Chapter 6: The Meeting
Oh man. Were Hiccup's thoughts as the crazy red headed woman who barged into his camp pointed a freaking arrow at him. His perfect plan had now officially hit a snag. Everything up to this point went off without a hitch. He reached Scotland in about four weeks since leaving Berk. He would've reached it in about a week but he stopped to explore islands, observe dragons, and sketch landscapes. Upon reaching Scotland he flew above the cloud cover looking for an ideal place to land. He was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape. He made rough layout of the landscape in his mind making sure to make mental notes of rivers suitable for fishing. He knew that the big lake that ran to the ocean would be an excellent source of fish but he saw a castle nestled near and thus put it on the mental should probably avoid list. Finally on a lone mountain covered in trees sticking out in the middle of seemingly endless see of plains he saw a suitable place to land.
On the side of the mountain and only visible from the sky was a large open meadow. Dismounting he unsaddled Toothless and started to survey his new camp grounds. Walking to the left end of the meadow he placed down his camping gear. Then continuing into the trees with Sharpshot on his shoulder and Toothless following loyally behind he began to explore. After walking a couple hundred feet in he came to a creek running down the side of the mountain. He crossed finding a drinkable water source of his checklist with a smile. Following the creek up the side of the mountain to its source he found large pond. Surrounding it were a large group of flowers. After taking in the beautiful sight he went to the edge of the pond before kneeling down for a drink. The water was good. It tasted clean, cold and ,crisp. Drinking till he was satisfied he allowed his companions to do the same.
Then making their way back down to the meadow he made camp. Then for two weeks Hiccup had pretty much the same schedule. He would wake up and wash himself at the creek. Then he would saddle Toothless, fly to a nearby river to allow Toothless and Sharpshot to get their fill of fish, build and set some simple snare traps, hunt for some rabbits or other small creatures using the slingshot feature on his shield. Then he would fly on Toothless above the clouds for a while before circling back to check on his snares. There was a close call when he made the mistake of landing on one of the plains to take a little nap. After hearing sheep and seeing and knobby kneed old man in the distance he took off as fast as he could hoping he wasn't spotted. But after seeing no search parties from the sky the next day he assumed he was safe.
Today had been like all the other days. He came back to camp after getting some fish for his dragons and himself before throwing his satchel off and unsaddling Toothless before making his way to the pond. Once there and satisfying his thirst he left his companions to have a splash fight between themselves not wanting to get his leather armor wet. After getting back to camp and realizing he was completely alone he contemplated going back to his dragons when aforementioned crazy woman snuck up on him with an arrow pointed at his face. Assuming he was being robbed at first he panicked. When the lady said she wasn't going to rob or kill him he relaxed and hoped that if he answered her questions he could get her to leave before Toothless came back.
But that hope went straight to Hel when she saw his mother's breastplate helmet and immediately identified him as a Viking. As expected she didn't take kindly to discovering his origins. So now he just stood there wide eyed with his hands in the air and unsure of what to do.
"What are you doin' here Viking? Have you come to raid our lands? Where are the rest of the raiders?" Merida asked believing him to be a member of the raiders who had been attacking towns in their kingdom for a few months now.
Hiccup raised an eyebrow in confusion. Raiders? He thought to himself. Had is people kept attacking Scotland all these years? Did she believe he was a member of this company? Hiccup swallowed and took breath preparing to tell her that he didn't have anything to do with any attacks. He took a step forward with his hands still up when he immediately froze again as an arrow zoomed right by his face.
When he took a step forward Merida assumed the Viking was preparing to attack so she loosed the arrow in warning.
Great Odin's ghost, if that had been a couple more inches to the left I would've lost my eye! Hiccup mentally screamed. Scared senseless Hiccup did the only thing he could think of. He let out a shriek of terror and quickly bolted into the trees as fast he could before the woman could pull another arrow form her quiver.
Merida quickly took off after the Viking, intent on capturing him and brining him to the castle for questioning or killing him if she had to. Pulling another arrow from her quiver she notched another arrow before aiming and firing it at the retreating Viking. The arrow flew true but bounced off the metal shield strapped to his back. With a silent curse she pulled another arrow from her quiver and continued the chase.
