Author's Note: I am so sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. I finally finished it a few hours ago. I have been struggling with my mental and physical health these past couple of months and haven't been able to gather the engery and brain power needed to write.
Anyways, here's the long awated chapter 15. I made it extra long to make up for the time I have been away.
At Dagur's insistence, Hiccup sat at the desk in Captain's Quarters pouring over the journal. Oh how he wished he had more time to study and understand it, but that would have to wait. For now, he just needed to know how to travese Saman safely.
One of the entries he found was incredibly helpful:
Today is the first day of Harpa. I can smell the flowers as they begin to bloom around me. The sweet scents remind me of my betrothed Helga, who is back on Berk preparing for our matrimonial ceremony.
I arrived on Saman late last night and decided to sleep on the beach before beginning my journey. Even though the dragons are gone, dangerous animals still reside on this island. I have already slain a few wild boars. The trek itself is not bad, but it is long. I predict that I will reach the cave in the mountains as the sun sets.
Once I reach the cave, I will rest one final time before journeying inside. Once there I will do as Father did and burn an offering to the gods and Volund. I shall use one of the boars I have slain as the offering. I believe it should suffice.
I have narrowly avoided the many traps thus far, but many more lay ahead. Many of them are deadly to humans as well as any dragon that dares come near. The traps I have encountered are similar to the ones we use on Berk, so if I get trapped, I can easily free myself.
...
It took longer than anticipated but I have finally reached the cave. Before I go in I must consult the maps so I can safely navigate my way to the center. According to Father's journals, there are many twists and turns and it took him hours to reach the altar. I pray to the gods that I will have better luck. I also pray that when it comes time for my son to make the journey he fairs better than I have.
Father told me that I must have a clear mind when I enter the cave. A task I find difficult. I can not stop thinking of my sweet Helga, whom I and many others have spent years chasing. Her laugh fills me with warmth on the coldest of nights. Her smile gives me hope for the future. She has the skills to be an amazing leader, but would rather sit outside the Great Hall and tell the children stories of past battles. I thank the gods every day that she chose me out of all the suiters. I, a lowly farmer, shies away from confrontation. Some days I wondered if she chose me because her father, the Chief, was pressuring her to marry, or because she genuinely liked me. I pray it is because she likes me.
I think I will meditate before heading into the cave. Maybe it will help clear my mind.
Hiccup was pulled away from the journal when there was a knock on the door. "Come in" He closed the book and stood up.
Jorn walked in. "We've docked. Are you ready?"
Hiccup picked up the book, studying it for a brief moment before answering. "Yeah, but can I ask you for a favor?"
Jorn closed the door and leaned against it. "What's wrong?"
"I've been reading Granddad's journal," the young chief started, "and based on what I've read, the trek is quite dangerous even if you are fit for it. I don't think I'll be able to do it alone given my current condition."
The healer nodded thoughtfully. "I agree. You shouldn't go alone."
"No, I shouldn't," Hiccup agreed. "However, I'm supposed to. It's how it's been for three hundred years. A Haddock is always alone. The journey is supposed to be symbolic of how we as a clan never have outside help. We rely on ourselves and ourselves alone. Yet we aren't alone anymore. Granddad married the chief's daughter and took over the role when he passed. The Haddocks were finally respected and had help wherever they went. From what little I know when it was Dad's turn, he considered bringing help, but decided to stick to tradition."
"Hiccup, I haven't known you for very long," Jorn said as he stepped closer to his patient, "but based on what I've heard, you've always broken tradition. You tamed a dragon instead of killing him. You fight with your words first before your sword. You moved an entire tribe to a new island to keep them and the dragons safe. You have also travelled further than anyone else in your clan and your children will travel even further than you. You understand that times change and that you have to change with them. Your ancestors will understand."
Hiccup nodded solemnly in agreement. "We'll leave in ten minutes. Make sure your satchel is properly packed incase we run into any boars or traps."
