It was late, and she should be asleep. The next day was a busy day with her family. But the room was so stifling, she couldn't bare it. The castle itself had been cold since her arrival, so cold at night that it hurt.
So cold, that a slight numbness had settled into her bones.
Astrid tossed off her blankets, frustrated. She looked over to where Hiccup was, only to find that he wasn't there anymore. He had left some hours earlier, but she had been dozing at the time. For now, she just laid in her underwear on the mattress.
The room only grew hotter.
She sat up, contemplating on getting some water from all the way over in the South Tower, when the slightest movement in the corner of the room caught her eye.
There was a small fire in the fireplace.
She hadn't lit it, and she didn't recall Hiccup starting it either. To her knowledge, there hadn't been any wood in that fireplace in the first place. She stood, and tiptoed over to the fire.
Sure enough, there was no wood or even any ash in the hearth. A few slots were carved into the floor, and the flames were peeking through them, from another floor.
This thought terrified her as she left the room in a hurry. The stairs in the hall were hot too. The smell of smoke suffocated her.
"Hiccup!" Astrid called for him. If the castle was on fire, why had no one bothered to wake her? "Hiccup!"
She hurried across the hall and opened the door to Eret's room. He looked at her blearily, as she had been shouting in the hall. "What's all the hubbub?"
"There's a fire!" She shouted at him.
He was instantly awake. "Where?"
"Downstairs! Look!" She pointed at the fireplace in the corner, where flames were peaking up. Eret furrowed his brows. "Can't you smell the smoke?"
"I don't see or smell anything." He waved her off.
"But Eret! The castle is so hot! It's never been like this before!"
"I'm freezing," he argued, pulling his covers back up. "Nice knickers."
Astrid tugged the hem of her shirt down. "Be serious!"
"I am serious!" Eret replied, obviously going back to sleep. "There's nothing wrong. The Vikings would have warned us. Just go back to bed."
"Fine!" She nearly shouted. "See if I ever try to save your life again!"
She slammed his door and hurried down the stairs. She was heading toward the South Tower, but as she passed the door to the North Tower, she heard sounds.
Screaming. It was faint, but none the less, there.
Scared, but curious, Astrid unlocked the first door to the abandoned hallway.
This room was even hotter. Sweat built up like a bucket of water had been dumped on her.
Astrid slowly crept closer, noting the red glow that shone from the cracks of the Black Door. The echoing screaming persisted, despite how faint it was.
Then came the breathing.
It was harsh, labored, and deep. Unlike any man of this world or the next. Air rushed about, and the shirt she wore rustled slightly. Still, Astrid stepped closer.
The door itself swelled. The wood groaning and bending beneath the strain of heavy breathing.
Astrid reached for the key she kept around her neck.
"Don't." Said a soft voice.
Astrid turned, finding Hiccup standing in the doorway, in his ghastly skeletal form. "Come away." He whispered.
"But—" she pointed at the door.
"Come away." He urged again.
"What about the fire? Hiccup, what's going on?"
"Never you mind, come away." This he beckoned with his hand, begging her to listen.
She did, at last. Coming back to him.
But as soon as she was about to touch him, the heat from behind her increased tenfold, burning her back.
She pitched forward and fell into the stairway. She glanced back, and noted a figure made of fire, standing at the other end of the hall.
He looked strikingly like her uncle Finn.
It spoke in a terrible and hollow voice, "You will end in flames."
Then, all at once, the heat disappeared, and Astrid was left shivering once again.
"Are you alright?" Hiccup asked. She could tell he was touching her back in comfort, with the warmth that accompanied him tracing her shoulder blade.
"I'm...I'm fine." She spoke, not feeling it.
"That was…strange." He said, sincerely. "I'll do some research about that later. Why don't you go back to bed? I'll sit with you."
"That's alright...I'm fine." She stood. "What was that?"
Hiccup was quiet as he pushed the door to the Tower closed. "I…don't know."
