12-第十二章：西部荒野国王的加冕(14)

SNOTLOUT THE HERO!’ ‘Why did Snotlout do this for me?’ asked Hiccup. ‘He did it because he believed that I could be the King. He said, and I will never forget this: “You aren’t the King that we wanted, but maybe you are the King we need.” And then he gave me his sword to be forever at my service. ‘So you see why I have to do this, why I have to be the King. ‘I take this Crown in honour of Snotlout. ‘In honour of Snotlout, because he believed in me, and because his sacrifice must not be in vain. When I am King, he will live on in me. I will carry him with me every step I take, every decision I make. ‘And before I take these vows, I will say to you all what I said to Snotlout. ‘I wish I could offer you a King who is greater than I am. I can’t turn into somebody else. I can only be me. But I have diScovered that I am stronger than I thought I was. And I think that I can do this, I think I can be King. And If Snotlout believed I can, then maybe I believe it too.’ Hiccup turned to the Druid Guardian. He held up his hand. He took the vow.

‘I promise to be the King forever. I promise to lay down my life for my people. I promise to rule absolutely, but with fairness, and justice, and mindful of the independence of my subjects. ‘And I promise you this, peoples of the Archipelago.’ Hiccup’s voice shook. ‘I will build a new and fairer Wilderwest, where dragons and humans can live together, where slavery is no more, a land fit for Heroes…