And now for the chapter that you've been all waiting for… What happened at Dunbar?
CommanderGreya: Yeah, the whole story is inspired by the story of Charles XII of Sweden. Hiccup is Carolus Rex but in terms of this story, Carolus Rex means great leader.
Silvolde: Carolus Rex is Hiccup
Guest: yep, gonna assume you met god not good.
Joshben4c: Yeah kinda forgot about that, the whole dragon gas bombs. I'll fix that in this chapter. Yeah, in later chapters I use the dragons to their full extent.
Dunbar, the same day, morning…
Hiccup sat at his desk finishing his breakfast. Gobber was a wizard when it came to cooking which is surprising considering he only has the one hand. Hiccup put down his plate and picked up the cup of ale a drank a bit before standing up. To the army, it just felt like a normal in the field but to Hiccup the air around him felt off. He felt like something bad was going to happen but Hiccup couldn't dwell on it for too long, he had an army to lead. Hiccup put on the rest of his uniform and stepped outside. He watched as troops moved around, then his eyes fell upon his beautiful wife and second in command. Hiccup smiled and walked over to her.
"Hey, milady."
"Morning babe."
Hiccup shared a quick kiss with Astrid before patting Stormfly. Toothless was off entertaining the men, Hiccup could hear the laughter from the troops.
"You seem off, everything alright?"
"Everything is fine Astrid, I'm just glad that this war will soon be over."
Astrid wasn't convinced, she folded her arms over her chest and looked at him.
"Fine, I'm worried about today. Something feels off, I fear something bad may happen."
"I'll make sure something bad doesn't happen. All you got to do is keep the British off my ass as we burn those ships."
"Will do milady."
Astrid smiled at Hiccup before turning back to Stormfly. Hiccup took one last look at Astrid and began to walk off to find Rommel, Rehnskiold, and Lewenhaupt. He found them where Hiccup knew they would be, sitting around the campfire and listening to the regimental bands playing their songs.
"Gentlemen."
"My lord" all three of them replied.
"Today will be a good day. Dagur told me that he beat the British navy off the coast of Iceland. 30 British ships are now at the bottom of the sea, only a couple of our ships were lost."
"Any belonging to the Wolfpack?" Rommel asked.
"No, which is good. Now those ships in the port of Dunbar are the last remnants of the British navy, if we are able to destroy them we guarantee naval supremacy."
Hiccup looked at the ground for a bit before speaking to his generals again.
"For some reason, today seems off to me."
"How so?" Rehnskiold said.
"I feel like something bad is about to happen. Gentlemen in the event of my death can I hear a guarantee that you will protect Astrid, in the event of my death I want to know she will be safe."
"You have our word, Carolus Rex" Rehnskiold responded.
"My wish, if I am to die, is that Astrid is to become not a just a reagent but the Queen of Berk. Can I put my faith in the army that they won't overthrow her."
"I will serve our Queen until the end my lord" Rommel said.
"I have known Astrid for nearly 3 years now. In the event of your death, she will make a good Queen. She has my support" Rehskiold replied.
"The artillery is at her command, my lord!" Lewenhaupt yelled.
"Calm down Lewenhaupt," Hiccup said.
"Yes, sir."
"Thank you, means a lot to me. Now go get the troops ready, today we secure true naval superiority."
"As you wish" the three men responded.
Hiccup began to walk away before Rommel called out to him.
"Oh forgot to mention, the dragon gas bombs have been completed and ready for some trial by fire!"
"Have your 3rd regiment of dragon riders carry them into battle."
"Yes, sir!"
Two hours later…
Astrid and her staff rode up on to a hill that overlooked the town. She took out her telescope and began to scout out the city.
"What do you see my queen?"
"36 ships, 5 appear to be under repair and looks like they are building a couple more. There are no troops as far as I can see, maybe there is a militia but we can disperse them quickly."
A dragon rider landed next to her with word from Hiccup.
