He was used to Camicazi's moods and he was determined that she would listen to what he had to say.
"You really think that do you? You really think he has the guile in him to act or think that way. Damn it Cami this is Hiccup were talking about. Do you really think that this has all been some kind of game? You saw him the day before the offerings were made. Did he really looking like someone who had a plan, someone who knew he was going to walk away alive?"
Thuggory forced her around to look at him. He could see that his words were starting to register with her.
"He went through with it Cami. He actually went through with it. I spoke to my Dad and he told me how they sealed Hiccup in the offering pyre and set light to it. Did you even stop to wonder why he was at the healers? He was burned, and badly. Toothless pulled him from the fire and only just in time. You didn't even notice the bandages did you?" He said is voice softening a little as he noticed a change to Camicazi's face. It was slowly turning from anger to anguish.
Thuggory ploughed on.
"When the bell sounded he went with the guards and willingly. He fully expecting to die then and he would have done so if Astrid and Toothless hadn't pulled him from the flames but do you know what the most humbling thing is Cami. He didn't just offer his life once he did it twice. At the last moment when he realised that his father hadn't returned with any further offerings he willing offered his life again to save his tribe. I spoke to one of the guards, the one that was tasked with taking Hiccups life. Cami he knelt there on the beach with a knife against his throat. It's not a trick, the gods genuinely spared him, if they hadn't we would be conducting Hiccups funeral right now."
He shook his head and took Camicazi's face in his hands and looked at her hard. Her eyes were glistening with tears now and he could see that the angry look had been replaced with one of deep remorse.
"Stop being so stubborn and proud, Hiccup didn't do what he did to hurt you or me he did it to save us from loosing each other and our tribes. I may still not agree with his methods but I get why he did it and I forgive him. You need to as well," he said his voice gentle.
Camicazi turned to Astrid.
"Is it true?" She asked quietly.
Astrid nodded and at that Camicazi broke down and sank into Thuggory's arms.
"I...I've b..been such a f...fool," she sobbed into his shoulder.
He rubbed her back gently.
"I know but I still love you," he said softly.
It took a while for Camicazi to regain her composure.
"I...I need to a...apologise," she said wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her tunic.
"Hiccup...?" she said as she looked around for him but he was nowhere in sight.
"Where is he?" She asked in concern as she looked around the lake for him.
Astrid joined her. There was no sign of Hiccup or Toothless. She looked back at the pair, worried.
"I need to find him. He's not strong enough yet to be wandering around on his own. Even with Toothless," he said in alarm and made to set off in search of him but she was stopped by a shaking hand on her shoulder. She turned to look at Camicazi.
"I'll find him. It's my fault he left," she said her voice shaking as she tried to control her emotions but despite her red eyes her face was determined.
Camicazi moved away from Thuggory and Astrid and started to look around for the route that Hiccup had taken. She had reasoned that he couldn't have gone far but there were several ways he could have gone. She was trying to figure out the most likely route when she noticed the footprints. With all the heavy rain that had fallen the ground was soft and leading between the buildings was a trail of deep dragon prints, a boot and the square base of a prosthetic.
She followed the trail and soon found herself surrounded by a cluster of temple buildings that looked like they were used more for living in rather than worship. Under the shelter of the buildings the ground was dry and the trail disappeared. She was looking around for a sign of which way they had gone when she heard a soft sound, and a quiet chirping noise. She looked around and saw Hiccup standing in the shadows between two buildings. He had his back to her and appeared to be leaning heavily against the wall. Toothless was looking down and chirping gently, as though trying to comfort him. As she approached she could see that Hiccups shoulders were shaking and she realised guiltily that he was crying.
Hiccup had left quickly when the arguments had started. As he and Toothless had moved away he could hear the raised voices of Thuggory and Camicazi and he felt terrible that he was the cause of their argument. He was too tired to make it back to the healers in one go so had opted to rest between the buildings. Once there he leant heavily on the wall and wiped furiously at his face. He hadn't meant to cry but he couldn't help it. He closed his eyes for a moment trying to push the rush of emotions aside. He leant against Toothless who chirped sympathetically.
"I never meant to hurt anyone," he said sadly and then sighed heavily.
"I guess this is another part of growing up bud. Sometimes you have to make decisions that others don't like...and you lose friends because of it," his voice caught on that.
"That's what happened between Alvin and my father."
He stroked Toothless gently to comfort himself.
"I think being Chief is going to be a lonely life."
As he said this more tears fell down his cheeks and his shoulders slumped in resignation.
Camicazi heard this and her chest tightened. This was all her fault. She had to put it right.
