White the Cursed

22 - The winter warlock

Jack spotted four men whose clothes had nothing to do with the tartans of the four clans from Broch. These men had thicker, more covering clothes, chain-mails and long narrow boots going up to their knees... and weapons.

''It was coming from the Standing Stones, like Björn said.'' one of them stated.

''Do you really think there's a warlock here ?''

Jack froze, cold sweats running down his spine. Why were these men talking about a warlock ?

''Local legends have that this place is a sacred place for witches, so I wouldn't be surprised. But I'd rather make sure of it before telling Prince Hans.''

Prince Hans ? Jack wondered. This name didn't sound like those of Broch inhabitants, no more than Björn. His thoughts and suspicions died down as he saw the group passing next to him. He quickly held his breath and planted a hand on his mouth to make sure he wouldn't make any noise, pressing himself flat against the tree. They passed by without seeing him and rushed towards the snow.

''There, look ! It has to be this winter warlock. How would you explain this while it's only fall ?''

''Good. Prince Hans would be pleased if we manage to capture this warlock. He would know what to do of this magic.''

''No wonders, it would be of great use to attack his brother's kingdom and overthrow him. A warlock that powerful could beat an entire army !''

Jack couldn't help but start as he heard a slapping sound, as if one of these men had punched another. He got the confirmation when he heard a groan, then another man spoke lower : ''Not so loud, you idiot ! You're going to catch attention on us.''

''Did Björn told you what this warlock looked like ?''

''Yes, he spoke about a short, skinny guy with a black dragon. He saw them right here, no latter than yesterday. He made it snow and was having a snowball fight with the beast.''

''A skinny guy, you say ? Perfect, he won't be too hard to fight and catch, then.''

''Huh... Sven, have you ehard the part where I mention a dragon ?''

Jack froze even more. The previous day, he had been so free using his magic fearlessly that it hand't evn crossed his mind someone could see him. Not only had he been seen, but this Björn man had told other people, and now these people were looking for him... in order to use his magic ? How was he always able to get himself into troubles ? He gritted his teeth as he realized he should have been more careful. Accepting his magic as something good had blinded him and made him forget other people still thought it was evil. Still, it wasn't what worried hm the most. What was trully worrying him was the fact it could get the circus in troubles.

He had to leave, and quick, escape and return to the castle to warn the others. He was sure the royal couple wouldn't like hearing there were intruders in their lands.

''Jack !'' A voice called out.

If the byo had thought he couldn't be more worried in this situation, hearing this familiar voice proved him wrong. It was Hiccup. What was he doing here ?! Wasn't he supposed to be with Merida ? Hiccup was there and looking for him, and the roar following told him that Sharpshot was there too. Toothless as well, for sure.

The intruders heard the voice too and didn't wait to go and meet them. Jack's heart leaped up in his throat and pushed him to follow them, though keeping a safe distance from them so he wouldn't be spotted. And when the two groups finally met, Jack realized he did got the circus into troubles. One of the four men pointed to Hiccup and yelled : ''There ! A skinny guy with a black dragon, that's him ! That's the winter warlock !''