A/N: Just 7 more days left till I see How To Train Your Dragon 2. The critics and reviews have already made this movie as the best possible sequel of any movie.
"What are we going to do with him? The boy's as much as a menace before he left ... except this time he's actually helping the dragons" spoke the second in command in front of the elder counsel and the other villagers of Berk. Chief Stoick was sitting with the elders at the far end of the Great Hall, facing the crowd that had gathered for the emergency meeting. He had called the meeting not too long after Hiccup was taken to the prison. Spitelout had only recently joined them, after attending to some personal matters, as he called it, and immediately began to take centre stage with turning everyone in the village against the former runt.
"He's trying to blind our future generation ... the people who will lead this village into the future as the greatest Viking tribe that ever existed on the maps, and killing dragons is our way of showing our enemies that we are not to be messed with" he continued, cheers meeting the same level of enthusiasm and confidence as his own voice.
"Stoick, I know you wanted to know if he was alive, and you do now. I know you wanted to see if there was another way ... but look at the facts and the damage he did out there. It was a long-shot but you knew the risks of bringing him back. It's clear that we can't head down this path that he tried to force us into" his brother-in-law said.
"What do you suggest we do with the lad?" Thurmond asked, one of the villages' most respected, and senior elders apart from Gothi.
"What we had planned for him five winters ago ... the death penalty for high treason" Spitelout said, smashing his fist on a table near them, erupting cheers from the Vikings behind him.
"But from what I heard from Stoick, the boy seems to know why dragons are attacking" said Vern, another member of the elder counsel.
"And he refused to share that information with us ... clearly he wants those beasts to continue their raids. It's obvious he doesn't care about us. Many people here and as I do know even members of the elder counsel, have heard that he had his Night Fury swat away our men for a Deadly Nadder to escape, a Nadder that took away two of our citizens today, the Nadder that left a spouse and her two year old son, without a father and a husband ... If he doesn't care about the well-being of our community, we shouldn't care about his dragon training crap" he spoke. The elders whispered among themselves, a few of them nodding their heads. To what, no one knows but they speculated that it was in agreement with what Spitelout was saying.
"I don't believe it's fair that we are having this meeting without the person in question attending it" Stoick spoke, causing a few murmurs about the crowd.
"Are you serious Stoick? Are you really taking pity on him? I know he's your son but you disowned him five winters ago and did it in front of the everyone's eyes. Why are you taking his side on this matter?" his brother-in-law shot at him.
"I'm not taking his side in this matter. You know very well that I knew those men who died out there. I'm just as mad as you are at those beasts for killing them and I would love to kill every single one of them for the pain and suffering that they have caused us. I am just saying that Hiccup has to speak his thoughts for defending those dragons ... we have to listen to his side of the story in this matter. He will pay, you have my word on that ... but he also needs to be here for this meeting to continue further" the Chief said, his voice adamant about his demand. Even though Hiccup was in a bit of a mess, Stoick took it upon himself that he would try and listen to what his 'son' has to say, since he had skipped out for fifteen years of his life.
"Stoick, are you sure that this isn't some self-pity trip that you feel the need to embark on just because you feel you didn't treat him right when he was here?" asked Spitelout, trapping the Chief then and there. He saw the sadness of losing his only child flash in his Chief's eyes briefly. He remembers the week following the incident as if it were yesterday. Even though he disowned his son, their Chief was never the same after that day. He was never fully committed to his daily tasks, he skipped meetings by locking himself up in his house and he barely made eye contact with anyone when he came out, and that was to take walks on the trails that he used to take Hiccup on when he was no more than ten.
People felt sorry him, but not in the 'losing your only child' way, but in the 'your child was always a disappointment' way. But they never spoke of this to him. But he saw through their sympathetic glances all to well. They didn't know he was mourning the death of his son. He didn't die, but Stoick knew he had failed his son by letting him turn into a dragon sympathizer. He knew that if he saw the signs and paid more attention to Hiccup, he could have saved him ... but he failed. He failed his son, and he failed Valka.
"I don't feel that I didn't treat him right Spitelout ... I know I didn't treat him right. As a father, I wasn't there for him, never listened to him, never comforted him. And now here is, grown into a man of his own ... something that I honestly wish I could have witnessed but I believe that is the consequence of my actions and failures as a father. It is too late for me to show him that I care about him as a son, but I would like to give him a fair chance in this ... to at least speak his side of the truth. And I don't want to hear you say that he will speak lies, because I can honestly say that Hiccup is no liar ... he never was" he added the last part quietly, remembering the time when Hiccup told him he shot down a Night Fury.
"But that decision in the end lies with the elders, whether Hiccup should be allowed to say what he has" he gestured to the Elders, who were listening intently at his speech. The five Elders convened amongst themselves, whispering to each other about what had just taken place. After a minute or two, Thurmond turned to Stoick.
