By Amanda Pizzolatto (alias Aurora Mandeville)
Word Count: 3855
Rating: G (suitable for all audiences)
Summary: Merida and Hiccup help Taran and Eilonwy of Prydain
Character Origins:
Disney/Pixar’s Brave: Merida, Fergus, Scots, Elinor
Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon: Hiccup, Toothless, Eret, Viggo, Drago, dragons, dragon riders, Vikings, Viggo’s army
Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander: Taran, Eilonwy, Coll, Gwydion, Dallben, Fflewddur Flam, Sons of Don, Horned King, Black Cauldron
Merida glanced around the corner before glancing back at the two men, the dragon, and other woman with her.
“We’re clear for now, but we need to make this quick,” she whispered.
Hiccup nodded as he glanced at Toothless. “You know what to do, bud?”
Toothless gave a little garble as he nodded.
“Are you sure about this, Hiccup?” asked Taran.
“We have to get you to the sword. There is no way Viggo is the rightful heir to the throne.”
“But what makes you think I could be king?” Taran whispered back as they stealthily walked through the mostly quiet city. Merida raised her hand as she neared another corner. The group stopped and waited with baited breath as she glanced around the corner before motioning them to follow.
“Well, for one thing, you were the only person of eligible age who hasn’t tried pulling the sword out of the stone,” began Hiccup.
“Fair point,” mumbled Taran.
“And for another,” said Eilonwy, “Dallben was pretty insistent on you trying to pull the sword.”
“But he always got that funny look on his face whenever we asked him why,” muttered Merida as she led them to another corner She quickly checked her surroundings before motioning them forward. “I’m beginning to think he knows Taran is the rightful heir, but swore not to say anything.”
“At least not until Taran has proved that he is the rightful heir,” said Hiccup. “I think Dallben hasn’t wanted to say a word because he’s afraid Viggo would send his army after Taran and kill him before he’s able to rally his allies.”
“I don’t even know who my allies are,” blurted Taran. He glanced at Merida, Hiccup, and Toothless as they came to another corner. “Except for you, of course.”
“Prince Gwydion also pledges his allegiance,” said a gruff voice from behind them. The group turned and yelped. Merida and Eilonwy strung their bows, Toothless took a defensive position in the front, while Hiccup unsheathed his sword. Taran just stared in shock at the figure before a smile of relief spread across his face as another figure entered the pale moonlight.
“Coll!”
“Keep it down, Taran. Yes, I am here. Dallben sent me with Prince Gwydion to let you know he can be trusted. He is a dear friend of ours.”
“And I will only ever serve the rightful king of Prydain,” said Gwydion with a bow. “Dallben and Coll have suspected it was you for some time now.”
“But, Dallben wasn’t sure?” Hiccup asked hesitantly. They had begun to relax and lowered their weapons just a bit, there was still the matter of Viggo’s men roaming the city looking for them, primarily for Toothless and Taran.
Coll shook his head. “Not quite. He had a strong suspicion and many clues to point to that, but Dallben doesn’t like jumping to conclusions without all the evidence. Pulling the sword would prove once and for all that you are the true king of Prydain.”
“B-but, I don’t know how to be king.”
Coll chuckled softly. “You have a prince, two princesses, and a chief here who can teach you, if there’s anything wanting.”
Merida let out a little giggle. “And I’m sure my mother would be more than happy to teach you the fineries of court life.”
Eilonwy rolled her eyes. “Oh please, count me out of that one.”
“Oh don’t worry, I think you and I have learned everything. It’s the guys’ turn now,” said Merida with a grin.
Taran shot a glance at Hiccup. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“Yes, but, in order to do that, we must get you to the sword. Come on,” whispered Coll as he and Gwydion took the lead. The group continued to weave around the buildings to get closer to the churchyard, where the sword of the king was imbedded in a stone. They barely saw any of Viggo’s men until they got closer to the churchyard. Even then there were only three men visible.
“Something’s not right,” muttered Hiccup. “Viggo wouldn’t leave this small of a guard by the sword.”
Merida glanced at him. “Trap?”
“Most likely.”
“Now what?” whispered Eilonwy as the group huddled.
Merida cocked her head and gave a soft grin. “Spring the trap?” She glanced at Coll and Gwydion. “They probably don’t know you’re here.”
