Astrid Hofferson, Heir of Berk and reluctant but dutiful Princess, felt a shiver run down her spine as the booming clang reverberated around the stony vale just beyond the barrier. She was trapped in the land of Drago, the most dangerous enemy of her people-and it was her own fault. Had she trusted Hiccup and not reacted on instinct, she was sure he would have rescued her. As it was, she had treated him cruelly and probably hastened his death. And she had never gotten to say goodbye or thank you or...any of the other things she should have said.

Sorry. I should have said sorry, she thought with resignation. He did so much to try to get me home and I never fought for him as he did for me. Gods, he went through Helheim to get me away from Outcast and Reaper and I never really treated him like a friend let alone an equal. She paused and groaned. And he was my friend-all the way back as children, he was always the one who made sure I was never blamed for any scrapes we got into. It was always him. Thor, he was protecting me even then. And when he kissed me... She blushed unconsciously. When he kissed me, it was real, not a fake, even though it was intended just to be pretend. It was bold and warm and it didn't matter I was a Princess because it was...amazing.

"I hope you are enjoying the freedom of this ride, Princess," Eret said smugly. "Because it is the last freedom you will get. Count Drago will keep you locked in a cage until he is ready to present his new wife to King Harild...and claim his rightful throne in Berk."

"Ragnarok will come first," Astrid hissed, her voice filled with hatred. "And I will watch you die screaming, you treacherous worm!" He gave a mocking bow.

"As the future Countess wishes," he sneered and accelerated away, hooves clopping along the cobbled road up towards the citadel that rose a mere mile ahead, the heavily armoured walls and multiple guard posts filling her with a renewed sense of despondency. There was no way she could ever hope to get away and back home. Eret had won: she was lost.

oOo

Toothless wheeled around as the thunderous clang of the doors closing echoed across the barren lands of northern Berserk and then swooped in to land on a low line of hills overlooking the road. Fury gave a grateful whinny and accelerated away from the dragon, hitting the flat ground swiftly and then walking a little way away from the winged beasts that landed around the Night Fury. Crusher tried to bite Hookfang and the dragon shook his head in a warning gesture before ambling away. Stoick gratefully slid to the ground as his son sat motionless, bowed forward over the Night Fury's neck.

"I'm sorry," the Commander said. "Not all quests end in success..." Slowly, Hiccup straightened up and his eyes flashed with exasperation.

"Astrid isn't a quest!" he sighed. "She's a pain and speaks without thinking and still thinks I'm not worth anything even though I saved her...but I swore I would rescue her and I can't go back to Berk without her."

"I'm sure..." Stoick began but his son suddenly leapt from the dragon and sped forward.

"Dad-I am accused of kidnapping Astrid and taking her to my 'allies' in Outcast!" he yelled. "So if I don't come back with the Princess, I will be arrested and executed out of hand. She is literally my only chance of survival!"

"But how can they...?" he murmured and then shook himself. "We will sort this out," he promised. Hiccup sagged.

"I don't see how," he mumbled. "I mean, I have failed her and I really have no clue how we can..." There was a chittering and both men looked at Sharphot, who was bouncing up and down excitedly on Hookfang's head. The dragon rolled his eyes and set himself on fire, causing the smaller dragon to launch with an indignant squawk. All the larger dragons made laughing noises and Hiccup managed a small smile.

"Wow-I can see he really takes after you, Dad," he commented then his head snapped round as he saw what had agitated the little dragon so much: three riders, galloping up the road towards the gates. All were in the colours of Berk squires and as he looked, Hiccup saw the very solid, husky shape accompanied by two almost identical lanky shapes on matching greys. With a shout of relief, he threw himself down the hill, arms waving as he leapt into the saddle and sped to intercept the three riders. Stoick looked at Toothless and the dragon jerked his head after the young man.

"You know, you can almost talk," Stoick murmured as he strode down the slope in pursuit of Crusher. Quietly, the dragons settled as the two men rode to meet the newcomers.