"We have decided that even though Hiccup has to pay for his crimes, he deserves a say in this meeting. Bring him to the Hall" he announced, loud enough for everyone to hear. There were immediate uproars of disagreement from the crowd at their decision. There were screams of 'Hang him' or 'Burn him' or 'Feed him to the dragons'. They didn't want to hear him and they were making that clear.
"Enough!" Stoick yelled, pushing back his chair and standing up, causing the crowd to immediately silence themselves. "The Elders have made their decision and you all have heard that Hiccup will pay for his crimes, but until a suitable punishment is issued, he has a chance to give his side of the story. Gobber and I will go bring him since I know none of you want to see him at this point" he said, already walking through the crowd, who parted for him as he came through. The old smithy met his best friend at the doors, walking out together.
"Gotta say, didn't expect tha' from ye Stoick" his friend said as he hobbled along after him.
"I don't know why I did it either Gobber, honestly ... but I just have this gut feeling of letting Hiccup speak, since he does deserve his say in this" he replied.
"It does seem to me that ye' are trying to reconnect with Hiccup" his friend said, seeing through his decisions.
"That's because I am, Gobber. With the levels of treason he's committed in the past, and tonight ... I don't know how long I have to try and redeem myself to him" he said, not bothering to beat around the bush with his best friend.
"It might be a little too late for tha' Stoick. He doesn't seem interested in knowin' ya again, and looks determined to keep it that way" said Gobber.
"I have to try, Gobber. It's high time I started. All those years he tried to show me he was trying to be a Viking, wanting to make me proud ... and I never gave him a second glance, only looked down at him with disappointment and embarrassment. It's time I started trying to bridge the gap between him and I" he said.
Gobber saw the determination in his eyes. It looked like he was dead serious about this move. But he knew Hiccup would shrug off the attempts Stoick would make at reconnecting with him. As the only Viking in Berk who knew Hiccup the best, he knew that Hiccup would not even think about reconnecting with his father ... not after the things Hiccup told him, the invisible hatred he had for his father for ignoring him and disowning him. Sometimes he wondered if Hiccup even knew he harboured that anger, but because of his kind nature, he might have not realized it.
"Stoick, wait!" Gobber whispered suddenly, grabbing his friend's shoulder and making him stop.
"What is it?" he asked. They were now nearly at the prison and could see the front entrance with a torch hanging by the doorway.
"I think there's someone with 'im" he said as he moved a bit to the right to see who was the person. Stoick followed his movements and moved silently, something remarkable for the two large Vikings. They moved slowly and silently, taking a few steps at a time, making sure they didn't startle the people. However, once they reached a certain point, they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
They managed to make out the person as a girl, but no ordinary girl, Astrid Hofferson, and she had her hand interlaced with Hiccup's through the gaps between the metal bars of the cell door. He was trailing his thumb in circles over her hand and they had their eyes on each other, and from their distance, Stoick realized the look they had all too well. It was the same look he saw on Valka's face when she was alive, whenever they had their moments. It appeared that Hiccup and Astrid were clearly infatuated with each other, but since there was no one talking about it, they must have kept their relationship on the downside.
"Did ye' ever expect that to happen?" Gobber whispered to him.
"No. Not in my lifetime" Stoick replied, in an equally astonished voice.
"What happened on her search for 'im? Or better question of what happened between them when she found him?" Gobber said, surprised by the way that they were acting. They were clearly depressed about something and by both of their looks, it seemed like there was no hope.
"We'll figure that out later, Gobber. Let's go get him now" said Stoick.
000
"But you know what was the most precious moment I had with you?" Hiccup asked her. They had resolved to talking about their time in Hiccup's house in the lands far off to the east.
"What?" she asked, a smile grazing her lips. She thought it would have been awkward for the both of them, but it turned out that that week was the time they needed to really get to know each other.
"That evening where we watched the sunset ... I mean I usually watched it everyday, but that day, with you sitting beside me ... things felt different, definitely for the better" he said.
"I know what you mean. For that one moment, everything felt right in my life. I was calm, relaxed ... happy, all at the same time. And it was at that moment that I felt complete. I didn't want to say it at the time, for obvious reasons..." she said gesturing to the space between them, getting a small chuckle out of Hiccup "...but, the whole moment felt right, and it's also when I saw you in a completely different light ... that you were still the same old Hiccup, but so much more at the same time" she said.
"The funny thing is ... I had the same emotions towards you. For those five years I tried to suppress my feelings for you, trying to convince myself that you were in my past and I had to move on, but it never happened as much as I wanted it to ... and in that moment, seeing you stare at the sunset, that image of awe and longing on your face, the wonder in your eyes as you stared at the landscape's beauty, reminded me again why I fell for you" he said in a soft tone. He then saw her tense physically and immediately let go of his hand, not before adding that someone was coming. She straightened out her skirt and when looking up, saw the Chief and Gobber walk in.
