Welcome back to another chapter! I hope you're all doing well, and let's get right to it!
Skellefte: Glad to hear it!
Guest: Probably won't get Hiccup and Toothless killed by Stoick as this is a /darkHiccup story. If you don't want to read it, if I don't do it this way, I'm not making you stay.
Chapter 15
Hiccup was sitting in the meeting room, looking over his latest invention. It was a small dagger that didn't look special from the outside, but the inside held a secret. Small hollow tubes filled the inside of the blade, all connecting to a small container in the hilt. The container's contents would flow through the centrifugal force through the tubes and out of small holes on the blade. The one he was holding right now was filled with Nadder venom. If someone got hit by it, they would start to get weaker in a matter of minutes and, after five minutes, would drop dead. He had six knives hidden in his armor—three with Nadder venom and three with Speed Stinger venom that would freeze its target.
It was then that he noticed a Terrible Terror enter the room. Putting away the knife, he gestured for the dragon to wait. Giving a small whistle, Toothless entered the room seconds after, walking up to Hiccup.
"Why did you wake me?", the dragon asked, yawning.
"I guess we have some news.", Hiccup told him, gesturing for the smaller dragon to talk.
"Yes! I have news for you, my majesty! From the island you told me to watch, a few teens will be going on a "survival training" that lays on an island three hours away.", the Terror told them excitedly.
"Well, that was not what I was expecting. Nonetheless, I know where this island is.", Hiccup said, smirking.
"What about we visit them? It would be fun to scare them", Toothless said.
"You can leave.", Hiccup told the Terror, which flew out of the room.
"We should go now. Maybe we can scout out the other tribes.", the Nightfury suggested.
"Sounds good.", Hiccup answered.
They went to pack their things but got stopped when his new second-in-command approached them. After Solfrid died, Hiccup made the ex-heir of the Peaceables, Ulf Torbjorn, his new second in command. He looked nervous, seeing his lord battle-ready and mask on, meaning he couldn't read his mood. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Ulf bowed.
"My lord, the ships have all been finished and are ready to sail.", he told his master.
"Good to hear. Pack everything and load it on the ships. We relocate our base to be closer to our targets.", Hiccup said, taking a rolled-up parchment out of one of Toothless's saddle bags, "This map shows you your destination. When you arrive, start setting up a base inside the abandoned volcano. I will accompany you once I get back."
"As you wish, my lord.", Ulf said, taking the map and bowing.
Saddling Toothless, they shot into the air, heading for their destination.
(Unnamed island - a week later)
"ROW, you maggots! The faster you row, the faster we'll get there!", Gobber called over the heads of the teens.
"We've been rowing for eternity.", Tuffnut said.
"Shut it, or I'll let you eat that paddle! Now get to it!", Gobber said to him.
"Wait? You can eat these?", Tuffnut asked, looking at the paddle in his hands.
"I bet you won't eat it!", Ruffnut yelled at her twin brother.
"Oh yeah? Watch this!", he said, biting the paddle, "Uuugh... that's disgusting.", he exclaimed.
Ruffnut was now holding her stomach, laughing, while the other passengers on the boat face-palmed.
"Can you two stop messing around for at least three hours?", Astrid asked, irritated.
"Hey babe, if you want to get away from these muttonheads, we can always search for a hidden place on the island.", Snotlout said, flexing his arms.
Astrid rolled her eyes, annoyed by them already, 'I can't wait to get off this boat.'.
"I think I see the island!", Fishlegs called out.
"Thank Thor.", muttered Astrid.
"Now get rowing, and we'll get off this boat in about 30 minutes!", Gobber yelled at them.
It indeed took them only about thirty minutes till they reached the beach. They all got off and started setting up camp. Well, Gobber and Astrid set the camp up while the twins fought each other. Snotlout only boasted about his skills, and Fishlegs kept to himself. Picking up her axe, she walked toward the edge of the forest.
"I'm going training.", she told them.