Hiccup and Jorn stood on the beach studying the jungle that lay before them.
"There's supposed to be a path that had been carved out, but I'm not seeing anything," Hiccup pointed out.
"Maybe it's gone?" Jorn suggested. "It's been, what, 25 years since your father was here?"
Hiccup scanned the tree line. "Point taken. Maybe we'll just have to make our own and hope we come don't run into any of the traps."
"Would they even still be functional after so long?" Jorn wondered.
The young chief shrugged. "Berkians have always built things to last. Our tribe has never been the wealthiest, but when it comes to the qaulity of goods we build, we're among the best. Always been that way. Our craftsmen regularly participate in competitions and win. The gold they earn goes to helping the tribe. So we should act as if they still work as intended."
"Huh, good to know," Jorn said, impressed. "That explains a few things."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hiccup asked.
"Your collection of chicken bones and other various things," Jorn explained. "You were going to craft a weapon or something to help you escape, weren't you?"
Hiccup didn't answer. He just began walking toward the jungle. In truth he had no clue what he was going to do with trash collection, it just gave him hope that he might be able to escape. He wasn't going to admit that though. That secret and many others died with him.
After an hour of trekking through the jungle, the two men came across a creek and decided to rest for a bit.
Hiccup sat down on a nearby log and took his prosthetic leg off, setting it to the side.
"You okay?" Jorn asked.
"Yeah," Hiccup replied. "Just letting the stump breathe a bit. I'm not used to the new leg yet."
Jorn gave him a look of skepticism but didn't push the issue. He made a mental note to keep a closer eye on the younger man until they were back on the boat.
The chief looked around. "It's quiet."
"Well we are the only two people on this island," Jorn pointed out
Hiccup shook his head. "No, it's too quiet. I don't hear any birds, insects, or any other wild animals. We should be able to hear them, but there's only silence."
The healer took a moment to listen to their surroundings and realized Hiccup was right. He kneeled down next to the creek and noticed the lack of fish.
"Where are the fish?" Jorn asked.
"What happened here?" Hiccup questioned in return. "With the dragons gone, the animals flourished."
"Maybe they overpopulated and died out due to the lack of resources," Jorn guessed. "I've seen it happen before within tribes that didn't have the resources necessary to last more than a few generations. The dragons helped keep the animal population down, but with your ancestor getting rid of them, things went unchecked and after a few hundred years the animals outgrew their home and died out as a result."
"Probably happened shortly after my dad was here," Hiccup figured, looking around. "Based on how overgrown everything is and the fact that the path is gone."
"Want to head back?" Jorn asked, worried about the trek ahead of them. If they had to keep stopping to cut down the overgrowth, Hiccup would lose the strength needed to complete his mission.
Hiccup shook his head. "No. We'll rest for a few more minutes before continuing to the mountain. If we're lucky we'll make it to the cave by nightfall."
"We'll have to find rest points between here and there," Jorn stated, giving Hiccup a look as if daring him to argue.
"Maybe," Hiccup said, not really committing to the plan. "Depends on how much farther we have to go."
Jorn sighed, accepting the answer for now. He'd just have to enforce the need for rest as often as possible.
As the sun began to set, they were halfway up the mountain. Jorn had to keep making sure Hiccup rested. And despite the constant protests, Hiccup would sit down and rest. He'd spend the breaks either reading his grandfather's journal or catching a few minutes of shut-eye.
At one point, Jorn retraced the path they had carved out to see if he could find anything for them to eat. He had managed to find some wild berries and picked the bush clean. He and Hiccup had their fill and poured the rest into Hiccup's satchel for later.
The further they journeyed into the jungle, the angry Hiccup seemed. He kept muttering about setting things right and correcting history. Jorn debated whether or not to him what he was talking about, but decided against it. Hiccup would tell him when he was ready.
"We should rest here for the night," Jorn suggested. "We can finish the climb in when the sun is up."