"Astrid, what are you doing here?" the Chief asked. She was glad that they didn't see her from afar and didn't overhear them speaking.
"I uh, came to question Hiccup about his actions during the raid tonight" she said quickly, and luckily for her, both men bought it.
"That is why we are here. Hiccup has been given a chance to speak the reasons for his actions during tonight's raid. We are here to take him before the Elder counsel and allow him to plead his case" Stoick said, looking at the two young adults.
"I actually get a chance to speak? That's new" Hiccup commented, sarcasm laced in his voice. Stoick however let the comment go. Gobber unlocked the iron door with the keys he brought. "Aren't my hands going to be bound behind my back?" Hiccup asked, getting up and dusting his clothes off.
"There will be no need for that, son" Stoick said, and saw Hiccup flinch when he said the word son.
"Come on lad. Hope ye' have a speech prepared" Gobber said, ushering Hiccup to go ahead of them.
"You and me both" he replied with a smile. Some things about the lad never changed, and Gobber was extremely glad to still he remnants of his apprentice.
"Is it alright if I join Chief?" Astrid asked, before they left.
"Of course, Astrid. Your friends are also in the Hall, waiting for Hiccup to appear" the Chief said, and Astrid immediately took her place beside Hiccup as they began their trek to the Hall. Hiccup and Astrid walked in the front, whispering among themselves while Stoick and Gobber trailer a few steps behind them, also whispering about this new relationship between Hiccup and the Hofferson girl.
"Do you have any idea what you're going to say?" she asked him, absolutely concerned for his safety.
"I'm just going to answer whatever the questions the Elders and the people of Berk have for me. I don't care whether they like my answer or call me names or even throw food or other items at me. I'm going to speak the truth" he said looking at her.
"You know, I didn't live up to my end of the deal" she said quietly, looking away.
"What do you mean?"
"I promised you that you would not be trialed once you set foot on Berk ... and look at where we are now" she said gesturing in the direction they were heading. The Great Hall was now right in front of them.
"None of this is your fault. I'm being trialed for my actions during the raid, but I'm sure they'll even bring up the past. Believe it or not, I've been preparing for this situation, so you haven't broken any deal" he said with a slight smile, the one that always managed to instill some hope and confidence in her.
They reached the massive doors of the Great Hall, and it was here where Stoick said he should lead the way to keep any angry Vikings from harming him. Gobber would take up the rear and Astrid would stay by his side. Stoick suspected that the others would think that she's there beside him just to make sure he doesn't try anything.
As soon as he opened the doors, all eyes turned on him and as soon as they saw Hiccup behind him they started yelling at him, calling him 'Dragon Lover', 'Traitor', 'Bilge Rat' and many other unmentionable names. They even through some of their drinks at him, but only ended up splashing the ground near him or his leather shoes which he completely ignored. Thanks to Stoick leading the way, he made it to the front of the Hall, in front of the Elder Counsel members who kept neutral faces the entire time. Astrid found the rest of the gang who were at the front of the crowd with a good view of anything that could happen.
"Hey babe" she heard the voice of her now fiance. She saw that his hand was bandaged and the others were looking at her sympathetically, especially Ruffnut. They had heard the news.
"If you call me babe again, I will break your nose, jaw and your other wrist ... got it!?" she hissed at him, grabbing him by his collar and pulling him to her face, staring daggers into his eyes. He was visibly shaken as he nodded his head quickly and she pushed him onto the floor. He quickly gathered himself and stood beside Tuffnut and Fishlegs, a safe distance away from her.
"How you holding up?" she heard Ruffnut ask her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"What do you think?" she answered sadly.
"What about Hiccup?" she asked, glancing at the young man who was waiting for the trial to start.
"He said he'll try and find a way to get me out of this."
"But do you think he will?"
"I hope so, Ruff. I really do" was all Astrid could say.
"Well, I don't want to add salt to the wound, but I think it's fair to warn you that Spitelout will announce your engagement after the trial" she said, gesturing to said man who was also standing in the front. Clearly he was going to speak on behalf of the villagers. Astrid didn't show any physical reaction to what she just said; no sigh, no groan, no curses, she just kept staring at Hiccup as the trial was about to begin.
"Alright everyone, settle down!" Stoick yelled. "The trial of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III will start now. Counsel Elders, you have control" he said, as he sat down. The Hall quietened down to hear the Elders speak. Thurmond was the first to stand up.
"Hiccup, you are brought here before the Elder Counsel of the Village of Berk on accounts of high treason and your actions during tonight's raid. Do you stand by your actions?"
"I do" Hiccup answered without hesitation. His answer was met once again with shouts of anger. Thurmond raised his hand to silence the crowd, giving them a hard glare, warning them not to repeat their actions.
"You also do understand the consequences if found guilty for your actions?"
"With the laws in this village, I will be found guilty ... but before I begin my side, I just want to thank the Elder Counsel for granting me this opportunity to speak" he spoke, giving a smile to them, a genuine one.
