Book 8 - Conquest for the Truth - Chapter 31 - Epilogue
Here we are. The finaly chapter of Conquest for the Truth. This has to be the most fun, chalenging, and enjoyment I have had at all in writing. So much of this book turned out exactly the way I pictured it several books ago. Other parts turned out even better than I could have imagined. This Book 8 has been something I have worked for and set up for the entirity of my series. I knew I wanted to have a book like this in my series, but didn't know what to do it about.
I would like to thank Garth who gave me the plotline for this story, Winged Warden for Valkarik's subplot in the story, Sunrose for Aiyana's backstory and important key to the mystery, and all the rest of my active readers (ones listed already, thank you for being an active reader too) who had a lot of useful suggestions and input along the way of writing this story: DragonsAreMyFriends and Cazi the Conquerer for being long time readers and always giving me input when I ask for it, Lack Lunason for the addition to Skygge and all his new additions to the story and all the attention to details you grab hold of and tell me about because you keep me on my toes and common sense for something that happen during a book or sequence that I need to answer and/or fix in a comment or in the story for that I am thankful, Fairyofdragons for submitting Fira and her knowledge of herbs coming in handy, and CZNZ Dragon Rider for your exclaimation points (inside joke. She will often end posts and pms with a ton of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! )
One thing that is amazing to watch is just how several different backstories of all the characters who played a major or minor role in Book 8 Conquest for the Truth fit so well togther. The incredible part is that none of the people who submitted these characters and progressively updated their backstories knew how well it fit with Book 8's storyline. Even small little changes they added were huge and fit extremely well into the story. I say this also to point out I hardly ever turn down a submission of a character or a suggestion to the story. I always put my spin or style on it, but I do my best to live up to the character or suggestion for the story it was given in. So, if any of you, new or old readers have any character ideas, story plot lines to develop, or things you would like to see the crew tackle, I want to hear it all.
After you are finished reading this story, if any of you would like to give any and all comments you enjoyed about this story, feel free to comment to this chapter. Things like your favorite part of the story, things I did really well, things I could have done better, any lingering questions I can answer, things that completely took you off guard, your favorite twist to this story, the idea of having epic music playing in the background while you read, etc.
Without further delay, here it is. The final chapter to Book 8 - Conquest for the Truth!
I hope you all enjoy!!!
Very nice! I loved the ending, and I hope for more mysteries in the coming books
((Each person I thanked above for reading, their name is a link to their profile here on the forums))
The music mix for this chapter is going to be a bit different.
The link is to a playlist I created on YouTube. There is one large mix in the playlist, but a few extra songs. For when to start the songs after the mix, I will tell you in the chapter where to switch. There are also a couple of songs on their twice. I just wanted the portion of which you read to last a little long when hearing those songs.
But to start reading, the first two are ready to go without anything to worry about:
Chapter 31 - Epilogue Playlist
Conquest for the Truth
Chapter 31
Epilogue
Jarl's Point of View
I still do not think it has dawned on me yet. What my crew and I had set out to do, we accomplished. It was not easy, but my crew made it through. There were bumps along the way, puzzles to be solved, tough decisions to be made. My crew is pretty young, at least the core crew anyway. But we all did a lot of growing up this last month, month and a half, somewhere around in there. Man, that is hard to believe. It has been nearly a month and a half since we first started out from Berk. My crew has been through everything imaginable. Then reality puts things into perspective.
A couple hundred Izarians fell during the battle, many more injured, and only a few severely injured. The Izarians wanted to be on the front lines. Though most of our forces and the Sentinels were better trained, we did not have the numbers which the Izarians did. The Izarians after the battle still believe they did the right thing. Even with grieving families, they know they fought with honor, bravery, and valor.
Some of Mala’s forces did have causalities because they fought on the front lines. Mala and her vikings supported the Izarian troops as Mala had the second largest contingency of vikings ready to fight. Mala is saddened for the loses, but she too believes in what they stood for and will carry it on.
