This chapter is a bit of a cliffhanger. The castle is supposed to be like Hogwarts but more dragon-themed. Enjoy I have already started writing the next chapter so you can expect a new update soon.
Stoick stood there, rendered speechless by the sudden and miraculous reappearance of his son, Hiccup. Unsure of how to react, he turned to Gobber, his closest friend, seeking guidance. However, Gobber's face mirrored Stoick's shock, while tears welled up in his eyes.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Stoick couldn't hold back his tears as he gazed upon his son, alive and well, after believing him to be dead just moments ago. An attempt to speak only resulted in an awkward opening and closing of his mouth, the words escaping him.
His dream of reuniting with Hiccup after eight horrible years became a reality. Stoick rushed forward, closing the distance between them in an instant, enveloping Hiccup in a tight embrace. The joy of the moment, however, was interrupted by Hiccup's struggle for breath.
"Uh... can't b-breathe," Hiccup managed to gasp out, prompting Stoick to release his son immediately. That's when he noticed that the royal guards, who had been assigned to protect the Emperor against an unforeseen threat, now had their weapons trained on him.
That's when the explanation hit Fishlegs like a Gronckel raming a Viking, it was so obvious that he just blurted out, "You're the Emperor!"
Fishlegs looked towards Hiccup with eyes filled with awe and happiness. He eagerly waited for the former heir of Berk to respond to his discovery. Hiccup looked at him and when his eyes recognized him, he smirked while answering Fishleg's outburst, "Yes, Fishlegs I am the Emperor of the Draconian Empire."
There were a few gasps and murmurs which ran throughout the group of Vikings. When Hiccup saw the other Berkians looking at the dragons and the guards, with their weapons drawn, he realized he had to make some introductions.
"All right, I think some introductions are in order. You already know Camicazi, Alvin, and Dagur, Oswald the Agreeable's son. And, of course, you've already been introduced to Viggo. In addition to them, the chiefs of the other islands in my empire, a total of eight islands, form the council of the Draconian Empire," Hiccup declared proudly.
Revelling in the moment, he took pleasure in showcasing his achievements to those from his former tribe who had doubted him.
A murmur spread among the Berkians as they absorbed this information, and Hiccup's guards, initially on edge, visibly relaxed. Hiccup continued, addressing his former tribe members with confidence, "I'm willing to aid you in reclaiming Berk and offer shelter on my island until we defeat Grimmel. However, there are conditions, rules I have put in place, which you must follow."
Snotlout, still defiant as ever, couldn't resist a snide comment, "What are these rules exactly, useless?"
A cold blade pressed against his neck, and he turned to see a girl with raven-black hair, her eyes ablaze with hatred.
"Call him that again, I dare you," she seethed. Snotlout audibly gulped, and Hiccup intervened, "Heather, stand down. And the rest of you, too. He's not worth the trouble."
Heather reluctantly backed off and walked back to her brother, Dagur. Hiccup was aware of her protective instincts, she was like his younger sister. The two along with Dagur had an inseparable sibling bond.
As much as he wanted to kill Snotlout, he also knew it would only cause more trouble, than good, so he decided to defuse the situation instead.
"My rules are simple. Since you'll be staying in the castle's accommodation, certain rooms are off-limits without permission. There's a curfew three hours after sunset, and the most crucial rule: you won't harm my people, our livestock, our belongings, or our dragons. You may not have weapons, but if any of these rules are broken, I'll personally deal with you. Am I clear?" Hiccup's gaze made even the toughest Vikings among the Berkians, cower. All they could do was nod in acknowledgement and accept the terms laid out before them.
"All right so now that is out of the way, follow me, I know you all have questions and I will clear all of those once we reach the castle. Stay close, I don't want to go through the trouble of finding one of you if you get lost in the tunnels." Hiccup ordered the Berkians as he turned around climbing up the stairs of the docks which led to the entrance of the underground tunnel systems.
As the Berkians followed Hiccup into the tunnels they walked alongside Dagur, Heather and Camicazi. Alvin and Viggo led the way while talking to Hiccup, who was walking just out of earshot.
Stoick knew that Alvin was against the idea of him staying at the castle, they were enemies after all, and he was trying to convince Hiccup the same as well. As they continued the steep climb, Stoick asked the question he wanted to ask Cammicazi the moment he had seen her on the docks, "Camicazi… could you please explain what in Helheim is going on here?" he half whispered, half shouted.
"Let me give you the abridged version, though Hiccup could tell you the tale in more detail… Hiccup trained Toothless, the Night Fury, and defeated the Queen of Dragons, who was behind the relentless dragon raids. Hiccup, unfortunately, lost a leg during the battle and needed urgent medical attention. Astrid, realizing she couldn't return to Berk, sought help on Bog Island, where my mother played a pivotal role in their recovery. Witnessing the true nature of dragons, my mother decided to join them. Over the subsequent years, the Berserkers and the Outcasts joined our cause, and after a skirmish with the Dragon Hunters, Hiccup persuaded them to change their ways. Making, Viggo one of Hiccup's closest allies. We discovered new islands outside the archipelago, making new alliances until Drago Bludvist, who killed my mother, attacked us. Four years of peace passed, until Grimmel and his Dragon Trappers disrupted that peace, prompting Hiccup to declare war. And that brings us to the present day," Camicazi shared, her smile reflecting the cherished memories made on this extraordinary journey with her newfound family.