"Believe it or not, it was your father's decision to give you this hearing" Thurmond said, glancing to the Chief who was seated beside him. Hiccup on the other hand was surprised by this news, looking to his father who avoided his gaze.
'Why in Odin's beard would he give me a chance to speak?' thought Hiccup.
"So Hiccup, why did you free the Nadder that was tied down and was about to be killed by Snotlout Jorgenson?" he asked, sitting back down.
"I freed him because dragons are not our enemies" he said, and once again was met with cries and shouts of anger.
"Silence!" Vern yelled. The noise did settle down but there were still angry murmurs going on in the crowd.
"So are you saying that the Nadder had to be freed because it was not our enemy? Even though it killed two of the nine men we lost tonight? It left a family without their only son and another family without a husband and a father to a two year old son ... how can you justify that?" Thurmond asked.
"I cannot ... and I know that my condolences to the families will not mean anything right now for their grief, but the dragons that raid us are also victims."
"Liar!"
"Traitor!"
"You're taking the side of those beasts now!? He deserves to die!" were the shouts that erupted from the crowd. Some men even tried to get to him but were blocked by Gobber who was making sure no one laid a finger on him. Astrid and the gang watched on. There was already a fire going on in the crowd and every time Hiccup spoke about how good the dragons are, seemed to add kindle to the growing flame. She knew that some of the Vikings wanted his blood for what he was saying.
"Silence! Silence!" Stoick yelled from his seat. "There will be no more aggressive attempts on the prisoner. Otherwise you will have to deal with me!" he yelled, making eye contact with each member of the audience who tried to advance on Hiccup.
"Respected Elders, may I have the floor?" Spitelout asked, stepping away from the crowd, making himself visible. Snotlout looked on with pride, as he was about to see his father destroy Hiccup's arguments.
"Very well, Spitelout Jorgenson. You have the floor" Thurmond said.
"Thank you, Elder Thurmond" he said, before turning to Hiccup. "Well Hiccup, you clearly don't have the people of Berk on your side."
"Never expected them to be ... stubbornness issues towards change and all that" Hiccup said, with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Yes. Our proud and respected heritage is something we tend to carry on ... since that defines who we are" Spitelout said.
"Yes, that oh so heroic line of dragon murderers and hunters. Killing dragons for pleasure; taking them by surprise, tying them down with ropes, slicing their stomachs open and choking them with their own intestines, beheading newborn dragons for the fun of it, when they've done nothing ... having pleasure watching the blood of dead dragons flow from their bodies like rivers after rain ... without even thinking that they are living creatures that can feel pain and suffering as well" he spoke, shaking his head a bit to get the images out of his head.
"Then clearly you do not understand the customs that we go through, the rite of passage that is necessary for us to become Vikings. Astrid Hofferson slew a dragon during a raid that happened a few days after you left ... a feat that we celebrated" he said, and the Hall cheered for said girl, who didn't acknowledge them; she only had her eyes on the young man on trial.
"And you prevented my son that night from joining the illustrious line of dragon killers by freeing that beast" he spat the last word.
"Then he clearly didn't appreciate me showing him how to tame a dragon, how to ride a dragon, how to form a bond with a dragon; he clearly didn't learn anything. Doesn't surprise me, I mean, he tried to show the Monstrous Nightmare who was boss and got his arse lit on fire and smacked against the wall with its tail ... it was pretty funny to watch actually" Hiccup said, laughing at that image again. The whole gang, except for Snotlout, were laughing at the memory, and he had smoke coming out from his years.
"Did you know he's already named his dragon?" he asked Spitelout who looked a bit taken aback.
"What's his name Snotlout?" Hiccup asked. Everyone turned their eyes to him, waiting for an answer. Snotlout only looked to his father who nodded his head.
"Hookfang" he said.
"Fitting name, actually. But I now know that he won't kill his dragon" Hiccup said smugly.
"What makes you so sure?" asked Spitelout.
"Easy. One, he named his dragon. Two, he's already bonded with his dragon ... somewhat. Three, they've flown together, for a brief time, I admit. But I bet if you ask the others to kill their dragons, they won't" he said.
"Alright then," Spitelout wanted to prove him wrong. "Astrid, would you kill the dragon you chose?" he asked, with a smile.
"No" she replied strongly, wiping the grin off his face.
"Fishlegs, would you kill your dragon?" he asked the large young man, who visibly shook under his piercing gaze. Fishlegs looked to his friends, who smiled and nodded towards him.
"No" he answered as well. By now there were murmurs among the crowd at Hiccup's assumption that the young adults wouldn't kill their dragons. Hiccup just stood proudly, looking at his friends' new found love and respect for their dragons. Spitelout however, was getting impatient.
"Ruffnut, Tuffnut, would you kill your dragon?"
"Heck no, we love Barf and Belch!" exclaimed Ruffnut.