"You don't know?" She shivered, holding herself.
"No…I've never seen anything like that before."
Slowly, she started making her way to her bathroom. "I think I got burned, my back stings."
Hiccup followed after, concerned.
"I can take care of this." She stated over her shoulder. Then, she hurried back to her room, trying to avoid looking at him. She closed the door, and leaned against it. Hiccup could walk through it, this she knew, but for a while, she wanted to shut out all of the supernatural phenomena.
With her back still pressed against the wood, she panted.
Now she wasn't sure who to trust.
—
Astrid put her coat on. "Alright Hiccup, Eret and I will be back in a few hours."
The specter in mention stood beside her. "I'll make sure everything is in order for your return."
"Remember, it's my mom and dad coming, and my aunt Eloise is coming from Manchester with her husband and her three sons…and the two girlfriends of the sons."
"So that's how many people?"
"Nine? Yeah, nine."
"I'll make sure the dining room table is set."
Gobber interrupted, gleefully. "And I'll make sure my chili is nice and ready!"
"Thanks guys, you're really helping me out."
"Well, you know how to return the favor," Gobber spoke, smugly.
Hiccup elbowed him in the gut.
"Are the twins guarding the North Tower?" She asked.
"They will be, once our guests arrive."
She nodded in thanks. "Alright, we'll see you later."
"Um…" he halted. "Astrid?"
"Yeah?"
"Is it okay if we do the suit of armor thing again? I just know that some of the others want a chance to socialize with new people…"
Astrid considered it a moment. "You know, why not? This castle is part of our family history. They should know the truth of it. And besides! If we all put our heads together, we'll figure out the curse!"
Hiccup grinned. "Wonderful!"
"But…we should take it slow. So definitely wear the armor. And when the time is right, we'll tell the truth."
Hiccup grinned, obviously happy with this development.
Astrid was at the door, as Eret was waiting patiently. "Now remember, my aunt Eloise is coming too, and they might beat us here."
"I know, Astrid," he spoke patiently. "We will make sure they're welcome, don't worry." He promised.
With a final sigh, she left the castle.
—
It was an hour drive to the airport, and Eret tended to be a quiet man. He had his music playing, while Astrid read further in the journal.
March 15, 1948
I've picked up on a heart-breaking trend. Some of the vikings were married when they left their tribe, and now have dealt with the death of their spouses for several years. I can't imagine dying, and waiting to be united with your husband you thought was dead, only to find out they aren't dead yet. How cruel of a thought. In this regard, many of the men have grown frightfully attached to some of the guests. The word love has even been tossed around. Hiccup told me that this has happened for centuries. That someone living in the castle would catch the eye of a specter and they would haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Sadly, most deaths of these lovers result in the insanity of viking. How agonizing it must be to fall in love, but watch as your partner grows old without you, and then you must come to terms that they will die, and you'll never see them again. The more I think of this curse, the more sick I feel. Who knew the cost of immortality would be so high?
There are 26 vikings left in the castle, and I must make sure no more leave.
Astrid sniffed as she read the entry, feeling the heartache in her soul for her friends.
"Hey, you okay?" Eret asked.
"I'm fine. I'm just reading Finn's journal on the ghosts." She considered a thought for a moment, watching him. "How do you feel about Ruffnut?"
He shrugged, noncommittally. "She's alright. Mostly clingy, but to be honest…and you CAN'T tell her I said this…"
Astrid gestured like she was zipping her lips.
"I missed her when I was on vacation. She's just…always been there." He glanced away from the road for a moment. "Why do you ask?"
Astrid didn't know if she wanted to say it out loud. "I was just curious. That's all."
—
It was like she had left behind the ancient world she had become accustomed to. Stone façades turned to glass and metal. Liverpool was a bustling city, moving far too fast for Astrid's tastes. She was just glad that Eret was driving, since she still hadn't gotten used to driving on the other side of the road.
They pulled into the loading zone at the airport.