Hiccup nodded thoughtfully. “Right, Viggo probably figured that we would come for the sword, but he, I hope, doesn’t know about you being here.”
“But if he has figured out that we’re here?” asked Gwydion as he raised his eyebrow.
Hiccup bit his lip before replying with, “Then we’re done for. Unless . . .” They watched Hiccup intently as he thought really hard on the problem. Hiccup knew Viggo was smart, very smart. He had figured out Hiccup’s plan long before it could come to fruition and had changed his own plan to counter and win. It unnerved Hiccup every time. “We should proceed as if Coll and Gwydion aren’t here.”
“Wait, what?” whispered Taran harshly.
“We have to, it’s our only chance. If Viggo can figure out my plans before the plan’s complete, then he’ll know we have back-up and will send his men after them.”
“But, though we know that we have back-up,” said Merida, “we just won’t know what they’re going to do.”
Hiccup let out a sigh. “Doesn’t matter. Viggo will still outsmart us, and outnumber us.”
“Then if there’s a chance any of us can take, we should take it. We have to keep him guessing,” said Merida. Toothless nodded in agreement.
Hiccup pursed his lips before replying with, “I don’t know, he’s much better organized than we are, much better at planning.” He let out a sigh as he ran his hand through his auburn locks. “Viggo is just . . . better at this.”
“Well, he’s certainly not better at being king,” mumbled Eilonwy.
“If only he didn’t put that genius mind of his to evil, I could really use someone like him as an advisor,” remarked Taran.
“Speaking of advice,” said Gwydion, “if you don’t mind, I have a bit.” Everyone went silent as they glanced at Gwydion expectantly. “Perhaps we should focus less on Viggo’s brilliant mind and come up with an even more brilliant plan.”
Hiccup nodded, though his face was still grim. He couldn’t help but worry about Viggo getting the best of them. “Yes, you’re right.”
“Except I can’t think of anything besides us going in there, springing the trap, and you guys coming around to bust us out,” whispered Merida.
“That sounds like the best one so far,” muttered Eilonwy.
Hiccup sighed. “That’s the only one so far. I can’t think of anything. Anyone else have any brilliant ideas?”
“Sorry, my mind’s a blank,” remarked Taran. Gwydion and Coll shook their heads. They had nothing too.
“What is going on?” asked Merida. “You two are the ones who usually have the ideas,” she told Hiccup and Taran.
Taran shrugged. “I have no clue.”
Hiccup’s eyes widened. “Unless . . . unless Viggo has some spell.”
Taran’s eyes widened in turn. “The Black Cauldron!” he blurted.
Eilonwy gasped. “That’s right. He has it!”
Gwydion gritted his teeth. “This will be harder than I thought. But now I know.”
“Know what?” asked Taran.
“Why the Horned King is moving, and where he is going.”
“Wh-what?” the young adults asked, nearly choking on the word.
Coll nodded sadly. “Which means time is of the essence. Taran, we must get you crowned as soon as possible.”
“Why didn’t you tell us this earlier?” asked Hiccup, furious at being withheld some pretty important information. He was also rather upset that Viggo clearly had the upper hand, again.
“We did not know the Black Cauldron was here,” stated Gwydion matter-of-factly. ”But now that we do, or, at least, I do, we must act quickly. The five of you must get out there now. Take down as many guards as you can, give Taran a clear path to the sword.”
“But what about you?” asked Eilonwy.
“We will try to some up with a better plan. Hopefully there will be enough time to do so.”
“I wouldn’t count on it though,” muttered Hiccup.
Coll patted his shoulder reassuringly. “We will make do with what we get. Just concentrate on getting Taran to that sword.”
Hiccup grumbled. “Fine. Come on. Taran, Toothless, stay close.”
Taran eyed him. “I can fight, you know.”
Coll shook his head. “We know you can, Taran, but we can’t risk you getting killed.”
“But you can risk their lives?”
“Listen . . .”
“No, you listen, they’re my friends. I’m going to have their backs.”
Hiccup settled it. “Fine, but you have to be extremely careful, understand? You do need to get that sword.”
“I know.”
“Alright, let’s do this . . . barely-thought out plan.”
Merida shrugged. “Maybe it’s what will take Viggo off guard.”