"Yeah ... I mean, they're just like us!" Tuff said. Spitelout sighed in anger, looking away from them, disappointment in his eyes. That plan backfired.
"See Spitelout, dragons can change the perception of you all ... for the better" said Hiccup.
"Is that so? Then what about the men and women they've killed? What about the families they destroyed by ripping away loved ones ... literally! What about your mother!?" he yelled. Both Hiccup and Stoick flinched at the mention of her.
"What were you thinking when that dragon took her away in its talons?" he asked. All eyes turned on Hiccup. They never truly knew what went on in Hiccup's mind that faithful day.
"I felt angry ... like I wanted to kill every single dragon that I saw ... even though I was small and scrawny back then. But as time passed and more raids took place, my hatred for them began to dissipate. Because why would I want revenge, hatred and anger controlling my life? If I did, I would have ended up like everyone in this village. I forgave them" he said.
"How could you forgive the creatures that killed your mother?" Vern asked, truly intrigued.
"Because letting that hatred of dragons consume my life was not going to happen. I loved my mother, she was the only one who understood me. But I knew she wouldn't want me fretting over her death. I mourn for, like I always have. I always stay up and watch the stars at night on the day she died, an activity we used to do together, wishing she was still here; I made her a shrine in my house far in the east, I celebrate her birthday ... besides, have you ever thought to stop and think what happens when you kill a dragon; taking away a dragon's mate, parent, hatchling ... the lives you destroy? No, I didn't think so" he said, after a brief pause and seeing the Vikings looking down, not in shame, but in avoidance of contact with his eyes.
"Do you expect us to become dragon sympathizers as well? After what they've done for three hundred years?" Thurmond asked.
"No. What I'm asking is for all of you to give them a chance. They're not the beasts we think they are" Hiccup continued.
"What did you mean by the dragons being the victims?" Vern asked, remembering Hiccup's statement earlier in the trial.
"The dragons aren't conducting the raids of their own free will. They're being controlled."
"By you?" Snotlout asked.
"Yes. I have always been in control of them for three hundred years, Snotlout" Hiccup replied, his sarcasm eventually picked up by his cousin.
"Being controlled by what?" Stoick asked, leaning forward from his seat.
"The Red Death" Hiccup said darkly. The whole room began to murmur, the candles' flames were flicking about and the wind had picked up a howling trait outside.
"What is this Red Death?" asked Vern.
"It's the dragon that controls every single dragon that raids the village. It relies on them for food as it cannot leave its home. And if the dragons don't comply, or fail to bring it food ... it eats them" Hiccup said coldly, moving his gaze to the floor. He could feel the tension in the room reach an all time high, with the hushed whispers of the crowd increasing at the news they heard.
"Eats them whole" he finished, and this time, the crowd went silent. They had never heard of such a dragon, and to eat a Monstrous Nightmare, or even a Zippleback whole was ... unheard of, impossible really. The young adults were also shocked at this news. The twins said they would love to see this dragon, of course. Snotlout, with his boastfulness, claimed that no dragon is too dangerous for him, and Fishlegs was having a hard time coming to terms with what Hiccup just said. From his vast wealth of knowledge of dragons from the Book of Dragons, not one page talked about a dragon of such magnitude. He could not believe what Hiccup was saying was true.
Astrid on the other hand, with her new found trust for Hiccup, believed him. The dragons she encountered on her quest for him kept their distance away from her. The mother Nadder even helped her after she protected her hatchlings from the wolves ... albeit what Hiccup was saying seemed far-fetched, it could explain why the dragons are attacking.
"How do we know you're telling the truth? A dragon that size could not possibly exist" Spitelout said.
"Believe me, it does exist. Toothless told me about him. The only reason the Night Fury didn't attack was that it was, you could say an escort, tasked with taking out the defenses, making it easier for the rest of the dragons to move in and take whatever food there was" he explained.
"Where does this beast live?" asked Stoick.
"It lives on Dragon Island, which all of you can't find" he said.
"And I suppose you know where it is" Stoick assumed.
"Yes, I do"
"Then why don't you tell us where it is?" asked Spitelout.
"As much as I love this village" sarcasm laced in his voice "I am not going to for the benefit of your lives" he said.
"We Vikings can take care of ourselves and will kill this Red Death, as you call it!" someone from the crowd yelled and was met with cheers and shouts of agreement.
"Please ... if this dragon came to Berk, it could wipe out the whole village in four or less shots" he said, and everyone stopped their cheers, baffled by what he said.
"How big is this dragon?" Thurmond asked.
"The size of a small to medium sized mountain" said Hiccup, and this time there was pin-drop silence. Nobody assumed the dragon was that big.
"Is this why you've been training the selected few to ride dragons? To take them into battle with this beast?" Vern asked.