A tall skinny man and a sweet chubby woman waited patiently outside, glancing up and down the street looking for their daughter.
Once Eret's truck was parked, Astrid was exiting and hurrying to them. "Mom! Papa!"
"There she is!" Exclaimed Axel Hofferson with a smile, before embracing her.
"Where you waiting long?" She asked.
"About twenty minutes," answered Phillis Hofferson. "Which isn't bad at all. We made good time."
"Great travel weather," assessed Axel.
Eret approached the group with a smile.
"Oh, parents, this my groundskeeper, and lately personal chauffeur, Eret Eretson the Third. Eret, these are my parents, Axel and Phillis Hofferson."
Axel held out his hand for a shake. "I think we met the last time we were in town. I knew your father fairly well."
"I remember," Said Eret, "it's nice to see you again."
Axel then picked up his luggage, "well, let's get a move on. At this rate, John and Eloise are going to beat us to the castle."
Eret took up the other suitcase with ease, and they departed.
—
The ride back was a bit crazy. The back seat of the truck was cramped, but Astrid and her mother got along well enough back there.
"So, how's the castle? Get any more cleaning done?" Asked Phillis.
"Yes, actually! Quite a bit!" She worked up a story quickly. "I actually have a staff already, and they are dutiful to make sure everything is pristine."
"Where did you get a staff? Do you even have the money for that right now?"
Eret replied easily and vaguely, "they come with the castle."
Astrid was quick to continue before questions could be asked. "We made up several rooms in the South Tower, so after dinner, you guys can rest."
"Oh but I can't go to bed without seeing the North Tower!" Said Axel, "It's all that I've been able to think about!"
"He's hasn't slept in the last two days because he's been so excited." Phillis added, with a grumble.
Astrid winced. "Well dad, I hate to disappoint you, but it's really dangerous in there. I wouldn't be comfortable with you going anywhere near the place."
"Oh come on Astrid," he taunted, resting and arm around the back of the seat. "What's the worst that could happen?"
Astrid looked at him seriously. "You could die."
"Ah, you should have more faith in your old man!"
"Astrid's right," Eret interjected. "I haven't gone in there, and neither did my father or my grandfather, because Finn was so adamant about it."
"Alright alright…" Axel sighed, unconvincingly. "I guess I won't."
Astrid pinned him with a look. "I'm serious dad. That door is staying locked."
"Okay! I get it!" With a huff, he turned around in his seat and crossed his arms like a moody teenager.
Astrid shook her head.
—
When they returned to the castle, a station wagon was parked in the drive.
"Looks like they beat us," Said Axel.
Astrid hurried from the truck as Eret carried the luggage. Inside, her aunt, uncle, and cousins milled about. Several suitcases sat on the floor, but they were swiftly being taken care of by armored men. Another man returned from the kitchen with a platter of various drinks. He glanced up, the helmet concealing his glowing eyes.
"Welcome back, Mistress Astrid." Said Hiccup.
"Ah, thank you." She returned. "Thank you for taking care of my guests."
Aunt Eloise sided up to her, a glass of wine in hand. "Astrid! You've got this place sparkling! I haven't seen this place look so wonderful in over ten years!"
"Really?" Astrid asked with confusion.
"Yes!" She gestured with a flourish. "Everything looks fantastic! And your staff is so…so amazing! Finn used to have hired hands wear those armor costumes too, to go along with the whole 'haunted castle' shtick."
Astrid looked over to Hiccup knowingly. His secret had come out.
"Uh yeah," she stated. "Most of the staff used to work for Finn a while back. He still had their information. I called them up to see if they wanted to come back."
She greeted the rest of the family with hugs and well wishes.
From somewhere deep within the castle, a gong sounded.
"Dinner is served," Hiccup stated with a flourish. He ushered everyone up the double stairs into the dinning hall.
Astrid paused by him and spoke softly. "You guys really know what you're doing."
He smiled, but she didn't see it. "The Hofferson family throws a lot of parties. We've had a lot of practice."
