Chapter 3: The Draconian Campsite.
A few hours later, at Berk's campsite, Stoick and the council discuss their plans and look over the map.
"Stoick, perhaps we should stay here a while and then keep exploring." says Spitelout looking at the map. "We have explored everything between our village and here."
"What's past here?" asks Gobber.
"According to the rumours, if you sail North you get to the Icelands, East leads you to rock spires that touch the sky, South leads to the Marshes, and West is where we came from." says Spitelout gesturing the map's corners.
"Is there anything west from our old village?" asks Stoick.
"Not that our explorers have found." says Spitelout. "But even then this map was drawn up in the time Bork the Bold."
"Excuse me chief, but the Hoffersons and other teens are back." says Gustav rushing into the chief's tent.
"Then assemble a boarding party." says Stoick as everyone gathers by the beach.
"Here they come." says Gobber looking ahead.
"I hope you got everything we needed Astrid." says Stoick as the ship hits the beach.
"Of course chief. Some food, and materials for more tents." says Astrid gesturing to the bread and materials. "I think we were followed here, but we lost them."
"Good, as long as we don't have any unexpected trouble." says Stoick. "Set the table and hand out some rations."
After a good night's meal, the people of Berk all go into their tents and rest for the night unaware that 4 pairs of eyes watch from above.
"Bodil, send a letter to the Prince. Tell him he was right." says one of the scouts as another writes a letter.
"Gorm I have sent the letter, do we want to try and set up camp close by or head back to camp?" asks Bodil sending the message to their Prince.
"Perhaps we set up camp. Make sure to have someone stay on Night's watch." says Gorm as they climb down the tree.
The next day, Stoick gets awoken by the sound of a horn going off.
"Who's blowing that damned thing!" shouts Stoick getting out of bed and exiting the tent to see a small fleet of small ships led by a large vessel sitting out at sea all with the same banner.
"Who are they?" asks Gobber looking to Stoick.
"I don't know, hopefully someone who is reasonable." says Stoick as everyone exits their tents.
"Attention people of un-named island. We are a small force tasked to defence and security. Consider us a Royal Envoy from the King himself." says the captain of one of the smaller ships.
"Why are you here?" asks Stoick as a small force of about 12 men disembark the ship.
"Our scouts sent word last night. Our Prince would like to hear what you have say before meeting with his father The King." says the captain.
"Who is your Prince?" asks Stoick. "There are no princes out here, only chiefs and chiefesses."
"You are quite right, our Prince is not from around here. His father sent him on a mission to prove he is worthy of being crowned." says the captain. "Our Prince awaits your arrival back at camp."
"Alright, my wife and myself shall accompany our council to meet with your Prince." says Stoick.
"Very good. Follow the fleet, we will meet again." says the captain as his people sail away.
"Alright, Astrid bring the teens, you lot are the next council of Berk." says Stoick getting nods.
After sailing with the unknown fleet, the ships of Berk see an island covered with tents and surrounded by a large fleet of around 18 ships.
"Welcome to our camp. The Prince awaits your arrival by the fire." says the dockmaster gesturing down the path. "I will have Gudrun guide you to the Prince's fire."
"Where are we?" asks Snotlout looking around. "I've never seen this banner before."
"We usually keep to ourselves, but when we do come out of the shadows we always make an entrance." says Gudrun.
"I remember you, you got into a fight with one of the traders at the Northern Markets." says Astrid.
"Yea, sorry about that... you know what it's like hearing insults and wanting to fight back." says Gudrun passing the guard tents. "May I present to you, Prince Ryder Ridaris, future King of the Isle of Night."
"Please sit." says Ryder gesturing to the logs by the fire. "I told you we would meet again Astrid."
"You know this guy?" asks Gunhild looking at her daughter.
"We met briefly at the Northern Markets when he stepped in to stop Gudrun from killing the trader." says Astrid taking a seat.
"If Gudrun wanted to kill the trader, he would have... I happened to stop the fight at the right time I guess." says Ryder passing some boar legs around the fire.
"Your people said you wanted to meet with us?" asks Stoick.
"Ah yes. My scouts sent me a message last night claiming that I was right." says Ryder. "If I am right, that would mean that your village was destroyed by what you may call raiding dragons. All of which suggests that you're all out here to try and find a new island to settle. Am I close?"
"Pretty spot on actually." says Gobber.
"Good, now seeing as I am prince, I am allowed to give you land. But I will say that my father the King has been keeping up-to-date with all of the news. Bring me a map would you Birger?" says Ryder as a man dressed in a lighter robe comes forward with a map.
"Here you go my Lord." says Birger returning to his tent.
"Thank you, Birger." says Ryder opening the map on a makeshift bench. "Like my people may have told you, we aren't from around here. In fact we come from a land East of here called Draconia. There lies a city of absolute beauty and prowess."
"I don't believe I have ever heard of it." says Fishlegs eagerly looking at the map.