"Hiccup.." she said softly hoping not to startle him but failed miserably as he jumped violently and spun around to face her.
He instantly looked around for an escape route but realised to his horror that he was trapped. Camicazi came closer but warily, eyeing the large form of Toothless nervously. She had never been this close to a dragon without a weapon in her hand before.
"Hiccup...I'm so sorry...I shouldn't have...I mean I didn't realise...what you went through...," she started, wanting to explain everything, apologise all at once but it came out in a jumbled mess. Her heart sank further as he backed away from her and she stopped. She could see now the bandages that wrapped his right arm and the way he limped, more than normal.
"Gods what an idiot," she said in anger.
"Yeah I get that a lot lately," Hiccup said sadly and she looked at him.
"Not you...me," she said again, angry at herself for causing him pain, angry at her own stupidity and pride.
She moved towards him again.
"Hiccup, I'm so sorry. I was a fool. I...I acted like an idiot, an immature idiot. I let my emotions get the better of me again. I...I didn't mean to hurt you. I really didn't. I just...well you know how I get," she lowered her eyes to the floor.
"I'm sorry," she repeated and then sighed.
"I shouldn't have let my pride get the better of me. I understand now. You meant the best for us. I've just been too stupid to see it," she looked at him once more and then started to turn away.
"Astrid and Thug are waiting for you back at the lake. Go back and be with them. I'll leave you be," she said sadly.
How could she have possibly expected to seek his forgiveness for the way she had acted, the things she had thought, said? Hell, she couldn't even forgive herself.
"I'll go," she said and started to walk out of the alley.
She was stopped by a hand on her arm and she turned to look into deep forest green eyes.
"I forgive you," Hiccup said looking at her.
She blinked back at him in surprise.
"W..what?"
"I said I forgive you," he repeated.
"Hiccup...how can you forgive me...after what I've done, the things I said."
Hiccup smiled.
"Because I'm me. That's what I do," he said still smiling.
Camicazi continued to look at him in surprise and then finally she too started to smile.
"You mean it?"
"Yes Cami I mean it," Hiccup said seriously.
"So were still friends," she said tentatively.
Hiccup smiled happily.
"Of course were still friends," he said and with that wrapped his arms around the blond girl and held her tight.
Camicazi held him back before pulling away and looking at him.
"I really am sorry Hiccup," she repeated.
"I know."
She smiled at this.
"I didn't believe all this blessed by the gods stuff at first but I'm starting to believe it now. You really are something special Hiccup."
He grinned at this.
"So people keep telling me. Personally I don't recommend it. It's really not good for your health."
Camicazi burst out laughing at this, dispersing the tension of only a few moments before. Still giggling she wrapped an arm around him.
"Come on Hero. Let's get back to the others."
They made their way back to the lake and at seeing them approach Astrid ran forwards and wrapped her arm around Hiccups neck briefly in relief and then looked at him.
"Are you alright?" She asked in concern, looking between the two.
Hiccup looked across at Camicazi.
"We are now," he said and smiled
Thuggory joined them but his eyes weren't on either Camicazi or Hiccup, they were fixed on Toothless.
"Man Hiccup is that really...a Night Fury," he said in awe, a nervous edge to his voice as the dragon moved closer.
Toothless nuzzled under Hiccups arm, earning himself a scratch between the ears which he accepted with a contented purr.
Thuggory's eyes got wider and his mouth hung open a little in shock.
"I can't believe it...its all true...you really did train a Night Fury," the awe in his voice growing.
Hiccup smiled.
"We really trained each other," he said modestly rubbing Toothless again in affection.
Then he reached out and took Thuggory's hand. He drew the hand closer to Toothless's nose and held it there. Thuggory's eyes widened as he realised that Hiccup wanted him to touch him. His fingers twitched nervously and he was about to pull his hand back when Toothless leaned forward and placed his nose on Thuggory's palm.
Hiccup smiled and clapped Thuggory on the back.
"See he likes you," he said happily and Thuggory gave a small nervous smile.
"I expected him to be slimy not all dry and scaly," he admitted.
"That's what my Dad used to think before he bonded with Thornado," Hiccup said with amusement then turned to Camicazi.
"Your turn," he said and laughed as her own eyes widened but she did as instructed and soon she to was stroking Toothless with confidence. Toothless loved the attention and purred loudly.
The friends spent the rest of the afternoon talking, swapping stories and enjoying the late autumn sunshine. Surrounded by his friends Hiccup couldn't help feeling that they could give him all the blessings they wanted but to him he would take friends over gods any day.