Inside the dining hall, the long table was heaped with ornate dishes and bursting floral decorations. Two candelabras sat on the table, as well as several lining the walls. Mahogany cornices and moldings traced the walls, creating frames for the paintings of passed Hofferson's and swatches of damask wallpaper. A fireplace sat behind the head of the table.
Astrid hadn't gone into the dining room since moving in, but she was very impressed with the atmosphere. She overheard one of her cousins' girlfriends say, "I feel like I'm in a Disney movie!"
Hiccup had walked to stand at the head of the table, and pulled out her chair. "Mistress Astrid?"
"Then I must be the Princess," she said to herself.
—
After dinner and desert, Hiccup and the other 'staff' excused themselves to prepare for the after dinner entertainment. Astrid invited her family through the castle in a quick tour, since most of them were acquainted with it before she was even born. She led them back down the staircase and into the lobby.
Putting on her best curator voice, she began. "You've already seen this room, which is the Great Hall, or the Lobby. If you go back up the stairs to the dining room, you'll see that there are two bordering halls that lead to the guest rooms." She pointed to the bordering walls, where two balconies were housed. "These are your rooms, and the guest rooms that will be rented out."
A girlfriend had her phone out, taking pictures.
"That door," she pointed to the right, "is to the East tower, and that one," she pointed to the left. "Is to the West. The library and my room are in the East. The servant's quarters are in the West."
She vaguely watched her father head towards the East Tower, probably to use the bathroom.
"What about the North Tower?" Another girlfriend asked, innocently.
Astrid answered honestly, but also smartly. "The North Tower is opposite to this tower. The chapel, storehouse, and Dungeon used to be in there, but now it's just crumpling, unstable rock. I have it locked tight so no one has to worry about it."
The group seemed to deflate slightly, hoping to finally go into the tower now that the castle had a new owner, but no such luck.
"I know, I was super curious about it too, on my first night. But I assure you, its super boring, and I almost died." She quickly changed the subject. "Now, if you will follow me to the ballroom."
The group traveled under the staircase and passed several paintings before stopping at the large double doors.
"This room used to be the Throne Room. Back in the 11th century, when the Hofferson that lived here acted as mayor of the principality, they found no need of a throne room it was converted into a ballroom."
Astrid threw open the door and gestured inside.
There were high vaulted ceilings and low hanging wrought iron chandeliers, overflowing with candle wax. The checked marble floor was polished perfectly. And the grand fireplace on the far end of the hall glowed with a low fire.
None of this was noted, since dancing on the floor were several pairs of suits and dresses. None of them had visible bodies, but they danced away just as gaily. In the corner of the room, a victrola sat, playing a haunting tune.
Till then, my darling, please wait for me
Till then, no matter when it will be
Some day I know I'll be back again
Please wait till then
Astrid watched the scene, awestruck. She glanced back at her family to find them all entranced with the scene before her. A hallow tuxedo approached her, and held out it's white gloves.
"Uh…okay." She agreed, putting her hand in his. She could feel the warmth radiating from his hand. "Hiccup?"
"Yes, Mistress Astrid," he spoke with mirth. Without anything else, he lead her out onto the dance floor.
Our dreams will live though we are apart
Our love I know we'll keep in our hearts
Till then, when all the world will be free
Please wait for me
"Well, that's one way to tell them the castle is haunted," she laughed, looking at what she assumed was his face.
"We did this once in 1816, for a Hofferson girl's birthday. It was a big hit."
Although there are oceans we must cross
And mountains that we must climb
I know every gain must have a loss,
So pray that our loss is nothing but time
Astrid glanced back at her family and saw them walking around the room, eyes riveted on the ghostly forms.
"How is this happening?!" One of her cousins shouted.
"Ghosts!" cried another. "Uncle Finn was telling the truth!"