Atali did not suffer any losses of Wingmaidens as well as Razorwhips, though several injured, both Wingmaiden and dragon.
Dagur’s Armada which came was cut in half after everything was all over. He suffered the most injuries out of all the factions, but no casualties. The Berkian contingency which came under the command of my father and mother, nearly every ship was lost but every Berkian made it through. Hardly anyone did not have an injury varying from very serious to minor, but the Berkians were the smallest represented force.
The Fifth Fleet under Valkarik’s and Marth’s command incurred no losses. All the ships are damaged. A few weeks of repairs should fix them up enough to be seaworthy.
Both flag ships of the Izarian Fleet are still intact, however, both sustained high levels of external damage and could in no way be mobile. Both can still be an important fort of sorts on the water. Major repairs would still be needed. As for the rest of the Izarian Fleet, being the bulk of the combined forces on the water, two-thirds of the ships are destroyed or sunk. Another couple hundred lost their lives. Though, from what Michia could tell, every slave worker captured by Einar’s vikings made it out.
My crew only had medium to minor injuries. Nothing to be concerned about. Bumps, bruises, and flesh wounds among the biggest concern.
Still at large is a good portion of Einar’s men. Skygge never showed again. Theodor and those still loyal to him manage to escape. They probably left shortly after I lost him on by knocking him off his dragon. Those who my crew and I had knocked out were nearly all taken into custody. Some of the ones on the edges managed to escape or be counted with those who were captured from Einar’s fleet. The ships which remained but were unmanned are going to be converted for replacement ships for any of the factions who want to repurpose them. There are still a large portion of Einar’s fleet unaccounted for. Not sure who led them out, most of his fleet escaped early on too.
The dragons who participated in the attack and defense, had no losses. Many, many injuries though these were more for the wild dragons than those who were trained and have a rider. Then it was only bumps, bruises, and wounds which can heal. The wilder dragons from Einar’s side either returned to the wild, joined with the wild dragons of Izar, or went with those who had escaped because the dragons were trained enough. Einar’s Bewilderbeast is nowhere to be found. Since our Alpha won, the other has to go find another nest to command. The Izarian Bewilderbeast returned to the sanctuary where it reestablished the sanctuary to what it once was: A safe haven for every and any dragon.
As much as we all should be celebrating, because lives were lost, it does not feel like a win. Anything but. Even if one life was lost, it would have been one too many. Though I feel like this, every Izarian I talked to -those I knew and complete strangers- encouraged me and my crew. They told me had it not been for the plan my crew and I had come up with, many more lives would have been lost. The thanks we are constantly getting is the testament to the combined work my crew put on displayed. This was a total team effort from top to bottom and across the different factions represented.
The rest of the day and into the even was all spent resting and recovering and burying those who did not make it. For my crew and I, we spent a lot of alone time with our closest friends or family members present. Not much was done, not much was said. All were simply trying to rest and start to comprehend what has happened. One does not think about it much in the moment, but after all is said and done, it is a lot to think about especially after some of the outcomes for some did not turn out as well as ours did.
Per Izarian tradition, after a day of mourning, it is followed with a day of celebration, remembrance, and thanksgiving. Since the one thing all Izarians had looked forward to and wished could come is finally here, the end of The Dragon War meant more than just a time to be joyous. A full-fledged holiday for a memorial of those who came before and those who came now to remember all that has happened. To cap off the day, a feast is held to celebrate the end of a chapter and the beginning of another.
Annabeth and I are treated as honorary chief and chieftess and herald as much more. As much as we may have been the point of the spear, the spear is nothing without the rest of the parts which make up the whole.
My friends and I got to recall all of our epic moments throughout this whole mystery as well as tell of the awesome moves we pulled during the final battle. Everyone went on and on about Annabeth’s dive at Einar. But Annabeth kept putting it back on me for how I took down Einar.
