I apoligise to any readers out there for the long delay. A lot has been going on in my life from watching grandkids, almost getting seperated, getting elected to public office and all the other things that can hold one up in life. I am still rough on my writing skills so constructive critisim is always welcome. The story is running slow right now, allowing me to let my characters grow, to devlope ongoing story plots and to tie up looses ends. I hope you like this installmen.
I do not own How to Train Your Dragons or any of the original characters or storylines. Any names matching public or historical figures are purely incidental and not intentional. My story will not be accurate historically and my characters will invent and do things others have done. It's fiction so give me a break. I am far from a professional writer. The story is rated M for mature themes and language so all your children under 17 probably shouldn't read this.
Chapter 22 Discoveries (Part 1)
Preparing for a royal outing even of short duration is no easy task. The logistics are monumental as well as the security involved. A King on vacation still runs the country using cavalry messengers and carrier pigeons for communication. King Fergus was well-loved by the Scott's but there were other countries not so fond of him so over 400 troops both cavalry and infantry were assigned as security escort. There were also scribes, cooks, armorers, leather workers, servants, tutors for the children an all the other personnel required along with any families that followed their military men into the field.
King Fergus liked to travel around the country so the castle staff was well used to preparing for such trips. In actuality, though it was much work the trip was enjoyable for them too. There was always an abundance of volunteers from the town to come along. The King was always kind and paid very well. All in all, there were roughly eight hundred or so people in the caravan. So as not to be a burden on any of the other Lords, King Fergus always brought his supplies.
Queen Elinore, like King Fergus, was a monarch who loved her people. She was always out of the Royal Carriage speaking with the wives and families of all the servants and soldiers. Hiccup, Merida, and Maudie always near her. The two little children were very excited. It was their first time out of the castle grounds. Elisa and Ylva explored hither and yon as young Viking ladies were apt to do.
Ylva, Elisa and Hiccup were used to traveling and seeing new things. Merida was on her first journey and for the first time in her wee life, she was excited but also frightened. She had never been so close to so many people before. She clung to her mother or Maudie's skirts. Hiccup could sense her fear through the bond and would stay with her and hold her hand. Hiccup would take her aside when the queen stopped to talk and he would hold her close and kiss her and reassure her through the bond.
Now the King, Queen, and Princess were wearing royal traveling attire. Elisa and Ylva wore their usual Viking furs over their dresses and leather armor Elinore had made for them and insisted they wear them. Hiccup was wearing a simple cotton green tunic and gray pants tucked into his Viking boots. He had traded his royal clothes to a village boy. He had spent time in the corner of the royal tent for that one.
Somehow Hiccup had obtained a small spear and a large knife he pretended was a sword. The knights and soldiers loved him as he would often runoff from the Royal family to be gone for several hours. The first time King Fergus laughed. The second time he ran off it was with some of the older village boys who left the protection of the column. It caused a panic in the camp and the column had to stop to search for them.
At dusk, all the boys including Hiccup wandered back into camp dirty, tired and quite pleased with themselves. Hiccup found himself once again in the corner of the tent with a sore bottom he gained from being turned over the queen's knee for a spanking. Elinore had been told by Merida that Hiccup was just having fun but Elinore loved Hiccup like he was her son and had been beside herself with worry. When the queen calmed down, she picked the still dirty little boy, hugging and kissing him.
Hiccup knew Elinore loved him and forgetting himself said, "I'm sorry mummy I didno mean to scare ya" in the distinct Scottish accent he copied from the other boys.
On the fourth day, there was an incident. Normally it was Merida who was the possessive one but on this day a servant boy of five years had snuck up on the princess and before the sentry could react spun the little redhead around and holding both her hands kissed her on the cheek. He started to tell Merida she was pretty but before he could, Hiccup came out of nowhere on a run and tackled the older boy. Hiccup got two punches before the bigger boy got to his feet and began to pummel the tiny little Lord.
Merida jumped in front of her bondmate and was rewarded with a punch in the eye. This was too much for little Lord Hiccup. The little Viking drew his "sword/knife", and charged at the little boy fully intending to do damage. Fortunately, the sentry grabbed the three-year-old and took the knife away.
Hiccup speaking in old Norse rather than the Celtic tongue, "When I get loose I'm going to kill ya, ya Scottish bastard."
The little Viking boy ws hanging around the soldiers a lot and was learning the ungentlemanly art of cursing.
Elisa and Ylva took the servant boy home.
Hiccup and Merida were brought before both the King and Queen and the sentry explained what had happened. Merida had a very black eye as did Hiccup who also sported a busted lip. That night Hiccup once again found himself in a corner, his mouth filled with the biting tang of soap. Fergus himself had spanked the little Lord and Hiccup wouldn't sit down well for three days and could no longer have weapons.
For the next two days, he was confined to the tent under guard, (to protect Hiccup of course), and no one was allowed to speak with him. Elinore walked to the tent to talk to the sentry to see how the little Lord was doing and would pretend she didn't see Merida sneak in. After a few kisses and hugs, life was once again good for the two bondmates.
Back in Berk things were getting excited as well. There had been a dragon raid though the damage had been slight, several people had been hurt when a night fury had destroyed a stone house. The night fury had to get close to do so, far closer than ever before. 20 dragons had been killed and five had been captured. A Viking ship had arrived at the docks from Berserker Island.
The Berserker longboat had supplies to help out and there were a couple of surprises. The Berserkers were surprised that the damage was so slight and Stoic was surprised that Oswald the Agreeable had shown up escorting three young women that were potential brides for Stoic. One was a stout girl with raven black hair, blue eyes, and a quite beautiful face. Her name was Henna and she was 18 and the niece of one of Oswald's generals. The next girl was of average height with light brown hair she was 22 with light brown hair and hazel eyes. Her name was Cressida. She was a bright girl but very timid. She couldn't bring herself to talk with Stoic.