The twins and Fishlegs were astonished as Hiccup galloped up on his black stallion, yelling and waving his arms in relief. They wheeled round-and their eyes widened in utter shock as a second huge shape cantered up, his seat ramrod straight and one muscular hand clamped around the reins, the other hanging by his side in perfect knightly form. All three felt their jaws drop as the flame-haired shape of the Commander stopped by them.

"Afternoon-Fishlegs, Ruffnut and Tuffnut," Stoick said pleasantly. Tuff rubbed his eyes.

"Butt-Elf-can you punch me now because I think I'm hallucinating," he commented.

"Me too," Fishlegs added.

"Glad to...but who's gonna punch me?" she protested.

"I am," Stoick growled. "Or isn't it still custom to salute your Commander?" All three scrambled to throw a perfect statue causing Fishlegs to fall off his horse. The twins shared a look and then glanced at Hiccup as Fish clambered to his feet.

"H? Little explanation may be in order?" the male twin suggested

"Yeah, dude-no offence but isn't the Commander supposed to be dead?" Ruff added.

"Wait-does that mean if he's still alive, you're still in charge?" Tuff asked, frowning and looking in pain at the effort of thinking. Hiccup sighed.

"Not sure it works like that," he admitted.

"Pleeeeeeease...." Ruff whined. "Snot is such an ass! And if the Commander is back, I can't see him letting Snotface swan around being a total mutton-head while you are slaving in the stables!" Hiccup blushed as Stoick turned to stare at his son, brows dipping. Though Hiccup had explained what had happened, he hadn't really believed it...until now.

"And none of you idiots stood up for him?" he growled. There was silence. "He has worked with you-ridden and fought and bled alongside you and not one of you idiotic, mutton-headed, self-centred cowards said one word in his defence?"

"Sir-the King himself declared you a traitor," Fishlegs pointed out timidly. "And he declared Hiccup dishonoured. No one could stand up against that." Stoick's scowl deepened.

"Yes, you could," he said quietly. "But you all chose not to."

"While I love running over how I was kicked out of the squires-really my favourite subject-thanks, Dad!-we have more pressing things to deal with," Hiccup said sternly, effectively silencing everyone. "Astrid is inside Drago's lands and that means we have very little time to get her free before she is lost." He paused. "Drago will want her married and his beyond all legal contest as soon as possible. And that means we need to get in there this evening to try to find a way to get her out-and stop Drago's plans..."

There was a pause and Stoick cleared his throat.

"We already know his plans," he said quietly. "That was what I was sent to deal with on my mission. I was to encourage the resistance within his land, pay for mercenaries to help the insurrection and overthrow Drago. His plan is and always has been to use his armies to crush the continent underfoot, using his 'Dragon warriors'. But he knew the Berk Knights were too strong so he set about weakening us. Our allies in Bazerk were corrupted-Oswald was slain and his son turned to Drago. Ack was also bought by Drago and betrayed me to Dagur...though I had already paid for the mercenaries to do their jobs and remove Drago. I was told they had  killed the commanders of the Dragon warriors but in the chaos, they missed Drago. Yet I believe the episode bought us time as he purged his ranks-three years of time. And he realises the best way to defeat Berk is not in battle but by stealth...and politics. If he marries Astrid, he becomes the Heir and will succeed Harild...and all of our continent will tremble because there will be no one left to oppose his rule."

"Oh dear..." Fishlegs whimpered.

"Unless we stop him," Hiccup said grimly. "And we have some other allies as well..." He gestured and the three squires stared up at the outlines of the dragons against the grimly cloudy sky. They all stared and Tuff pointed.

"Dude-are those...dragons?" Tuff asked as Fishlegs squeaked.

"He stayed with you!" he exclaimed in excitement, recalling the shape from Reaper.

"He led us through the Dragon Forest," Hiccup revealed calmly. "But I left him with his kind. Then when Astrid was taken north, I asked him for his help..." There was a pause and the black shape suddenly leapt into the air, huge wings flapping as he glided down to neatly land by his side. The dragon warbled curiously, butting against Hiccup's hip and the young imposter automatically rubbed his head. "Hey, bud. These guys are..." He paused and his eyes swept over the three squires. He sighed. "These guys are my friends," he said firmly. "And I need your help, bud. Astrid is in there..." And he pointed to the wall. Toothless growled.