Hiccup sighed. “I hope.”
The group made their way quietly towards the guard, Coll and Gwydion watching them from the shadows. Merida and Eilonwy drew their bows, each aiming at a guard. Hiccup tapped Toothless and indicated that he was to aim for the third guard. Toothless nodded and set his sights on the third guard.
“Hiccup, Hiccup, Hiccup,” came a voice to their right.
The group’s heads swiveled, there stood Viggo and several more men. Hiccup counted them and his spirits sank. It was practically an army. What could Coll and Gwydion come up with to defeat them?
“Viggo,” muttered Hiccup.
“Rather out of character for you to try and kill anyone,” remarked Viggo nonchalantly as he pulled out a dagger from his belt and fiddled a bit with it.
“Rather out of character for you to be wrong about what I was thinking,” remarked Hiccup cooly, relaxing quite a bit. Maybe things could work out. He hadn’t wanted Toothless to kill the guy, and he knew both Merida and Eilonwy were aiming for arms.
“Really?” asked Viggo, his eyebrow arching. “But I was right that you would try to get that scrawny little brat to lay claim to a sword that is so imbedded in that stupid stone that no one can get it out.”
“Just no one you would like to be king of Prydain,” remarked Hiccup. “Like you, for instance. Why do you want to be king of Prydain?”
Viggo burst out laughing. “Has that question been burning you up this whole time?”
“No, seriously, why do you want to be king?” Hiccup asked again. “I didn’t think you were the type who wanted this.”
“Oh, that’s rich coming from the boy who didn’t want to take his rightful place before his father died,” quipped Viggo. He grinned when Hiccup grimaced, he hit a very sensitive spot.
But Hiccup quickly composed himself. Now wasn’t the time to think about his father, that could wait. Right now, Taran was of greater importance. A sudden thought sprang into his head, maybe he can stall Viggo long enough for Taran to sneak to the sword! Create a distraction, something! He knew, continue with the line of questioning, another idea would come in time. Or Viggo could provide an opening. Either way, Hiccup needed to be ready. And he hoped Taran could see the opportunity, and take it.
“You still haven’t answered my question, Viggo. Why do you want to be king? Or are you just stalling to come up with a valid reason?”
Viggo’s eyes flashed. Hiccup had to control the urge to smirk, he was getting somewhere.
“I don’t have to answer to you, Hiccup, but since we’re both pursuers of knowledge . . .”
Merida scoffed. “That’s debatable,” she muttered under her breath. Both Hiccup and Viggo shot her looks, Viggo was becoming more infuriated, but Hiccup signaled to her to let him handle this. She turned up her nose at Viggo, but she nodded at Hiccup.
“Sorry about that Viggo. As you were saying, we’re both pursuers of knowledge . . .”
Hiccup noticed Viggo let out a breath to calm himself down. What was it about Merida that could get on the Viking’s nerves so easily? Was it because she was Scottish? Was it because she could easily defeat Viggo . . . in a fair fight? Was it because she had such a queenly presence that it dwarved Viggo’s own presence? It could in fact be all of the above, but whatever the reason, Hiccup tucked that information away for later use. If he needed to, he’d ask Merida to rile up Viggo. It might be what they end up needing.
“Anyway, as I was saying, Prydain has a doorway to the realm of magic.”
That’s when it clicked in Hiccup’s mind what Viggo was really after and his eyes widened. “And the dragons.”
Viggo flashed a malicious grin. “You got it, Hiccup.”
“Merida was right, that was debatable . . .”
“Wait, what?” asked Viggo. The grin was still on his face, but his eyebrow arched.
Hiccup glared at him. “You’re not pursuing knowledge like I am. You’re just too focused on capturing, enslaving, and controlling your own dragons.”
“Just like Drago?”
“Just like . . . wait, how do you know Drago?”
Viggo’s grin got larger. “Because we’re working together, my dear fellow. Since you, a chief’s son, now a chief, has defeated us with your army of dragons, it really only made sense that one of us became king and started our own army.”
Hiccup’s eyes widened. “You’re not the one trying to become king, Drago is!”
“That’s right, I’m just his loyal general and head dragon catcher, since you stole his best one.”
