The Gift of the Princess (HTTYD)

A Stronger Power

Chapter 20: A Stronger Power

Eret stood guard over the dragon trappers, who locked themselves up in the stables. He had wanted to join the battle, but he knew he had an important job here. Still, waiting for everyone to return was not exactly exciting. Just when he was about to doze off, the few dragons still in the stables violently broke out of their cells and flew out of the building.

"What's going on?" cried one of the men.

"It must be Drago," said another.

"Calm down," said Eret. "Let's not rush to conclusions. I'll check." His heart hammered as he stepped outside, and it plummeted at the sight of the giant Bewilderbeast, surrounded by dozens of dragons, including Toothless, ridden by Drago.

"Your chief is dead!" Drago shouted to the gathered Vikings.

"Stoick?" said a man.

"S'not possible," said a woman.

"No one can protect you now," Drago said. The Bewilderbeast began to blast Berk with his icy breath while Drago's men stormed into the village.

Eret narrowed his eyes at the scene. "We'll see about that." He returned to the stables with determination in his eyes. "Listen up, men. Drago it taking all the dragons and attacking Berk. We must fight back!"

The trappers exchanged nervous glances. No one said a word.

"Berk's best fighters are not here. We can't let Drago kill everyone. Are you Vikings or mice?" Instead of waiting for a response, Eret marched up to the cells and swung the doors open. Then he withdrew his dagger and exited the stables. He knew his men would follow.

***

Eira and the dragon riders were met with a horrid sight upon their arrival: the Bewilderbeast, surrounded by a horde of dragons, worked to encase Berk in ice while soldiers run around the village rampant. "No..." Hiccup said in dismay.

"He took all the dragons!" Fishlegs cried.

"Everyone, land before the alpha takes control of your dragons, but stay with them if you can and try to break through to them."

"I'm on it!" Dagur declared. He guided Sleuther to the ground and then helped Eira and himself off.

"I need to find Krogan," Eira said.

Dagur nodded. "I'll cover you."

Eira smiled. "Thanks." Then she began to run through the crowd, dodging weapons along the way. She figured Krogan and Ruby would be near the mass of dragons, so that was where she headed. Sure enough she spotted them hovering near Drago and Toothless near the Bewilderbeast. She glanced at Dagur. "Stay back, okay? I need to talk to them alone."

Dagur looked worried but did not object. "Be careful."

Eira made sure the way was clear before starting forward. "Krogan!" she called.

Krogan looked at her with an unreadable expression. Drago noticed her as well and said something to Krogan she could not hear. Then the two of them got off the dragons and advanced towards her.

"What do you think, little girl?" Drago jeered. "Have you come to admire my awesome power?"

Eira narrowed her eyes. "Not exactly. Let Krogan go!"

Drago laughed. "He chose to come to me. It's time for you to give up."

"I will never give up on him! You may think you've proved your point, but this isn't over yet. I still believe in Krogan. I know who he is."