“While I did ask you want you planned on doing with him,” Annabeth says. “I never once doubted that you wouldn’t do the right thing.”
“I wouldn’t be frank if I didn’t say if the thought did cross my mind,” I answer. “Had I struck him down, then Einar would have won. Whatever the bad guy wants you to do, do the opposite and you should be fine.”
Dawn pipes in, “Unless he wants you to do the opposite, then you should do what isn’t opposite but obvious. And on and on, and so forth and so fifth.”
Angie comments, “Is it just me or is Dawn getting a sense of humor?”
Valkarik points her finger at everyone, “I told you all. Mark my words. I said Jarl’s humor was contagious. And if Dawn is contracting it, then this has gone past an epidemic. We are all doomed.”
While we talked some more about what we are going to do when we got home and what Hiccup and the gang were up to while we were gone, a small collection of vikings with some of the leaders of Izar come over. Leading the group was Bera Gudlaud. Also, in the group is Lilah, Garth, Lyra, Saga, Kaya, even Vixxen and Klarp. Also a few others of high standing among the Izarians.
Bera, overhearing my friends and I talking, insists, “I hope you are not leaving yet. You just got here.”
I chuckle, “I don’t think you will have to twist our arm or anything for staying a few days to rest and heal up. We are all still pretty banged up from the final fight of The Dragon War.”
In disbelief, she shakes her head, “I still cannot believe I lived to see the end of the dreadful war. I thought it would go on for eternity. But this isn’t why I have come over to you. I want to give you something. Would you mind standing for this?”
I stand up but help Annabeth stand up who is staying off her foot for a little while.
“If you can manage, please kneel with your left leg,” Bera states.
Helping Annabeth to her knee, I then kneel.
“Jarl Mollerson. Annabeth Everdeen.”
“Sorry to interrupt,” I interject. “I’m sure you’ve been informed we are husband and wife for we now share a last name of Everson.”
Annabeth counters, “While this is true, at this point, Mollerson, Everdeen, or Everson are pretty interchangeable. While Everson is our official last name, having our previous names with our firsts is fine too.”
Bera starts over, “Jarl Mollerson and Annabeth Everdeen who both also go by Everson.” Bera gives a slight smile. She then takes her staff and gently rests it on my left shoulder, then right, and then my head. She does the same for Annabeth.
“I herby give you the rank of Grand Sentinel,” Bera bestows. “You may rise.”
Garth and the rest of their group then comes into shake my hand and Annabeth’s.
I thank Bera, “Grand Sentinel? This rank is only given to the select few who exhibit great bravery in battle, honor of their kinsmen, and valor for the protection of Izar. What an honor. Thank you. But-.”
Bera holds her hand up, “But you both deserve it. As far as I’m concerned, your whole crew deserves it. However, we cannot just give the rank out to whoever.”
Vixxen adds, “And if you ask me, you will not find any two individuals who are more worthy of the highest honor to ever be given to a viking in the history of Izar.”
I quip, “Now, does this mean I have to come back for the annual Grand Sentinel meeting with the rest of Izar?”
Bera laughs, “No, but we do have those types of meetings. A Grand Sentinel is only someone whom the people of Izar know they can call on if they should ever need their help again.”
“Only,” Annabeth repeats, nudging me. “No pressure or anything.”
“You’re in this as much as I am,” I counter.
Bera assures, “A Grand Sentinel is usually given to someone who isn’t an Izarian, but there have been a few cases in our history which an Izarian has been given this title. But after all that you have done, even statues in your honor would be a prize worthy of your deeds.”
Now I put up my hand, “While a marble-ous statue would be interesting, I don’t want to take it for granite, my friends would all need one too.”
Dawn then says, “Bera, could you point me in the direction of the nearest cliff?”
Not understanding what is going on, she chuckles and wonders, “Why?”
