Chapter 21:

For a long and horrific second, Princess Astrid Hofferson felt herself pulled back, her legs dangling over a long and lethal drop. Hiccup's grasp was steady on her hand but she could read the pain and tension in his pale face as he braced himself, trying to make sure she did not drop to her death. The tug on her cloak was becoming harder so her free hand snapped up, releasing the brooch and allowing her cloak to rip away, abruptly propelling her forward . She slammed into Hiccup and he wavered, instinctively dropping to land astride the Gronckle, grabbing tight with his knees and trying to haul her back as she swung past him, her second hand catching his and drawing an unwilling scream as she dragged on his wounded shoulder.

As she flipped round, her eyes saw the dark shape of Krogan, her cloak still in his hand as she swung sideways, her hand slipping from Hiccup's.

"TOOTHLESS!" he howled desperately as a horn echoed through the yard. Instantly, soldiers began to erupt from the barracks as a shape launched from the ridge, from the gloom beneath the Bewilderbeast's feet. Astrid stared up into Hiccup's pained emerald eyes as her cold fingers slid through his. "Astrid-no..." he gasped, his eyes widening as her skin slid away from his. "ASTRID!"

She screamed for almost a second before she impacted onto the shoulders of the blue and gold Nadder that had raced down and swooped beneath her. She clutched at the dragon in desperation and felt the dragon croon beneath her.

"HOLD ON!" Hiccup yelled, leaning and guiding the Gronckle down towards her.

"Really? As if I couldn't work that out for myself!" Astrid yelled back.

"Sorry, Highness," he replied, uncharacteristically flustered. "I just...you haven't ridden a dragon before..."

"And you have?" she asked, her arms wrapped fiercely around the dragon's neck. He nodded, drifting closer as they wheeled round.

"I may have had a small amount of practice," he admitted, his voice still wavering with shock. "Sit as if you were riding Stormfly. Milady. Grip with your legs and you should be safe..." Then a fan of arrows whiffled past them and they stared down as the crossbowmen in the yard lined up on them. Hiccup could see the twins were milling in the crowd and Drago was hanging over his balcony, roaring his rage.

"BRING THEM DOWN!" he screamed. "You will not escape me again, girl!" Hiccup stuffed his hand into the wound, pulling the dagger free and stuffing it in his boot before easing Meatlug to the ground. He could tell that they really couldn't escape-they were too low, too inexperienced and there were too many arrows trained at their unarmored bodies.

"I have a plan," he assured her, grimacing as he felt blood well from his wound. Meatlug landed heavily and he bowed forward, hearing men surround him. Astrid slid to the ground and raced to his side, shoving her way through the ring of men and pushing his hand aside. She hissed as he looked up painfully and tied her scarf firmly around the wound. Then she glared up at Drago.

"I will never be yours!" she snarled. Drago gestured expansively with his right arm, his left hanging motionless by his side.

"Look around you, girl!" he spat, his voice dark with rage at her defiance. "My army has you surrounded, my dragons will destroy you and your would-be rescuers are all captured! If you surrender, Princess, I will spare them..." But she had seen him in action and heard of his 'generosity'.

"You mean 'spare them a lingering death'," she retorted. "I know you will not let them live!" Suddenly, he gave a low chuckle, his face twisting in a wry look of admiration.

"Clever girl," he scoffed as Hiccup saw the twins surrounded-though neither looked especially concerned.

"Was a diversion too much to ask?" he sighed. Tuff inspected his fingernails.

"What? Oh, no worry, young Hiccup! It will happen any time..."

"Sooner would have been better," the imposter groaned. "DRAGO! We should bargain." The dark-skinned Count glared down at the scruffy shape in stolen armour and his face twisted into a scowl.

"And who are you, brave paladin?" he sneered. Hiccup lifted his chin.

"I am Hiccup Haddock!" he announced proudly.

"My son!" A huge guard walked forward, ripping his helmet off and throwing it scornfully aside. The furious face of Stoick Haddock glared up as his son stared at him: of all of them, he was the only one undetected.