"Don't stay out too long, lassy!", Gobber called after her.
"You want me to come with you, babe?", Snotlout asked in his usual smugness.
"Follow me and find out just how good my axe can cut.", she answered, her tone sharp, making Snotlout step back.
Astrid walked through the woods for ten minutes until she found a clearing. Deciding this would do, she started her training with axe throwing. She trained for almost two hours when she decided it was enough—walking to her axe, she pulled it out of the tree and started her way back to camp. On the way back, she noticed something that wasn't there before.
On the ground, the paw prints from an animal she didn't recognize. Along with the paw print, a black scale was also on the floor. Picking it up, she walked back to camp. Arriving at the center, she saw that the twins and Snotlout were asleep, Fishlegs was reading a book, and Gobber was by the campfire.
"Hey Gobber. How often have you been on this island?", Astrid asked, sitting on the other side of the campfire.
"Often enough to know it like the back of ma hand. Why'd you ask?", Gobber asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Cause I found this.", she said, throwing the scale toward him.
Catching the scale, he inspected it closer, "Huh. I've never seen any dragon with such black scales."
"Me neither, but I know who maybe knows a black-scaled dragon.", she said.
"Alright, I'm listening.", Gobber said, leaning back.
"Death Angel. Whenever an encounter with him was described, it was always said that there was a black dragon, like no one had ever seen.", Astrid explained.
"You want to say he is here?", Gobber asked.
"Either he is here, or he has been here. There were also paw prints never seen. They couldn't have been older than a day or two.", she explained.
"Then I think it's best to search the island and figure out if he's here or not.", the smith said, standing up now.
"Grab your weapons! Now!", Gobber yelled, starting Fishlegs and waking up the others.
"Why did you wake us up, Gobber? The sun isn't up yet!", Snotlout complained.
"So you don't want to go after a fearsome warrior that destroys entire villages?", the smith asked him.
Said teen immediately was wide awake, looking around, "Where's this idiot? I'll show him what a real Viking is!"
"Like you did the last time you fought with him?", Tuffnut snickered.
"That wasn't a fight; it was 'Snotlout getting his butt kicked'.", Ruffnut added, now both twins laughing.
"Shut up! He was just lucky!", Snotlout yelled.
"Enough. All of ye. Let's search the island.", Gobber said, breaking the argument.
They walked all over the island, which took them about one hour. They only found more prints and scales but nothing that indicated that he was still on the island. All the while, the twins made fun of Snotlout for how he lost the first fight. Snotlout, on the other hand, went from finding excuses to flirting with Astrid, which annoyed her to no end. Fishlegs was too scared to make a sound except when some wildlife jumped out of the bushes.
"We've searched everything now. Can we go back? I'm tired.", Snotlout complained.
"Aye, from the looks of it, he's not here anymore. Let's get back to the camp.", Gobber declared.
Returning to camp took less time than the search but about forty minutes. Walking through the undergrowth, they all bumped into Gobber as he abruptly stopped.
"Why did we stop?", mumbled Snotlout, rubbing his head.
Not getting an answer, they walked around the old smith only to freeze. There, sitting on a log around their campfire, was a black armored man. Behind this stranger sat a black dragon. The man noticed them and stood now, facing them. Snotlout was the first to shake off the surprise. Taking his mace, he rushed forward, but he only made two steps before the stranger threw what looked like a knife, making Snotlout stiff.
"Drop your weapons, or I'll kill you right here.", the man said.
The dragon behind him prepared a blast to show that they better comply or end up dead. They reluctantly put their weapons on the ground, seeing no other way out. Seeing this, the dragon relaxed a bit more.
"Now we can talk.", the man said, walking closer.
"What did you do to him?", Gobber asked, pointing at Snotlout.
"Don't worry about Snottypants over here. He can move again in a few hours.", the man declared.
"How do you know his name?", Astrid demanded.
