CHAPTER 2

There was pain. An overwhelming pounding of pain. It threatened to engulf him. Why did it hurt so much? For a while he just lay there quietly letting himself adjust to the sensation and, eventually, when it was just about bearable, he slowly flickered his eyes open. He moved them, keeping his head still, to see about him. He was in a dim, gloomy space of some sort but there was a source of light coming from somewhere to his right.

Thor! Did it hurt! The throbbing was coming from his head. It beat like a drum. Over and over. He raised his left hand to find where the pain was located. Damp. Why was his head damp? He studied the area more closely. Ouch! That hurt! He moved his hand back into his line of vision. His fingers were stained with something. Something black. No, wait. Not quite black. More a dark…. red. It just looked black in the poor light. What did that mean? What was red? Blood. That's what it was. The back of his head was wet with blood. That couldn't be good.

Where was he? He seemed to be alone somewhere. He could tell he wasn't in any building, it was too damp, dirty and murky for anywhere half civilized. He studied the place and saw rocky walls and stalactites on the ceiling above. It must be a cave. Carefully, he turned his head about taking in the space.

He could neither see nor hear anyone. He was alone. No. He wasn't. There was something over there. Arrrgh! The light! The moon shining brightly through the cave hurt his eyes. He tried again, this time taking more care to allow his vision to adjust. He looked at the shape again. It was something big. Something big with wings and claws: a dragon.

A dragon! Panic set in. He was alone in a cave with a fire breathing dragon! And it was guarding the entrance. He was in trouble. The beast had probably captured him and taken him back to his lair for his next meal. Why couldn't he remember what happened?

The beast was asleep. He had to get out of there. Fast: no way of knowing when it may awaken. He warily rolled onto all fours. Oh, his head again! The whole room swam in and out of focus and he felt giddy.

Easy does it. Got to get out of here.

Carefully, reaching for the walls of the cave for support he raised himself upright. Nausea.

No. Don't be sick. Don't be sick. He thought to himself. Take it steady. You can do this. Slowly. Ever so slowly he crept past the sleeping dragon and out of the cave.

The moonlight was bright and the stars shone in the sky. It must be late, or very early. Good. The sand under his feet felt damp. Not so good. The darkness would help camouflage him but he would surely leave footprints behind in the sand. He looked more closely at his feet. He had only one; the other appeared to be prosthetic. Why? No time for that. He had to move on. Now. He looked around himself. A cliff going off left and right. A beach. A few rock formations. The sea. Which way? His head pounded again and a sense of wooziness threatened to overcome him once more. No. He had to focus. He had to get far away from the dragon and this was his only chance. He was in no fit state to battle it. Already holding onto one side of the cave entrance he chose right and, placing his hands along the cliff and any large rock formations, he stumbled as he walked. Feelings of nausea bubbled up with every step he took but, determined, he kept going making his way along the beach.

Up ahead he saw an opening in the rock face. There was a rocky stream through a narrow valley coming down from the land to the sea with grassy verges either side. When he got closer he saw what must be a wood at the top. It was a bit of a climb. Could he do it? His whole body rang out in pain and agony begging him not to. Oh how it hurt! He looked back over the beach where he'd been. The sun was beginning to rise over the horizon. If he stayed he would be caught. The dragon would find him. He had to try. There was no other choice.

Slowly and clumsily he began the ascent.

The sun created an array of dancing diamonds on a tranquil archipelago and the sky had turned a clear shade of blue with a few wispy clouds scattered here and there. Birds sang in the trees above and small woodland creatures scurried around looking for their morning meal.

Hiccup appeared over the ridge of the ravine in which he'd climbed. His face was white as a sheet, his vision blurred and his head felt like it was going to explode. It had taken him an hour to reach the top. His body screamed in agony and all he wanted to do now was to curl up somewhere and sleep. He found a nearby oak and slumped down in a heap against its trunk.

He rested. Eyes closed, chest heaving, he felt the threat of nausea fade away. He had been sick twice on the way up and he had slipped and fell frequently. It had taken every nerve in his body to refrain from passing out entirely, but he had made it and the dragon hadn't come for him. Yet. Should he go on?

As he pondered over this thought, he heard voices. They started off faint but were gradually growing louder. People were coming his way. At last: help. He must find them. His body screamed in protest and his head swam as he tried to find his feet again. His vision remained blurred and the nausea hit him as hard as ever. But, despite it all, he forced himself to stand.

One last push he promised himself. One more time then you can rest. They'll help you. You'll be safe. He pushed himself onwards towards the sound of the voices.

"You had one thing to do, Berthel – look after the loot. Now we have to find more spoils to sell if we want to be eating tonight."

"I'm sorry, Amos. I fell asleep. I couldn't help it."

"It was your turn to keep watch."