"Wow-I guess keeping your head down really does work," he murmured as Astrid gave a small smile.

"I guess you still have something to learn," she teased him and for a moment, his tense face was shadowed with sorrow.

"I never said I didn't," he admitted then leaned close to her. "And I would have given anything to have my Dad still alive and been a mere squire standing guard duty, as if nothing had happened. But it did." He paused and looked deep into her eyes. "But Princess-I have to believe that the twins will come through...so we need to buy more time. So this is what you should do..." He murmured a handful of words in her ear and she nodded, then turned to glare up at Drago.

"I have a wager for you, Lord Drago!" she said boldly. "A combat-my champion against yours. If we lose, I will come quietly and be the dutiful and compliant wife you wish. If I win...you let us go free. Alive."

"How are you still alive?" Drago roared, still glaring at the unmistakeable flame-haired shape of the Commander. "I left orders that you were to be killed." Stoick stared up at him, his face falling into a mask of hatred.

"What?" he breathed. Drago leaned over the balcony, his face contorted into a sneer.

"Oh, the great Commander hasn't worked it out yet?" he mocked. "It was all a ruse to remove you. Lords Arvid and Sven who provided the intelligence that there were subversives in my land. Ack who found the 'mercenary' to help in your plan. And Krogan, my most trusted assassin to play the mercenary. You thought you were helping protect Berk and undermine me but instead you were played like a fool! We took you from the safety of Berk, we betrayed you in Bazerk and Dagur was supposed to slaughter you...but instead, he just imprisoned you. Still, this time, we can finish the job."

"But...why?" Stoick asked hoarsely. Drago laughed mockingly.

"Berk with Commander Haddock in charge would be almost impossible to crush, even with my Dragon Warriors," Drago admitted, "but with you removed-and you and your son discredited, then the knights would be under weak leadership."

"They were supposed to be under Ack, weren't they?" Hiccup said suddenly, his emerald eyes inspecting the scarred face of the Count. The man turned his cold, dead eyes on the young man.

"Yes," he admitted, "but somehow, the Commander's brother ended up in charge. If anything, it was even an better outcome, for he was so incompetent no one could question if there was any treason within. Removing you, boy, was imperative, because you would have noticed. You would have prevented the whole thing falling into such disarray."

"Ack found himself some friends, didn't he?" Hiccup shot back clearly. "They were following Astrid even when we escaped. In the end, you had to use Eret to fetch her when we were heading for Berserker territory."

"But Dagur didn't kill the Commander," Astrid realised, staring at the huge shape standing mere feet away from her. "He was imprisoned." She looks at Hiccup, her azure gaze apologetic. "You were both wronged."

"And now, I fight for the Princess," Stoick announced, his cold eyes glaring at Drago. "We will settle this!" Drago gestured and the soldiers moved back, creating a space, a rudimentary arena with Hiccup, Astrid, the twins and the dragons at one side. Stoick walked over to face his liege and offered a low bow. "Highness, forgive my presumption but I have spent the last three years fighting in Dagur's arena..."

"As Rjodr," she realised and then grasped his hand. "Commander, I have every faith in your capabilities. Your son is a truly remarkable young man-every inch your protege. I am only alive due to him. I owe him-and you-an apology. On my own behalf-and on behalf of the King." Stoick sighed.

"Look after my son if I fail," he said gently then turned to Hiccup, seeing his bound shoulder. "That was the most daring and amazing thing I have ever seen," he said. "Hiccup-I couldn't be more proud of you, son. You will make a great knight. If something goes wrong-make sure the Princess gets home safely."

"Dad..." he said, his eyes expressing everything he wanted to say. "Please be careful. I only just got you back. I want to spend a lot more time with my Dad." Stoick nodded, briefly squeezing his uninjured shoulder then turned back to face Krogan.

"I'm ready!" he announced as the man leapt at him, a modified sickle in each hand. Stoick had his sword, heavy and accurate as the assassin flipped over the big man, slashing at the Commander's head. Ducking, Stoick parried the blow and slashed out, slicing the assassin's cloak. He danced away, his dark eyes locked hatefully onto the Commander.