"Oh, I know all of your names, Astrid. We have the twins who love to fight with each other. Fishlegs looks strong but is scared of his own shadow. Gobber your blacksmith—lastly, the shield-maiden of Berk. Trust me, I know all of your little secrets.", the stranger explained.
With each word this man spoke, they became more shocked and worried. Just what did he know? Seeing their reactions, Hiccup couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
"Don't worry, I'm just here for the fun of it. And to let you give a message to Stoick. Then I'll be gone like the wind.", the man said, his tone now serious.
"What kind of message?", Gobber asked.
"Tell him that I can't wait to see him again. This time, I won't show mercy and bring him to his knees.", the stranger replied.
"We will tell him that, what are your plans for us?", Astrid said.
"For now, nothing. Your time will come eventually. Till then, enjoy your life.", the man answered.
As he turned to walk away, he passed Snotlout, who tried to say something, but only some muffled grunts were heard. Stopping, he stepped closer, stopping a few inches away from him.
"You know, I thought you wouldn't be so stupid like your father, but, well," the man shrugged," I guess stupidity runs in your family."
To this, Snotlout made angrier grunt noises, clearly offended by these words. Facing the others again, he could see them getting more ready to fight. Walking over to the dragon, he saddled up and looked back at them.
"Enjoy your lives as long as you can, 'cause soon you won't be able to!", the man shouted before they vanished into the night.
They picked up their weapons while Gobber rushed to Snotlout. Searching for the wound, he saw that the man somehow removed the knife without them knowing, so they couldn't even look at the weapons he used. Getting his medical supplies, he bandaged Snotlout's wound and brought him near the fireplace. They all just sat around the campfire, keeping quiet and looking at their surroundings.
"What does he mean 'I can't wait to see him again.'. Does he know the chief?", Astrid broke the silence.
"No idea.", Gobber shrugged.
Looking toward the frozen Snotlout, Gobber saw that the twins were messing with him by putting him in various poses. The twins were laughing while Snotlout made disagreeing and angry noises. Sighing, he turned back and looked at the fire.
"Gobber? Have you ever seen this kind of dragon before?", Fishlegs asked, his voice barely audible.
"Can't say I've seen them before. No description from the Book of Dragons fits that one.", the smith told him.
"You know... nevermind.", Fishlegs said.
"Out with it. I know you're eager to tell us.", Gobber said, a stern look on his face.
"It could be possible that it was a Nightfury.", the husky boy squealed.
"Hah! Good one, Fishy!", Tuffnut shouted, now walking over with his sister.
"If that were a Nightfury, we wouldn't be alive now.", Ruffnut remarked matter-of-factly.
"Yeah, and there would be much more destruction.", Tuffnut continued.
"I'm not sure about it, but what I saw from what I could make out, the dragon's body was built for speed. Second, its body was black, perfect for hiding in the night sky. Also, don't forget the shrill when the dragon prepared its blast. It sounded just like when a Nightfury attacked.", Fishlegs rambled out as quickly as he could.
Now, they were all silent, thinking about what Fishlegs said. On one hand, if it was a Nightfury, they were lucky to be alive. Fishlegs thought about what he could add to the blank pages of the book of dragons. They all thought, 'If that were a Nightfury, it would mean their enemy could control the offspring off lightning and death itself.'.
"Alright, I think that's enough for today. Let's get some sleep, and by tomorrow morning, we'll sail right back to Berk. It's no longer safe out here." Gobber told them, stretching.
Silently agreeing with him, they all went back to their tents. In Snotlout's case, he's been carried to his. Sleep didn't come easy to them, as they would tense up at the slightest sound. After hours, they finally drifted off to sleep, unaware that two pairs of piercing green eyes watched them from afar.
Astrid was the first to wake up the following day. She stretched out of her tent only to see something she wished she didn't. All around the shore lay their belongings, like someone went through it all. Getting her axe, she started to walk to Gobber's tent, careful not to make a sound. Reaching the tent, she lightly kicked the person inside, making him shift.
"Gobber, you need to wake up, right now!", she whispered.
