Chapter 19 - A God's Gift

After a final check up from the healer Hiccup was given the okay to travel and preparations for their departure began in earnest. He had hoped to spend what time remained with his friends but his father had other plans. Although mindful of Hiccups recovery there was still important work to be done and he needed Hiccup to be part of it. So, instead of spending the morning sitting on the beach and enjoying the sun, Hiccup had been trapped in the great hall with his father, shaking hands, signing treaties and answering questions.

The majority of questions revolved around dragons. How he had captured and trained a Night Fury? How long had the Hooligans been riding dragons? The questions were relentless but he was happy to answer each and every one, heartened by the interest being shown where once there had been hostility towards dragons. Occasionally the questions would deviate from dragons though and someone would ask about his experiences during the offering period. These sorts of questions he was not so happy to answer but thankfully his father would step in quickly and insist that they stick to the subject of dragons which Hiccup was grateful for, it really wasn't something he wanted to talk about. However, for all its positive benefits Hiccup had found the long morning tiring and he has been left horse from talking and nursing an aching wrist from all the handshaking and name sighing. Now desperate to find a few moments of peace and quiet Hiccup was looking for an escape.

Hiccup squeezed himself further behind the pillar as he tried to hide from view. He desperately needed a break from the contestant bombardment of questions and was trying to take advantage of a small lull in the discussions to sneak out of the hall and make his escape. He glanced cautiously around the pillar towards the door, looking for an opportunity to make a break for it. He was so focused on his mission that he did not hear the footsteps behind him and yelped in surprise when a hand landed on his shoulder. He quickly spun around to confront his assailant but his initial jolt of fear was replaced with annoyance when he saw who had startled him. Astrid stood there, a wide grin plastered across her face.

"Astrid, for the love of Thor...are you trying to give me a heart attack?" he said trying to slow his breathing and placing a shaking hand on his chest to feel his violently thumping heart within.

"You look like your hiding from someone?" she said still grinning.

Hiccup nodded.

"Not someone...everyone," and he gesturing in despair to the throng of people beyond the pillar.

She looked around, the lull was coming to an end and people were stating up new conversations. A few people were calling Hiccups name and enquiring with others as to his whereabouts.

"Does looks like their looking for you," she confirmed. Hiccups shoulders slumped and he sighed. The chance to escape had passed. He had been so close.

Noticing his reaction Astrid made a decision and grabbed his wrist. Then before he could protest she quickly dragged him out from behind the pillar and through the main door. By some miracle they managed to make it through without being seen and were soon out in the sunshine, putting as much distance between themselves and the main hall as possible. When she thought they were far enough away Astrid stopped and listened for any sign of pursuit but there appeared to be none. They had successfully got away. Smiling she seated Hiccup down on a nearby log to rest. Hiccup instantly began to rub his sore wrist which had been made worse by Astrid's yanking.

"Great now I've got two bad wrists," he grumbled as he continued to nurse the aching joint with his bandaged right hand.

"I got you out didn't I," Astrid retorted, annoyed at his ungratefulness.

"Yeah I suppose so...thanks," he said is a tired voice, now cradling the limb.

Astrid sighed and moved away.

"Wait here," she said over her shoulder as she disappeared into a nearby building. A few moments later she returned with a small bag containing something lumpy and wet. She handed it to Hiccup.

"Here."

Hiccup looked at the bag suspiciously but then smiled when he realised it contained crushed ice. He took the offered ice pack and placed it on his sore wrist, letting out a blissful sigh as he did so. Astrid sat down beside him.

"Oh, come on, don't be such a baby. It can't be that bad," she scolded.

"That's fine for you to say. You're not named 'Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III'. I must have signed my name a hundred times. Why couldn't I just use my initials like I normally do?" he complained.

"Its tradition," she said, shrugging.

Hiccup just shook his head.

"Yeah, well it used to be tradition to use dragon's blood to sign treaties. Traditions can be changed," he said stubbornly. They had used squid ink this time.

"What sort of parent gives their son such a long name anyway? Especially when they know he will have to sign lots of things?"

Astrid rolled her eyes and smiled as he continued to grumble.

"Well you know what to do in future. Make sure your own kids have short, sensible names," her voice sly and meaningful as a she nudged him suggestively.

Hiccup blushed, catching onto her meaning but before he could respond there came a polite cough. They both looked up to find the Elder standing before them. Quickly they stood and inclined their heads in respect.

