Dark Valkyrie

Twenty Seven: One Must Die

Twenty Seven: One Must Die

"Well, Master Hiccup-it is good to finally talk to you, man to man, without any subterfuge," Johann announced, an arm swinging out expensively. Hiccup raised an eyebrow.

"Really? I thought you would find it strange, not lying to me and everyone else all the time," Hiccup replied shortly, his eyes never leaving the Trader. Johann chuckled.

"You feel sore about that? When you lied to your tribe and shamed your family and entire history?" the former Trader taunted him.

"This isn't about me-but my actions prevented a war while yours are aimed at causing one," Hiccup retorted. Johann chuckled.

"There will be no war-only massacre and surrender," he said darkly. "The King of Dragons commands them all-and with every dragon at my command-even your precious Night Fury-then no one will stand in my way."

"We will always stand against those who threaten us," Hiccup snapped but Johann gave a mocking smile.

"Ah yes-your propensity to stick your nose where it has no business," he scoffed.

"So is Johann even your real name?" Hiccup asked him dryly. The man chuckled.

"You know, I can't even recall what that was, I've worn so many over the years," he said dismissively. "Though being Johann has served me well. And I have profited well from the prejudices, vanity and treacheries of you Vikings." Hiccup stared stonily at you.

"So how did you...?"

"Simple. I took what I needed. The tales of real traders. Their names. And finally, their ships and lives," Johann gloated. "How's your shoulder, Hiccup?"

"Perfect," he said too quickly, his hand rising to press against the area. Johann noted the gesture and he smiled broadly.

"And when the other tribes find the the Hooligan Heir is just a slave, nothing, worthless?" he asked cruelly but Hiccup lifted his chin.

"I don't have a brand," Hiccup told him. Johann raised his eyebrows.

"Really? I watched it happen," he sneered, his voice suddenly filling with loathing. "And you have no idea, no concept whatsoever of how long I have dreamed of that moment. From the hour I heard you had befriended dragons, I knew you would be trouble, with your tendency to turn up where not wanted, your stupid but loyal friends and even 'the great Chief' backing you up when he should have slaughtered you for treason! I had to get you out of the way or I would never have progressed my plans. Why did you think I went near Breakneck Bog? Or was on Outcast Island when my operative got the key to Dagur? How did your enemies know where you were, when the Edge was unguarded?"

"You have been busy," Hiccup commented sarcastically, pacing slightly to maintain the distance between himself and the former Trader. "Surprised you had time to do any trade."

"You think I worry in the long term about a few meagre Viking coins when I will become the most powerful and richest man in the world when I am done?" Johann scoffed. "Everything has been bent to this aim." He gave a pitying look. "You know, you are the most smart and innovative of your primitive kind-and you cannot appreciate the level of planning and the sophistication of my strategy. You know, your parochial view of the world is laughable, given the powers that face you that you have no concept about! I am the only one you are aware of-however dimly-and though the others will bring you disaster, I will ultimately triumph. And when I have your father, cowering on his face and begging to slit your throat so I will spare his tribe, I will finally have achieved my aim."

"You aren't getting the DragonEye," Hiccup said, backing up a pace. Johann's eyes narrowed, his voice changing abruptly from his Trader-like, expansive diatribe to a good approximation of Krogan's even tone..