“So, I can go jump off it,” Dawn shakes her head and looks at me. “Only Jarl would put a pun in a statement when he is trying to be humble. Let’s put it this way, Bera. The only statue Jarl would want made is that it be mandatory the art of the pun be a class in your schools.”
“Statue,” I catch on. “Good one.”
She takes a deep breath, “I’m not proud of it. In this one area, you’re a terrible example.”
Bera understands and laughs, “Well, I’m sure there is a great many things future generations can learn from Jarl and his friends. One thing is settled regardless.”
Bera concludes, “What you have done for the future of Izar to follow will prove that legends never die.”
I nod, but add, “There’s a map pun in there somewhere. But I don’t want to get everyone keyed up.”
“Alright, bye, see ya,” Dawn starts to walk off. “See you in Valhalla.”
“Before you go completely, Dawn,” Vixxen chuckles to try and bring her back. “We have got something to announce.”
Annabeth echoes, “We?”
Klarp informs, “Thorgunna and I are getting married.”
“Congratulations!” I shake his hand. “I mean, I’m so sorry.”
The comment is followed in quick succession by a jab in the arm by Annabeth.
She warns, “Best stop while you’re ahead or I will give them a prime example of what to do when the husband gets too punny for his own good.”
“One piece of advice, Klarp,” I tell him to bend down closer.
He whispers but loud enough for all to hear, “Don’t do it?”
Vixxen jabs him, I comment, “Nice form, Vixxen. But no, Klarp do it. But if you ever want to remain a happy, happy man, you’re never going to be right again for the rest of your life.”
Every woman around let out some type of grasp.
“If my foot was fine, I would be chasing you right now,” Annabeth grabs her crutch and points it at me.
“Oh,” I look cheerful. “I can escape now?”
That did it. Crutch and all, Annabeth starts chasing me. I lead her around the table before I surprise her and pick her up.
“What are you doing?” she demands.
“I thought I would carry you so it would be easier to chase me,” I tell her.
Annabeth can only groan and shake her head.
Asvord, arms crossed, pleads, “Go back to fighting each other. It was much more entertaining then.”
“Oh, so I’m only good for a dinner and a show, Vordy?” I retort.
“You’ve got enough to worry about with wife,” Asvord points at me. “Don’t press your chances and have to deal with your wife and your sister.”
I chuckle, “I’ll stop.”
A band of Izarian kids burst in and yell, “The fireworks are about to start.”
Vixxen jokes, “I think we got a head start on that.”
We all go outside. I keep Annabeth in my arms to help her get out there. Standing outside, watching a great sight of dragon blasts paired with exploding shots from the ground of Garth’s invention, of course.
After the show was over, we all decided to turn in. For the first time in a long time, Izar finally has a normal night for a change. No looming threat, no one worrying about the safety of their family… Just good ‘ol sleep.
>>> If you are still listening to the 2 hour mix, switch now to the next song in the playlist. If you are on the next song after the 2 hour mix, restart it. From now, just let the playlist play, though there may be some adds on the songs you will have to skip, so be mindful of that.<<<
Vixxen and Klarp take the next three days to plan the wedding. Really, the three days were spent planning and helping my crew pack for the trip back home. After that work was done, did Vixxen and Klarp have their wedding.
It was a small wedding, though Vixxen insisted my whole crew be there. She just wanted her and Klarp to dress up while the rest of us were fine just to be informally dressed. To make up, my crew and I all put our full armor on and were dressed ready for battle. Kind of appropriate when two people are about to be married, but I kept the quip to myself. However, I could tell Annabeth knew what I was thinking. Her look more than anything kept me from saying it. That alone makes my point.
The wedding took place inside the Izarian Great Hall. Annabeth and I could hardly stop looking at each other without having our own thoughts go to something else. Klarp chose me for his Best Man and Vixxen chose Annabeth for her Maid of Honor. Vixxen did not think she was going to be able to wear a legit wedding dress for the ceremony, but of all people to give her a dress, Bera Gudlaud gave her own dress she wore when she was married for Vixxen to wear.
