I'm not dead, just having a lot to do. Explanation for the long wait in the authors not below.
Enjoy!
Chapter 15: Story time
Berk, evening, 266 ADF
Even after it was revealed that the chief's long lost son was the commander of the Draconian troops on their island they were still a little uneasy during the hours leading up to the feast. The adults wisely moved out of the way every time a Draconian patrol crossed their path. They had been patrolling the village and forest perimeter, mostly to find any traitors who might have escaped the initial conflict. The younger children and the remaining teens however stared in wonder every time they passed. They weren't used to seeing so many different men and women dressed uniformly and armed to the teeth march through the village. And if there was one difference between Vikings and Draconians, it was discipline.
Stoick could confirm this since when he wasn't making preparations for the feast he took every opportunity to look at the Draconian encampment and look at his son and daughter work side by side. Hiccup was directing hundreds of people at the same time, and he did so quite efficiently. The encampment was built in little under two hours, which was very fast considering it was an encampment build around the three giant flying machines they came in and housed what Stoick guessed to be well over two hundred troops. He saw how they worked together like a well-oiled machine and occasionally he even saw his daughter running around with them. Seeing that she was very recognisable in the white armour. Though he had no idea why she wore it.
He had no time to question it however since the feast was about to start and he was needed inside the Great-Hall.
Meanwhile the teens were also on their way there after spending the day helping out with the feast and contemplating the events.
"I've got to say… that armour is hot…" Ruffnut said when another patrol crossed their paths.
"Ruffnut! Gods, you don't even know what they look like underneath the helmet! Some of them are even women!" Astrid said.
"But Hiccup's hot." Ruffnut replied with a wink.
"Ruff….!" Astrid said blushing.
"Aw, come on. You know you like him." Ruffnut said.
"Change of subject please! Fishlegs, say something!" Astrid ordered.
"Yeah, have you seen all the cool stuff they brought?" Tuffnut asked.
"Like the giant airships nobody can miss…" Ruffnut said sarcastically.
"Oh my god! Yes! They're amazing! I wonder how much they can load in those! It would easily be ten times than our biggest boat! And think about all the dragons they could have! Or everything they know!" Fishlegs rambled.
"I'm sure Hiccup and Hicca will have plenty of story to tell. Damn,… calling him Hiccup is still weird." Astrid said.
"That's because you knew him first as Ryder. And you knew him better than we did." Fishlegs said.
"That's true Astrid. Though I am curious what he can tell us." Ruffnut asked.
"And if it is the real story." Tuffnut continued.
"I'm sure it will be. He has no reason to lie right?" Fishlegs asked.
"Let us hope so." Astrid said. 'Otherwise I'll kill him.' She thought. "Come on, let's go! We can't be late for the feast." She said.
Agreeing the four made their way up the stairs and into the Great-Hall, where many Vikings were already present and waiting for their village's guests. The teens took place at their respective families table with Ruffnut and Tuffnut joining Fishlegs since their parents were imprisoned by the Draconians and Gobber. At the main table were only Gobber, Gothi, Valka and Stoick present. The latter standing in front waiting for his daughter and long-lost son while the rest was sitting at the table quietly conversing.
Draconian third legion encampment, evening, 266 ADF
Hiccup and Hicca were standing in the middle of the encampment, they were about to leave for the Great-Hall but Hiccup said they had to wait for a moment since he still expected a report. He didn't need to wait long because one of the lower officers came to him.
"Sir, all patrols have reported back. The perimeter is secure and no further hostiles have been found." The officer reported.
"Good, tell the troops to take some time off. We're in friendly territory so we only need to put up a low guard." Hiccup said.
"Will be done sir." The officer replied.
"And tell everyone who wished to come along to the Viking feast to assemble here. We'll go there as one group." Hiccup said.
"Roger that." The officer said and moved off to inform the rest of the encampment.
"So? Ready to tell another long story?" Hicca asked.
"They'll have to know if we wish for them to understand our situation. What happened today is really out of the ordinary for them." Hiccup said.
"There will be questions. And dad won't be happy when we tell him I joined you guys as well." Hicca said.
"Indeed, but we'll plough through it. We always do." Hiccup said.
"And what about our dragons? They know of Toothless but what about Elysia?" Hicca asked.
"I'll explain it to them. But for now we should leave them here. If we bring them people might actually die from a heart-attack." Hiccup laughed.
"On that we agree." Hicca said.
A few moments later their group was assembled and they made ready to leave.
"Battalion, parade march." Hiccup ordered. And they set off.