"It makes sense that you wouldn't have." says Ryder pointing to a spot on the map labelled 'Isle of Berk'. "As long as I remember, my father had gifted me the lands of Night when I turned 5. All I had to do was prove I was worthy of being a King and he would give me the crown and ownership of the land."
"Sounds like your father is a great man." says Stoick looking towards Ryder.
"He has always ruled with a just hand, and I intend to follow his ways." says Ryder calling a guard. "Bring forward the Invitation of The Crown."
"Here we are my Prince." says Harald bringing forth a large piece of parchment.
"Thank you Harald." says Ryder as he gestures to the bottom of the parchment. "Now, if you would be kind enough to just sign here, I will take care of the rest of it."
"What is it I must sign?" asks Stoick looking at the parchment.
"It's an invitation for you to go and meet my father the King." says Ryder giving Stoick a quill.
"How long do we have to accept the invitation?" asks Stoick.
"Take as long as you need, our fleet will be returning home shortly for the Coronations." says Ryder getting up from his seat and walking towards his tent. "Have a think about it?"
The flames crackled and danced in the bright morning, the council members of Berk gathered around the campfire in the large Draconian campsite. Stoick the Vast, Valka Haddock, Spitelout Jorgenson, Sven Hofferson, Gunhild Hofferson, Astrid Hofferson, Snotlout Jorgenson, Fishlegs Ingerman, and Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston sat in a circle, their expressions serious and contemplative.
"So, do we want to go along and meet the King then?" asks Sven Hofferson sitting with Stoick. "Perhaps agreeing to meet with this King will allow us to get a better start."
"We must consider the consequences of meeting with the King of Draconia," Stoick rumbled, his voice deep and commanding.
"It could be an opportunity for peace, but it could also be a trap. We must proceed with caution." says Valka nodding thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight.
"We cannot ignore the chance for a peaceful resolution. We owe it to our people to explore all options." says Astrid, with a firm voice.
"I say we go for it! What's the worst that could happen?" says Snotlout letting out a nervous chuckle, the sound echoing in the night.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut exchanged mischievous grins, their laughter ringing out through the campsite like a chorus of bells. As the council members continued to debate, the wind hummed through the trees, adding a haunting soundtrack to their deliberations. The decision weighed heavy on their shoulders, knowing that the fate of Berk could hang in the balance.
"I'm going to sign it. What's the worst thing that could happen?" says Stoick signing his name on the paper.
At the same time, Ryder and Harald sit at the table inside the Royal Tent.
"Do you think they'll go for it my Prince?" asks Harald.
"Only one way to find out." says Ryder exiting the tent, walking towards the fire. "Have you made a decision?"
"We have." says Stoick giving Ryder the quill.
"Good, Bodil will make sure the King receives this letter." says Ryder as Bodil takes the letter and sends it to the King. "In the meantime perhaps I can interest you in a walk?"
"Thank you for offering, that is a most gracious offer." says Fishlegs looking around at the group. "At least we might be able to learn more about these Draconians?"
"Good point Fishlegs." says Stoick getting up from the campfire.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the rugged landscape as the council of Berk gathered at the entrance of the Draconian campsite. Stoick the Vast, Valka Haddock, Spitelout Jorgenson, Sven and Gunhild Hofferson, Astrid Hofferson, Snotlout Jorgenson, Fishlegs Ingerman, and the mischievous twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston stood ready, awaiting Prince Ryder Ridaris' lead.
"Let's head out and see what we can learn about our new neighbours," Prince Ryder declared, taking confident strides forward.
The group followed, their footsteps crunching on the gravel path as they ventured deeper into the camp. The air was filled with the sounds of dragons flapping their wings and the low murmur of Draconians going about their daily tasks. As they walked, Valka couldn't help but marvel at the intricate carvings on the wooden structures that made up the camp. She ran her fingers over the smooth lines, tracing the images of dragons and warriors locked in battle.
Snotlout let out a low whistle as a group of young Draconians raced past them, their laughter echoing through the camp. "Looks like they know how to have fun," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Suddenly, a loud clatter broke through the air, making the group stop in their tracks. They turned to see Gudrun, a fierce Draconian warrior, practicing with her sword against a wooden dummy, her movements swift and precise.
"Hmm," Stoick grunted, nodding in approval. "Impressive skills they have."
As they continued their walk, they passed by a group of Draconian elders gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and wisdom. Their deep, rumbling voices filled the air, mixing with the crackling of the fire.
Prince Ryder approached the elders, bowing respectfully. "We come seeking knowledge and understanding," he said, his voice firm.
One of the elders, a wise old Draconian named Harald, nodded in acknowledgment. "You show respect, young prince. Come, sit and listen," he rumbled.
The council of Berk settled around the fire, listening intently as the elders began to recount tales of ancient battles and legendary dragons. The flames danced hypnotically, casting flickering shadows on their faces. As the night wore on, the council of Berk found themselves enraptured by the stories, their minds opening to a world of history and tradition they had never known. And in that moment, as laughter, screams, moans, and hums filled the air, a bond began to form between two worlds, united in their quest for knowledge and understanding.