Rightfully so, Vixxen was blown away by the gesture. Everyone knew what Bera did to keep Vixxen from becoming a Sentinel. For Bera to do such a thing, gave Vixxen so much encouragement, it made her cry. First time I had seen Vixxen cry. The wedding had not even started and there was already tears in the crowd, including myself. While I am happy for Vixxen and Klarp getting married, seeing everything come full circle for Vixxen after all she did and then tried to make up for, it was pretty cool to see.
Vixxen soon came back with the dress on and her hair completely down. Because some of her hair is usually in braids, it causes those parts of her hair to be wavy and the rest of her hair remained straight. By far, Vixxen had to have been the… second most prettiest lady I have seen. First being Annabeth.
The ceremony took less than twenty minutes once started, a fry cry from Annabeth’s and mine. I quipped to her I did not know weddings could be so short. Annabeth retorted that if I do not stop, she would cut me down a few feet. Though she says this, I know she loves my puns and witty remarks. But still, I want to be happy, so I do what she says. The look on her face after this, I knew she knew what I was thinking. She jabbed me in the side for thinking it.
After the wedding, there was a short gathering to celebrate and for Vixxen and Klarp to have their first dance. When it got to the point for Vixxen to throw her bouquet backwards… Dawn caught it. For a brief moment, she was surprised but happy, smelling the flowers. When she realized everyone was looking at her and knew what it meant, she went back to her old self.
While I thought she would pan the flowers off to someone else, she kept them, stating in typical Dawn tone, “What are you looking at?”
Seems like love was in the air and arrows were flying everywhere because Hattori and Ashley were seen together as well as Tory and Cullan. Long time ago, Hatt and Ash had shown interest in each other, but things never progressed and they grew apart. Same with Tory and Cullan. We will see how this grows.
One thing did happen after the wedding, Dagmar and Adam got engaged. “Finally,” was everyone’s remarks. But they wanted to have their wedding on Berk and wait while they figure things out. True to fashion to those two. Some might say me asking Annabeth to marry me took forever, it seems like Dagmar and Adam has been even longer than that.
Everything was ready for us to depart Izar and head home.
When Vixxen and Klarp came over, what I thought was a bid farewell was something different.
“Klarp and I both agree,” Vixxen says to those bidding my crew farewell, the same group as a few nights ago. “Klarp and I will leave with Jarl and his crew.”
Lilah questions, “You’re not staying?”
Vixxen takes a deep breath, looking about Izar, “While this had been my home for so long and my aim to come back to save for so long, I feel I shouldn’t say. Nothing against Izar or another, but I feel as though I am out of place staying here. Some still hesitate when they see me, but that isn’t a life which should be lived. I think it would be better for me and Klarp to go somewhere else and start fresh.”
Bera nods, “While I wish you both could stay, I completely understand. Know this, Thorgunna. The past may remember something very different about you from what you are today, but the future will know what you did. In the end, you chose your home and your people. You are an Izarian and you will always be welcomed back.”
“Thank you,” Vixxen gives her a hug.
Lilah adds, “I am happy for you, although I was going to offer a position as Sentinel and even submit a vote for you to be our next General.”
Vixxen’s eyes changed showing she never thought she would hear those words ever again. Even her hands moved slightly up before resting at her side again.
“I very much appreciative to all of you… For Everything,” Vixxen declares. “But… I know what I want in life.” Klarp grabs for and holds her hand. “Plus, I want to see what is like figuring out a mystery on Jarl’s side instead of being against him.”
My crew and I all chuckle.
Garth then steps forward, “While we’re on the subject of staying verses leaving,” Garth speaks up, addressing me.
I guess, “You’re staying.”