Berk Great-Hall, evening, 266 ADF
Everyone in the Hall was still waiting for both Haddock siblings to arrive. It was in their honour that the party was held but they still hadn't arrived.
"Where are they? They should be here already." Tuffnut said impatiently.
"Quit you whining doofus! They'll come." Ruffnut said while giving Tuffnut a smack on the head.
"It's not that strange he's late. I mean… he is a high ranking officer. He certainly has some responsibilities." Fishlegs said, getting nods from his parents next to him.
The Ingerman family had agreed to welcome the remaining Thorstons who weren't involved in what many began to call the Spitelout betrayal. It was weird at first but they let the two twins be. After all they had to carry the actions of their family with them. And many felt that this was only the beginning for them.
"Yeah, I know. We've been looking at the camp for almost the entire afternoon. General Hot-stuff does work hard." Ruffnut said.
"Gods… how am I related to you?" Tuffnut asked.
"First of all, he's a commander. And guys… stop, please." Fishlegs said.
"I mean come on… he would make any man jealous. Have you looked at him?" Ruffnut continued.
"Sis, I think you shouldn't say that too loud. Because someone else has already called dibs I think." Tuffnut said.
"That doesn't stop me from looking. And a looker he is." Ruffnut said.
Fishlegs meanwhile was groaning and face palming at the twin's antics. This was going to be a long night. Before the conversation could continue heavy footsteps could be heard outside of the doors and the Hall quieted down for a bit.
The doors swung open revealing Hiccup and Hicca with a small group of about forty troops behind them. They knew it was them even though they were all wearing their helmets, again. They uniformly marched into the Hall, closing the doors behind them.
Once they reached the centre Hiccup spoke. "Battalion, halt! Parade rest!" He ordered.
Immediately every trooper including Hicca stopped and stood still with their feet at shoulder width and their hand resting behind their backs, looking straight forward to Stoick's table. Now the Vikings had a chance to look to the various troops who had just marched inside. All except Hicca they wore the same type of colour coded armour. Thought there were some differences. There were some troops who were wearing the same type of strange skirt Hiccup and Hicca both wore. Though no-one knew what this meant.
Hiccup and Hicca then stepped forward and mounted the platform Stoick's table was on. Where they both turned to their father.
"Father…" Hiccup greeted. "The table seems very empty."
"I invited the ones I knew I could trust to sit here." Stoic answered.
"You are correct in you assumption of people but you still missed some." Hiccup said. "But before that, are there still some spaces left for my troops? I brought the ones who volunteered to come." He asked.
"Oh, yes of course. Over there is some space." Stoick said while gesturing to some empty tables nearby.
Hiccup nodded and turned to his troops. "At ease. You're all relieved of duty. Take a seat." He said while pointing to the empty seats.
The third legion troops relaxed their positions and casually moved to the table. They began conversing and took of their helmets which they placed in front of them while seated.
"So,… son? What did you say about missing some people?" Stoick asked.
Hiccup turned back to his father. "What I mean is that there were also people in your village who were actively supporting you. It is because of them that I knew where to focus my efforts." He explained.
Angus perked up curiously. Did he know about them as well?
"There were?" Stoick asked.
"Yes, and I say they deserve to be seated here as well. The leaders of the loyalist's I mean." Hiccup explained.
Now Angus was certain. He knew, but the question was… how?
"Because of Angus Hofferson's efforts I knew where I needed to look. Without them my mission would have been a lot harder, and possibly failed." Hiccup said.
Stoick looked at Angus with wide eyes. "Is this true?" He asked.
Angus stood up and spoke to Stoick. "Yes, our family and allies have always been loyal to you chief. We worked in the shadows to protect your rule." He said.
Stoick hummed. "Very well Angus. Then I would like to invite you to this table together with your family. If all this is true you deserve it for your loyalty." He said.
"Thank you chief." Angus said while the Hoffersons stood up and made their way to the central table. "But we aren't the only ones who helped. There are other families who did just as much as we did."
"And they will be rewarded. But let us now sit and feast! And treat our guests with the finest hospitality we can offer! And send a barrel of mead or two outside as well!" Stoick bellowed happily.
The Draconians looked at Hiccup briefly for confirmation. Hiccup just nodded and moved to the table with Hicca. The Hofferson family had already sat down. Stoick was at the head with Valka to his left and Gobber to his right. Next to Gobber where Gothi, Angus and Astrid's mom. Hicca sat down next to Valka and Hiccup next to Hicca. Both simultaneously removing their helmets and slamming them down in front of them. When they were seated Astrid decided to take the chair next to Hiccup.
