You can figure out what the villain fears by his choice of weapons.

-Connie Brockway

~O~

These Weapons That Bind Us

~O~

"That's it, Toothless. Fire it up," Hiccup stood back to avoid the blast of his dragon aiming at the polished sword. Toothless opened his mouth, and a small purple beam churned at the back of his throat, and soon, Hiccup immediately hit the end of the blade with an anvil while it was still torched in red flames. It curved in a small, flattened arc and steamed as he dipped it into a basin of water.

His fingers closed around the handle, and held the weapon up to get a better view. He smiled as the blade caught a rim of sunlight, bequeathing a glow "Perfect." He exclaimed after perfecting it all night, just in time so he can enter.

Instead of the usual double-edged sword, it was a bright silver sphere, a wholly round blade with a diameter slightly wider than his face and had gleaming points winding its way from the center of the crescent ring. It was perfect, light, and neatly polished in his hand. He gave the sword a good swing. The air hissed as he made imaginary parries. Hiccup was one of the only few people who had mastered this technique of smithy. He knew how to forge weapons that were lighter and sturdier at the same time.

"Endeavour," he said, naming his crafted steel. He ran his palm over its surface, taking the last few minutes to examine his work. Then, he sheathed the sword in a leather wrapped scabbard, slid it inside his travelling bag, and ventured his way to find a castle. Toothless, on the other hand, went back inside the cove to sleep.

But there was something, Toothless could sense it, something was watching him from afar. But it didn't seem to bother the dragon, so he curled up in a ball and dozed off.

Merida slid off her bed, brimming with excitement, leaving the blanket a crumpled heap at the center. She slung her bow and arrow over her shoulder and packed an apple and some cheese in case she got hungry in the middle of her training with Helmet. She was a little restless, battered by fitful events the night before, but she couldn't wait to start her lesson. She buckled her belt and don her favorite leather boots, which were the pair Fergus wore when he was young. Her mother never approved of them because they were too…manly, but they were so much more comfortable than the fitted shoes her mother makes her wear.

She went to the door, but was surprised it wouldn't open even if she yanked it with much force. "Hey!" She peeked her head out of the window carved in her door. "Maudie! I need you!"

Meanwhile, Elinor was just below the stairs, hearing every bit of her daughter's screaming. She turned towards a trembling Maudie and held up a golden key. "Hold this and make sure she doesnae get ewt. Ah'll not risk losing her too."

Maudie took the key and stuffed it protectively in her fist. "What about the beast?"

"Fergus and his men are finding a way to track it down. Just stay put." The maid nodded and watched as the queen departed the castle. She then went back to the kitchen and hoped the princess wasn't in the mood for plotting a way out, which was the one thing Merida was bent on planning to do so.

Merida grappled with the doorknob and tried picking the lock, but to no avail. It wasn't until she heard the sound of little feet scampering about the hallway, occasionally stumbling and tripping. "Boys!" She exclaimed in relief and once again poked her head out in. "Ah need yer help,"

The triplets halt their scampering and turned their heads towards their caged sister. They huddled in front of the door like a cluster of little chicks.

"Ah need ye tae get the key," she said desperately. Harris raised an eyebrow. No way was he about to do a task without getting something in return. "If ye help me, ye can have my dessert for two…" the triplets looked unsatisfied. "…THREE weeks." Hamish raised his hand, beckoning for more.

"Ugh, fine," Merida sighed. "A year," That was just enough for her to earn approving nods from her brothers.

"Well this was a really smooth idea," Hiccup said as he caught a glimpse of the castle and saw there were hundreds of guards stationed at every tower. He'd heard about the grand fortress' extensive prominence but dismissed these claims as blusters. But he was wrong. The castle boasted swaths of powerful pillars fortified by inner and outer walls. It waned away threats from sea intruders and flaunted the wealth and rich standing of its dwellers.

Here was a seal on the paper Hiccup found, and it looked identical to that of the symbol carved in one of the turrets; a sword crossed by four rings. He didn't know what else to do except wait to be seen.