“I’m-,” he starts then pauses, shaking his head with a smile. “I find it fitting you would even anticipate and figure that out. As I’m sure you’ve already figured out the reason I am staying. Ending The Dragon War is something I have lived my whole life for. I have been away for so long, to finally have the chance at a normal life without the thought in the back of my mind about recruiting and worrying if we would have enough to go against Einar… With all of that done, he can finally just be himself. I hadn’t thought of really anything else. But now that it is done, I see my home safe yet in ruins. With my mission complete and Izar safe, I feel I must stay behind to help rebuild my home. And maybe rebuild some friendships.”
He glances at Saga.
Kaya steps forward, leaning her elbow on her brother’s head, “If you’re staying, you is going to be put to work, brother. Having the Chief of Aurum back is going to be huge. You and a few others are going to have to figure out the whole chief thing for all the island and restore order. Everything is a mess and I don’t want to be the sole one to clean it up just because I’m the Alpha’s Hand.”
“What is it with you,” Garth looks at his sister with a look I am all too familiar seeing. “When you’re around the Alpha, you are always so proper, sophisticated, and well mannered. When you’re around me, it is the exact opposite. Why?”
Kaya chuckles, rubbing his head, “I think you know the answer to that.”
I laugh and shake my head but say without meaning to at the same time with my sister, “Siblings.” Then we both roll our eyes at the same time.
Valkarik suggests, “To keep the ball rolling, The Fifth Fleet is staying to help protect Izar and also use their connections to bring in resources and materials to help with the rebuild. I on the other hand, will step down as Fleet Commander and let Marth step into her rightful roll.”
Marth from the side confirms, “While she should be the true heir to the position, the Fleet Commander has the authority to appoint and promote whom they wish. She says I have the better experience to lead and the knowledge of how things have been running, but without her, The Fifth Fleet could have come to an end. She showed me and others more of what it means to be a Fleet Commander than what I have seen my whole life since our father. I had forgotten after being so long under the command of Theo. Still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”
Valkarik recommends, “Well, maybe as my last order as Fleet Commander, I would suggest you stay in the area to see if you can find the eel. Me on the other hand, will take on something much more dangerous. Something I may never be able to come back from but is a job someone must do.”
Genuinely concerned, Marth asks, “What is that?”
Valkarik cannot hold the serious tone, “To put up with Jarl’s puns and make sure the spread does not take over the whole world.”
Marth rolls her eyes and says the trendy word right now, “Siblings. You take care of yourself.”
“I will,” Valkarik gives her sister a hug.
Lilah then expresses, “Dawn and I have already talked. I have the responsibilities of a General Sentinel and will be staying behind to make sure the Sentinels are in order and to maintain security while processing our prisoners, keeping them under wraps. But once that is in order, I will be returning to Berk to be a mother to my daughter. It is something I am very much looking forward to. What is something I am highly awaiting is reuniting with Alvin.”
Dawn’s appearance changes from her normal “does not care but actually does” look to pure horror, “That is something I never thought of… Ever. To say the least, it will sure be interesting.”
I think we have found the thing which can break Dawn’s demeanor. Having a father and mother reunited. This is probably something anyone would give anything for. But with Dawn’s reality checks and blunt logic, how long will the good times last before Alvin is Alvin and Lilah is Lilah? Because if Dawn is as independent as them come… How much more are Alvin and Lilah?
Final goodbyes and farewells were made and everyone dispersed expect for Annabeth, Garth, and me.
“Well, here we are,” I declared.
“Yeah,” he shakes his head. “There is just a slew of things I never thought I would live to see. Seems like just yesterday something blew up I was working on.”
Annabeth quips, “Something did blow up yesterday that you were working on. You trying to fix the Lightning Cannon after you made it so it wouldn’t work so it wouldn’t miss fire or be taken over by Einar in the final battle. You said it barely held together when firing it the two times when we needed it, but to risk it possibly exploding while the operators and dragons were in it was just too high. If Einar tried to use it, he would get an unexpected boom.”
