Chapter 17: Departure
(The following morning)
Berk, morning, 266 ADF
And like Valka wished in herself Hiccup, Hicca and the rest did make the most of their time left on the island. The group plus the two dragons the siblings possessed had gone around the entire village and island by an extend, while carefully avoiding the rocky cliff the execution had taken place hours before. While Fishlegs kept blurting out questions about any and all dragons known and some unknown to Vikings and the twins were interested in all the forms of destruction they brought with them, Astrid just had simple and comfortable conversation with the man they now all knew as the legion's commander. And Hiccup did his best to answer Fishlegs' questions, steer around the twins' ideas for destruction and keeping in conversation with Astrid all at once. Till deep into the night the six sat around a campfire on top of one of the old watchtowers. Astrid told Hiccup it was a traditional meeting spot during dragon training to build bonds between your fellow warriors, ironically now it was a place where dragon-riders taught the Vikings about the benefits as well as the comfort of dragon riding.
During this conversation the Vikings asked if they could become riders as well, and though Hiccup expected this question the answer wasn't so simple to explain. First he had to explain that a bond between a human and a dragon was a difficult and rare process. He told them that only fifteen to twenty percent of the imperial military were dragon riders and that some people never find their own dragon in their lifetime. However if a bond was formed the dragon and human would be friends and partners for the rest of their lives, as he demonstrated with Toothless who lay behind him. Hicca interjected by telling the rest that training a dragon wasn't easy either, she had been relentlessly drilling with Elysia for the past few weeks and was still way off the level of trust and skill her brother and Toothless were at. This however didn't scare the Vikings off a bit. Well, except Fishlegs maybe a bit.
It went even so far that the teens wanted to come with them to Draconia and learn the ways of dragon-riding. The twins and Astrid even said to come with them to fight the war. Hiccup however struck down this idea in an instant, he deemed it too dangerous for an entire generation of promising warriors loyal to Stoick to leave the island undefended to come with them. He argued with them that they were needed here to keep the tribe and the island safe when he and his sister were gone. Astrid was particularly pressing on the matter but dropped it after Hiccup ensured her he and Hicca would be fine. The Vikings did press on dragon-riding though, and after a long while Hiccup eventually said they could try it. But not now since there were more pressing matters.
In the end the group settled for a quiet end to the night while they all sat around the campfire on the old watchtower. Astrid even snuggled up to Hiccup and put his arm over her own shoulder, staying in place with a contempt smile. Ruff, Tuff and Fish did think about mentioning it for a second but were cut short by Hicca's scowl to them. A silent reminder to leave them be. Hiccup and Astrid though,… they didn't really care what the others thought. A bit of change from al the seriousness was gladly welcomed.
But of course like all good things they have to end one day. When the Viking teens rose from their beds the next morning there was zero activity in the Draconian encampment, which was strange. They all went to breakfast thinking the Draconians were just sleeping in. And they were partially right.
Hiccup did allow the troops to rise a bit later since they would be leaving today and a lot of equipment had already been loaded up the night before. Most rose quietly and had breakfast inside their tents, giving the village the impression of inactivity. By the time every Viking was in the Great-Hall eating the Draconians had finished and begun moving about while the Vikings still had the impression all of them were asleep.
Meanwhile Hiccup was on his way to one of the airship-bridges to get some information from its captain.
"Morning Commander." The captain greeted.
"Greetings Captain, do you have a moment?" Hiccup asked.
"Certainly sir." The officer said while turning to Hiccup.
"I just came to inform if all the maintenance has been completed and when you project we are able to depart?" Hiccup asked.
The captain thought for a moment. "Any small maintenance we did the past few days have been completed last night. I believe with your projected time to break up camp and the time needed to warm up the engines we should be able to depart in about two to two- and-a-half hours." He said.
"Alright, thank you Captain." Hiccup said.
"My pleasure." The Captain said while Hiccup walked away nodding.
Hiccup walked down the ramp of the ship and began traversing the camp again looking for Tora. Not long into his search Toothless came trotting next to Hiccup joining him.
"Hey bud." Hiccup said giving Toothless a scratch on the head. Much to the delight of the black lizard. "Ready to go home again?" he asked.