"Five more minutes, Phil!", Gobber's sleepy voice came from inside.
Astrid kicked harder this time, waking him up in the process. Crawling out of his tent, he was about to ask Astrid what was so important, but then he saw the mess himself. Looking around, he made sure that he saw no one before walking to the middle of the camp.
"EVERYBODY WAKE UP!", he bellowed as loud as he could.
The reaction was immediate. Fishlegs scrambled out of his tent, looking frightened. The twins came out next, looking like they slept for days. The last one was Snotlout, who could finally move again, walking out looking mad. They all saw the mess outside.
"Search through your things and see if anything is missing.", Gobber told them before he hobbled to his stuff.
The teens had been looking through their stuff for an hour now, but there wasn't anything missing yet. They spent the hour looking for something missing while cleaning everything up. Snotlout spent most of his time saying that he would easily beat this Death Angel the next time. Astrid occasionally told him to shut up while the rest ignored him.
"Guys! We have a problem! Like, major problem!", Fishlegs suddenly yelled, getting the attention of the others, so they all rushed to him.
"What is it?", Gobber asked.
"It's gone.", he said sadly.
"What's gone?", Astrid pressed.
"The book of dragons. Someone took it.", the husky boy declared.
"How can it be gone if it's in the great hall at Berk?", Gobber questioned, confused.
"I might have taken it with me.", Fishlegs said, somewhat ashamed.
"Why would you do that?!", Astrid yelled, making the other boy flinch.
"I-I brought it with me in case I could add anything or if I get too bored.", he answered, shrinking in on himself.
"That's a problem because it didn't contain only information about the dragons.", Gobber said.
"It's the book of dragons. What other vital information could be in there?", Snotlout asked now.
"In case someone would sneak into the village, Stoick and I thought it would be better to hide the plans of our defense problem because the only thing that came to our mind was that now stolen book. Normally, it would be safely locked away in the great hall.", the smith explained.
"Oh oh.", Fishlegs said.
(Dragon Island)
Arriving at their new base, Hiccup and Toothless saw that a camp was already built, and people were gathering supplies to make buildings. Going in for a landing, they all heard the Nightfury's whistle. Looking up, the new second in command saw they were about to land before him, so he dropped to one knee and bowed.
"Sir, we've done as you asked. The camp is built, and a security perimeter is also set about two miles outside the island.", Ulf said.
"Good to hear. Come to my tent in two hours, and I'll tell you how we'll proceed.", Hiccup said, already walking away.
"As you wish, Lord Shadow.", Ulf said.
Walking to his tent, Hiccup and Toothless entered. Reaching for one of the saddlebags, he pulled out what he had stolen from the Berkian teens. Putting the book of dragons on the table, he pulled off his helmet, setting it beside the text.
"So tell me, why is this book so important?", Toothless asked.
"It contains the information every dragon we know of.", Hiccup asked, grinning.
"Why would you need that? You can talk to dragons about dragons.", Toothless told him, not seeing why he would need this book.
"First off, Fishlegs could have added information about you in it, so I had to get it. Second, when you filled your bottomless pit that you call a stomach, I listened more to what they said. Turns out," Hiccup explained, opening the book to the last page, revealing plans about every defense of Berk, "they hid some essential information in there too."
"So you're telling me that your former tribe hid information vital in deciding about win and lose in a book? No a safe or guarded room but a book?", the dragon asked to confirm, raising one of his scaly eyebrows.
"That about sums it up.", the boy confirmed.
"And I thought it would be a challenge to take the island.", Toothless huffed out.
"It'll be easy either way, but first, we should look at the other tribes in the archipelago.", Hiccup said, stowing the book in a chest, pulling a map out, and opening it on the table.
"Do you want to take over all the tribes or destroy another one too?", the dragon asked, looking over the map despite the fact he can't read.
"I was thinking about taking over Berserker and Outcast Island since they have a taste for blood. Then there are the other tribes, but some are just small and don't have anything of use.", Hiccup mumbled, rubbing his chin with his left hand.