Hiccup just nodded, too tired to argue. He found a nearby boulder and narrowly avoided collapsing against head first. Jorn stepped in and helped ease him to the ground.
"Easy kid," Jorn soothed. "I don't think your body can handle a head injury right now."
Hiccup gave him a look of confusion. "Kid?"
The healer shrugged. "It just came out. I won't say again if you don't like it."
The chief shook his head. "It's fine. Just caught me off guard."
Jorn let out a small laugh. "Okay, kid, just rest for now. You're exhausted."
Hiccup took his prosthetic leg off for the umpteenth time today and laid it down next to him, for once not feeling the fear of it being stolen. All day, in the back of his mind, every time he took it off, he had the thought of Jorn stealing it and abandoning him. But now, he was too tired to think like that. Jorn had earned his trust and he was ashamed for thinking the way he had.
"I'm sorry," Hiccup said.
"For what?" Jorn asked as he sat down next to him.
"For thinking you'd betray me," Hiccup clarified. "I've spent the whole day thinking you'd take my leg and run off with it, leaving me alone and helpless. I know better than to think like that, but I can't help it."
"How often do you have these kinds of thoughts?" Jorn wondered.
Hiccup shrugged. "I've always had them to some extent, but they started getting worse after Skade imprisoned me. But ever since you and Toothless saved me, it's all I can think about. Being betrayed by whoever is around me. I feel like I can't trust everyone. I don't like the way I feel, but I can't control it."
"Do you think someone in your tribe betrayed you to the Hunters?" Jorn questioned.
"The thought had crossed my mind," Hiccup answered. "But I can't think of who. I mean I'm not the most popular chief right now. I moved the tribe to a new island then I sent the dragons away. I'm not a very good leader."
"Based on what I've seen and the stories I've heard, you're the best leader the Hooligans could ever ask for," Jorn stated. "You ended the 300-year war between Berk and the dragons. You've taken drastic measures to keep the tribe safe. You're a bit unorthodox, but the results have been worth it. If anyone has a problem with you, send them to me. I can break their bones while naming them."
Hiccup let out an airy chuckle. "I think I'll take you up on that offer."
"For now, try and get some sleep," Jorn said, standing back up. "I'll gather up some wood and get a fire going."
Hiccup didn't bother arguing, he just closed his eyes and was fast asleep in a matter of moments.
As daylight broke across the sky, the two men were already up and having a quick breakfast of wild berries.
"We should get a move on," Hiccup said as he stuffed the rest of the berries back into his satchel, saving the rest as an offering.
"The rest of the trek should be relatively easy, compared to yesterday," Jorn figured, popping the last of his share of berries into his mouth. "Based on what I can see, it looks like a straight shoot toward the cave entrance."
Hiccup reattached his leg and stood up. "Let's hope you're right."
"How long should it take to commune with your ancestors once you reach the altar?" Jorn asked as he got as well.
The chief shrugged. "According to the journal, Grandad said he was only in there for what felt like hours, but when he came out roughly two days had passed. He didn't realize it until he got back to Berk and they told him how long he had been gone."
Jorn nodded as they began the trek, wondering what could cause such a lapse in time. A few different herbs came to mind that could cause someone that way. He briefly considered one of the gods blessing the altar, giving it the power to change the flow of time. Or maybe Hiccup's grandfather had been injured and lost consciousness. The possibilities were endless.
As the sun reached its peak, they reached the entrance of the cave. Next to it was a singular torch and a boulder with a message carved into it. Hiccup handed Jorn his cane and knelt in front of the boulder.
Hiccup brushed away the moss and began to read it aloud. "I, Volund Haddock, claim this island for the Haddock clan. Only we may go beyond this point. This cave is sacred to our bloodline. May the gods have mercy on any who dare enter."
Jorn didn't like how that message was worded. "I should go with you."
