Dragons, Humans, Gladiators, & Freedom

Chapter 1

Hiccup could not tell if it had been days, weeks, or even just a few torturous hours that he and his fellow Berkains were forced into the dark cargo hold of the ship. He sat with the rest of his Berkian tribe on hard wooden floor boards and crevice. The only light source would be the barred crate that was above them.

Some Berkains cried, while others tried to be strong. There was no light at the end of this tunnel. Rumors of how people were taken were running through their minds. Of how people were bought and sold like cattle.

Of course in Viking culture, they did the same. But Berk was a little different. They kept to themselves and had no time to go and conquer other lands like their past successors. The Berkians today had a bigger problem with the dragons coming and stealing from them. Thus, the conquering had diminished and now it was more of surviving raids on their island.

Hiccup opened and closed his eyes as he tried to keep warm. Water would rain down into their cell and there were no blanket or anything to help keep them warm. The boy would try to blow some hot air into his cold hands as he looked around at his people. They too were cold and shivering. Some looked more distraught than others.

Xxxx

Night fell as Hiccup tried to get some sleep. It was cold and in his mind he was still scared and wary. It made the poor boy unable to fall asleep. His eyes finally began to shut, but were soon startled awake by the sound of footsteps.

Hiccup averted his eyes upwards as he heard the latch open above and men coming down. He saw that it was his captor, the murder, and two other strong men. They scanned around like they were checking to make sure they were behaving. Hiccup watched as the murderer took out his sword and began to walk around the Berkians.

Watching them careful, Hiccup saw the men push and tap people like they were looking for someone. He watched as one of them men poked old man Mort. The boy watched as the man took out it blade and he began to poke Mort with it. Mort did nothing as his eyes remained closed and him unmoving.

Hiccup could never forget this night. Mort was white as a sheet and did not move. The boy thought he was a sleep or something. He watched as the man called the other slave hunters to look at Mort. The captor took out a dagger and began to poke Mort in the face with it. Seeing Mort unmoving, the captor looked to be smiling and a evil grin appeared on his face. Taking Mort's hand that was on the ground, the captor slammed his dagger right in the middle of it.

Hiccup tried not to gasp at the sight. It made him sick inside. He watched as Mort still remained unmoving. The men chuckled as two of the men picked Mort up and carried him up the stairs.

Hiccup watched with his eyes as they carried Mort's body away. Afraid what they might do with it, the boy question was answered when he heard a large splash. Fear was once again upon young Hiccup. The small boy wondered if he would meet the same fate.

The feeling of a sharp object under his chin brought Hiccup out of his mind and onto the blade. Hiccup felt the blade push his chin upwards as he stared into the eyes of the murderer. Smirking at the boy, Hiccup and the man stared at each other what felt like hours. The child did not show fear to the murderer, only hate which made the man grin more.

It wasn't until shouts were heard was the blade removed from under Hiccup's chin. The boy watched them leave as he wondered how long it would be until he met his fate.

Xxxxx

Hiccup dreamed of Berk that night.

Hiccup was playing down stairs with his toy dragon while Gobber was playing his band pipes. Shouts of his father from outside the house rose the boy to his feet. He ran out of the house and into his father's arms. Happy to see him, it diminished when he felt his father pull himself away from him. Stoick brought Hiccup in front of him as the boy looked to see Berk in ruins and slave hunters coming towards them. Hiccup tried to get out of his father's arm but couldn't. Looking up, Hiccup was that it was not his father but the murderer who held him instead. Fear consumed the boy as he watched the pirates get closer.