"What if we take over the stronger tribes and eliminate those who are weaker?", Toothless suggested.
"Sounds like a plan, but we must also take care of Berk's allies. From what I know, Berk has two allies that help defend and only one that is a trading partner." Hiccup said, taking a piece of pen and circling Berk, "Ok, so we have the allies, Bog Burglars and the Meatheads.", circling the other to islands, "And the trading partner would be the Lava Louts." circling the next island.
"So we destroy those three islands, and Berk stands alone.", Toothless said.
"That could work, but we'll eradicate the Hysteric island with them. They would rather die than join anyone, so we'll make quick work with them. I'll send out four ships that will bombard the village, and after that, fifty of our dragons will clean the rest, making the island uninhabitable. The Northlander tribe has nothing to fight with, but they can build the best things, so we send out another two ships to get them. As for the Outcasts and Berserkers, I hear that they have a meeting in two days about something, so we will show up and make them follow us.", Hiccup explained his plan while walking around the room gesturing with his hands.
"How will you make them follow us? I mean the Berserkers and Outcasts.", Toothless wondered.
"Easy. Everything that hasn't been sent off to the other islands will come with us.", Hiccup said, smirking.
"So, about fifteen ships and about two hundred dragons.", the dragon stated.
"Two hundred and fifty dragons.", the boy corrected.
"I trust your decision. Now we'll have to wait for Ulf to tell him what to do.", Toothless said.
Not a second later, said man walked in, bowing and looking at Hiccup. Hiccup looked at him for a few seconds before motioning toward the table with the map. Stepping closer, Ulf saw three islands circled red while one was circled black. Suddenly a dagger stabbed into the island with the name Berk under it, and Ulf jumped back.
"I have missions for you to do. You'll do them like I tell you to do, am I understood?", Hiccup asked, getting a nod from the other man.
"Good, now listen close because I don't want to repeat myself. First, you will send four ships to the Hysteric Island and start shooting the village from your vessels. Use all the ammo you can carry; the dragons will finish the rest when you're out. Before I forget, brother, can you tell the dragons about the plan?" Hiccup asked, glancing at Toothless.
"I'll be back in ten minutes or so.", the dragon responded, leaving the tent.
"Continuing, you'll send two more ships to the Northlander tribe and get them here. If they resist, use force, but don't kill. The rest of the fleet and dragons will follow me and you, to an unnamed island where two tribes will meet. There, we will get them under our command. You won't speak unless I tell you otherwise; are we clear?", he explained more.
"Yes, my lord. I will prepare everything, and it should be done in an hour.", Ulf replied, bowing again.
"Leave. I'll meet you at the docks in an hour, and we set sail.", Hiccup dismissed him with the wave of a hand.
While Ulf left the tent, Hiccup looked over the map again. Soon, there would be four fewer tribes to take care of. Looking at the circled islands, he began planning his next moves. The dagger was still planted in Berk. Looking at it, he scowled, 'What was it that Stoick always said? A chief protects his own. He thinks he's some noble chief but fails to protect his family. He will regret it sooner or later.'.
(Berk)
Stoick talked with the builders about the new balistas guarding the great hall. He was about to leave when he saw Goober and the teens approach him from the side. 'They shouldn't be back for another five days. Oh no.', Stoick thought. Walking over, he tried to remain calm but worried on the inside.
"Gobber, shouldn't you be back in five days from now?", the chief asked, trying to sound not too worried.
"Well, it went well until Astrid found a Black scale and pawprints. Deciding to check the island, we looked around. We walked back to camp when we found nothing, but then we saw him and his beast.", Gobber said.
"How did you get out alive?", Stoick asked, surprised, noticing the bandages around Snotlout's abdomen, "What happened to him?"
"He rushed the Death Angel, who threw something and froze him in place for hours! So cool!", Tuffnut exclaimed, sounding excited.