Food and mead as distributed all around the Hall. The feast had begun. On the central table however all eyes were on Hiccup and his sister. And their outfits by extension.
"So eh Hiccup…? How have you been?" Gobber asked.
Hiccup and his sister just looked at Gobber incredulously, that was the strangest question yet.
"What…?" Hiccup asked.
"I think he wants you to tell your tales Hiccup. He just doesn't know how to talk to you yet." Hicca said.
The rest of the table's occupants nodded at Hicca's explanation.
"Hmm, I guess that makes sense." Hiccup said. "So… where do I start?"
Instantly the Great-Hall was silent and all eyes were fixed on Hiccup and the central table.
"Why don't you start at the beginning son." Stoick answered.
"And tell us the real story this time." Astrid seethed next to him making Hiccup a little nervous.
"Alright, I'll start with the first thing I can remember." Hiccup began. The occupants of the central table and the rest of the Vikings in the hall subconsciously leaned closer so they wouldn't miss a single detail.
Hiccup leaned back in his chair and rested both his feet on the table top to assume a comfortable position. Now the table's occupants could clearly see just how heavy these boots were, they could see the plated armour spread over it and the knife tucked in the right boot. Hiccup then began his story. "The first thing I remember would be me growing up inside the wall of the imperial palace in the Capitol. I was…"
"WHAT!" Several voices shouted interrupting Hiccup in his story.
"Hold on! You said you grew up in a small village! What is this palace talk?" Astrid asked loudly.
Hiccup signed. "That was a lie Astrid. I was in fact raised by the Imperial royal family itself. I consider the Emperor to be my surrogate father." He explained.
"Why would you lie about that?" Astrid asked.
"Would you not have asked questions about a traveller who turned up in your village who was raised by the most powerful people on the northern hemisphere? Trust me, you would have." Hiccup said.
To this Astrid nodded in understanding.
"So, you were basically raised royalty?" Gobber asked.
"Yes I was. Though I have always been very level headed. To me it was just where I grew up, I didn't consider myself better than anyone else. Unlike certain people." Hiccup said. "Now please don't interrupt so I can continue my story. Everything I say now is the truth."
The Vikings nodded and motioned Hiccup to continue.
"Anyway, I grew up in the royal palace of Draconia. My adoptive parent told me I was found on one of the balconies eighteen years ago. They took me in and raised me as one or their own. Their biological daughter, princess Maery was like a sister to me. She still is." Hiccup said while turning to Hicca. "But so are you." He said with a wink. "All in all I had a pretty normal youth. At least as normal as it could be with the war going on."
The Vikings made wide eyes at this statement. This was new.
"War?" Fishlegs said quietly to himself.
"What are you talking about son? The war ended three years ago." Stoick said thinking Hiccup was talking about the war with the dragons.
Hiccup shook his head and signed. "Not that war dad. Draconia has never had any problems with dragons, that should be obvious by now. Hell, I ride a dragon for Thor's sake. No…the war I'm talking about is the Draconian-Norn war. I'll come back to that later." He explained.
Stoick nodded in understanding and motioned him to continue.
"Speaking about dragons, I believe you all know what dragon I ride by now." Hiccup said.
"The Nightfury…" Astrid said next to him.
"Indeed." Hiccup nodded. "I met him when I was only five years old. We bonded quickly and he became my best friend. Ever since then we have been doing everything together. That is also why I had some reservations about your tradition to kill all dragons on sight, when Snotlout tried to insult my beliefs the last time I told a story I had to really resist the urge to lash out to him. I maybe am a little protective of Toothless." He said.
Several Vikings sniggered at the name. "Toothless?" Astrid asked. "You named the unholy offspring of lightning and death, the most dangerous dragon know Toothless?"
Hiccup laughed at this. "I expected a reaction like this. He's named that because the Nightfury has retractable teeth. When I first met him I called him Toothless and I guess the name just stuck." He explained.
"He can be really cute when he tries." Hicca said.
Several Vikings started mumbling at this. They couldn't get their heads around the fact that dragons weren't mindless killing machines although this had already been proven wrong multiple times.
"Anyway, several years later when I was old enough I started working in one of the workshops in the capitol. You could compare it with the forge in the village only a lot bigger." Hiccup said.
"A lot bigger is an understatement Hiccup. Those halls were enormous, like bigger than the Great-Hall times two." Hicca said.
"Whoa…" Gobber gasped already imagining what he could do with that much space.
"Yes indeed. Gobber, I remember I did tell you a little bit about them already." Hiccup said.
