Chapter 7: Hall of Ancestors

Author's Notes: In this, I affirm something you guys probably know already! Woot! But I'm not gonna tell you what that is right here. You can probably tell just by looking up. Maybe.

Review:

The Story Of Your Life (Mar. 14, Chapter 6) – Thanks! I tried to show how spoiled and terrible they were (I copied and pasted the other boy's name, because I was too lazy to write it each time XD), so I just hope Hiccup's reaction was in character. Yeah, the Jarl is definitely not a good guy, and you'll be able to tell in the final chapter, where you learn how he became king! And Cog will survive long enough to find her bond animal!

...But I make no promises beyond that.

Muahahahahahaha!

Disclaimer: I do not own, blah blah blah, just the variations.

Key:

0*0*0 – scene change

Horizontal line – perspective change


Hiccup and I were in the miscellaneous storage room when the messenger came. I had my assortment of metal studs and strips (all of einherjarium, an incredibly lightweight and strong metal used for many things, including Toothless' tail) already chosen, and Hiccup was helping me pick out a few appropriate buckles or fasteners for the armor when she came.

"Miss Winterstorm, honored guests, you are summoned to the palace," she said, her voice quivering a bit with shock. I couldn't blame her. A Markless girl being summoned before the Jarl himself? Even the luckiest gambler in the Land of the Squandered wouldn't take that bet.

I slowly turned to look at Hiccup, and the confusion, shock, and awe churning inside of me was mirrored in his face. Of course, he didn't really understand how big this was, but hey, he had only been here for a day. How could he know just how impossibly rare this occasion was?

"We understand," I replied for the both of us. "Let us gather our things before we leave." Thankfully, I remembered that much from my etiquette lessons from a few years ago. If I hadn't used the correct words and phrasing, things could go much worse for us.

The messenger dipped her head in acknowledgment and walked away, leaving me and Hiccup to ourselves.

"Cog, what's going on? Why are we going to the palace?" he asked worriedly. The look of bemusement on my face didn't help.

"I honestly have no idea. We haven't broken any laws, I haven't done something to offend the Jarl, and... oh, sky gods. Hiccup! It might have been Grimmur and Óvæginn! They're the sons of Jarl Darksoul, the ruler of the Land of the Faded!" I realized with dread. Both boys were notorious for being selfish, spoiled brats that went to their daddy whenever things didn't go their way. Of course, he didn't always do what they wanted, which gave me some modicum of respect for him, but he also gave me that funny feeling when he spoke, just like his sons did. I had heard that some Myst Magic was hereditary, especially if the bond animal was powerful. Of course, no one had ever seen his bond animal, even though many had seen the distinct all-black Sigil on his back. Perhaps it had something to do with that.

"Wait. So they're technically the sons of the chief?" he asked slowly. I shrugged.

"Sure, sure, if that's what the leader of your village was called. Only their dad doesn't just lead a village; he rules over the entire Land of the Faded!" I shouted hysterically. Both he and Toothless gave me a reproachful look, and I sighed, rubbing my eyes.

"Sorry. This just doesn't happen that often. Are you sure you weren't sent by the sky gods? Because so far, it sure seems like they've put a blessing on you," I said wearily. Hiccup shook his head.

"I think I would know if I was sent by the sky gods, Cog. Anyways, I guess we have to pack up and go to the palace. Uh, what is a palace?" he asked sheepishly as we began to walk back to our rooms. I sighed quietly.

"It's a really big, fancy building that the royal family lives in. Well, right now, the Darksoul boys live at the Academy, but once they graduate, they'll go back to the palace and start learning how to rule. I think Óvæginn might be the one to inherit, even if Grimmur is older. He shows a lot more common sense and intelligence than his brother does," I explained. We passed by a few students, barely ten years old, and they gawked at all three of us. Me, because I was known throughout the city as the Markless girl, Hiccup, because he was a new face, and Toothless, because he was a relatively unknown monster to them, and I could tell they were wondering all sorts of things about us.

"Cog, why are they all staring at us?" Hiccup muttered under his breath. I smirked.

"Because we're a novelty. Don't worry. A few months of staying in Faded Dreams and they'll all be used to us. And cheer up! It's not every day you get summoned to the palace!" I replied brightly, patting him on the back lightly. He flinched a bit, but I could tell he didn't mind too much. It was probably because he was so used to wearing clothes that covered his back, and feeling someone's hand on his bare skin was not a sensation he was used to. Sky gods, I wouldn't know. The last time I felt someone touch my back was just before I was declared Markless by the Jarl, when I was five and hadn't felt the pull to find my bond animal. Now, most people just avoided touching me.

