Just as the gang was admiring their shares of treasure, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the corridor.

"BEAR!!!"

Maudie, the plump servant woman who had led them earlier, came running past their room in terror, her bonnet askew and eyes wide with panic.

The gang rushed out just in time to see chaos unfolding. King Fergus and warriors from all four clans were chasing a massive dark silhouette through the halls. The bear was enormous from the glimpses of its powerful shadow before it disappeared into the night.

For over an hour, the castle was thrown into pandemonium. Warriors searched every corner, but the bear had vanished as suddenly as it appeared. Then came the horrible discovery.

Queen Elinor’s chambers had been completely destroyed, furniture shattered, tapestries torn, and claw marks gouged deep into the stone. Both the Queen and Princess Merida were missing.

Fergus was furious and terrified. "It was that demon bear! Mor’du! Find them! NOW!"

The clans mobilized immediately, forming hunting parties and heading into the forest with torches and weapons.

______

Meanwhile, high above the darkening hills, the Dragon Riders had taken to the skies.

The gang had split up to cover more ground.

Hiccup rode Toothless, Astrid was on her Deadly Nadder, and the others searched different sections of the forest. Lucian flew alone with Nyx, the Night Fury cutting silently through the night air.

Ariel had stayed behind at the castle with Simba, helping tend to the worried guests.

Lucian wasn’t truly searching for Merida and Elinor. He already knew how this story was supposed to go. He had quietly told Hiccup earlier to keep an eye on things from afar, the mother and daughter needed this time together. But he was ready to intervene the moment Mor’du appeared. He had plans for that bear.

Right now, what he truly sought were the stone pillars and the blue flames.

After some time, Nyx let out a low rumble. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Lucian spotted them, ancient standing stones arranged in a circle in a small clearing. As they descended and landed in the center, a single blue flame flickered to life just beyond the stones.

A Will-o’-the-Wisp.

Lucian’s eyes sharpened. "Let’s follow it, Nyx."

The Night Fury took off again, gliding low as they trailed the floating blue light deeper and deeper into the ancient woods. More wisps appeared, dancing ahead of them like guides. Eventually, the wisps vanished, and a soft blue light bloomed between the trees.

A strange little cottage had appeared where none stood moments before.

Nyx landed outside while Lucian dismounted. The cottage was odd and charming, covered in moss, carved wood figures, and strange runes. Lucian pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The interior was even stranger. A cauldron bubbled with colorful smoke. Wood carvings of bears filled the shelves. Scrolls and potion bottles lined the walls. A broom swept the floor by itself, and a rather grumpy-looking crow perched on a branch, watching him with intelligent eyes.

An old woman with wild hair and a mischievous grin looked up from her cauldron.

"Ah! Another guest!" she said cheerfully. "Come on, then. Sit, sit!"

She guided Lucian to a small stool. Before he could speak, she began listing possibilities with great enthusiasm.

"Let me guess! You want to be smarter? Taller? Faster? Breathe underwater? Able to fly? Read minds? Great strength?"

The crow suddenly flapped its wings. "The prince! Tell it! Tell it!"

"Aye, I’ll tell you a tale," the Witch said, pulling up her own stool and sitting across from him with a twinkle in her eye. "But it’s up to you whether you heed the words... or not."

She leaned forward, studying Lucian with sharp, knowing eyes.

Lucian met her gaze steadily.

[Ding! You have encountered a Special Character: The Witch Ester.]

[You have received: Special Blind Box.]

[Ding! You have encountered a Special Character: Crow.]

[You have received: An Uncommon Blind Box.]