"I agree," the young ex-squire admitted. "But when it's dark, do you think we could maybe have a look inside and see if we can find Astrid? No matter how hot-tempered she is, I promised to get her home."

The dragon nuzzled his hand, his eyes closing.

"I know you couldn't save your mate, bud-though you still have your eggs...but maybe you could help me save my friend?"

Green eyes snapped open and the Night Fury gave an affirmative croon.

"Okay, son," Stoick said, eyes fixed on his son as if seeing him for the first time. "What's the plan?"

oOo

Princess Astrid lifted her chin as she was conducted through the citadel to the main throne room of Count Drago. Everywhere, the man's device was emblazoned on the walls, the drapes-even the door handles. The bloody fist, raised defiantly against a black sky made her shudder: it was a reminder that he had fought and clawed his way through the north of the continent, crushing all opposition under his heel. Now he planned the same for the south-and Berk.

His faceless guards, their all-enclosing helms making them seem less than human, stood at all doors and intersections, reducing the chances of making a break for it to less than zero. Eret was moving fast up ahead but Astrid deliberately walked with regal grace, thanking her father for all those tortuous etiquette and deportment lessons that she had hated: at least she could control one tiny aspect of this confrontation, And it gave her a shiver of triumph as Eret turned to glare at her, having to pause to allow her to catch up as she walked at a steady, decorous rate.

"Lord Drago does not like to be kept waiting," he ground out through his teeth.

"Then he shouldn't have kidnapped me," she retorted. "I am a Princess: you are a mere Lord and he is but a Count. I walk at my own pace!" Dark eyes flashing with rage, Eret grabbed her arm and all but dragged her along the corridor.

"Listen, you little fool," he hissed. "Drago is not a mere anything. He is cold and cruel and if you cross him-then Gods help you. Now pick up the pace!"

Yes, I will definitely see you dead, she glowered as he dragged her through the doors to the throne room and then released her, bowing low to the slightly hunched shape on the huge, black granite throne below the banner bearing the bloody fist. Pausing to stare at her host, she inclined her head and dipped the merest hint of a curtesy, all that she was required to offer a noble of inferior rank. Drago offered even less, a mere nod and then beckoned her closer.

As she approached, she inspected him: a huge man, solid muscle and sinew with a scarred, sallow face and cold, cruel dark eyes. He wore a small, braided beard but no moustache and his jet hair was wound into a mess of long dreadlocks. A heavy golden chain of office hung around his neck, bearing the face of a dragon crowned in spines, rather than a crown. She stopped a few yards short of the man, seeing sumptuous robes of grey and a heavy sword at his hip.

"Count Drago," she said coldly as his eyes undressed her.

"Lady Astrid," he replied, his voice deep and rasping. "Yes, you are certainly better than the reports detailed. I am going to enjoy our union."

"There will be no union," she told him flatly. "I am a prisoner and you have no permission to wed me. I can only be married by the consent of my father, the King."

"In Berk," Drago corrected her sharply. "In Nordlund, you obey the will of...me! And I say we will be married. No matter what your will, girl. I have buried a wife already. You...I may keep a little longer..."

"Well, you can hardly make any sort of recognised claim to my throne without me, no matter what paperwork you produce, since my father will recognise it for what it is-a forgery,"

"Oh, it will be real," Drago said as he rose to his feet. His black cloak covered his left arm and swung heavily as he headed down to circle her. "But I think you need to tour first. Eret-prepare the guest quarters. Ensure there is nothing there my wife can use to make an escape. I will take Astrid on a little walk around her new home."

"My father will not sit still for this," she told him coldly.

