Let the games begin
It's been a week since I arrived here in Rome and I have to say I was impressed with what I found out about this city and all of the achievements that the Romans have achieved over the generations. Their architecture was absolutely breath taking, their products were incredible, their inventions were astounding and their books on their history kept me busy for a while. I had to say they had some inventions that we could've really used back on Berk and I'm not just talking about their weaponry. There was just so much to study and learn here in Rome. I have been mostly enjoying Rome's libraries so much so that the librarians now greet me by name and ask what I'm looking for on that day. All of this was absolutely amazing and gave me so many ideas so when I get home I have a lot of building to do. There were of course some of the more disgusting parts of Rome I've explored like the slave market or the man-made tunnels which run underneath Rome which they have named the sewers. Of course, the sewers weren't all that bad considering when I decided to check them out I spent the day down there and walked out with a ton of money and jewelry which people may have accidently dropped down their latrines. Now to some people the smell of the sewers would be unbearable but to me it really wasn't that bad compared since I grew up working closely to Gobber so to me the sewers smelt like a warm batch of freshly made bread. I was able to enjoy buying some things in the Roman market after selling some stuff from the house, which allowed me to build my own forge next to the house and turn one of the guest rooms upstairs into a small library while the other became my portal room.
As for the inventions the Romans have invented that I copied down in my notebooks as ideas for my island there was so much like the aqueducts, Roman concrete, highways, new surgical tools, grid-based layouts and a way to curve the coldness of winter in their homes. I even met the grandson of an inventor who created a way to make glass that doesn't break but dents. Apparently, the former emperor had his grandfather executed because he feared what it would do to the economy but what he didn't know was that he left the recipe to his family who has kept it safe for years. He was happy to give me the recipe after I promised never to share it with any other human being since they would no doubt come after him and his family. They're greatest creation however was something that both impressed me but also horrified and disgusted me. The coliseum was an architectural marvel since it could hold so many people and had two subterranean levels called hypogeum where they kept the wild animals. Before the hypogeum was built however the romans were able to fill the coliseum with water allowing for ships to be used in the coliseum's entertainment. However, the coliseums entertainment is what disgusted me. They had people fight either each other or wild animals to the death for the entertainment of the masses. I admit as a Viking I enjoy a bit of combat but I've never enjoyed watching others kill each other let alone being fed to wild animals just to bring a little enjoyment to some people. It was disgusting in my opinion but I'm just one man so there really wasn't anything I could do about it since nearly all of Rome loves the bloodshed.
Presently I was walking through the city of Rome with both my dragons at my side and Nylene walking in front of us. People would often look and point before they began to whisper but they never did anything. The first time I did this more than a few people tried to approach us but a simple glare or growl from any of my friends was more than enough to make them back off. It was like this now and I liked it since it allowed me some peace when I was in the city. There was of course the occasional child who walked up to me and asked if they could pet one of my animals. I always answered yes and, in some cases, allowed them a short ride on one of my dragon's backs before they had to get back to their parents who always looked at me with gratitude for what I assume was being nice to their children or in some of the mother's cases they gave me a look which I don't know what they meant but it made me a bit nervous.
Today I planned to spend my day taking in the different forms of entertainment that Rome offered while also taking in the designs for the building they take place in. Right now, I was on my way to check out what Caesar called one of Rome's greatest forms of entertainment, which took place in the circus. He told me it was one of the most impressive things to witness in Rome and was one of Rome's most popular pass times which was known as chariot racing. I had seen the circus on some of my walks around the city and I admit it was definitely an amazing piece of architecture next to the coliseum, which was unfortunately closed till late afternoon. I showed the guards at the entrance the amulet and they let us right through after giving me directions to my seat which overlooked the entire circus and was in a private podium where I could enjoy the view without anyone bothering me. It also came with a bowl of fruits to enjoy with the show.
I sat down comfortably in the throne with cushion that was in the podium while my dragons and Nylene got comfortable lying around the seat. I made sure we were all comfortable in our positions before looking down over the balcony to see what was happening. I saw a large track going around the entire circus with what I assume was turning posts. It was then men in decorated chariots being pulled by three horses made their way to twelve small gates. I knew this was a sign that the race would be beginning soon so I sat back down and got myself comfortable for the show. I noticed that each of the chariot's horses wore different colored featherhead dresses which matched the color of the chariot they pulled so the ones watching would have an easier time telling the difference between the racers since some of them had bets on who would win out of the five of present racers. The colors that were racing were blue, yellow, green, purple and white. I have to say though from what I could tell the Roman chariots could have used a bit of work though since they looked poorly built and rather flimsy to be honest. It was then a bald man in a white toga walked out onto the field and said.
"MY FELLOW ROMANS! WELCOME TO TODAYS CHARIOT RACE! I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THE SHOW AND DIDN'T BET TOO MUCH MONEY BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW HOW THESE RACES MIGHT GO! GOODLUCK TO OUR RACERS IN WINNING THE WREATH OF VICTORY AND A BAG OF GOLD!" He walked over to the sidebefore he held out a piece of cloth. "NOW WITHOUT FURTHER ADO LET THE RACE BEGIN!" He dropped the piece of cloth and the race began as everyone began cheering for the racers.
I cheered along with the crowd in excitement as the racers sped down the track. I watched as the racer who raced the chariot with the blue chariot take an early lead speeding past the others. His lead didn't last long however since the one racing yellow sped up quickly and came up right next to him on his left right side. I saw the one racing yellow begin to ram into the blues chariot trying to force him into the wall but everyone kept cheering at this. It was at that moment one of blues left chariot wheel came off making his chariot flip onto its side and throwing the racer right into the wall. This accident proved my earlier assumptions on the craftsmanship of the chariots to be accurate. It was then that they reached the first turn but unfortunately for the yellow racer he was going too fast. As he tried to turn his entire wagon flipped over completely and went tumbling down to the side with the driver while the horses ran off. It wasn't a nice sight to view since the racer looked pretty badly injured. There were now only three racers left to completer the race who were cracking their whips constantly to try to get their horses to go faster but the sound of their whips was drowned out by the screams of the crowd. Purple and green were now fighting for the lead while white wasn't far behind. Purple was slamming into green while green was focusing on trying to steer away from his opponent. Unfortunately for him he was so focused on his opponent that he didn't notice how close he was to the wall, which resulted in his chariot smashing into it along with the wheel, causing him to not only lose his chariot but also go flying into the wall, which I'm more than positive, left him with a few broken bones. It was all down to whit and purple now with purple in the lead but white was right on his tail. It didn't take long for them to be neck-to-neck and bashing into each other's chariots. I stood up and looked out over the balcony as they approached the finish line wondering who would come out on top. It was then purples left wheel snapped off and his chariots left side collapsed dragging it for a few moments before the chariots bridles hold on the horses snapped causing the chariot to spin out of control leaving white the winner. The cheers from the crowd were deafening as white came to a stop at the front allowing the racer to hop off. After that he accepted the bag of gold and the wreath before he left.