"Yes you did lad, you said you made everything from ships to weapons to tools and building machinery." Gobber almost quoted.
"Nothing wrong with your memory I see." Hiccup joked earning a few chuckles. "Although that wasn't the full truth. We do build those in there but there are some things I purposely left out."
"Like those damn flying machines outside?" Astrid asked.
"Those are one of them yes. Due to the war I had to hide the fact that we made large scale weapons. Telling you that would have aroused suspicion." Hiccup explained looking at Angus who gave him a nod.
'The lad was quite smart to hide that.' Angus thought.
"So what did you make there?" Valka asked curiosity taking over.
"You have seen the airships, but on the side there are several weapons mounted that are made there as well. We have the many versions of the Draconian artillery cannon, high explosive ammunition shells, personal armour and trooper weapons." Hiccup summed up.
"Don't forget the tank you…humph…" Hicca started but she was silenced by Hiccup put a hand over her mouth.
"That's still classified outside the empire Hicca, please be quiet." Hiccup said getting a few looks from the surrounding Vikings. "Sorry, Imperial regulations state we can't talk about military projects until deployed in the field." He explained.
"Alright lad, but I've been meaning to ask ye. What kind of weapons are you carrying? Because it isn't like anything I've ever seen." Gobber asked.
"And I suppose you want me to show off what I have on me?" Hiccup asked with a smirk.
"Well yeah lad, don't leave me hanging here." Gobber said.
To this Hiccup took his feet off the table top and began taking out his weapons. He pulled out his sword but didn't extend it and laid it on the table. He then began pulling out several throwing knives, normal knives, two different grenades which looked like strange cylinders and only Astrid knew what they did, to which she backed off a bit. In the end he also put a few of his crossbow bolts on the table.
"This would be what I have on me. Most of it has been slightly modified from the original by me." Hiccup said.
The sword was passed to Gobber who was studying it with wonder while the others looked at the rest of the gear that was on the table. Then Astrid noticed something.
"Wait a minute. This isn't everything." Astrid said. The rest of the table looked briefly to her and then to Hiccup. "Where are those blades you used do decapitate Alvin? Or the bow to fire those bolts?" She asked.
Hiccup and Hicca chuckled. "You really notice everything do you Astrid." Hiccup said.
"I'm not one of the best warriors of the village without a reason Hiccup." She said smirking. "Now where are they? They have to be in one of these pouches." She said while looking at Hiccup's belt.
"Not at all Astrid, look up." Hiccup laughed as he raised his left arm and balled his fist. Astrid looked up and the Vikings focused on Hiccup's arm. Hicca meanwhile was trying not to laugh as she knew what her brother was about to do.
Hiccup smirked and flicked his wrist downwards causing the wrist-blades to spring out of their housing with a loud click.
The Vikings gasped in surprise and Astrid jumped back a bit because she was so close to the blades. Hiccup laughed and flicked his wrist upwards to pull the blades back, then flicked downwards to extend them again.
"A spring-loaded system that simply said gives me claws you can't remove unless I take my armour off. It's great for surprise attacks and close quarters." Hiccup laughed.
Astrid grumbled and hit him on the back of the head as retaliation for him scaring her.
"Ow…, why did you do that…?!" Hiccup asked exaggerating.
"You could at least give us a little warning." She said.
"Aw, come on. Where's the fun in that?" Hiccup laughed.
Astrid just grumble but could see the humour in the situation. Hiccup meanwhile retracted his blades again. They looked at each other and started quietly laughing. It was quite funny.
"That's a neat trick son." Angus said. "But I have one question. What do those strange cylinders do?"
Astrid instantly looked weary at the devices, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed.
Hiccup picked one of them up in response and began tossing it up and down. "A great question Angus, if I remember correctly we only used these twice here on Berk. The first time during the raid and the second time only a few hours ago. I think no-one except Astrid saw the first time actually." He said.
"It wasn't really something I wanted to see Hiccup." Astrid said.
"Understandable." Hiccup said with a calm tone.
"So what do they do?" Angus asked a bit wearier.
"They are miniature, timed explosives." Hicca said.
"Hand-grenades, just prime and throw. They are set to explode after a few seconds." Hiccup explained.
"He used them to kill those three Berserkers during the raid. The ones that were seriously mangled." Astrid said.
The Vikings gasped at the revelation that such a small thing could cause so much damage. The occupants of Hiccup's table backed away a bit becoming increasingly nervous of Hiccup throwing the little thing casually up and down.
"That little thing did that? I thought they were hit by that Nightfury." Gobber said.
