They stepped out of the portal and found themselves in beautiful Vanaheim. It was a wondrous place filled with light, open meadows with various coloured flowers.

"I swear that Vanaheim is the most beautiful realm of them all," said Hiccup.

"It is wondrous," Eret nodded.

"So Ragnar is here?" Fishlegs asked.

"These were the coordinates Viggo gave us," said Hiccup. "However, they are weeks old; he's probably moved on by now."

"I certainly can't see or hear him nearby," said Heather as she looked at the horizon.

Eret then bent down and began to examine the ground. "There are tracks here, but they are weeks old, and a light elf made them."

"How can you tell?" Astrid asked.

"Because of this," he said, gesturing to a patch of mud with an unmistakable footprint. "This footprint can only be made by someone wearing boots that are only made in Alfheim, and as you know, light elves don't usually venture outside their home."

"So, which direction did he go?" Fishelgs asked.

"He went straight north, and it certainly looks as if he was chasing something," said Eret as he continued to examine the ground. "There was certainly an encampment in a judging from the patches of ash from a campfire and the holes in the ground that are holes for tent pegs."

"So he managed to find Loki's forces," said Hiccup.

"I would have to say that it was more the scouting party, no more than a few dozen," said Eret.

"Why would they risk coming to Vanaheim with so few numbers?" Astrid frowned.

"Maybe they were looking for something," Hiccup suggested.

"What could they possibly want that would risk the ire of the Queen of the Valkyries?" Fishlegs asked.

"Something that can only be found here in Vanaheim and something they could only belong to Gullveig," Eret assumed.

"Easy to forget that she used to be the Queen of Vanaheim," said Fishlegs. "She probably had some sort of secret stash somewhere."

"And I think the last thing we want is for her to get her hands on it," said Hiccup.

"Which is probably why Ragnar began chasing after," Eret concluded.

"Then we need to catch them up and fast," said Hiccup.

"So we take to the sky?" Astrid assumed.

"We do that, we risk missing vital clues," Eret warned. "Though it's true they do have a head start, us flying our dragons would give us a chance to catch them up."

"So, is that a yes to flying?" Tuffnut asked.

"I hope it is because I don't want to walk all the way there," said Ruffnut.

"Let's bring out our dragons, but we fly close to the ground so we don't miss anything," said Hiccup.

Eret nodded. "Then let's fly."

They soon called on these spirit dragons and took off apart from Jill, who didn't have one, so she had to join Hiccup on Toothless's back.

He could not help but notice that Astrid was not particularly pleased with the seating arrangement, but she remained silent, though it was clear that she was fuming.

"The trail certainly needs this way," said Eret, looking down the ground.

"We're still certain it's the scouting group Ragnar's following?" Hiccup asked.

"It has to be them because they were a pack of orcs," said Eret.

"How could he be so certain?" Fishelgs asked.

"The size of the footprints, far too big to belong to any Vanir."

"So do we know what in the general direction?" Jill asked.

"Gullveig's old Palace," said Eret.

"And you know that how?" Hiccup asked.

"Because we were always forbidden never to enter that place," said Eret. "It was said that just before Gullveig was exiled, she began practising all kinds of evil spells and curses. To what end, we do not know, only that they were extremely dangerous."

"And now Gullveig wants to retrieve something," said Hiccup.

"So, is it some sort of spell she could be after?" Fishlegs asked.

"Why, she's already got plenty of powerful spells?" said Tuffnut.

"We can figure that out once we're there, but first, we must find Ragnar," Hiccup reminded them.

"It looks like he was still on the trail," said Eret.

"So why would you remain silent about all this?" Astrid frowned.

"Maybe you want to gather as much information as possible before reporting back," Fishlegs suggested.

"You don't suppose that he might be the spy?" Ruffnut asked.

"It is entirely possible; he has perfect opportunities to meet with the enemy," said Tuffnut.

"Ragnar is not the spy," said Hiccup, rolling his eyes. "He wasn't there when we received the information about Loki's meeting with Surt."

"And even after being exiled, he has remained loyal to the gods and his father," Eret reminded them.

"Okay, so he's not the spy, then who do you think it is?" Ruffnut asked.

Hiccup groaned. "We've been over this, we don't know, and that's not the mission right now. The mission is to find our friend and figure out what Gullveig is up to."

"But I think we're coming to the Palace now," said Eret.

They looked ahead in the insists deeds or some powerless, though it looked long abandoned. However, even in its ruined state, Hiccup could see how majestic it was and only imagine what it looked like in all its splendour. Though now it looked ever so creepy, it just screamed haunted palace and came inside for quick death.

"Looks inviting," said Heather.

"It just screamed I hate sunshine, and I kick puppies," said Tuffnut.

Eret looked at Hiccup. "There is a reason why we are not allowed to enter this place. We should head back."

"We still haven't found Ragnar; he could be in there," said Hiccup.

"Ragnar would know better to enter this place alone," said Eret.

"Unless he knew it was important."

"I still see no trace of any orcs," said Heather. "In fact, I don't hear anything, birds, animals, or even an insect."

"Because all of them know this is a cursed place," said Eret. "Every animal knows never to set foot here. Not even rats would dare to step foot in that palace. Which is more than enough evidence to know that entering there is a bad idea."

"Very much doubt that Loki or Gullveig care if this place is forbidden or not; they want something bad here," said Hiccup.

"And need I remind you that the only reason I came is to help you find Ragnar," Eret pointed out.

"Then where does his trail lead?" Hiccup asked.

