Looking back, chapter two

Hiccup

Three weeks into his apprenticeship, Gobber started to teach him about the tools in the forge. Until now, Hiccup had been sweeping, hauling water, bringing coal, and learning where everything belonged. But now, he was about to learn real smithing. He vibrated with excitement.

“Gobber,what can I learn first? How many tools are you teaching me today? Can I start using them now? Do I get to build something with them?”

“The first thing you're going to learn is ta let me do the talkin,’ boy. If you can’t hear me, you’re gonna be doing more chores. Alright?”

Hiccup said “Yes, Gobber,” then clamped his mouth shut. He waited.

“Next, you need to listen ta me. No letting your thinking run away with you. If you don’t listen, you don’t learn. And then what?”

Hiccup said “More chores?”

“Aye, more chores. And,” Gobber said with a small smile, “ more waiting might be the end of you, lad. You’ve your father’s impatience.”

Hiccup swallowed and nodded slowly, trying to look patient.

“C’mere then and let me show ya something. This here’s a punch...”

Hiccup went home that night, more tired than ever before. Gobber didn’t allow idle time. Despite learning about the leather punch and handling it, he still had chores, and the same amount of them to complete. Hiccup stayed late to finish them, then Gobber took him home. He entered his house, tired and hungry, but bubbling like a stewpot inside.This was the best day he’d ever known. He memorized everything Gobber said about the punch, examining its shape and feeling its heft. He was allowed to handle two different ones and compare them. Tomorrow, Gobber was going to show him how to grip it securely. But the best part of the day was when Gobber said Hiccup was just like his dad.