"They have the same effect. Inside there is a suspension of Zippleback gas and Monstrous Nightmare saliva. An explosive mix also used in the artillery shells. But I'm not going to tell you how to make it." Hiccup explained causing the twins to whine in the background while several Vikings cringed at the prospect of the twins having this type of weapon.
"Wait a second… I haven't seen an explosion today! Yet you say you used one of them today and they explode." Angus remarked.
"That's true mister Hofferson. But that is due to the fact we used the other type of grenade at our disposal. We call it the stun grenade." Hiccup explained. "It's the other one here on the table. The one I'm holding explodes, the other freezes its targets."
Angus looked intrigued. "And how does it do that?" he asked.
"Inside it contains Flightmare mist. It has the innate ability to freeze its targets." Hiccup said.
Astrid gasped at the dragon mentioned. "What did you say?" She asked astounded.
"Flightmare mist has the ability to freeze its target in place for about ten minutes. …is this important somehow?" Hiccup asked.
Astrid just looked at him with tears in her eyes while Angus spoke. "About ten years ago my brother Finn was killed by a Flightmare. Astrid adored her uncle and was crushed by his death. He was known as Fearless Finn Hofferson and as the name suggest was believed to be fearless. That until he went against a Flightmare and was allegedly frozen in fear by the beast. He was killed during the encounter." Angus explained.
"Oh… my condolences. But the story of freezing in fear is ridiculous. Your brother was with certainty hit by the paralysing mist, not frozen by fear." Hiccup said.
"So…my uncle was really…?" Astrid asked hesitantly.
Hiccup turned to Astrid and spoke comfortingly. "Don't worry Astrid. For all I know of the Hofferson clan, your uncle was truly fearless." He confirmed.
With tears in eyes Astrid flung herself around Hiccup's shoulders. Screw her reputation.
"T…Thank you…" She whispered while the two were hugging drawing some stares from the Vikings and a gleeful smirk from Hicca. Some of the troopers were thinking of whistling but respectfully held off.
When Stoick cleared his throat the pair quickly disengaged and looked at the chief both lightly blushing. Hiccup then quickly began to put away his various weapons and sword which he had retrieved from Gobber.
"I won't comment on what just happened, let's just forget that." Stoick said under the pressure of Valka's glare. "But back to the point. You said something about a war, what was that about?" He asked.
Hiccup's expression darkened and he stood up from the table. Not saying a word he started walking to the very back of the platform his table was on. Stoick and the rest looked at him worried while Hicca just looked down sadly.
"Did I say something wrong?" Stoick asked quietly.
Hiccup didn't answer and just kept walking until the end of the platform where he stood still and stared at the wall.
"No dad, it's just a sensitive subject for Draconians." Hicca quietly answered.
"Is he alright?" Astrid asked.
Hicca had no time to answer since the silence of the Hall was broken by humming. A low tone was held in Hiccup's throat. Hicca nor the Vikings knew what he was doing but the third legion troops did. They immediately stopped what they were doing and joined the humming. After a few seconds of humming Hiccup and the deeper voices of the legion broke into song while the rest kept humming.
(Cue Misty mountains cold-The Hobbit)
Far over the Misty Mountains cold
Through plains so vast and forests old
We must away, at break of day
To fight the Norn… and free our home
The pines were roaring on the heights
The wind were moaning in the night
They came by sea…, murdering the free
The city like torches blazed with light
Afterwards they stopped singing and hummed the melody for a few moments more until they eventually stopped.
Hiccup kept staring at the wall while the rest of the Hall was dead silent. None dared to break the silence after a song that obviously held a lot of emotion for Draconians.
After about a minute Hiccup broke the silence. "That song was made as a memory of the first invasion wave. Ninety years ago Draconia was invaded by the Norn horde, thus beginning the Draconian-Norn war. They attacked at night and quickly overrun Troyares, a city on the South-Western coast. At that time we were ill prepared for a conflict at that scale and for the following years we made heavy losses and the Norn conquered a lot of territory. Ever since then we have been fighting to drive them out of the continent, meanwhile becoming the industrial and military powerhouse the empire is today." Hiccup said monotonously.
Astrid had stood up and quietly made her way over to Hiccup. She laid a hand of his shoulder to comfort him. "I can't imagine what it must be like… for all of you." She said.
Hiccup's left hand reached to grab her hand on his right shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "I appreciate the sentiment Astrid. I really do." He said while the two made their way back to the table.
"Damn lad, that's one hell of a story." Angus said. "I hope your winning."