The last girl, actually at 32 a grown woman, was extremely tall, (6'1''), muscular with green eyes and white-blonde hair. Her name was Freya, the girl Stoic had already heard about. She had ample bosom, full hips and though she was wearing a green dress and a fur-lined jacket she also had a belt with an ax attached. Her name was Freya. The women were taken to the Great Hall where they would be individually interviewed. Oswald the Agreeable and Gobber pulled him aside.
Gobber; "Stoic, the council that you must be married now rather than later. The council sees that Hiccup will eventually go to live in Scotland, he cannot be a long-distance chief. You will marry one of these three young women in three days and produce an heir within eighteen months. If you refuse to marry or fail to produce an heir in the required time, you will be removed as Chief and your brother-in-law Spitelout will be given the Chiefdom instead."
Chief Oswald; "Stoic, the tribes see Berk as weakened because of the evacuations and conversations with your refugees. It has also gotten around about your treatment of Valka and Hiccup. It has also gotten around that Hiccup has been made a Scottish Lord and that he left Bog Island for Scotland. The Chiefs are confused. There is also a rumor that Big Boobied Bertha has had a child she named Camicazi Horrendous Haddock and that the child is yours. My friend, this issue must be dealt with quickly or I'm afraid Berk could be attacked."
Stoic made to answer but decided to hold his tongue. After all, he had planned to take a new wife anyway so this was not a bad decision. He thought about those women. Henna was far too young. He did not have the patience to try and show a teenager how to be the wife of a chief. Cressida was beautiful with good childbearing hips but she was afraid of her own shadow. The last woman, Freya, was of a proper age but she looked at him that she might kill him in his sleep.
The interviews were tedious as expected. Henna came from a good family. She could cook, keep the house and was an all-around great potential wife but she was not chieftess material. Cressida got so upset she could hardly speak and burst into tears when Stoic asked her questions.
The interview with Freya was far different. Freya came in with two children, a boy named Herg aged six and a girl named Celta aged 14 months. She was a proud woman who looked at the council and Stoic straight in the eyes. as she spoke,
Freya; "My name is Freya Stone, wife of Bjorn Firestorm, killed attacking Fortress Loki on Outcast Island. I was married for five years to my Bjorn. Chief Oswald will vouch for my skills as a wife, a mother and a warrior. You need a wife and I need a husband and a father for my children. I will be a good loyal wife and I will bear your children.
Stoic; "Besides being a wife and mother, you will also be the wife of a Chief. What do you feel makes you qualified?
Freya; "I was the wife of a warrior. I have fought in many battles and formed many firefighting parties. But let us be completely clear, you are an abusive man, it is said that you often stuck your wife and even your infant son, I do not know if these rumors are true but I am a warrior. You strike me or my children, including your son and heir, you will be fighting for your life. I have no demands on you other than to be what a husband is supposed to be."
Stoic; "My son Hiccup is no longer with me. The council took Hiccup from my former wife and me, and he is under the care of council member Gobber and his wife Helga. He will not be living in my household."
Freya; "Council members, I am a good mother. But if Chief Stoic and I marry, I will also be, (turning to Stoic), what's your son's name and where is he I would like to speak with him?"
Stoic; "His name is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. At present, he is in Scotland visiting his betrothed Merida, first of her name, Princess of Scotland and heir to the Scottish throne."
Gobber; "Freya, Hiccup is a sweet little boy. A very loving little boy. He was betrothed to Princess Merida when they were both infants. King Fergus and Queen Elinor love Hiccup very much. The betrothal was made official over a year ago in front of the Scottish court. The boy, with the agreement of all the Scottish Lords, was given the titles Friend of the Queen and Lord of Delany castle. He was also made a citizen of Scotland as well."
Freya; "So the rumors are true. That's fine but it makes no difference. If Stoic takes me as his wife I will also be this little boy's stepmother. As a condition of this marriage, I will adopt Hiccup as my own. I know now Lord Gobber, that you are a good man and that you and your wife love and take care of the boy. I would not expect Hiccup to come back home immediately. I will introduce myself to the boy in your home and all the time that is necessary to prove to this child that I will never hurt him and that I will always love and protect him. Until Hiccup renounces his title he will legally be Stoics heir to the Chiefdom of Berk. Any child I give Stoic will be second to Hiccup. This I swear."
Stoic; "Council members, I believe I have heard enough, I will marry...
Spitelout Jorgenson; "You will be quiet and remain silent. The council will remove ourselves to another room to discuss this matter and the qualifications of the candidates. Guards! You will take Freya Firestorm to another room, give her and her children food and refreshment and you will keep her safe. Chief Oswald, would you mind coming with the council as we discuss this?
Oswald nodded and he and all the council departed and Freya and her children were escorted to another room. Stoic sat in a rage. He knew he would have to accept what the council said or his dead wife's brother would replace him as chief. He also needed another heir quickly. The Gods truly hated him.
Back on the road to castle Delaney
The Royal family was just a day and a half away from Castle Delaney, Hiccup's future home. The King and Queen kept the kids close to them. Mr. Frog, the Tutor was teaching both the children very well about how to be a Prince and Princess as well as languages, mathematics, the sciences reading and writing in Celtic, Anglish and, Greek. He was also attempting to teach the kids about culture. Mr. Frog was given four hours a day. After lunch with the King and Queen, Yara got three hours. Maudie, of course, was still nanny and here attitude towards Hiccup had vastly improved.