But all that would change, with Hiccup's help.

'Thank you,' I prayed happily to the sky gods. I wasn't sure if they heard me, but the faint breeze that ruffled my hair a bit meant that they probably did.


Hiccup and Cog gathered their few possessions (Cog just grabbed a few needles of varying sizes, some thread and cord, and some strange version of shears, and Hiccup merely grabbed the things he had on him when he crashed. Somehow, all their food and supplies had disappeared when they crashed, no trace left of them anywhere. It was as if they never existed. All he had was his flight gear and his clothing, and those were tucked away inside Cog's bag. So really, they just had to grab the tiny things they had before going to the palace.

0*0*0

Outside of the Academy, they ran into the messenger, who had clearly been waiting, if the bored look in her eye was any indication. They hadn't been that long, though...

"Please follow me," she sighed, walking toward the gates. As they passed through the crowded streets, Hiccup couldn't help but look around in wonder. The people, the buildings, the strange contraptions that put even his automatic bola launcher to shame, the incredible creatures that roamed the streets, all of these dazzled him. The colors, the sights, the smells, it took all his concentration just to keep up with Cog and the messenger, even as they began crossing a metal bridge to what seemed to be the largest building in the skycity.

It was the palace.

The green marble and pale golden wood that made up the castle, along with the colored glass in the windows, was a marvel to him. Even the sight of the banners flapping high on the rooftops was amazing. He didn't realize he was just standing there until he felt Cog grab his wrist and pull.

"Come on, Hiccup. We can't make the Jarl wait," she said cheerily. Hiccup nodded and let her lead him to the palace.

0*0*0

When they stepped through the huge doors into the throne room, Hiccup wasn't sure what to expect. Perhaps a crowd of people, or a pathway lined with guards, not the empty hall that greeted them. The only person in the room was a man, black hair starting to turn gray under its golden circlet, sitting on a green and gold throne at the far end of the huge room. Pillars held up the ceiling, stained glass windows cast colorful images on the floor, and a banner with some sort of winged wolf thing hung behind him. The throne itself was on a dais with stairs, and two smaller thrones were set behind it to the left and right. Those were probably the Darksoul boys' seats.

"Welcome to Faded Dreams, honored guests," the Jarl said pleasantly. Cog nudged him and started to lead them forward. When they reached a certain point marked with a stone crest of another wolf thing, she bowed deeply and motioned for him to do the same.

"Thank you for your generous invitation, Jarl Darksoul. On behalf of my guests, I thank you for the kindness you have shown," Cog replied solemnly. When she rose up, Hiccup did the same and saw the man watching them cautiously.

"Your gratitude is accepted, Miss Winterstorm, honored guests. Please, enjoy your stay in Faded Dreams," he replied smoothly. One hand barely moved, but as soon as it did, a chubby man wearing a green and gold uniform stepped out from behind some sort of folding screen and bowed.

"Ráðsmaður Washer will show you to your rooms, and after you have settled in and changed into appropriate clothing, I would appreciate it greatly if you both joined me for dinner," the Jarl explained calmly. But hidden under that calm was a hint of a command. Something told Hiccup that, whether he liked it or not, he was going to eat with the ruler of the Land of the Faded.

0*0*0

Luckily, Hiccup and Cog's rooms were next to each other, connected by some sort of balcony that glass doors in the far end of their rooms led to. Of course, they had barely stored their things in wardrobes before several servants, some women, some men, came in and started selecting their clothing. Hiccup had almost no say in the outfit that was chosen for him, even though it was very comfortable and soft, and he would have preferred to wear something less... ornate. Embroidered vines and birds nearly covered his silky shirt, the collar that secured it to his front was speckled with beads and more embroidery, and his pants were a bit too tight for his liking. Not uncomfortably tight, just not loose enough to hide his twiggy legs. But despite his protests, soon he was dressed and ready for the most uncomfortable dinner of his life.

0*0*0

Dinner passed uneventfully and uncomfortably. The Jarl asked him many questions about his homeland, Cog wore a gray dress that covered most of her torso and left her arms bare, and Toothless and Nuts could be heard feasting a short distance away on fish and bread. Hiccup did have to admit that the food was better than anything he had ever tasted, even surpassing Gobber's cooking in some aspects. It was fine, it was rich, and it screamed money. Clearly, being Jarl meant you ate far better than anyone else.

