Several months after the events of HTTYD2, Berk has recovered and Hiccup is adjusting to his new role as Chief. But just when things are looking up, a mysterious Viking with a dark secret returns to Berk. Now Hiccup must face the greatest trial of his life! But this time, he’ll have to face it alone!
This chapter has a bit of Heatret, or Heather X Eret, in it. Not really in a romantic way, but bonding. For those who are not fans, sorry, but I am!
Everyone was quiet. They all sat around the fire to keep warm against the cold air. Normally there would be loud chatter, but not now. Everyone was worried about Hiccup, including the dragons. They were resting, but they did not sleep. This was like a nightmare they couldn’t wake up from.
Heather hated to see her friends this way. When it was her, they would do all they could to make her feel better. She had to try to do the same thing.
“This is Hiccup, guys,” she spoke in a calming tone. “No matter how bad things get, he’s always okay. Who knows? Maybe he found a way to escape and is on his way back to Berk.”
Heather’s words didn’t sound that encouraging, even to her. Why was this kidnapping so much worse than the other times? Well for one thing, those times Hiccup was wanted alive. It didn’t seem like the case now.
“Heather, we know what you’re trying to do, but just don’t. Giving others hope isn’t your strong suit.” Snotlout might as well as tried to hit her with a bludgeon. That could have been said so much better.
Heather picked up her axe and went into the woods.
“Heather,” Astrid called out.
“I’m just going to get more firewood,” Heather replied, though she did not turn around. Now she needed to be alone.
She kept walking until she could barely see the fire light. She chopped up a few logs, but didn’t return right away. Heather thought about all she had lost in her life. Her home, foster parents, everything she knew. She couldn’t stand the thought of losing anyone again. Hiccup had always been such a good friend to her. He was patient, understanding, and helped her whenever she needed it. He was like a brother to her. Heather sat down and looked at her horn. Their fathers were friends. This was the one thing she had that connected her to her origins. A gift from Berk. Her new family.
Heather heard something behind her, a twig snapping. She grabbed her axe and stood up. She turned to find Eret behind her, holding his arms up in surprise.
“No need to strike,” he shouted, “I just wanted to see how you were doing!”
Heather lowered her weapon and took a deep breath. She wasn’t doing well. She sat back down on a fallen tree, looking at the ground. Eret sat down next to her.
“I know I’m the last one you want to talk to, but if you need to say something, you can.”
“Well, I am a bit surprised you were the one who followed me out here,” Heather stated. Eret let out a small chuckle and shrugged. They were both quiet after that.
“What Snotlout said was uncalled for,” he said at last.
“But he’s right,” Heather voiced. “The last thing anyone excepts from me is hope.”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I’ve got time.”
Heather paused for a bit. She took a deep breath. Guess it was time to tell Eret about her past. Her tragic past. All the loneliness and misery she had been through. She started with being separated from her birth family, how she met the Dragon Riders, then losing the only home and family she knew. Spending years preparing for revenge only to learn that the man who destroyed everything she had was her own brother. She also told him about spying on the Dragon Hunters, even about Dagur’s change of heart. That was all Heather could say at that point.
“Whoa,” that was all Eret could say at first. “You really haven’t had it easy, to say the least.”
“That’s why I’m here now,” Heather continued. “Hiccup, Astrid, all of them. They took me in. They’re like family to me. I can’t let anything happen to them. I can’t lose anyone I care about ever again.”
Eret placed his hand on her shoulder. She found it somewhat comforting. Telling him her history was easier than she had thought it would be.
“So, why aren’t you living on Berk now?” he asked. “Are you living with your brother?”
Heather went silent again. She pulled her shoulder away. She still wasn’t ready to explain everything.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. You really had a hard life. Though I must say, it’s impressive you worked undercover for so long. You’re strong.”
She blushed. “It’s kind of why I was so cold towards you before,” Heather went on. “Spending so much time with those Hunters…”
“Well the difference in being a trapper than a hunter is that you want the dragons alive,” Eret clarified. “Besides, I was never one for all that brutal weaponry. Just ropes, nets, and my bare hands.”
“That explains the scars.”
They two of them snickered, finding themselves more and more relaxed with each other.
“I guess I just assumed Hunters and Trappers traveled in the same circle.”
“No, we’re actually… different.” Eret voice was trailing off, as though he had thought of something.
“What is it?” Heather asked.
“Same circle… Heather, you’re a genius,” Eret exclaimed as he stood up. “Come on!”
They ran back to the campsite. When they got there, they were out of breath.