Eret sighed and began to examine the ground, slowly turning towards Hiccup. "Into the Palace."

"And the orcs?"

"Their trail also inside of it."

"Does that mean we're going to enter the creepy Palace, which is no doubt filled with deadly traps and curses?" Fishlegs asked.

"Yes, Fishlegs, that's exactly what it means," said Astrid.

"Oh, joy."

They soon entered the palace, and it was just as eerie inside as it was outside, but there was no trace of any cobwebs or trace of any animal. However, there were a bunch of bones lying on the ground.

"Looks like we're not the first visitors here," said Heather.

"No doubt foolish treasure hunters, no doubt looking for some sort of valuable," said Eret. "This is what happens to trespassers who do not heed warnings."

"Uh, Hiccup, it's not too late to turn back," said Fishlegs nervously.

"Already into deep as is, there's no turning back," said Hiccup. "Eret, can you make sense of anything here?"

Eret examined the ground. "There are some fresh trails that head towards the West Wing."

"Then that we're going," said Hiccup. "But everyone, keep your eyes and ears open for any kind of trap or ambush."

They began heading towards the West Wing; Eret was in front, leading the way with Heather and Hiccup behind him. If anything were to happen, the three of them would know instantly banks have their powers.

"I'm sorry that I forced you here, Eret," said Hiccup.

Eret sighed. "A little late for apologies, don't you think?"

"I know, but we have to do something."

Eret sighed. "I do admit that it is strange that Gullveig would send a scouting party to her former palace. She must be desperate to get her hands on something."

"Any idea what it could be?" Hiccup asked.

Eret shook his head. "No clue."

Hiccup suddenly got an image of a swinging blade speeding towards them; in that instant, he quickly grabbed Eret and Heather and caught them back.

"Don't move," he said.

"Why?" Heather asked.

"Because we were just about to be sliced by a giant blade," said Hiccup.

Eret knelt and examined the floor. "He's right. There is a trap here. One second later, and we would've been dead."

"Like them," Fishlegs pointed with a whimper.

They followed his finger and saw several orcs cut in half right down the middle.

"Just step over the trap; it should be fine," said Eret.

"No one leaves traps unless there's something they don't want them to get their hands on," said Hiccup.

"But if Gullveig sent the orcs, why didn't she tell them how to disarm the traps?" Astrid frowned.

"Because she didn't send," said Hiccup.

"Loki," Eret nodded. "He doesn't trust her."

"I think the feeling is quite neutral," said Heather. "Don't forget that Loki revealed her treachery to her people. I'm sure she hasn't quite forgiven him for that."

"This could be good news," said Astrid. "If we can sow some sort of discourse between the two of them, that might be enough to stop the attack on the Academy."

"That's a big if, especially since we don't have any proof," said Hiccup.

"Ragnar might have some," said Jill.

"That's if he's still alive," said Ruffnut.

"Only one way to find out," said Hiccup.

They continued making their way through the corridor, and thanks to the combined skills of Heather's excellent vision and hearing, Eret's tracking skills and Hiccup's foresight, they were able to avoid all the traps.

However, there was still no sign of Ragnar, and apart from seeing some more dead orcs, there was no sign of the scouting party either.

"They should be close by," said Eret as he examined some footprints. "These tracks were made a few days ago."

"So we've caught up with them," said Hiccup.

"But where exactly are we?" Fishlegs asked.

Hiccup would like to know that he had exited the corridor and now had entered some sanctum. Though there was nothing of any note within the room, it was pretty barren. It was just a mere empty room.

"I have absolutely no idea," said Hiccup.

"Maybe this is some sort of private chamber?" Heather suggested.

"But for what purpose?" Astrid asked.

"To practice her spells may be," said Jill.

"It makes sense this place does seem to be reinforced, and it is rather isolated from the rest of the Palace," said Eret.

"Okay, but if the trail stops here, where are the orcs, and where is Ragnar?" Fishlegs asked.

Fishlegs had a point. There was no trace of anyone here.

"They could've just vanished, could they?" Tuffnut asked.

Eret examined the ground closely. "The tracks lead to this point; they then suddenly disappear."

"Secret chamber, maybe?" Ruffnut asked.

"Possibly, but I don't see anything that could unlock this chamber if it exists," said Heather, looking around.

"And perhaps a revealing spell will help," said Hiccup as he began conjuring a number of runes.

It was then that they saw a number of the floor tiles beginning to glow.

"What's going on?" Fishlegs asked.

Hiccup looked closely and saw that they were glowing in different individuals. "It's a combination lock! You have to hit the tiles in a precise order."

"And then what?" Astrid asked.

"Let's find out," said Hiccup.

He began tapping the floor tiles following the sequence his spell was showing, and then suddenly, there was a rumbling noise. They looked around and suddenly saw the room was getting tall; it only took them a few seconds to realise they were on some left.

"I think that was the right combination," said Hiccup.

"But where are we going?" Tuffnut asked.

"Some sort of hidden sanctum," said Eret. "Best prepare yourself. We don't know what we're going to encounter."

"I'm willing to bet that we're going to encounter some very angry orcs," said Astrid as she pulled out her battleaxe.

"I'm just hoping that we find Ragnar," said Hiccup as he pulled out his sword and shield.

Eventually, the lift stopped, and they saw a new door.

"Guess this is our stop," said Heather.

"Bottom floor mysterious sanctum and possible certain death," Fishlegs sighed.

"Then what are we waiting for," said Hiccup, and they stepped through the threshold.