Epilogue: The Sendoff

The first order of business after returning to Berk was to incarcerate the treasonous Vikings in a safe location. The next thing everyone did was partake in a hearty feast in celebration. After the feast, it was time to bring the dragons back into the village. Within a few days, things were back to normal in Berk until the day came when Ivar announced that he and his tribe were to depart.

When the day had come for he and his tribe to head home, Hiccup was surprised how solemn the event turned out to be. In the past few days, Hiccup had grown to respect Ivar very much. Ivar had begun to treat him as his equal, probably more so than Hiccup deserved at his young age. Now, he felt like a close friend was leaving for a long journey.

Hiccup was joined by Astrid, as well as Gobber and Stoick down at the docks to bid farewell. "Well, our ships are loaded, and the traitorous Vikings have been loaded," Ivar said. "However, there's still a few issues that must be addressed before I go."

"And what's that?" Stoick asked.

"The first is with you, young Hiccup. I've been wrong about many things about you, except for one thing: you are indeed destined to greatness. Generations from now, Viking mothers will be telling their younglings bedtime stories of you and your adventures. From this day forward, I declare that you shall be known as Hiccup the Horrendous."

Hiccup's eyes widen at the official declaration. To be given a terrifying title to their name was an honor that only the best Vikings received. Vikings believed that terrifying names scared the evil spirits away. To receive such a title was an immediate demand for respect and honor. It was an honor usually given to adult Vikings who have become their village's hero. Hiccup had to be the youngest Viking ever to be given such an honorary title. To be given such a terrifying name by a fellow legendary Viking, like Ivar the Fearsome, was the ultimate honor. By Ivar's declaration, he had given Hiccup the greatest show of respect than any Viking could show towards another.

Stoick patted his son on the back, who was at a loss for words. "Oh wow! I mean…thank you, sir!"

"That is amighty fine name fitting for a Viking, who rides upon a Night Fury," Gobber agreed.

Hiccup looked over at Astrid who smiled back at him, with a slight tint of red in her face. "I think it's perfect."

"Now for my final order of business," Ivar said as he looked to his right and waved his right hand to call over another Viking. One of Ivar's Viking's approached the group, pushing the young Bitwolf forward who reluctantly obeyed. The boy was emotionless, and refused to look anyone in the eye, as of late. "You and your father tried to kill me, and that will not go unpunished."

"Aw, the boy just lost his father," Gobber replied. "Perhaps that should be punishment enough."

"No," Ivar said bitterly. "This boy's punishment has only begun. I do not take kindly to this type of betrayal. You are, hereby, banished from our home. You are no longer welcomed at our village. Instead, you shall become a member of the tribe of Berk. This is your new home, boy."

Bitwolf remained emotionless, almost as if he had not heard anything which was being said to him. "While you are here, you shall undergo dragon training, where you shall be taken under the wing of Hiccup the Horrendous." Ivar looked over to Hiccup. "Will you accept this boy as your student. He is to relearn everything he knows about dragons, and I expect you to help him become a Viking of Berk."

Hiccup was surprised by Ivar's punishment. While it must have seemed harsh to the young Viking, Hiccup found it uncharacteristically compassionate. The boy had no living family members left at home, so Ivar had decided to leave him here at Berk, where he could establish new friends and family. Of course, Ivar had to maintain his image of ruthlessness. It was amazing how he could do an act of compassion and present it in a ruthless manner.

Of course, it was going to take time for Bitwolf to fit in again here, after everything he had done. However, Hiccup no longer had to feel threatened by him, since Bitwolf could no longer compete with Hiccup's status with his new title. Hiccup was also certain that his friends would come to forgive Bitwolf...in time.

"I have no problems with that."

"Good," Ivar replied. "With that, my business here is done."

"Farewell, Ivar the Fearsome." Stoick said, stretching out his muscular hand towards him.

"Farewell, Stoick the Vast. You and your people are welcomed to our village any time."

"And the same goes for your village."

Ivar's ships had set sail back to home. Hiccup and Astrid ran as fast as they could from the docks all the way back up to the village where they met up with their friends and all of their dragons. Hiccup's artificial foot made the journey up the wooden walkway longer than it should have taken. The ships were well on their way by the time they made it all the way to the top. Once they reached the top, Astrid jumped onto the back of her Deadly Nadder and Hiccup unto Toothless' back.

"Okay everyone, let's go!"

Upon Hiccup's signal, all the young Viking, on the backs of their dragons, took to the sky and flew out over the ocean. The young Vikings flew by the departing ships where Ivar looked up and wave up at Hiccup.

Hiccup returned the wave as he and his friends flew their dragons in a pattern of a circular knot. This symbol represented peace and unity between their two villages. The dragons skillfully navigated in such precision, that even Ivar had to be impressed how they managed to do it without crashing into each other. This was Hiccups sendoff. Somehow, he had a strong hunch that their paths would meet once again.

Thank You for taking the time to read. This August or September, the adventure will be continuing in the story: HTTYD: The Outcast Lands