Chapter 9: The Dragon Conqueror
Merida looked into the stunned faces of her parents in front of her as they tried to process her story. After returning to the castle and waiting for the other lords and their sons to join them, Merida explained how she knew Hiccup (leaving out the part where the wisps had led her to him). All around the main hall the room was silent as the monarchs, lords, and clan members took in all the information. Merida tried her best not to fidget under the gaze of everyone in the room.
Finally Fergus broke the silence. "That man on the dragon was a Viking?" He asked slowly.
Merida nodded and replied with a firm, "Aye dad."
Fergus paused for a second. Then in rage he shouted, "And you were hiding him! What were you thinking lass?" He cried at his daughter.
Merida met her father's eyes before answering, "He's my friend dad. He's not bad."
"He's a Viking lass. They're ALL bad," said Lord Macintosh from her right.
With that a collective murmur of agreement was heard from around the room.
Fergus approached Merida at his wits end. Stopping right in front of her and looking down to her he asked with a serious expression and tone, "Alright lass where is he?"
"Ah can't tell you dad. I promised I wouldn't reveal him," She said holding her father's gaze.
"Merida, this is serious. He's a Viking. With that beast of his he could turn the kingdom to ash. You need to tell me where he is," her father said seriously.
"Ah gave him my word da. I can't tell you," she said resolutely.
Fergus was starting to lose his patience at his daughter's lack of compliance. He needed to find this man. This Viking. For all he knew the man could be scouting the land in preparation for war. He couldn't understand why his daughter was so naïve as to believe he wasn't a threat.
"Your father is right princess. For all we know he's trying to get secrets from you by taking advantage of your knowledge as royalty," said lord Dingwall gruffly, echoing King Fergus's thoughts.
"He's not. He doesn't know I'm the princess. And I know he doesn't want to attack the land, if his intentions were hostile he would've killed me when we first met," she argued.
Her father huffed in irritation at his daughter's resistance. Just as he was about to continue questioning her guard came into the room and kneeled before Fergus.
"My king, the prisoners refuse to speak," the guard said.
"Have you told them they could be killed if they don't comply?" Fergus asked.
"Yes sir, they still refuse to talk," the guard answered.
"Well do they say anything?" Fergus asked starting to get irritated.
"They murmur something among themselves sir…'dragon conqueror', I believe they say," the guard said unsure.
"They must be speaking about the Viking with the dragon," Elinor said speaking up for the first time.
Fergus groaned before addressing the guard, "Keeping working on them. We need to know if we should be expecting more raids or if another war with the Viking is on the horizon. Go."
The guard nodded before leaving the room. Fergus turned back to his daughter. He loved his little girl more than anything in the world. But he never wanted to strangle her more in his entire life. Plus there was the possibility of war on the horizon and it was wearing on his mind. Rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger he was about to ask Merida the man's location once more before a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
Turning to face his wife she saw that she had a look of inspiration on her face. Raising an eyebrow at her in inquiry she spoke, "Dear perhaps we can ask the man to help us. To speak with raiders."
Raising his eyebrows in surprise he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Now his wife wanted to work with the Viking. Seeing his confusion Elinor calmly pressed on, "As Merida explained, he is the son of a chieftain. He may be able to identify the tribe the raiders belong to and tell us their approximate size. Plus love, he obviously has no hostile intention. He attacked the raiders, if he was with them or was against us in any way he could've joined them or simply done nothing at all."
Merida smiled at her mother's tactful mind. She was glad her mother could see Hiccup's actions as what they were without questioning a hidden motive. She understood her father's and lord's prejudices towards Vikings, but was irritated that they could believe that someone willing to fight against his own people and save them could possibly want to do them harm.
Hearing his wife's reasoning, Fergus relented. His wife's words always got to him. It was one of the reasons why they were a good match. Fergus was a warrior using weapons and force to make his way through life. Elinor was scholar and diplomat who used reason and tact to solve her problems. With a nod he turned back to address Merida.
"Alright lass tell me where he is," Fergus said.
Merida looked in her father's eyes but refused to budge. "Ah can't dad ah promised."
Just as Fergus was about to shout at Merida for her stubbornness Elinor quickly cut in, "Then perhaps you can go get him and bring him here." She finished her statement calmly before looking to her husband who had a concerned expression on his face. Obviously he was wary of letting Merida go to retrieve the Viking.