Toothless nodded his head but stopped for a moment and looked back towards the Great-Hall. He growled as if to ask what he thought about the Vikings.
Hiccup signed. "I know bud. I'll miss them too. I've become strangely attached to the village and its people." He said.
Toothless cocked his head and rumbled some more.
Hiccup chuckled. "Yes, I will certainly miss her bud." He said thinking about a certain blonde haired Viking. 'More than I want to admit.' He thought.
"Sir!" The conversation between man and dragon was broken by the one person Hiccup was looking for.
"Sergeant! Excellent timing, I was just looking for you." Hiccup said.
"And I was looking for you sir. What are your orders concerning our departure?" Tora asked.
"I just informed with one of the captains. We should be ready to leave in about two- to two-and-a-half hours. Make sure the camp is deconstructed and everything is loaded up by then." Hiccup said.
"Roger that sir." Tora replied.
"Get to it. I'll go have a little chat with the chief. It's about the traitors in the prison. Can you please designate a battalion to help with this while I go talk with him?" Hiccup asked.
"Will be done sir." Tora replied as she strode off to execute her orders.
"Come on Toothless, let's go talk to dad." Hiccup said as he turned around and made his way to the great hall. Toothless following close behind.
Great-Hall, morning, 266 ADF
In the hall things were calm, considering it was only morning this was to be expected. Stoick, Valka and Gobber were at the main table talking. The teens were at their regular table doing the same. None of the younger Haddocks nor any of the Draconians were present though. Despite an open invitation from Stoick. Many thought they were still asleep since there was no activity to be seen this morning.
"So, what do you guys think Hiccup and his men were doing this morning?" Ruffnut asked.
"They were probably sleeping late." Fishlegs said.
"Or they all went into the forest early this morning to do something secret. Like military stuff." Tuffnut mused.
"Come on Tuff, that's ridiculous." Fishlegs said.
"I don't know. They probably could." Tuffnut said.
"I suppose they could do such a thing. But they wouldn't without letting us know first. Plus abandoning their camp entirely? That doesn't sound like them." Astrid said.
"So what do you think was the reason the camp was so silent this morning?" Ruffnut asked.
"Meh, they probably slept in like Fishlegs said." Astrid said whilst taking a sip from her drink.
"Hmm, I bet you would like to sleep in with him wouldn't you? Hiccup I mean." Ruffnut teased.
Astrid spat out her drink in surprise. And Tuffnut got it all in his face unfortunately. However his complaints were drained by Astrid's shout. "RUFFNUT!"
"Oh don't deny it. We all know you like him." Ruffnut teased. "Who wouldn't, with that firm backside in those tight…"
"WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT THIS!" Astrid shouted a little red in her face.
"Suit yourself." Ruffnut said absentmindedly.
At this point the doors to the Great-Hall was opened and Hiccup strode in with his helmet clipped to his belt and Toothless flanking him. He walked right through the middle of the hall towards the central table were his mother and father were seated. Never once deviating from course. Several Vikings even stepped out of his way when they happened to be in his path.
"Looks like they're awake." Ruffnut commented.
Hiccup walked right up the small staircase to his dad with Toothless only a step behind him. Stoick smiled wide and welcomed him.
"Ah, good morning son. Have a good night's rest? Come sit down and join us for breakfast." Stoick said.
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline dad. I already ate, and we're kind of busy outside." Hiccup said.
"Busy? When we came in here to eat there was no-one even up in yer camp. How can you eat and get ready so quickly?" Gobber asked.
"You thought we were sleeping in didn't you?" Hiccup asked with a smirk.
"Well, yeah…" Gobber answered.
"Well, we didn't. We just had breakfast quietly inside the tents and then came out to work. But enough of that, I'm here to speak with you dad. It's about our prisoner friends." Hiccup said.
Stoick's expression darkened but he knew this was a necessary evil. "Alright, what do you want to do?"
"I advise executing the plan while we are still here. We can assist you for as long as we are on the ground." Hiccup said.
"Agreed, we should get to it as fast as we can." Stoick said.
Hiccup nodded and made his way back out of the Great-Hall. Stoick and the rest of the Vikings finished their meals and went to work as well. Though they were in for a little surprise when they stepped outside. Instead of finding a small group of Draconians working they found the site in front of the Hall to be reminiscent of an ants-nest. Troops and dragons were running or flying around everywhere breaking up their camp and loading stuff into their ships. But there was also one battalion standing ready and waiting for them to handle the prisoners.