Hiccup picked up the torch and placed his free hand on the boulder, using it to stand back up. He then took his cane back. "I'm tempted to agree with you, but I feel like I need to do this part on my own. If I'm not back by morning, come find me. I'll carve some arrows into the walls, so you can find me easier."
The healer bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't like this one bit. Ever since they set foot on the island, the whole thing felt eerie. He was sure Hiccup felt it as well. This whole thing was wrong.
"Midnight and no later," Jorn countered. "I'll try and signal the ship that we've reached the cave in the meantime."
"Deal," Hiccup agreed as he readjusted his satchel. He turned to face the entrance and took in a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. Something that was easier said than done, but somehow he managed. Another deep breath and he stepped into the cave.
Hiccup leaned against the wall, taking a minute to rest. He took out his blade and carved, what felt like his thousandth arrow into the wall. He wasn't sure where he was in the cave system, but he was certain he somewhere near the center of the mountian, which meant he had to be getting close. His grandfather had been right, this place was a maze without a map.
Once the arrow was complete, Hiccup continued walking toward, what hoped was the main cavern.
After a few more twists and turns, Hiccup could hear the sound of running water. He decided this would be the place to take a longer rest before he came face to face with his ancestors. Besides he had to figure out exactly what he wanted to say to them. They destroyed this island. Maybe they didn't realize it right away, but Hiccup had seen the damage they caused by getting rid of the dragons. It's quite possible his father had noticed it as well, but couldn't understand what what was happening.
Hiccup sat down and took his leg off, rubbing his sore stump. Once they got back to the ship, he'd have Jorn take a look and maybe spend a couple of days resting in a bed or hammock.
He looked in the direction the sound of running water was coming from and the pit in his stomach began acting up again. Something about this whole thing was creepy and wrong. He wondered if his father and grandfather felt this way when it was their turn. He wanted to turn around and head back to the ship. He could lie to everyone and say he talked to his ancestors and everything was fine. No, he had to see this through. It took him almost three months to get here, he couldn't chicken out now.
Using the cane to help him stay balanced, Hiccup stood back up. He carved an arrow into the wall along with a message letting Jorn know he was close.
With his message complete, Hiccup urged his body to keep going and headed for the light.
The louder the running water became, the more his mind and body screamed at him to turn around. If he could run in his condition, he would. He swallowed the fear that was trying to take hold and entered the main cavern.
He quickly found another torch resting in a sconce and lit it with the sputtering flames of the torch he had started with. With the new torch lit, he dropped the old one a took hold of the new one. He discovered that there was a line of torches that wrapped around the whole cavern and set to work lighting them.
Once the whole cavern was lit, he took a moment to look at how beautiful it was. Vines of various flora and fauna, that probably only Fishlegs could identify, covered the walls. In the center was a simple altar with the Haddock crest carved into it and a woven bowl on top of it. Behind it was a waterfall the filled a deep pool no wider than Snotlout's head.
Hiccup took the berries out of his satchel and gingerly placed them in the bowl. He stepped back, silently praying to the gods to accept his offering so he could speak with his ancestors. The flames from the torches flickered for a moment as a breeze blew through the cavern.
Hiccup turned around to see what caused the breeze but found nothing. He looked back at the altar and saw two men standing before him. One he knew all too well and the other a total stranger.
"I'm not sure what I accepted, Stoick, but it certainly wasn't this," The stranger scoffed as he looked Hiccup up and down. "Is he such a wimp, he can't kill for his offering?"
"There was nothing left to kill," Hiccup stated, quickly finding his voice. "All the animals have died out. We were lucky to find these berries."
"Impossible," the stranger growled. "This island should be overrun by now."
"I warned you, Volund," Stoick stated. "Without the dragons, resources became scarce and the animals were diminishing in numbers. You and Father were lucky you got a fish."
"You knew?" Hiccup asked, looking at his father, enjoying the sound of his voice.
"Aye, son. I knew" Stoick confirmed. "So did your grandfather. In his time he noticed the amount of animals outweighed food sources. But that is a discussion for another time. How are you, Hiccup?"
