Dragons: The New Chief

Chapter 54: He Must Die

The group split up. Gobber hobbled up to the Haddock household to perform his duty to protect the countess and all who inhabited that house. Toothless came bounding out, his blue hue having been faded away at the moment, and right up to his rider. He made no motion to nose at his rider like he usually would.

Eret called Skullcrusher to his side, as did Fishlegs with Meatlug. The dragons heeded their calls and came straight away, allowing them to clamber aboard. Hiccup did the same and Tuffnut climbed on behind the chief, as he could not fly his dragon without his sister. They took off and headed straight for the Jorgenson home.

The group soared into the sky with speed. Night had crawled on; It was already quite late when Hiccup had come home, but apparently he had been in his stand off with Loke for quite a while. It was dark out, but the sky slowly lightened from black to gray during the time. When the riders began to descend towards Snotlout's home, they could each see the ships on the horizon.

Three ships, most likely carrying at least 30 vikings each, strove forward. Hiccup gazed towards them once, but quickly turned away. One step at a time was the way to go. The other guys looked between each other, this aurora that hung around hadn't been felt for a year...since Drago. They could feel the tension emitting from their chief. He was worried. About his people, his village, the dragons...and most importantly his wife and the child she's carrying.

She had fallen, even Tuff knew that was not good for an expectant woman. The things that could happen...they're not pleasant. The dragons dove to the ground, landing right in front of the door.

Hiccup jumped off his dragon and pounded on the door. "Snotlout!" He called.

He heard shuffling and swearing as the man approached the door. Snotlout opened it. "Yeah?"

"You're not safe here." Hiccup blurted. "I need you and Eret to do something for me. Heather should go to my house, she'll be safe."

The shorter viking pressed his hand to his forehead. "What? What do you mean?"

The man gazed out to the guys that were stationed around the chief. Each had their weapon drawn, as well as Hiccup. Snotlout gazed up.

"Are we in..."

"Battle?" Hiccup asked. "Yes."

At that, Snotlout ran back into the house and quickly collected his wife, the kids, and his hammer before calling for Hookfang. The nightmare appeared suddenly and allowed the four of them to climb on. As they flew back to the chief's house, villagers were scampering around the village, gathering weapons and shields, readying themselves for battle and herding the mothers and children back to their houses. Men screamed orders at one another. Confusion rippled through the village. Where was their chief? What's going on? Who's attacking?

"Meet me back at the great hall, I have to get everyone in order." Hiccup instructed.

With a quick nod, Hookfang, Meatlug, Skullcrusher, and their riders escorted Heather and the children to the chief's house. Toothless flew, with Tuffnut and Hiccup on his back, to sentry's tower. He grasped ahold of the railing and steadied himself.

"Everyone listen up!" Hiccup yelled.

The village stopped instantly. The island grew as silent as night to listen to their chief.

Hiccup took a deep breath. "Meet me at the great hall! Make sure the mothers and children are safe at home!"

Half of the villagers raced to the village hall, following the night fury, the other's finished helping their wives and children back to the house. Many grouped together with their neighbors, with one husband to stay behind and protect them.