Yara studied and taught not only the two little bond-mates but the Queen herself. Yara had heard about Hiccup and Merida's little jealousies and how frustrated the King and Queen were sometimes.
Queen Elinor; "Yara, Ah have two three-year-olds who are betrothed who love each other but donna know how ta handle it. What do I do?"
Yara; "My Queen these beautiful little bondmates feel deeply things that normal children don,t. They feel about all things intensely and much frightens them. Their worst fears are losing each other. The bond grows stronger every day. They need each other now as they need air. The act of touching is the most calming to them. We must guide them. Most young adults don't understand love or how to handle. These wee barons understand only that the other makes them happy and are afraid of being replaced.
Elinor; "How do we guide em with their special feelings and abilities. By the Gods Yara, they are spiritually married. How do Ah help them feel secure? How do we help em understand no one can truly separate them? Please Ah, need yer help!"
Yara; "First I must tell ye that the leaves tell me Hiccup is heading for a terrible time in his life. He will lose another close to him. Interestingly though, the leaves tell me that Hiccup will gain a strong and loving ally. What I think is that limit the amount of time with village children and when they are playing together, we must supervise more closely. Though the Prince and Princess enjoy playing with the other children, these children cause much stress and fear in the bondmates."
Elinor; "What can Ah do? Meditation? Learning to read the leaves? Trying to be better at being active in the bond?"
Yara, smiling, "What ye must du my Queen is to be less a queen and more of a hands-on mum. Yer heart tells ye this more and more. Ye have yer own internal struggles tell ye this. The kingdom will survive without ye for a while. Play with yer children, and yes, young Hiccup is your son now. He loves ye and looks at ye like ye are his mum. He donno even look at his precious Helga in this light. Do what ye want. Pick this wee one up and love on him, kiss him and give him all the love ye can. Just like Merida, the young Prince adores ye and King Fergus. You two are the only stable figures in his life right now."
The Queen smiled, thanked and hugged the old healer then left. During her time with the two little bond-mates Yara began to notice something. Merida was beginning to answer Maudie before Maudie asks a question. Often time when a stranger entered her tent, the children would become silent and either smiling or getting close to each other, holding hands or hugging each other. When Ylva and Elisa were with them, Merida would look at them and giggle. Hiccup would follow suit.
The other thing Yara noticed was that there were times when a person came close, Merida would have Hiccup sit down between her little legs. She would whisper or mind talk something to Hiccup then she would put her arms around him and Hiccup would hold her hands. Both children would then stare at that person. The person would suddenly look around then leave quickly. She noticed that one time they were with Ylva and Elisa.
The tots took the same position then suddenly Ylva look at them saying, "Cut it out you two, that's not nice.
It was then Yara started to believe the children could read minds and could in some way communicate to a normal person's mind. This was astonishing and she would have to teach the Queen how to recognize this and ho she could try to stop it if need be. Yara asked Ylva the next time Ylva scolded the wee royals why she scolded them.
Yara; "Ylva what are they doing that made you tell them to stop?"
Ylva, startled, just looked at Yara with her mouth hanging open. Elisa answered for her, "Hiccup and Merida have been giving us thoughts and they are reading our heads. Sometimes what Ylva and I think about is very personal and private. They have fun messing with us."
Hiccup and Merida were looking anywhere but at Yara.
Yara; "Hiccup is what Elisa told me true? asked the 0ld healer.
Hiccup just shrugged his shoulders. Merida's face was as red as her hair.
Yara; "Merida, is what Elisa said true? Were you and Hiccup looking inside the girl's mind? Tell me it's important and Ah promise Ah wilno punish ye.
True to her nature, Merida gave Elisa and Ylva a dirty look and stuck her tongue out at them saying, "Elisa, yer a tattletale". Elisa then stuck her tongue out at Merida. The little Princess looked at the royal healer and her teacher and said, "We can see what some people are thinking and we can feel what they are feeling.
Hiccup; " Sometimes Ylva and Elisa feel warm to me, then when Merida and I, we concentrate, we can see them wrestling naked. We just concentrate and try to get them to tell us what they were doing."
Both Viking girls yelled, "HICCUP"! Ylva then shouted, "Hiccup, I love you but one more word and I will spank you hard!"
Merida; "Na ye won't or Ah'll tell mum and da. Yer no allowed ta spank Hickey. Ah'll tell mum all aboot yu two."
Elisa; "Ye do that and we will tell yer mum that we caught you and Hiccup in the tent naked!"
Hiccup; "No ye won't cause Ah'll tell yer mum when we get back ta Berk." (Hiccup was trying hard to pick up a Scottish accent).
Yara; "ENOUGH! Ylva, Elisa, go do something." The two girls left grumbling. Yara; "Children, it is not polite to know what other people are thinking and then try to manipulate them. ye and Merida have a special gift and as yer teacher Ah am going to help ye understand and manage your gifts. When did ye two notice this new ability?"
Merida; "It was aboot the second day after Hickey came back. We were explorin and a man came up behind us and scared us. Hiccup and Ah hugged each other hard and we stared at the mon".
Hiccup; "A bunch of things jumped inta me head. Ah, could tell the things in me head didno come from Merida. Ah was sooo scared. All ah could think of was fer the mon to get away from us. All of a sudden the mon turned around and ran the other way. At night when we were gettin put to bed, Ah could feel warmth and love and en Elinore came in. Ah hugged Elinor and heart talked telling her too. Ah got an even warmer feelin from mummy."
Merida; "Ah felt warm too. Ah got the same feelins from Maudie when she kissed me goodnight but it was a different feelin from when mummy kissed me. Mummies' warm feelin was softer but stronger.
