Chapter 23:

"So they've already headed south back towards Berk?" Spitelout growled, rolling his eyes at the stupidity of his son. Snotlout was unrepentant.

"The talk in the tavern was that Lady Heather sent them to the border with an escort, a load of provisions and a new treaty," he replied. "And yes, Hiccup was with her."

"So is Stoick," Thuggory added, seeing his chance. Spitelout turned to him, eyes wide and jaw slack.

"WHAT?" he demanded, grabbing Thuggery's shoulder.

"Commander Stoick Haddock was with her," Thuggory repeated and Dogsbreath nodded, having seen him in the stables. Spitelout broke away, face creased with urgent thought as he tried to calculate an answer to this disaster.

"He's ALIVE?" he snapped. "How did that happen?" Snotlout opened his mouth. "Never mind. This makes things worse..."

"Or better, since he is a declared traitor?" Thuggory suggested. "Maybe that can play to our advantage?"

"How?" the Captain asked, leaning close.

"His credibility is gone and if something happens...well, no one would miss him?" he suggested.

"Go on," the Captain urged him. Thuggory thought quickly.

"They're heading through Flightmare Valley along the road-and there are a lot of outlaws on the way," he said carefully. "Maybe we can make sure that there are outlaws there to ambush them...and injure those we want...and let go those we don't..."

"Perhaps to be rescued by her faithful squires?" Spitelout suggested. Thuggory nodded, a cruel smile on his face as Snotlout looked perplexed.

"What just happened?' he asked, frowning. Thuggory smiled.

"We're going to intercept the Princess-and dispose of the Haddocks!" he said.

oOo

Stoick heard the sounds of voices from the little bedroom and paused outside in the main parlour for a few moments, almost overcome with relief before being unable to wait to see Hiccup for himself and flinging the door open...

...to see his half-naked son kissing Astrid, his hand threaded in her hair and her arm around his neck. There was an awkward pause as the two young people pulled apart in shock and stared at the Commander. Suddenly Stoick felt amazingly out of place, feeling his own cheeks heat under his beard. In fact, he had never felt so embarrassed.

"DAD!" Hiccup groaned, almost face-palming. The famous Knight Commander waved.

"Good-good to see you up and about, son..." he began then realised what he had said. His jaw worked soundlessly before he managed: "I mean...carry on!" And he left the room at a run. The two stared at the door-then Astrid burst out laughing.

"Did he just say that?" Hiccup asked, gesturing at the door. "I mean, he never knocked and though I am more thankful than anyone on Midgard that my Dad is alive...I may die of embarrassment!"

"And I'm not sure even Mother Gothi has an antidote for that!" Astrid giggled, doubled up with mirth.

"Ha ha, Milady," he grumbled. "Kick a man when he's down and injured..." She leaned forward and grasped his hand kissing him again.

"Am I forgiven?" she asked him sweetly and he smiled, his emerald eyes lighting with affection.

"Um...of course...and not just because it would be treason to refuse to," he admitted, leaning forward and resting his forehead against hers. "Though I may have to go and hide in the northern wastes, near Freezing-To-Death, if the King finds out that I kissed the Heir. I mean that would definitely be a crime of heinous proportions..."

"You're being dramatic," she teased him, stroking his cheek. He rested his hand on hers.

"Milady, you are the second most important person in the whole of Berk. I'm tied with the kids and way behind most of the yaks for the most Unimportant. And while I think Dad will be discreet, as soon as that door opens, no one can know..."

"AWESOME!" Tuff yelled as the twins burst in, followed by Fishlegs. All were making triumphant-or in the case of Tuff, very inappropriate-gestures and Hiccup groaned.

"For the love of...don't any of you ever knock?" he asked sharply as Astrid sat back with a confident grin.

"Oh, sorry," Ruff said and walked to the open door, knocking firmly on it. "Better?" Hiccup slumped back in the bed, closing his eyes.