Sensing his apprehension she explained her reasoning, "Obviously he trusts Merida. Maybe she can convince him to cooperate with us as she did before." She looked back at Merida to see if the plan was acceptable to her.
Merida thought about it for a moment. She supposed this plan was as good as any. She understood the need for them to know if they should be prepared for war. She nodded in agreement before a thought crossed her mind. Looking to her father she took a breath before addressing him, "I'll do it. I'll go get him. But only on one condition."
Her father raised an eyebrow. She was pushing her luck, she knew. But Hiccup was her friend, and she promised herself she would protect him. Locking eyes with her father she continued, "You have to swear that when he arrives you or your men won't harm him, his dragon, and you won't imprison him." She paused before quickly adding the next part, "The lords too."
There was an uproar all around them as the lord shouted their disagreement to her terms. Her father silenced them before addressing her, "Really Merida, is this necessary?" He asked in disbelief.
"Yes. I won't bring him here just so he can killed or put in chains. So I want you to swear on your honor as king and lords that nothing will happen to him or his dragons," she said loud enough to address the whole room.
She looked into the eyes of her father challengingly. Fergus could tell his daughter was not going to back down on this. Knowing she could be as stubborn as a mule, he relented and swore to her terms. After grumbling and some shouting the other lords swore to her terms as well.
Satisfied she ordered guards to follow her and led them to the stables. Mounting Angus and with the guards on their own horses she set off towards the lone mountain where Hiccup was.
After leaving the castle she led the guards to the northern plains. At the plains she dismounted Angus and instructed them to lead him back to the castle while she continued on alone. At this they were confused and asked if she wasn't going to be riding back with them.
She turned away before responding, "No, I won't be riding him back, I'll be flying back." She said the last part with a smile under her breath.
She made her way to the mountain alone and climbed up the wall at it base. Walking up the slope, she stopped in her tracks as she hearda snapping sound above her. Looking up she yelped and fell down on her butt as Toothless leapt down from the trees landing above her with a menacing snarl on his face and slitted black eyes.
"No wait, Toothless stop, it's me Merida," she quickly stammered out.
Upon recognizing her voice Toothless stopped and his eyes changed to the friendly black orbs as he cocked his head and crooned.
She blew out a breath in relief and smiled up at the black dragon. It gave a gummy grin before opening its mouth and licking her face and covering her in saliva. "Ack! Toothless get off me," she said unpleased as she pushed against the dragon's head to get him off.
The dragon warbled in a laugh before allowing her to get up. Merida immediately got up and began wiping her face with her dress sleeves. She glared at the dragon disapprovingly but it only responded with a gummy grin. Not being able to stay mad at the dragon she sighed in defeat before wrapping her arms around its head in a hug. "Thank ye ya big lug. You saved me. Ah owe you my life," she whispered to Toothless.
Toothless crooned and rumbled in her arms. Pulling back she smiled at the dragon and it nuzzled her face with his. Then he turned around and began walking up the slope. Turning his head he glanced back at Merida and motioned with his head to follow.
She complied and they made their way to the meadow. Entering and going left she saw Hiccup with his back to her as he was moving around putting his things into bags. A few feet away Toothless stopped and warbled at him to get his attention.
Turning to face them, his eyes widened though his helmet as he noticed Merida. "Oh hey Merida," he said nervously.
Merida heard his greeting but looked around and noticed the stated of the camp. Everything was packed away and the tent was gone. Coming to a realization she clenched her fists and glared at Hiccup.
Hiccup noticed her glare and took a nervous step back.
She stalked towards him holding her glare with her hands in fists at her side. Reaching him she looked up into his eyes as he fidgeted nervously. Then she punched him in the arm. Hard.
"Ouch," Hiccup yelped. Rubbing his arm, he looked at Merida and was about to demand an explanation when she punched him again in the same spot.
"You were just gonna leave without saying goodbye?" she cried angrily.
Stepping back in surprise he quickly answered, "What no." Then he turned his gaze to his feet and rubbed the back of his helmeted head, "Maybe." After a pause he sagged his shoulders and sighed in defeat, "Ok, yes."
She punched him again at his answer, and in the exact same spot as before.
"By the frickin gods Merida, that hurts!" he cried while rubbing his arm.
She 'hmped' before glaring at him again. "How could you do that? We're supposed to be friends," she said placing her hand on her hips.
