Shortly after finishing supper, Jorn left to get some more supplies from the Healer Living Quarters, leaving the Haddocks alone to chat.
Astrid mostly caught Hiccup up on everything that had been happening in Berk, such as Fishlegs proposing to Ruffnut and the latest Thing where they discussed what crops should be planted or where the second barn would be built. A new law was being discussed, but couldn't be approved until Hiccup was home. The law pertained to how they would perform regular checks on all traders coming into New Berks docks.
She avoided telling him about the pregnancy. He wasn't ready for it yet. The Chieftess would tell him once he was a bit better. She wanted him to be able to hug her when he heard the news. She wanted him to be able to wrap his hands around her stomach and talk to the being growing inside her. If she told him right now, all he could do was offer a smile and ask how far along she was.
Hiccup listened intently, but not really hearing anything. He was just enjoying the sound of his wife's voice. He might not remember much from his captivity, but he did remember fearing he'd forget her voice and the voices of anyone else he cared about. The young chief also knew that she was avoiding something else that was happening. However, he didn't want to push, knowing she would tell him in her own time. She probably didn't want to overwhelm him with whatever it was.
After some time Hiccup fell back to sleep. Between the tonics Jorn had given him and the blanda, he was ready for real sleep. For some reason, comatose sleep never felt like real sleep to him. Yeah, it gave his body a chance to recover and start the healing process, but it wasn't restful.
A few days later in the dead of night, two ships drifted into the island's docks. The ships appeared to be badly damaged. The sides were littered with holes, burn marks, and a substance that couldn't be made out. The sails were missing from both ships, leaving them unidentifiable.
The night watchmen walked over the boats ready to offer assistance only to be greeted by swords and crossbows in their faces.
"Evening gentlemen," someone from the ship greeted. "Pardon the intrusion, but we are looking for a couple of men. They would have washed up on your shore roughly two weeks ago. Would have had a dragon with them perhaps."
The three watchmen shared a look as if having a silent conversation. These men pointing weapons at them were Hunters and they wanted Chief Hiccup and the Healer. They couldn't let that happen. If they did, Dagur would skin them alive and ship them off to the edge of the world.
"Sorry to disappoint," the lead watchmen replied. "But we have not seen the men you are describing. Certainly no dragons." He chuckled wryly, hoping the Hunters believed him.
"Well then," The lead Hunter said, jumping off his ship and onto the docks, "we have a problem." He pushed the tip of his sword into the watchman's chest, not enough to puncture the skin, but enough for the man to lose his balance. "You see, we know the two men and the dragon are here. Your little island is the closest one from where they escaped. We saw the beast flying to and from here. So save yourselves the trouble and tell us where they are and we'll be on the way."
The lead watchman looked over at his partners. He knew the predicament they were in had no good outcome. One of them needs to go and warn the rest of the tribe. Hopefully, give them enough time to gather weapons. He looked at the younger of the two. He knew who to choose.
"Erik," the watchman said locking eyes with the younger man. "Go get Chief Dagur. Let him know we have guests. Quickly." Erik nodded and took off running towards the village.
Erik ran through the village, quietly warning everyone he passed that Hunters were on their docks and looking for the allies they were caring for. By the time he'd gotten the Chief's house almost the entire village was armed and ready to defend.
Dagur was standing on his porch, sword in hand, when Erik finally reached him.
"Chief Dagur, two Hunter ships are at our docks," Erik said out of breath. "They wish to take Chief Hiccup, Jorn, and Toothless. Lief and Henderson are still on the docks being held at sword point. I have warned the rest of the village. What do we do? Do we hide our guests?"
Dagur looked back into his house at Hiccup and Astrid. "We can't move Hiccup, he's in no condition. No, we have to keep the Hunters from finding him. Take Mala and our son to the Hall of Heroes, and protect them with your life. If you see Jorn send him back here. I will need his help."
"Aye, Chief," Erik said, before heading inside to help Mala.
Dagur knew his wife would protest not being able to fight, but he couldn't take that risk. Blood was going to be shed tonight, it didn't need to be hers. Their son needed at least one of his parents to live. He followed Erik back inside, but instead of going upstairs, he headed over to his friends.
"What's going on?" Astrid asked. She knew the expression Dagur had. She'd seen it many times. On Stoick. On Valka. On Hiccup. And in the mirror. It was a look no warrior wanted to bear. It was a look that meant lives were on the line. A look of war.
"Hunters have docked. They're looking for Hiccup," Dagur replied. "We have to figure out how to protect him since we can't move him."
Astrid stood up. "What's the plan?"
Dagur didn't answer. Astrid was one of the toughest warriors he knew. He knew she could hold her own and take down many enemies without breaking a sweat. But she was also pregnant. And sure pregnancy didn't stop you from fighting. Unlike Mala, who had just given birth and was in no condition to fight just yet. Yet he didn't want her to fight and risk her life. If she died, Hiccup would blame him.