At least Grimmur and his brother weren't there, mostly because they had to stay and eat at the Academy until they graduated. Thank the gods for small blessings. But as he was escorted back to his room, Hiccup couldn't help but wonder why the Jarl was doing this. Maybe he should ask Cog, seeing as she knew what to do in this world.

As soon as he was inside, however, he heard something click in the direction of the door, and the sound of metal softly clinking just outside. He scowled, then crossed the soft rug to the glass door. It was locked, and he didn't think the Jarl would take kindly to him breaking it open. All of this told him one thing. There was no chance of talking to Cog tonight.


After we slept, I worked on my armor while I waited for the Jarl to summon us again. Only a fool would not realize that he was planning something. I am not a fool.

Most of the time, anyways.

It was around late afternoon, the same time Hiccup and I had encountered the Darksoul boys yesterday, when I felt it. Something was out there, something familiar, and it was calling for me, I just knew it. So I set aside my armor (nearly done, with only the studs, strips, and buckles to put in place) and left my room.

There were no guards outside my door this time, which was lucky. I had heard one outside my door last night, just after dinner, and it made me wonder just how welcome we really were. But now I was free to follow that call and find the source.

0*0*0

My search led me to a tapestry depicting some sort of white, two-headed dragon with colorful plates of armor on its back. One head, the one with blue plates, the left red eye, and the right blue eye, was breathing ice down at a group of warriors on their monsters. Dragon, beast, insect, even bird and reptile class monsters were woven into the tapestry, the different species all providing a rainbow of color to the bottom of the cloth. The second head, on the other hand, was breathing fire, red plates, red right eye, and blue left eye providing a stark contrast to the first head's colors. Where their necks met their body, purple plates appeared and snaked down to the tip of their tail, where pieces of flesh similar to their ear flaps stuck out like fins on either side. Four legs, each with smaller fins like the tail or the ears on the back of the lower parts, were folded against its body, and two huge wings with clusters of black spots at the base of the thumb claw were spread in flight.

It all seemed strangely familiar, like I had seen this dragon before. But where?

"Isn't it a fine piece of art? I personally find it to be the best in the palace," an oily voice said behind me. I whirled in panic to see Jarl Darksoul watching me serenely. He took a few steps closer and pointed at the dragon.

"This was one of the greatest foes of Faded Dreams, defeated shortly after the war between us and Forgotten Wishes," he explained proudly. I nodded, understanding slowly coming to me.

"You mean the war a hundred and fifty years ago?"

"Precisely. Some believe the people of Forgotten Wishes captured it and used it as a secret weapon against us. It's called a Skellurdreki, and shortly after it was brought down, it sealed itself off in a crystalline ball. The crystal was taken to the palace vaults and placed within a secure room, just in case it decides to break out of its crystal stasis and attack again." He ran his fingers down the threads slowly, as if he had been there personally and was remembering it. But that wasn't possible. He had only been around for forty years. The war had been over for over a century.

"Huh," was my only reply. I know, I'm extremely eloquent. It's one of my best features.


Xavier Darksoul looked at the Winterstorm girl with practiced calm. She clearly had no idea what this tapestry hid, or else she wouldn't have just been staring at it. There was still the matter of how she had found it in the first place.

'Perhaps she is growing resistant to Heimska's influence,' he mused silently. No matter. That would soon be remedied. He could take care of this Winterstorm brat, the boy and his dragon, and the thing he kept hidden all at once, if his plan went correctly.

"Wow. This tapestry has lasted for a hundred and fifty years?" she asked innocently. He fought the urge to roll his eyes.

'A hundred and sixty-four, you nitwit,' Darksoul thought exasperatedly. But he didn't let his irritation show. Cog Winterstorm was not to know how much he despised her.

"That sounds about right," he replied instead, pleasantly smiling at her.

"If you like art, I have something you might enjoy. Please, follow me." Without waiting to hear her answer, he led her away from the tapestry and toward the Hall of Ancestors, an extremely large hall that held portraits of all the notable families in the history of the Land of the Faded. When they arrived, he calmly walked over to his target: the section reserved for the Winterstorms.

"Who're they?" Cog asked curiously, looking at them in awe. He smirked at her ignorance.