"Nope," he sighed, knowing the moment was gone. "Is everyone okay?"

"I think the Commander may have gone for a long walk," Fishlegs admitted. "He was looking very sheepish when he came out. Sorry-we thought it was okay to see you-especially as he mumbled about a kiss..."

"No one is to say a word," Astrid ordered them. "I will tell my father when the time is right."

"Ragnarok?" Hiccup suggested wearily. She took his hand, her fingers lacing through his.

"Possibly," she said, smiling. "Look-you need to rest until tomorrow and we will sort out some food. In the morning, we will set out for Berk Castle and I will explain what actually happened and who saved me." He looked at her and nodded, forcing a smile onto his lips. He had been heartbroken when she had rejected him and honestly, he wondered if he was hallucinating as his dream came true. He wanted to believe Astrid-and he did, because the emotions she had shown were real...but he doubted if even she could spare him from a vengeful King and manipulative opponents who would lie and connive to dump as much blame as possible on him.

"Thanks, Milady," he murmured. Then she grinned.

"I have one more surprise," she said and whistled. Immediately the green and blue shapes of Sharpshot and Sneaky appeared from amid the rafters and the invalid looked up in shock.

"Guys!" he exclaimed as they landed on the bed, snuggling up against him. "I thought you'd gone back with Toothless and the others..."

"So did I," she admitted. "But they hid in your saddle bags-proof, if any were needed, that you were way off your game!" He managed a smile at that, his emerald eyes shining with joy.

"Waaaay off, Highness," he admitted. She smiled and sat back as he stroked the little dragons.

"Maybe you could call me by my given name?" she suggested and he flinched.

"For the moment, I guess 'Milady' is as good as I can manage," he sighed. "Maybe...if we get back to the castle and I am not killed, I could try it?" She took his hand as his eyes fluttered closed. He looked and sounded exhausted so she stroked his soft hair off his face and pressed a small chaste kiss on his forehead, then kissed the fading lump on the side of his face. His eyes fluttered open. "Hmm?"

"You got that saving my life, Hiccup," she reminded him, sitting down. "I will save you."

"I'll hold you to that."

oOo

Stoick prepared the horses and groomed Fury carefully, trying to blank his mind with the repetitive actions of the task. He was overjoyed that his son was alive and that Gothi had managed to claw him back from the brink of death...but he had suffered agonies as Hiccup had collapsed, seeing him limp and pallid in the Princess's arms. And his mind drifted rebelliously back to the previous night and the skinny, battered shape he had tenderly laid in his bed. The wounds had made his stomach curl with shame and the marks he had glimpsed through the ragged neck of his patched tunic had shown his son had been whipped like a slave rather than treated like the young squire he was.

He moved to Fury's mane and heard the stamp of a hoof. The horse would have been taken from his son and given to another as a matter of course and he felt his blood boil at the thought of Hiccup coping bravely with the disgrace and the despair at the same time he was mourning his father. He knew his son wouldn't have given up but it was painfully clear that everyone had forgotten who he had been and had treated him just like any other drudge.

But, of course, he wasn't. His actions-in chasing after Princess Astrid and rescuing her from half the villains surrounding Berk had graphically proven how talented he really was. And it was just as clear that he had fallen for the beautiful and fiery woman-as he had shown when she had so cruelly and inexplicably rejected him. Astrid was often direct, quick to anger and quicker to jump to conclusions but he had every faith there was a good ruler under there-but she needed to learn to treat everyone with respect, not just those with noble blood.

Yet he had heard her tender words as they had ridden hard to Mother Gothi's hovel, murmuring for him to stay with her and forgive her. That she wanted him and no one else as her protector. And that she cared for him-as he cared for her.