"Look Merida I have to go. Now the Scots know I'm here. And that means we're in danger. I have to leave," he argued.
"About that Hiccup," she said remembering what she was here for. She paused and began fiddling with her hand before looking into his eyes before explaining, "I need you to come to the castle with me. The raiders aren't giving us answers and we need to know if we should be preparing for more raids and possibly war."
"What, no way Merida. I think I've done enough. This is asking me to walk into the lion's den," he said shaking his head vigorously.
"I know Hiccup. And I wouldn't ask this of you if it wasn't important. Please," she said hand clasped together pleadingly. At his hesitation she pressed on, "The king and lords of the allied clans have sworn that they won't harm or imprison you."
Hiccup took in the new information and mulled it over. He knew that it was possible that there was another force. He understood their desire to want to be prepared. But going straight to the castle could be his and his companion's death. He looked at Merida and she was patiently waiting for his answer. He trusted her. He knew she wouldn't lead him into a situation he might die in on purpose.
With a sigh he relented. "Alright Merida. But only because I trust you."
She smiled and said her thanks as he readied Toothless. Calling out for Sharpshot the small dragon came out of a tree and perched on his shoulder. After staring at him for a moment Hiccup shifted some stuff around in saddlebag and placed Sharpshot in, telling the Terror to stay hidden until he called for him. The Terror nodded before making itself comfortable and settling down. Finally feeling prepared he turned to Merida.
"Alright I think we're set why don't you head back to the castle and tell them I'll arrive in about an hour," he told her.
Merida grinned mischievously. Trying to contain her excitement she said, "Actually I was thinking I would fly back to the castle with you and Toothless."
Hiccup raised an eyebrow behind his helmet.
Elaborating Merida continued, "In case one guards has a twitchy bow arm, if they see one of their own on the dragon they won't attack." This was partially the truth. It was a little added insurance to ensure that Hiccup wouldn't be shot down. But she would be lying if she said she didn't want fly on Toothless.
Hiccup mulled it over and saw her reasoning as sound. With a quick look to Toothless to see if he was fine with it the dragon gave an affirmative huff. With a shrug he nodded his consent.
Merida squealed in excitement. She was going to fly on Toothless. She had been wanting to for a while now. She had been working up the nerve to ask Hiccup if he would take her flying for some time. Finally she would get to feel what it was like.
Stepping aside Hiccup mounted Toothless before he held out his arm to her. Practically buzzing with excitant she readily took the arm and climbed up behind him.
Hiccup shuddered a little as Merida pressed herself against him and wrapped surprisingly strong arms around his waist. The closeness mad him slightly nervous. As she placed her chin on his shoulder and he looked into her eyes he couldn't help but blush and was glad he was wearing a helmet.
"Uh…uhm are you ready?" he asked stammering.
"Yes," Merida said with a smile.
Facing forward he leaned down to whisper into Toothless's ear, "Alright bud easy does it today. No showboating."
Toothless whined in disappointment but complied with a huff.
Then crouching down he opened his wings and leapt into the air. Beating his wings steadily he rose before levelling out and soaring from the mountain.
Merida suppressed shriek of surprise as Toothless took off. She fell like her stomach had been behind on the ground and initially shut her eyes tight before squeezing Hiccup around the middle. After of few moments of Toothless's initial climbing he leveled out and she opened her eyes.
And she instantly knew that flying would forever be one of the greatest experiences of her life. Laughing at the thrill she gave a 'woohoo' in happiness and looked at the land she had always known in a new light.
In the main hall of castle Dunbroch Fergus and the other lord anxiously awaited the return of the princess. Fergus was pacing in front of the throne while Elinor sat and watched him with head up and patiently awaiting her daughter's return. Fergus and the other lords were starting to question whether allowing her go to alone was the best idea.
The younger lords all waited besides their father and wondered what the young princess had gotten into. They all knew the princess had always been rebellious, but this was never expected. Merida was fiercely loyal to the kingdom, so defending the enemy was completely out of character for her.
Their pensive silence was interrupted as a soldier burst in through the main doors. "My king, the dragon is coming. We see it in the distance."
Shaking off his thought her rushed out to the main courtyard with his wife, lord, and men in tow. Outside Fergus scanned the sky and noticed the black shape approaching. Then the dragon reach the castle and began circling. On its back he saw the Viking and on a second glance he saw…
"Merida," he shouted at his daughter.
