Chapter 12 – The Departure of the Warriors
The first light of dawn filtered through the wooden beams of the great hall, casting long shadows over the faces of the gathered Vikings. The atmosphere was tense yet resolute. The villagers had assembled early, called together by the urgency of a shared mission. The dragon's nest had to be found—whatever it took.
Voices rose and fell as warriors debated strategies, paths, and dangers. Some argued for a delay, wanting to gather more supplies. Others, driven by the threat of future attacks, demanded they set out immediately. Stoick the Vast sat at the head of the long table, listening intently to every opinion, his arms crossed, brows furrowed. After what felt like hours, he stood, his massive frame drawing all eyes to him.
— Prepare the ships. We sail at sunrise, he declared, his voice firm and echoing through the chamber.
The hall fell silent. No one questioned Stoick's decision. They all trusted his judgment. The warriors rose one by one, grabbing their weapons and furs, and made their way to the docks.
As Stoick stepped outside into the cold morning air, the wind brushed his beard and cloak. There, waiting near the entrance with a troubled expression, stood Thor—tall, broad-shouldered, and still so young.
— Father... Thor began, his voice steady but low. You don't have to do this alone. Let me come with you.
Stoick turned to face his son, placing both hands on Thor's shoulders. The chief's eyes softened, though his tone remained serious.
— Thor, my son... I know your strength. You may be more powerful than even I can understand. But that's exactly why you need to stay.
Thor's eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. Stoick continued:
— This village is your home. These people rely on you now. I convinced them to let me lead this expedition because they know that, as long as you're here, Berk will be protected. They believe in you.
Stoick gave a firm squeeze to his son's shoulders. And so do I.
Thor looked away, struggling for a moment with the responsibility being laid before him. But then, after a pause, he met his father's eyes and gave a slow, confident nod.
— I won't let you down.
Later that morning, the village was alive with activity. Warriors loaded crates of supplies onto the ships—barrels of fish, weapons, ropes, and dragon-proof gear. The cold wind howled through the bay as seagulls cried overhead. Sailcloths flapped, and wood creaked under the boots of battle-hardened Vikings.
Stoick stood near the flagship, checking every detail. Gobber approached, his metal hand clanking softly as he walked.
— Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? Gobber asked, raising an eyebrow.
— I need you to stay, Stoick replied. I'm trusting you to watch over Hiccup... and Thor.
— Hiccup I get. But why Thor? He's stronger than any of us.
Stoick turned toward the sea, then back at Gobber.
— He may be strong, but he's still learning. He's young. Power without experience can be dangerous. I need you to keep an eye on him.
Gobber gave a crooked smile and a short nod. Alright then. I'll look after them. You have my word.
With a final nod of gratitude, Stoick boarded his ship. The anchor was raised, and the sails caught the wind. The ships slowly pulled away from the dock, cutting through the waves toward the unknown.
Thor stood on a cliff overlooking the shore, arms crossed, his long cloak whipping behind him in the sea breeze. His gaze followed the shrinking silhouettes of the ships until they became mere specks on the horizon. He stood still, lost in thought, until a familiar voice broke the silence.
— You okay? Astrid asked gently, stepping up beside him.
Thor didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned toward her, wrapped his arms around her, and rested his head on her shoulder. They stood there for a long moment, the wind wrapping around them like a silent witness.
— I'm fine... Just worried about my father.
— He's Stoick the Vast. He's faced worse. He'll be alright, Astrid said with a small smile, trying to reassure him.
Thor gave a half-hearted chuckle, but his eyes remained fixed on the waves.
If only this were just Berk... just the world we knew from before, he thought. But with so many worlds merged together, everything has changed. The monsters are stronger. The dragons more dangerous. Whatever lies at that nest... it might be far beyond even him.
The weight of those thoughts pressed on his chest. Still, he pushed them aside and looked at Astrid again—his anchor in a storm of uncertainty. He leaned in and kissed her gently, grateful for the moment of peace.
Their kiss didn't last long.
— Ahem! came a familiar voice behind them.
They turned to see Gobber standing with a grin, clearly amused.
— Hope I'm not interrupting anything too important.
Thor gave Astrid an apologetic smile and took a step back.
— Sorry. What is it?
— Go get your brother, Gobber said. He needs to start training with the other at the arena.
He then pointed at Astrid.
— And you're coming with me. We need to track down the other brats.
Astrid rolled her eyes playfully but followed Gobber.
Thor paused for a moment, looking at the horizon once more. Then, with renewed determination, he gave Astrid a quick kiss and turned to run toward the village.
He would protect this place. He would honor his father's trust. No matter what came next.
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