"Do you think you father will declare war for you, girl?" he sneered. "If I had invaded, he would fight and win, but in my lands, against my Dragon Warriors...he will lose and be annihilated. And Harild knows that as well as I. So he will negotiate. Maybe he will keep you as Heir. And maybe he will disown you and take a new wife and make a new heir...but do you think he will survive another nineteen years until that Heir can grow to maturity? Or maybe I will have to send my faithful Krogan here to see he goes to Valhalla sooner than the Norns intended..." He gestured to a masked man with deeply tanned skin and cold eyes just visible amid the deep shadows from his hood. "A long time ago, he was hired to kill me but I made him a better offer. He has served me for many years-and removed the traitors from my ranks when your father's agent paid him to thin the ranks of my loyal men...but when he was done, Berk was ready." Drago walked on and Astrid followed, seeing the guards move behind her to shove her forward if she didn't follow of her own volition. "But I am patient. Because I knew there would come a time when you would be of marriageable age and I could send my man to entice you here-or have you stolen away." He gave a humourless, yellow grin. "Either works."

"You still miss the point, Lord Drago," she said icily, her azure eyes hard. "I am not consenting to marry you."

"You will," Drago said, reaching a room and walking out onto the balcony. He gestured with his right hand at the enormous courtyard, filled with hundreds of men drilling. "My army is ready. We can sweep down and crush Bazerk, Reaper and Berk without breaking a sweat. And none will stand before us because we are protected by the Great Bewilderbeast!" He pointed and Astrid's eyes widened in shock and her blood ran cold.

Silhouetted against the iron-grey sky, motionless, was an enormous shape-the shape outlined on Drago's chain of office. A huge dark grey dragon, over a hundred feet high, was sitting poised, overlooking the citadel and enclosed vale, the crown of spines jutting against the sky. Its eyes were closed but Astrid knew that there would be nothing her father or his knights could do against such a monster.

Berk was doomed.

oOo

"Have I said this is a really bad idea?"

"Eight times, Fish. But I'm going anyway," Hiccup said determinedly, swinging his leg over Toothless's neck. "C'mon, bud-it's dark enough now that they won't see us against the sky." The dragon gave an unenthusiastic croon, followed by a variety of grumbles from the other dragons. Stoick stared at his son, lean body poised and ready to go. They had moved their camp to a hollow in the little line of hills overlooking the road and the dragons and very unhappy horses were all huddled relatively close together in the small space, concealed from the gate guards. The twins had made a bee-line for the two-headed dragon, declaring it 'amazingly cool' and Fishlegs had found himself fending off the lumpy brown dragon that seemed to have taken a real liking to him. Only the blue spiny bird-like dragon-Hiccup had said it was a 'Deadly Nadder'-remained aloof and proud, reminding him painfully of Astrid. He had managed to stroke her but she had withdrawn, standing by Toothless and cawing unhappily.

"Okay-Hookfang!" Stoick said firmly, beckoning the red-and-brown dragon closer. "You ready?" Emerald eyes snapped up at the sight of his father swinging into position.

"Dad?" he asked warily. Stoick smiled.

"You don't think I'm letting you go in on your own, do you?" he asked his son as if it was obvious. "Son, I have only just found you after three years of imagining you were dead. That place...well, I have been in there before. It's probably the most dangerous place on this continent. Drago's men are cruel and strike first before asking any questions. They all believe his destiny is to rule. They believe he is unbeatable."

"No one is unbeatable," Hiccup said as he watched the twins cautiously climb onto the necks of the two-headed dragon. "What are you guys doing?"

"Hey-the Commander said it was incredibly dangerous-which is really awesome if you think about it," Tuff said eagerly. Ruff rolled her eyes.

"And we're in this together, so we're not letting you down again," she added, adjusting her sword belt.

"Oh Thor-does that mean I have to come too?" Fishlegs asked in a worried voice as the large lumpy brown dragon-which he had improbably called Meatlug-licked his hand. "Okay, girl. Are you ready?" And he jumped onto her back as well. Stoick gave a broad grin.

"Okay, son-you're in charge," he said cheerfully. "Lead on..." For a moment, Hiccup's confidence wavered.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I mean, I am really only a drudge now. I stopped being a squire years ago..."

