The Return of the Dragons

Chapter 4 Where's Nuffink - Hiccup POV

I go back to our room laughing to myself and finish dressing. Astrid follows me probably wondering how I could possibly think any of this is funny.

"Hiccup! Come on, talk to me! What's going on and what is so funny!?"
I turn around and take my Astrid by the shoulders.

"I'm sorry Astrid. Don't worry, it's okay. I know where he went. I'm sure he's fine." And I kiss her on the cheek
"Well hurry all the same." She replies.
"I will." I reply and kiss her sweet head.

Running out the door I hurry to where I believe my son to be. Jogging through New Berk I laugh to myself this king of what he is probably doing. I have come upon him doing the same thing several times though he doesn't know it.

Leaving New Berk behind me I am now sprinting through the tall pines that surround our dwelling. And not that distant I hear exactly what I expected to. It's the voice of my son.

"How dare you threaten New Berk!"
I lean against a tree a little ways off and watch with interest as my son challenges his imaginary opponent (being an old barrel he took and painted an ugly face on)
"I Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, chief of New Berk challenge you to a duel and we will see who shall win!"

I smile at my son's play as he lashes into that barely with his little toy sword. After a little of this he takes his foot and knocks over his opponent. "I have defeated you!" He shouts waving his sword in the air.

"Bravo!" I say clapping. He turns around startled by my sudden input.
"Dad!" He cries in surprise. "I didn't know you were there."

"Well your mother didn't know where you were. She was worried about you." I say gravely.

"Nobody has to worry about me! I'm brave like you!" Nuffink declares.

"She worries about you because she loves you." I reply. "And so do I."

Nuffink surprises me by wrapping his arms around my torso in a hug. "I love you too, Dad."

I hug my son tight. He is a bright little boy and I am more and more proud of him every day.

"Now I need you to promise me," I say looking him in the eye very seriously. "That you will not go anywhere without making sure someone knows where you are going."

"Yes Dad I promise." he replies with a smile.

I smile back at him. "Come on. Let's go tell your mother that you're all right."