She was riding the dragon. She was clinging to the rider from behind as he finally chose a spot to land, an empty guard tower overlooking the courtyard. The dragon, now perched on the tower looked down at them.
"Merida get down form that dragon this instant," Fergus yelled with worry. He couldn't help but feel afraid as his daughter sat atop the Viking's beast. She could fall off or the damned thing could attack her. Or heaven forbid the Viking decide to fly off with her hostage.
Atop Toothless Merida looked down at her parents, lords, and clansmen. She rolled her eyes at her father's overprotectiveness. She was safe on Toothless. Neither Hiccup nor Toothless would let anything bad happen to her or harm her.
"I'm fine dad. No need to worry. But before we come down I want you to swear that you or your men will harm Hiccup and Toothless. The lords too," she shouted.
Fergus scoffed and threw his hands up in frustration, "Oh for goodness sake Merida, I already swore to that. We all did."
"Well say it again so Hiccup can hear you," she replied back insistent.
Taking a breath he relented. "Ok fine. I swear on my honor as the king that neither my men nor I will harm 'Hiccup' or his dragon."
The lords followed his example and with a satisfied nod she whispered to Hiccup, "See Hiccup nothing to worry about."
But Hiccup had all but stopped listening. His brain had frozen at the one word Merida had said. It was what she had called the red haired giant wearing the bear skin cape.
Dad!? Whipping back to face Merida with eyes wide in surprise he yelled, "DAD?!"
Merida cringed slightly, just now remembering Hiccup still didn't know she was the princess.
"Your dad is the king!? You're a princess?" Hiccup shouted in surprise.
She smiled sheepishly before replying shyly, "Oh…uh yeah. Did I not mention that?"
"You most certainly did not. Was this ever going to come up?!" Hiccup yelled.
She narrowed her eyes at him. What was the big deal? So she had just neglected to mention she was the princess. She was still the same person. "Don't give me that. YOU still haven't even shown me your face," she reminded him.
His mouth fell agape before he closed it. Was she seriously comparing the two? "You being frickin ROYALTY places WAY higher in priority than my face!"
She just gave him a shrug in response. She didn't think it was a big deal.
Turning forward he brought a hand up to his helmet. "Oh man, the gods must be laughing at me. I'm so gonna be executed, may as well say goodbye to my head now. I got the princess of Scotland, on a dragon, at the top of a tower, while her father and an army are ready to kill me. Oh the god just lov…"
He was interrupted by Merida who slapped him on the back of the helmet. He turned to glare at her though the mask but his face fell when he saw her warm and gentle smile. Her eyes were so full of good intention and trust that he couldn't stay mad at her. Turning back with a sigh he looked down and saw everyone waiting patiently for him to descend.
Patting Toothless on the head he whispered in his ear for him to land. Opening his wing Toothless jumped down form the tower and glided down before flapping slightly to land with a bump a few feet before the king. Looking around nervously, he noticed that almost everyone in the courtyard was holding a weapon. Just great. Under him he could feel Toothless growling lowly. With his Teeth bared, Toothless glanced around at the men surrounding them with weapons and tensed. He didn't like the situation at all.
Around them men were both frightened and amazed at the sight of Toothless. Up close they could just see how powerful the dragon was. All of them watched tensely hoping that the beast wouldn't just lunge and start attacking them.
Merida could feel the tension in the room. She dismounted Toothless quickly and went to her father. She watched as he seemed to look her over for injuries before pulling her into a tight hug.
Fergus hugged his daughter in relief that she was ok. Then he turned his gaze toward the man dismounting and standing in front of the dragon. Up close the man was quite tall. But having encountered Vikings before, he found the man quite scrawny. Releasing his daughter he slowly approached the man.
At the king's approach Toothless tensed and started to growl. Turning his head slightly he whispered just loud enough for Toothless to hear, "Easy bud. Let's not give them a reason to attack." At that Toothless stopped growling and closed his mouth but continued to glare at the king. Turning back to the king he was reminded immediately of his father. Like his father the man was large (though not as large as Stoick), had red hair, and had an air of authority about him. Of course his dad wouldn't be caught dead wearing the green and scarlet patterned skirt that the Scots called 'kilts'.
As the king stood directly in front of him he noticed that he was only about half a head shorter than the king. The king however seemed to be looking down at him like he was bunny. Hiccup had to try his hardest not to fidget under the man's gaze. He just stood there looking into the man's eyes as he waited for him to speak.