Hiccup felt the arrow collide with and bounce off his shield and thanked the gods it was on his back. "OH THOR! OH THOR! OH THOR!" Hiccup yelled in panic as he just ran for his life. Then another arrow clanged against his shield and he realized if he kept running in a straight line he would make himself easy to target. Making a snap decision he quickly dart left as he heard another arrow fly by. Zigzagging past trees he threw himself behind one to catch his breath. Taking the shield off his back and strapping it on his right arm he peaked out to see if he could locate his attacker.
Merida grit her teeth in frustration after her arrows failed to bring down her target. After the Viking bolted left and zigzagged though trees she lost sight of him. Silently cursing she notched an arrow and walked thought the trees with her senses alert. Moving between the trees she walked slowly being mindful of where she placed her feet. Ducking and peeking behind the tree she was currently at she spotted the Viking at her eight o'clock behind a tree. Pressing herself back against the tree she took breath before quickly turning around stepping out from behind the tree and firing.
Hiding behind his tree and occasionally peeking out to see if he could find his attacker Hiccup tried to think of a plan. He originally intended to talk to her and convince her he was no threat. But now things were getting serious and dreaded that he may have to kill the woman in self-defense. He also hoped he could end this before Toothless decided to return to camp and got himself shot. Peeking out to find his attacker he quickly ducked back behind the tree as an arrow embed itself in it. Deciding to counter attack he quickly ripped the arrow out of the tree before activating the switch that turned his shield into a crossbow. Then he readied the arrow and pulled back against the drawing string. Raising the shield to eye level he spun out left from behind the tree and carefully observed the trees in the direction the arrow had come from. Seeing a few curl of red peeking out from behind a tree he let the arrow fly.
Merida hid behind her tree to calm herself down. Suddenly an arrow flew right past the tree she was hiding behind. It came so close that the arrowhead managed to slice though a few of her red curls. She watched as they fell to the ground and bristled slightly. Where the heck did the Viking manage to get a bow? She was sure he just had a shield and sword with him. Did he have an ally helping him she wondered? The campsite had looked like it was just for one person so she assumed he must have been some kind of advanced scout or something. Readying another arrow, she peeked out from behind the tree and saw the Viking shuffling sideways with his shield raised. Running out from behind the tree she fired her arrow. Once again it bounced off the shield. Getting frustrated Merida began to fire a volley of arrows at the Viking which either imbedded in trees or bounced off the shield. After reaching for her quiver in another attempt to shoot the Viking she grabbed on empty air and realized her quiver was empty. "Och. Ah got to remember to count mah' blasted arrows," she muttered quietly to herself. Seeing the Viking ducking behind a tree she decided it was time to try a different approach. Drawing her sword she began to move from tree to tree as quietly as she could in an attempt to flank the Viking.
After managing to stop many an arrow from killing him, Hiccup allowed himself a moment to rest. Catching his breath he peaked around the tree and stepped into the open. He realized that in his panic he had become all turned around and had no idea where the meadow or the spring leading to the pond was. He supposed he could call for Toothless but that would put him in danger. He also might try to kill the woman for attacking him. With his shield raised he began to walk forward trying to locate his attacker. He turned his head from left to right looking for her. Suddenly he heard a twig snap behind him and he whirled around and raised his shield up in time to block the woman's sword attack. The woman continued to swing at him with her sword with her intent to maim written all over her face. Hiccup attempted in vain to explain the situation to her between blocking her swings as he backed up. "Look—" CLANG! "I'm not—" CLANG! "Trying to—" CLANG! "Hurt you," he finally managed to get out by stepping back and dodging a downward slash. The woman paused for a moment and raised her eyebrows probably trying determine if he was being truthful. Then the woman shook her head and hefting up her sword prepared to attack. Hiccup groaned inwardly and lifted up his shield watching her closely and preparing to block her next series of attacks.
Merida was surprised when the Viking said he wasn't trying to hurt him. For a moment she believed him. He had made no attempt to draw his sword and just kept blocking her attack with that infernal shield. But then again he was a Viking. They were known for their lies. No. She wouldn't fall for them she just had to defeat him. She hefted up her sword and began to advance on him.