"I should have killed you," he said.

"No one gets a second chance," Stoick told him, seeing the opening and crashing his sword at his head. Krogan staggered back at the sheer force of the blow but sliced out at Stoick, his blade turning on the stolen armour. They pulled back, circled and traded blows, the clangs echoing round the yard. Hiccup felt his stomach knot with anxiety while he glanced around, looking for any opening or advantage he could take. The Nadder and Meatlug were looking scared, covered by crossbowmen but Hiccup knew there were others hidden up by the monster dragon overlooking the citadel and yard, a creature so huge that one swipe of his paw could crush half the outbuildings without even noticing.

Then he stared up at the monster. In the dawn light, the creature was clearly illuminated for the first time and Hiccup, who had spent some time with live dragons, frowned. There was something off about the huge dragon, silent and still. He saw a small movement and caught a quick bob up of Toothless's head before he motioned the dragon to hide. Then he turned back to see his father and the assassin Krogan trading blows once more, two sickles against one heavy sword. Each man was skilled and furious, determined to win. But Hiccup saw a tall shape of a guard moving behind his father and reacted.

"Dad! Watch out!"

Stoick ducked, bringing the sword up to parry a cowardly knife thrown at him and spinning round, using all his strength to cut the sword through the defences of the assassin. Krogan tried to parry but the sword carved through his weapons and the body behind it. Staggering back, he stared down at the huge wound in his chest.

"We both...lose..." he breathed and pitched back, dead.

"NO!" Drago yelled, furious that his champion was defeated. In that moment, Eret reared up behind Astrid, grabbing her and trying to haul her away. There was a hiss and the treacherous Lord suddenly found the Nadder slashing at him with her claws. Instinctively, he released Astrid to defend himself and as he did, she grabbed the knife from her bodice-and plunged it into his back. He gasped, back arching as he turned to look at her.

"My lady Astrid..." he choked. "I...I..."

"Lord Eret? I reject your suit!" she snapped. "Goodbye," And she glared at him as he slumped to the floor.

"KILL THEM!" Drago screamed as half the men suddenly doubled up, sounds of retching and choking beginning to echo in the air. An explosion sounded and the doors of the stable burst open as a hundred spooked horses stampeded out and through the yard heading towards the main gate. Men scattered, many heading desperately for the latrines while others were just running from the wild beasts. But as the stricken almost reached their goals, the latrines blew up, their contents erupting over anyone in proximity. Shrieks and yells of disgust filled the air and everyone began to run desperately in the opposite direction. At this point, the armoury burst into flames and the barracks blew up.

"WHAT IS GOING ON?" Drago bellowed, his eyes bulging with rage and disbelief. His army was in disarray, his two most trusted lieutenants dead and the Princess on the verge of escaping. Hiccup whistled and there was a roar in answer as the other dragons flew down and landed in the suddenly less crowded yard, the smaller Night Fury hanging from Hookfang's claws. Hiccup leapt onto Toothless's back and the twins scrambled onto their Zippleback, fist-bumping, while Stoick jumped onto the Monstrous Nightmare. The Nadder lowered her head and Astrid followed the others' lead, climbing onto the dragon. Toothless rose and hovered in the air, facing the shocked Drago.

"We are the Knights of Berk!" Hiccup yelled recklessly. "We know all about your dragon army..." He gestured and Toothless blasted the dragon stables apart, revealing empty cages and no dragons at all. "But as you see, it has gone. There are no Dragon Warriors now, Count. Just men. Men who believe a lie." He gestured to the shape of the Bewilderbeast. Toothless gave a furious roar and a blue glow suddenly appeared along his back ridge, around his eyes and mouth and wings. He roared and the sounds of leathery wings flapping echoed as the escaped dragons appeared in the sky behind Toothless-arrayed against their supposed commander. "Your Dragon Army will never defeat the Knights of Berk-no matter what treachery you try!"

"How are you doing this...?" Drago mouthed.