"So you're the Viking then?" Fergus said while crossing his arms over his chest. "Kinda scrawny for a Viking ain't ya laddie?" A collective chuckle was heard throughout the courtyard at the king's jab.
Hiccup sighed. Though he could trade jabs with the best of them, he knew he had to hold his tongue. He was in this man's kingdom, as a trespasser, and thus the man had every right to execute him. Better not to rile him up. Hiccup simply answer with a shrug and said, "Yeah. I get that a lot."
Looking him up and down, Fergus frowned at the boy's face. "Take off the helmet Viking," he said firmly.
"Is that really necessary your highness?" Hiccup asked, as far as he knew he was just coming to interview and try to identify the raider. He didn't see why he needed to take his helmet off.
"Yes it is. Merida has vouched for you and against my better judgment I'm giving you a chance. But it's hard to trust a man when you can't see his face," Fergus replied.
Seeing some reason behind the king's words he looked to Toothless. The dragon and man exchanged a look before Toothless gave an affirmative nod. Looking back to the king he sighed and placed both hands on the side of his helmet.
Merida had quietly come to stand behind her father. She felt only a little bad at her father having Hiccup remove his helmet. But she didn't say anything because deep down she was dying to know what he looked like. Watching anxiously as Hiccup slowly began to remove his helmet she shook with anticipation.
Taking off his helmet and running a hand though his hair to fix it he looked up at the king then glanced over at Merida and smiled awkwardly.
Merida blushed red and brought her hand over her mouth to suppress as gasp. Hiccup was quite…handsome, she thought to herself. She just continued to stare at him as her father continued to address him and catch his attention.
"So then Viking. Tell me, why did you help us?" Seeing the young man raise an eyebrow she decided to elaborate. "You may not be of the same tribe, but you still have more in common with them than us."
Hiccup stared at the king for a moment turning to Merida slightly and giving her a crooked grin. Then turning back to the king he simply said, "A friend asked me to help so I did. Plus, it just felt like the right thing to do." He finished with a shrug.
Satisfied with his answer the king nodded. "This way then lad. The prisoners are in the dungeon," pausing he pointed to Toothless. "Your dragon will have to stay here though. The dungeon are too small for him."
Hiccup nodded before turning to Merida. "Merida can you stay here and watch Toothless," he asked.
Merida chastised herself for not being able to look him in the eyes without blushing. She gave him a nod.
He gave her a smile in appreciation before he turned to Toothless and put his hand on his snout. He exchanged a look with him telling him that he would return. Turning back to the king he motioned for him to lead the way and then followed after him.
The other lords filed in behind him. Not comfortable with this Viking being alone with their king.
Feeling utterly surrounded he kept his eyes glued to the king's back and followed him into the castle.
Inside the dungeon the, Hiccup, Fergus, and the lords were all inside the cell that held the raider's leader. When Hiccup entered the man looked at him and his eyes widened in recognition before turning his gaze down to the ground.
The man was wrapped with chains around his torso. His ankles were also bound with chains linking the ankle cuffs. He was sitting cross legged and refused to speak. He was a typical Viking. He was large bodied, muscular, covered in old battle scars. He had medium long black hair that was tied in a single braid going down his to his neck. He had stubble on his face with a goatee. In his left cheek he had a vertical scar.
Hiccup looked down at the man while running the things Fergus had told him in his mind. They had used a saboteur beforehand to gain an edge for the battle. That wasn't a typical Viking tactic, since they were mostly a direct approach kind of people. That limited the identity of the tribe down significantly but he didn't want to jump to conclusions.
Stepping toward the man's right side he reached for the man's shoulder and pulled the man's sleeve up. Then, on the man's upper bicep he saw a tattoo. Taking a closer look he tried to make out what the tattoo depicted. A rat? He thought to himself. He ran though his internal library of tribe symbols. None immediately came to mind. But he couldn't help but feel that he had seen or heard of it somewhere.
Finally he remembered a story of a tribe that matched the tactics described and tattoo.
"The Vile Vermin?" He whispered quietly.
At that, the man raised his head up to look him in the eyes.
"Oh so you've heard of us then?" he said looking proud.
"I HEARD that you guys were wiped out a little over ten years ago," he said crossing his arms over his chest and coming to stand in front of the man.
"So you know them then lad?" King Fergus asked from behind him.
