A Missing Heir

'Where in Thor's name is that boy ?'

Stoick the Vast was pondering over the whereabouts of his Son and Heir, the Pride of Berk. Hiccup and Toothless had gone missing when he needed the pair the most. Silent Sven was no longer silent and his constant screaming had scared off his flock of sheep, AGAIN. The pesky, walking, woolly mutton had scattered across the Village and, being the stupid creatures they were, were getting in the way of the preparations and causing chaos, havoc and mayhem. The Chief was not the sort of Viking to sulk like a baby yak if his birthday was being ruined, but when Viking after Viking kept coming to him, complaining to him again and again about chewed decorations, spilled drink, spoiled food and a ruined prized heirloom rug, it was enough to test any Viking's patience, let alone a Chieftain, known for a quick temper and four hundred pounds behind an angry fist.

He had seeked out Hiccup, hoping for him to gather the Dragon Riders and begin gathering all the sheep as quickly and efficiently as possible, at the same time moralizing the Village with a game of Dragon Racing. But the lad and his Night Fury were nowhere in site. He searched high and low. He had questioned all of the Dragon Riders. Snotlout Jorgenson had not seen him. Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston had not seen neither lad or Dragon. He had terrified Fishlegs Ingerman out of his wits when questioning him on the whereabouts of Hiccup. He knew the lad was capable of taking care of himself, having made peace with Dragons two years ago, won the Thawfest Games the year before and having squared off against Alvin the Treacherous and Dagur the Deranged numerous times. He was about to call off his birthday preparations and demand a search party for the missing Heir, when he then realized there was one person he had not asked about the whereabouts of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.

'Where is he, Astrid?'

'Um, where's who Chief?' replied the target of his question, keeping eye contact and trying to not sound nervous.

'Don't play daft with me, young lady, you know perfectly well who I'm asking about,' Stoick stated with a cocked eyebrow and hands on his belt.

He had finally tracked down his son's girlfriend in the Berk Dragon Training Academy, he had found her practicing her axe work. When Astrid Hofferson had seen Stoick, she had attempted to bolt for the entrance to avoid questioning. The Chief's large muscular bulk, however, had put a stop to that plan very quickly. Despite her having some leverage over the Chief being his son's girlfriend, Astrid had never abused this, but still found herself nervous standing under the intense gaze of Stoick the Vast.

'He asked me to keep it secret.' Astrid finally replied with a sigh of resignation.

'Keep exactly what a secret, Astrid?' Astrid gave him a small piece of parchment.

'He said for me to give you this if you ask where he is, but he said to only to give it you if you got worried about him or if it was an emergency.' the Hofferson stated calmly, crossing her arms and giving a neutral look waiting for a response from her boyfriend's Dad.

'I suppose that this is one of those cases I take it,' Stoick said with a look of gratitude, he had appreciated that Astrid had tried defending Hiccup and was now telling the truth. At the same time he as glad that she had picked up the understanding of sarcasm that he had passed onto his son. He looked down onto the parchment, and read his son's neat handwriting.

To the Chieftain of Berk and the Hairy Hooligan Tribe

'Very formal of him,' Stoick thought aloud to himself before continuing to read.

Dad, if you're reading this now, please either apologize to Astrid for your outburst or don't snap at her if you haven't already please. Toothless and I are both safe and well. I have my armour and weapons with me just in case. We have gone north-west into the Unknown Lands, in search of something unique for your birthday, from both of us really. There is no need to cancel preparations and arrange a search party either. We'll be back before the celebrations begin. I promise. See you soon, maybe

Regards,

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Stoick finished reading his son's letter and chuckled to himself. He had liked how the lad had been formal in the matter, how he had defended his Lady and the 'maybe' that he himself used to Hiccup when he going on long journey's. He also felt himself swell with pride for his Heir, that he was willing to make an extra effort to get him something unique against the rest of the generous, but traditional gifts and offerings from the rest of Berk. He knew the lad meant well, that's what he had been doing for all of his life, for Thor's sake. After the years of being the village outcast, Hiccup had managed, through his most recent deeds in the last two years, to change almost everyone's opinion of him. Even earning Alvin's respect and a peace treaty between the Outcasts and Hairy Hooligans. Hiccup knew what he was doing, and with that Night Fury of his, he knew that the pair could look after themselves.

Looked away from the message from his son and turned his attention to Astrid Hofferson, who was standing nearby with her Deadly Nadder, smiling at the Chief's reaction to her boyfriend's letter. Both of them knew what Hiccup was capable of and they both knew they could trust him to home in one piece.

'Astrid,' said Stoick, looking again at the Shield Maiden.

'Yes Chief,' came her response, alert and at attention.

'Thank you for giving me message, Astrid, you can go about your business now,' he replied, moving to one side to allow Rider and Dragon leave the former Arena.

As the Hofferson left, Stoick the Vast, looked north-west, towards the horizon with Sun dipping red in the background.

'Safe travels son, you better get me something good.'

There's the second chapter guys. Thanks for reviews :)