“Yes, I know,” Garth chuckles. “I meant when I first met Jarl at the beginning of The Mysterious Frozen Fire. I remember I was trying to create a barrel for an air tank for my underwater saddle. The explosion of the barrel of air knocked several containers of Zippleback gas over which when they broke on the floor, the sparks sparked the explosion. Knowing it would happen, I rushed out of my lab, only to run into Jarl.”
I grin, “Who knew that explosion would ignite a friendship that will last a lifetime.”
Garth comments, “Will it ever stop with your references.”
I think for a moment before Annabeth answers for me, “Eh, not likely.”
I offer to Garth, holding my hand out, “If you ever need help for anything, know I will do everything I can to help, Garth-Garth of Izar.”
“Just one Garth,” he shakes my hand. “Jarl of Awesomeness.”
We wave and Annabeth and I start walking away, I call back, “See, I knew you could do it too. By the way, you’re stuck with me as a friend. I’m like a yak who shows up on your front door. You’re stuck with me.”
Garth exclaims as Annabeth and I mount our dragons and fly away, “What is with you people and your yaks?”
I mention to Annabeth as we catch up with crew already flying out ahead of our ships, “To finally be underway, going back home, it a feeling so liberating after what has happened. Did everything turn out the way I wanted it to? By no means. Did we set out to finish what we started? Most certainly.”
“You know,” Annabeth observes. “That’s what you should name this mystery when you write it down.”
“What?”
Annabeth answers, “Conquest for the Truth, because it most certainly was. You used that term enough I think it is appropriate for a book name.”
“I like the way you think,” I tell her. “Though if I want to have a happy marriage, I’d better agree with you.”
Annabeth’s mouth opens. I nudge Fredrick to fly on before she could get Anora to fly over to me.
As I fly, a Razorwhip’s shot explodes to my right. It is very small, but enough to get my attention. I slow down for Annabeth to catch up.
Annabeth flies a barrel roll over me, needling me, “Wasn’t my idea… But I approve!”
We both catch up with the rest of the crew, who left a space in formation for Annabeth and me.
Vixxen on Ragnorak is to my left, Annabeth to my right.
Thorgunna asks, “So, what’s Berk like? Is there as many yaks as they say they are?”
“Yep,” I reply. “And a mystery around every edge!”
After a week and a half of traveling, we arrive back in Berk ahead of schedule thanks to a strong northern wind. From the ships, we could get a good idea of what had happened while we were gone. But what caught us most off guard is what is besides the entrance to The Great Hall now.
A statue of Stoick the Vast.
This could only mean one thing.
The whole of Berk looks like it was stepped on, busted, and covered in Bewilderbeast ice. But it also still looks like home.
Hiccup and the gang as well as the rest of Berk saw us come in, so those of us who had dragons flew into to greet them. We land and dismount to a chorus of cheers and applause.
Wondering why we would receive such a welcome back, Hiccup declares, “You might not think we haven’t heard what you all did. But we have. We were terror mailed when you stopped at Mystery’s Edge by Thorgunna Vixxen, you all were on your way.”
I glance at Thorgunna who could only smile.
Hiccup continues, “You all deserve to be welcomed home as heroes. Those who attack us whether it be here or from afar are persistent and crazy. But those who stand up to enemies of vikings and dragons alike? Even more so. We may only be a small island in the middle of nowhere and a few degrees south of freezing to death, but Berk is more than just a place. It is an idea which goes before us to anyone who dares to go against us. Whether we are a gang of Dragon Riders who are stubborn enough to not let our home be destroyed or a group of Mystery Conquerors who also won’t let evil overcome right. We will change this world bit by bit.”
The crowd erupts for a moment before Hiccup finishes, “And it all starts with having friends like Jarl and Annabeth Everson. Two legends who will live on and show the rest of eternity what it means to be a Berkian, a Dragon Rider, and a Viking!”