"HORRIBLE. OUTRAGEOUS. A DISGRACE," Hiccup could see a man yelling at the top of his lungs to another young man. He hollered on some more of how the sword he was holding was very much unbalanced and nowhere near polished. The young man could only bow his head as the taller man flung the sword over the walls of the castle, as if its existence was shameful. Apparently, the young man was the last one to be tested.

Another man, similar looking to the tempered one, stood next to him. "At this rate, we're never gonna catch this beast. It's the last day to choose our apprentice."

"None of those men are fit to forge weapons as excellent as ours. We'll just have to think of something else."

Reluctantly, Hiccup approached the impending fortress, but his worries about how well he could act as a native dallied his actions. He didn't know how to speak with a Scottish accent. What excuse could he make up? What would they do if they found out he was a Viking? Before he knew it, he was already at the front of the gate, shaking rather tremendously.

"Halt!" the man whom he saw screaming twenty seconds ago, demanded. Hiccup instantaneously froze, rearing his guard when he grabbed the attention of the soldiers stationed at the towers. "Wha' is yer business here?"

"I-I found this paper," Hiccup reached down his pocket to pull out a crumply yellow paper. "And I believe your monarchs have requested the aid of men who can forge foreign weapons,"

"They asked for men, boy," he spat, addressing to the little Viking's scrawny figure.

Hiccup stiffened a little. "I have a weapon, sir." He was about to reach the bag behind his back where his scabbard was when a dozen guards pointed their spears at him, threatened by his actions.

"Drop it!" They ordered. Hiccup obeyed and set his rounded scabbard down. "Now slide it over," He kicked the sword with his foot, letting it slide towards the man stationed at the gate. He unlocked the doors to retrieve the object and picked it up with a roguish smirk. It sort of nerved Hiccup a little because he looked liked the kind of man who can kill another when displeased.

"What kind of sword is this? A spinning top?" He ridiculed, twiddling the object between his fingers as if it were child's play. Hmm, Outlander? Hiccup thought, for the man did not seem to possess Scottish descent.

"With all due respect, sir," Hiccup started." The King and Queen has requested for assistance, and I have a right to come in,"

"And I, as the bodyguard for the Royal Family, have the right to slaughter you on the spot…" he looked as if he were starving for a delicious kill. "…Without cause?" He was staring at Hiccup, eyes intent.

"What's this again, Dagur? Must you always have to greet people with something pointing at them," the man standing next to him said. Like Dagur, he also wore two axes strapped across his back.

"Must you always have to interrupt every opportunity I get, Rugad?" Dagur replied in irritation. Rugad nodded his head towards the soldiers at the front. "It's alright, lads. You can lower your weapons. I got this." Rugad faced Hiccup, who had his arms up in surrender.

"Name,"

"Hic—uhh," Quick, Hiccup think. What was his fake name again? The one he told Arrow? "Helmet, sir."

"Helmet?"

"Yes, sir."

"From?"

"Ahhh," Hiccup cringed, trying to gather his wits. This is hard. While reading the Book of Scotland, he picked up a fact that Stornoway writhed Norse control in recent years. That mere detail can explain if he ever adapted Viking traits. "I was raised in an island in the Outer Hebrides."

"Outer Hebrides, you say? That island suffered extreme aggressions from the Norse. It doesn't surprise me you people are constantly improving your weapons."

"Experience wagers the tools, sir. I've been forging blades since I was little. But it's become costly," Hiccup explained. "My folks sent me here hoping I'd get a job."

"Ah, a smithy of our field would serve you a great purpose." He remarked. He took the blade from his brother's hands and began examining every gleaming point. "I've never seen a blade like this."

"Yes, it is most odd." Dagur rolled his eyes. "It's small, insignificant and it looks as if they're children's play things."

"Yet it is sharp, light and balanced from the center. I believe I can run anything through it."

"Tell me when it can run through haggis and I'll have a look-see at that kitchen utensil," Dagur laughed, walking his way back to the gates.

Rugad began to spin the blade with his fingers, twiddling it around until he felt the speed and power of the blade increase with each swipe. Finally, his fingers loosed their grip around the handle and he suddenly threw it upwards to the sky. It made a sharp turn before it could sail to the forest and suddenly bolted right into Dagur's axe, which was a whole three inches from his face, and split it apart as if it were made of brittle threads. It swiftly boomeranged right back to Rugad's hand.