I walked out of the circus and I have to say I was rather impressed with what I saw. It did however look incredibly painful for the racers if the way some of their limbs were bending in ways they don't was any indication. However, I'm guessing seeing the racers receive such severe injuries was entertaining for the viewers since their cheering became far louder when one of the racers crashed. Other than the injuries I witnessed the racers receiving I found it to be rather exciting and I hoped I'd be able to take part in it at some point. I just hoped my race wouldn't be as painful but I was definitely going to make my own chariot and make sure it's a whole lot stronger than those weak ones that I saw the racers using so there'd be less chance of me receiving serious injury. I figured I would take in a show at the Roman Theatre before going to the bathhouse to see why it was so enjoyed. I admit I enjoyed a good bath but I wouldn't waist my day there. As we made our way through the city I couldn't help but wonder what they were performing at the theatre today. Would it be a tragedy, comedy, farces or perhaps pantomimes. The only way to find out was to go and see for myself but I did hope it was something good.
4 hours later
We were now on our way to the bath house after an interesting time at the theater which turned out to be showing a comedy which to be honest I didn't think was that funny but I did enjoy taking in the culture. Toothless, Heatwave and Nylene on the other hand slept through the entire thing and I couldn't blame them since they didn't know what was happening and to be honest half the time neither did I. As we walked by many of the people as always took notice of us and began pointing but there was something different about the way they were looking at us. I then realized the coliseums latest battle just finished so they were probably wondering what it would be like for us to be the ones fighting in the coliseum. I hoped the day we fought in there would never come but with how my life is I knew it might come one day and I was not going to like it.
When we arrived at the bathhouse I showed them the amulet and I was given access to the private baths, which I am grateful for since if I used the public baths then I would be bathing with a lot of other naked males and that would be incredibly uncomfortable but in a private bath there would be far less people. The man at the entrance told me how to get to the private changing rooms so I could take off my armor and get ready for a bath. As I walked down the hallway I couldn't help but admire the mosaics on the floor, which were created to resemble the ocean with dolphins swimming in them. I wondered if I could get a mosaic artist to come to my island and do some work for me since I wouldn't mind having a bit of this type of artwork decorating my home.
The changing room was a large room with large shelves built into the wall for people to put their clothes and after checking out the other shelves I saw that there wasn't anybody else here taking a bath yet so I didn't have that much to worry about when it came to seeing any naked elders. After I took off my armor I made my way to the first bath, which was called the tepidarium, which was a warm bath. The room that this bath was in was large enough to fit I would say around twenty people with smooth white and black tiled floors and white walls and white pillars holding up the ceiling. As for the bath itself it was square shaped, had a fountain shaped like a lion bath against the wall where the water came out of its mouth and into the water, two small windows at the top of the wall letting light in and the bath was big enough to fit at least fifteen people. I slowly got into the water and sighed in bliss at the feeling of the warm water coming in contact with my skin. I laid back at the edge of the bath and watched as Toothless joined me in the water while crooning in bliss at the feeling. Heatwave and Nylene just lay at the waters edge since they weren't big fans of the water. Toothless swam towards me and lay down next to me before resting his head on the floor at the edge of the bath. I rubbed his head as I looked up at the ceiling and said.
"We've got a whole lot of building to do when we get home."
It was true we did have a lot of new stuff to build when we got home since being in Rome has given me so many new ideas for my island. I was planning on building a lot of new stuff on my island like maybe my own coliseum but instead of fights I would use it to train my dragons and since the one I was planning to build could be filled with water for tidal classes. Maybe build a few drinking fountains or one for my pool to make it look a little nicer. I was definitely going to replace all my glass windows with that stronger glass I learnt how to make and redoing the paths since they're always broken down so easily at home. I knew that when I got home I had a whole lot of work to do. It was then my mind began to wonder back to those two jewel statues I received from the Egyptian gods which were meant to grant me the power of the sun. I just couldn't help but wonder what that meant but maybe it meant I had to somehow focus the suns light into the statue of Sehkmet while she was facing Ra. I was already drawing up plans for a way to focus the light in my head. I shook my head as I realized I had been soaking in the water for an hour now so I got out with Toothless following me out. After that I walked into a steaming hot room with multiple large steps to sit on as you let the steam make you sweat all the impurities out of your skin. I sat down on one of the large steps as my dragons and Nylene waited outside. As I sat there I looked around seeing the tops of the steps were made of white marble and the floor had the same tiles as the other room. I sat there for ten minutes before leaving for the cold bath where I could wash all the sweat off. As I exited the room I grabbed a towel meant for the guest and wrapped it around my waist before leaving with my dragons and Nylene in toe. We were close to the cold bath when a woman who I recognized as a slave due to her poor clothing stopped me. She bowed to me before asking.
"Would you like to have the sweat and filth scraped off you sir?"
I heard of this from Caesar when I asked him about the bathhouses of the city. When a person is done sweating in the hot room a servant would then rub perfumes onto your body before using a small, curved, metal tool called a strigil to scrape it off along with the sweat and dirt on your body. I simply nodded before she had me sit down and began rubbing perfumes on my skin. I allowed her to do this for half an hour before she was done allowing me to go to the cold bath. This baths room was rather large as was the bath, which was more like a pool that rested in the center of the room surrounded by large marble pillars. The floor was mad up of white tiles while the walls had an incredible mosaic on the bottom half while the top half had amazing wall paintings. Toothless and me hopped into the water without hesitation and swam in the nice cool waters for an hour before we got out and left the bath house since Caesar had invited us to another banquet tonight for some nobles and we needed to get ready.