"Yeah, end then he said our names! He knew everyone and everything about us! This guy is a living mystery! I like that.", Ruffnut went next, almost drooling at the last part.
"He also said to give you a message, saying he can't wait to see you again and that he won't show mercy and bring you to your knees this time.", Gobber explained.
There was a moment of silence before Gobber locked eyes with the chief, "Stoick, do you know him?"
Stoick was silent for a minute, but looking back at the group, he responded, "I can't say, but there was a man once who controlled dragons. His name was Drago Bludvist. I only saw him when he burned down a hall where most of the chiefs met, killing everyone except me."
"You think it could be him?", Astrid asked now.
"I don't know why he would use an alibi instead of his real name. He liked to brag about his power, so I don't think that would be his style.", Stoick replied.
"I think the best to do now is to prepare and double the patrols. Maybe we should meet with our allies to discuss a plan.", Gobber suggested.
"I'll send a letter to the Bogs and Meatheads. We will warn the Lava Louts as well. For now, go home and rest.", the chief told them, leaving the teens.
"Stupid Death Angel.", Snotlout muttered.
"Still mad that he beat your butt?.", Tuffnut asked.
"He cheated! I would have beaten him to a pulp if he hadn't used his tools!", the boy shouted.
"Dream on Snotlout. You won't beat him. Even your dad lost to him.", Astrid said.
"Your parents didn't do well either.", Snotlout mumbled under his breath.
Unfortunately for him, the blonde heard it. Stopping in her tracks, she slowly turned around. Glaring at the stocky boy, she slowly walked closer. Said boy shrunk in on himself, realizing his mistake.
"What did you say?", Astrid whispered in a deathly tone.
"N-Nothing.", Snotlout squealed out.
They next knew that Astrid was on top of Snotlout raining punches down on his face. Snotlout tried to block the punches but failed as every time he put his arms in front of him, she would punch his chest. After five minutes, she stopped, standing up; she gave one last firm kick at the unconscious boy before leaving. The others watched her retreating form before taking Snotlout and bringing him to Gothi.
Gobber and Stoick were on their way to the Great Hall. The smith told his friend about everything in detail. When he neared the end of the story, the smith stopped talking mid-sentence.
"What's wrong, Gobber?", Stoick asked.
"The Book of Dragons.", he told him simply.
"What about it?", the chief asked, not knowing where this was going.
"He took it.", Gobber said, looking the chief in the eyes.
"How? It's in the Great Hall locked away.", Stoick told him.
"It's not, cause apparently Fishlegs took it with him to read in the free time.", Gobber said.
"WHY WOULD HE TAKE OUR MOST VITAL INFORMATION ON A TRIP INTO THE WILD?!", the chief's voice boomed through the village.
"You can't blame him. Nobody but us knew it was in there.", Gobber said quickly, trying to cool the chief down.
"So our worst enemy has our most important plans?", Stoick asked.
"Yup.", the smith answered simply.
They were interrupted by a villager who came up to them running. Stopping before the two, the man took a few deep breaths. A few seconds later, he looked the chief in the eye.
"Spitelout - is - waking - up.", he said between breaths.
Stoick looked at Gobber, who nodded his head in confirmation. They made their way toward Gothi's hut, thanking the villager. It took them a bit, but they reached the staircase leading up to the house after five minutes. When they reached the top, Gobber opened the door, letting Stoick walkthrough. They saw Spitelout sitting in his bed, trying to stand up but getting smacked by Gothi with her staff on the head.
"Let me up, ya old git!", Spitelout shouted in frustration.
"Easy there, Spitelout.", Stoick said, getting his brother's attention.
"You too? Come on, I'm fine!", he said in frustration.
"You need to rest after what happened to you. It would be best if you also told us what exactly happened.", Stoick asked him.
"Who else survived?", Spitelout asked.
"You're the only one.", Gobber said after Stoick just sat there in silence for a minute.
"Can we get to the Hall and talk? I need some mead.", Spitelout asked them.