"And I am Heather, Dagur's younger sister." said the raven-haired girl.
"Yes, I remember you, you were just born when I had last seen you… Now you look just like your mother." Stoick told the raven-haired girl with a smile.
That was when Ingrid Hofferson asked Camicazi, abruptly, with hope in her heart, "Is Astrid alive, you told us that she brought Hiccup to Bog Island so is she still alive is she here?" Ingrid waited for a response with tears brimming in her eyes.
"Yes, she is alive, and has missed you three very much, especially Anna." Hiccup told the now-crying mother with a warm smile. "She is at the castle it's just a few minutes away, so you can see her then."
Astrid drew in a deep breath, standing beside Stormfly, the anticipation making her nervous. After eight long years, she was about to reunite with her parents. The uncertainty hung heavy in the air, would they be overjoyed at her life's unconventional path, or would disappointment cloud their reunion? Astrid had left Berk, married the love of her life, Hiccup, dedicated herself to dragon training, and had given birth to her nearly four-year-old daughter. Their daughter, a precious embodiment of their love, could now speak fluently in Norse and displayed a mix of her father's intellect and her mother's vibrant personality.
Zephyr, had even taken on the responsibility of training Dart, the Night Fury offspring of Toothless and Stormfly. Zephyr had effortlessly charmed all of Hiccup and Astrid's circle of friends, who willingly indulged her every whim. Her room, perhaps a little too spacious for a child her age, now cradled her in slumber, a testament to the love and abundance that surrounded her in this unconventional but tightly-knit family. As Astrid prepared to face her past, the memories of her journey began to overflow her mind with emotions.
A wave of emotions kept overflowing her mind now and again in recent days…
Exiting the grand steel gates of the palace, Astrid crossed the bridge connecting the colossal stone castle to the cobblestone path leading to the village below. Villagers respectfully bowed as she passed, a gesture she acknowledged with a warm smile and a nod. Spotting familiar faces among the bustling crowd, she approached Mala, Atali, and Eret, who were discussing why an emergency meeting had been called by Hiccup.
As Astrid joined them, all three friends offered a slight bow, and Mala asked her about the whereabouts of Hiccup and Dagur. Astrid quickly briefed them on the situation, sharing the limited information they had, and together they headed toward the town centre.
Amid their brisk walk, Astrid couldn't help but express her lingering concern, asking Mala, Atali, and Eret if they thought her parents would be pleased to see her after eight years away from Berk. The uncertainty reflected in her eyes as she sought reassurance from her most trusted friends.
"Look, Astrid, if your parents truly are like how you described them to us in your childhood stories then you have nothing to fear. And even if they get disappointed, you still have all of us and more importantly, you have Hiccup and Zephyr, your new family." Eret said trying to calm Astrid down.
Astrid rarely told anyone except Hiccup about her feelings or fears. When she did confide with someone else it would always be her closest friends which were, Camicazi, Heather and the other council members. Astrid trusted each one of them deeply, she had changed over the last few years from a cold, untrusting and strong shieldmaiden to a beautiful, sweet, caring and romantic woman who showed her emotions more openly and trusted people a bit more easily.
This was all thanks to Hiccup's effect on her life and she loved him dearly for it. It shocked her sometimes how hard she had fallen for the now strong, handsome and intelligent dork. Her thoughts were broken by Stormly, as she slightly nudged her, hearing her rider's distressed behaviour.
"Thanks, Eret, it means a lot..." Astrid's voice caught, abruptly halting her response as her gaze fixed upon Hiccup and Toothless leading the Berkians towards her.
Stoick the Vast, now bearing signs of weariness with bags under his eyes and contrasting white streaks in his once bright red beard, caught her immediate attention. Gobber, Hiccup's mentor, appeared unchanged from the last time Astrid saw him, a reassuring constant in the ever-changing world. Fishlegs had also matured, boasting added muscle to his frame while retaining a hint of his former self.
The familiar faces of Snotlout and his gang came into view, Dogsbreath seemingly had embraced an even rougher exterior. The twins, mischievous as ever, looked largely unchanged, while Helga seemed happier and, Astrid noted with a chuckle, a touch more attractive, walking closely alongside the now short but physically imposing Snotlout.
Then, her attention shifted to her parents, fatigue evident in the bags under their eyes and the wrinkles etched on their faces, no doubt caused by Astrid's supposed death.
However, her heart was lifted as she spotted her seventeen-year-old sister, Anna, who had blossomed into a beauty akin to Astrid. Clad in spiked shoulder pads reminiscent of Astrid's armour on Berk, Anna wore a red tunic paired with a leather skirt adorned with a central skull, a clear homage to Astrid's distinctive style during her time on Berk. Astrid couldn't help but smile at the sight, a mix of emotions flooding her as she prepared to face her past and reconnect with the people she had once called family.
Astrid felt her heartbeat quicken as the group got closer and her friends and dragon stood behind her as a sign of support.