Nightfall
Me, my dragons and Nylene were once again in the same room that I foiled coup in except this time there wasn't any trouble brewing as far as I could tell. I was wearing the same thing I wore at the first banquet standing with Toothless and Heatwave at either side while Nylene was laying behind me with her neck coming around my side allowing me to pet her head with one hand and holding a goblet of wine in the other. I took a sip of my wine before noticing a man wearing a pure white toga meaning he was a candidate for office approaching me, he also had brown hair that had been pulled back into a small ponytail, a small beard and a smile that I didn't like because it reminded me of the smile Snotlout got before he beat me up. I kept my guard up as he walked up to me and said.
"Hello Hiccup or is it Hercules?"
"Hiccup will do and you are?"
"I am Atticus and I wish to ask a favor of you."
"What is it you want?"
"I have heard many a tale of your great deeds in Greece and your many battles however I doubt the tales compare to seeing the real thing."
"Okay so what does this have to do with this favor?"
"Straight to the point I see. Very well then! I wish for you to fight a gladiator in the coliseum." I cocked an eyebrow.
"You're joking right?"
"I assure you I'm not. You see I own the coliseums champion gladiator who has remained undefeated in the last ten fights he's been in and I was hoping to test his strength against yours."
"Why?"
"As his owner I want to make sure he doesn't get too arrogant with all his victories and if you lose you would at least prove to be a challenge for him."
"And why should I do this?"
"If you do it will raise your status here in Rome and of course impress the woman of Rome. You might even impress some enough to find yourself a good wife."
"No thanks. I don't enjoy fighting and I'm not looking for a wife at this time of my life."
"Then perhaps I could interest you with another reward."
"What do you think could interest me?"
"Should you go up against my gladiator you will be paid handsomely with a large chest of gold and should you win against him I will add on another reward."
"What would this other reward be?"
"I will allow you to enjoy the company of three of my finest female slaves for the remainder of your stay here in Rome." To say I was disgusted was an understatement but I could see he wasn't going to budge.
"I'll take the gold but keep the girls." He gave a huge smile.
"Very good then. How does the afternoon in six days suit you?"
"I can do it then." He nodded before walking away as I stood there staring into my wine and asked.
"What have I gotten myself into?"
2 hours later
We had just arrived home and boy was I happy to finally get away from those nobles since they're so much like Snotlout except they smelt better and didn't yell out their names. I gave both Toothless and Heatwave a pat on the head, as they lay down to sleep in the atrium as Nylene followed me upstairs. Nylene always slept outside in the hall across from my room, which I'm guessing is just her way of looking out for me by guarding my door I suppose. As I walked into my room I let out a sigh and said.
"I swear those nobles are worse than the Jorgensons" It was then a voice replied.
"Yeah they can be a pretty snooty lot." My head snapped up as I readied my sword at my side.
"Who's there?" The torch on my wall lit up revealing someone who I instantly recognized laying back on my kline. "Hermes! So what do I owe the pleasure of your company oh messenger of the Gods?" He stood up.
"Oh, nothing much just came by to see how things are going since I heard you got the Egyptian gods blessings and a new place here in Rome."
"Yeah though I really wish you gods would test me without endangering my life."
"Now where's the fun in that for us and the experience for you?"
"True! Now not that I don't like small talk but why are you really here?"
"Just making a delivery for your big fight tomorrow." He reached into his satchel at his side and pulled out a large glowing item that never stopped glowing before holding it out to me. "Hephaestus told me to deliver this star to you so you could forge a new sword for your fight in the coliseum. Says you're going to need if what he's heard about that gladiator is true." I took the star and looked down at it before looking back to Hermes.
"Thanks but in order to forge this I'll need my-"Hermes cut me off by reaching into his bag.
"Forge hammer which can be used to forge things out of stars?" He pulled out the same hammer I used to make the arm brace for Atlas.
"How did you get this?"
"I stopped by your place on the way here. Love what you did to the place by the way." I took the hammer from his outstretched hand.
"Thanks Hermes but it'll still take a lot of time to draw up plans for the sword."
"No need to do that! Hephaestus sent me to pass something on to you." He pulled out a scroll from his satchel and handed it to me before I unrolled it.
"For a good time find Calypso on- "Hermes took the scroll back blushing.
"Sorry wrong scroll." I smirked at him.
"You sly dog."
"Yeah don't tell anyone else about that." He then pulled out another scroll before handing it to me. "Well I think this is the right one." I unrolled it before seeing a bright light and then darkness.
Morning
I woke up to the feeling of Nylene pushing her head against my face before I turned to her and smiled. I sat up and found myself on my kline before the mother of all headaches hit me. I leaned forward in pain grasping my head before I saw what to do to the star to turn it into the sword I'd need. A sword to bring down even the mightiest of beasts, a sword that could cut through even the thickest stone like a hot knife through butter, a sword that was fit for the gods! I shook my head knowing I shouldn't let stuff like that go to my head or I'll turn into Snotlout. I laughed at myself for thinking I would ever turn into that mutton headed idiot. I then realized my hammer and the star weren't here but figured I'd find them after I had fed everyone since I know how they can get when hungry. Later that day I found both items waiting for me in my forge allowing me to get to work.
4 days later
I was in my forge putting the finishing touches on the blade I had made from a star. I had spent two days pounding at the star to try and shape it into what I desired before spending another two carving into it the intricate designs on the handle and blade. To others the sword would look to be made out of the cleanest and brightest silver ever constructed as it shone so brightly that it might actually able to blind an opponent with its light. As for the designs of the sword the hilt of the sword had a simple design with the image of two serpents wrapping intertwining around each other before meeting at the top, the pommel of the blade had the image of a eight-pointed star and the blade had the image of a Nightfury from the side at the bottom blasting a plasma blast which turned into an intricate weaving going to the tip. All in all, I believed the sword to be a true work of art and was definitely going to come in handy later in life since I often have the problem of being attacked by untamable beasts that want to kill me. I decided it was time to take this sword out for a test so I walked outside to a nearby boulder and struck it with the sword. I felt the blade go through the boulder but didn't see any damage when I pulled away until the top half just slipped off revealing a smooth cut. I looked down at the sword in amazement before I heard clapping behind me. I turned around and saw what looked to be an elderly man applauding me but I knew this old man from before and knew he wasn't just any old man. I looked at him and smiled before saying.
"It's been a while Zeus. To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from the king of Olympus here in Rome?" He chuckled as he walked up to me.
"I was curious about what designs Hephaestus had Hermes give you and came to see for myself and if you are concerned about my presence causing a fight with the Roman Gods then don't be since we are the same gods but while in Rome we go by different names like while here the name you should refer to me as is Jupiter." I nodded before I held out the sword to him before he took it and turned it in his hands. "A true work of art this sword and an incredibly powerful weapon in the hands of its wielder. You forged it well Hiccup."