They nodded and asked Gothi if it was alright. Reluctantly, the old lady agreed but told them to keep an eye on him, telling Spitelout not to remove his bandage. Spitelout asked them how bad his injuries were as they walked to the Hall. To say that he was shocked that he lost an eye was an understatement. Reaching the Great Hall, they ushered everyone else out except the council. Spitelout drank a mug of mead when they all sat before he began.
"Just as planned, we sailed along the borders of the archipelago and found their ship. It was massive, easily five times the size of our biggest long boats. What astonished us most was that it wasn't out of wood but metal. And not just a part, but the WHOLE ship!", Spitelout told them.
"How's tha' possible?", Gobber asked, actually interested.
"I don't know, but it was faster than our ship. When we entered it, we were greeted by many armed Vikings. None of them moved against us, so I asked who was in command. They told me their lord, "Lord Shadow", assigned them to tax every ship. Then they asked if I was paying or dying. When I asked if I could talk with him, one person answered, telling me to speak or leave. I said that they either leave or die.", Spitelout took a breath and shook his head before speaking again, "The next thing is that he told me that he knows everyone on Berk, even Hiccup. They drew their weapons, and the fight began. After a while of fighting, Phlegma sneaked up on their leader, but he somehow knew that she was there. His sword cut clean through her weapon, and he killed her without hesitation. They beat us, but in the end, only ten survived the fight."
"How many did they lose?", Mulch asked.
"None. Not one of them died.", Spitelout said.
He went to say more, but then he remembered something, 'If I tell them, Berk will not survive.'. Sighing, he spoke again.
"Last thing I knew was that we sailed away when suddenly the other two ships exploded, and I got knocked out.", he finished his story.
There followed a silence in the room. Everyone was thinking about the story they'd been told. It sounded like a made-up story, but the dead bodies and Spitelout#s injury assured them it was real. They all looked at their chief, hoping he would have a plan on what to do. Standing up, he cleared his throat.
"From the looks of it, we can't do anything we haven't done before. Get the scouts back on land. No ship leaves the port without my permission. Dismissed.", Stoick said.
The council left while Gobber, Stoick, and Spitelout stayed back, still talking and drinking. Spitelout learned from the attack against Snotlout and was worried about his son, as every parent would be. Gobber reassured him that other than a hurt pride, he was fine.
(Unknown island in the archipelago)
Two people stood around one table in a tent in the middle of a forest. The first was a massive Viking, even larger than Stoick the Vast, with a helmet sporting very long horns. He has a scar on his right cheek, and he sports black hair and a black beard. He has metal shoulder pads with spikes. He also has a red tunic with a chain-mail vest over it, armbands with metal studs on the left one and metal spikes on the right one, dark gray leather pants, a black belt with bits of bones and skulls, and white leather around the waist and black worn boots. He also carries a sword with the upper part of a scabbard attached to it. It was none other than Alvin the Treacherous, leader of the Outcasts and once a member of the Hooligans before being banished. This led to a lot of hate toward Berk.
The second one has red hair and dark green eyes. He has two tattoos of three lines like claw marks, one across his left eye and the other on his upper right arm. His hair is cut short and sticks up, and he has a short, shaggy beard. He was small but clearly had muscles. He wears a silver chest plate mixed with brown leather. On the front of the plate is the form of a skrill. He's wearing brown pants and brown boots. This Viking was a maniac called Dagur the deranged. Called that for his craziness and hunger for blood.
"Soo... Alvin. Why do you want this alliance?", Dagur asked.
"You want to bring glory to the Berserkers again, ey?", receiving a nod, he continued, "Then you need to be able to take over other tribes. Together, we can do that."
"I could do it without you! My armada of bloodthirsty berserkers is ready for anything!", the crazy one shouted.
"What if every tribe allied themselves against you? What then?", the bigger one said, getting angry now.
"If we do this together, I'll be the ruler of this empire!", Dagur shouted.
"None of you will rule over my empire.", came a voice from the entrance.