For the rest of the three hours, Yara taught them how to control those feelings and when to use them. Hiccup didn't agree but kept silent. He held Merida's hand and heart talked about his thoughts about the lessons. Merida agreed but said that some of the lessons were good. Hiccup told her that they wouldn't tease Elisa and Ylva with it.
Back in Berk
Three days after she arrived, Freya and Stoic were wedded. The two other girls congratulated them and they were given a proposal of marriage By a Viking lad and a Scottish builder that had stayed behind. Henna was quite taken to the young Scott and told the lad named Orly McCory that she would be glad to marry him and would stay on Berk while they waited for approval from her father. The Viking lad name Felix the Fierce decided that he would accompany Cressida back to Berserker Island and ask her father himself and fight any challengers for her hand.
Freya had insisted that Stoic write in adoption agreement into his vows. Both of her children were now Haddocks.
She surprised everyone by addressing the council and the people, "I Freya Stone Haddock swear that as your Chieftess I will treat all with respect and love. I will aid my husband to be a better Chief, a stronger man, and a better father, (at this Stoic spit out his meade),.I will raise all of my children in a manner that will aid the citizens of Berk. This includes Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. I thank Helga and Gobber for doing such a good job helping to raise my new son. I will do my best to make the transition as easy and as loving as possible but eventually, I will bring my son Hiccup home."
"I know many see Hiccup as weak and pathetic. Hiccup is different, he is not like his big brother Herg. He is not like councilman Spitelouts son Snotlout, SO WHAT. Hiccup is MY son just as much as Herg is. I, not as your Chieftess but as a mother, I swear this, if any man, woman, boy or girl insults or harms any of my children will face my instant wrath. If an adult, you will face me in the ring. If a child, I will make your mother hold you as I beat ye with a switch.
Lastly, when it is time for Hiccup to come home, I will go to fetch him myself along with his brother and sister. I will meet and befriend King Fergus and Queen Elinore. Most importantly, I will meet and get to know my son's fiancee, Princess Merida. I will also travel to my son's home in Castle Delaney. Know this, Hiccup Haddock is the Stoics heir and future Chief. Regardless of any future children I give to Chief Stoic, Hiccup is sole Hier to the throne of Berk.
Someday, my son, Lord Hiccup of Delaney Castle will marry Princess Merida of Dunbroch, first of her name and future Queen of all Scotland. If he chooses to stay in Scotland with his queen then and only then will he be expected to abdicate being Chief of Berk to the next in line, his younger brother or sister. I will kill anyone, (looking directly at Stoic), who tries to usurp Hiccup. Now let us drink and be merry on this auspicious occasion."
Boats were sent out to all the tribes and Scotland announcing Stoic and Freya's marriage.
Castle Delaney
A scout had been sent out by the king a few days earlier to see if Ben, Castle Delaney's caretaker, was ready for the royal family and to see if the Castle was ready for its new Lord. Workmen had been repairing the castle since the King had made little Hiccup a Lord. The walls had been repaired and added to, the turrets were made safe, furniture had been made, windows repaired. Hiccup had been able, (via the king), had been able to purchase an additional 300 acres of land. The castle had been enlarged adding additional living quarters and enlargement of the great hall.
King Fergus made time every day to be with his future son-in-law. Besides calming the little boy, the King was able to convince Hiccup that as a Lord he was a very important person. He got Hiccup to wear the appropriate clothing, he was teaching the little boy how to hold himself and let him know that he would be called upon to make decisions that were for the sakes of the kingdom, Castle Delaney and the people who lived on his land.
Now Castle Delaney was a very old castle. It started as a mostly wooden structure. Constant battles, fighting off invaders, (Vikings, Englanders, Normans, Saxons, Gauls, Germans), had taught the Scots the value of tall stone structures, motes, and arrow slits. Castle Delaney was too far from help so had to protect itself
Hiccup, of course, didn't understand. King Fergus; "Ah know my boy, its a lot-ta take in. Ah will be with ya until yer older and can pick a counselor. For now, just follow my lead and listen ta Elinor and ye will be ok. When ye get older ye will have Merida ta help ye decide things as well.
Merida was riding with her mother on her trusty colt Angus. For some reason, Hiccup was afraid of horses. King Fergus had given him a colt mare Hiccup named Sara. While Merida galloped around on Angus, Hiccup would simply walk beside Sara holding onto her reins. Sometimes King Fergus would take Hiccup on his horse Trident, putting the little boy on the saddle in front of him.
It was on one of these walks that Merida asked her mother; "Mummy, why do Ylvi and Elisa sleep together naked. They can't have babies cause they are both girls?"
One of their cavalry escorts had overheard and had chuckled. He looked at the Queen; "Sorry my Queen Ah could no help meself."
The Queen just looked at the soldier and smiled as she answered her daughter, "Merida, Elisa come from the Viking lands and their customs are much different than ours. How did ye know the girls slept naked?"
"Well, mummy, Ah saw them in me head when me and Hiccup were heart looking at them. They were kissing and wrestling too," said the princess,
"Merida, Ylva and Elisa love each other and Ah suppose they were showing each other affection," said the queen.
Merida; "Can me and Hickey sleep together with no clothes on? We take baths together. Ah love Hickey and Ah want ta show him affection too."
Elinore; "Merida my sweet, we are Scotts and our traditions say that wee Barrons are no allowed ta show affection ta each other without clothes on, especially a wee Prince and the future queen of Scotland. Some day soon ye and Hiccup will no longer be able ta bath with each other like that. There come a time when it's no longer proper."
