The Gift of the Princess (HTTYD)

The Search

Chapter 10: The Search

"What do you mean we can't leave?" Hiccup said incredulously.

"We can leave in the morning if that's more convenient," Eira tried cautiously even though she understood Valka's meaning loud and clear.

"I am sorry, children," Valka said, "you have seen the sanctuary, and I cannot allow you to leave."

"We won't tell anyone about it!" Hiccup said.

Valka raised her eyebrows. "Oh, really? You're not going to tell your father you ran into your supposedly dead mother?"

Hiccup scratched the back of his neck. "Well, uh, not if you don't want me to."

"And I should take your word you're a good liar." Valka shook her head. "No, I cannot risk it. If your father found out I was alive, he would never leave him in peace."

"That's probably true," Eira admitted, earning a sharp look from Hiccup.

"You can't just keep us here forever," Hiccup said. "We have lives to lead. I'm going to be chief... eventually."

"You said you did not want to be chief," Valka reminded him. "You are meant for so much more, Hiccup. You can accomplish great things here with me."

"I'm sure I could, but I can't just abandon everyone!"

"Oh, Hiccup, it's for the best."

"Well, I can't stay," Eira interjected. "I'm getting married in a few weeks."

Valka looked at her with mild interest. "Oh, to who?"

"Dagur, the chief of Berserker Island."

"Berserker Island?"

"They're our allies," Hiccup said helpfully.

"Yes, I remember that. I remember being fond of Oswald the agreeable, but I also remember singing the treaty in dragon blood. And isn't Dagur his crazy son?"

Eira frowned. "He's not crazy. He may have lost his way for awhile, but now he's on our side! He loves dragons as much as we do."

Valka did not look impressed. "That is doubtful. In any case, Hiccup is a much better partner for you. The two of you will marry and raise your children to be champions of dragons."

"WHAT?!" Eira and Hiccup exclaimed, giving each other horrified glances.

"Uh, Eira is great and all, but we're just friends!" Hiccup insisted. "I'm in love with someone else."

"And what does love have to do with it?" Valka countered. "Political marriages are formed all the time for the good of the whole. This is no different."

"This is INSANE! Come on, Toothless, we're leaving now." Hiccup angrily stomped towards the Night Fury.

"I wouldn't be too sure," Valka said a little too calmly for the situation. She struck her staff on the ground, and the Bewilderbeast roared. Toothless and Swiftwings both had faraway looks in their eyes.

Hiccup frowned. "What's wrong, bud? Don't you want to go home?" He reached towards Toothless, but the dragon snapped at him. Hiccup recoiled in shock.

"The Bewilderbeast has the ability to control the minds of dragons," Valka explained, "and he will use this ability to prevent you from leaving and protect the sanctuary."

Eira swallowed hard. This woman was serious. "You would really use force to keep us here?"

"If need be. Now, let us head back. The sun has almost set."