The Gift of the Princess (HTTYD)

Going All Out

Chapter 53: Going All Out

Hiccup arrived on Torleif Island in an extremely good mood. With him were many Vikings from Berk and the allied villages, and some of them were brand new. He found Reidun, Krogan, and Oliver already assembled with the villagers in training in the wide, open space in the middle of town. "Good morning!" he said brightly.

"Good morning, Hiccup," said Reidun. "You seem cheerful. Did something happen?"

Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh, I'm just excited to make more progress forming alliances." He and Astrid had not had the chance to make an announcement to Berk yet, so he did not want to say anything now.

Reidun nodded. "Good. What do we have to get done today?"

"If it's alright with you, I think we should split up training new dragon riders and training for our outreach program. I think you and Krogan should handle the first while Eret and Oliver take care of the second."

"Very good. That sounds like an excellent plan. I was just thinking that Eret and Oliver should explain the process they used yesterday to gain success." Reidun looked around at the Vikings in question. "Is everyone in agreement?"

"Oh yeah!" said Eret. "I would love to explain my process."

"And I'll make sure he explains it accurately," said Oliver.

When Hiccup looked to Krogan, the older man said, "I can take charge if you wish, but what will you be doing?"

Hiccup gave him a timid smile. "Well, I thought we could get started on something we're going to need here really soon: saddles." He looked at Reidun for approval, hoping he had not overstepped his boundaries. The villagers had not yet rode any dragons, but he saw no reason why they could not start today. "They really helped for safety reasons. Otherwise it can be hard to stay on."

Reidun dipped her head in acknowledgement. "Yes, I can see how that would be so. Come with me. I know just the person who can help you achieve your goal."

Hiccup smiled in relief. "Thank you." He left everyone else in capable hands and followed her through the village. If all went well, their new allies would soon be a formidable force.

***

Krogan, Reidun, and Ruby stood in front of the villagers who wished to be dragon riders. Previously tamed wile dragons were also among the group of Vikings. Krogan thought the best way to teach them would be through a single demonstration instead of having them all try with their own dragons off the bat, which could lead to chaos and injuries. Of course, as chief, Reidun agreed to take part in the demonstration with Ruby.

"Do not attempt to ride a dragon if you have not earned her trust," Krogan said. "Even then, make sure to approach slowly and greet her." He nodded at Reidun. "Ruby is already familiar with you. She will let you mount her." Then, to the trainees, he said, "watch carefully."

Reidun turned toward the Singetail and looked into her eyes. "Hello, Ruby." She reached out her hand to stroke her head. "May I ride you?" The dragon grunted in agreement. Smiling, the chief walked around to Ruby's side. She examined her carefully before grabbing onto the saddle and hoisting herself onto the dragon's back. Krogan thought she looked like a natural out there. "How was that?"

A smile flickered on Krogan's face. "Excellent. Now, why don't the rest of you practice bonding with your dragons? When you're ready, attempt to mount them. Do not take off. I will instruct Chief Reidun personally so she may assist me in helping all of you once you are up in the air."

"That sounds like a great plan, Krogan, but if I'm on Ruby, which dragon will you ride?"

Krogan furrowed his eyebrows in thought. "I'll be right back." There was only one other dragon he was close enough to who would let him ride her. Thankfully, Hiccup did not need Swiftwings at the moment and allowed her to return to the training group with Krogan. He once more demonstrated proper mounting to the villagers and then looked to Reidun. "Are you ready?"