"Why not mummy?" asked the wee princess.
Elinore; "Yee wilno understand this but there come a time when boys and girls come aware of each other in a physical way. Ye and Hiccup are special. Ye feel things much deeper than other children. Ye love each other deeper than children yer age because ye are bonded. Yu two love more than teenagers do. Ye will have feelings in the future at will make you curious about physical things ye are no curious about now. I know you and Hiccup love each other very much. Someday mummy will explain things more to ye about physical feelings but fer now please just trust me."
Hiccup and the King came riding up. One of the troopers brought Sara up and as usual, Hiccup just walked with his mare, petting and talking to the colt. Today was a special day. Castle Dunbroch was in view. Ylva and Elisa were on two roan ponies just behind the King. King Fergus stopped and called to Hiccup, " Lord Haddock, it is time. Your King Commands you ta mount your steed and escort your betrothed to your home. Hiccup did so in obedience to a man he adored like a father though the little boy was afraid of the prospect. Hiccup took Sara and followed behind the King. Princess Merida rode behind her mother.
The Cavalry formed a guard in front and behind the royal family with companies of infantry on either side. The King was wearing his gold and silver armor-wearing his crown on his head, his kilt in the Dunbroch clan colors (red and black), and his battle sword. Queen Elinor was wearing a beautiful white satin dress, her golden breast armor and on her head a White satan headpiece with her crown on top of that. She wore a bejeweled dagger attached to a golden belt and white fur-lined boots.
Princess Merida rode on Angus wearing a red crushed velvet dress trimmed with white lace. She had on a silver breastplate similar to her mothers and she wore a tiny bejeweled dagger attached to her silver belt. On her head, she wore a dark red satin headpiece with her small crown and red-dyed leather boots.
Hiccup rode beside his mate wearing light brown leather pants, with a bright red linen shirt tucked into the pants held up with a leather belt and his kilt over that. Over that, he wore Roman style bright red armor trimmed with Silver. His pants were tucked into a pair of tall shiny black boots like the Kings Cavalry were wearing, on his head, he wore a simple Roman-style Cavalry helmet. He was wearing a small Gladius made for him by the royal armorer and his little Roman styled Shield red trimmed in black with his clan's symbol which was a golden dragon. He kept looking at Merida and smiling. The joke between them was that Vikings had a special hatred for the Romans who had chased them off the shores of Northern Europa. He would wear the armor home just to irritate his father,
Ylva and Elisa were wearing leather pants tucked into fur boots with a red flannel shirt like Hiccups. The wore black armor and Roman Cavalry helmets like Hiccups. Both girls wore swords and spears of ancient Roman design with Viking shields decorated with the colors of house Dunbroch. Their helmets had red satin streamers attached to them. Each girl was now on alert, taking their role as bodyguards to Hiccup and Merida very, very seriously.
Castle Dunbroch was much smaller than Castle Dunbroch but still impressive. There was a stone road that led to one of two gates of the outer wall. The outer wall was twenty feet tall with four small towers place at each gate. Between the outer and the inner gate was a narrow grassy area the mote which was twenty feet across and twenty feet deep. There was another grassy area. Across the mote was a draw bridge that led to the front main gate.
Soldiers manned key points in the outer gate on walkways and in the towers. Hiccup, Merida, Ylva and Elisa were awestruck. King Fergus turned around in his saddle smiled at Hiccup and said, "You see my son, you are a Lord and you do have a castle. What do you think?" asked the king. Hiccup swallowed and said, "This belongs to me?" Yes, Hiccup, this is Castle Delaney and it is your home. Do you like it?" Hiccup gulped before answering, "How can I not like. It's bigger than half of Berk. you are too generous my king but I thank you very much.
People were lining the road curious to see the King and this little Viking boy who was now Lord of Delaney Castle. The people had come from all around ever since word had leaked out. Most were farmers from either Macintosh or MacGuffin lands. The King and Queen smiled and nodded, Prince and Princess, smiled and waved, Ylva and Elisa scowled at the throng and tried to look as menacing as possible.
Inside the Castle, the royal family had a pleasant surprise. Lord Ian MacGuffin and his family, as well as farmer Ben and his family, waited to greet the royal family and their new Lord. Soldiers manned the walls and the four turrets. Sentries formed a path on either side of the family.
The King stopped as well as the rest of the family In the center courtyard of Castle Delaney. Immediately grooms grabbed the hoses bridles. Lord MacGuffin helped queen Elinore down from her horse. Gilmer MacGuffin would have helped Merida down but Elisa had jumped off her horse pulled her sword and prevented him from doing so.
The King gave Hiccup a look and Hiccup shouted, "Elisa stop it's ok. Gilmer is a friend and will not harm my mate."
Once all the introductions were over, Lord MacGuffin gave the royal party on a tour of the refurbished castle. Lady MacGuffin and Queen Elinor chatted amicably. The King complimented Ian MacGuffin and his workman for the wonderful job the had done on Castle Delaney.
King Fergus; "Ian, yu and yer men have done an excellent job. Ah, am going to award yu 100 gold pieces as a bonus."
Lord MacGuffin; "Ah wilno accept fer meself but will accept the reward for me men. We still are putting up handrails around the high places in case our young Lord Hiccup decides to go explorin is new home. " Ian turned slightly and winked at Hiccup. Hiccup had his shield on his back and had his left hand on his Gladius and the other held Princess Merida's hand tightly.
Merida; "Hickey ats wrong?" she looked at her bondmate with alarm.
Hiccup heart talking; "Stay close to me, my mate, something doesn't feel right" looking around nervously.
Merida hearts talking; "What is it, Hic. Ah, feel it too. Ah, am afraid now too".