"I'm sorry. I…"

"Quiet: I hear something." They both stood still. They heard a twig snap. "Get ready," whispered Amos. He got out a dagger and Berthel held up his two hooked hands in preparation to fight. Someone appeared from behind a bush.

"Look who it is, Amos. Isn't that Hiccup?"

"And without his dragon."

Hiccup stumbled into view, fell onto a tree for support and slid down onto his knees. He looked up at them with a dazed expression on his face.

"Heeeeel muuuu," he managed to mutter.

"What did he say?" asked Berthel to Amos.

"Heeeeel muuuu. Daaaaagnnnn. Peeeeez heeeeel muuuu."

"He's lost it," said Amos. "He's off his rocker."

"What should we do, Amos?"

Amos looked at Hiccup. He took in his pale complexion, his head wound and the way he was holding himself. Then he spotted the dragon blade attached to Hiccup's right leg. People would pay a pretty penny for that.

"Our luck has changed, Berthel," he said with an evil smile. "We get that weapon of his and we won't need to loot again for a month. We'll live like kings."

Catching on, Berthel mirrored Amos' smirk and they made a lunge for Hiccup. They knocked him down to the ground with one blow and together they kicked and beat him. Hiccup simply couldn't take it and he fell unconscious. The brothers grabbed some rope out of a bag and tied Hiccup's hands together. They threw it over a low hanging tree branch and strung him up.

"There. He's not going anywhere now," jeered Amos and he grabbed the dragon blade and ripped the armour off for good measure.

"Hey, Amos. Are you sure we're going to get away with this? What if we get caught?"

"By who? He's all alone and without his dragon to protect him. How is anyone going to know it was us?"

"I guess," replied Berthel. They went off sniggering, pleased with their morning's work.

Toothless began to stir. Sleepily he licked his front paws, rubbed his face, shook his head and rolled over. He yawned, stretched out and tensed his claws, waking himself up. He slowly plodded over to check on Hiccup. He wasn't there.

His ears flicked up alert and he scanned the cavern. There was no sign of him. Toothless sniffed the spot where he'd left him and took in the scent. A couple of hours old. Where was he? He wandered out of the cavern to have a look around outside. Maybe Hiccup was there. No. No sign of him. Where was his rider?

Toothless began to worry. He sniffed around the sand to find his scent and turned right, bounding down the beach. He crossed the bottom of the ravine and noticed the scent had gone. Turning back to sniff around, he soon found it again. Hiccup must have gone up the pass. He leapt up the rocky stream and saw drops of blood dotted along one side of the stream and also what must be sick. The scent of it was Hiccup's. His rider was hurting.

Panic set in. Toothless raced up the ravine and was soon at the top. He took a second to sniff around again and be sure which way to go then sprinted forwards. And stopped. His eyes widened and ears went back in horror as he looked upon Hiccup. Bound to a tree, armour all gone. His face unnaturally pale and the left side of his head smeared in blood. Toothless went up and nudged him with his snout but Hiccup didn't stir. He whined, called to him and nudged him again but still Hiccup didn't rouse. Terrified now, Toothless did the only thing he could think of. He went back to the top of the cliff where there was a clearing and let out a distress call across the archipelago.

A boat sailed on the sea nearby manned by a man with long, red hair tied back, shaved on the sides. He was wearing a green shirt and trousers, black boots and layered armour. It was Throk, one of Berk's new allies from Caldera Cay, Defenders of the Wing Island. He was on his way back home and saw the sky light up in a ring of purplish blue. It took him only a moment to recognise it as Hiccup and Toothless' distress call and turned his ship towards the island.

As soon he stepped onto the beach a second distress call rang out from above the woods at the top of a cliff. Noticing the same pass in which Toothless had climbed only moments before he ran quickly towards it and began its ascent. Just as Toothless had done, he noted the now dried spots of blood as he climbed and knew that someone must be injured.

He'd barely reached the top when he was nearly knocked backwards by Toothless. "Whoa boy. Steady. What's happened? Where's Hiccup?" The dragon circled Throk and pushed him from behind anxiously. "Okay boy, I'm coming." Reassured that he was understood, Toothless ran ahead, leading the way to where Hiccup hung suspended.

When he saw Hiccup Throk gasped in shock, but reacting fast he reached for a small dagger from his side and cut the rope. Next, very carefully, he lowered Hiccup down onto the muddy grass, tore a piece of cloth from his own tunic and wrapped it tightly around Hiccup's head in an attempt to stop the bleeding.

"Hiccup. Can you hear me?" he said. But there was no answer. Toothless came up, nudged his rider and whined. Throk leaned down and placed his ear to Hiccup's chest. There was a heartbeat, and Throk sighed in relief. He was alive.

