Summary

Chapter 9 is titled “Fear, Vanity, Revenge, and Silly Jokes.” Toothless stopped pooing in the house because of Fireworm's teasing, but he does not give in to any other aspects of training. Fishlegs has taught Horrorcow basic commands, but she has no interest in hunting, which is vital part of the Dragon Test. Meanwhile, Hiccup gives Toothless the command to fly, but Toothless hangs onto Hiccup's arm, resisting even Hiccup's attempts to throw him off. Hiccup pleads, but Toothless answers that he does not want to. Hiccup has been writing down everything he knows about dragons. He has six possible alternatives to yelling. The final option is “jokes and riddling talk” (104), and Hiccup thinks he might have to resort to that.

Hiccup tries bribing Toothless with lobster but Toothless does not care. Hiccup tries flattering Toothless, but Toothless still refuses to catch fish. Hiccup...