In The Archipelago's Secret Service

14: Public Enemy

Fourteen: Public Enemy

Wakefulness returned to Hiccup accompanied by a host of sensations that were in no way as promising. He was sitting, slumped forward in a very hard metal chair, his arms were tied to the metal arms of the chair and his ankles were also fastened to the legs. It was cool and there were at least two people standing just in front of him. He blinked owlishly and lifted his head, a pounding headache making thought rather difficult but his head cleared instantly as he saw the two men facing him.

The similarity in their features told him they were close kin-probably brothers. Both were powerfully built and taller than Hiccup, though the slightly shorter one was a little less massive. His dark brown hair was cropped close and his beard was neatly manicured, framing a cold and calculating face. His cold chestnut eyes flicked over the unimpressive shape of the prisoner. The larger man was very tall and muscular, his head shaven and beard a mere stripe on his large chin. There was a poorly-concealed air of violence around him and he inspected Hiccup like a cat approaching a favourite toy.

"If you would...?" The slightly smaller man's voice was smooth and cold, perfectly enunciated and almost devoid of accent. The larger man nodded and punched Hiccup across the face. Head snapping round, Hiccup grunted in pain and felt his vision cross for a moment before things resolved back into the depressing view of his captors.

"Wh-what?" he mumbled thickly. The smaller man folded his hands behind his back and inspected the young would-be agent.

"I am afraid conventional wisdom dictates that any interrogation begins with establishing who exactly is in charge of the conversation," the man said smoothly.

"Who...?" Hiccup murmured, frowning and trying his bonds. The larger man punched him again and he sagged. The smaller man raised a hand, the index finger up in a silent command.

"I am afraid you weren't listening," he said in a disappointed tone. "I am Viggo Grimborn, leader of the Hunter Clan. My brother, Ryker, is rather enthusiastic in enforcing my will. I would advise not to test his patience." Hiccup blinked again, feeling blood smeared on his chin and his eyes fixed on the man's cold face.

"Why am I here?" he asked. Ryder bunched his fist and hammered it into Hiccup's middle and the younger man almost doubled up, feeling as if every molecule of air had been squeezed out of him. The big man grabbed a fistful of auburn hair and wrenched his head up as he struggled for breath.

"You are here because a colleague asked us to find out what you have been doing," Viggo said calmly. "It was suspected you would attempt to see the Commander and you were tailed until an opportunity arose to capture you-and your lovely companion."

"Astrid! Where is she? Is she...?" he demanded, his eyes flicking to inspect Viggo. Ryder punched him in the face again and he groaned, gasping as the big man wrenched his head back and closed a hand around his neck.

"You don't speak unless you're told to do so," Ryker growled, his deep voice very menacing as the grip tightened. Hiccup was barely able to draw breath, seeing the man inspecting him in a very unsettling manner.

"Where-where's...the fun...in that?" Hiccup choked out, trying to process what was happening.

"Please...give me a reason, boy," Ryker sneered, his face twisted in anticipation. The grip around Hiccup's neck tightened while his other hand tugged harder on his hair. Hissing in pain, Hiccup grimaced as the man slowly moved his head closer as he breathed into Hiccup's ear: "Please...and I will enjoy making you scream..."

"Ryker," Viggo warned in a bored voice, "while I am fully cognisant of your proclivities, I want him able to answer questions. You can rape him in your own time." Hiccup felt a jolt of fear shoot through him at the words and his green eyes widened. Ryder leaned closer, his lips almost touching Hiccup's ear.