And that was the problem. When they got back to the castle, Astrid would be once again placed in her gilded cage, surrounded by etiquette and propriety while Hiccup-if he was very lucky-would be allowed back as a squire. It was the best he could hope for-though the tales that the twins and Fishlegs had related gave Stoick cause for concern about the fate of his son-for he had been an imposter, taking the place of a real squire and breaking all sorts of laws. And Stoick knew he would have to protect his son and fight hard to ensure he wasn't blamed for the natural consequences of his undeserved disgrace and bravery.

But there was no way on Midgard he could ever hope to be with the Heir. She was a prize that every nobleman with any sort of son or ruler of an allied Kingdom was chasing-and she would be married for politics and alliance. And Hiccup would have to suffer a broken heart and seeing the woman he loved with another man for the rest of his life if he completed his training and continued to serve the crown of Berk. Stoick sighed and finished the final stroke. Fury shone, like the magnificent charger he was and the Knight Commander sighed.

"I promise I won't let them harm you any more, son-even if I have to kill that idiot of a brother of mine!"

oOo

They rode out the following morning, two hours after dawn when the dew was still gleaming on the grass and the pallid winter sunshine was filtering through the spiny branches of the spruce forest. Astrid led-as the Heir to Berk-but behind her, the squires insisted that their leader took his rightful place alongside the Commander, riding just behind and the the left of the Princess. Hiccup was still pale, though much stronger this morning and he had broken his fast with the others, touched by their easy acceptance of him despite his lowly status. He knew he was being stupidly proud and he should be grateful that they were accepting him-but there was a stubborn corner of him that was still angry and hurt at everything he had endured at the hands of the King and his Knights. Yet Fish and the twins had helped him just when he most needed it-and he did have to confess that he was impressed at the sheer Loki-worthy levels of destruction they had managed to wreak in Drago's citadel. It was belated-but was certainly the most distracting distraction he had ever seen.

Astrid was different too-smiling and laughing with the Commander and his son, teasing Hiccup that it would have been so much easier if they would have had extra people riding through the mountains-though he pointed out there would have been even less to eat because there would have been six mouths to feed, not two. And she had laughingly confessed to Stoick how she had impersonated a knight herself-and how Hiccup had refused to do so. The Commander had nodded gravely, listening with pride at his quick-thinking and at his bravery...and scowling with anger at the actions of Thuggory and the others, who had threatened her. A suspicion was roiling in his gut and he paused.

"They will know we're heading home," he guessed. "We came the same way we left so they are certain to be tracking us-and they may be ahead, due to the diversion."

"Meaning-they may lay an ambush," Hiccup realised.

"WHAT?" Fishlegs squeaked. "Are they mad? I mean-the Princess is here and she will counter anything they claim..."

"Unless they kill us and take her back having 'rescued her' themselves from bandits and traitors," Hiccup growled. "And I am including you three in that category as well."

"US?" Fishlegs protested. "But we..."

"I knew he was a slimy toad," Astrid grumbled. "He always grinned at me as if he expected me to swoon or go weak at the knees. As if."

"Not your type, Milady?" Hiccup asked her with a small grin. "You don't go for the buff and darkly handsome type?"

"Ugh, no," she commented, brushing imaginary dirt off her dress. "I prefer skinny, auburn, green eyes and sass."

"Can't possibly imagine where you may find that!" he smirked as she half-turned and winked at him, sniggering as his cheeks heated.

"Two yards due east," she shot back.

"Can we return to the 'being ambushed and all killed except for you' issue, Highness?" Fishlegs said worriedly. "We're heading down Flightmare valley on the main road-and that's a narrow valley where the road runs alongside the winding river that leads to Berk. The sides of the valley are steep and wooded and the road itself isn't wide. There are lots of bandits and lawlessmen lurking there to ambush unwary travellers."

"Or dispose of inconvenient survivors," Stoick growled. "But the other roads are far longer and more perilous-especially when we need the Heir home." He paused. "Suggestions?"

"Long way round," Fishlegs suggested.

"Escort from Bazerk?" Ruff piped up.

"Almost a day in the wrong direction," Hiccup pointed out.

