In this narrated excerpt from How to Train Your Dragon (Part 16), the story focuses on the revelation that Toothless is a rare royal Daydream dragon, identified by a distinctive wart on his nose. Fishlegs explains the significance of the markings to Stoick, who initially doubts but then proudly acknowledges the dragon’s noble lineage. The dialogue showcases Stoick’s snobbish pride, his restored faith in Hiccup, and the camaraderie among the Vikings. Later, Hiccup, fearing for Toothless’s safety among other dragons, secretly smuggles the young dragon into his bedroom, keeping him warm through a harsh Berk winter. The passage highlights Hiccup’s deepening bond with Toothless, the physical cold of the season, and the comforting heat that the dragon provides, underscoring themes of trust, secrecy, and the growing partnership between boy and dragon.
Chapters
Like a monstrous nightmare, but far more ruthless, and so rare they are practically extinct. Really? Stoick surveyed the toothless Daydream doubtfully. It just looks like a common or garden variety to me. But, with respect, Chief, said Fishlegs, that's where you're wrong. To the amateur eye, and indeed to its prey, it looks exactly like a Common or Garden. But if you look a little closer to the characteristic Daydream's markings, Fishlegs pointed out, A wart on the end of Toothless's nose marks it out from a mere ordinary breed. Oh, Thor, you're right, said Stoick. And it's not just your average toothless daydream either. Fishlegs was getting carried away now. This particular dragon is of royal blood. No! said Stoick, very impressed. Stoick, what a terrible snob! Yes, said Fishlegs solemnly. Your son has only gone and burgled the offspring of King Dragsfang— Daggersfang himself, the reptilian ruler of the Wild Dragon Cliff. The royal daydreams tend to start out small, but they grow into impressive, even gigantuan size. Just like you, eh, Hiccup? said Stoick, giving a great laugh and ruffling his son's hair. Stoick's tummy gave out a plaintive rumble, like a distant underground explosion. Time for a little supper, I think. Clean up this mess, will you, boys? Stoick strode off, relieved to have had his faith in his son restored. Thanks, Fishlegs, said Kepup. You were inspired! Not at all, said Fishlegs. I owe you one after settling You up for the fight with Snoutlout? Father's going to find out at some point anyway, though, said Hiccup gloomily. Not necessarily, said Fishlegs. Look at all that talking you were doing with that toothless daydream here. That was incredible. Unbelievable. I've never seen anything like it. You'll be training him in next to no time. I was talking to him, all right, said Hiccup. But he didn't listen to a word I said. When he was going to bed that night, Hiccup didn't want to leave Toothless in front of the fire with Newt's Breath and Hookfang. Can I take him to bed with me? he asked Stoick. A dragon is a working animal, said Stoick the Vast. Too much hugging and kissing will make him lose his vicious streak. But Newtsbreath will kill him if I leave him alone with them. Newtsbreath gave an appreciative growl. It would be my pleasure. Nonsense! Unaware of Newtsbreath's last remark, as he didn't speak Dragonese, he gave Newtsbreath a friendly cuff round the horns. Newtsbreath just wants to play. This sort of rough-and-tumble is good for a young dragon. Make him learn to stick up for himself. Toothless extended his claws like switchblades and drummed them on the head. Hiccup pretended to say goodnight to Toothless by the fire, but smuggled him into the bedroom under his tunic. You must be absolutely quiet, he told Toothless sternly. as they climbed into bed, and the dragon nodded eagerly. In fact, he snorted loudly the entire night, but Hiccup didn't care. Hiccup spent the whole of the winter on Berk in various states of very cold, ranging from fairly chilly to absolutely freezing. At night, too many layers were considered Sissy! So Hiccup generally lay awake for a couple of hours until he had shivered himself into a light sleep. Now, though, as Hiccup stretched his feet out against Toothless's back, he felt waves of heat coming off the little dragon, gradually creeping up his legs. And warming his freezing cold stomach and heart, even travelling right up to his head, which hadn't been truly warm for almost 6 months. Even his ears burned contentedly. It would have taken the snoring of 6 strong dragons to have woken Hiccup, so deeply did he sleep that night.
