Until They Can Return in Peace - How to Train Your Dragon

Chapter 11 - Hiccup

Everyone was thrilled to see the king, queen and the new prince that was born. Astrid was excited for them as well, especially with the baby.

I smiled wildly as Mala placed Gunnar into my wife's arms. I see the nervous expression that was plastered on her face fall into a gentle, warm gaze at the young tot.

Astrid can do it. She's Astrid. I have no doubt in my mind about it; I just wish I could understand why she does.

With all the commotion around me, I could sense something was off when Dagur didn't have the same violent euphoria in his crazy eyes.

The village dispersed back into their holiday preparation traditions and Astrid and I showed them to a guest house just north of ours.

Once inside, I pull my wife beside me and whisper in her ear, "Something's not right".

"I think so too", she affirms me. The baby is still in her arms and I take a good, long look at that mini Dagur with blonde wisps for hair. He is quite adorable, surprisingly.

"Haddocks, we have come for more than just celebration. In fact, no celebration at all...", Mala says and Dagur holds her side.

"What's going on? Should I call a council meeting?", I ask.

"I think it's best we do. We need as much support behind us as possible", she replies with little to no serenity, which is NOT the Mala I know.

Astrid nods, hands the baby back to his parents, and goes to gather the others at the Great Hall.

———————

Astrid and I are seated in the Chieftain and Chieftess seats with Mala and Dagur beside us. The gang, my mother, Gobber, Eret and some of the older council Vikings were present in the room.

Mala speaks, "Berkians, we come with a tremendous need from Berserker Island. Following our marriage and the migration of the Dragons, I had to move my people to Berserker Island. Without the Great Protector preventing the lava flow, it was inhabitable. I know... it was a hard transition due to my people being there for many generations and the Berserkers of Dagurs tribe as well. But this has created an uprising between the clans"

Oh gods. Just when I thought peace could be obtained for one Thor dang moment.

"I hate to call it catastrophe, but it has come to that. Two lone groups have emerged from this union of tribes. The Rebellion of the Wing, and the Fractious Berserkers. They each have tried to attack Berserker Island only once in the last few months, but thanks to Heather and her militant spirit, we have remained protected".

I'm sure glad Heather is alright, but this is a serious issue, especially with two violent groups out there. Without dragons to defend us, we have to go back to how we used to handle things as Vikings. The kinds of things I wasn't good at without Toothless.

"We've been sailing to neighboring islands to warn them of the dangers that may be ahead. If it were up to me I'D JUST TAKE THEM ONE BY ONE AT THE THROAT AND SQUEEZE THE LIVING DAYLIGHT OUT OF THOSE TRAITOROUS LITTLE...", Dagur goes on a rant but stops himself at the sight of half my people horrified.

He clears his throat, "Uh, sorry, continue Mala-poo".

My wife and I laugh at the Dagur we know hasn't changed a bit.

"Thank you my love. We want to protect our people with everything we have. Especially now with this little one in the picture, I won't stop at anything to make sure his future is protected and promised", Mala looks down at her son. Emotion pulling at the words coming from her throat.

I lay a hand on Astrid's leg and whisper, "And for our little one too".

She gives me her valiant smile that I have fallen in love with so many times over the years and nods reassuringly.

"Thank you for your time. We must keep going on our journey. We still have to reach Outcast Island as well", Mala rises from her chair.

"No! You've been sailing for days and days. Tomorrow is our Snoggletog banquet to kick-off the holiday. Plus there will be a surprise from Astrid and I. Stay tomorrow and leave the next day, you guys need some rest", I say standing to my feet.

Mala protests in her mind a bit, but the tired mother look in her eyes thanks us.

"Alright everyone, go back to decorating, baking and whatever else you do to get ready for tomorrow. We will host them and give them great honor for being with us!", Astrid announces and the meeting is adjourned.

Fishlegs, Ruff, Tuff and Snotlout join us over by the Chief seats.

"Is Heather okay?", Fishlegs asks and Ruffnut grunts.

"Ugh! You can't get over that little raven-headed freak can you?!"

"No no dear I'm... over it... I just want to make sure our friend is okay", he responds nervously to his ticking-time-bomb of a girlfriend.

The gods know I have no idea how that's working out.

"You better be. I mean, you got this", she gestures to herself and everyone groans.

"Ugh I'd rather drink Astrid's yak-nog than look at that", Tuffnut says.

Ruff and Astrid simultaneously shout, "HEY!"

And he is kicked to the ground.

Fishlegs takes Ruff's arm and returns to the conversation.

"She is fine. And quite a wonderful second-in-command while we're away. Such a good sis", Dagur proudly says.

"I'd love to see her soon, especially after all she did for Hiccup and I's wedding and honeymoon", my bride adds.

"We'll send her on a "thank you" trip to you all when we return home", Mala offers and I nod to thank her.

"So, what's the big surprise Hiccstrid?", Snotlout asks.

Astrid and I look at each other warmly.

"You'll just have to wait until tomorrow night", I say.

"Ugh come on"

"Nope"

"Please?"

"Snotlout we're not going to say!"

"You guys are lame. It's probably something ridiculous like they got a pet Yak", he grumbles to himself.

"You will all know at this time tomorrow, but for now let's go eat supper", I point towards the double doors.

They all trickle out as Astrid and I walk behind.

"We're going to tell them tomorrow? Already?", she asks as the terrified look returns from earlier today.

"Yes my love, is that alright?"

"I guess so... I just found out yesterday so I'm still trying to accept it myself"

"I know... but we do need to say something soon because that tiny waist of yours won't hide that slight swelling much longer", I look at her playfully, yet meaningful.

She couldn't help but smile.

"Well, I'm glad I get to share the secret with just you until tomorrow night. But you're right, my leather skirt is starting to feel snug", she giggles.

"You are going to be so beautiful with your belly"

"Oh I don't know about that", she holds her stomach, now fearing how much more it will grow.

"Astrid. It's impossible for you to look bad. Even when you wake up in the morning and your hair practically resembles a birds nest"

"Ugh, thank you Knucklehead. I love you. The more I think about it, the more excited I get to do this part of life with you", she wraps an arm under mine and walks with her head on my shoulder.

I love her so much and the child she carries.

I will do whatever it takes to make sure my family and future is protected, come what may.