Before Hiccup could answer Stoick butted in with a rather insensitive comment. "But that doesn't matter anymore son. You're home now and don't have to worry about fighting. You can learn all about being a Viking instead!" Stoick said happily not foreseeing the consequences of his actions.
Astrid, Hicca and Valka gasped, the latter smacking Stoick on the head and scolding him for his insensitivity. The Draconian troop's eyes widened and Hiccup's expression suddenly went really dark. If eyes could kill Stoick would be very dead now.
"Let me get this very clear dad…! You might be my biological father and Berk might be my biological home, but I have only known that for less than a month! Meanwhile I have lived and served in Draconia for the past eighteen years! You see the difference? Draconia is my home for all I know and I swore an oath to protect it! I'm going back…because I have a war to finish!" Hiccup said angrily.
Stoick looked hurt. "But son, what about us? What about your sister? Would you leave her alone again?" He asked.
Hiccup smirked and looked at Hicca, giving her the signal that now was the time.
"Oh don't worry about me, dad. I'll be alongside him for the entire time." Hicca said casually.
The Vikings made wide eyes not really understanding what she meant. "What do you mean lass?" Gobber asked.
Hicca laughed. "There is a reason why I'm wearing this armour Gobber. Or haven't you noticed the symbols on it?" She asked.
"In other words, she's coming back with us." Hiccup said.
The siblings then looked at each other and began counting the seconds of how long it would take to get a reaction. They got up to three when Stoick snapped out of his daze.
"WHAT!?" He bellowed.
"Hmm, you were right. Exactly the reaction you described." Hiccup said to Hicca.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!? What is going on!?" Stoick asked at a loud volume.
Hicca crossed her arms and spoke out to her dad. "It means that I have enlisted in the Draconian military while I was away." She said with a straight face.
"Sweetie…" Valka began but was interrupted by Stoick.
"OH NO YOU HAVEN'T! YOU'RE STAYING RIGHT HERE WHERE IT'S SAFE! AND YOU TOO MISTER!" Stoick ordered while pointing at the two sibling who just sat there with unimpressed expressions.
"You're not stopping me, dad. You know, out there in Draconia I got a chance. There they didn't ask me who I was or judged me for my appearance. To them I was just the same, I was an equal. Out there I got the chance I have been begging for here for years. I'm doing this, so I can finally do something I believe in amongst the people who accept me for who I am…. Besides, survivability in the imperial army is very good. I'll live." Hicca said.
Many of the Vikings in the Hall looked down in shame seeing that the girl spoke the truth. They never accepted her. Hell, they bullied her at every moment of the day for being smaller. In truth she had the right to go. But Stoick was stubborn.
"You're not going young lady! Never, even if I need to lock you up!" Stoick said.
"Like that would stop me. Even if you do dad, Elysia will break me out if necessary." Hicca said.
"Elysia? Who's that?" Astrid asked.
Hiccup smirked. "Time for a little fashion lesson." He said while standing up. "You might all have wondered what this is." He said while pointing to his Kama.
Stoick, still fuming answered. "I don't care what you're wearing. You're both staying." He ordered.
Hiccup ignored Stoick and continued. "This is what we call a Kama. It is a traditional piece of Draconian armour that found its way into the imperial ranks. It is only worn by dragon riders of the imperial military. No-one else may wear it." He said.
Astrid looked at Hiccup and then at Hicca seeing that she was wearing one as well. Then it just clicked. "Hicca is a dragon rider?" She asked surprised.
"Ding! Correct, ten points for Astrid!" Hiccup joked getting a few laughs from his troops.
Stoick was stunned silent, this could not be happening.
Valka then spoke up understanding the message. "So this Elysia isn't a person?" She asked.
"Yup, she's an 1800 pound strike class dragon that is well known by Viking culture." Hiccup said.
"I bonded with her during my time in the empire." Hicca continued.
"Take a wild guess what species she is." Hiccup said.
"Don't tell me it's another Nightfury." Astrid said.
"That would be awesome but no." Hiccup laughed.
Gothi then scribbled something in the dirt and motioned for Gobber to translate.
"What is a Plow-Wraith?" Gobber asked.
Gothi smacked him on the head with her staff.
"Aw! Sorry, I mean Snow Wraith." Gobber said.
"Nope, completely opposite colour." Hicca said.
"A Skrill?" Fishlegs asked himself. Although quietly Hiccup heard him.
"Yes! Who said that?" He shouted into the Hall.
Fishlegs snapped shut and looked at both Haddock sibling with a newfound fear. There was no way that they both possessed the most dangerous dragons known to Vikings.
Astrid looked incredulously. "Seriously? A Skrill?!" She asked.
