The Gift Of Power | Wattys 2020 (Dance of Power Trilogy: Book 1)

Now I Know I'm Falling In Deep

At the sound of the voice, Hiccup spun around to see where it had come from. Behind him stood a familiar man with a blue tribal tattoo on his chin, light brown eyes, and black hair tied back from his face. Eret Eretson the Youger had somehow grown even taller and broader over the years. The man had only paused briefly at the sight of the gigantic black dragon, but now he stopped dead. His eyes widening as he caught sight of the horrible creature standing beside it. Was it Ankou, the God of Death, come to steal their souls?

Hiccup couldn't keep from snorting a laugh at Eret's unguarded thought, even as he pulled his hood off to reveal his face. "Eret Eretson! Just the man I was looking for," he shouted jovially. Taking a step away from Toothless and closer to Eret as he held a hand up in greeting. The celt stared at the man and dragon for a moment longer before dawning realization finally gleamed in his eyes.

"It can't be! Scáth? Is that really you," Eret cried out. "What on Midgard have you been feeding your dragon?" Hiccup smiled widely and jogged forward to embrace his friend. Realizing with shock he was actually taller than the celt now, and nearly as broad even without the bulk. Eret clearly noticed the same thing and slapped Hiccup hard on the back in a fashion that would have sent him face-first into the dirt the last time he had been here. Now Hiccup simply stood firm and grinned at him again.

Eret offered him a mischievous smirk and Hiccup couldn't help raising one arm to jokingly rest it on his friend's head. As Eret laughed at the mocking action and jabbed Hiccup in the ribs, he was suddenly reminded just how much he had missed the Eretsons and their easy friendship. Of course the other young man started bombarding Hiccup with questions right away. Wanting to know where he had been and what he had been doing. Evading the inquisition for the moment, Hiccup asked Eret where his father was instead.

"He's at the house still. I'm sure he will be very happy to see you," Eret said as he and Hiccup started walking through the village together. Toothless trailing behind them as people came out of their homes to stare at the group. Some with fear, but most just looked on with interest. Eret continuing as if he didn't notice the attention.

"Our life has greatly improved since you left," he offered cheerfully, before looking Hiccup over again. "So has yours it seems. The last time I saw you, you were just a scrawny runt of a kid. Now look at you! Tall, dark and handsome, and outfitted like a warrior! What has happened to you little brother? You and your dragon left as small boys and came back as gigantic monsters."

Hiccup chuckled at the lopsided praise, but kept his reply simple. "I grew up Eret. It had to happen eventually, you know." Both men laughed at this. The sound clearly carrying ahead of them, as the door to Eret's house suddenly burst open and Eret senior strode out. His rugged face splitting into a wide smile as he clasped Hiccup in a tight hug.

Taking a step back and holding the young man at arms length now, Eret Senior looked over Hiccup and his dragon appraisingly. "What did the Romans feed you my boy? You've shot up like a weed and you look like a soldier!" Hiccup's face darkened slightly at the mention of the Romans, but the older man pretended not to notice. "Come in my boy! Wet your lips and tell us of your travels." With that he turned and walked back into the house. The two young men following behind him.

After greeting Mrs. Eretson warmly as well, Hiccup went to join the two men sitting by the hearth. Accepting a flagon of mead from the older man before telling them both as much as he dared of his time in Rome followed by the events of the battle with the Red Death. Carefully making it sound as if there was no gap of lost time in the middle. "That is actually why I am here," Hiccup hedged now. Aware that he had promised Astrid he would be back by tomorrow night and wanting to get straight to it. "I was hoping that you would be willing to lend your expertise to aid us in defeating this monster. She is stronger than any dragon I have ever seen, and smart as well. It is going to take more than simply brute force to bring her down."