"Alright you lot, LISTEN UP!" Gobber was not a man known for being careful or delicate. He could be but it wasn't his natural state. This was reflected in his teaching style: If at first you don't succeed, you're probably gonna die so do it right the first time. "Today, we're going to be learning about one of the most deadly species of dragon known to man: the Terrible Terror." He spoke to five teenagers, each about 15 years old:
Astrid Hofferson
Fishlegs Ingerman
Snotlout Jorgenson, and
Ruffnet and Tuffnut Thorston.
"Now, one Terrible Terror on its own isn't too much of a problem. They're dangerous because they can coordinate with other dragons a lot easier than most. A swarm of Terrible Terrors can tear the flesh from even the strongest Viking's bones. You must defeat them quickly, lest you fall to the swarms that will surely follow it."
"Oh come on, it can't be that bad." Snotlout Jorgenson was the meathead of the group, preferring to think with his muscles than the peanut he had for a brain. "I've seen these dragons before, they're minuscule. Even Ruffnut could probably defeat one."
"Yeah, even Ruffnut could beat one," Tuffnut chimed in, before being whaled on by the aforementioned Ruffnut. Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston were twins and had a sibling rivalry that you never exactly knew if it was affectionate or offensive to the other.
As this was going on, Fishlegs Ingerman was trying to separate himself from the others in the group. Fishlegs wasn't like any of the others, preferring books and strategy to axes and brute strength. He tried to hide behind Astrid, the other member of the group who was having none of the group's shenanigans.
Astrid Hofferson was a prime example of the Viking. She was strong and agile, being able to defeat most members of the village in armed combat. She was also quick-witted and cunning, utilizing strategy and battle plans to quickly and efficiently achieve victory.
"Well then," Gobber interrupted, grabbing the sliding lock and preparing to open it, "if you think you're-"
"GOBBER!" A deep, broad voice called into the training pit, grabbing Gobber's attention. "I need to speak with you, alone."
"Alright Stoick, be with you in a moment." Gobber took his hand off of the lock and headed towards the exit. "You lot keep yourselves occupied until I get back... and don't kill each other," to which he was met with groans. Gobber walked over to the viewing platform, his wooden leg clonking on the stone floor beneath him. "Alright Stoick, what is it?" Gobber asked.
"Gobber... I'm going to be absent for tomorrow's proceedings." Stoick spoke with a soft, yet firm voice. One that was only spoken by a man who knew his strength and its limits.
"Aah, right. Tomorrow is the 15th anniversary, isn't it?" Gobber knew how hard Hiccup's death had affected Stoick, and knowing how difficult it was for Hiccup to be born at all... well, they hadn't tried for any more children after that. Since then, Stoick and Valka had taken a day from their calendar to respect their dead son and to mourn him. "Well, don't you worry, Stoick. I'll tell them."
"Thank you Gobber. Everyone thinks I should move on. And I will. It's just difficult.
Anyway," he continued, a tear falling unnoticed from his eyes, "how are they?"
YOU ARE READING
Tale of The Dragon Whisperer
AventuraWe all know that when Hiccup was young, his mother was kidnapped by the dragons. She lived among them for years but she never lost her caring spirit. But what would have happened if a young boy had been taken? A boy who hadn't even formed a personal...