"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock!" his father said sternly. "You are my son. You were trained for this from when you could walk. You were the leading squire for years. You have been the only person protecting the Princess since she left Berk Castle and you are the person who seems to have the trust of Toothless, who is definitely the boss dragon. So yes-you are in charge!" There was a pause as everyone processed the Commander's words and a smile slowly crossed Hiccup's features.

"Thanks, Dad," he said in relief. "Okay-hold on tight!" And then Toothless leapt into the air. He heard yells, screams and whoops as the other dragons followed and their riders dealt with the sudden acceleration with various degrees of equanimity. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the other dragons fall into formation behind them and he leaned forward as they soared up into the dark sky, the stars masked by the thick clouds. Taking a deep breath, they swooped to the right-and flew high over the wall.

Drago's stronghold lay below them and immediately, Hiccup could tell the wall was just to block the bottom end of the vale that lay between two mountain spurs. The wide space was cobbled with huts, guard posts and stables living the arrow-straight road to the impressive citadel planted in the middle of the valley. Black stone seemed to swallow the light of a hundred torches and a dark pennant flapped damply against the sky as the fortress passed beneath them. There were several yards within and a huge courtyard and drill square surrounded by barracks behind, backed by a sheer cliff that was topped by the enormous shape of a dragon.

Toothless hissed and then gave an inquisitive croon. The other dragons chirped responses as they followed and the Night Fury swooped round the huge dragon before hanging in front of the flat, spiny face, the eyes closed.

It was very still, Hiccup noted, his eyes sweeping over the monster. There was none of the vitality that Toothless and the other dragons brought, no interaction or curiosity. The dragon seemed to be in hibernation. But it was HUGE and Hiccup doubted anything could stand against this monster. So he quietly leaned and Toothless took the hint, flapping away to the left and swooping down to land on the ridge overlooking the empty drill square.

"What is that beast?" Stoick asked, his eyes narrowed and Hiccup sighed.

"I think it's a Bewilderbeast, the Alpha of dragons," he said. "The old book I read suggested it could command all dragons...meaning it could call all these guys to come from the dragon forest and attack us..."

"Doesn't look very lively," Ruff commented.

"Maybe it's hibernating?" Fishlegs suggested. "There was a theory that they did when food was short..." 

"And for something that large, food would always be short," Tuff commented, peering up at the shadowy shape. Hiccup stared up and then sighed, pushing the problem aside for a second. He had other concerns for the moment. He gave a soft whistle and Sneaky and Sharpshot landed on Toothless's head. Grabbing a scrap of paper from his pack, he scrawled a few words and then tied the note to Sneaky's forepaw.

"Go find Astrid," he said sternly, staring into Sneaky's yellow eyes. "Find Astrid. Go-find!" There was a pause and then suddenly the little blue dragon flew up into the air and flapped determinedly down towards the fortress.

"What do we do now, son?" Stoick asked as it began to rain. Hiccup sighed and pulled his cloak tighter around his body.

"Now we wait," he said.

oOo

Astrid had quartered the room and found very little of any use. There was a fine bed, a small occasional table and a padded chair, as well as a chamber pot, washstand, bowl and jug. The  barred window was wide and obscured by heavy curtains and a small fire burned behind a locked grate. It was a lovely room-for a cell.

The people of the citadel had been no more promising: the maid who had delivered her food had been meek and not met her eye at all, ducking her head as she served soup, bread, meat and fish and sweet meats to the prisoner. There was a bath steaming in the corner which she was debating about using: she was stubborn enough not to want to do anything Drago wanted her to but she was aching to feel warm and clean once more. Even though the bath was there to cleanse her for her nuptials the following day. Drago had decided not to wait for anything else to possibly interrupt his plans and in the morning, she was to be wedded and bedded.