Not turning around Hiccup answered, "Yeah, they were thieves that would steal from other tribes. Some of the tribes banded together and attacked. Wiping them out. I didn't know there were any survivors."
"Oh we survived lad. There were few of us so we moved to the very borders of Viking territory. We've been trying to slowly rebuild before we returned to our home island and our former glory," he said with a sneer.
"Is that so?" Hiccup started slowly. "So who are you then? You don't match the description of the old leader, Olaf the Scourge."
"That's cuz I'm not," the man said raising his head up proudly. "I am Bloodguts the Vile, grandson of Olaf the Scourge, son of Vernon the Vicious, and current chief of the Vile Vermin."
"Congratulations," Hiccup said sarcastically.
"Oh and I know who you are 'Dagon Conqueror'. We hear whispers of you from the other tribes who live at the borders of Vikings waters." He gave Hiccup a sneer, "Quite the legend you are," Bloodguts paused to clear his throat like he was preparing to tell a story. "'A Hero to friends and a Harbinger to foes. On the mount that is one with darkness, his sword shines hope and blazes destruction. He is Hiccup the dragon conqueror, the first dragon rider, the death slayer, and the demon of the archipelago' " he finished with a smirk.
The lords and Fergus all stared wide eyed at the young man. Could this young man truly be so dangerous? Could a scrawny man like this really have earned himself such a famous reputation?
Hiccup only rolled his eyes at the monikers others placed on him. He hated being called by all those names. He was simply himself. A dragon trainer, not some hero or boogeyman man haunting the waters of him home.
Leaning forward Bloodguts motioned for Hiccup to bend down. Deciding to humor the man he did. "Say lad, why don't you team up with us? With us and your dragon we could have anything. You have more in common with us than their lot," he said shifting his eyes to the lords behind him and spitting the last part. "Think about it. I even hear they have a princess. Said to be the jewel of Scotland. She can be all yours. You wouldn't even have to share her unless you wanted to," he said evilly.
Fergus who had caught the last part about his daughter bristled. Clenching his fist he walked toward the man with the intent on beating him near the end of his life. But abruptly stopped when Hiccup beat him to it.
Cocking back his fist at the man' comment on Merida, Hiccup swung it across the man's face with enough force to nearly know the man unconscious. Tasting blood in his mouth he glowered up at Hiccup and then spit blood at his feet.
Hiccup beginning to lose patience, grabbed the man by the throat and forced him to look up into his eyes. Hiccup saw the slight look of fear in the man's eyes and smiled, "How many more men do you have?"
The man refused to answered and just glared back.
"Don't feel like talking huh?" Hiccup then gave his best evil smile. "Maybe you'll feel more compliant while my dragon is eating you."
The man's eyes widened and his face paled. Then he narrowed his eyes and through grit teeth said, "You're bluffing."
"Am I?" Hiccup challenged coolly. "I mean sure normally I feed my dragon fish. You know, I don't want to spoil him with human meat. But oh will he be happy having you for dinner," then pausing he looked to the bound men in the next cell before smiling wickedly. "Maybe he'll start off with one of your cronies as an appetizer."
Hoping his bluff would be effective, Hiccup was not disappointed.
"No wait I'll talk. There are no more of us. We are small which is why we were hoping to capture slave wives here to build up our number," one of the men yelled frantically.
"SHUT UP YOU—," Bloodguts started to yell.
"To Hel with you Bloodguts, I'll not be a dragon's dinner. Just please don't feed me to your beast," the man practically begged.
Smiling in victory Hiccup released his hold on Bloodguts who looked up at him darkly. Turning back the lords he asked, "Got what you needed?"
The other lords nodded and walked out of the cell. Leaving Bloodguts scowling angrily after them utterly defeated.
Fergus directed a soldier to try and collect more answers from the man who had spoken and a few others if he could. Walking through the halls leading out of the dungeons with Fergus ahead with Hiccup and the lords tailing behind, Fergus abruptly stopped and turned to face Hiccup.
Raising an eyebrow he had to ask, "Hiccup was that—," He began and was cut off as Hiccup guessed what he going to ask and answered.
"A total bluff yes," he said with a nod.
Fergus just seemed to stare at Hiccup for a few moments. As if searching for something on his face. Then he suddenly burst out laughing. Hiccup eyes widened in surprise as he just stood there. Behind him the other lords all burst into laughter as well. Then Fergus reached out an arm and shoved Hiccup on his right should nearly causing to fall over. Then he draped a huge arm across Hiccup's shoulder.