Hiccup resisted the urge to reach out and touch his father. He had to remind himself it was just a spirit. "I am doing as well as to be expected."
"You don't have to lie, son," Stoick pointed out. "We know what happened. When it comes time for a Haddock to make the journey, we are granted permission to watch. And in extreme cases offer guidance."
Hiccup's eyes widen in realization. "You helped Toothless find me."
"Aye," Stoick confirmed. "He already knew you were danger, we just helped nudge him in the right direction."
"I voted for the dragon to fail," Volund said. "You should have rescued yourself, instead of waiting for help. If we Haddocks want something, we have to do it ourselves. You aren't worthy of the name. We should disown you right here."
"We aren't disowning my son," Stoick shot back. "He is more worthy of the name than any other Haddock in history. He tamed a Night Fury, killed the Red Death, ended the 300-year war, made allies where we saw enemies, and defeated enemies that threatened the tribe."
"He defies tradition and mocks us as he does it," Volund argued. "He even brought people to the island. One of whom is on his way here."
"I wouldn't be here without him," Hiccup stated. "He brought me back from the brink of death. I am forever in his debt for what he has done and I am proud of that. I will gladly stay in his debt if it means I get to be there when my wife goes into labor and watch my children grow up"
"Even more shame, you married and planted your seed before coming here," Volund wailed. "Such a disgrace."
"You're the disgrace," Hiccup shouted. "You killed dragons to lay claim to a dying island. An island you have killed. You set in motion irreversible damage and encouraged your descendants to do the same. A Haddock is smart, caring, and willing to listen. We think about the future and what it might hold. We don't focus on the past and let it consume us to the point of letting hatred win. You were selfish from start to finish. And now I'm done talking to you. Leave."
In a flash of light, Volund vanished, leaving Hiccup alone with his father. He looked at the vast, who just smiled at him with pride. "I wish I had done that when I was here. He was a miserable man in life and even worse in the afterlife. Reminds me of Mildew."
Hiccup felt a shudder go down his spine as he remembered the ornery old man. "I'll have to make a note to remember to avoid him when I get to Valhalla."
"Anyway, do you to tell me about what happened, or are we just going to stare at each other until your friend arrives?" Stoick asked.
"You saw what happened," Hiccup said. "So you know what I went through."
"Aye," Stoick agreed. "I saw, but I don't know what you were thinking and feeling. Being in Valhalla has taught me that no matter how strong you pretend to be, there are things that break us. For me, it was when you fought the Red Death. When I thought you were dead. A piece of me broke off that day and it never healed even after we got you home. I had nightmares until I died five years later. I still do some nights, but I have people can lean on without feeling weak. You do as well, Astrid, Dagur, Gobber, Valka, this Jorn fellow. They all care about and love you. They just want you to feel better. Talking won't take away the experience, but it will make it easier. If you don't want to talk about it now, that's fine. But one day you will and I'll be there for you."
Hiccup took in the words of wisdom, feeling a sense of safety wash over him. The fear he felt had vanished with Volund. He briefly wondered if the vile man who's been dead for 300 years had caused the previous feelings. If so his spirit was probably affecting other things on the island. He shook his head, problems for later.
"Why did I go alone? I should have known better," Hiccup began. "This journey was doomed from the start because I was insistent on doing it on my own. If we were still on old Berk, I might've been fine. Hel if I hadn't sent the dragons away, this wouldn't have happened. I'd have flown Toothless straight to the mountain, left him outside while I-" His voice caught in his throat.
"It's okay, son," Stoick encouraged. "You don't have to continue if you don't want to. I will understand."
The living Haddock shook his head took a deep breath and kept talking.
Jorn wandered through the tunnels, following the arrows Hiccup had carved into the walls. He wasn't sure how long he had been down here, but it felt like hours since he decided he couldn't wait until midnight.
