The Gift of the Princess (HTTYD)

Figuring Things Out

Chapter 33: Figuring Things Out

Snotlout did not sleep well. This was not his bed, his hut, or his island. Though he knew Hookfang was right outside, he did not feel safe with Drago around. Despite feeling tired when he awoke, he got up at Ingrid's prompting and made himself presentable. Then the two of them headed outside to take care of their dragons.

"I've been thinking," Ingrid said, leaning against Shadowwhisper's side.

"About how to get off this island?" said Snotlout, also standing close to his dragon.

"Well, yes." She hesitated. "We need to work together with Drago."

Snotlout's eyes narrowed. "No way! We can't just let him loose in the archipelago again. Do you know what kind of damage he would do?" Hookfang snorted in agreement.

"But what if he didn't?"

Snotlout crossed his arms and frowned. "And how are you going to ensure that?"

"What if I change his mind so he doesn't want to harm dragons or Vikings?"

"Didn't you already try that? It failed!"

"But circumstances are different now!" Ingrid took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Look, Eira said that people are mostly likely to change when they are removed from power. That's the case with Drago, is it not?"

Snotlout found truth in this, but he still did not like her idea. "Do we really have time to try an experiment like this?"

"Maybe, if it helps us get off the island faster. And it's not like I'm going off nothing. Drago's situation is similar to Krogan's in many ways, so I can copy Eira's techniques."

"But you're not Eira!" Snotlout winced at the look she gave him. "I mean that in the best way possible. You don't have as much practice."

"But I was able to help Eret. Besides, Eira will tell you herself that she had no idea what she was doing with Krogan half the time, but it worked out. Can you just let me try?"

Snotlout let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. Do what you need to do, but getting off this island is our first priority."

Ingrid nodded. "Agreed. You know this means you have to be nice to him."

Snotlout made a face. "As long as he doesn't become a threat." Because if he did, he was going down! Snotlout would make sure of that.

***

Eira did dot have much to say in the morning. It may have been her imagination, but Dagur seemed to be avoiding her as well. Oliver gave them quizzical looks but did not probe. Eira forced a smile on her face as they met Krogan and Oliver outside.

"Sleep well?" Viggo said, looking at the couple.

"As well as possible," said Dagur. Eira nodded and looked away.

Thankfully, Reidun arrived with a guard before that particular conversation could get off the ground. They exchanged pleasantries, and then the chief got down to business. "Since you have all been very cooperative and extremely helpful, I have decided to let you each make brief, supervised visits with your dragons. We will start with this first visit, and then I will consider more."

The dragon riders exchanged pleased looks. "That's great!" Dagur said. "Can we go now?"

"You may start now," Reidun said, "but one at a time. Eira, would you like to go first?"

Eira looked at her in surprise. "Me?"

"Go ahead," Krogan said, to which the others nodded.

Eira smiled slightly. "Thank you." The guard left Reidun's side and started for the forest with her.