Finally getting his laughter under control he wiped away a tear. Turning to Hiccup with a friendly smile plastered on his face he said, "Oh lad, you're alright. Ah'm sorry for doubting ya. Ah just couldn't be too careful you know?"
"Oh it no problem your majesty, I understand," he said with a nod and a smile.
The other lords then walked up beside Hiccup and the king.
"We're sorry too lad," said lord Macintosh.
"Oh aye lad," agreed lord Dingwall.
"Past grievances you know," added lord MacGuffin.
Hiccup nodded to all of them and smiled. They seemed to rust him now. He was glad for that. Maybe he could get them all to trust Toothless too.
Fergus then spoke to him, "By the way lad, I've been meaning to ask how you lost your leg?" Fergus said looking down at Hiccup's prosthetic.
"It was a dragon," he replied nonchalantly.
Fergus smiled at that. "Sounds like quite the story. I have quite the story of my own," he said sticking his peg leg out in front of them.
"Oh here we go," groaned lord Macintosh.
Just as Hiccup was about to tell him he knew the story Fergus pulled him closer and jumped right in, "So it was Merida's sixth birthday. All was going fine. Then, out of nowhere…"
Hiccup could tell there was no stopping the man so he let him talk on. Things had gone more smoothly than he could have ever imagined. The king liked him, he was able to help them, and he wasn't going to be executed.
Yep things are definitely looking up.
Outside in the courtyard, Toothless sat on his haunches staring at the door that the king had led Hiccup through with is tail thrashing violently back and forth. He was anxious for Hiccup to return. In a castle full of enemies he didn't like being separated from his friend. Next to him Merida was stroking his head in an attempt to keep him calm. He was glad for her company. He liked her. He also trusted her.
Merida stood by Toothless's side and also waited for her father to return with Hiccup. She trusted her father to keep his word, but she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. If something bad happened to Hiccup it would be all her fault. The though of betraying her one true friend made her stomach clench in guilt.
Standing a few feet to the side Elinor watched her daughter nervously as she stood right next to the beast. Taking a step forward she stopped when the dragon's eyes shifted to her and he bared his teeth.
Merida noticed her mom's attempt to approach halted by Toothless and lightly smacked him on the head. "Toothless, that just my mum," she chastised the dragon.
Toothless just kept his eyes on the woman but covered his teeth.
"Merida step away from the dragon," her mother said nervously.
Merida just rolled her eyes. "Mum Toothless won' harm me. He' harmless as long as you don't threaten him. See watch," Merida said before throwing her arms around Toothless's neck. The dragon gave a rumbling purr at the gesture, momentarily distracted from his thoughts of Hiccup.
Having been watching from a distance her brothers rushed forward when they saw her hug the dragon. Ignoring their mother's protests they rushed and stood right in front of the dragon.
Toothless eyes widened in surprise as three of the same person stood in front of him.
The boys' eyes widened in amazement as they ogled the dragon. Then they looked at their sister in admiration at being so close to the beast. "Wow sis, you're friends with a dragon?" Harris said in wonder.
Merida stood up straight and with hands on hips and head held high she answered, "Yes ah am. Toothless and I are very close. Aren't we Toothless?" She said proudly looking at the dragon.
The dragon warbled in agreement before licking her lightly on the cheek.
She giggled and smiled before looking down at her brothers with a satisfied smile. Looking over at her mother she was pleased to see that she was a bit more relaxed. Deciding to win Toothless some points with her mother she told her brothers to stand over by her, promising to show them some tricks. They complied in excitement and rushed to their mother's side. Gesturing for Toothless to stay she walked over to stand by her mother.
"Watch this mum," she said looking at her mom before turning back to Toothless. "Toothless," she said loudly to get the dragon's attention. When she had it, she touched the corner of her mouth and dragged it over her lips to the opposite side.
Recognizing the hand signal for 'smile', Toothless flashed them a gummy grin. Her mother smiled and laughed lightly at the dragon rendition of a smile. Her brothers laughed in delight as well. Even some of the guards also chuckled at Toothless's face.
"Harris go get a broom," she ordered her brother.
Hesitating for a moment the boy ran off to find a broom. Returning a few moments later with broom in hand, he presented it to Merida. Merida took it before walking over to Toothless and poking at the ground with her feet. When a small nitch was made in the dirt she planted the broom handle in the ground and walked back to her mother.