"My lady, the king wanted me to tell you that general Rehnskiold and his troops are almost in position. You are to attack when ready."
"Tell king Carolus that my men are moving in now."
"Yes, sir!"
The nightmare took off, heading back from where the two came from. Behind Astrid, her troops continued to march towards the town. Colonel Ashley, leader of the Valkyries rode up to her.
"Do I have your permission to attack the town?"
"Yes, attack without haste!"
Ashley nodded before riding back over to her troops. Above her, Rommel's Ghost Regiment flew towards their targets. Astrid watched as some of the ships were covered with the zippleback gas, the green smoke filled the port. Then a few dragons dove down and fired at the ships causing the gas to explode. Astrid smiled, once again Hiccup's bright mind did good work.
"Come on boys, let's go make sure ships burn!"
Outside Dunbar…
Hiccup watched as flames licked the skyline behind the city. His bombs must have worked, smiling he turned to go face the field of battle. This is what he was worried about, the full might of the British army was barring down on him and Rehnskiold.
I stand alone
And gaze upon the battlefield
Wasteland
Is all that's left after the fight
And I'm searching a new way to defeat my enemy
Bloodshed
I've seen enough of death and pain
I will run - they will hunt me in vain
I will hide - they'll be searching
I'll regroup - feign retreat they'll pursue
Coup de grace, I will win but never fight
That's the Art of War!
"Rehnskiold get ready, today will be a good fight. Private!"
"Yes, sir?"
"Tell Lewenhaupt to set his guns up behind me. Tell Astrid and Rommel what's going on after you get Lewenhaupt!"
"As you wish my king!"
The soldier rode off to go execute Hiccup's orders. Hiccup took out his telescope and looked at the British troops. He could clearly see the difference in appearance Drago's troops had compared to the British. Then he saw him, the man that killed his father. Hiccup's blood began to boil at the sight of Drago, Rehsnkiold saw this and put his hand on the king's shoulder.
"You can get your revenge in due time, my lord. Now we must focus on the fight at hand."
You're right. Is Lewenhaupt here yet?"
"No sir, we are without support from the artillery."
That's the Art of War
Hiccup nodded and continued to look at the incoming enemy troops. He had chosen good ground to fight on. The Berkian troops were behind a wood fence that ran the length of the road. The British had to advance up a small hill in order to get to the Berkian troops. Rommel, Lewenhaupt, and Astrid rode up behind the two men who were looking at the enemy. Toothless and Stormfly quickly landed beside the Berkain high command as if it was a makeshift staff meeting.
"You two look dirty, what did you do burn down a couple of buildings," Hiccup said gesturing at Rommel and Astrid who had ash and soot all over them.
"No, we were burning down ships" Astrid responded.
Hiccup laughed and turned back towards the enemy, the smile disappearing.
"Lewenhaupt, are your fucking guns going to show up?"
"Here they come!"
The cannons appeared from inside the town and began to set up behind the infantry.
"Astrid I want you on the right flank, Rommel on left, Me and Rehnskiold will be in the center."
"Yes sir" the three of them responded.
"Lewenhaupt you may fire when ready."
The Swedish general nodded and rode off to his guns. Astrid and Rommel rode off to go set up their troops leaving Hiccup, Rehnskiold, Toothless, and Stormfly where they stood.
"Well, what are you two waiting for, lead the dragons," Hiccup said.
Toothless grunted and took to the sky, Stormfly following. Lewenhaupt's guns began to light up, their projectiles hitting their targets. Hiccup walked behind his men watching as the enemy marched closer to him. Explosions could be heard from where he stood, a sign that the cannons were doing good work. He looked out at the field watching as cannon balls hit the British troops.
"Sir, you think we'll win?"
"Colonel, I know we will win."
Viggo's lines…
Viggo looked out at the Berkians, they were in a good spot. He knew that but he must continue the attack in order for his plan to succeed. Viggo turned to the man next to him, he was dressed in a Berkian uniform to disguise his true identity
"Krogan, get into position."