Toothless rose to face the huge dragon roaring a challenge. For Hiccup could see now in the daylight that the huge dragon wasn't asleep or hibernating-it was mummified. It had been dead for many years but its presence, its threat allowed Drago to keep his people crushed in his iron grasp, believing he was a man who commanded the Alpha of dragons.

"Toothless-show him who's boss!" he urged and the Night Fury soared up, the whistle sounding as he looped round and then arrowed at the Bewilderbeast, firing a volley of eight shots all in the creature's face. The eighth blasted the monster apart, tusks falling away and the body collapsing backwards over the rise and crashing to the ground with a thud like a falling mountain. The whole citadel shook and any outbuildings still standing fell down. Toothless accelerated up-and then flipped and fired one triumphant shot, before swooping down and hovering in front of Drago.

"It's over," the imposter said...but even as he spoke, Drago proved he was a terrible loser, grabbing a pike from a guard at his side and flinging it full speed towards the exposed Stoick.

"For you!" Drago yelled as the smaller Night Fury saw the peril and leapt, blasting the cowardly weapon aside with a small purple plasma blast. At the same time, Hiccup ripped the knife from his boot, still stained with his own blood, and flung it with all his might at Drago. The blade buried in his eye and the Count stiffened and topped over the rail of his balcony, dead before he even hit the ground below.

"Call them in, bud," Hiccup said wearily, looking around at the carnage. Their ruler was gone, their army in disarray and their dragons fled. "I think it's time to go home." But he suddenly realised that every eye was on him and as the other dragons rose alongside him, he sat bolt upright, facing the waiting soldiers.

"Berk means you no ill!" he shouted to ensure everyone could hear. "We came only to Nordlund because the Heir to Berk was kidnapped and brought here. The Knights of Berk came to rescue our Princess and return her safely home. Berk only wishes friendship with Nordlund...and now Count Drago is no longer plotting against us, that may be possible." He stared down at the guards, the soldiers and a couple of civilians that Astrid recognised from her welcome.

"If you wish peace, respond when we send emissaries with our allies from Bazerk!" Astrid added. "I can see that many of you are not treated well and that you deserve a leadership which can make things better for all of you. Berk will offer peace treaties and trade agreements if your leaders will agree not to attack us any more."

There were a hundred dropped jaws, eyes wide at the Princess and her retinue, all riding dragons and more than a few mute nods...even from those who were suffering from intense food poisoning, covered in excrement or were singed from standing too close to the burning remains of the barracks.

"Go in Peace!" Astrid said and nodded as Hiccup leaned forward.

"Lead on, bud," he murmured as the Night Fury swooped down, scooping the smaller Night Fury in his paws and then soaring up, all the dragons arrowing after them. They flapped without any hinderance down the vale and towards the gate, where Fishlegs was standing, very bored, with Stormfly. The look on Astrid's face at seeing her beloved horse was worth all the trouble and pain as Hiccup gestured to Hookfang and the Monstrous Nightmare dived, picking up the blue roan mare while Meatlug briefly landed to happily lick the husky squire before letting him climb aboard and fly with them.

But no one released the breath they were holding until they soared over the wall and the gate...and left Nordlund behind. They were had succeeded in getting Astrid back-and Berk was safe once more.

oOo

It was bittersweet when they reached the low line of hills where the horses were waiting, grazing peacefully until the dragons landed. The escaped dragons wheeled around and landed higher up the slopes but Toothless, Hookfang, Meatlug, the Zippleback and the Nadder dropped their passengers right in the little hollow, close to their spooked horses. The others dismounted with relief but Hiccup felt a lurch in his gut as he slid off the Night Fury for probably the last time. He sighed, walking round to face the dragon and stare into the large acid-green eyes with the wide pupils.

"Thank you, buddy," he said with a genuine smile. "You are...amazing. You saved us back there. And did-did you know you could do that blue glow thing?" Toothless gave a smug look and made the little laughing noise that always had Hiccup's lips turning up. "Thank you, Toothless," he said and lunged forward, hugging the dragon fiercely. "You've been a better friend to me than anyone else has for...ever. And I'm never going to forget you...but I know you have to go." Toothless closed his eyes and leaned hard against the young man for a very long moment. "But you have a little lady there to look out for...and maybe you can have a family too when those eggs hatch."