"Yup, and she's a damn pretty one." Hicca said.
Just now Stick snapped out of his stupor and roared again. "NO! NO? THIS IS NOT HAPPENING! I WON'T ALLOW YOU TWO TO LEAVE! IT'S TOO…"
He was then interrupted by Valka who shut him up. "Stoick dear, I fear we won't be able to stop them. They're both as hard-headed and stubborn as you are." She said.
"But Valka, It's a war. What if they die? I can't lose them again." He said particularly sad.
"You don't have to worry. Survivability is very high these times. We'll live." Hiccup explained.
"Maybe you can but what about Hicca? She can't fight." Stoick said.
"Wow, loving the confidence dad…" Hicca quipped.
"You might be surprised dad what a little Draconian training can do. After a few months of boot camp she'll be on par with me and the rest of the troops." Hiccup said.
"But…" Stoick began.
"Honey…, we should let them go. No matter how much I want them to stay. Hiccup has his duties he cannot abandon, and Hicca needs this. She deserves to follow her own path, not the path we want her to follow." Valka said.
Stoick looked at his wife and signed. "I suppose you're right Valka. Just promise me you both will come back alive and in one piece." Stoick finally said.
"Affirmative." Both siblings said at the same time.
From there on the feast continued in a more happy tone. People asked questions, Hiccup told stories, a few Vikings were arm-wrestling with his soldiers and music was being played.
"You know Hiccup, you've told us you use dragons as weapons of war." Angus started.
"No, they are our companions. Not just weapons, you have to respect them and they defend their home just like us." Hiccup explained.
"Right. But hasn't that sometimes backfired? Like someone going rogue and turning dragons against you?" Angus asked.
"It hasn't happened that one of our own threatened our home with dragons. Though there has been a case of an outsider enslaving dragons for his own gain." Hiccup recalled.
"That sounds like Drago to me." Stoick said.
Hiccup chuckled. "Funny that you'd say that dad. I'm talking about the very same man." He said.
"Drago Blutvist? You know that madman?!" Stoick asked horrified. He barely survived the encounter with Drago, he really didn't want his son near that man.
"I know of him, I never actually met him. And I never will." Hiccup said.
Now Stoick was confused. "What do you mean son? What happened?" He asked curiously.
Gobber and Valka put their attention on Hiccup since they knew the story of Stoick's encounter with Drago eighteen years ago.
"It's a well-known story in the imperial ranks. Drago Blutvist was indeed a madman bent on power. He had somehow managed to get an alpha-class dragon, a Bewilderbeast under his control and used it to enforce his rule on the archipelago. But to him this wasn't enough, and he turned his gaze towards Draconia." Hiccup said.
"And what happened?" Stoick asked.
"He was planning to attack us with his army and seize the land for his own. And you understand how bad a war on two fronts would be for us. This was four years ago." Hiccup said. The rest nodded for him to continue. "Unfortunately for Drago we discovered his plan prematurely. And we acted accordingly. The second, sixth and seventh legions tracked him down and cornered him and his army in his icy stronghold. Any effort to reason with him was fruitless, Drago wouldn't back down."
"And what did ye do then laddie?" Gobber asked.
"As I said I wasn't present there. I hadn't even enlisted in that time. Anyway, after many attempts to reason with Drago imperial command decided enough was enough. So the combined imperial army started bombing the stronghold with all the firepower we had. Drago and his army were forced to stay hidden inside and after several hours of bombing the stronghold collapsed on top of them. Drago and most of his army was confirmed killed." Hiccup said.
Stoick was shocked and relieved at the same time. Shocked that they would just bomb a stronghold full of people killing most of them and relieved that they no longer had to live with the fear of Drago. But there was one thing that bugged him. "Uh son? What happened to the dragon army?" He asked.
"Most of the dragons survived including the alpha. Now free of Drago's oppression the dragons got treatment wherever necessary, then they all went their own way. Some settled on Draconia while others like the Bewilderbeast set off into the world away from the Archipelago. Last time we heard that dragon was leading his own nest at the South Pole on the other side of the world. Since then we haven't had any more problems with people using dragons for their own gain." Hiccup said.
"I guess that explains why everyone knows the story." Angus said.
Hiccup nodded. It was now getting later in the evening but the party was still in full swing. Some of his troops had left their table and were mingling around with the Vikings. Hiccup kept talking quietly with Stoick and the rest of the table till the wee hours of the night. They went on until Hiccup noticed Hicca yawning. It had been a long day so he decided that they should turn in for the night.