"No. I've been training them to show that most dragons are not the vicious, killing monsters you all label them as. They are living creatures that can form bonds with Vikings, when treated with love and respect. That is what I've been showing your future generation, and they've seen it and to an extent, accepted it"
"But that still doesn't excuse them for the deaths they've cost us. There has to be consequences for their actions. And that's why, I believe if Hiccup is representing them, why doesn't he pay for them as well?" Spitelout suggested with a smile and the shouts of agreement from the crowds confirmed they were behind him the second in command one hundred percent.
"Are you suggesting we give him the death penalty, Spitelout?" Thurmond asked.
"Yes. That is exactly what I'm suggesting. It's only fair since as of now, all those deaths that Hiccup feels sorry for can be placed on his head since he believes the dragons do it out of self-defense" he said. The Elders looked to each other while the crowd sounded of agreement, that death was the only way Hiccup could pay for his crimes against the village. The young adults looked on with concern. In all their years, they haven't seen anyone from their tribe be sentenced to death. They couldn't imagine it happening to anyone, Hiccup especially.
Astrid was beyond frightened right now. She could see the Vikings laughing and clasping each other's shoulders in gladness at Hiccup's impending sentence. It was then she remembered what he had said to her when she found him ... Vikings were always going to be hooked on to the old ways. No one would be able to change them. Their only hope would be sentenced to death and there was nothing she could do. However, a laugh that didn't belong to any of the Vikings of the crowd, Spitelout or the Elders, began to quieten down the noise in the Hall. Her eyes searched for the source and she was surprised to find the laugh coming from Hiccup, whom all eyes were now glued to.
"What's so funny?" asked Spitelout.
"What's funny you say? It's just that the Outcasts, the Berserkers, the Romans and many others would kill for the information I have on dragons, and you all don't even give a crap about it. I wonder why I didn't tell the Romans how to train the dragons. I would have loved to see the looks on your faces when they attacked" he said with a slight smile.
"You would have loved to see this village burn to a crisp?" asked Stoick.
"I want to show you all something" Hiccup said, and began untying certain straps that held his leather armour together. He removed the shoulder pads and then his chest guard, leaving him his green tunic, which he promptly removed over his head and held in his hand. He heard the gasps when his chest, back and abdomen were visible to the crowds.
"I can see why you're into him" Ruff whispered to Astrid, who then elbowed her in the gut. Yes, he had a finely toned frame with lean muscles adorning his back and arms, but what stood out to Astrid, and soon to everyone else, were the whip scars on his back, three or four on his back, the huge scar on the left side of his chest, over his heart, and down to his abdomen and the four dagger scars on his stomach area, and one on the right side of his chest.
"The Romans captured me ... saw me train a Gronckle. They had me blindfolded, my hands in chains behind my back and put me in a horse-drawn carriage. When they removed the blindfold, I found myself in a dark cell, just a small window letting sunlight in. But when I looked around, I wasn't in an ordinary cell. There was a table in the middle, with straps where your hands and feet will be bound, a few chairs against the wall covered in blood stains, weapons on racks against the walls, and then I realized, I was in a torture room, hands and feet tied down as I sat in a chair. It wasn't long until the door opened, and four men walked in. The captain, I guessed by his uniform, immediately walked up to me and punched me in the face, knocking me to the floor while still in the chair. Two of his men then came up and pulled me back up and placed me in front of the captain. They wanted to know how I trained that dragon ... I wouldn't tell them. Every time I said no, the captain landed a right or left hook to my face."
"My first day was that basically. My face was swollen, I had a black eye, my lips were cut and I had blood bleeding from four wounds ... and that was just my face. The next day, they untied me from the chair and dragged me to the wall. They cuffed my hands to two chains hanging from the wall, and while two men held me up, the captain went to the weapons rack and took the whip. Every time I said no to showing them my secrets, he whipped me ... he asked me four times. I know that doesn't seem much, but you don't know how much the leather stings, how time seems to slow down and you feel it enter your body and burn your flesh. He used that whip three times ... he used a metal chain for the last one" Astrid covered her mouth as he spoke. He never told her that they used a length of chain as a whip.
"That's the worst scar on my back. They would have kept going but one of the men said that they should try other ways ... so they strapped me back to the chair, blood bleeding from the four, two to three feet long wounds on my back, and the captain took out his dagger ... and asked me how I trained dragons. I said I wouldn't tell him, and he stabbed me right in chest" he said, tapping the right side of his chest. "I could feel my flesh close around the cold blade. I knew it stabbed my lung. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't, only hold it in because I needed the air. But when I opened my eyes, I met the captain's eyes, and I could see the pleasure in them, at what he was doing. After what seemed like an eternity, he pulled the dagger out and called in a man to patch me up. He repeated the process for the next four days, the next four stabs in my abdomen. I nearly died of shock one day, but the Roman healer knew how to keep me alive. It was funny that the first thought that popped into my head was how he knew to do that ... but then I came to the assumption that they've tried the same techniques before on other prisoners ... and they didn't stop there with their torture."