"Thank you, Jupiter, but I don't intend to use it that often."
"Why not exactly?"
"I guess I just feel like I won't be earning the victory's if I always use that sword."
"You are truly a humble man Hiccup Haddock and rest assured Hephaestus will come and place the finishing touches on the blade."
"What finishing touches?" He handed the sword back to me.
"You will know tonight but until then I recommend you train with it for your fight against the beast of the coliseum."
"Jupiter, I doubt the gladiator is powerful enough to be called a beast." He chuckled at me.
"I never said it was the gladiator who was the beast." I looked up from my sword and asked.
"What do you mean?" Only to see nobody there before I shook my head. "I hate it when they do that."
Nightfall
I spent my entire day practicing with my new sword while my dragons and Nylene watched me but when the sun went down I decided it was time to rest. As I made my way to my house I noticed that there was a light coming from my forge so I went to investigate. In the forge I saw my old friend Aetes or as I now know him Hephaestus standing by the anvil smiling at me. He walked up to me and said.
"It's been a while Hiccup."
"That it has old friend."
"Jupiter told me you'd be coming by to put the finishing touches on my new sword. I take it that's why you're here."
"That I am Hiccup. Now let me take a look at the beauty." I gave him the sword, which he turned in his hand as he hummed in approval before looking up at me. "See your skills in blacksmithing have only improved since we last met."
"You really think so?"
"Hiccup I'm the blacksmith of the gods so believe me when I say that this is a masterpiece and will only be improved after a few quick additions." I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"And what would these additions be exactly?" He chuckled.
"I'll tell you when I'm done." He turned to the anvil and placed the sword on it before I saw a bright light coming from the sword. When the light faded Hephaestus turned to face me holding my sword in both hands before handing it to me. "It is now officially perfect." I examined my sword and found it no different than before.
"What did you do to it?"
"I made it so you are the only one who can use it and it can never be used against you. I also made it so that it will always return to you when you truly need it."
"What do you mean by truly need it?"
"There are many trials ahead of you Hiccup and for some of these trials you need to learn not to rely on this sword but your own creations."
"How will I know when to take it with me on trips?"
"You won't know but when you need it you will find it in your hand."
"So, what do I do about the fight in the coliseum?"
"Leave the sword in your home and when you need it, it will come."
"What do you mean by come?"
"Trust me you will know." Then there was a burst of flames and he was gone.
I looked down at my sword and thought of making a sheath for it before the blade shrunk into the handle. I stared at it for a moment before thinking of the blade and it once again came out of the handle. I began testing it by thinking handle between and blade. It kept switching before I put it back into its handle form before turning in for the night after naming the sword 'The star sword'.
2 days later
I was now in the middle of the coliseum with a gronkle iron sword without any venom in one hand, a shield in the other while wearing nothing but my pants and shoes. The reason for not wearing any armor was because I was told what my opponent had and I wanted it to be a fair fight since the only armor he was going to be wearing was his helmet. Watching me in the coliseum was every noble in the city and of course Caesar. Standing across from me was a man a good two feet taller than me with muscles that would make Snotlout look like a twig. In his left hand he held a net and in his right a triton. He wore nothing but a metal manicae on his right arm, a white subligaculum held up by a leather belt and on his head was murmillo helmet. All though his helmet covered his face I could feel him glaring at me. Caesar stood up from his private seat and held out a piece of cloth before letting it go signaling the fight to begin. My dragons and Nylene were at the house since I didn't want them interfering with the fight if they saw the gladiator I was up against had the upper hand and after examining my opponent I believed he might.
It was then my opponent charged at me swinging his net in the air over his head before he tossed the net at me when he was five feet away. I easily dodged the net as he tried to stab me with his triton but I dodged it and pushed it away with my shield but it didn't stop him from trying to stab me again. I knocked his triton away using my sword this time as he dipped to pick up his net, which he held onto tightly. I took my chance to take a swing at him while he was distracted and was able to get a small cut on his upper left arm. The gladiator didn't even stop for a second before he brought his triton down on me in an attempt to strike my head, which I blocked with my shield. Unfortunately, he seemed to be expecting this since he used the hand holding the net to deliver a punch to my stomach knocking the air out of me and knocking me back a few steps. Fortunately, I regained my footing as he charged at me once more with his triton raised high but I held up my sword catching the triton in between the spikes at the top before turning my sword to an angle stopping the blow before the gladiator pulled away once more. He swung his net around once more before swinging it towards me catching my sword in it. After this he quickly pulled his net back along with my sword, which was ripped out of my hand and tossed aside along with the net. This left me with only my shield and my opponent with his triton. I wasn't concerned though since as Gobber said in dragon training 'if you have to make a choice between a sword and a shield, take the shield' which is what I'm doing. He came at me with his triton again and made a quick stab towards my torso but I pushed it away with my shield as his stab carried him forward. When he was right next to me I slammed my shield into his side pushing him away. He stumbled back before I used the side of my shield to deliver a strong punch to his stomach. He backed up coughing before glaring at me and saying.
"You're pretty good!"
"Thanks!"
"But not good enough!"
He charged at me once more swinging his triton at my torso but I blocked his strike with my shield before smashing the top of my shield into his chin. He coughed up a little blood out of his helmet before I charged at him once more slamming the front of my shield into his chest pushing him down before holding him down with my shield. I snatched his triton from his hand and pointed it at his neck as I said.
"This battle is over! I will however take your triton as a reminder of our fight."
It was then I heard everyone cheering for me before some started chanting at me to kill him. I stood up and turned to Caesar who shook his head knowing it wasn't my style to kill someone let alone for the entertainment of others. I gave him a nod before I heard a coughing from behind me. I saw my defeated opponent grasping his stomach as he walked towards the wall which had a large door and a lever next to it. He looked at me and I could feel him glaring at me as he said.
"You think you're unbeatable, don't you?"
"I never claimed to be unbeatable!"
"Well you sure act like it by letting me live thinking I'm not worth the trouble of killing."
"That's not why I let you live. I beat you and that's the end of it."
"Well let's see you beat the beast behind the door."