"Go back and get the dragons?" Tuff butted in. "I mean they were awesome."

"And they would be hunted and harmed if we brought them home," Astrid vetoed. But Hiccup was frowning.

"Actually-we do have a couple," he revealed and patted his saddle-bag, where Sharpshot was curled up. Sneaky chirped from Astrid's saddle-bag and the twins cheered.

"No offence-but what difference are two small dragons going to make against Thuggory, Snotlout, Spitelout and the others?" Fishlegs asked.

"Element of surprise," Hiccup said with a slow smile. "Look-it's time for a break and the valley is only half an hour's ride up ahead...so we should plan before we enter..." And then he looked up guiltily and flushed as he felt his father's eyes on him. "Sorry, sir," he mumbled, suddenly losing his confidence. "I-I forgot my place..." But Stoick was grinning at his son's decisive leadership and raised his hands.

"Son-I'm waiting to see what you as her chief protector have in mind for anyone foolish enough to attack the Princess and her escorts!" he reassured him. "You got her through everything with only yourself to rely on: now you have troops under your command." He winked and leapt down as his son wearily dismounted as well-though Hiccup immediately sped forward to grasp Stormfly's reins and hold her as the Princess jumped down.

"Me too," she reassured him and he beckoned them all close.

"Here's what we'll do..." he began.

oOo

They were riding easily down the winding north-south road, scarcely two riders wide and bounded on one side by the swift and icy stream and the other by the thick bracken and brambles of the forest edge when Fury's ears flicked and he grew skittish. Hiccup glanced up, seeing the hints of movement among the densely packed trees. He knew they couldn't attack here because the trees were just that: too close together to allow them to follow on their horses. The attack would come three turns further along, when the spruces gave way to a patch of oak and elm and the forest opened out to a wider, shallow vale before diving among the trees once more.

He was leading the line ahead of the shape of the Princess, swathed in her warm cloak and hood against the bitter northern wind. Behind were the others, all wearing cloaks and armour with the massive shape of the Commander at the back, all spaced perfectly evenly. Hiccup had perfected formation riding and he knew his friends were making every effort to back him up-and not just because the huge presence of his father was there, scrutinising their every move with his keen gaze. He shivered: the sense of eyes on him was oppressive and his right hand tightened on the reins, his left ready to snatch his sword. Tuff was muttering to Fishlegs that this was going to be the most awesome fun and he shook his head with a vague smile: only the male twin would look forward to his supposed colleagues coming to kill them all.

The attack was swift, rough men bursting from the trees and shrubs in number and Hiccup dinked Fury sideways, avoiding the first slash with a woodsman's axe. He drew and parried another swing before the zip of arrows had him ducking and glancing back worriedly at the cloaked shape of the Princess. Rough outlaws were swarming from amid the tree-but among them, he could see the familiar shapes of Halvard and Dogsbreath, directing the attack on the squires and Commander.

"GO!" he yelled and the Princess didn't hesitate, accelerating past him as he swing Fury round and charged the attackers. There were the usual variety of scarred and brutal looking men who had been rejected by society-or who had chosen to reject it-and were prepared to do whatever it took to make a living. A couple had missing ears or put-out eyes for various heinous crimes but they all looked fit and angry...and very ready for battle. As he rode the first down, a swing of his sword slashing the man's neck open, he briefly wondered how much Thuggory and Snotlout had paid the men to commit treason and attack their Heir: whatever they had paid, it could never be worth the act.

Stoick roared as he beheaded two men with a single stroke, his huge broadsword gleaming in the dull light. His weapon was legendary, a Haddock family Heirloom named 'Thornado' that Dagur had stolen from him and Heather had restored from the armoury in Bazerk before they had left. Her soft apology to the knight had been sincere and though he still mistrusted her, he could sense she was a decent and honest woman who would do her best for her people-and keep to the laws that governed them all. Beside him, Tuff and Fishlegs were fighting fiercely while Ruff was swatting men aside with neat swordplay.