Angry at her situation and just as much at herself for allowing it to happen, she had undressed and slipped into he warm, scented water. She was used to bathing with maids but she often enjoyed a relaxing bath alone, without having to pretend to be the perfect princess her father wanted. All she had ever wanted was to be herself: Astrid Hofferson, sister of Prince Finn, daughter of King Harild, as brave and fierce as their ancestors. She scrubbed her body, removing the dirt from her nails and taking care with her bruises. Her long blonde hair was washed twice, carefully combed out while wet and wrapped in a towel before she finally got out and dried herself. There was a long silk night gown that she put on reluctantly, then pulled a long dressing gown over it. There were still drafts, no matter that the fire was burning merrily.

Hiccup-if you can hear me, I'm sorry, she thought silently, closing her eyes. I wish I could see you once more and apologise for everything I said. I wish I could tell you how amazing you actually are. How bravely you protected me. And how proud I am of you. And I wish...I wish I could tell you that I will sponsor you for those damned Tests. You deserve your chance-because to me, you are already a knight. And I should have said that. But I am hot tempered and thoughtless and angry at everything that has happened that has made me a pawn and a commodity on a game rather than a person with any choice. Dagur said the wrong thing and I just lashed out because I was furious at being betrayed by my squires and knights-when you were the only one who did what he ought. And I would choose you as my bodyguard and protector every single day of the week.

I wish I could see you again.

A chirp pulled her from her reverie and she looked up to see Sneaky sitting in front of her, offering a paw. She gasped and hugged the little dragon, feeling it squirm in her grasp before licking her face. She laughed in sudden relief, trying to wipe the tenacious saliva away and sighing.

"And I bet that doesn't wash off easily," she groaned, though she was still smiling. "How did you get here?" The dragon licked its eye unconcernedly and chirped before offering the paw again. There was a scrap of paper tied there and she pulled it free with a shaking hand.

IF YOU GET THIS, CAN YOU OPEN YOUR CURTAINS SO WE CAN SEE WHERE YOUR ROOM IS-HICCUP

She gasped and suddenly felt as if her body was almost floating. He was alive! And somehow-by some miracle, he was here, trying to find her. She grabbed the shocked dragon and kissed it, then ran to the window and flung the curtains open, allowing the warm firelight and candle-light spill into the cold, damp night. Ahead of her, the drill square and the brooding monster were watching but Astrid suddenly had hope again. She stared into the night then turned and marched to the fire, snagging a part-burnt piece of kindling and using the charred end to scribble a response.

WEDDING IN MORNING. HELP. AND I'M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING, KNIGHT HICCUP-A

With trembling fingers, she tied the scrap back to Sneaky's paw and gave the little dragon a scratch under chin. "Go to Hiccup," she urged her and sighed. "Please tell him I'm sorry." Sneaky chirped and shot towards the window, squirming through a hole in the corner and vanishing into the night-as the door slammed open and Eret stomped in.

"What are you doing?" he snarled. "Count Drago doesn't allow you to look out at night!" She glared at him, standing defiantly in the window and staring at the rain.

"This is my last night as a free woman," she retorted. "I desired to see the sky." Eret shoved her back and hauled the curtains across the window once more.

"Do as you're told," he snapped, hauling her to the bed. "And better get some sleep, Princess. Your big day awaits."

Oh, I am DEFINITELY killing you myself, she swore as the door slammed shut. Hiccup-hurry!

oOo

"That's it!" Hiccup said, lowering Fishlegs's spyglass and frowning. "It's the Princess-and that traitor, Eret." Stoick stared at his son: he had seldom heard a name spoken with such venom...but then Eret had cost Hiccup the friendship of the Princess and set the whole sorry train of events in motion, betraying the hospitality and welcome offered him by the kingdom of Berk. They all stared as the little warm square off light lasted for a moment more before the curtains were pulled.

"Top level, halfway along," Fishlegs murmured. "Question-how are we going to get her out?" Hiccup sat back on his heels and paused-as a sudden weight landed on his head. "Hiccup-you do know a small dragon has just landed on your head?" But the young imposter was already reaching up and lifting Sneaky off, seeing the note tied there. He opened it swiftly and scanned the words, brows dipping as he reread the words. Automatically, he handed it to his father.

"What is it?" Ruff asked as the Commander growled.

"We're running out of time," Hiccup said. "Change of plans. We rescue the Princess tonight."