He pulled the lever before the door burst open as an ear shattering roar filled the coliseum as a creature with an almost human face which looked to be mixed with a lions face, razor sharp teeth and a lion main it, a lions body that had black spiked shell running up its arms and hind legs, bat like wings and what looked to be a black scorpion tail covered in spikes and had a stinger that looked to be made of hot iron. (AN: Look up RJ Palmer manticore and you'll find the creature) I knew exactly what this creature was and had only this to say.
"Why did it have to be a stinking Manticore? Do the gods enjoy tormenting me?"
I didn't get the chance to say anymore before I had to jump out of the way to avoid a flurry of venomous spines being launched at me from the manticores tail. It roared in rage at me as people began to scream and try to run for the coliseums exit. The manticore took notice of the civilians and readied its tail to launch its spines but before it could I threw the triton at its tail throwing off its aim to the ground. This stopped it from hurting any of the civilians but it also turned its attention to me with the added effect of making it angry at me if its glare directed at me followed by a roar and firing multiple poison spines at me was any indication. I hid behind my shield muttering to myself how I could really use my star sword right now. It was then I felt something appear in my hand which when I looked down realized was my star sword with the blade out and ready to be used. I smiled now knowing what Hephaestus meant by truly needing it but I was brought out of my train of thought as a venomous spine fly past my head.
I glared at the manticore before I charged towards it as it roared at me before firing more spines at me. I either dodged or used my shield to block them. When I was right in front of it the beast took a swipe at me with its claws but I tuck and rolled to the side avoiding its strike and gave a quick slash to the arm making the manticore roar in pain. The surprising thing to me was how the wound didn't let out blood but turned black and seemed to begin to burn and fizzle. I wasn't able to think about this for too long since it was then that the Manticore took another swing at me with its other paw. I ducked underneath it and rolled to the side before I remembered something I once read about Manticores. One of their most vulnerable spots is their underbelly, which means if I wanted to survive this fight than I'd have to get it in the stomach. I used my shield to block another flurry of spines before charging at the manticore shield raised but when it raised its paw to strike me I dived to the ground and slid underneath it while tossing aside my shield. As soon as I was beneath it I stabbed it right in the chest with my sword before I heard a large roar from the beast. I pulled my sword out and rolled out from under it before looking back at it before to my surprise its body just turned to dust, which fell to the ground.
I stood up and looked at the dust that was once a deadly beast known as a manticore before the sound of applause and cheers filled the coliseum. I looked around and found the coliseum full of people who stayed to watch my fight with the beast. It was then something glimmering in the dust caught my eye. I walked over and brushed off some of the dust and found a gold pendent the size of my fist with an image of a manticore on it. I figured it would make a good trophy of my fight against the manticore while the triton would be a good trophy against my fight against the gladiator. Speaking of the gladiator I looked to where I last saw him and looked down in mourning. He had been hit in the chest with multiple spines when the manticore let out its first flurry of spines sufficed to say the sight of the body wasn't pretty. I admit this wasn't the first fresh body I had seen growing up in a village where we were constantly fighting for survival but it never did get any easier. I gave the gladiator a small prayer before I picked up my shield along with the triton and a few of the manticores quills before I left the coliseum to bath and get the image of the body out of my mind.
5 hours later
I was back at home laying on my kline and staring up at the ceiling going over what happened today. After my victory's in the coliseum I tried to go home but was stopped by Caesar who wanted to discuss what happened after he congratulated me on both my victories in the coliseum. He swore he had no idea they had a manticore in the coliseum and that the body of the gladiator would be disposed of by being fed to the lions. I talked to him and had him promise to give the gladiator a proper burial since he may have tried to kill me but I did respect him as a warrior. Still Caesar did also give me a bag of gold for protecting the citizens in the coliseum and slaying the beast. I knew this would mean big trouble for me since a lot of nobles were there and they would no doubt want to get closer to me because my fight would most likely increase my fame in Rome. There was also the girl problem this would bring me since it meant I would have to deal with a lot of woman who would want to be on my arm because of the increase in fame. This was clear when I went to the bathhouse earlier to take a bath after my fight and wound up being swarmed by girls some of which were old enough to be my mother who were offering to join me in the private bath. I sighed and lay my head back before drifting into slumber.
Morning
I was out in the forest near my home practicing with my star sword while my dragons and Nylene lay on the ground watching before I heard clapping from behind me. I turned and saw the nobleman named Atticus who asked me to fight the gladiator in the coliseum walking up to me smiling and clapping. My dragons got in front of me and growled but I signaled them to stand down which they did but didn't stop glaring at him. I turned my star sword back into its sheath before he said.
"Most impressive skills you are demonstrating Hiccup. Almost as impressive as your fight with the manticore yesterday."
"Thanks, but seriously that thing was vicious and could have hurt a lot of people."
"Indeed, it was quite aggressive but no match for your superior skills."
"Okay now what is it you want from me this time?"
"What makes you think I want something?"
"I know when someone's trying to butter me up to do something so the only question is what is it you want?"
"Oh, am I really that transparent?"
"No, I just know how people act when they want something."
"Well then I was hoping you'd take part in an upcoming chariot race."
"Why?"
"Well we've seen how well you are on the battle field and now many of us would like to see how well you do on the race track."
"Why not it could be fun."
"Excellent! When shall we see you race?"
"When I've built myself a chariot and talked to Caesar about lending me some horses."
"Perhaps the gods will gift you with both."
"I doubt it."
"Why would you doubt it when they show so much care towards you."
"Yeah but still."
"I take it you dislike their favor."
"It's not that it's just complicated alright?"
"Very well Hiccup but I do hope you are able to do a chariot race soon." I simply nodded before he walked away.
When he was out of sight I heard someone behind me say.
"Is the blessing of the gods truly that much of a burden for you?" I turned around and saw Jupiter in his mortal form smiling at me.
"It's not that Jupiter it's just that I feel like I don't deserve these gifts you keep giving me." He chuckled.
"Hiccup let me show you something."
He held out the palm of his hand before a light shone above it before images began to form and what I saw made me sick to my stomach. So many people were dying or being killed by the beasts I killed when I was in Greece and if that wasn't enough I saw Cleopatra falling to the ground coughing up blood and Caesar getting an arrow in the skull. It was horrific for me to see so many people being killed this way. Jupiter put his arm down and with it the images disappeared as he smiled at me as I glared at him.
"Why on Midgard would you show me those horrific visions?"
"You don't think you deserve the gifts we give you but without you that is the fate that would have befallen so many innocent lives."
"I still don't think I deserve these gifts and besides I feel like I'm getting lazy with what you're giving me."