He forced himself to step back, taking a shuddering breath.

"Goodbye, my friend," he said as the dragon gave one small croon and backed away, giving a little bark to the other dragons. They all rose in the air with the smaller Night Fury securely closed in Hookfang's paws. Toothless gave him one last look, then leapt into the air and arrowed away, his roar echoing across the empty land.

Hiccup stared after him until he vanished from sight, a lump in his throat and his entire body feeling empty...until he felt a slight touch on his hand. He glanced up-to see Astrid's concerned look. And then he jumped and bowed his head.

"Princess," he managed in a wary voice. "I-I apologise. We'll get going..."

"Hiccup," she said gently. "Wait." He stilled, his head bowed respectfully. The sassy, brave daring knight had vanished now he was back on the ground with company that graphically proved how far down the pecking order he was. "I owe you an apology." Emerald eyes flicked up and just as quickly looked down again.

"No, it's alright Highness. You don't owe me anything. I'm just no one..." he mumbled but she took his hand gently and stroked her thumb across his knuckles.

"Look at me," she commanded him and he obeyed with the slightest sigh. "Hiccup, I have to apologise because what I said to you-what I accused you of-was completely false and was a heinous thing to believe of the most loyal and brave squire I have ever ridden with."

"I'm not..." he began but she cut him off with a sharp gesture.

"Princess talking here," she reminded him with a small smile. "Very important-don't interrupt." He nodded. "Hiccup-I think we all know now what happened and how we-my father and advisers-were stupidly played by Drago. And I will make sure that my father's wrongful decision is reversed and you are both restored to your rightful places." She paused. "I have never been so happy as when I saw you through that window-because I feared you had been killed believing that I hated you when I was just cruel and stupid and gullible...Thor, that must run in our family as well..."

Hiccup looked embarrassed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Funny story," he admitted. "I was sent into the arena to fight Rjodr and he was just about to kill me when I recognised him and he realised I was his son...so we sort of attacked Dagur instead."

Astrid stared.

"And...he was sort of killed," Hiccup ended.

"Oh."

"Highness, I ended him in payment for the wrongs he did me, you and my son," Stoick said gruffly. "And for all the men he killed for fun over the years in his arena." The men he had me kill, he added silently. Astrid stared at him.

"So Lady Heather is the ruler of Bazerk?" she asked. Stoick nodded-as the Princess smiled. Then she lunged forward and kissed Hiccup briefly on the cheek. He froze, eyes wide in shock as the twins wolf-whistled and Fishlegs gasped.

"Then we have an ally and a place to stop on our way," she said in relief then leaned towards Hiccup again. "That was an apology, by the way. I hope you may consider giving me a second chance to make up for my stupidity!" He looked into her eyes.

"Um...not sure you have anything to make up for, Highness," he said warily. "You were only acting on what you were told..."

"By an enemy who sought to harm us both, Hiccup! Please, give me a chance..." Her voice was edging with a plea and he nodded.

"Of course, Highness," he said tonelessly. "As you command!"

She looked helplessly at him, then glanced over at Stoick. He nodded, assuming command.

"Alright-mount up squires!" he commanded in his booming voice. Hiccup stared at him and he jerked his head impatiently, understanding that his son realised things had changed. And while he could still be himself with his father, now they were with the Princess and other-real-squires, the proper order had to be restored-which had Hiccup riding at the back with any baggage. And after so many adventures where he was treated like a proper squire or knight, the return to his 'proper place' was like a kick in the guts...but Hiccup's pride was bigger than his brain so he wouldn't say anything, merely silently accepting his fate.

Unsure what to do, Astrid turned away, soothing her unsettled horse and mounting up, swiftly followed by the other squires and finally the Commander. Hiccup slid into Fury's saddle and sighed: his future was riding away from him...but he had done what he set out to. Astrid was safe and heading home. And now his father and the others were there, he knew she would get home safe.

All he had to hope for now was that he wouldn't be executed on sight.