Chapter 2: The Northern Markets.
Eleven years after Astrid and her classmates had learnt what happened to their ex-heir Hiccup, they have been trying to remind everyone around the village by building shrines, and fixing the place up as if he was expected to return.
The first 5 years, the kids had started drawing plans for village upgrades to present to Stoick. Of course Stoick understood why they were doing it, so he allowed them to do as they saw fit. The sixth year, was spent upgrading some of the village buildings like the Great hall, Forge, and Docks; which drew many people to Berk's waters. The seventh year was quite different as the dragon raids had died down much more, making some think that the dragons were going to start leaving them alone. The eighth year was spent building more houses along the forest and shoreline of Berk as their population had grown. The ninth year, Berk had started receiving letters from nearby tribes calling for aid, which Chief Stoick was happy to oblige. The tenth year was the start of a great alliance forged between the tribes of Berserker, Outcast, Meadhead, and Bog; with monthly meetings being held at each village. The eleventh year was spent building stronger ships to make traveling easier, with each village owning a large fleet of these new vessels, they were now exploring past the fog that blocked previous sailors from exploring further.
In the heart of Berk's dense forest, Astrid Hofferson prowled through the shadows, her keen eyes scanning the undergrowth for any sign of the elusive dragons that had ravaged their village. The faintest rustle of leaves caught her attention, and she froze, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her axe. Suddenly, a low, ominous growl pierced the night air, sending a shiver down her spine. Astrid's heart raced as she searched for the source of the sound, her senses on high alert. And then, through the darkness, she saw it – a Deadly Nadder, its scales glinting in the moonlight as it prowled through the trees. Without a second thought, Astrid stepped forward, her gaze locked with the dragon's. She knew she had to act fast if she wanted to tame this magnificent beast. With a steady hand and a calm voice, she began to speak to the Nadder, using the soothing tones she had learned from her time spent with dragons. The Nadder's response was a series of cautious clicks and whistles, its eyes watching her every move. Astrid inched closer, her breath caught in her throat, until finally, with a triumphant cry, she reached out and touched the dragon's snout. And in that moment, the forest echoed with the sounds of victory – the Nadder's joyous roar mingling with Astrid's triumphant laughter.
The great hall of Berk buzzed with tension as Chief Stoick stood at the centre of the room, his gaze sweeping across the assembled chiefs from the Meadhead, Bog Burglars, Berserkers, and Outcasts tribes.
"We must sail past the fog to secure new resources and ensure the survival of Berk." says Stoick as his deep voice booms through the hall.
A low murmur of agreement rose from the gathered chiefs, each eyeing the fog with apprehension. Chieftess Bertha of the Bog tribe shifted uneasily in her seat, her fingers tapping nervously on the armrest. The Berserker Chief Dagur's eyes gleamed with an intensity that bordered on madness, eager for the challenge ahead.
"Sailing into the unknown? That's a death wish, Stoick." Says Chief Alvin of the Outcasts.
"We must trust in each other and in the strength of our alliances to brave this journey together." says Valka, Stoick's wife, stepping forward, her presence commanding attention. She spoke softly but with conviction,
"We have faced greater dangers before. We can overcome this too." says Astrid, her confidence unwavering.
The hall fell silent, the weight of their decision hanging in the air. Then, a resounding cheer erupted, echoing off the walls of the great hall. The sound of unity rang through the room, a promise of a challenging but hopeful future ahead.
"Alright then, everyone to the ships." says Stoick looking at the other council members. "People of Berk pack what you have left, and assist those that you can."
As the last of the villagers boarded the ships at the docks of Berk, Stoick 'the Vast' Haddock watched with a heavy heart. The once vibrant village now laid in ruins, a testament to the battles fought and the sacrifices made. Valka Haddock stood beside him, her hand gripping his tightly as they surveyed the destruction.
"Sails up, we need to set course towards the Northern Markets," Stoick called out, his voice filled with determination.
The ships slowly began to move, the creaking of wood and the flapping of sails echoing through the air. The villagers huddled together, their faces a mix of fear and hope for the future. Spitelout Jorgenson barked orders, ensuring everyone was settled in for the journey ahead. All the chiefs gathered around a map, planning their route to the nearby islands where they would set up a temporary camp. Dagur of Berserker, Bertha of Bog, Mogadon of Meadhead, and Alvin of Outcast conferred, their voices low but determined. Amidst the chaos, Snotlout Jorgenson cracked a joke, his laughter cutting through the tension. Fishlegs Ingerman hummed a soothing tune, trying to calm the nerves of his fellow villagers. Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston made mischief, their voices blending into a chorus of mayhem. The ships sailed out into the open waters, leaving behind the remnants of Berk and heading towards an uncertain future.
"Why'd this have to happen to us?" asks Astrid sailing further from Berk's remains.
"I'm sure things will get better." says Astrid's mother Gunhild Hofferson looking back at Berk. "Perhaps we'll find somewhere better."
"Things can always get better Astrid, just keep a steady eye on the horizon." says Astrid's father Sven Hofferson.
"Astrid I just wanted to say, I am truly sorry for what happened to Berk... nobody should have to go through that." says Camicazi, heir to Bog Isles. "What happened to your dragon?"
"She will meet us at the Northern Markets." says Astrid as her parents leave and help sail the ship.
As the ships separate to their independent villages, the ships of Berk carry on their voyage towards the Northern Markets.
Meanwhile at Draconia's Royal Palace.
After a few more years of training and development, Draconia becomes a jewel to all who visit. Currently the Princes Ryder and Valentine are on their way to their father the King for their Princely Duties.