"My apologies young Astrid, may I borrow Hiccup for a while?" She asked pleasantly.

Astrid nodded.

"Of course reverend Elder."

She turned to Hiccup.

"I'll go down to the beach. Lots of people want to see the dragons up close and it's been pretty busy down there. Fishlegs and the others could probably do with some help."

He nodded.

"Tell Toothless I'll be there soon."

She squeezed his hand in acknowledgement and left in the direction of the beach path. At her departure the Elder moved closer.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you Hiccup. I know that you have had a busy day."

Hiccup gave a tired smiled.

"That's Ok, I suppose they want me back in the main hall to answer more questions."

"No doubt they do but that was not my reason for seeking you out. I wanted to speak to you alone as there is something that I would like to give you, a gift of sorts, before you leave for home."

"A gift, for me?" He said in surprise.

The Elder smiled.

"Yes, if you are willing to accept it."

"Of course, I'd be honoured. What is it?" he asked curiously.

"It is not something that I can bring to you but rather something that you must choose."

She turned and motioned for Hiccup to follow which he did, his curiosity growing. As they walked slowly back towards the main hall the Elder continued to talk.

"Has your father informed you of the council's decision to withdraw the law?" The Elder asked looking across at him.

Hiccup nodded.

"Yes, I'm glad it's gone. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what I did."

She nodded her agreement.

"I'm sorry it took so long but I too am glad it is now finally confined to our past. With the out casting of the Hysterics once more and the Berserker's with them it was a simple matter and the council agreed unanimously."

They continued to walk in silence for a moment before Hiccup decided that now was a good a time as any to speak to the Elder about something that had been bothering him.

"I wanted to apologise for Camicazi's behaviour towards Symon. She can be quite fiery when she's upset but she didn't really mean for it to go so far," he said hoping that the Elder would understand. He was worried that the Elder might still outcast her for the way she had acted.

"Do not concern yourself Hiccup, your friend did indeed act rash and unwisely but she has since been to see me and apologised for her behaviour. She has also apologised to my apprentice so the matter is closed."

"Thank you," he said, breathing a sigh of relief.

"If I understand correctly the girl Camicazi and the young Meathead heir are to be wed soon," the Elder continued.

Hiccup nodded and the Elder gave an amused smile.

"If she is indeed as volatile a creature as you have indicated then one hopes the young man is fully aware of what he is letting himself in for, she will be quite a handful," she said her voice laced with amusement.

Hiccup chuckled.

"Oh I know how that feels, Astrid can be the same although she prefers to use her axe rather than her tongue. They love each other though and I think Thuggory can handler her. If he can't then he's going to get very fit really quickly with all the running he'll be doing."

The statement had been meant as an amusing one but despite the Elders hearty laughter Hiccup felt a heavy lump settle in his chest at the thought of his friends marrying and the happiness they would soon share. The Elders next question only added to the weight in his heart.

"What of yourself and the young maiden, Astrid. Are you yet betrothed?" she asked as they began to climb the steps to the hall.

Hiccups shook his head and his shoulders slumped.

"No, but I want desperately to ask her," he said quietly.

The Elder looked across at him.

"Then why have you delayed, I have seen the deep love that you both share."

"I don't have a ring to give her. It wouldn't be right to ask her without one."

The Elder nodded.

"Yes, that is indeed the proper customer of our people," she agreed but on noticing the sad look on his face she placed a comforting hand on his arm.

"I can see that something else bothers you, aside from the need of a ring."

Hiccup looked at her.

"I'm afraid I've left it too late," he answered, his voice betraying his fear.

The Elder smiled and tightened her grip on his arm in reassurance.

"I do not think you have anything to fear on that account Hiccup. I have seen the love in her eyes for you, the way she protects and guards you, even if you do not always see it yourself. I am confident that she will choose no other, your bonding is assured. Have faith in the gods."

The Elders words made him feel a little better and the weight lifted from his heart. He would begin crafting the ring as soon as they got home. A few more days were all he had to wait, and then he could ask for her hand. His mind was deep in these happy thoughts when he suddenly realised the direction they were now moving in and his steps faulted. They had entered the main hall and were now walking down the corridor to the inner temple. He could see the large ornate doors at the end and beyond lay the courtyard where the pyre had been. He knew there was no danger now but the fear rose in his chest without warning and he froze, staring at the doors.

At the feeling once again of a gentle touch to his arm he broke his gaze away from the doors and looked at the Elder.

