Behind the Mask

Let The Adventure Begin

So here we are once again at the first chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy what I have so far and that it inspires you in your own work as we follow Hiccup through his careless adventures in the Archipelago's of the world of Berk. But every story has to start somewhere so...let the adventure begin. 

Underlined and bolded text is Hiccup Narrating

No One's POV:

"All right, Bud!" He says as he charges through the forest with all he deemed important to him, pushing aside branches of the tall pines that blocked his path. "That's it! I've had enough. It's time you and I take a little vacation....permanently." He strode into the small cove that served as his sanctuary, and searched for any sign of his friend. Before he could spot him he heard a scuffle of rocks across the dirt and rushed footsteps behind him.

 "What is going on with you?" She said.  "You might have everybody else fooled with this act of yours, but I know you're up to no good."

"A....Astrid..." He stammered. "Wha..what are you doing way out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, muttonhead. "She said, pushing him back with a shove to the shoulder from a small but firm hand.  "What are you up to?"

"Uh......nothing. Why would you think I'd be doing anything out here?"

She scowled. "You don't just get as good as you've gotten...Especially you. "She said as she held her double-headed axe dangerously close to his fragile body. "Are you training with someone? Why have you been sneaking off all the time? And why of all places out here?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about.." He said a little too fast, backing away from her slowly.

"Don't lie to me." She hissed, more than angry now. "I know you are hiding something. You are not a dragon killer and you never will be, now what in Thor's name are you doing out here?" She demanded.

Hello, this boy standing in danger's way is me. I know, it looks pretty bad. How did I get myself into a situation like this, you may ask? Well, allow me to explain..but I'll start at the beginning.....the very beginning.

Scene Switch: Berk, Great Hall

He was alone...he was always alone. It came to no surprise to him as he stepped up the stairs to the Great Hall after a drenching rain. He heard his father's booming voice ring throughout the entire hall, causing the doors to shake and unsettling his already rocked nerves. He paused, not for fright but out of curiosity...and because of what he overheard.

"Chief, we can't keep waiting for him to grow up." Spitelout said. "We all know it's never going to happen. He's doing great in dragon training and all, but he's not chief material, Stoick.....not really Viking material either." Spitelout mumbled that last part but he caught it anyway.

His whole body went numb. He'd bet his life that he knew who they were talking about.

"I understand your point Spitelout, but we need to give the boy a fair chance before we toss him aside...that's how the law works." The Chief said. "He's been doing better, and I think if we give it enough time he'll turn out to be more than any of us expect."

But how long are we supposed to wait?" Spitelout piped up again. "Snotlout is ready now, and I know he'd jump at the chance to join the chief training. We don't have time to waste on something we all know will never come to pass."

There were voices of agreement that arose all around the room.

Was he really going to be replaced?..and by Snotlout no less. He was no more fit to lead than I was built to be a Viking...and that was saying a lot.