"This is why we gave you the star and did not have Hephaestus forge the sword for you."
"You wanted me to get back to my roots?"
"Exactly Hiccup."
"Alright I get it Jupiter but what are you doing here now?"
"I just came by to congratulate you on your victory against the manticore. I knew you would be able to defeat it and bring an end to the beast."
"You knew that manticore was going to be released?"
"I knew they had one locked up and feared they might release it on you but I could not confirm it."
"A little warning about the beast would have been appreciated you know."
"Now where's the fun in that."
"Anyway, there is something I'm curious about."
"And what would that be?"
"When I killed the manticore I found a gold amulet among the dust which used to be the manticore."
"I know about that amulet and don't worry it's just a trophy from the fight. No magic or anything harmful about it."
"Thanks Jupiter you've put my mind at ease." He just nodded before I blinked and he was gone. "I hate it when they do that."
Two days later
I was once again out in the forest laying on the ground with my head resting against Toothless while Heatwave lay in front of me and Nylene lay next to me with her head resting on my lap while I stroked her head. It was then I heard what sounded like a crash followed by the sound of a horse in pain. I figured it was just a horse that had escaped from its stables and hurt itself somehow. Knowing it might belong to someone I couldn't just leave the poor thing out in the open since that would be cruel. Knowing this I stood up along with my dragons and Nylene before we made our way towards the sound. When we broke through the bushes I saw something that I did not expect to see. It was a horse with a coat that seemed to be almost gold in color but it had feathered wings, which looked to be blazing, and a mane that seemed to be on fire. It seemed to be having trouble standing up and when its hoof hit the ground it seemed to scorch it. I tried to approach it but it took one look at me and tried to get away only to collapse to the ground. I saw it had an arrow in its left hind leg in what I assume was from hunter who thought he'd be worth something and hoped to kill him but only succeeded in injuring and making him crash if the broken branches in the trees were any indication. I held up my hands to calm the pterippus as I said in the most gentle and calming tone I could muster.
"Easy now big guy. I just want to help!"
He just blew out a huff of smoke from his nose. I reached into my satchel and pulled an apple I was saving for lunch out and gently tossed it towards the pterippus. He sniffed it for a few moments before he ate it allowing me to get a little closer to examine his leg as I signaled Toothless, Heatwave and Nylene to surround him to make sure he didn't run away and wind up hurting himself. When he saw I was closer he let out another huff of smoke towards me as a warning. Knowing I needed to prove to him that I wasn't going to hurt him so I sat down and kept my eyes on him not moving to show I wasn't in the forest to hurt him and I wasn't going to leave him.
1 hour later
I was still sitting on the ground after I sent my dragons and Nylene home after I noticed they were making the pterippus who just kept looking around and puffing out some smoke from time to time a little nervous. I'm pretty sure he got the message that I wasn't going anywhere without him when he lowered his head towards me. I got up and slowly approached him with his eyes never leaving me before I gave a gentle pat on the neck and said.
"Let's get that arrow out of your leg."
I walked up to his side before taking hold of the arrow and in one quick movement I pulled it out as the pterippus neighed out in pain as I rubbed its side trying to soothe it. It then leaned towards the wound that was left by the arrow before much to my surprise breathes a small flame onto it before it completely sealed up not even leaving a scar. I shrugged and rubbed his neck as I said.
"That's handy!" It was then a voice behind me said.
"It certainly is as you put it handy." I turned around and saw a heavily muscled man wearing nothing but pants and sandals with a bow in his hand and a quiver of arrows on his back with one arrow ready to be fired. "That's my beast you have there."
"What makes it yours exactly?"
"I'm the one who shot it down so hand it over." I stood up glaring at him.
"If you're the one who harmed him than you're no owner." He chuckled at this.
"Listen kid I have more important things to do than dealing with some brat trying to protect a mindless beast so just step aside, give me the beast and I won't hurt you."
"You hurt me? That's a laugh."
"Clearly you need to be taught how to treat your betters."
He then prepped an arrow before firing at me but fortunately the arrow shattered against my armor. It was then the pterippus nudged me aside using his head and let loose a stream of flames from his mouth aimed right at the hunter. The hunter stumbled back in shock before tripping over a rock. When he got back up he looked from the pterippus to me and said.
"I suppose I could let it go for now." He then turned around and ran faster than I've seen anyone ever run before as I chuckled.
"Coward!" I turned to the pterippus and gave him a pat on the neck. "Now what are we going to do with you?" It was then I felt like someone lit a small bonfire behind me when a voice said.
"I recommend you return him to his rightful owners?" I turned to see a man with golden armor that had a sun on the chest, a golden skirt and a cape, which seemed to be weaved of gold. When I saw him I knew exactly who he was.
"I presume you're the god of the sky who goes by Helios in Greece and Sol here in Rome." He chuckled.
"Jupiter was right you are a clever mortal so just call me Sol." Then his expression turned serious. "I believe you have something that belongs in my stables."
"I won't stop you from taking him but I must ask how he got out and how he came to be."
"Well as for how he got out Hermes bet he could break into my stables and steal one of the horses there but I doubted him."
"Let me guess he succeeded but let the pterippus get away?"
"Indeed and as to how he came to be. One of Aries fire breathing steeds got loose and mated with a female pterippus here in Rome and soon enough he was born."
"Alright I got it but I feel I should tell you he got hit by an arrow from a hunter in the back leg."
"No need to worry. As an offspring of one of Aries immortal steeds not much can harm him."
"Good to know."
"Well I better get him back to the stables before Aries realizes he's gone and tries to take off one of my limbs."
"Sounds like my dad when someone tries to get at his food." We shared a laugh before Sol left with the pterippus. Once they were out of sight I returned to my own home for some rest.
Morning the next day
I walked out of my house and stretched to greet the day before looking towards the summit before I took a deep breath of the crisp air of the surrounding forest. It was then I felt warmth being breathed on the back of my neck. I figured it was Toothless breathing on me in greeting so I turned around to greet him but jumped back in shock. Standing there in front of me was the pterippus wearing a bridle with Hermes at his side holding the reins. I looked at Hermes hoping for an answer. He smiled at me and said.
"Aries and Helios have been having trouble with this one trying to get out of the stable since they brought it back. When they let it loose to see where it was going it came straight here since it wanted to be with you for some reason. Helios was able to convince Aries to allow you to have it so enjoy." He handed me the reins before he took off while I turned to face what was now my pterippus.