"In time the memories will fade Hiccup, but in order to heal you must first treat the wound," she said in understanding and took his hand in hers.

With her guidance Hiccup began to move slowly forward, each step nervous and hesitant but growing in confidence as they drew closer to the doors. Before long they were standing before them. The two guards nodded to the Elder and the doors swung open to reveal the courtyard beyond. Hiccup hadn't paid much attention to his surroundings when last he had been there. The yard had been full of people and his mind had been fogged with the effects of the potion, his focus on the fact that he had been about to be burned alive. The courtyard was now empty and he could see the doors that surrounded the yard, he wondered what lay beyond them. His eyes finally settled on the large dark patch of charred ground in the centre and the terrifying memories began to resurface. The Elder once again placed her hand on his trembling arm in comfort.

"What took place here will never be forgotten by this temple or by those that were present Hiccup. I myself am ashamed at the part I played and by what I allowed to happen. I will understand if you bear both me and this temple a great anger and wish to never to return. We treated you badly," she said her voice filled with remorse.

Hiccup was silent for a moment, a war of feelings and emotions going on inside him. She was right he had felt both angry and afraid at what the temple had tried to do to him, blamed them for the terrifying situation he had been faced with. However, now, standing in the very place that he had been forced to face his own death, he realised that he no longer felt that way. The temple and the Elder had only been carrying out their duty to the Gods. The same way he had carried out his duty to his tribe. None of what had taken place here had been their fault. It was Alvin and Dagur that had brought about his suffering, they were the ones he should be directing his anger at and one day he knew he would make them pay. His trembling creased and he turned to the Elder.

"I confess that I did feel that way at first but I don't anymore. I do not blame you or this temple for what happened and I will return here," he said honestly.

She nodded in acknowledgement of his forgiveness.

"I am glad," she has warmly as she took both his hands in her own.

"Come, I will show you the reason why I brought you here."

With that she started across the courtyard towards one of the surrounding doors. They entered and Hiccup looked around.

A great statue of Thor loomed over him and he looked up at it in awe. There was a small shrine to the Gods back on Berk which was used for annual ceremonies and marriages but nothing as grand as this. Before the statue sat a raging fire in a deep sunken pit and in front of that a raised stone bench covered in caskets of jewels, goblets and other fine objects of immense value and wealth.

The Elder moved up beside him.

"You stand before the mighty God Thor Hiccup. You have been blessed by him this offering period and I believe chosen by the Gods to do great things in their name. However you are young and I understand if you find this difficult to accept. I wish to show you something that may help. Look closely at Thor's hammer."

Hiccup did as instructed. The hammer was slotted into the statues hand and covered with beautiful and intricate carvings. He looked closer and his eyes widened at what he saw. Curling around the handle and up onto the surface of the hammer itself was the unmistakable form of a dragon, a Night Fury, the symbol of Thor's might, but it wasn't that which had surprised Hiccup. It was what was carved across its back that caused him to stare, a small but clearly identifiable figure, a rider. He turned to the Elder in shock.

"That was carved and presented to this temple as a gift by you ancestor Hamish I. I do not know if the person who carved the hammer or even if the person giving the instructions realised that their vision would come to pass but you Hiccup are the living embodiment of what is carved upon that stone. I believe you are the rider that it depicts and that you and your Night Fury were destined to be united. He is as messenger of Thor, as I believe are you, and together you will teach Viking kind a new way of living."

Hiccup looked long at the hammer, his mind struggling to come to terms with its meaning. Could his ancestor really have foretold the bonding of dragons and Vikings or had it been a distant hope that he wished would come to pass?

"There is more Hiccup, I would like you to choose an item from the wealth of what you see before you. All were given as gifts from those wishing for the gods blessing but I have been instructed by Thor to allow you to choose an item as your own," the Elder said, indicating the items on the bench before them.

Hiccup looked astounded. Some of the items represented more wealth than he had seen his entire life. Berk wasn't a rich land.

"Choose," she said looking at him expectantly.

Hiccup looked again at the items before him and couldn't even beginning to think of which one to take. The offer was a generous one and no doubt others would have selected the largest or most valuable item for themselves but that wasn't like Hiccup. He was uncomfortable with choosing any of the items before him and certainly did not want to appear greedy. Then he noticed something small nestled behind a large golden plate. He reached for it and picked it up. It was a small wooden box which settled neatly in the palm of his hand. He looked closely at the box. Its surface was highly polished and inlaid with fine pearly seashell which was outlined in gold. The craftsmanship was superb and Hiccup couldn't help feeling envious of the maker's skill. He looked at the Elder.