His gut and brain were in agreement. If Hiccup was in danger, he needed to get him out of this cave system before it was too late.
After what felt like forever He found Hiccup's final arrow along with the message "Follow the sound of water."
The healer listened closely and could hear the running water in the distance. He broke into a run, heading straight toward the sound.
"I don't remember the rescue, or arriving on Berserker Island," Hiccup said, bringing the story of his imprisonment to a close. "I woke up ten days later to Dagur looking at me. He was gracious enough to open his home up as a place for me to recover. He named his newborn son after you, by the way. Trust me, the name is fitting."
Stoick let out a hearty laugh. "I'm glad. I was hoping it would be you naming a son after me, but I understand if you don't want to."
"Are you kidding me? I don't think Berk could handle having another Stoick running around," Hiccup smirked, feeling better than he had in these past months. "Besides I don't think I could keep up with a son named after you."
"Fair enough," Stoick agreed. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"
Hiccup bit his lip and pondered what he wanted to ask for a second before speaking. "Are you proud that I'm your son?"
"I have always been proud to call you my son," Stoick said. "I knew from the moment you were born that you would go on to do great things. You have done so well and will continue to do so. I will always be proud of you, no matter what you do."
Hiccup felt his cheek grow warm as he watched his father fade away.
Jorn stood at the entrance of the cavern, staring at Hiccup, who was lying on the floor in front of the altar, unconscious. He pulled his eyes away and looked at the flowers and plants that covered the walls. At a single glance, he knew how dangerous these plants were. Many of them when mixed together could cause someone to lose consciousness for extended periods of time, or have hallucinations so bad they hurt themselves or others.
The heat from the torches were causing the aromas they produced to mix in the air, leading to what he was seeing. He needed to get Hiccup out of there.
Thinking quickly he pulled a roll of bandages out of his satchel and wrapped it around his mouth and nose. Once the bandage was securely tied, he rushed in and grabbed Hiccup's satchel and cane, with practiced ease, picked Hiccup up and placed him over his shoulder.
Jorn carefully, but quickly navigated his way out of the tunnels. The sooner he got Hiccup back outside, the better. He didn't dare take his makeshift mask off until he was sure they were safe.
Eventually, Jorn managed to make it to the mouth of the cave. Once outside, He laid Hiccup down and removed the bandages from around his head. He knelt down, placing his ear to Hiccup's chest. The younger man's heartbeat was slow and his breathing sounded shallow.
The healer dumped the contents out of his satchel and began searching through the various herbal tonics he had brought for the journey.
Once he found what he was looking for, he uncorked the vial, lifted Hiccup's head, and carefully poured the tonic down his throat. "Come on, kid," he encouraged, praying to the gods that the tonic worked.
It was a simple concoction of hawthorn and motherwort. It was the only tonic he had that might help. There was no telling how long Hiccup had been lying on the ground, breathing in the aroma of those toxic plants and flowers.
Hiccup's eyes flew open for a brief second, but he quickly screwed them shut. "Oow, my head," he groaned. "What happened? Where's Dad?"
Jorn frowned. "I carried you out of the cavern. You were unconscious. I don't know about your father."
"I was talking to him, then he suddenly disappeared," Hiccup explained. "He was right in front of me."
Jorn sighed, already regretting what he was going to say. "Hiccup, kid, you were unconscious when I found you. I don't know for how long. The flowers and plants that were covering the walls were toxic. They can cause very powerful hallucinations."
Hiccup opened his eyes once more and looked at his friend, not wanting to believe what he was hearing, but deep down he knew it was true. He swallowed the urge to cry. The heartfelt conversation he had with his father was fake.
"How do you feel?" Jorn asked. changing the topic.
"My chest hurts," Hiccup answered. "Is this what happened to my dad and grandfather?"