Hiccup heart answering; "Du ye member the night we bonded?"
Merida blushed; "How could I ever forget it?"
She could feel Hiccups' concern for her safety growing ever stronger. Now the Queen turned and looked at her son, (Elenor adopted the little Viking in her heart).
Elinor; "Hiccup what is it, my love?" Yara came up quickly bending down.
Yara; "The boy senses danger, but does not know what it is, and both children are frightened." Ah, suggest, my queen, that we increase our guard and perhaps cut the tour short today."
Elinor walked over to where the children were now dismounted. She could feel the children's fear through the bond. She turned towards her husband and caught his eye and with her head motioned for him to join him. Fergus smiled at his wife then frowned when he looked into her eyes; "What is it, my Queen," the king asked. Elinore; "Hiccup, my son, tell the king ats wrong, the queen softly commanded.
Hiccup nervously looked at the king and answered; "There is a danger that is close, I don't what it is, my king, but we are all under the shadow of it."
Fergus; "Son, no need to be afraid to tell me. Ah, know ye do no lie. Is the danger it the castle?" Hiccup nodded; "My king Ah believe there are bad men near, men that want ta harm us"
Fergus drew his sword and pushed his family behind him. The king had just raised his shield when an arrow hit it near the top. Ian drew his sword and stood in front of the king. Ylva turned and ran towards the hall leading to the stairwell. She had her shield up, her teeth gritted and her spear raised. Elisa followed behind her. Suddenly another arrow struck Elisa's shield. Ylva gave a Viking yell and threw her spear. There was an audible thunk and a scream as a man fell from near the ceiling of the great hall hiding in the rafters. Soldiers had surrounded the royal family and were shuffling them towards the sleeping quarters.
Ian MacGuffin yelled; "Assasins, assassins in the castle! General Guinness, keep a company here then take the rest of the men and secure this castle. Close the gates. Bring up the draw bridge!"
General Guinness; Immediately my Lord" and the general began to give orders.
Ylva and Elisa were back to back with shields raised and heading down the stairwell slowly looking at everything. They reached the bottom of the stairs when they turned a corner where Ylva was hit in the thigh with a bolt from a crossbow. She screamed and Elisa turned around and saw the assassin turning to run to the stairs heading towards the kitchens. He didn't make it as Elisa loosed her spear which hit the man square in the back.
The King was beside himself with anger. Had it not been for Hiccups warning, he would have been struck in the chest with a crossbow bolt. He, King Fergus leader of all Scotland, surrounded by an entire brigade of soldiers and cavalry, nearly struck down by an assassin. But who would dare try such a thing? How many were there? Who was aiding them? These were all questions that had to be answered and quickly.
King Fergus; "General Guinness! "
Guinness; "Yes my King? "answered the beleaguered old general.
"General, lock down the castle. When at is accomplished, Ah needs ye and five men you trust with yer life, to question every man in this command with the intent of weeding out enemies. Any suspects will be bound and brought to the great hall where they will be questioned by me and Lord Hiccup if the boy inno to terrified ta look at em." General Guinness saluted, bowed, then turned yelling orders to his immediate subordinates.
In what would become Hiccups bedroom as Lord of clan Delaney, Maudie, Queen Elinore, Princess Merida, and young Hiccup sat huddled on the huge bed in the center of the room. The heavy iron reinforced oak door was double bolted. On the other side of the door, two sentries were on guard in a room that was the Lord's study. Another double bolted door, two more guards inside the Lord's private dining room. One last door led to the hallway of the family sleeping quarters. Outside this door was an entire platoon (45 soldiers) of men on high alert. These men loved the royal family and were steadfastly loyal.
There were four other rooms attached to the bedroom. One was to the toilet, basically a grated hole that led to the gutter system and the sewers. Next was the Lord's bath which held a huge copper tub with a small furnace underneath and a private water source. The tub could easily hold four adults and to Hiccup and Merida it would be a swimming hole. Another door led to Hiccup's small library and a balcony that could also be used as a defensive position. Finally, there was a door to a smaller bedroom that was presumably a former nursery.
It took Elinore and Maudie over an hour to calm the two small children down enough to lay them down in the small bedroom for a much-needed nap. Yara, the old healer, had asked the King and had received permission, to enter Lord Hiccups quarters. She had sensed something during the attacks.
She bowed to the queen and then said, "Mah queen, Ah donno believe at the assassins were trying to kill King Fergus. Ah, believe they had another target."
Elinor looked at the older woman, now one of her closest friends and advisers, and raising an eyebrow asked, "Ye saw the arra in me husband's shield, didn't ye? Who else could the bastards have been tryin ta kill?" asked the queen. Yara gave her queen a grim look and answered, "They were after Lord Hiccup yer grace."
It took two hours for the loyal men to question and clear the officers and men. Eight suspects were now bound and waiting for the King to Question them. Word had somehow leaked outside the castle and now an angry mob of peasants had gathered outside the outer most gate of Castle Delaney holding several badly beaten prisoners and demanding entrance. General Guinness was concerned enough to reinforce all, the outer gates and to raise the drawbridges. King Fergus was sitting in the little Lords private dining room silently contemplating his next move whilst drinking a tall mug of watered whiskey. There was a knock and a young officer of the Kings Guard saluted and bowed.
Fergus; "Ats on yer mind Lieutenant McFarland?"
Lt. McFarland answered, "Sire, General Guinness requests an audience with the King."
Fergus; " Very well son, lead him in and tell yer men to be extra vigilant. Until we chase these men down and get to the bottom of this, EVERYONE and Ah mean everyone is suspect. Other than your men, no others are allowed in these chambers or near meself and the royal family without my permission and with any weapons on their person. Am Ah clear lad?"