"Is that your choice?" She asked.

He nodded, hoping that she did not think his choice a poor one. She smiled.

"Open it," she instructed.

He found a small catch on its side and Hiccup pulled the hinged lid open. He gasped at the contents and looked quickly at the Elder in surprise.

"The box is just like you Hiccup, size and appearance can be deceiving. It is what is inside that has the greatest value. The box and its contents are yours to do with as you please. I would not be surprised if you do not already have something in mind," she said and smiled warmly as he looked wide eyed again at the boxes contents.

"T...thank you," he stammered and carefully closed the box securing its precious contents. He held it close to his heart with both hands and smiled.

Suddenly she bowed.

"Shortly you will leave us and it may be another year before you return but I stand by what I said when we first met Hiccup. You are indeed a child of peace and just like your ancestor you have shown us a different and better path. You will be a great Chief when your time comes and the future of all the Viking people may well rest in your hands."

Hiccup was shocked at the profound way she spoke. She stepped forward and placed both her hands on his shoulders.

"It has been an honour to meet you Hiccup and I hope that we will meet again before Thor takes me into his embrace. Will you accept my blessing before you depart," she asked.

He nodded and she placed her fingers on his forehead as she had done several days before and traced the sign of the hammer.

"Go with Thor young one," she said as she pulled back and began to move towards the door.

"You may stay here as long as you wish," she called back.

"Thank you," Hiccup said again as she pulled open the door. She nodded to him one last time and then left, closing the door behind her.

Alone now Hiccup turned to the statue. Before the events of the last week religion had not played a major part in Hiccups life. He had met his obligations by paying homage at the appropriate ceremonies and festivals each year as every Viking did but ultimately he had remained sceptical. Recent events though had changed all that, the fact that he now stood in the presence of the god, still breathing and not riding with a Valkyrie to Valhalla had to mean something. Didn't it?

He looked up at the face of Thor, noting the stern features. If he was to believe any of what he had just been told it would seem that he had been destined to meet Toothless and to go through all the adventures and trials they had faced together. Fighting the Red death had just been the beginning. He could accept that but to believe that he was some sort of messenger sent to change Viking kind was just too much. He felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him. Before he had always felt sure of what he wanted to do. Sure of who he was or even wanted to be, but now? After everything that had happened, with everyone seeming to expect him to start performing miracles, lead them and change them he felt lost and surprisingly alone. For the first time in his life he didn't know what to do next. If only he could ask the god himself, find out what was expected of him and then he might understand more.

He looking back at the statue and after a few moments decided that it couldn't hurt to try. He moved forward and knelt before Thor. He swallowed nervously, trying to think of something to say.

"Um...I wanted to thank you for sparing my life," he said. It seemed a good place to start.

"I'm not sure of what to make of everything that's happened. I'm not sure if I believe in destiny but I do believe now that you watch over us," he continued, looking up at the statue as he spoke.

"Everyone seems to think that I'm destined to do great things to be a great leader but I don't know if that's true or even if I'm capable. I'm..I'm not sure what you want me to do..."

He watched the harsh stone features for a while. Looking for some sign that the God was there, that he had heard him and would perhaps give him an answer or guidance but Thor's face remained motionless. After a few long awkward minutes Hiccup looked down at the statues feet and sighed in disappointment. What was he to do now?

He was lost for a moment. Then he realised something. He didn't need a god's advice to continue living his life. He could continue to do as he had always done, face each day as it came, each new challenge with interest and excitement. If the Gods played a part in his life from now on then so be it, but until he was told what was required of him he would choose his own path. He smiled at this realisation and looked up at the face of Thor again.

"I guess I will have to wait to find out...but if it's Ok with you...I'd just like to be myself for now," he said finally before pushing himself to his feet.

He turned to leave but suddenly remembering the gift and quickly turned back.

"Thank you for this," he said holding out the box.

"I promise I'll put it to good use," he added before smiling happily and placing it carefully inside his tunic.

He bowed one last time towards the statue and then turned to leave. As the door opening the fire in the pit flared and the light that played across the statues features intensified. It could have been the movement of the door that caused it, a fresh rush of air fuelling the flames but if Hiccup had looked back he would have seen the features of the statue change. The once stern and angry expression had been replaced with a knowing smile. Hiccup was going to do just fine.