The healer shrugged. "I don't know. It's possible. But you have to remember, you're still recovering from the imprisonment and torture. Your body is still weak from the trauma." He took hold of Hiccup's hand and started to pull him up into a sitting position. "Let's see if sitting up helps with the pain."
Hiccup groaned as he sat up, but felt as the pain lessened and breathing became easier.
"Better?" Jorn asked.
"A bit," Hiccup answered. "The pain is still there, but it's manageable."
"Good," Jorn said. "I don't think we'll be traveling any time soon. Let's move you, so you can lean against the boulder." He helped Hiccup move closer to the boulder, so he could sit up straight without issue. "We'll try and get moving in the morning. Once we get to the bottom of the mountain, I'll run ahead to get some help from the ship. You're in no condition to make the journey all the way back to the ship."
The young chief didn't argue, he was too tired and too sore. "Sounds good."
"Get some rest," Jorn said. "I'll keep an eye on you."
In the morning, Hiccup woke up feeling better than he had the previous day. His chest didn't hurt anymore and his breathing felt normal again.
"Oh good, you're awake," Jorn greeted. "How do you feel?"
"Better," Hiccup answered. "Like I could make the trek back to the boat without helping."
"That's the tonic talking," Jorn explained. "The effects are temporary. I'm glad it's working though. I was worried it wouldn't. We should get moving before it wears off."
Hiccup didn't protest or delay. He grabbed his cane and satchel and stood up.
It took a few hours, but the two men made it to the bottom of the mountain.
"How are you feeling?" Jorn asked, noticing how flushed Hiccup looked.
"I-I'm fine," Hiccup breathed heavily, his free hand on his chest. "Let's keep going."
Jorn shook his head. "You're not fine, kid. You need to rest." He looked around for a second. "Stay here and rest while I go get us help. It should be easier getting back to the ship, due to the path we made yesterday."
Hiccup opened his mouth to protest that he was fine, but closed it when he realize he wouldn't win the arguement. "Fine."
He sat on a nearby boulder and watched as Jorn took off running toward the ship
Hiccup wasn't sure how long he had been waiting, but at some point, he dozed off. He was jolted awake by someone shaking his shoulder.
"Hiccup!?" Jorn asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I'm up," Hiccup stated, rubbing his eyes. "Just resting, like you wanted."
Jorn let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. "Okay. Good. Don't scare me like that, kid."
"Sorry," Hiccup apologized, noticing that Dagur and a couple of his men were standing behind Jorn. "I see the calvary has arrived."
"You okay brother?" Dagur wondered.
"I'd be lying if I said, yes," Hiccup replied. "It would seem, that Volund is a nut case and covered the cavern with toxic plants and flowers. Breathe enough of them in for long enough, you can get really sick and hallucinate things. Unlike those before me, I'm not in the best condition, so-" He didn't finish.
"It's going to be okay," Jorn promised. "I've got the proper herbs brewing on the ship. Once we get you back there, you'll be able to take them. You'll be better in no time. For now, let's get you on the stretcher, so we can get off this gods' forsaken island."
Hiccup begrudgingly obliged. With some help from Jorn, he managed to get down without falling flat on his face and lay on the stretcher.
The two soldiers carried him through the jungle while Dagur and Jorn stood on either side of him. No words were said for the last leg of this awful quest. The whole thing had ended in failure. His conversation with his father was a fevered dream. He was extremely sick because of toxic flowers. He was also hungry, which probably didn't help his current situation.
One thing Hiccup knew for sure was that he wasn't letting his son come back here. He would be the last Haddock to set foot on the island. With what he knew now, it was too dangerous for anyone to come back. He made a mental note to talk to Dagur later about setting up warning buoys around the island to keep other people from trying to claim it.
Author's Note: Did Hiccup really imagine the conversation he had with his father and Volund, or was it really a hallucination caused by toxic flowers? Will Hiccup be okay? Will he ever get home to New Berk? Stay tuned to find out.
Please consider leaving a review letting me know what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this story. PLease and Thank You
Until next time