When they came at the bottom of the stairs one of the officers accompanying the battalion stepped forward and spoke to Stoick.
"Chief, our battalion has been assigned to help you with the prisoners. We stand ready." The officer said.
"Good, follow me." Stoick said.
Berk, late morning, 266 ADF
Almost the entire morning was spend in preparing a ship for the banished to be cast off and bringing them to the docks. Though the prisoners were kept expertly under control by the Draconian troops flanking them from all sides. Hiccup was watching the parade from a high point close to the Draconian airships together with Hicca and both their dragons.
"It's sad actually…" Hiccup signed. "Having to banish so many because of the power hungry desires of one man."
"They deserve it though. Trust me Hiccup, you've done them a favour. If it weren't for you a lot more of them would have been executed." Hicca said whilst looking with her arms crossed.
"I suppose, though I hope this doesn't come to haunt Berk in the future." Hiccup said.
"You know if you'd stay nothing like that will be able to happen." Astrid said as she joined both siblings.
Hiccup signed. "You know I can't do that Astrid." He said as she came closer.
Astrid hooked her arms around his waist and laid her head in his chest. Hiccup returned the hug and held her in place. "I know… it was worth a try." She said solemnly.
Hiccup signed and grabbed hold of her head with one hand and turned her so he could look in her eyes. "Listen…I can't stay no matter what. It'll be on you and the rest to keep the village protected until we can return." He said.
"So you'll come back?" Astrid asked hopeful.
"Can't afford not to. Though I wasn't planning on staying at first I found something here I can believe in." Hiccup said. He was about to continue when sergeant Tora interrupted him.
"Sorry to interrupt you sir." Tora said. "But the ships are ready."
"Thank you sergeant, we'll be right over." Hiccup replied.
Astrid signed into his chest. "Guess this is it isn't it?" she asked sadly.
"Yes Astrid, it unfortunately is. Listen, I do not know when we will return. The war can still drag on for several years and Berk is too far away to make quick visits." Hiccup said as Stoick, Valka, Gobber and the rest of the teens joined them. "But do know that we will return one day. Until that time you need to keep the village safe. Can you do that for me?"
Astrid nodded trying so hard not to let a tear escape. She eventually released Hiccup so he and his sister could say goodbye.
"Safe journey Hiccup. Good luck out there." Fishlegs said shaking Hiccups hand.
"Keep your wits intact Fish." Hiccup said. "And keep the twins under control." He whispered with a smile.
"Goodbye Hic." "Safe travels." Both Ruffnut and Tuffnut said to the siblings.
"Son, Daughter." Stoick said. Both siblings took a step forward only to be enveloped in a hug by both Stoick and Valka. "I might still not agree with all this but I wish you both the best of luck. Make us proud." Stoick said.
"Goodbye my sweets, be careful." Valka said to both. "Hiccup, keep your little sister alive okay." She said to Hiccup.
"I will." Hiccup said.
"Hicca, before you leave. We have something for you." Stoick said motioning for Gobber to come closer. "We originally had a helmet ready to give you when you were old enough, though you already have one now." He said while Gobber pulled a small box out of his pockets. "Hiccup also explained you can't carry weapons yet so I had him reforge the helmet into this pendant for you." He said pulling a small chain necklace containing Mjolnir, Thor's mighty hammer as a pendant. "It is to protect you." Stoick said as he put the necklace in her hand.
Hicca looked at the token and smiled. "Thanks dad, thanks Gobber."
"You're welcome lass, I'm going ta miss ya." Gobber said.
"Me too Gobber, me too." Hicca said.
Hicca and hiccup stepped away from the three adults and Hicca took her helmet from her belt and pulled it over her head, clicking it into place. "Come on Hiccup, we need to go." She said with her voice deepened by her helmet. The Vikings, who had never heard her like this found it sounded a little bit intimidating.
"On my way." Hiccup said but before he could move he was pulled back by Astrid. "Wait wha…" Hiccup tried to say but didn't get any further as she kissed him on the cheek. Rendering him speechless.
