Chapter 24

Hiccup's POV

"Wait what?! Battle?! Dad I think that's a little much for just a nightmare." I said as I ran to try and keep up with him.

"We can't take any chances Hiccup. If this comes true the. We need to be extra careful for people coming to Berk. Especially since we don't know who your alleged killer is." He said, not making eye contact.

"Ok. I know I'm not gonna be able to beat you on this one. What do we have to do for preparations?" I questioned.

"Just make and sharpen weapons and do more training for the dragons. I'll go talk to Gobber." Dad said as he trotted away to the forge. I went back to the Great Hall and saw Mom and Astrid still talking.

"Well. Dad's got his heart set on preparing for battle." I said.

"I agree with him. It's only right if we prepare. Better safe then sorry, Hiccup." Mom said as She placed a hand on my shoulder. She removed her hand and walked out of the Great Hall, leaving only Astrid and I at a table.

"Hiccup what if this comes real?" She looked like she was going to cry again.

"Astrid, I promise that if this does happen, nothing will happen to me. And nothing will happen to you either." I said as I kissed her lips gently and hugged her. She singled her head on my shoulder and I rested my head on top of her head.

Valka's POV

I was walking to the forge, hoping to find at least Gobber to tell me where Stoick went. I got in and noticed Gobber working on a dragon tooth.

"Morning Valka. Did you hear about Astrid's dream?" He questioned as he put the gold tooth in the Zipplebacks mouth.

"Yes. Have you seen Stoick?" I asked.

"Yeah he just went to the back I believe. He didn't tell me what he was doing though."

"Thank you Gobber." I walked into the back and noticed Stoick calling numbers and getting materials ready to build saddles for villagers.

"Stoick this doesn't look like battle preparations." I said as I leaned against a post in the doorway.

"I'm making the announcement soon. Just catching up on some chiefly things I've missed."

"Stoick your only sons life could be in danger right now and your thinking about saddles for villagers?" I was starting to get mad.

"A chief does what a chief need to do Val. Yes I'm concerned, but my village needs me."

"I think your sons safety would matter more then villager saddles. But then I think, when have you ever taken a small break from running the village for family." I stated sassily.

"Val. Chiefing takes lots of time. Sometimes, your just to busy for family."

"How could you even say that Stoick? We are your family! What will happen if I leave again? Or gods forbid our only son! Stop thinking about the village for one minute! It won't fall apart if you turn your attention to your family!" I was really starting to get mad now.

"Valka. I have to run my village. It is my duty. We will talk about this battle thing tonight when I'm done with my duties. But right now, I need to help these villagers." He said sternly.

I couldn't even respond. I stomped out of the forge and went directly back to my house. I just can't believe he would say things like that! But then I saw Hiccup flying with Toothless, so I decided to go and join him. I called Cloudjumper an launched into the air.

"Hiccup!!" I shouted. He jumped a little bit then looked at me.

"Oh hey mom! What's up?"

"I just had a very long talk with your father about Astrid's dream." I said as Cloudjumper got closer to Toothless so we could hear each other.

"How did that work out for ya?" He said surprisingly calmly...

"Well, turns out your father cares more for the villagers safety then yours." I sternly stated, still filled with rage about earlier.

"Yeah. He's been like that since you left." When I heard that I was shocked. It hurt to know that my son got the cold shoulder from his own father for 20 years.

"Has he really?!" I half-said half-shouted.

"Yep. Never really listened to me. He was never really proud of me either. Every time it tried to talk to him he would always have this disappointed scowl like someone skipped on the meat in his sandwich."

"Ugh if only I was there to listen to you and be there when your father wasn't." I said as I looked down, feeling ashamed.

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that your here now." He smiled and it made me smile. I looked out at the horizon and saw...ships!

"Uh Hiccup, are we expecting any visitors?" I said pointing to the horizon.

"No. We gotta warn Dad." He said and turned Toothless, and sped to the forge. I think I might stay behind on this chat, since me and Stoick are a little awkward right now.

Hiccup's POV

"Dad I need to talk to you!"

"Not now son. Grab your apron and get to the saddles we have a lot of orders to fill."

"Dad there are ships on the horizon!" I shouted.

"Go blow the horn 3 times. We don't know if this is an attack or not." He said and shut the order station. "Sorry folks, emergency!"

I blew the horn. Everyone gathered in the Great Hall and listened to my dad about the ships. I flew up to see how close they were. They were about 5 minutes out. I ran back inside and went to Dad. I tapped his shoulder to get his attention.

"What is it Hiccup?"

"Ships. 5 minutes out."

We lined up at the docks with Mom, Dad, Cloudjumper, Skullcrusher, Astrid and Stormfly, and me and Toothless in front.

"Ah Berk. I told you I would be back Hiccup."