"You go find shelter," Hiccup said, breaking the silence.
Astrid looked down at her husband. "And you're supposed to sleeping."
"No sense in sleeping when Hunters are looking for me," Hiccup replied.
"I'm not going to hide," Astrid proclaimed. "I'm going to fight."
"No. You. Are. Not," Hiccup argued back. "Not in your condition."
"What condition?" Astrid asked, a bit taken aback.
"You know what I'm talking about," Hiccup said. "You've been terrible at hiding it. So has everyone else. Jorn and Dagur have both stolen glances at your stomach. You also can't help but place your hand on it every time you think I'm not looking. And I understand why you haven't told me yet. But you should have known I'd figure it out on my own sooner or later. I know you're pregnant."
Astrid should have known better, she couldn't hide anything from her husband for very long. "That doesn't change the fact that your life is in danger. Someone needs to be here to protect you."
"Why don't we try the friendly way first," Hiccup suggested, not enjoying the idea of people dying to protect him. "Meet with Hunters and discuss things."
"That won't work," Dagur said shaking his head. "They want you, Toothless and Jorn. No amount of words are going to stop them from seeking revenge. We can't let that happen."
Hiccup frowned, but knew Dagur was right. These Hunters wanted blood and would stop at nothing to get it. He glanced around the room trying to think. "If I remember correctly, Dagur, you have your own personal storeroom of weapons and dried foods under the floor. And you keep the entrance hidden in case of raids. That way you can still feed the tribe."
"Yeah," Dagur answered, raising a quizzical eyebrow. "How do you know about it?"
"You told me about during your wedding reception after a few too many glasses of mead," Hiccup replied casually, still scanning the room. "How many ships?"
"Two that we know of," Dagur said, still unsure of what his brother was planning.
"The standard Hunter ship usually carries about thirty men," Hiccup calculated. "So sixty Hunters vs the Berserker/Defenders tribe of roughly two hundred and fifty or so. Most of them being trained since birth to be warriors."
"I don't think moving you would be safe," Astrid stated interrupting Hiccup's train of thought. "You can barely sit up without help."
"True," Hiccup said. "However, all you have to do is set a bedroll down, place me on it and cover me up with a blanket. On the off chance they do find me, they'll think I'm a slab of meat you're curing and leave it at that. Though given your defenses and warriors, I don't see them getting past the markets and arena."
"That could work," Dagur said. "We'll just have to be extra careful in moving you. When Jorn gets here, he'll be able to help."
"What about Toothless?" Astrid asked. "How are we going to hide him?"
"He can leave if he wants," Hiccup answered. "Or he can stay and fight. It's up to him."
At that moment a roar echoed down from the sky. Astrid and Dagur ran to the door to see what was happening.
Up in the night sky was Toothless, blasting the Hunter ships to smithereens, giving them no means of escape. On the ground, they could see the Berserkers fighting the Hunters. There were more than sixty Hunters. The Berserkers seemed to be holding their own, but it was just a matter of time before the lines were broken.
Astrid looked out at the sea. "Oh no."
"What is it?" Dagur asked following her line of sight.
"More Hunter ships," Astrid answered. "Four by the looks of it. Whatever it is we were going to do, it has to be now. We can't wait for Jorn. He and the other Healers need to be on the battlefield tending to the wounded."
Dagur turned around and headed back over to Hiccup. "Let's get you in the storeroom, quickly. We'll worry about any extra injuries later. I have to go and help my people."
"Leave me then," Hiccup insisted. "Getting me down there will take too long. If they make it this far, we'll think of something."
"Are you sure?" Dagur asked, not wanting to leave his brother, sister-in-law, and their unborn child alone and defenseless.
"I'll be fine," Hiccup promised. "Now go."
Dagur nodded, stepped over to the stairs knelt down, and moved a bear skin out of the way. Under it was a small latch, that if you didn't know it was there, you'd never see it. He lifted the latch, opening a trapdoor then looked over at Astrid. "There are several weapons and traps down there. Get what you can to hold them off as long as possible. I will be back."
"You better be," Astrid said, forcing her emotions down. Now was not the time to cry or plead for him to stay. He needed to be with his people, fighting not only to protect Hiccup but the entire tribe. Hunters didn't care who got hurt or killed as long as they got what they came for. She knew that even if the tribe handed her husband over, the Hunters would still attack simply because they provided their target shelter.
Dagur dashed out of his home, yelling his battle cry as he charged toward the battle.
Astrid picked up one of the lanterns and headed down into the storeroom.
Author's Note: What's more surprising than more whump caused by more Hunters, because that's what were getting here folks. And if you think you know what kind of whup I have planned, think again. Whatever it is you are thinking of, I guarantee you that it is wrong. But please, feel free to venture a guess in the comments. I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Until next time