Too intent on blocking her sword Hiccup wasn't focused on his surroundings and stumbled back over a root only to find himself back in the meadow few feet from his campsite. Huh well what you know. He thought to himself. Remembering the situation at hand he barely had time to register the woman bring her left hand his right into his face with enough force lay him on his back. Damn this woman can punch. He thought massaging his jaw with his free hand. He quickly refocused on the woman who was catching her breath with the sword on the ground. Seeing a rock a few inches from his left hand he quickly formulated a risky plan. Just as the girl lifted her sword off the ground and prepared to advance on him he grabbed the rock, activated the switch turning his shield into a crossbow, and fired the rock at the woman's head. As he hoped the girl let her legs all out from under her in a hasty attempt to dodge the incoming projectile. Using the opportunity, Hiccup leapt to his feet and ran to the girl with his shield up. Using his body weight he rammed into the girl with enough force to send her sprawling on her back. Then he quickly pinned the sword in her right hand under his boot. He looked into her surprised eyes and glared underneath his helmet. Threateningly as he could manage he said, "Look I don't wanna fight you and I certainly don't wanna kill you. So let's just—" but Hiccup never got to finish his statement because in a low blow the girl drove left heel into his groin.
Merida was surprised as the man ramming into her and sending her onto her back. She quickly recovered and prepared to lash out but found her sword being pinned under his boot. Then the man glared down at her though his helmet threatened her. She didn't let him finish the statement though as she drove her left heel into his groin as hard as she could. She knew this was a low blow but in a battle for your life the one who lived was the winner. As expected to man collapsed in a heap cradling his groin. She got herself up and made her over to him and managed to pin his chest under her knew and his shield arm under her foot. She had her sword pressed against his neck. She looked straight into his eyes and between pants said, "Ok Viking ah've had enough of these games. Either you tell me what you're doing here or I run you through. What's it to be Viking?"
Hiccup didn't register the question. His mind was going a mile a minute as he dreaded the worst. Oh gods! So this is it. I never thought I would die at the hands of a woman. Then again I always figured there was a 47 % chance Astrid would kill me one day. WAIT! The Hel are you doing Hiccup now is not the time to be thinking of Astrid. Ok Hiccup think of something to say that will save your life? Hiccup thought of something clever and intelligent to say that would keep the woman from slitting his throat. Instead what came out was a barely audible, "Buh." Hiccup mentally slapped himself in the forehead. Really Hiccup? All those hundreds of words you've learned in your 19 years of life and the thousands of ways you can combine them; and the best you can come up with is BUH. WHAT IN THE NAME OF THOR DOES BUH MEAN? Hiccup mentally screamed to himself. Try again you moron say something that will keep her from killing you. "Please don't kill me," he pleaded. Better.
Merida raised an eyebrow at the Viking's strange response. The bloody heck does 'buh' mean? She thought to herself. She shook her head and stared at the Viking with malice. She was starting to get annoyed with him not answering her questions. To let him know she was serious she press the blade a bit harder against his neck. He closed his eyes and hissed in pain as the blade bit deeper into his skin.
Screw it. Hiccup thought. Taking a deep breath he hollered as loudly as he could, "TOOTHLESS! HELP!" He then silently prayed that his companion would hear and each him in time.
Startled by his shout Merida pressed her knee down on his chest. "Toothless?" she muttered quietly to herself in confusion at the strange name. She glared at the man once more before a sudden noise that sounded like a roar caused her to look up from her opponent. Her mouth fell open as her brain attempted to register the black mass moving at her with blinding speed. Is that a—. Merida didn't get to complete the thought as the mass rammed into her making the world spin.
Refocusing, her eyes widened in horror as she stared into the face of a monster ripped straight from legend. It had her pinned against a tree with her neck in between two of its claws in an iron like grip. She attempted to strike out with her sword at the beast but realized that she must have loosened her grip in shock and lost it when the creature rammed into her. Trying in vain she squirmed underneath the creature in an attempt to escape. Finally realizing it was pointless to struggle she took a closer look at the beast. It had yellow-green eyes with black, cat like, slits that seemed to look into her very soul. With its mouth in a snarl, she could make out the glistening white teeth that were only a few inches from her face. She saw black scales covering its body along with its great bat like wings and realized that this was the dragon the old man had spoken of. Gazing back into the face of the dragon it snapped its jaws closed a few inches from her nose making her scream out in terror. Her mind suddenly flashed back to when she was pinned by the demon bear Mor'du and so close to death. Registering the dragon growling at her it puffed smoke from its nostrils and she saw a blue glow emanating from them. Finally it reared up and opened its mouth to reveal the same faint glow emanating from the back of its throat. Oh no. It going to kill me with its fire, Merida realized in horror. Hearing the beast take its breath she closed her eyes shut tight and turned her head away. She said a silent goodbye to her family and awaited for the beast to destroy her.