When the Vikings finally reached where she stood, she heard her father whisper, "A- Astrid?"
Before she could respond to her father, her mother and sister pushed past Hiccup to hug her so tightly that Astrid felt her bones break. She was soon also engulfed by her father, as her mother started weeping against her chest. Astrid felt a pang of guilt as she saw her family's reactions. Not knowing what to say or do she looked over at Hiccup who stood behind her father while sporting a warm smile at the sight before him, happy that her parents were not mad at their daughter, at least not yet…
She took a step backwards, her hand resting on her dragon's head, allowing her to absorb the full view of her family. With a deep breath, Astrid looked at the ground, ready to address the questions she knew were lingering in their minds.
"I know what you're going to say," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "How could I have run away with Hiccup and trained dragons? But I felt at that time it was the best option. I knew if I had stayed or tried to convince you guys, Hiccup and I would have been exiled or killed for befriending dragons. That's why we ran away. But I missed you every day, and I am so happy to see you all again."
Astrid continued while her attempt to hold back tears was evident, "You have every right to be mad at me. After all, I made you assume I was dead, and I know that hurt you. So, shout..."
Her words were cut short as her mother, unable to contain her emotions, embraced her once again. Astrid paused, but before she could continue, her mother reassured her with heartfelt words. "We are not angry, just delighted to see you again. We completely understand why you left, and we are hoping we could hear what you have done in the past few years, besides what Camicazi already told us."
Astrid smiled warmly, a few tears trickling down her face, nodding in gratitude before enveloping her parents and sister in another heartfelt embrace. The weight of years apart began to slowly dissipate as the heartbroken family embraced Astrid.
Astrid then gestured to the purring dragon beside her, "This is my dragon, she's a Light Fury and her name is Stormfly." Astrid told her parents proudly. Anna was the first to react by trying her best to carefully pet the docile dragon.
The Vikings surveyed the village with astonishment, unable to conceal their shock at the sight before them. The houses, now constructed from sturdy stone, were built to resist dragon fire. Intricate inventions, such as pulleys at wells and lanterns lining the pathways, demonstrated a level of innovation that left the Berkians utterly amazed.
The market stalls offered exotic items and meats the Vikings had never seen before, adding to the astonishment of the visitors.
The transformation of their once perceived "runt of an heir" into the emperor of a dragon rider empire was beyond their wildest expectations. The empire, which could be the most advanced and prosperous in the archipelago, spoke volumes about Hiccup's leadership and vision.
It was a stark contrast to what they might have anticipated, especially considering the perceived competence of Snotlout. Hiccup had not only exceeded expectations but had also elevated the Dragon Rider empire to heights that left the Berkians marvelling at the magnitude of his achievements.
"This way, we're almost at the castle. We can all have breakfast there while we answer all your questions," Hiccup declared, his tone inviting but held power. He led the way, flanked by Astrid and their dragons trailing behind. Hiccup wanted to keep the Vikings away from his people, avoiding any potential conflicts.
As they walked, the Vikings couldn't help but notice the many useful inventions scattered throughout the village, all undoubtedly Hiccup's idea.
A wave of shame washed over the Berkians as they realized the magnitude of their mistake, in not giving Hiccup the chance to share his ideas. They had underestimated him, dismissing his potential contributions as "un-Viking-like." Now, surrounded by the clear evidence of Hiccup's innovations, they understood the missed opportunity.
The realization dawned that, had they only listened, Berk might have been the strongest and most advanced island in the Archipelago. The weight of their naivety made them look down in shame as they followed Hiccup to the castle, eager to learn more about the Runaways of Berk…
The villagers, recognizing their Emperor and Empress, respectfully bowed as they passed.
As they crossed the bridge, the view of the castle before them left the Vikings in awe. Crafted from stone, steel, glass, and wood, the castle boasted numerous towers proudly displaying the Empire's flag at their peaks. The structure was strategically positioned around a vibrant green forest, with a prominent ice structure at the centre of the lush green forest. A waterfall cascaded on one side, falling into a deep ravine, that divided the island in two, reaching depths that extended to the sea.
Entering the courtyard in front of the castle gates, the Vikings marvelled at the advanced weapons on the walls. Both humans and dragons stood guard, emphasizing the symbol of peace and strength which they had due to the friendship between Dragons and Vikings.
To the Draconians the castle was a monument of the Empire's strength and power while to their enemies it was a synonym for fear.
Hiccup's design made the castle indestructible, making it nearly impossible to destroy or capture from the outside. Beyond its defensive prowess, the castle served as a haven, large enough to shelter all eight villages under the Draconian Empire's rule in case of dire circumstances. It was stocked with resources, capable of sustaining itself for five years during a siege.
While walking through the castle's corridors, the Vikings couldn't help but marvel at the height of the corridors, the abundance of rooms, and the expansive paintings and riches adorning the walls, the chandeliers, and the bright red carpets lining the floors.
As they reached the vast Dining Hall, gasps escaped the lips of the Vikings. Their amazement was cut short as a tiny auburn-haired girl rushed towards Hiccup, joyfully shouting, "Daddy!"