He gently touched the cheek where she kissed and looked at her with wide eyes. "Come back soon." She said to him.
Hiccup stared for a moment before his resolve hardened. He gave a firm nod to Astrid. "As you wish. Milady." He said before turning around, putting on his helmet as well and giving a hand signal to the captains on the bridge.
Meanwhile on the boat containing the prisoners soon to be banished Snotlout was livid. Not only had Hiccup murdered his father and made him an outlaw in the entire archipelago. He also managed to win Astrid's love for himself. 'One day Hiccup. I'll have my revenge and Astrid will be mine. Mark my words, you…are…dead.' He thought.
The Vikings who remained on the ground could only stare when first Hicca and Elysia stepped up the ramp of the lead airship soon followed by Hiccup and Toothless. By then the engines had come up to speed and the turbines were spinning faster and faster. Blowing leaves and small twigs away. They listened to the thundering sound the machines made when prepping to take off. Hiccup paused on the ramp briefly to look back at his parents and new friends. He gave them one final salute before stepping inside and the drawbridge was raised.
Hiccup quickly made his way over to the bridge where the captain was waiting.
"Sir?" the captain asked.
"Permission granted Captain, take us up." Hiccup said.
"Affirmative sir." He replied.
To the Vikings on the ground the engines seemed to kick in a higher gear and the giant airships came loose from the ground. The landing legs were retracted and altitude was gained. All three ships set a course south and began climbing. Surprisingly gracefully gliding over the village and into open sea. Those who were looking could see several troopers and dragons on the edge of the hangars of the airships waving goodbye. Amongst them was Hicca and Elysia.
Not long after the boat carrying the banished Berkians cast off, though no-one actually spared them a final glance. They were more focused on the three ships flying south. Until they almost disappeared over the horizon several hours later. The last one who kept looking was none other than Astrid Hofferson. Staring wishfully at the horizon.
"Come back soon…" Were her words to the wind.
Alright, I fear that's it for today. I know it isn't much and might seem rushed at moments but there wasn't an awful lot to say anymore. It's just done from here on out. I hereby will also say that regretfully this has been the second to last chapter of A Prophecy and a dragon. It's almost over, the only thing that remains now is the epilogue. It will likely be one of the longest chapters in the story and will take quite some time to complete. Tying up most of the loose ends. Please let me know if you still have plot points you wish to see resolved and I'll see what I can do.
Anyway let's wrap up. Spitelout is dead, the traitors have been banished, Snotlout swears revenge, Hiccup and Hicca have left for the war and Berk is left wondering when they'll return.
Reviews:
Frost: I noticed that this happened concerning your name. I assure you this was not my intention. Fanfiction seems to be a little glitch concerning names. It's there in the original document but not in the published version for some reason. Also thanks for pointing out that mistake, as you see English isn't my native language. As for your review you are quite right, nothing wrong with setting up an antagonist for a possible sequel isn't there. And yeah, definitely not meant for children.
Grima: I hope this chapter gives you some answers and clues to the future. The parents meeting is a nice idea I'm toying with for the future.
Dracologistmaster: you're in luck. We're tying up that plotline next chapter.
Jyx The Conqueror: don't say I didn't warn you. But yeah, some details might have been lost in translation though.
Maerk: an interesting theory to say the least. And Astrid stowing away was actually a nice idea but it didn't fit in here I thought. As for the Norn finding Snotlout I think they won't have the chance to do so in this story. However wait a second, let's hold that thought shall we. Could be interesting. And indeed, I kinda need an antagonist.
Thearizona: very much on point like always. I am honoured by your compliments. And who doesn't love to have a main character that is often disliked get slaughtered. And I think we will see Snotlout again…someday perhaps. Till next time mate.
Anyway I hope you all enjoyed. Now for a little announcement if you guys are interested.
I have for the past few weeks been working on my next story. It isn't HTTYD if you're wondering no. it's from one of my favourite series from my youth, Danny Phantom. The concept is largely complete but I don't want to publish it before this story is finished. However some of you might receive a little sneak peek inside a private message to see what you think about it. I will be choosing whom I'm sending it to myself but if you're interested let me know (No guarantees). It will go online soon after the completion of A Prophecy and a Dragon. Thank you for your attention.
Dismissed