A Second Chance

Chapter 4

Morning dawned to Terrible terrors singing in the trees. Eret stretched and patted Loudmouth before turning to look at the still sleeping Berkians. He shook his head and went to the fire embers. Eret began rebuilding the fire and making breakfast. It was almost done when loud roars filled the air.

Everyone bolted upright as a flight of dragons flew overhead. The Berkians all rushed to grab weapons as the dragons continued to pass overhead. Eret smiled as the flight disappeared over the horizon. "No worries everyone. It is just the flight heading out for the morning feed."

A worried Viking asked. "They hunt every day?"

"The main flight hunts twice a day. Those that are trained will go hunting with their riders. Especially as we get closer to winter."

Gobbler thought for a moment. "Dragons help with hunting for winter? You also mentioned that dragons help with other tasks?"

Eret nodded. "Dragons help with many tasks. Smithing, fishing, hunting, sending messages, and heavy lifting. We also use them for patrolling and fighting in times of crisis.."

Stick shook his head. "Wait, are you saying that you use dragons to fight?"

Eret paused then spoke slowly. "In times of need Hiccup and Toothless have roused the nest to battle. All of Dragon's Eden's warriors are trained to fight with their dragons. Make no mistake we all know how to fight without our dragons."

Eret looked up at the rising sun before walking over to the woods. He lifted his arm as he whistled. A small blue terror flew down onto his arm. He tied a note to the terror. "Okay Sneaky take this to Hiccup. Alright everyone let's get going, the Chief and council will be waiting."

Snotlout was pacing back and forth next to Hiccup and his council. Toothless was sitting next to Hiccup. Hiccup sighed before grabbing Snotlout as he passed. "Stop. You are starting to tick me off."

Snotlout gulped at the tone in Hiccup's voice before turning to face the woods. He sighed in relief as he spotted Stoick, Gobber, and Eret walking out of the woods with their dragons. Behind them the remaining Berkians walked dragging their longships with them. Hiccup stepped forward as everyone stopped.

"Welcome to Dragon's Eden. You will all be staying here on this field while helping us rebuild. Once you have finished and if there are no incidences we can help you build homes here or help you get to an island of your own."

A viking mother rushed forward. "Wait! Where will our children be while we work? We can't leave them alone."

Hiccup turned to Snotlout. Snotlout gulped before stepping forward. "We will watch the kids. Hiccup has some baby dragons that he would like us to keep an eye on as well. Some of the adult dragons will wander by to check their young but they will not interfere."

A gaunt figure charged forward. "You would let those beasts near tha' young' ins!? Are you mad?"

Hiccup turned to Mildew as his sheep came to Mildew's side. "Yes, dragons are beasts but so is your sheep Fungus, and you let him intrude on everyone's business."

Spitelout stepped forward. "Aye tha' sheep is more of a nuisence than Hiccup ever was."

No one saw Hiccup move. Suddenly Spitelout was pressed against a tree. A blade was nicking his neck. He looked in fear at a dark green glare.

"Don't think I don't know what you have done Uncle. If you even try it again I will see you drawn and quartered as a starter. Especially if I learn you have any connection to Seppius."

Snotlout looked frightened and glanced at Stoick. Gobber stepped forward. "What do ya mean lad?"

"He made a deal with Alvin to overthrow Berk. We happened to find out when we took outcast island. He spied for Alvin and made sure that Alvin was able to make secret raids on Berk. I am willing to bet he had something to do with the destruction of Berk by Seppius."