There was the whinny of a horse as Thuggory erupted from the trees on Ravager and intercepted the fleeing Princess, his hands closing possessively on the reins and dragging the fleeing Stormfly to a halt. The blue roan nickered and stamped her hooves as the squire walked his stallion forward, his dark eyes fixed on the cloaked shape.

"I think you should come with me, Princess," he said sternly. "These outlaws outnumber your escort and your only chance is coming with us." He smirked. "I am sure your father will honour their memory...and reward those who bring you safely home..."

Ruff tossed the hood of Astrid's cloak back and glared at the treacherous squire.

"Well, that will be us then!" she snarked. "Still not getting it? Astrid knows the truth-and you've just arranged an attack on the Heir to Berk. That's treason!" Thuggory stared and then turned back in horror at the armoured shape of 'Ruff', who was fending off a huge man, trying to knock her off her horse with a massive quarterstaff.

"You fools-you've ruined everything!" he cursed and wheeled round-to see Fury gallop through, rearing above the man, his hooves slamming the attacker aside with a very final thud. Hiccup brought him down and offered the armoured shape his arm, sweeping her onto the saddle behind him. Astrid ripped the helm off and took a shuddering breath.

"When I am Queen, I am definitely leaving the battles to my trained soldiers and knights," she admitted. Hiccup wheeled them around and stared at his friends.

"Ready?" he called and there was a pause.

"With you all the way, son," Stoick confirmed as his son flipped the saddlebags open and the dragons surged out.

"Ready, Milady?" he asked quietly as Astrid tightened her arms around him, her sword still at the ready.

"Always," she said sincerely and he grinned.

"Forward, squires! To the Heir!" he shouted and kicked Fury forward, turning down the path and galloping towards the safety of the trees. The remaining outlaws-led by Dogsbreath and Halvard-tried to intercept them but a swift slash by Hiccup sliced open Dogsbreath's arm while Astrid's blow caught Halvard deeply across the chest and he collapsed, blood pouring out. Tuff, Fishlegs and Stoick followed as they all headed directly towards Thuggory, Spitelout and Snotlout.

"You stand in our way and you all face the block!" Hiccup shouted to them as his father pulled alongside, glaring at his brother and nephew.

"Any action against the Princess and I'll kill you myself," Stoick promised as they stared-and then ducked as Sharpshot and Sneaky both fired at the obstructing squires. There were whinnies and yells as the horses reared and dumped their riders on the floor. Leaping over the sprawled men, Hiccup glanced down at his former friend and his cousin and uncle and sighed as Astrid glared at them.

"And I'll see you banished, no matter what my father is led to believe!" she promised. Snotlout just stared at the small shapes, flapping ahead of the escaping riders.

"Are those dragons?" he asked faintly. "I-I thought there was just that one in Reaper...oh, this isn't fair..." And then he fainted. Thuggory glared at them and scrambled up, looking back at the ambush-which had become a massacre. Somehow he had forgotten just how good Hiccup was with a sword-and how Sir Stoick 'the Vast' Haddock was like a walking army. The Princess was away and there was no chance they would find anywhere else to ambush the riders before the castle. The outlaws had cost a pretty penny-and he was tempted to search their corpses for the coins to at least cut his losses-but the prospect of patting down their noisesome clothes and losing the time on his quarry wasn't tempting enough. He had one last card to play...one that risked everything. He probably would lose his chance as a knight, but he would retain his life if he appealed to his father and reached Berk Castle before the Heir. And he could ensure that he would lose-but so would the others. Especially Hiccup.

"Get up," he growled to the others and peered back Halvard was dead, his staring eyes facing the grey skies while Dogsbreath was injured. The other squires had hung back and allowed the outlaws to take the brunt of the battle-and all the losses. Not one survived. "We have to head back to Berk."