"Okay Toothless. We need to get him to Caldera Cay urgently. May I have the privilege of flying on your back?" Toothless turned and showed him his damaged, prosthetic tail and moaned. "You can't fly? I guess we're going by boat then." He gently picked up the lifeless Hiccup, cradling his head to limit movement. "Come on, boy," he called to Toothless and together they cautiously entered the ravine one last time and made their way back towards the boat.

It took another hour to sail to Caldera Cay. Toothless had stayed by Hiccup's side all the way while Throk glided the boat as swiftly as he could. When they finally arrived Throk once again supported Hiccup and called out to two men on duty at the dock.

"You! Get Queen Mala. Quickly! Tell her we need urgent healing assistance. And you! Send a terror mail to Berk. Their chief is wounded." With that Throk took Hiccup to their healing centre with Toothless keeping tight to his heel all the way.

Back on Berk, Astrid walked up to the table in The Great Hall where Heather sat waiting. Heather stood up to greet her best friend with an affectionate hug, then they both sat down to eat. Dinner had already arrived.

"I'm sorry I'm a bit late," apologised Astrid. "Today has been crazy. Since Snotlout and Ruffnut have kind of become an item, the twins have been getting him doing all sorts of stupid stuff and you can imagine who has to get them to clear up their mess afterwards. And that's on top of everything else I need to do around here. Even with Valka's help. I'm beginning to see why Hiccup was losing it with them."

"It's okay," Heather smiled at her. "I wasn't waiting long. It's just great to see you."

"You too. It's been too long. But now you're moving to Berk we'll be able to see each other all the time. I'm so happy for you and Fishlegs getting back together, but how does Dagur feel about you leaving Berserker Island?"

"He was upset at first. He really likes having a sister, but after a while he came round. He's turned out to be a great older brother. He just wants the best for me."

"Well, I'm glad you're here. You and Fishlegs were beginning to wear out our flock of terrible terrors again with all your letters to each other." Both girls burst out laughing.

Heather then continued. "After all the soul searching I've done, and looking for my father, I finally have a true sense of belonging. I know I will always have a place with Dagur but I feel my real home is with Fishlegs now. I haven't told you this yet because I wanted to say it in person: We've decided to get knot-tied here."

"Oh I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!"

"Thank you. We've already spoken to Hiccup about it to arrange dates and we really want him to perform the ceremony. It would mean so much to us both. And you so have to be my maid of honour."

"I'd love to."

"Anyway, enough about me. How about you? How are you coping with Hiccup gone? You were getting knot-tied yourselves only tomorrow."

"Oh, I'm fine. It was for the best. He was pushing himself far too hard and I was worried he was going to make himself ill."

"He didn't look right when we saw him. Is he okay?"

"He's not been himself ever since his dad died. Valka and I decided he needed a break, to have some time to himself for a while. We'll get knot-tied once he gets back."

"Astrid, what's wrong. There's something else, I can tell."

"Oh, it's nothing." Heather gave her a knowing look. "Well, it's just that yesterday, after he left, there was that storm. He was supposed to write as soon as he got to Dragon's Edge and I thought the t. mail would arrive early this morning, but it's now evening and I haven't heard anything."

"Astrid, he'll be alright. This is Hiccup we're talking about. He can look after himself. And besides, he was probably waiting for the storm to pass before sending it."

"Yeah, you're probably right," Astrid sighed, reassured somewhat by her friend.

At that moment Valka came into the hall holding a terror mail in her hand. "Astrid, there you are. This just arrived for you."

"Oh, at last," said Astrid standing to take the scroll. She stopped and just stared at it.

Heather came up behind her to see what Astrid was looking at. "That's not Berk's seal," she said. "That belongs to Queen Mala."

Astrid tore it open and read the scroll. She gasped in shock.

"Something's happened to Hiccup. He's on Caldera Cay and he's hurt. It says to come immediately."

Valka took the scroll back wanting to read it as well.

"I've got to go," Astrid said mostly to herself.

"I'm coming with you," insisted Valka. "He's my baby boy."

"We'll all go," added Heather. "All the dragon riders. You may need some help out there as we don't know what's happened to him."

"But what about Berk. Who's going to run it if we all go?"

"Gobber will have to step in. He used to fill in for Stoick didn't he?" asked Valka. Then taking charge, "Come on, it's already getting late and it's a long journey. We need to start getting ready." With that they left the Great Hall.

The riders flew late into the evening and everyone was getting tired. Snotlout let out a big yawn. "So, remind me again why we're travelling all the way to Queenie's place when it's already late?" he complained.

"Because Astrid got a terror mail from her saying Hiccup's in trouble and to come directly," replied Fishlegs. "We're going to have to travel nonstop."

"Astrid," cut in Heather. "Did the letter say anything to suggest what may have happened to him?"