Till then, let's dream of what there will be
Till then, we'll call on each memory
Till then, when I will hold you again
Please wait till then
Astrid called back to her family, "I told you, the staff came with the house!"
Although there are oceans we must cross
And mountains that we must climb
I know every gain must have a loss,
So pray that our loss is nothing but time
The couples broke apart and each took a new partner from the family, proving that they were real. Astrid hid a laugh, since she knew that there were only two female vikings left, so most of the dresses were being worn by men. She wondered who lost those bets.
Till then, let's dream of what there will be
Till then, we'll call on each memory
Till then, when I will hold you again
Please wait till then
Hiccup stopped the dance once the record finished.
"Sorry, I'm not a very good dancer." Astrid apologized awkwardly, "I think you have more practice then I did."
"You did fine," his voice answered, just whispers.
Suddenly, the flames in the fireplace burst forth like the sun, making the living guests fall to the ground to hide their eyes. The ground trembled terribly and a menacing roar tore threw the air.
"HOFFERSON!"
Hiccup was standing still, his eyes staring out the window to the North Tower. "There's an intruder." He said this in a voice not like his own.
Astrid glanced up and looked around the room. Everyone was present…except for her father who never came back from the restroom. Astrid felt her chest, where the key had been, but was now missing.
"It's dad!" She screamed, staggering to her feet and fleeing from the room. The rest of the group hurried as well, to get away from the fire. But even in Grand Hall, the fireplace was alive with flame.
"Everyone out of the castle!" Shouted Eret, going to the front door.
Astrid and Hiccup, along with her mother, raced to the North Tower hallway.
"Why couldn't have he just listened to me?!" Astrid lamented. "Why couldn't he have just stayed away!?"
Phillis said nothing, not wanting to reveal that she had egged her husband on.
In the East Tower, the doors were wide open, and the doorway to the North Tower was solid flame.
Astrid turned to her mother, "Stay back! It's not safe!"
"You stay back too!" She attempted to move forward, but a skeletal Hiccup held an arm out to keep her back. The woman was stricken with fear at the sight, and froze in place.
Astrid waved her back and stepped into the flaming hall. The roar of the fire was so loud, Astrid could barely hear anything. "Where were Ruff and Tuff?!" She screamed.
"I don't know!" Hiccup called back, a few steps behind.
It was so hot, hotter then she'd ever felt before. Was she in hell? Her body refused to move, and she grew weak.
She felt an arm around her shoulder. "Come on! We have to save your dad!" Hiccup urged.
Astrid could barely hold her eyes open, it was so hot and so bright.
Then, a solid figure appeared in the doorway, his face full of horror. "Astrid!"
"Dad!" She and Hiccup rushed to him, grabbed him by the arms, and dragged him out into the hall. As soon as his feet hit the floor to the East Tower, the fire died and the Black Door slammed shut.
Astrid knelt by her dad, while Hiccup hurried to lock the door.
"Dad! Dad! Are you alright?"
The man kept his eyes trained on the carpet. His body was filthy with soot, and his clothes were burned. Three huge scratches started from his shoulder and went down to his hip across his back.
"I'm so sorry…" he whispered, his voice hoarse from smoke. "I should have listened to you…"
"What happened?" Urged Phillis. "What did you see?"
Axel shuttered, unable to speak.
"Axel!" Phillis urged. "What happened!?"
"There was a man in white…and he had no eyes…" After that, Axel broke down into forlorn sobs.
Astrid looked back at Hiccup, who still stood in the hall to the North Tower, where his form was semi-solid and mostly human. It was for the best.
"We need to get you to the hospital." Phillis stated, pulling on his arm. "Come on, Astrid, help me."
The girl tugged his arm and helped him to stand.
"Here," Hiccup spoke quickly, "don't forget this." He held out the key, his hand passing through the threshold and turning into bone.
Questioning looks came to Axel and Phillis, but now was not the time.
"I'll take care of the house, Mistress Astrid."
—
The song used in this chapter is called Till Then by the Mills Brothers.