He smiled in satisfaction, fiddling the blade between his fingertips. "This…" he said breathless, taken aback by the power he wielded. "…Is one of the most exceptional weapons I've ever handled. I feel as if I can do it again with my eyes shut."

"Don't try it," Dagur scoffed, discarding his split axe to the ground. "With luck, I'll have half my face had you throw it again."

"That won't be necessary. I believe you owe…Helmet," Rugad cast a sidelong glance at Hiccup, whose face was alight with sudden pride. "…an apology."

Dagur stood leaning on his left foot, eyes unmatched in hardened glares at his brother. He extended his right arm towards the castle. "Right this way, chosen one."

It was needless to say Hiccup was trembling with anticipation as he stepped into his enemy's territory. Passing by the houses plodded along the walls of the castle, they made their way towards the manor inside the castle. The estate hustled with such activities. Peasants and servants hurried about, attending to their tasks. Fires roared with each sizzle emerging from the kitchen. Sheep and hens ran about in tight bundles, herded by massive dogs roaming in the courtyard.

Guards from the inside pulled open the door for the seasoned knights, and scuttling behind them was Hiccup at lost for words and the majestic appeal of the environment he entered. Berk was nothing this fancy compared to this. No wonder his father wanted to raid this country so much.

When he wheeled around to face the throne room, his lips parted slightly at the sight of King Fergus seated in his throne and beside him was his wife, Queen Elinor. Fergus nodded when the knights kneeled, and bid them to rise. He then turned around to whisper something to his wife's ear. "Elinor dear, where is Merida?"

"Ah've instructed Maudie tae keep her inside her room until the beast is found. That way, she'll be safe,"

"Good. We'll do everything we can tae hunt that beast down as soon as possible." Elinor nodded, satisfied with her husband's confidence.

Rugad approached him with a ghost of a smile gracing the curves of his mouth. "Your Majesty," he bowed. "I'm pleased to say I have found the ideal blacksmith for your army, sire."

"Aye, ah knew ye'd find him sooner or later. Where is the lad so ah can give him my proper bidding?"

Dagur shoved Hiccup forward, which, to his dismay, made him topple and collapse in front of the king himself. Fergus craned his neck at Hiccup, whose face remained glued to the floor. "Rise, lad. A bit overwhelmed to meet the king, eh?" Fergus laughed.

Hiccup slowly rose, cringing as he wiped his cheek. "Afraid so, sir."

"Not from around here, eh?" He asked, noticing the loss in accent.

"From the Outer Hebrides."

"Ah! We share the same hatred with those putrid Vikings then!" He exclaimed, slamming Hiccup's back.

"Yes, sir. We do." He replied while massaging his arm.

Fergus straightened his back. "Ah'd like tae know the name of the lad whom my knights found fitting for the craftsmanship of me blades."

"H-Helmet, sir." He replied with hesitation.

"Quite a noteworthy name ye got there. Reminds me of a hat," he chuckled.

Hiccup tried to sound as politely as possible. "Uh, it is, sir."

"Well bugger me. Might ah see that weapon ye made?"

"Of course, sir. It's called the Endeavour." He reached for the weapon Dagur held in his hand and held it up for the king to scrutinize. When his gaze lingered to the small rounded weapon fitted into Hiccup's palm, he let out some sort of unconvinced laugh.

"This…this is it?" He asked, the lilt of his voice suggesting mockery. Was this measly scalpel worth a hundred pounds?

"The best is not always the most obvious, sir," Rugad answered for him, sparing Hiccup the embarrassment of an attempt at spluttering a response.

"Aye," Fergus said, picking the sword of from Hiccup's extended hands. He made a sound that blended frustration and disbelief, "But it is quite different from the weapons my men are used to,"

"Then I believe it's time for a change," Rugad told him, "This style of weapon might just be vital to becoming the greatest of men,"

"That's ridiculous. What we have today are fit for wars and battles of even the most advanced of people."

"But it isn't only people we are fighting, Your Majesty."

"Aye. But it'll take probably weeks to get the men used tae this," he glanced at the Endeavour. "Time is a luxury we don't have, soldier."