“Eret joined our side because he realized how wrong Drago is,” blurted Hiccup, defending his friend. Not only that, Eret now had Stoick’s dragon, he had double reason to protect his good name.
“Or was it the pretty face of one named Astrid?” taunted Viggo.
Hiccup gulped, that still hurt, but the instant Merida placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, he calmed down. Yes, he and Astrid had broken up, and it hurt, but it was for the best. Now he had Merida, and he was just as worried about her as he had been about Astrid. Which was very little since both women were very capable fighters. Merida was just feistier. And a bit of a surprise at times. No, concentrate Hiccup, need to stall Viggo long enough. If only he could tell Taran to get the sword or give him a hint!
“It, it may have helped,” muttered Hiccup. “But he really did come to realize that Drago is wrong. But it’s no use telling you that. You’re practically cut from the same cloth as Drago.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” stated Viggo with a mock bow.
“Keep it, it’s the most you’ll get from me,” quipped Hiccup. “Or any one of us.”
Merida gave a quick nod, followed by Toothless. But those two were the only two in his line of vision, both Eilonwy and Taran were behind them. They probably also agreed, but he didn’t want to draw any more attention to them than he had to. Viggo and his men hadn’t advanced, and Taran and Eilonwy together could take out the three guards fairly easily. Taran could sneak past them if their attention was so focused on the argument between Hiccup and Drago. At least Hiccup was buying time for Coll and Gwydion to do something.
“Whatever, I don’t need compliments from you.”
“Sure about that?” said Hiccup, becoming amused. “But you like compliments.”
Viggo opened his mouth to reply, but closed it and looked hard at Hiccup. “You’re stalling for time, aren’t you.”
“To keep from meeting Drago again, yes,” Hiccup quickly replied. He couldn’t panic, not now, Taran needed him the most now.
Viggo’s eyes scanned Hiccup’s face. “That might be part of it, but I don’t think that’s it.” He glanced around, and gave out a yelp. “Stop him!” Everyone glanced to where he was pointing, Taran’s hands were on the sword. Hiccup cheered internally, Taran took the opportunity!
“Pull it!” screamed Eilonwy. “Quick!”
Taran’s fingers tightened around the hilt, and with one quick pull, the sword came out of the stone.
“Yes!” whooped Hiccup. He glanced at Viggo and saw the archers. “Taran, get down! Merida! Toothless! Eilonwy!”
Merida and Toothless quickly turned their attention to the archers and began firing. Toothless’s fireballs scorched half a dozen bows, the men were running away. Merida and Eilonwy stopped three arms each. Taran took the opportunity to get down from the stone and began battling the three guards.
“Charge!” shouted Viggo.
Hiccup ignited his sword and met the onslaught with Toothless at his side. Merida let loose some more arrows before switching to her sword and fighting off several more men. She blocked an attack on Hiccup and Toothless. Toothless returned the favor quickly. Eilonwy kept up with the support from her arrows.
Viggo made his way towards Hiccup, and the two got locked in battle.
“You would have been great at our sides, Hiccup!” said Viggo. “Too bad you had to join their side.”
“I joined their side because it’s the right thing to do!” replied Hiccup as blocked Viggo’s sword.
“And you care far too deeply for them,” muttered Viggo menacingly as he jabbed at Hiccup. Hiccup gulped as he blocked the blow, he knew where this was going. There were just too many. “How weak,” continued Viggo. “You could have been stronger.”
“That’s what allies and friends are for!” came a shout. The battle paused as everyone tried to figure out where the person was as several dragons swooped in and their riders plunged into battle.
“Shouldn’t have left without us, Hiccup!” shouted Eret.
Hiccup’s mouth dropped. “But, how . . .”
“Long live King Taran!” Coll and Gwydion came around the corner with a squad of men.
“Fflewddur?” exclaimed Taran as the bard came around the corner, followed by King Fergus.
The bard shrugged. “Hey, if your friend Hiccup can accept the kingship he’s been dreading, so can I.” He nodded at Hiccup before shooting a quick glance at the harp he was carrying.
Hiccup grinned. “Let’s do this!” With the extra forces, they were able to subdue Viggo’s men, but Viggo had long since vanished. Hiccup figured it had been at the arrival of the dragon riders, for he hadn’t seen him since.