The man nodded and rode off.
Berkian lines…
Hiccup walked over to Rehnskiold who was still on his horse.
"General, when they get in range they will shoot you."
"True but I can't walk my lord, you know that. I'm in my 70s, sir."
"Just be careful, please."
"Yes, sir."
Hiccup walked back over to his troops and looked at the enemy. They were now in the range of musket fire.
"Fire!" Hiccup yelled.
The troops aimed their guns and fired at the British troops. Hundreds of Viggo's troops fell to the musket fire. The British soldiers stopped and began to fire back, Drago however, continued to march forward with his men. Cannon shells ripped men apart as they continued to march at the Berkians. Dragons dive-bombed the troops as well as wiping out as many as they could.
Breaking the will to fight among the enemy
Force them to hunt me
They will play my game
And play by my rules
I will be close but still untouchable
No more will I see suffering and pain
They will find me no more
I'll be gone
I will have them surrounded
They will yield without a fight - overrun
Overrun
Coup de grace
I'll win but never fight but never fight
That's the art of war!
Drago watched as the men around him were killed. He yelled in anger before calling out over the sounds of battle.
"Hiccup, face me like a man!"
Hiccup heard the challenge and rode his horse out to meet Drago. Once he got close the two stared each other down as the battle raged on all around them.
"It's over boy, once your dead your empire will fall apart."
"When I die, my empire will last for years."
"We'll see. As the last thing, you'll remember I'll tell you this, don't worry about your wife I'll take good care of her."
Hiccup screamed in pure anger and charged Drago. Drago brought up is staff and blocked Hiccup's sword. The young man swung madly at Drago and each strike was blocked. Across the field, Rommel and Rehnskiold watched as the two men fought. Astrid rode up to them and saw what they were looking at.
"Well, what are you waiting for, come on we need to help him."
The two men nodded and followed Astrid over to the melee between the two leaders. Drago pushed Hiccup back and knocked him off his feet.
"Hiccup!"
Hiccup tried to left his sword up but Drago stepped on his hand. Drago smiled and kicked the sword away from its wielder.
"It's over boy you've lost."
Drago lifted up his staff and was about to bring it down on the boy when three gunshots rang out. The bullets struck him in the side causing him to stumble a bit. Hiccup used this opportunity and grabbed his sword and stabbed Drago in the gut.
"Ahh!"
Broken and lost
Tired of war
They'll surrender to me
Caught it my trap
There is no way out
Fail never again!
Hiccup stood back on his feet and removed the sword from Drago's gut. Rommel dismounted his horse and charged at Drago. Drago was able to block his strike and forced him back. From behind him, Hiccup slashed Drago on his back. Drago turned around to face Hiccup, another two bullets entered his back causing him to fall to one knee. Hiccup brought up his sword above his head and brought it down on Drago. He blocked it once again and stood back up to face Hiccup.
"You… won't… kill… me boy."
Drago charged Hiccup and brought his staff down on him. Hiccup blocked and surprised everyone by cutting off Drago's hand. The man fell to his knees as Hiccup and his staff surrounded him. Hiccup brought his blade up to his neck and stared him down.
"He is too dangerous to be kept alive," Rommel said.
Hiccup looked to Astrid who nodded. He looked back at Drago and cut off the large man's head. The decapitated body fell to the ground and an early silence surrounded them. Hiccup brought up his blade to his face before grabbing a rag and cleaning the blade. The four of them turned around and began to head back to their troops but was stopped when the sound of hooves filled their ears. The Berkian high command turned around to face the man that rode up to them.
"You must be King Hiccup Haddock the first. You are a lot smaller then I imagined."
"And who are you?" Hiccup responded.
"I am Viggo Grimborn, General of all British troops that serve her majesty the Queen. I must say good work on bringing down Drago, remarkable feet if I do say so myself."
"Unless you're here to surrender, get lost before we shoot you."
After the comment, Astrid, Rommel, and Rehnskiold drew their pistols and pointed them at Viggo and his staff. Viggo held his arms up, his staff copying him.