"Neither are the men used to fighting beasts. I would think it wise to adjust our tactics as early as possible before the Vikings attack," Rugad continued with his militant insistent.

Fergus had already made up his mind. "Should the Vikings attack any moment, my army can hold them off indefinitely with the fortified castle,"

"But your Majesty…"

"Ah resent yer proposal. Our weapons stay as they are," Fergus remained adamant, turning around with the weapon to discard it.

Heat rushed through Hiccup's cheeks, both from anger and humiliation the minute he heard Dagur snickering beside him as if he took pleasure in seeing him smothered in indignity. But Rugad, who has seen the potential in the blade, wasn't thinking about giving up. As soon as Fergus turned his back and walked away, he took one of the axes strapped to his back and gripped it rather tightly.

Before attempting to hurl it at the King, he called out, "Your Majesty!"

There was a loud clang, a deafening ring that echoed when Fergus instinctively wheeled around to parry the axe plummeting towards him. In an instant, the axe was split, torn in cheddars of russet bark. The king looked at the felled stick and returned his gaze towards the curved blade he insulted moments ago. Elinor gasped in astonishment. The blade had cut through the axe as if it was a mere sheet of fabric.

Though surprised by the sudden attack, he regained his posture and turned towards Rugad, his anger provoked in a scornful accident. "What was that, soldier? Mutiny?" He spat.

"A simple demonstration to show you the power of the weapon you denied," Rugad spoke unafraid.

Elinor whispered behind her husband's back. "The lad is right, dear. The best is not always the most obvious. You cannot feign on the surface of what is before you,"

"Ah-Ah," he couldn't find the words to object his wife. Sometimes, he hated himself for submitting almost always to her. Facing the brave knight, he took the blade and held it near Rugad's face. "Yer certain this blade will rid of us the beast and help us win the war with the Vikings?"

"Affirmative." His unwavering tone was enough to convince the king.

"Then do as you must." Fergus approached Hiccup, and smiled apologetically. "Forgive me for underestimating you. Impressive skills, ye got, lad. Here's yer reward," He tossed to Hiccup a bag of gold coins. He returned Fergus with a forced smile, before pulling the string off the bag to uncoil the money the paper he found had promised. "Oh and ye can get yer sword back," he handed him the Endeavour.

Rugad gave him a pat on the back in congratulations. "Come with us, Helmet. I'll show you the smithy,"

Hiccup looked back to see Fergus depart from his throne with the Queen. He did it. He finally got himself a job in Scotland. It was one step closer to finishing what he came here to do.

"Oof," he choked when he bumped into a very annoyed Dagur.

"Watch it." He snapped coldly. Hiccup rolled his eyes, showing the same dislike towards him. Rugad chuckled behind.

"Don't worry. He grows on you."

He shook his head, "Yeah, but so does leprosy."

Now at the very second Hiccup entered the manor, the princess was still trying to find a way out.

Merida found no use in picking the lock with a hairpin. But then, she heard the familiar giggle of lads crouching in front of the door. Hamish carried Hubert on his back, and Hubert lifted Harris on his shoulders so he can reach up to the window where Merida can reach for the key. She didn't know how they did it, but she didn't doubt they did their work cleanly, for it seemed as if Maudie didn't notice anything.

"WHERE ARE THOSE BOYS?!"

Or not. Merida could hear Maudie's approaching footsteps, so she quickly worked her way to unlocking the door. It clicked and screeched open.

"Thanks, boys!" She exclaimed, before fleeting towards the opposite end of the hall. The triplets stood back to avoid being trampled by her hurrying footsteps. Making her way through the catacombs, she ran through the cellar door slightly ajar and rapidly descended the staircase. She made it past the wine casks, growing satisfied that she could no longer hear Maudie's steps in pursuit of her. The path gave way to another door, which led to the manor. She quickly pulled the iron ring and the door groaned open.

Happy to leave the cellar behind, she slammed it shut with her back pressed against it. She crept along the wall so as not to be seen.

"How am ah supposed to make it past the guards?" She mumbled to herself. There seemed to be only one way out of the castle, and this guard had eyes on whoever walks in and out of it. As she began to ploy a way out, Merida noticed a man carrying a handful of weapons approach the guard.