"Toothless no!" came a shout from the man.
She opened her eyes to see the Viking throwing his weight down on the dragon's head before attempting to push it away. Then the dragon released its grip on her. She stared wide eyed and was sure there was no way the man was strong enough to move the beast with his small body. She realized in amazement that the dragon willingly backing away from her at the Viking's command. She gasped in shock at the realization. She felt her chest heave and she tried her hardest to control her racing heartbeat.
Looking back to the beast and the Viking, she saw the Viking standing in front of it facing her as it pressed up against his back and hissed at her. Placing a hand on its head he finally managed to calm the dragon until it was only glaring at her. Then standing up the Viking rubbed the back of his neck before speaking.
"Sorry about this," he said, before he raised his shield up with his right arm and bring his left arm up behind it. Suddenly something fired from the shield and she yelped in surprise. Then she found herself bound tightly to the tree. She looked down and realized the shield had launched a bola at her.
He had captured her she realized. With the beast at his side she was completely at his mercy.
Looking to Toothless he met his eyes and gestured at his captive silently asking him what they should do with her. Toothless just gave a draconic shrug before returning his glare back at the woman who had hurt his friend.
Placing his shield on his back he crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. Thank for nothing, you useless reptile.
Merida glared dagger at the Viking as he paced back in forth in front of his dragon muttering to himself. The dragon continued to glare at her with it cat like slits. She hoped her mask of bravado was convincing because she was downright terrified. The dragon had nearly killer and it was only sparing her at the command of the Viking.
Her mind began filling with question on how he could possibly control a dragon. Remembering her father's war stories she didn't recall ever hearing of Viking fighting the war on dragons. She wondered if the raiders were using dragons as well. Her thoughts then drifted to what was going to happen to her now. She had heard stories of what Viking would do to the maidens they had captured and they weren't pleasant at all.
Hiccup paced back in forth with silently asking himself what they should do now. They were never supposed to be found. Now with their presence discovered all their lives in jeopardy. The only permanent solutions involved killing the girl or keeping her captive. He looked to Toothless who was just glaring at the girl. He decided to see if the dragon could think of something, "What should we do bud?"
Toothless glanced towards Hiccup and then in and with an angry expression and baring his teeth he snorted out smoke rings while turning his gaze back to the girl. Toothless had one of the more permanent solutions in mind. Involving the girl's face meeting one of his plasma blasts.
"No. No. No. We are not doing that," Hiccup said admonishing the dragon.
Toothless simply huffed indifferently and looked away.
Sighing he determined that the only solution was really to try and reason with the girl. Then hopefully he could convince her to keep his presence a secret. Suddenly the girl let out a small shout of surprise.
Turning his head back to the girl he saw her head being yanked to one side. The reason being Sharpshot, who had grabbed a mouthful of her red curls and was playfully tugging it while thrashing his head back and forth.
"Ack. Call off your beastie before it rips my hair out," she cried.
"Sharpshot stop that. Come here boy," Hiccup commanded the small dragon while patting his right shoulder. The dragon immediately dropped the girl's hair before flying to perch on Hiccup's shoulder.
"Sorry about that. He's a good little guy normally," he said while scratching the Terror's neck. The dragon gave a chirp before letting out and affectionate purr.
With that he started fidgeting with his hands as he stared at the woman. She looked at him with ice blue eyes defiantly. After staring for a few minutes not thinking of anything to say she suddenly pulled her legs to her chest.
"Ah know what you're thinking Viking. Ah'm just letting you know ah won't make it easy for you," she hissed.
Hiccup raised an eye in confusion. What was she talking about? Deciding to inquire he asked, "What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me Viking. I know the reputation of your kind. I've heard the stories of what you do to young lasses you capture," she spat with venom.
Hiccup continued to stare blankly for a few moments for grasping at what she meant. Recoiling in disgust he replied, "OH GODS! I wasn't thinking that. I would never do that to you."
Merida couldn't help but feel a little insulted by that comment. "Oh well excuse me if ah don't meet your taste. Must not be smelly enough," she said sarcastically.