Lt. McFarland answered, "It will be as you command sire", then the young officer bowed, saluted and left.
General Arland Guinness was an old school General. He had joined the king's father's army as a boy and had come up through the ranks. He had taken part in countless battles and had been rewarded for saving lives more than once. Arland had fought side by side with King Fergus in battle and the two had become fast friends long ago. King Fergus stood and since they were in private, he embraced his friend warmly.
"Come and sit ye down Arland. Have a mug of whiskey."
Arland sat down, "If it's all the same to ye Fergus, Ah'll stick with ale."
Fergus nodded, "Is it at bad my old friend?" the king asked.
"Not sure," answered the general, "Ah just have a bad feeling. For assassins to get this close and through my men, they were either already here, or with the brigade and camp followers. To do either, they had to have had help. We not only have assassins, but we also have traitors. The big question is why? Oh, before Ah forget my king, Ah must report that both Lady Ylva and Lady Elisa pursued the assassins killing two. Lady Ylva took a crossbow bolt to her right leg. Her armor kept it from killing her and I'm told by one of our healers that she won't lose the leg. They are both true to their Viking blood. I plan to reward them."
Elinore woke Hiccup and Merida as she always did with kisses on their cheeks. As usual, Merida clung tightly to her little boy Hiccup until he fully woke up. The betrothed children grew closer every day, as did their affection for Elenor and each other. Even Maudie had grown to accept their unusual relationship. Elinor was growing closer than she ever thought possible through the bond. She could feel them almost constantly. The children were still shaken by the earlier events but no longer terrified. Elinor took them into the large bathing area.
Farmer Ben's oldest daughter Beatrice (Bee) had been permitted to be in Lord Hiccup's chambers. At 17 Bea, having five younger brothers and sisters, was no stranger to bathing children. She was tall, muscular, brunette with green eyes like Hiccups. She was very pleasant and quite grateful to be given the positions as a personal maid. Bea prepared the bathwater and helped the queen get the children in the bath.
Elinore; "Children, you met Bea earlier when we arrived. She is now your quarter's maid Hiccup. Bea has been hired by the king to take care of your rooms here in the castle.
King Fergus made his way down to the infirmary. Several people were being tended, most had been hit by the assassins. The oldest and most senior healer was named old Kate. She was called that because her daughter, Katy the younger was also a healer working for her mother. Old Kate saw the king the old woman made her way over to him and bowed.
Old Kate; "My king, we have taken eight casualties. Three are dead, another will follow before the next sunrise. The other four will recover with time. The girl, Lady Ylva is tough and true to her Viking blood. I had to give her a sleeping potion to keep her in bed. She and Lady Elisa have been an inspiration to our men especially our wounded. I need to show you something, my king." The king followed the healer into another room.
Inside the room, old Kate had brought the king into lay five men covered by blankets. Old Kate pulled the tarps off of two of the bodies. Both of the men had been killed by the Viking girls. Both bodies had been stripped.
Old Kate; "I examined both carefully. See the tattoo's on their chests?" King Fergus nodded.
Old Kate; "These men were dressed like our soldiers but in fact, they were both Saxons. The old healer moved over to a third body and uncovered it revealing a man who had a knife wound in the chest.
King Fergus; "I know this man. This is Sir Thomas Wellesley. He is a long-serving Knight of the Dingwall clan. He was most experienced in battle. I don't see how a Saxon assassin could get close enough to stick a knife in his chest. Why was his armor removed?" asked the king.
Old Kate; "My king the wound is self-inflicted." I don't understand," said the king. General Guinness had quietly entered the room and answered, "Sir Wellesley stabbed himself as one of my men were about to question him. I fear, my king that we have a conspiracy on our hands."
Queen Elinor and Maudie had calmed the children down and they were now eating a meal in the Lord of Delaney's private dining room.
Hiccup had made everyone laugh when he insisted that Maudie and Bea sit down and eat with them and secondly when the little boy not understanding his new position asked, "Who is this Lord Delaney anyway? Won't he get mad because we are using his eating room? What's so funny?"
Elinore; "My sweet, sweet boy, you are Lord Delaney. Maudie and Bea eat in a separate place with the rest of the castle staff."
Hiccup, very confused asked' " Mummy you told me at Ah was Lord Haddock, how can I be Lord Delaney too? "
The queen smiled, "When you are with us in Dunbroch or away from yer lands yer title is Hiccup Haddock III, Lord of Delaney Castle. When yer here and within the boundaries of yer lands, ye are Lord Hiccup Delaney, leader of Clan Delaney." Hiccup; "Ats a clan?"
Queen Elinore; "A clan is a Lord's family and those persons who are no o yer blood' who swear fealty to ye. Fealty is when a person swears total loyalty to yeah and who will defend ye and the castle unto the death. Now ye two finish yer luncheon and I will show ye yer quarters ye will be living in. Ye have seen the bedroom and yer bath already, Now ye have seen yer dining room. We still need ta see yer toilet, yer study, and yer balcony.
King Fergus walked back into the room and chatted with the wounded men. Ylva was still unconscious, so Fergus spoke to Elisa who was sitting in a chair beside her friend and lovers' bed holding her hand. When the raven-haired Viking girl saw the King, she stood and bowed.
Fergus: "Sit my lady. First, let me tell you that Old Kate has reported to me at Ylva will be fine and won't lose her leg. That is, of course, if she follows the healer's instructions to the letter. She will need quite some time to recover. I am hoping that she will consent to stay in Scotland until she is well. You both were very brave today. Ye served Princess Merida, Lord Delaney, and your King well today. Ye will be rewarded handsomely."