The peasant gave a snort as he lifted the weapons in his arms. "Delivery for the Royal Smithy." He said.

The guard glanced at the heavy load. "You may go." He nodded, and the peasant went on his way. Little seconds later, another one came by his side, hinting for permission. From his angle, the guard couldn't see the stranger's face given the reason he or she was wearing a cloak over his or her head. The stranger lifted the pile of weapons up for the guard to see and Merida spoke in the lowest voice she could muster.

"Delivery for the Royal Smithy,"

He raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Another one?"

"These are dangerous times, sir. The King has requested for all weapons tae be enhanced at once,"

He shrugged, stepping to the side to give the stranger way. "You may go,"

"Thank ye." She replied and hurried outside, worried that further speaking, he might actually notice something. Only then when she broke into the barracks did she drop all the weapons she was carrying and slammed herself into a heated run.

Hiccup kept up his quick pace as he followed Dagur and Rugad to the smithy. Since weapons were given great importance in the wake of wars and battles, it was hidden in fortified walls and layers of chambers leading to distant halls. He began to wonder how many years had passed since any man had lit the torches that now brightened his path. The curving passage sloped deeply down, as if it led to Hell Hind's Gate itself.

Here, the narrow corridor soon widened into an open chamber. Dagur placed his hands behind his back, taking a turn as he circled Hiccup. "Welcome to Wonderland."

Hiccup's nose wrinkled as mists of smoke wafted odors of burnt metal and piping steams. Unlike many other rooms, this chamber was a perfect circle. The temperature there was remarkably higher for in the center of the room squatted a swelteringly hot forge. Fire barred swords laid across its bowels, roaring despite the absence of a blacksmith to stoke its rebellious furnaces.

Dagur grinned. "Liking it? I thought this place might as well be Valhalla for talented blacksmiths like you," Valhalla? Hiccup thought. That's Viking folklore.

Rugad pushed him aside. "Never mind him. You'll be spending most of your time outside the barracks everyday after you've finished forging the weapons. I'll help you with them."

Hiccup let out a sigh of relief. "So, when do I start?"

"Tomorrow, I believe. Take your time in adjusting yourself to Castle Dunbroch. It's a pity to be in the Outer Hebrides. Always being raided by the Vikings."

"Yeah…" he tried to sound sorry for himself.

"I'll show you how to handle the tools in this forgery. It's best to know where you can get the finest chisels and anvils to replicate that excellent sword of yours."

Hiccup beamed. "On the contrary, I won't be replicating it. My mentor taught me different improvisations I can do with metal. But they'll all be as light and as sturdy as this one," he lifted the Endeavor, almost as light as a plume.

"Excellent. And I'll introduce you to the staff working around the castle. You'll want some company since this will be your new home. And you might even get to meet the princess and—"

Dagur immediately came in between Hiccup and Rugad. "No, no, no, no, no. You stay away from the princess. The Royal Family has assigned me as her personal armament for now. Then again, as I continue to think about it, why would she even bother to take notice of you,"

"I wouldn't mind if she did—"

"Shut your mouth when you're talking to me." He snapped and leaned in closer. "You are never to meet the princess. You are never to come across her footsteps. Know where you stand. You belong in the mud. Am I making myself clear…Helmet?"

Hiccup nodded with a brief roll with his eyes. "Like water." Muddy water.

Reaching Hiccup just in time, Rugad dragged him away to avoid anything happening to his only apprentice. The young boy scratched his head in irritation as he whispered a shriek. "Was he permanently cursed or something?"

"Sometimes, I wonder about that too," He answered with a laugh before opening the door to their room. "Here we are,"

There were beds and desks milled about in the hall at regular intervals, of which only two were occupied. "You're free to choose whichever cot you want. They each come with a desk where you can draft your plans,"

Hiccup approached one of the beds nearest to him and settled his bag to the floor. The wooden table next to it had sheets of paper and, a small flask of ink, and a delicate swan feather for a quill. Picking it up, Hiccup stroked the length of the feather to calm his nerves.