"No. Nothing," said Astrid without looking over. "Just that he's hurt." Heather could see the anxiety within her friend and felt for her.

"So we're not having a pit stop? At all?" moaned Tuffnut. Astrid gave him the evil eye. Then Tuff had an idea. "Hey, sis. Let's have some entertainment. Get Snotlout to do that thing again." They gave each other a knowing smirk.

"Hey, Snotsypoo!" chimed Ruffnut.

"Do you have to call me that in front of everyone?" Snotlout droned.

"Snotty, please. I'm getting bored. Would you mind showing me your trick you did on Hookfang again? You know, the new one you did the other day?"

"What! Now? But it's dark and I won't be able to see what I'm doing?"

"Please," she begged, batting her eyelids at him and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek, "for me?"

The other riders all rolled their eyes.

Snotlout gave a defeated grunt. He'd do anything for a kiss. He stood up between Hookfang's shoulder blades, arms out straight, back poised and raised himself onto his tiptoes. He looked like an over-sized gymnast. Then, after bracing himself, he attempted a back flip, missed Hookfang and plummeted headfirst towards the sea.

"Cool!" said Tuffnut. Then after a few seconds, "Err. Hey, shouldn't we say something to Hookfang?"

"Let me sleep on it," replied Ruffnut.

Realising what just happened Astrid shouted, "Hookfang! Get him!"

Hookfang looked behind himself and realised he was missing his rider. Panicking, he swooped down to retrieve him.

"Why did you invite these three to come with us?" asked Valka.

"They can be pretty annoying at times but they are part of our group," Fishlegs replied. "And they have proven to be quite useful at times."

Valka gave a disbelieving look but didn't say anything else.

Moments later Hookfang returned with a very wet, very blue Snotlout. They continued on their journey to Caldera Cay.

Onwards they flew and arrived at the Defenders of the Wing Island in the early hours of the night. Queen Mala was there to greet them.

"Welcome riders. Please, follow me."

"How is he, Mala?" asked Astrid. "What happened to him?"

"I'm afraid we are uncertain of the exact circumstances in which caused his injury. However, what we do know is that luckily Throk had been at sea at the time and was able to see Toothless' distress call coming from a nearby island. He located them and brought them back by boat with haste, though I am sorry to say that some of his belongings have been unaccounted for." They arrived at the healing centre and Queen Mala turned to face them.

"At this tender stage, may I ask that only Astrid and his mother enter his room?" The other riders gave each other disquieted looks but adhered. Addressing Astrid and Valka she said, "Please prepare yourselves as he is in a most unfortunate way."

She took them to a private side room. In the corner of the room was Toothless fast asleep and on a bed, with Throk watching over him, lay Hiccup. A blood-stained bandage wrapped around his head, bruises and cuts were scattered over his white face, his green tunic dirty and torn. Astrid took in a sharp breath and ran to his side.

"The riders have arrived. You are now relieved, Throk," proclaimed Queen Mala. "I thank you."

"Very good my queen," he replied as he bowed and left the room.

Valka joined Astrid at the other side of the bed and gazed upon Hiccup.

"We have done all we can for him," said Mala delicately. "The bleeding on the left side of his head is easing and we believe all other injuries are minor. They also appear to be a few hours younger than the one to the head. However, since Throk found him late this morning he has not yet woken. As time goes on we become more and more concerned how he may be when, or if, he will wake at all. I am so sorry. I will now give you both some time with him alone." Queen Mala turned to leave.

"This is all my fault," muttered Astrid. "I should never have let him go." Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Don't you do that to yourself," replied Valka sternly. "This is not your fault."

"But I should have gone with him. Or done something," she pined.

"Astrid. Stop. We must not think about what could have been. We must only think of whatever it takes to get him well again."

After a short while Heather knocked on the door and popped her head round.

"Astrid, may we have a word?" Astrid lent over Hiccup and placed a tender kiss on his right cheek before stepping out of the room.

Throk, Heather and all the other riders stood in the corridor.

"Miss Astrid," addressed Throk. "It is now too dark, but at first light may I have your permission to borrow your fellow riders to travel back to the island where he was found? I was unable to examine the circumstances in which he found himself before and I hope I may be able to uncover what happened and possibly locate any of his missing items."

"Yes, that would be fine, Throk. Thank you for all you've done for him," Astrid said in a quiet voice.

"How is he?" asked Fishlegs.

"Not good." Then she added, "I'm sorry guys, but I have to go back to him. I'll see you later." With that she went back into the room. The others exchanged looks, then left, deciding they all needed to get themselves some sleep before their early start in the morning.

Inside Astrid sat down on a chair next to the side of the bed and cradled Hiccup's hand in hers. Both she and Valka stayed by his side throughout the night.