"Toothless," she said again to get the dragon's attention. When he turned his head towards her, she pointed to the broom before pointing down to the ground in the signal for 'plasma blast'. Toothless recognized the motion and shot a small burst of flame at the broom's bristles.
Her mothers, brothers, and guards gasped in surprise at the sudden action but then clapped in amazement at the show of Toothless's intelligence. To her delight everyone seemed to relax more now that they saw that Toothless wasn't some mindless creature who would jump at the chance to kill someone. Then she saw the lord's sons clapping and looking thoroughly impressed at her demonstration. She decided to demonstrate a few more tricks to lower the tension some more. She did the signal, 'wings', 'tail raise', and 'hover' before Fergus, Hiccup, and the other lords emerged from the door.
To her surprise they were all laughing as her father had an arm draped across Hiccup's shoulder in a friendly gesture. It looked as though her father approved of the young man now. Walking over she inquired as to what happened.
With a smile, Fergus embraced his daughter before taking a breath and addressing the crowd, "There are no more raiders. Thanks to Hiccup, we have discovered that we have captured the entire company. We are in no danger and Hiccup is to be treated as an honored guest along with his dragon!" Fergus shouted to the crowd. A shout of approval and victory went up thought the crowd.
At Hiccup's suggestion he would keep a watch on the loch and the lord's agreed to help if another group did happen to show up. Additionally Hiccup informed them that as a chieftain's son he would've heard about the tribe's banding together to start another war and put their mind at ease that there was none on the horizon.
Merida threw her arms around Hiccup to show her appreciation for all he had done. When she pulled back he was giving her a strange look. She cocked an eyebrow in inquiry and asked, "Is something wrong Hiccup?"
Hiccup paused a moment before raising his hand up to point at her, "You turned you mom into a bear to get out being married?"
She blushed in embarrassment. Obviously her father had told him the complete story of Mor'du. As she was about to defend herself her father stepped forward.
"Say Hiccup why don't you join us for a feast to celebrate our victory. We'll even feed your dragon any meat he desires," Fergus said with a wide smile.
Hiccup looked at Toothless who licked his chops excitedly after hearing Fergus's offer. Hiccup hesitated for a moment which caused Merida to grab his hand. He blushed a little at the contact and looked at her.
"Oh come on Hiccup stay for the feast. Please," she said with puppy dog eyes.
Trying to pry his eyes away he failed miserably. He was mesmerized by her sky blue eyes and with a sigh turned to Fergus, "Ok we'll stay for dinner."
Letting out a hearty chuckle he slapped Hiccup on the back. Hard. He failed to notice Hiccup grimace in pain and almost fall over. "Excellent lad. So what should we get your dragon then?" He asked.
"He likes fish but watching him eat them is not for the faint of heart," he said looking at Fergus.
Fergus gave a nod in understanding before pointing at a guard. "You, lead Hiccup to the back entrance of the kitchen. Get the staff to bring him a basket of fish for the dragon." The guard nodded before motioning for Hiccup to follow.
Noticing his hand still in Merida's he looked at her shyly and shifted his eyes down to their hands.
Realizing she was still holding on to his hand she dropped it before turning away with a blush. With a cough Hiccup thanked Fergus before following the guard and motioning for Toothless to join him. With that she turned to watch the pair being led around the corner to the back entrance of the kitchen.
"Alright then everyone inside! There will be and drink a plenty as we celebrate our victory. And come tomorrow we'll also have the celebration of the anniversary of our alliance and the formation of our great kingdom!" Fergus shouted jovially.
With that she draped his arm wound his daughter's soldier and led everyone inside the main hall.
Merida smiled to herself. She was happy that everything had worked out. Hiccup had saved them like she hoped he would. Her father had come to accept the boy and he was no longer in danger of being killed. Her kingdom was safe from attack and her friend no longer had to hide.
With a smile she enjoyed the moment and walked with her father inside to celebrate her personal success considering herself lucky to have come by such a wonderful friend.
So i hope this chapter was enjoyable. Thank you to everyone who gave me name ideas. I hope their involvement in the story satisfied you.
Special props to the guest reviewer who actually made the little legend that the vikings know hiccup by. Hope you don't mind the copy and paste and i hope i ended it with a good series of titles.
feel free to review