"You should have seen me, I was unrecognizable ... dried blood stains from the stab wounds, parts of my face were either purple or black or red, and I even heard one of the guards ask if I was breathing and unfortunately I was. I saw the captain bring a huge bucket of water. One of the guards pulled out a cloth and tilted by chair back and brought it over my face, and it all happened so fast that it was an instant before I felt cold water being poured over my face ... the cloth making it hard to breath, water entering my mouth at the same time. Again they asked me if I would show them my secrets, I never complied ... so the captain had had enough and drew out his sword. That was when I heard explosion happening outside and screams of men. The captain shouted orders to the others to go out and see what was happening."
"But before they could, the door burst in on them, trapping them underneath it, and through whatever vision I had, I saw Toothless rush in and attack the captain. I blacked out then" the whole crowd had been listening to this ... never once imagining a person going through what Hiccup had. "When I came to, I found myself somewhere deep in the forest, with a fire going and Toothless by my side. He told me that the Romans had taken me to one of their permanent camp settlements. He attacked the place along with a few other dragons and said we were about a day's journey on foot from the now destroyed camp. Apparently he had given a bath in his saliva" everyone grimaced when he said that.
"But a Night Fury's saliva contains healing properties. I told him to go look for certain plants and herbs to bring back so I can make it into a remedy. With the medicinal herbs and Toothless' saliva, I was able to make a complete recovery in one month. The reason I'm telling you this story is for all of you to know that even though if I'm sentenced to death, it won't come remotely near to how close I felt like one year ago ... and that I am a survivor of torture, be it a short while, but a survivor nonetheless ... and that I am not even close to the same boy who left five years ago."
The Vikings looked to each other before looking back at Hiccup. He was clearly not the same boy; he had matured, physically and emotionally and in that moment realized that treating him as in the past had no effect on him now.
"What about that scar over your heart?" Fishlegs asked. All of them then noticed that he stayed away from how he obtained that scar. However, because everyone turned to him, waiting for an answer, Fishlegs saw Astrid visibly flinch, a bit, when he mentioned the scar. 'So she knows about it' he thought.
"That's a story for another day" was all Hiccup said.
"Thank you Hiccup for your side of the situation and your story that I know many of us would never have gone through. We will now leave and convene about his fate. Please remain here until we return" Thurmond said, before he and the Elders exited into a small room in the Hall. As soon as their door closed, the Vikings began talking amongst themselves, saying what consequence Hiccup will face.
"Why didn't ye' tell anyone 'bout that experience, Hiccup?" Gobber asked, walking with his former apprentice to a table to sit down at.
"Does it really matter? I don't even know why I told them" he said, staring at the ground between his feet.
"Hiccup!" he heard a voice call him and looked to see Astrid and the gang making their way towards him.
"How'd I do?" he asked with his toothy grin, and a meek shrug of his shoulders.
"That was something Hiccup" Fishlegs commented, as his friends gathered in a circle in front of him.
"Did you actually go through all that? And didn't tell them anything?" Tuff asked. By now Hiccup had put his shirt back on and was tying his armour back together.
"Every word I said was true. I wasn't going to give up those secrets to people who will use it for war" he said, struggling to tie up a strap that was on the inside of his arm.
"Let me" Astrid offered, already having the straps in her hands and tying them up.
"What were you thinking of when you were going through that pain?" asked Gobber.
"Not of this place, that's for sure" answered Hiccup, giving him a quick glance.
"I wouldn't blame ya' lad" said Gobber, sympathetically.
"What do you think their decision will be?" Astrid asked, taking a seat next to Hiccup.
"Well I hope those ole' bag of bones' let ye' live and let you off" said Gobber.
"Us too, I mean, who else will teach us more cool stuff about dragons if you're dead" Tuff said.
"Wow doofus, only thinking about dragons at a time like this when he could be led to the alter and have his heart cut out" Ruff said, slapping the back of her brother's head.
"Ouch! You know they could very well do the Blood Eagle him ... I tried not to bring that" Tuff yelled in response, taking a swing at Ruff, but ended on tripping on her foot which she had extended and fell face first onto the hard floor.
"Huh, forgot about the Blood Eagle" Hiccup said, in a tone more of humour rather than fear.
"Hiccup, this is no joking matter! If you're death sentence is the Blood Eagle, there's no way out of it" said Astrid.
"I know Astrid. I know. It's just a way I cope with tense situations" he replied.
"Then what about your sarcasm?" she asked.
"That's reserved for life and death situations most of the time, even though I use it every other sentence" he said with a smile, getting a small laugh out of the others. They spent the next hour talking about topics that had nothing to do with the trial, but more along the lines of how they were getting along with their dragons and how life had been for them over the past five years.