A couple of weeks later, the group had scoured the kingdom of Prydain, ridding the country of Viggo’s men. But neither Viggo, nor Drago could be found, and Hiccup began to wonder if Viggo was telling the truth about Drago. But all thought of that was pushed aside as the coronation of Taran as rightful king of Prydain was just around the corner. With Merida and Hiccup speaking for their respective country and island, Berk and Scotland became formal allies with Prydain, along with Fflewddur’s country, which had been renamed Fflam in his absence, and the Sons of Don. Their first project was to elect a guard for the portal to the magical realm, and it was decided that it would comprise of Scots, Prydish, Berkians, Fflams, and dragons, and their base of operations would be at Dallben’s farm.
After everything had finally calmed down, Merida, Hiccup, Taran, and Eilonwy met in Taran’s palace garden.
“I can’t ever thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me, and all of Prydain.”
“You’d do the same for us, right?” asked Merida with an arched eyebrow.
Taran chuckled. “Without a doubt. I am glad we are friends.”
“And we are too,” remarked Dallben as he, Coll, and Prince Gwydion walked into the garden.
“Well, I’m glad you approve,” quipped Taran with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Dallben chuckled.
Hiccup glanced at Coll and Gwydion. “You know, I keep meaning to ask, but everything that’s been going on, I haven’t had a chance. How did you two gather everyone?”
Coll and Gwydion glanced at each other before turning back to Hiccup with a grin. Gwydion replied, “The Sons of Don were already on their way, as for the others . . .”
Coll chuckled. “You can thank Eret and Fflewddur for them.”
“Fflewddur?” the four exclaimed.
Fflewddur’s head popped around the corner. “Yes? Did you call?”
“You gathered everyone to help us?” asked Taran.
Fflewddur grinned sheepishly. “Yes, I did. You four are my friends, I didn’t want anything bad to happen to any of you.”
“Aw, Fflewddur, that’s so sweet of you,” said Eilonwy as she gave him a big hug.
Taran nodded. “I understand the feeling.”
“Good. If you’ll excuse us, your majesties, we shall be on our way,” said Dallben with a bow. They waved to the four as they continued on their walk through the garden.
Taran glanced at Merida and Hiccup as Eilonwy rejoined him. “I know your people need you back home, but, we were wondering if you could stay till the end of the week?”
“Mmm, I think they can manage without us for a few more days,” replied Merida as she tucked her arm around Hiccup’s. “What do you think?”
Hiccup shrugged. “I guess so. Why?”
Taran glanced at Eilonwy with a smile as they clasped hands. “We’re going to announce our engagement.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” exclaimed Merida as she hugged them.
“Congratulations,” said Hiccup as he shook Taran’s hand.
“Thank you. We’d like to go over some wedding details with you as well, we’d like you to be there as witnesses.”
Hiccup chuckled. “If you don’t mind half of Scotland and all of Berk coming with us.”
“Oh, um, there might be room?”
Eilonwy chuckled. “I’m sure we can manage, don’t worry.” She kissed Taran’s cheek before turning to Merida. “And I could really use your mother’s opinion on a few things.”
Merida scoffed. “You can keep her.”
“Merida!” blurted Hiccup as he nudged her.
Merida snickered. “I’m kidding, you silly fish, don’t worry. We need my mom back in Scotland, you know.” She turned to Eilonwy. “Let me talk it over with my parents first, but I’m sure it’ll be a yes.”
“Wonderful! Now all we need to do is plan your wedding!” blurted Eilonwy.
Merida and Hiccup looked at her in shock before glancing at each other with blushes.
“Eilonwy! Give them some time! My goodness,” blurted Taran.
Merida chuckled. “Don’t worry, you’ll be the first to know when it happens.”
“We’d better,” said Eilonwy as she placed her hands on her hips, “ or I’ll plan it for you.”
Taran groaned before glancing at Hiccup. Hiccup shrugged. “Hey, we like strong women, we shouldn’t exactly be surprised.”
Taran rolled his eyes, but he agreed. “True.”
The four continued their walk in the garden, Eilonwy and Taran holding hands and Merida and Hiccup holding hands, while conversation continued on the topic of marriage. It was a greatly appreciated moment of peace after such a storm, but they knew deep down that the next one wasn’t far off.