"What's the point?" Snotlout protested. "They'll get there ahead of us and then it will be over."

"No it won't, you imbecile!" Thuggory snapped. "The main road goes in a wide loop around Guardian Ridge. If we cut straight over, we'll beat them back-and there we can make sure ours is the tale told first. If we do it right, the others will be killed on sight before the Princess can even open her mouth to defend them."

"We'll still be kicked out," Snotlout whined, clumsily mounting his horse.

"Maybe not," Spitelout murmured. "With so many squires already lost, the king may be lenient and inclined to set you some punishments and probation, rather than losing you all to this one...mishap. Especially if his Heir arrives home, safe and well. And if she protests about the traitor Haddock...well, the father is already declared traitor and you can always claim she had fallen for him and shamed herself. Harild will not listen to her if he believes she has ruined her prospects for a marriage for the benefit of Berk." Thuggory nodded and swung into Ravager's saddle. He had one final die to roll.

"We'll have to ride non-stop...but it's our only option now," he said. "Onwards!"

oOo

The ride back towards Berk was relatively uneventful after the ambush, with Astrid reluctantly resuming her place on Stormfly while Ruff happily took her own steed back. The Commander had been ecstatic that the plan had worked so well-and thoroughly approved of the concept of disguising Astrid as a squire-for he had been at her side the whole time. Though Hiccup's daring rescue of the girl when she was in danger had only confirmed his observation that his son was ready to become a knight...if he would just be given the chance. Tuff had earned a scratch on his arm and Fishlegs had a minor cut to one leg but otherwise, they were unharmed and were making steady progress back home. But as the dusk fell early and the rain began to fall in earnest, they made their way to a small woodsman's cottage, abandoned for the winter, and made themselves at home. Swiftly, the squires cut wood, pulled water and shot game, ensuring their royal charge was supplied with warmth, shelter, food and drink...no matter how humble the fare. But Astrid insisted that Hiccup remain at her side, her eyes carefully inspecting the lean shape. The twins were scuffling and Fishlegs was standing guard as he blushed and looked up into her intent face.

"Um...have I grown a second head, Highness?" he asked in a concerned voice. She looked away, shaking her head and sighing.

"No," she admitted, her voice soft. "I'm just trying to fix the memory of this moment because tomorrow, I will be home. Tomorrow, I must be Princess Astrid, Heir to Berk once more. And I know I will be escorted away by my courtiers and my ladies-in-waiting while you..." Her voice trailed away.

"I will probably be dragged to the cells awaiting execution," he finished gently, leaning close to her. "Milady, I know what I face. I know who has lied about me. And I know that the sane thing to do would be to run...but I swore I would see you home safely. Not the twins or Fish or even Dad-me. And if it is the last thing I do as a squire of Berk, I will complete this mission."

"I won't let it happen," she murmured, her hand finding his. "I can't believe how cruel I was to you in Outcast. And how stupid and-and vile I was in Bazerk. You did everything for me and you saved not just me but probably Berk as well...and they will all believe the lies of Thuggory Tete de Carne because he is the some of a nobleman while you are..."

"Hiccup," he finished and managed a wan smile, though his hand tightened around hers. "Highness...it has been my honour to ride with you. And whatever happens when we get back...it will have been worth it. Because I got to spend time with Astrid Hofferson once more and get to feel like a real person once again. And Thor...that is worth everything!" She flung herself into his arms and hugged him tight, his arms closing protectively around her. He nuzzled her golden hair.

"Even if they let you off...I lose you," she said miserably. "No one will let me associate with a squire...or a drudge..." He squeezed her briefly then pulled back to stare in her tear-stained face, lifting her chin with a gentle finger.

"Milady...no matter where I am, I will always be at your service," he promised softly, leaning in to kiss her. Stoick cleared his throat and Hiccup pulled back and looked up, his cheeks scorching. "Um...sorry, Dad," he mumbled. But the Commander was smiling sadly.