"Relax, we will leave. This won't be the last time we meet Hiccup. You are a worthy adversary and it'll make my victory so much sweeter when I beat you."
Viggo laughed and rode off his staff following him. Hiccup sighed and turned around to head back to his troops. His staff followed him with them getting ready to mount their horses. Rommel glanced over his shoulder and saw Viggo aiming at Hiccup.
"My lord look out!"
Rommel shoved Hiccup out of the way as Viggo fired. The bullet grazed Rommel's side but it was enough for the man to fall to the ground. Hiccup, Astrid, and Rehnskiold faced Viggo and fired at him, their bullets hitting his staff and his shoulder. Viggo cried out in pain and rode off this time the Berkians made sure he left the field. Hiccup crouched down at Rommel's side before speaking.
"You alright?"
"I'm fine, the bullet grazed me."
Rommel stood up and fixed his uniform before facing Hiccup.
"Had you been standing there, the bullet would have gone through your back."
"Well let's be glad that didn't happen."
Hiccup picked Rommel's pistol and handed it to him. Rommel holstered the weapon and looked out at the battlefield for a brief second before turning back to Hiccup.
"I think we should leave, we are a prime target."
"Agreed, mount -"
Hiccup was cut short when a bullet hit him in the back. Hiccup fell to his knees as his staff rushed to his side.
I will run- they'll hunt me in vain
I will head - they'll be searching
I'll regroup- feign retreat they'll pursue
Coup de grace
"Fuck me" Hiccup muttered.
"I did almost two months ago" Astrid responded.
"See my humor is rubbing off on you."
Just then another bullet entered Hiccup's body, this time in his chest. The force of the strike caused him to fall to the ground.
"Hiccup!"
I'll win but never fight
Astrid immediately put her hand over his chest, doing her best to stop the bleeding. Rommel and Rehnskiold could help but watched as their king bled on the ground.
"We need to get out of here. We are a massive target."
"Rommel's right my lady. Get him on your horse."
Astrid nodded and picked Hiccup off the ground. She placed him on her shoulder and walked over to her horse. Hiccup was placed on top of Traveler and Astrid quickly mounted. The three of them rode back to camp hoping the medics could help him. Once they made it back to friendly lines it was clear they had seen what happened. An officer walked up to them with a man in handcuffs being held by three men.
"Sir we captured the assassin. He tried to make an escape, stabbed a couple of men."
Rommel immediately dismounted his horse and punched the man in the head. Soldiers had to pull Rommel away from the man, tensions clearly high.
"You bastard, I'm gonna kill you for what you've done."
Medics quickly rushed towards Astrid who had taken Hiccup off the back of her horse. She laid him on the ground gently as medics got to work. It was clear that he was still alive but was he gonna stay that way. His eyes were closed and his breathing was ragged.
"Is he going to be alright?"
The medics bowed their heads, a sign Astrid didn't want t see.
"He's dying."
Astrid covered her mouth and quickly rushed to his side. Hiccup weakly opened his eyes to look at Astrid.
"'Strid."
"Shh, it's okay I'm right here."
"Sorry for this."
"It's not your fault, you're going to be okay I promise."
"Don't make promises you can't keep."
Astrid bowed her head and buried it into his shoulder. Soldiers surrounded the two and bowed their heads.
"Please Hiccup don't go I need you."
"Astrid, take care of our child, for me please."
"Hiccup…"
Hiccup silenced her by cupping her cheek in his hand.
"I love you, never forget that."
Tears were flowing freely down Astrid's face, the soldiers around them also crying. On top of that as if God knew, it began to rain.
"Death had to catch him off guard, else there would have been a fight" Rehnskiold muttered to Rommel.
Hiccup looked at Astrid one last time before taking one last breath and he closed his eyes. Astrid's sobs were audible now as the young king lay dead in her arms. Thunder rolled as Carolus Rex truly rose to the skies.
That's the art of war!