Turning to the entrance, they saw a tall man clad in black armor. They couldn't see his face since it was covered by a helmet resembling a dragon. He stood there, arms crossed over his chest. They could see that he had two swords across his back and a knife above his wrist.
"What do you mean your empire?! If anyone will rule over the archipelago, it will be ME!", Dagur shouted, pointing his axe at the stranger.
"Aye, why would we let you rule? We don't even know who ya are.", Alvin asked, reading his sword.
"There are plenty of reasons, but the biggest one is that if you don't step down, you'll have no army to conquer with.", the stranger said.
"What do you mean no army?! I have hundreds of Berserkers ready to fight outside!", Dagur yelled.
"Indeed, there are hundreds of Berserkers. But they are all disarmed and captured. As are the Outcasts.", the armored man told them.
Wasting no time, both chiefs rushed outside, only to stop in shock. All their men have been stripped down from their armor and carried no weapon. On top of it all, behind them stood Vikings, holding them in place. Hearing the sound of wings, they looked up. Their jaws dropped. Above them flew even more dragons while some surrounded the clearing they were in. Turning around, they saw that the stranger stood in front of their tent, and by his side stood a black dragon, looking at them like they were prey.
"You believe me now?", the man asked.
"What do you want?", Dagur asked him.
"Bow down and declare your loyalty to me.", the stranger asked, pulling out one of his swords.
Dagur was about to argue but stopped when he spotted something behind their enemy. Alvin saw it as well and fought hard to keep from grinning. Behind Hiccup and Toothless, Savage, Alvin's second-in-command, was sneaking up on them.
"What do we gain through this?", Alvin asked, trying to keep them distracted.
"I'll let you and your people live.", Hiccup told them. He was smirking behind his mask, seeing that they thought he didn't know about Savage.
"Boooring! We want war and blood!", Dagur said with enthusiasm.
Hiccup was about to reply when he felt Savage was in striking range. Without looking back, he grabbed him by the neck and threw him over his shoulder, making him land in front of him. Putting one foot on the man's chest, he pointed the sword at his throat. Savage held up his hands, showing that he had surrendered.
"Don't take me for a fool. Those who follow me will live in the protection and wealth I bring them. Those who oppose me will grow poor and eventually fall. It's your choice.", Hiccup said, picking Savage up.
Holding him by the front of his shirt, Hiccup pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the shoulder. Waiting two seconds, he pulled the knife out and threw the man toward Alvin.
"I believe this is yours.", Hiccup said.
Savage staggered backward but caught himself before falling. Suddenly nauseated, he stumbled a bit, trying to keep his balance. Coughing, he spat blood onto his hands. His coughing increased, and more blood came out of his mouth and, eventually, his nose.
"W- *cough* - What have you - *cough* - done w-with me?", Savage asked, his voice full of fear and wavering.
"You tried to kill me. Now you'll pay the price.", Hiccup said, his voice cold.
They watched as Savage coughed more before hitting his knees. The man threw up blood before coughing one last time. He dropped to the side, dead and blood still pouring from his nose. Dagur and Alvin were shocked by what happened.
"I thought you wanted blood? Make your choice or face the same fate as him.", Hiccup told them, crossing his arms over his chest.
"The Outcasts are yours to command.", Alvin said, bowing.
"The Berserkers follow your lead.", Dagur said after a few seconds, bowing too.
"Grab your things and prepare to leave. We will stop on your islands, where you will grab everything and every one before we move to my base. When you want to speak with me, you'll address me as 'Sir', 'Lord Shadow', or 'My Lord'. Am I understood?", Hiccup told them.
"Yes, my lord.", they both answered simultaneously.
"Good. We leave in 30 minutes.", Hiccup said, saddling Toothless.
Hiccup watched, satisfied, as his army grew bigger. He knew the other men he sent out would do what he told them, allowing him to start taking Berk. First, their allies will fall, and lastly, they will fall.
Another chapter is done! Let me know what you think, and stay tuned for the next one!