"Welcome to the team I guess." I rubbed my chin. "Now what should we call you?" I snapped my finger before saying. "How's about Phlegon which means burning one or blazing." He just gave a large neigh and kicked his feet against the ground as I smiled at him. "I think I know a perfect job for you while I'm here in Rome."
7 days later
I was currently in a stable that was in the circus preparing my chariot for todays chariot race with Phlegon and I were taking place. Shortly after Phlegon was given to me I took time to bond with him and often took him for rides after I built him a saddle. Of course I noticed our rides together invoked a little jealousy from Toothless but it wasn't anything a few rides together couldn't put an end to. I had spent two days building the chariot I was using in todays race that was going to be viewed by many nobles including Caesar. The chariot I constructed completely out of gronkle iron since when I made the yoke and shaft out of either wood or leather they caught fire and burned up. The carriage was also made of gronkle iron since Phlegon occasionally let loose a flame from his tale as he got faster and that wound up setting fire to the wooden carriage I tried. I had also decorated the carriage with an image of Phlegon running on either side of the carriage with the image of a sun at the front. I finished hooking Phlegon up to the chariot and gave him a pat on the neck before I asked.
"Ready for the race big guy?" He gave a snort followed by a puff of smoke which made me chuckle. "Good to hear it." I then got in the chariot and had Phlegon go outside to the starting line.
Once we were greeted by the hot Roman sun shining down on us followed by the loud roar of the crowd who were cheering me as we made our way to the starting line. I saw there were two other racers who were waiting for the race to begin. One wore the color red while the other wore blue. Caesar looked down from the balcony of his private podium along with Toothless, Heatwave and Nylene who he allowed to watch the race with him. I had Phlegon take the place between the two other racers as Caesar signaled the racers to get ready for the race to begin. When all three of us were ready Caesar held up his hands signaling everyone to quiet down before he looked down at me and the other racers. He dropped his arms signaling us to start the race before I whipped down my reins signaling Phlegon to start running.
I held tightly onto the reins as Phlegon pulled the chariot along while the sound of the crowd's cheers filled my ears. I turned back to see the other two racers following close behind. I whipped the reins down signaling Phlegon to go faster which he was all too happy to do which resulted in us reaching half the speed Toothless normally goes when we want to reach top speed. This in turn left the other two racers in the dust. I turned back to see them cracking there whips in an attempt to make their horses speed up in order to catch up. It was then a turn was coming up so I pulled the reins up to signal Phlegon to slow down so the chariot wouldn't flip from the speed and force of the turn. We took a sharp turn as the chariot leaned to the side while I leaned against the opposite side to which the chariot was leaning. When We had made the full turn the chariot was once again on both wheels allowing me to stand in the middle of my chariot once more but it was as my chariot was stable I heard a loud crash behind me. I turned to see the racer who wore the color blue had crashed at the turn, which sent the racer tumbling to the side and into the wall. This just left me with the racer who wore red who was coming close to catching up to me. It wasn't long before he was right next to me with the chariot driver giving me a smile, which reminded me of the look Snotlout got right before he beat me up. It was then the racer slammed the side of his chariot into my chariot side making it rock to the side. I knew he was trying to knock my chariot over to take me out of the race, which would ensure his victory and possible injury for me. He tried to ram me again but I pulled hard on my reins signaling Phlegon to stop immediately which he did as the other racer tried to ram me again. This in turn caused the other racer to ram into the wall instead of me as I whipped my reins to signal Phlegon to start running again. He took the signal and ran full speed, which was close to Toothless' top speed when he was flying but unfortunately this also had the result of multiple flames flying back into my chariot, which was making things rather hot in the chariot. I could handle the heat however since I had to endure this kind of heat whenever I went into the fireworms nest to check up on Freya and her hive and I could deal with this heat since the added speed allowed us to catch up to the other racer easily. Once we had caught up to him we had almost reached the corner so I pulled on the reins signaling Phlegon to slow down which the other racer took as an opportunity to speed past me, which was a big mistake. The reason this was a mistake was because when he turned his chariot flipped onto the side and preceded to tumble into the side of the wall where it smashed into pieces. Fortunately the one who was driving the chariot was tossed off before the chariot began tumbling leaving him on the ground and allowing me to continue to ride to the finish line with no more competition.
5 minutes later
I was on the winners stand kneeling in front of Caesar who was smiling down at me while my dragons, Nylene and Phlegon waited behind me. Caesar then held up the wreath of victory for everyone to see along with a bag of gold. He placed the wreath of victory in place on my head before handing me the gold and signaling me to rise and face the circus. The cheers of the crowd were deafening to the point where I thought my hearing was going to be damaged. I stood there and held my hands up in victory for a few more seconds before making my way down the staircase so I could leave the circus.
2 hours later
I was now lying down on my kline in my bedroom with my eyes closed, with nothing but my pants on as I slowly breathed and went over what happened after the race. When I arrived home, I took of my wreath and made a mental note to try and place it in a block of glass to keep it as a memento of my race. It was then I heard my dragon's growl out in front of the house while Nylene walked into the room and growled while rapping her neck around my body trying to get me to stand up which I was happy to do since I wanted to see what was upsetting my dragons. When I made it outside I found Atticus who had convince me to take part in the coliseum and circus being circled by my dragons as he held up his hands. I whistled to call my dragons over to my side which they did but still kept their eyes on Atticus. He smiled at me and began to walk towards me as he said.
"Hello Hiccup and congratulations on your victory in the Circus today."
"Hello Atticus and I take it you have another reason for coming to my home other than to congratulate me."
"Am I really that transparent?"
"No, I just know people and know my dragons only act aggressive when they don't trust someone."
"Well you are an excellent judge of character Hiccup since I do have an alternate reason for coming here."
"May I know what this reason is?"
"Yes, I have seen your skills in both strength and knowledge in which you have proven to be truly powerful in both."
"Thanks but could you get to the point?"
"I wish to offer you the hand of my eldest daughter in marriage."
"Excuse me?"
"I wish for you to join me and a few other nobles in a plan of ours."
"What is this plan about?"
"We wish to dethrone Caesar for one reason or another and should you join us I will give you the hand of my eldest daughter in marriage and join my family."
"No offense sir but when I marry it's going to be for love and not someone I've never met before."
"Really my daughter is considered to be one of the most beautiful woman among the nobles and shall make a fine wife."