“Guys, I think I know how we can find out where Excellinor took Hiccup,” Eret proclaimed.
—————
Excellinor was pacing back and forth in her chamber. She was frustrated. Hiccup was holding up longer than she had excepted. He was just as stubborn as his father. And every time she looked him in the eye; those green eyes… The whole thing was infuriating. But she wouldn’t stop. She wanted to watch him suffer. She wasn’t out of tactics yet.
A knock came from the door. “Enter,” she said, trying to sound in control. It was her second-in-command, Roark. He had the updates she requests.
“How’s Baldr?”
“Locked up, like you told me. He’ll think twice before disobeying you again, madam.”
Excellinor kept her back at him. She was thinking. She needed to break Hiccup’s spirit before those Dragon Riders found them. Even if they had hidden his scent, it wouldn’t last forever. And his people were loyal; they wouldn’t abandon him, even if he wasn’t their chief.
“What do we do with the boy?” Roark asked.
“We continue with our process,” she replied. “We won’t stop until he’s defeated.”
“Why not just kill him?”
“Killing is one thing, Roark, but when his people see what we have reduced him to, Berk will have no choice but to surrender.”
“What then? What will you do with him?”
“I have a plan for him. A fate worse than death. There is a slave trade to the east. Hiccup will spend whatever remains of his life in the captivity of others.”
If there was one thing a Viking feared, it was enslavement. No freedom, it would be the ultimate suffering. Never again would the boy enjoy being on the back of his precious dragon. Excellinor would see to it personally. By the time she was finished with him, the brave Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the great Dragon Master, will only be a memory.
—————
After flying all night and morning, the Riders finally reached their destination; an island not too far out from the archipelago. Eret remembered this place all too well. It was a tavern island used for hunters and trappers alike. Anyone who captured dragons or sold illegally. If anyone knew anything about Excellinor’s location or what she was up to, it was here.
“We need to be careful,” Eret advised. “If anyone gets wind of Dragon Riders, our chances of finding Hiccup are lost.”
“So we can’t bring our dragons,” Astrid said as she analyzed the situation. They would need to be quick, and not draw attention to themselves. Which meant they would have to send only one party. A small one.
“I know my fair share of people here who might help. I’ll go,” announced Eret, ready to move.
“You can’t go in there by yourself,” Fishlegs warned. “What if they know you’re not a Trapper anymore? What if you need backup?”
“I’ll go with him,” Heather suddenly said. Everyone looked at her a bit surprised at her decision.
“Haven’t you spent enough time with this muscle head?” Snotlout asked. Instead of an annoyed eye roll, Heather pulled up her hood to slightly hide her identity.
“Don’t forget, Snotlout,” she told him, “I have been on that side too. You guys will be easily recognized as Riders.”
“But what if they know you’re not actually a Hunter, but only spied on them?” Fishlegs questions were not helping.
“They won’t know me,” Valka suggested. “I’ve always worn my armor and mask.”
“The things they talk about in there, it would get to you in less than five minutes,” Eret had a point. It was so easy for her to get frustrated when she heard how some would take pleasure in hurting dragons. “But you don’t have to come with me, Heather.”
“I’m afraid you can’t stop me,” Heather said with a slightly smug look on her face. He smiled back at her.
“Be careful, you two,” Astrid encouraged. “We don’t need to waste time with another rescue.”
“Just be ready for a quick escape or interrogation,” Eret responded.
With that, he and Heather mounted their dragons and flew to the side of the island covered in a thick layer of trees for Skullcrusher and Windshear to hide in. They made their way to the entrance of the main building, trying not to draw attention to themselves.
Just hang in there a little long, Chief, Eret thought to himself. We’ll find you, and bring you home.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! You might not know this about me, but I ship Eret and Heather. I just wish I new what she looks like 5 years later! Could you do a drawing of Eret and an older Heather? I would like to see JUST ONE fanart of them!
This was only supposed to be a sketch and then I accidentally drew line art *shot*
The thing about these two is that there’s going to be a lot of bickering and snide comments and not-so-subtle vying for mama Astrid and papa Hiccup’s attention before there’s ever any flirting between them. They have a strong “they love me more” sort of thing happening in regards to Hiccup and Astrid, and will constantly find little things to lord over each other–Heather helping Hiccup out in the forge, Eret spars with Astrid, Eret flying with Hiccup for more tips on Skullcrusher, Heather hogging Astrid for half a day going over herbs for the pregnancy… yeah, it goes on and on.
