The King of Fire

Chapter 3: New Family, New Skills

Hiccup's POV
Milford had me stay in one of the guest rooms in the castle. I must say that I was impressed with the fine craftsmanship of all the items in there. Even Toothless liked his Slab-O-Rock bed, as they called it. I had the best sleep I have had in years on the bed I slept in.

I woke up around the crack of sunrise and gently leaned up. I smile slightly and look around the room. I see Toothless still sound asleep on his rock bed. I "gracefully" get up as I walk towards the resting reptile. I gently nudge his head trying to wake him from his slumber. I slight growl erupts from his throat.

"Get up you lazy dragon. We have a big day today." I told him with a slightly raspy voice.

He stirs slightly before opening his eyes halfway to stare at the human who disturbed him. He got up on his feet and stretched his legs and wings out.

All of the sudden, a knock could be heard from the door. I walk towards it before opening the door slightly to see who it is. I discover that it is one of the guards waiting to speak to me.

"May I help you, sir?" I ask him.

"The king requests your presence as soon as possible." The guard said formally.

"Thank you. I will be there shortly." I replied.

The guard nodded before walking away. After he leaves I motion for Toothless to follow and we head to the main hall where Milford was sure to be.

We arrived there to see Milford and Ingrid speaking to a couple of people. One was a large man who looked to be in his 30's and had a very fit body. The other was a woman who was about half as tall as the man next to her. She was lean and skinny, but you could still see the outline of muscle from her. She looked to be in her 30's as well. I waited patiently for the conversation to subside.

After the conversation seemed to be over, Milford noticed me and motioned for me to come towards the group.

"Brant, Brenda, this is the boy I have told you about." Milford informed the two.

I eyed the king curiously as the two, who's name I assume to be Brant and Brenda, turn towards me. They seem to have a look of sadness on their faces.

"Hiccup, this is my head general, Brant. And this is my lead archer, Brenda." Milford said as he gestured to the two.

"They are the couple I told you of that could not bear children."

They both looked a bit saddened at that fact, yet they quickly look back up to me.

"Young man, Milford here has told us of how you were treated at your old home. Are these horrible things he mentioned true?" Asks the man named Brant.

I look down as I slowly nod my head. I guess if these people do wish to adopt me, they should know of my past.

Both their eyes widened a little bit. They walked over to me and gave me a slight hug.

"How could anyone do something so cruel." Brenda whispered.

"Ma boy, I'm sure Milford has explained our predicament to you. I think you may be just the type of boy we're looking for." Brant said with slight enthusiasm.

My eyes widened a bit. These people seemed to be caring. I can't see why anyone would reject this offer.

"I'd love to join you." I reply.

Both of their smiles grew as they hugged me again. This time the hug was tighter and more loving.

I waved goodbye to the king and queen as I left the castle with Toothless in tow.

"If you don't mind me asking, what kind of dragon do you two have?" I question as we walk.

"I ride a Monstrous Nightmare named Skytorch." Brant relied.

"And I ride a Changewing named Swiftstrike. Brenda replied.

The rest of the walk was surprisingly silent as we approached the place I would now call home. We arrived at a slightly large house with a red tint to it. It was two stories with a few windows here and there. I was lead into the house to see it fairly well furnished. I followed the pair upstairs to what I assumed to be my room. I walked in and gasped slightly. The room had a decent sized bed at the corner and a rock bed just next to it. There was a nightstand by the bed as well with a single lantern in top of it. Against another wall there was a desk with another lantern on it. It had two drawers on each end. The last thing I noticed was a small closet built into the wall where I could store my clothes.

"This is where you'll be stayin ma boy." Brant said with a smile in his face.

I couldn't believe these people were treating me so well even though they just met me. This time I initiated a hug. They both smiled warmly and hugged me back.

"What do you think bud?" I asked Toothless.

He gives one of his gummy smiles as he goes to lay down on his new bed. We all laugh a little at the sight.

After I finish unpacking the few things I did bring. I was called down by my new father. It felt a bit strange to say that, but it was true. I walked down the stairs to go and see him and mom sitting by a fire. I walk up to them and make my presence known. They both turn to look at me.

"Ah, Hiccup." Dad says.

"We need to talk to you about something."

I nod my head to show I'm ready.

"Well, as you may know, I am the general of the great army that guards this nation, and Brenda here is our top archer. That be as it may, we both have skills in fighting. We want you to be able to defend yourself and live a healthy life. We want to ask you if you'd be willing to train under our guidance. Now, it will defiantly not be easy, especially with me training you, but it will aid you in the future. You'll be stronger, faster, and skilled in the art of combat. It will take some time, but I think you'll find it will all be worth it." Dad explains to me.

I just stand there, slightly shocked by the offer. This will probably be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do my entire life. But it could help me in the future. I'll do it. This could take me out of the skinny body I rest in now. This is it.

"I'll do it." I reply with a determined look.

They both smile at me.

"Well then, let's get started." They both say in unison.