Long Lost Heir

Chapter 4

Hiccup's P.O.V.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned my head to see one of Avechi's friends, Shalu, looking pretty shaken. "Um, chief, Chumhog is saying he's going to take Avechi back to Berk," she tells me.

"Look, kid, your chief is entertaining his guests, you'll have to wait," Stoick says and Shalu flinches before nodding and walking away.

"I'm sorry, that girl that is going to be taken back to Berk is my daughter, and I don't treat my village children like that," I tell him before standing up.

"You mean you let them just walk up to you and make a request, not even showing respect?" Snotlout asks.

"They show plenty of respect," I counter, "And they are children. I am approachable by my people so they do not fear me."

"They do not respect you if they do not fear you," Astrid says, not looking at anyone.

"They respect him because they love him," Scarlet says.

"Well I hope they do," I joke before walking to the young vikings' table. I walk by the young man and grab the collar of his tunic before pulling him outside.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What's goin' on?!" he shouted as I released him roughly.

"You trying to put the moves on my daughter?" I ask as Avechi joins us.

"Hey, she was giving all the positive signals," he says.

"I was trying to get away from you!" she snaps.

"You said you were going to take her back to Berk?" I ask.

"Uh..." he avoided my eye.

"You try to take anyone from this island, and you will not walk straight for the rest of your life," I growl and he nods before Avechi and I go back inside. "Uh, Avechi," I put a hand on her arm as she tries to go back to her table, making her stop. "You have more than enough skill to give those guys a lesson. Why didn't you?"

"I thought you'd be mad if I attacked a member of a tribe that is in need of help," she says, not meeting my gaze.

"Avechi," I grab her shoulders and lift her chin to make her look at me, "Next time any of them try to look at you, I want you to go crazy and not worry about the consequences. Got it? Tell the others I said the same goes for them. No doubt the girls are going to be flirting with Thork's son. I suggest you and Torgna keep an eye on each other, being the two best looking 15-year-olds on the island," I tell her before her cheeks dust pink. I chuckle as I walk back to my table. She hated it when I called her attractive. Said it made her uncomfortable when I'm simply saying she should open her eyes and see how many fine young fellows are after her. I sit back down to have Heather look at me.

"Everything okay?" she asks.

"Well, Avechi's a little shaken, but I don't think Chumhog will give her anymore trouble," I say.

"And what about the other girls?" Thunder asks from down the table.

"Oh, I think she and Torgna can handle everything," I tell him.

"Damn straight," Thork says, leaning into the conversation, "My son and your daughter are unstoppable."

"Well, we have Heather to thank for that," I say, before adding to Stoick, "She's the best trainer in the Archipelago."

"I'm afraid you have her mistaken with Astrid," he says and Astrid rolls her eyes.

"No, I don't really think so," I say lightly.

"Really?" Snotlout says, "Well then why don't we have a little competition? Astrid picks her best student, and you pick yours." I exchange a glance with Heather.