Elisa; "Thank ye, King Fergus, but no reward is needed. We love Hiccup and we have come to love all of you as well. We didn't do it for reward or even Viking honor, we did what we did because we adore that little boy and his mate. We would do so again without hesitation.
The king smiled, bent down and kissed the teen girl on the cheek, "I am having Ylva and you moved to living quarters right beside Hiccups. Old Kate will be your healer and we are having her and her family moved into the castle. Ye will have the royal guards outside your doors at all times. ye will have yer own serving girl who also will be your cook. Don't worry. We will have Hiccup and Merida check anyone out who gets close to you two." King Fergus then turned and left. As he walked with a heavy guard back to his quarters, he muttered to General Guinness, "I must know how deep this conspiracy goes. I must know the target and the reason for the attack. Though I hate doing it, I need Hiccup,s gift to get the answers. This evening I must ask a mere child to rise above his fears and serve his king and his clan."
The King walked back to his sleeping quarters. He had a heavy heart. It was bad enough that Saxon assassins had infiltrated his troops well enough to be able to take a shot at the royal family. What was even worse was that the assassins had probably been assisted by Scotsmen, The more the King thought about it, the more he became convinced that Hiccup was at the center of it all.
His troops and royal Guard saluted him. He loved his men and it depressed him heavily that he had to take the actions he did to discover the traitors and the plot. It upset him worse that he would have to use a tiny little boy to root them out.
Elenore and Maudie were preparing the children for bed when then King entered the children's sleeping chamber.
King Fergus; "Elenore, Ah require Lord Hiccup. It is very important. Please redress him in his best garments and help him into his armor. Elinore; "At is so important at ye must keep a wee baron from is much-needed rest?" Hiccup can help me know who may have helped those two assassins. With his special gift, the boy let me know who they are when their emotions betray them. If there was any other way Ah wouldn't be askin this of im."
Hiccup slid off the tall King-sized bed. "My king, those bad men hurt Ylvi and tried to hurt you. Ah, will do anything to find them and make them pay. They are no men but slugs. They waste air!" Hiccup was so angry he spoke very rapidly and in Celtic. King Fergus could barely understand the boy.
Fergus in Gaelic replied; "Slow down boyo. Ye know me Celtic is rusty. Go slowly." Hiccup; "if there are more bad men oot there we must find them before they hurt Elinore or Merida!" The King gently picked the no longer tired but agitated tot and carried him to Castle Delaney's Great Hall.
The dining tables had been cleared from the Great Hall. Forty heavily armed and angry Royal Guards surrounded the men under suspicion. The 12 suspected assassination conspirators were shackled, blindfolded, gagged and had their hands behind their backs. There were six large Candelabras on each side of the hall and three at the north end with a huge fireplace in the east wall. On the north end of the hall was a raised dais where a large ornate wooden chair sat. On each side of the large chair were two smaller ones.
In the large chair sat King Fergus to his left sat tiny Lord Hiccup Haddock of Clan Delaney and to the Kings right sat General Arland Guinness.
General Guinness brought the room to attention then stated; "Ye have been brought before the king because there has been an assassination attempt on the King's life and at of the royal family. Ye have also been brought before the Lord of Clan Delaney because ye trespassed on is land and is home. Ye will be asked a series of questions by myself and Lord Delaney. Don't be fooled by the lad's size or age. The lad speaks Celtic, Gaelic, Anglish and German fluently. Lord Hiccup is a Viking by birth and the Viking gods ha given im special gifts. If ye lie, e will know, If ye try to hide something, e will know. E can tell where ye are from. The King will only punish the guilty."
Little Hiccup no spoke as forcefully as a child his size could in perfect Gaelic; "The bad men were Saxons my king".
King Fergus There was also a Knight from the Dingwall Clan who took his own life before we could question him. Ah was told once by an Anglish Christian monk at the truth shall set ye free according to the Christian Bible. The truth will set ye fee this day, one way err another. If ye are guilty, the truth will decide if ye die slow or fast. If ye were forced we and ye tell the truth ye just might see another dawn. The King needs ta know how far and how high this evil goes.
Hiccup had a strange look as he whispered intp the kings ear, "Da, the are very close. They worry aboot me. Ah donno understand?"
"Neither do Ah", replied the King.
The inquest begins
The General and two trusted royal guards escorted the little boy to each man. The prisoners were held tightly by two guards a piece. Hiccup would touch each man's hand briefly then ask questions if needed. One man was freed immediately as Hiccup could tell he was a loyal man who had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. In a very un-Lordly fashion, tiny Lord Hiccup apologized for what the man had gone thru. King Fergus winked at the General who was smiling at the little boy.
Four men had been coerced by a threat to themselves and their families. The men and families were freed from bondage but because of their betrayal Hiccup suggested to the King that they should be sent into slavery on the Viking Island of the Bog Burglars for no less than two years. The men cried out as they were lead off knowing that not only themselves but their families would be sent into forced servitude.
The seven other men turned out to be officers from Dunbroch and the other clans. To a man, they refused to talk.
Hiccup once again whispered into the Kings ear.
Fergus, "Take four of them to Aldermans Hill and tie the traitors to stakes ten feet apart. I am told we will have legends return this night. Tommoro the rest of ye bastards will answer me questions or you will be tield there yourselves." As the king walked away he could hear the men pleading for mercy. They would not receive any.
The king motioned General Gueinness over and muttered, "Leave no loyal soldier behind to guard them. Ah am told by the Dragon Prince at our evening visitors will be angry."