"The Princess is right," he confirmed gruffly, hating himself for having to say the words. "Once we're back in Berk, reality will re-exert itself and the proper order of things will be resumed. Meaning you and I are both traitors..." Astrid swiped her eyes, her cheeks damp.

"One thing I promise," she said in a fierce voice. "I will fight for you both. I won't let them get away with harming you. You're both heroes: I can't let you be killed for that." But Hiccup sighed.

"May not have much of a say," he murmured. "Not if the others have got to the King first..."

oOo

The sun had come out and the morning was cool but bright as the little party finally galloped down the main road towards the Castle. The pennants were flying on all the towers and there were carts and riders entering the main gate. The sun gleamed off the helms of the Berk Guard and their fearsome halberds as they guarded the entrance to the castle. Astrid was leading the way, with the Haddocks riding behind her and the twins and Fishlegs bringing up the rear in a rank of three. All were riding in best formation as the Commander rose in the stirrups and bellowed ahead.

"THE PRINCESS!" he roared. "THE HEIR RETURNS HOME!"

There was a pause and then the guards burst into action, a runner speeding off to fetch the King while the rest formed an honour guards as the party swept down towards the gates, thundering over the draw-bridge and under the heavy portcullis and then into the outer yard. Astrid slowed and wheeled round as her escorts stopped. Hiccup leapt from the saddle and grabbed her reins, holding Stormfly steady as she dismounted. She glanced up, her azure eyes sweeping around the familiar stone walls and she sighed.

"Well, I'm home," she sighed as an elegant shape in a rich red tunic and dark hose, soft leather boots and a crown came sprinting from the Keep, his faithful knights struggling to keep up.

"ASTRID!" the King shouted, his face filled with relief. There was a pause-and then she turned and ran towards him, her eyes fixed on his shape.

"DAD!" she choked and flung herself into his arms, feeling them tighten possessively around his only living child.

"Oh, thank Thor you're back safely," he muttered, holding her tight. "I feared..."

"It's okay," she began, lifting her face and staring into his eyes. "I..."

"There they are!" Knight Hoark shouted and gestured to the Princess's escorts. "The traitors Stoick and Hiccup Haddock! Arrest them!"

"Dad-NO!" Astrid protested, trying to pull away-but he kept his arms tight around her. "They rescued me and..."

"Astrid-be silent!" Harild said sharply. "I know exactly what happened. I have had reports from some reliable witnesses..." And though she struggled, the impulse to obey her father was too strong and she bit her lip as the guards grabbed Hiccup and Stoick, pikes and halberds pointed fiercely at their unprotected bodies. The King looked up-to meet the triumphant gazes of Thuggory and Spitelout as they emerged from the Keep.

"Sire? Should we execute them now?" Ack asked, his eyes gleaming. Stoick shifted, fury boiling in his throat at the sight of the traitor and he stabbed a finger at the man.

"Sire-you listen to this rat at your peril!" he snapped. "Knight Ack betrayed us all to Drago and Dagur. He is the reason I was lost!"

"Sire...this traitor is lying..." Ack growled, reaching for this sword.

"HOLD!" the King snapped. Astrid looked up.

"Father..." she began but he glared at her.

"BE. SILENT!" he snarled. "Ack-remove your hand from the sword. Guards-take them to the cells. I will speak with Commander Haddock myself later-once I certain my daughter is safe." Then he turned his baleful glare on the tense shape of Hiccup. "And make sure this Imposter doesn't get away. He pretended to be one of my squires and imperilled my Heir." Astrid's eyes widened and she stared in horror and guilt as Hiccup was dragged back and hauled away. And a wave of shame curled through her at the sight of her friend and protector, the young man she had fallen for, being arrested.

I promised, she said silently as her father steered her away and she caught Thuggery's smug expression. And I'm so sorry I couldn't stop this, Hiccup. But I promise I won't let them get away with this. I won't let them kill you for saving me...