He nodded his head to one of his officers and she nodded back understanding his signal. Then he turned to his sister. "About time to head back to camp sis." He said.
Hicca yawned again. "Yeah, it's been a long day. Let's go." She said.
They both stood up and grabbed their respective helmets drawing the attention of the rest of the Vikings.
"Hiccup? What's going on?" Stoick asked.
"It's getting late dad. We're turning in." Hiccup said while tucking his helmet under his arm. He glanced at the table his troops were on and saw they were all but ready to go. "Sergeant!" He called.
"Yes sir!" She responded.
"Begin moving back to the camp! We've still got work to do tomorrow!" Hiccup ordered on a light tone.
The sergeant smiled. "Of course Commander! Move out!" She ordered.
The Draconians then moved casually out of the Great-Hall avoiding any drunk or passed out Vikings on the floor and went out the door. Hiccup and Hicca followed close behind with Stoick, Valka and Astrid following them out.
When the siblings were out the door Hiccup stopped at the edge of the stairs and watched as his troops went down and towards their camp while allowing Stoick to catch up.
"I once again want to thank you for your hospitality dad, and for believing us today. I really didn't want to turn this into a bloodbath." Hiccup said.
Stoick cringed a little. "It's all right son, I'm just so happy you're back. Even if it is for a short time. Remember we have to hold a trail for you know who as soon as possible."
"Indeed, I say we do it tomorrow morning after breakfast." Hiccup suggested.
"Agreed. Now come with us son. We'll show you your room to stay." Stoick said.
"With all due respect dad I'll decline. My place is with my troops." Hiccup said.
"And so is mine." Hicca continued.
"But… Hicca you can sleep at home here." Stoick said.
"I'll be gone for a long time soon dad. And those people will be the ones I'll have to trust with my life." Hicca said while pointing at the encampment. "I'll have to start getting used to sleeping amongst them."
Stoick wanted to counter but decided not to and hung his head lightly. "I understand…goodnight Hicca…"
Hicca smiled a little and gave her dad a hug. "Goodnight dad" She said and she went of the stairs.
"Don't worry about her dad. She'll be fine." Hiccup said while watching Hicca trot off.
"I'm just worried son." Stoick said. "Like every father."
"I understand." Hiccup said. "Oh, before I forget. We will be forced to unload all of our dragons tomorrow morning as part of their care. You do not need to worry they are completely harmless with us. We would just appreciate it is no-one tried to shoot us down."
"Alright, I'll handle it." Stoick said.
"Appreciated." Hiccup said.
"Goodnight son." Valka said and both parents went back into the Great-Hall once Hiccup gave them the exact same answer. Hiccup wanted to go as well but stopped when Astrid came up to him.
"I'm not going to lie. I'm still a little mad about you lying, but I'm starting to understand why you did it." Astrid said.
"I'm just glad I had the chance to explain." Hiccup said.
Astrid took a step closer. "How long will you be staying?" She asked.
"Either we leave tomorrow evening or the morning after. It's still a long trip back." Hiccup said
"Oh, right. Will I see you tomorrow?" Astrid asked.
"I'm sure you will." Hiccup said while pulling on his helmet. "Goodnight Astrid." He said.
He then made his way off the stairs while Astrid waved after him. Though he didn't see that.
"Goodnight…" She whispered in the cold night.
Phew, I know I know. It has been way too long but I have an explanation! I really have. You see college started again and boy my schedule is packed. I barely have any time to write anymore so chapter will come at a very slow pace now. I estimate about one chapter every three to four weeks. But don't kill me if it takes longer.
Anyway this chapter was as you can tell hard to write due to all the conversations in it but it gave us some background story which is nice every now and then. Next chapter we'll progress with what you all can guess, the trail and execution of the sentence. I've decided the punishment so none of you can change it anymore. Sorry…
Reviews:
mc arno: I haven't really decided on that yet. Though I would say Hiccup seeing that he has more experience in leading.
assasins death: I hope this chapter gave you the answers to some of your questions. As for Spitelout… we'll see, (evil laughter…)
orca3553: here you have your Drago explanation. As for your other question, I suppose yes.
Karate Koala: I'm thinking about it.
Dracologistmaster: They'll meet her soon. Whit some dramatic entrance of course.
Thearizona: thanks man, the feedback gives me a lot of motivation. See you around.
Calvin: hold your horses man. I'm just having a lack of time. I'll finish it no matter what.
If I didn't answer on your review feel free to send a message or something or ask a question in your review so I have something to answer to. (I'm way too tired to do this now…)
Anyway hope you enjoyed, again sorry for the wait and until next time.
Dismissed