"They're the Winterstorms, Miss Cog. Your ancestors," Darksoul said pointedly. She shook her head, even as she looked at the white-haired and green-eyed people painted on the hanging canvas. One in particular caught her eye: a woman wearing a black dress and a man dressed in a black suit, both of whom had white hair and green eyes.

"Ah, Gear Winterstorm and her lover, Arrow Winterstorm-Pearlblood. The two were very distant cousins, which was probably the only thing her family approved of when it came to their relationship. You see, Gear was already engaged to someone when it was revealed that she was pregnant with her lover's child. What a surprise it was when she gave birth to twin daughters, each with their parents' white hair and green eyes! The engagement was broken, of course, and when the war neared its end, she and Arrow were assassinated during an attack on the city. No one knows what happened to their daughters, whether they were killed, kidnapped, or simply hidden," he monologued, keeping his cold violet eyes on the girl. She looked at him warily, as if expecting what he said next.

"Perhaps you are their descendant?" he asked calmly.

Cog shook her head bitterly. This was a bit of a shock to him, but he didn't let it show. Why would she deny something so obvious? If she accepted his claim, then she could have had money and titles that had lain dormant for decades, and take her place as a noblewoman. It would have made getting rid of her much easier. After all, assassins from Forgotten Wishes might decide to finish the job of wiping out the family line when she came to prominence. And maybe one of her rival courtiers might decide to do his job for him. And of course, once she was important, that made any friend of hers a target, too. It was killing two birds with one stone.

"I may look like them, Jarl Darksoul, but I'm no real Winterstorm. I was just given the name by my guardian because of how he found me, not because of any special reason. Besides, they were famous monster tamers, on par with the Pearlbloods of the Land of the Strayed. I'm Markless," she replied sadly. "Trust me, there's no relationship between us."

Darksoul eyed her suspiciously, but his Myst Magic told him she was telling the truth, or at least, what she believed was the truth. That was the downside to his Magic. If someone believed they were telling the truth, even if he knew they were actually lying, his Myst Magic wouldn't react and tell him so. But he knew something that Cog didn't. No other family had white hair and green eyes as common traits. Only the Winterstorms did. Her coloration was almost impossible for anyone not related to that illustrious family, no matter what she thought.

And if she was, in fact, a real Winterstorm and didn't know it, then his job had gotten a lot harder.


The Jarl seemed a bit surprised by what I had said, and it made no sense to me. He of all people should know that I couldn't be a true Winterstorm. It was impossible. The Winterstorms had been amazing monster tamers, and some legends say they could have up to ten minor bond animals alongside their Sigil. Eleven bonds! Most people can barely handle two or three! I just have one, and it's only a minor. I don't have my Sigil. How could I be a real Winterstorm?

"Uh, well, I see. I shall see you for dinner, then, along with the honored guests?" he asked, for once not acting like his usual confident self. His voice also stopped giving me that weird feeling when he spoke. I nodded.

"Indeed, Jarl Darksoul. If you will excuse me, I believe I shall go back to my room to finish my work," I said before bowing and backing out of the room. Once I was clear of him, I went back to my room and started sewing together my armor. It was mostly to kill time until Hiccup got back from his guided tour of the skycity. I hadn't talked to him much since yesterday, and there were a few things we needed to discuss.


Something stirred beneath the palace, shifting against the chains that weighed down its body, and opened its eyes to look out from under the tarp that covered it. Light from the anolite crystals over the fixtures on the walls and stairs crept beneath the cloth warily, as if it was afraid of being caught by the guards, and hit snowy white scales that hadn't seen daylight in years. The monster hidden there managed to push the bones of its scanty meal out from its resting place and looked up, toward the ceiling blocked by thick cloth. She was there, close enough that the connection between them was nearly tangible. Their souls had been calling to one another through the stone walls and wooden floors of the palace, she had felt it all that afternoon. The call had started to die down again, but now that she knew she was there, it was only a matter of time before it rose up again.

Soon they would reunite and be free again. All she had to do was remove the chains, and she would no longer be held captive by that fool who called himself king.


Author's Notes: Try and guess what is stashed under that tarp. It's really obvious, so much so that I'm almost ashamed of myself. But really, it's the Jarl who should be ashamed. He's the one who-oh, I can't tell you. I want to see your guesses. Suffice it to say, he's got quite the history.

Please review! Important stuff is going to happen soon, and I want to see what you have to say on the recent events.

Wild Cat 214, out!