Hiccup's mouth fell open agape. Was she seriously offended he said he wasn't going to harm her? Gods women were weird. Then he took a good look at the girl. Not being able to take in her features during their fight he came to realize that she was beautiful. Sky blue eyes, a cute button nose, pinks lips, a lightly freckled face, wild red hair (which he had to admit he kind of liked). He found his eyes drifting from her face and down before he shook his head to clear his thoughts. Bringing his hand to his covered face in a face palm he took a breath and prayed to the gods for patience. "I just meant I don't do that. Not every Viking tribe does," he paused and looked into her and before continuing with sincerity. "I won't harm you. I swear."
Merida was surprised that she found herself believing in his words. He said them looking her straight in her eyes. His voice didn't even waver at all.
"And to answer your questions from earlier," waving a hand to signify the questions she had asked him before. "I'm just a traveler. I have no intention on attacking this land and those who live here. Lastly, I have nothing to do with any attacks that have occurred. I've only been in this land for about two weeks."
Merida searched his face and found no hint of deceit. She decided to pressure him to see if she could make him slip up. "How do ah know you aren't lying to me?" she asked.
"Well…If I was with the raiders or had intentions to attack this land why would we even be talking about this?" He paused to let his point sink in. "I mean I could kill you now or have let my dragon kill you and no one would be the wiser," he said with a light shrug.
Merida hated to admit it, but the Viking had a point. He hadn't really even attempted to fight back against her. He had just run defended himself. She looked up to him to concede his point. "Ok, ah suppose that is true….So what's going to happen now?" she asked raising an eyebrow.
Hiccup shrugged before replying, "Nothing. I cut you loose, we let bygones be bygones, part ways, and we never have to see each other again." Hiccup said holding her gaze so that she could see the truth in his eyes. Then he added, "IF, that is, you promise to not reveal my presence to the people of this land."
Merida thought this was too good to be true. Was he really just going to let her go? Could it really be that easy? "If ah do promise, how do you know that I'll keep my word?" She asked slowly.
"Well I don't for sure. So really I have everything to lose. But something tells me you're not one to go back on your word. Plus you kind of owe me."
Merida raised an eyebrow in inquiry.
"I did stop my dragon from killing you after all," he joked lightly. Then in a serious expression he asked, "Do we have a deal?"
Merida searched his expression. He seemed to be honest. She did owe him one for not letting the dragon burn her alive also she supposed. She looked him in the eyes and nodded in confirmation. "Deal," she said firmly.
With that the Viking nodded and walked to his left first before bending down and picking up what she realized was her sword. Then walking towards her with sword in hand she couldn't help but feel a little defenseless. He went to her side and in one swipe cut the ropes. Stepping back he allowed her to stand up before he extended her sword towards her hilt first. She slowly reached out and took the sword before sheathing it. Then looking the Viking in the eyes one last time she turned and walked back toward the center of the meadow where she had entered. Turning around she looked at him one more time. He gave her a small wave. What a strange lad ye are. She said mentally before turning and walking back into the woods.
Descending the mountain she made her way back to Angus before mounting him and riding home.
She didn't realize how much time had passed. By the time she had returned home the sun was beginning to set. Entering the main hall she saw her family enjoying her dinner.
"Hey everyone. Sorry if ah'm late," she said greeting her family.
Her family didn't seem bothered by her late arrival.
"Did you have a good ride the dear?" Her mother asked.
"Um…yes mom," Merida said with the straightest face she could manage.
Her mother smiled before her eyes dropped to her neck. "Oh dear did something happen? You got a nasty mark on your neck," Elinor asked while looking down at her neck.
The dragon's claws must have scratched me when it pinned me. Merida realized bringing her hand to her neck. Thinking up a reasonable excuse she answered, "Oh yeah, ah just ran into a branch while riding Angus. Must have nicked me."
Accepting her answer; Elinor simply nodded and returned to her meal.
After dinner Merida got ready for bed. All the while her thoughts kept drifting back to the Viking and his dragons. He was a strange Viking. He wasn't at all what the legends and stories said he should be like. She then began to wonder if it was truly wise to not reveal him. He seemed sincere in his intentions and he hadn't killed her even when she was at his mercy. She slowly let the thoughts drift away as sleep started to overtake her.
Then suddenly her eyes snapped opened as she realized something that hadn't occurred to her. The wisps. She thought with wide eyes. They had led her to him. With a groan she tossed and turned but couldn't escape the thought that plagued her about the Viking.
Who was he? And what did he have to do with her fate?