Hiccup ran to edge of the island, where the men and shield maidens were crouching behind wooden panels. He crouched down next to them, and peeked over the edge. With the dying sun, Hiccup was able to see the outline of a ship, and the outline of the burning mountain emblem they flew. He ducked back down and found everyone looking at him. He had to think fast about what to do.
"Here's the plan: we let them dock-" and whispers of outrage came from the group. He raised his hands to silence them.
"Listen: we let them dock, they come up here where they think we are, and half of us and our dragons will surround them and ask them what they want. While that happens, the other half of you will set up position around us, hiding in the shadows ready to jump in if something happens. Keep your dragons close, we can use them. We give them the option of leaving peacefully or us making them leave. Either way, we won't let what happen to Scout's village happen to Berk, okay?" he finishes, and the group murmured in agreement.
Quickly, Hiccup split the group, half staying with him and the other half running into the shadows. Hiccup took one last look over the barricade, and saw the boat was almost at the dock. He rose slightly, bent at the knees and walked over to his position, Toothless by his side.
When the known looters arrived in the centre of Berk, they found Hiccup sitting on the edge of the fire pit, Toothless at his left side and his mother on his right. Half of the town members' stood just within the shadows, with just enough moonlight to illuminate them. Mother and son both fixed the group of men with serious faces, Toothless growling just loud enough for them to hear. For a moment no-one moved or spoke, both parties just sizing up the other, until one of the looters stepped forward.
"I have to say I wasn't expecting a welcome party, but this is a glum reception" he said, flashing an easy grin. His hair was long and fell over his face. He couldn't have been much older than Hiccup.
"We had no idea you were coming" Hiccup said, and the man laughed.
"I doubt that boy. Now where's your chief?" he asked, looking around.
"Right here" Hiccup said, sitting up a little straighter, Toothless mimicking him. The man sized him up then nodded.
"Fine. We're here for someone. And don't bother saying they're not here because I know they are and I know their dragon is too" he said, looking bored.
"Everyone on Berk has a dragon, you'll have to be a bit more specific" Hiccup replied, and the other men whispered amongst themselves.
Their leader raised his hand and they fell silent. He tilted his head, hid dark hair tipping over his face.
"You're a bit annoying you know" the man snarled narrowing his eyes.
Hiccup didn't respond, just stared at the man.
"I think we may get on better if I knew your name?" the man said, and Hiccup still remained silent.
"If it helps to be more specific, chief, my name is Alrek the Afflictive, and I am looking for Scout and her Night Fury"