"I appreciate it. Thank you Rugad and…" he hesitated before finally sputtering a response, "…Devil-I mean Dagur," he corrected quickly with a mocking snicker. Rugad had to pretend he was blowing his nose to quell his amusement.

It was clear Dagur took no heed of whatever insult was thrown at him. He was a man completely sure of himself. The sword hissed in protest as he drew it from his scabbard. "Don't think you're one of us yet." As he passed by Hiccup to depart the chamber, he said. "I'll be watching you,"

"I appreciate that, thank you." He said, sarcasm dripping coldly from his voice. As soon as the door slammed behind him, he glanced at Rugad, convulsed with anxiety.

"What's the catch about the princess?"

"Oh, I believe he fancies her. He'll threaten any suitor who dares take her hand," he told him. Hiccup snorted.

"He can have her all he wants. I'd never want anything to do with the princess."

"Then I thank you on his behalf," He smiled. "But all this time spent in pursuing her will be all for naught since the princess shall be getting married in a month's time," Rugad straightened himself. "And that will also be the time we will expect a satisfactory result from your blade crafting. This will be your final test into proving yourself a worthy man for the job."

A month? A thousand weapons to forge? Even Rugad seemed to think this was impossible.

"Not to worry, my friend. You still have ample time to prepare all those weapons. Enjoy it while it lasts."

"While it lasts," Hiccup repeated, pondering in what those words meant. In a month or less, his people would soon invade this country, and with his help, this place will end in war, chaos and ruin.

"I best be off, Helmet. I've this thirst for hunting," Rugad told him as he ran eagerly out of the chamber with weapons clanking on his hip. Since his work starts tomorrow, Hiccup decided it best to see Toothless again and even bring him some haddock. Quietly, he left the chambers as well.

"Sweet auld bonnie woven quaffles," Merida slipped behind a wall when she caught sight of a guard appearing out of a chamber. Her ragged breaths turned into a disgusted scoff. "That auld lad, again."

It was Dagur the Deranged. Merida grew even more repulsed by his presence as his infatuation with her grew even more passionate. He had always had this habit of leering at her whenever she passed by the courtyard.

Fortunately, he didn't see her watching him from afar. He seemed in a hurry for something as he fleetingly unlocked the gates. But the princess did not care. She had bigger problems escaping the citadel.

"Oh, come on, now." She muttered when Rugad exited the doors, dallying her path to reach the gates opened by Dagur. He made his way out of the castle and darted to the wide stretch of the heath tucked in the forested canopy. Looking around to make sure there were no guards to see her leave, she scrambled to the barricade where it separates the forest from the palace. There was a weakness in the wall, you see. And since it was covered by shrubberies and thickets, one wouldn't notice you could easily breach inside the castle.

Only Merida knew about it because she built that breach herself so she can always escape to the shelter of the forest where her mother's exasperating lessons did not reach her. Before she could crawl inside, a familiar voice caught the attention of her ears. Staying as low as possible, she peeked her head out to steal a glance at the owner of the voice. No, it couldn't be.

"I need to go outside. Provisions for the smithy are located in the forest," he said, his back facing her.

The guard opened the gates for him. "Just be back before curfew, Helmet."

"I will," he replied, nodding as the gate groaned in protest. He turned around to bid the guard.

Merida widened her eyes. He was.

Pulling apart the shrubs, she crawled inside the gap and safely pleated it again how it once was; an ordinary looking bush that covered a rupture along the fortification.

Then, as Hiccup ventured his way to the forest, the princess of Dunbroch followed him.

A/N: Yes, it seems Hiccup still does not know who specifically killed his mother.

Just imagine Hiccup never met Dagur in Riders Of Berk, capiche? I apologise for any grammatical errors and such. Well I hope five thousand words compensates four horrible weeks.

By the way, someone's already guessed what the beast is. You'll get your answer in the next chapter so stay tuned! I'll be publishing it a little earlier than usual because I have to get these Mericcup feels out! My OTP needs me.

Oh, and who's your OTP? I'd love to know my reader's favourite shippings. In truth, I've always liked forbidden ships. Yep. Forbidden Ships are my forte. I hope its not too much trouble to leave a review on how I can improve my writing.

-this is DawnDestination journeying to Sunset.