Hiccup maneuvered out of the blacksmith shop door easily, dodging people as he did so. His mind set on his only goal, which was to escape unnoticed. Only a few more feet until freedom, he thought impatiently. And…
He suddenly felt a rough hand grab the back of his tunic, and he groaned in annoyance, and a little bit of embarrassment as well, as he was lifted clear off of his feet and left dangling in the Viking's hand.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Uh...away?" Hiccup answered. He attempted to twist his body around in a struggle, but to no avail. "Let me go, Ack!"
"Sorry, kid, can't do that. Gobber's orders."
Hiccup sighed in defeat as he was lowered to the ground. To keep him from running, Ack kept a firm hold on his tunic as the big tough Viking led the village weakling back to the shop.
"Hiccup!" Gobber shouted as his apprentice came into view. "Thanks, Ack," he quickly addressed the man, who nodded and let Hiccup go once they were at the door. Hiccup didn't move any further, and when he looked up at his guardian's face, he grimaced when he noticed the man's steady glare.
"I was just going to ask the neighbors if they needed any weapons sharpened," Hiccup tried, but Gobber only shook his head.
"What have I told you about sneaking off like that? Your only job is right here in the shop, and I gave you no permission to leave."
"I know, but-"
"Enough, Hiccup! Now go fetch some more water from the well. And don't try running again! Remember, I've got eyes everywhere." Gobber gestured to the crowd of Vikings waiting for their weapons.
Hiccup bit the first sarcastic remark that popped into his head, and nodded, before grabbing one of the buckets that littered the blackened floor. As he walked out the back door, he noticed one of one of Viggo's guards nailing something into a tall wooden beam.
Hiccup stopped and watched curiously as the guard moved away, and his eyes widened when he saw the poster. The large Viking runes said: 'Who will become the Dragon Warrior?'
"Old Wrinkly is choosing the Dragon Warrior? Today!" he mumbled aloud. Hiccup smiled at the thought. He had to go; it might just be his only chance to witness the heroes in action, as well as possibly meet Astrid. A faint blush warmed his cheeks at the thought of it.
He quickly ducked behind a cart that lay out in the yard as people began to whisper excitedly and head towards the Great Hall. Hiccup set his jaw determinedly as he watched the crowd move. He had to find a way to go without anyone noticing.
Just then, he caught sight of a corner of material that hung out of the cart that he was hiding behind, and he tugged at it. It was a wool blanket, he discovered with a grin. He quickly pulled it out and wrapped it around himself, so that even his head was covered, and without a moment's hesitation, he stood and went on his way.
About an hour later found Hiccup at the bottom of a long flight of stairs, all leading up into the Great Hall. He had had to stay at the back of the crowd, just so that he wouldn't have to take the chance of being seen and recognized by anyone, so by the time he got there, everyone else was already halfway up.
Hiccup took in a deep breath and slowly began his trek, taking it one step at a time. It didn't take long, however, before everyone was behind the Great Hall and through the wooden gate, where the tournament was being held.
He was the only one left, and his legs were beginning to tire. He had no food or water to give him energy, but a single, albeit loud, toot on a horn was heard, and Hiccup dropped the blanket and began to run with renowned vigor, realizing once more why he was there in the first place. He hopped up the steps two at a time, and soon enough, he made it to the top.
He made haste in running around the Great Hall and only stopped when he was a few meters away from the gate's entrance, his hands resting on his knees as he took in great breaths of air. "I did it," he mumbled quietly to himself. "I did-No!"
The previously open gate slammed closed and locked with a loud click.
Old Wrinkly walked out into the center of the large crowd of Vikings as a guard blew the horn.
"This is a historic day," Viggo exclaimed as his old master came to stand beside him.
"And one I feared I would not live to see. Are your students ready?" Old Wrinkly asked calmly.
"Yes."
"Good. Now, Viggo, remember this: Whomever I choose today will not only bring peace of mind to Berk, but to you as well."
Viggo frowned. "What do you-?"
"Let the tournament begin!"