第八章：在琥珀蓄奴地寻找琥珀(13)

’ Gobber gave a dismissive snort, as if a fly was speaking, and turned to Stoick and gave the Hooligan salute. ‘What are your orders, Chief Stoick the Vast?’ ‘Thank you, Warrior Gobber,’ said Stoick the Vast, very dignified, straight-backed, every inch a Chief, the warrior he had been before he got the Slavemark. He saluted Gobber back. Hiccup grinned in delight as the Amber-Hunters broke into applause, and Stoick bowed solemnly to them all. It was so lovely to see his father back in command, even if it was only temporary. Stoick the Vast, O Hear His Name and Tremble once again, considered the situation. It was much safer for all of them to stick together

in case You-Know-What attacked. (Stoick would not allow his mind to dwell on You-Know-What, whatever that was.) But then perhaps it was worth taking a few risks because if they found the Jewel, they would win the ultimate prize. They would be free… Stoick thought longingly of the idea of Freedom. Freedom. Dignity. Maybe perhaps he could be a Chief again? And then he’d never have to tell Valhallarama about this whole unfortunate episode. She didn’t come home much after all. He could just hide the Slavemark under his helmet, like Hiccup used to do, and she’d never know anything about it…