Homeland [Mericcup]

Chapter 4- Battle Ready Drakkars

(Young Hiccup's POV)

"Alright everyone, remember the plan?" Asked Hiccup, as he and his motley crew of dragon-riding friends soared in the cool evening air, high above the shimmering sea.

"We have a plan?" Replied Snotlout in mock defiance from behind, since he rode Toothless as well.

"Yes, you know there is one and you'd better stick to it. We're doing this for you, so the least you can do is follow my instructions."

"I don't know if I can! This all has me so angry that I'll be blinded by rage when the fighting starts! In fact, you don't even need a plan, I can take them on myself when I’m this furious!"

"If you mean you’ll throw a tantrum like the one before we left, then we’ll be much better off without you.” Threw Astrid as she flew alongside the boys.

“Oh come on, I had a good reason! Why would a tough guy like me want to cling to Hiccup’s scrawny waist for an entire journey? Gross!”

“Well this scrawny waist is all you have to hold on to above this sea, so your options are rather limited. Besides, it’s thanks to me that we’re rescuing your dragon in the first place, so you’re welcome.” refuted an irritated Hiccup.

“Speaking of which, what did your dad say when you told him we were going to save Hookfang?” Asked Astrid.

Hiccup looked uncomfortable as he avoided her gaze.

“Well, to be honest, he uhm… doesn’t know we’re out here.”

“What?! Hiccup, this is serious! We’ll most likely need reinforcements for this attack, and now we can be sure there’s no one to show up to back us up! If something goes wrong, we’ll be at Alvin’s mercy on his very own island!”

“Why didn’t you tell him what we were up to?” Added a concerned Fishlegs.

“I was worried he’d say no, and Hookfang means a lot to Snotlout. It’s my duty to protect us and our dragons, and leaving Hookfang with Alvin would be a sign of submission.”

“But don’t you see? He wants us to come after them! They’ll most likely be expecting us, and we’re six against an army now.” Argued Fishlegs.

“This is too unsafe. We’ll go tell your father that we need to rescue Snotlout’s dragon, and if he says no then we shouldn’t argue. Let’s turn back guys.” Concluded Astrid.

“That doesn’t look like an option anymore…” Said Hiccup, his voice fluctuating with dread.

Up ahead, mere specks against the gleaming reflection of the sunset on the water, were outlined the dark silhouettes of enemy drakkars. Half a dozen ships with dark grey sails adorned with menacing crests were sailing north, the ruckus of their crews was so loud it was audible from where Hiccup and his gang flew.

“Uh oh, it sounds like they spotted us…” Said an uneasy Astrid.

Fishlegs pulled out a small telescope from his satchel and peered through it to examine the battalion ahead.

“Those sails are Alvin’s,” He gasped, “and the sailors are armed to the teeth! We can’t back out, nor attack, so either way we’re done for!” Panicked the boy.

“Calm down Fishlegs, it’ll be fine!” Why on earth would they be sailing as if going to war? wondered Hiccup. “Can you tell if Hookfang is on board with them?”

Fishlegs scoped the ships once more.

“I don’t see how they could fit a dragon on a drakkar but- Wait! I see him! They have Hookfang tied down along with other dragons!” He said without looking away.