"Father, you wished to see us?" asks Ryder entering the Throne Room.
"Ah my sons." says the King standing from his throne. "Yes I wanted to see you so I would be able to pass along a new mission for the both of you to manage."
"Of course Father." says Prince Valentine.
"Very well. Valentine, I am sending you to oversee the training of the new recruits for the Dragoncorps." says King Ragnar looking at his sons. "And Prince Ryder, I am sending you towards the Fog wall that separates us from the Meridian of Misery. You will be accompanied by a small force of warriors, you remember Lord Commander Harald and Bjorn don't you?"
"Yes, they are the reason I am standing here today." says Prince Ryder with his cane on the ground.
"They will accompany you on your mission. They will also supply you with a legion of Dragoncorps warriors." says King Ragnar as a legion of troops enter the hall. "I expect to hear from you when you arrive at the Northern Markets."
A few days later, at the Northern Markets.
The Northern Markets, known for the stalls, traders, and items that people bring along. On this particular day, Draconian Soldiers arrive under the guise of simple mapmakers, setting up camp in the forests by the Eastern shoreline away from prying eyes.
"Alright, Lord Commander Harald. Send some men into town to act as simple traders." says Ryder dressed in a dark cloak with the emblem of Draconia on the left soldier pad.
"Of course sir." says Harald taking some men into town.
"And Bjorn, perhaps have some men wandering the perimeter to keep an eye on the people." says Ryder sitting in his makeshift chair.
"Of course sir." says Bjorn gathering some men.
Meanwhile on a nearby island of the Northern Markets.
For the past few days, Berk has set up a campsite on a decent sized island.
"Alright then, seems we are short on food, and materials to build more tents." says Stoick writing a list. "Think you can handle this Astrid?"
"Of course chief." says Astrid getting on a ship with her parents, and the other teens. "If we find anything else we'll bring it back here."
"Good, set sail captain. To the Northern Markets." says Stoick watching the ship sail towards the markets.
Shortly after, one of Berk's ships arrive at the Northern Markets.
"Welcome to the Northern Markets, how may I assist you today?" asks the Dockmaster.
"We're just here to do some trading." says Astrid hopping off the ship.
"Of course. Well let me know if you need a hand at all." says the dockmaster walking back towards the markets.
After getting off the ship, Berk's traders explore the Northern Markets looking for what they need.
"Alright We will gather some food for Berk if you can gather the materials for more tents?" asks Astrid gesturing to the teens.
"Of course Astrid, see you back at the ships." says Sven Hofferson as he and his wife trade for materials.
"Alright Astrid, what do we need to look for?" asks Snotlout looking around the markets.
"Well, Stoick did say we short on food, so maybe look for a bakery, or herbalist." says Fishlegs looking around seeing a building built of stone with a wood and steel door. "Hm, must be the tavern."
After finding the Bakery, and Herbalist stalls, the group then continue back to the docks stranger in a strange outfit.
In the bustling town centre of the Northern Markets, Trader Johann stumbled through the crowd, his steps unsteady from the ale he'd consumed. Unbeknownst to him, a figure cloaked in the guise of a trader followed closely behind, Draconian Soldier Gudrun blending seamlessly into the hustle and bustle. As Johann's raucous laughter echoed through the marketplace, he veered dangerously close to Gudrun. The soldier's jaw clenched as he overheard the slurred insults directed at him, the words hitting deeper than blades could. Ignoring the burning urge to retaliate, Gudrun's hand tightened around the concealed blade at his waist. Johann's tirade continued, drawing the attention of the crowd that had gathered around them, their murmurs and whispers adding to the tension in the air. Gudrun's eyes narrowed, a storm brewing beneath his calm façade. Finally, unable to bear the humiliation any longer, Gudrun's restraint shattered like glass. With a primal roar, he lunged towards Johann, the clash of steel ringing out above the screams and gasps of the onlookers. The fight that ensued was a whirlwind of steel and fury, the two adversaries locked in a deadly dance amidst the chaos of the marketplace.
"Hey! What's happening here?" yells another strange figure in a strange outfit.
"I'm sorry Prince Ryder, but this trader was insulting the brand of which we fight." says Gudrun holding an armbrace on his arm.
"Get up." says Prince Ryder helping Gudrun on his feet. "Back to your duties everyone."
After the show that just happened, everyone walks back to what they were doing except for the people of Berk.
"May I help you with something?" asks Ryder looking at the Berkian Traders.
"Oh, sorry. We just saw what happened and are too shocked to move." says Snotlout. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone fight like that before."
"Probably because we aren't from these parts." says Ryder moving his out. "The name is Ryder Ridaris."
"Astrid Hofferson, pleased to meet you." says Astrid shaking hands with Ryder. "So if you're not from around here, why are you here?"
"I could ask the same of you." says Ryder.
"My village was destroyed in the dragon raids we were getting, too much damage, not enough time to rebuild. So our chief sent us outside the Fog to find a new home, but with no luck so we chose to camp on a nearby island for the meantime." says Astrid. "I told you, now you tell me."
"You are a persistent one." says Ryder. "We've been camping nearby for about a week now. Where I come from dragons don't usually interfere with any of the townspeople."
"My Prince we should be getting back to camp." says one of the other men.
"Of course, take Gudrun back to camp." says Ryder gesturing the forest. "I'll be there shortly. Was nice to meet you Astrid."
After the the people of Berk head back to camp, Ryder pulls Bjorn aside.
"Send a ship to follow them. There's something strangely familiar about them. And Astrid, something's not right." says Prince Ryder as the Draconian forces do the same.
"Of course My Prince." says Bjorn running back to camp.