That's when they heard the doors open and saw the Elders walk out in a line, towards their table with Stoick behind them. "Everyone, settle down!" he yelled as the Elders took their seats. Most Vikings looked to Stoick to see the expressions of his face. If he was smiling, then that meant Hiccup would live, but if he wasn't, then he had been given the death penalty. Unfortunately for everyone, Stoick was keeping a straight face, even when making eye contact with the crowd.
"We have made a decision" Thurmond said, standing up. Each person was holding their breath. Even Hiccup hadn't been expecting to be this tense when they were to announce their decision. The same could be said for Astrid. Without knowing it, he grasped her hand and she held back with the same strength. Nobody noticed their action.
"Both Spitelout and Hiccup have given strong arguments to their sides ... and given the crimes stacked against Hiccup ... " said man was holding his breath as was the whole Hall " ... we have decided not to give him the death penalty" Thurmond said after a pause. The young adults all let out a breath they didn't know they were holding in, as did Gobber and Stoick. Spitelout and most of the other Vikings expressions turned sour. Once again the boy managed to live.
"However ... for committing high treason against the village of Berk and aiding the dragons in the recent raid, he will be branded as an outcast of the village of Berk, and is tasked to rebuild and repair whatever that was damaged in the raid and is to do it without any help from his Night Fury or any other person. If he does receive help, he will be publicly beaten and shamed. Until he finishes the repairs of the buildings, his home will be the prison cells on the outskirts of the village" he announced and the Vikings were pleased that he didn't get off completely.
"Hiccup, you will be escorted back to your cell ... cuff him" Thurmond said the last part, almost reluctantly. As the person in charge of the prisoners, Gobber had the cuffs on him and took them out with a sad expression.
"Sorry 'bout this lad" he said, and Hiccup knew he didn't want to do it.
"It's okay Gobber ... it's not your rules" his apprentice said, turning around and putting his hands behind his back. He felt the cold metal encircle his wrists and the nearly familiar sound of the clasp the cuffs made.
"I'll take him" Astrid said quickly, coming by his side.
"Alright, but no funny business" he said, handing her the keys to the cuffs. She nodded and led Hiccup down the side of the Hall, to avoid moving through the now rejoicing crowd.
"Everyone, I've got great news!" Spitelout yelled getting in front of everyone. Astrid quickened her pace and Hiccup did the same, sensing that she wanted to get out as fast as possible.
"My son ... your future Chief and Astrid Hofferson have been engaged!" he yelled and the cheers and shouts of joy doubled in that second. But it was when looks of realizations hit Gobber's and Stoick's faces. The crowd put Snotlout at the centre of their attention and began congratulating him; shaking his hands and hard slaps on his back and soon talks about how lucky he was to be engaged to the Astrid Hofferson. But the ladies and girls in the Hall couldn't find Astrid, and Spitelout just said that she wouldn't have been able to take in this wonderful news so she withdrew to home.
Aside from the celebrations of Snotlout's and Astrid's engagement, Gobber and Stoick moved to one of the side tables to discuss the delicate subject.
"So that's why they were sad ... she'd been engaged" Stoick said.
"Aye ... I truly feel sorry for them, Stoick. There is nothin' that Hiccup could do" he said. The Chief sighed in agreement. His friend was right. He might not have known Hiccup thoroughly, but he knew the boy fought for the things he loved ... and judging by the look he saw in his eyes when he and Astrid were in the prison, he was determined to get her out of the marriage.
"What are we gonna do, Stoick?" asked Gobber.
"Nothing. We're going to do nothing" the Chief said with a shake of his head.
"Ar' ye' serious?" Stoick could tell by the sound of his friend's voice that he was angry.
"What do you want me to do Gobber? A Chief doesn't mess in the formalities of marriage ... especially when it involves the marriage of the Heir to this tribe!" he shot back.
"So you're saying that ye' don't care 'bout Hiccup or his feelings? That ye just gonna stand by and ignore yer son again?"
"Gobber ... if I intervene in any way, Spitelout will accuse me of taking sympathy on a branded traitor and now outcast of this village ... I cannot do anything in this matter."
"How 'bout taking yer son back as yer son?" he suggested.
"What?" Stoick hadn't really thought of this idea.
"Take him back as yer son. I know you don't like asking for forgiveness but that is the first step in getting Hiccup ... apologize for the times ye failed as a father ... help him win Astrid back. If you do that, he might love ye again" Gobber reasoned. "If ye don't even try and help him, he'll leave and never come back because who would want to see the woman they love with another man? Ye'll never see him again and this time, he'll be determined to stay hidden."
His friend was right. The engagement between Snotlout and Astrid may be the solution he was looking for. If he could help Hiccup in any way he can to get Astrid, his son might not be angry at him ... might. But it was a long-shot Stoick was willing to take. Even if he couldn't get his son to love him, even if he does get Astrid, he can at least have the pleasure of seeing his son truly happy ... a sight he only once saw.
"Alright Gobber, I will help him."