"That's all well and good but I know nothing about her. Not her name, age, her likes or anything. Besides Caesar is a good friend of mine."
"My daughters name is Aelia and she is twenty-five. As for her likes then you will have plenty of time to ask her about them when you two marry when you have helped us dethrone Caesar. Also if you do aid us in our endeavor you will be given a high position among the nobles, great wealth and plenty of land." I walked right up to him leaving my dragons where they were.
"Who is this 'us' you keep talking about?" He proceeded to list a large group of nobles I've met and were close to Caesar which only made me angrier as I walked up to him till I was right in front of him. "I am not going to marry your daughter who I have never met and is old enough to be my mother and I am most certainly not going to help you dethrone Caesar who I consider to be a friend of mine." I took a breath to calm my nerves. "Besides I already have a fortune, plenty of land, a title which I have no interest in and if I did merry your daughter it means I would have to stop travelling to new places and there's still so many new places I've yet to explore."
"I take it this is your final decision?"
"Yes it is." I then turned around and began to walk back to my dragons.
"So be it."
I turned around to ask what he meant only to see him raising a dagger in the air, which was soon being brought down towards me. I quickly ducked to the side before the blade could touch me as my dragons; Nylene and Phlegon ran to my aid surrounding us. Each had their eyes all focused on the noble who was currently looking around at them in worry. It was at that moment someone clapping could be heard followed by the sound of multiple people walking towards us along with the sound of a horse and wooden wheels. I turned and saw Caesar clapping as he rode towards us on a chariot that was decorated with gold, being pulled by two white horses and surrounded by no less then fifteen armed guards on foot. Caesar glared at Atticus before he turned to me and said.
"Your loyalty is admirable Hiccup as are your reflexes to avoid what surely would have been a fatal blow."
"Thank you Caesar." He then turned to Atticus.
"Guards arrest him and throw him in the dungeon for now." Two guards came and took Atticus by one arm each and walked away. "I have to thank you for remaining loyal to me over what you offered and reveal those who plan to dethrone me."
"You heard the names of those who are with him?"
"Indeed I did and also heard the offer he made you but I do hope you don't regret it."
"I doubt I will regret it since I already have a large fortune which is steadily growing to the point where I have more gold than I know what to do with and as for land I have plenty of land to enjoy."
"Actually I was referring to turning down taking his daughter as a bride."
"What do you mean?"
"I have seen her at a few gatherings and I have to say she is quite a beauty and from the conversations she was involved in she is quite intelligent so she would be good to have around when it came to business."
"Well I doubt anything will come of it since I just got her father arrested."
"Agreed even though he isn't really her father."
"What do you mean?"
"Many noblemen desire a strong blood line so they have other men like generals or great heroes sleep with their wives in the hopes their wife would end up with child in order to claim their child as theirs. (AN: They really did this in ancient Rome and yeah it's messed up but it was a different time.) The daughter he was offering to you as a wife was really the child of one of my most decorated generals who had a gift for strategy and business." To say I was shocked would be an understatement but I had heard of stranger things in Rome.
"I have to say I did not know that about Roman nobles."
"Well now you do and I feel it only right to warn you that I heard some of them are planning to request you do the same with their wives."
"They aren't going to have any luck in that case since when I do have a child I will be the father figure in his or her life. There is no chance of me getting anyone else's wife pregnant with my child."
"Understandable! Well my reason for coming here was to just congratulate on a well performed race and hoped to enjoy a little chat about your new pterippus but now it seems I have to gather those who planned to dethrone me."
I gave him a nod before he left followed closely by his guards. Once both Caesar and his guards were out of sight I turned back to my dragons and animals before walking towards them as they each walked up to me and giving me a concerned crooned followed by Nylene rubbing her head against my chest, Phlegon letting out a gentle breath of smoke out of his nose into my hair and Heatwave rubbing against my side. I smiled at their concern before I gave each of them a pat on their heads and said.
"Don't worry guys! I'm fine!"
They just let out a growl, croon or huff before they kept staring at me in concern. I just gave them a gentle smile before I made my way back to the house. When I made it inside once more I made my way back to my bedroom to lie back down on my kline to do some thinking. As I lay down looking up at the ceiling once more thinking about what Caesar said about what some of the nobles might request of me. There was absolutely no way on Midgard I was going to bed their wives no matter what they offered me. However, if there was one thing I know about the Roman Nobles it was that they were as stubborn as any Viking when it came to getting what they wanted. I knew I should leave Rome soon since I had spent a longer time from my island then I expected, which means my dragons, and animals were probably concerned about me. I also had my gifts from the Egyptian gods that I'm hoping to figure out when I get home like that strange piece of blue crystal and those two statues of Horus and Sehkmet. When it came to the strange blue crystal I couldn't help but get the feeling it had something to do with the statue of Toothless up at the volcano. I let out a sigh knowing I would deal with it when I got home.
7 days later
I was once again on my ship but this time I was heading straight home with the stuff I had bought from the stores along with various other treasures I was able to get before I left. One such treasure was a gift from Caesar to commemorate my victory against the manticore in the arena. In order to better remember the beast he had a life size statue of the beast built for me to take home. I also had my wreath from my victory in the chariot race completely encased in glass so they wouldn't wilt with time. I had also had my chariot from the race, the spines and amulet from my battle with the manticore, the gladiator's triton, the sword of the general who tried to overthrow Caesar at that gathering I was announced at and a jar containing the ashes, which were once the manticore. Caesar had them collected after the battle to give to me before I left alongside the statue and the general's sword. Also in my storage hold was blueprints for different inventions from Rome such as their bathhouse designs, building designs, fountain designs, the recipe for Roman cement and designs for the coliseum along with multiple other designs. I had my star sword at my side as I watched the waves gently crash against the hull of my ship. I admit this was a good trip but I could not wait to get home and get to work on expanding my base and unlocking the secrets of the gifts the Egyptian gods gave me.
AN: Hey guys I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and for those of you who disregarded my warning about the Authors Note keep in mind next time that I delete the notes in order to make room for the new chapter which you can no longer review because you reviewed to the note. Well all until next time and for those of you who have yet to hear there is going to be a new HTTYD series coming out called 'Dragons Rescue Riders' so that is something to look forward to. Anyways if any of you have any ideas on how to twist the episodes of 'dragons riders of Berk' along with the other seasons of the series let me know because I would rather not go through what happened last time since nobody liked it and for me it was incredibly boring so just let me know if you have any ideas.
