They had just left the forest and were making their way back to Berk. They had set up camp for the night, and with luck, they should be back at the Berk in the morning.
Ragnar had just got the campfire going when Heather approached him with a very solemn look on her face.
"I was just thinking about what happened to the elves, and I… am reminded of a song sung to me, many years ago," she said. "It was… when my adoptive mother died, and wise elven woman comforted me and told me that we shouldn't fear death, or hate it. Death is just another beginning. One day we must all shed our earthly bodies to allow our spirits to fly free."
"That is comforting," said Ragnar.
"It's a beautiful sentiment, I think—one that brings peace and hope to the grieving."
She then approached the campfire, and then she started to sing the most beautiful voice Ragnar had ever. Everyone had stopped what they were doing in the listening to the song is tackled throughout the entire camp. The song she was singing was elven, and now everyone could not understand her Ragnar could.
Elder your time is come
Now I am filled with sorrow
Weary eyes need resting
Heart has become grey and slow
In waking sleep of freedom
Heather then turned and began approaching Ragnar, looking deep into his eyes as she continued to sing.
We sing, rejoice
We tell the tales
We laugh and cry
We love one more day
When she finally stopped, both Ragnar and Heather were looking at one another's eyes. Ragnar was completely lost in her forest green eyes, her eyes really did remind him of the forest.
"That was beautiful," he said.
Heather blushed slightly. "Thank you. When I stepped out of the cloister had no idea what my path would lead. The Maker led me, and he has rewarded me for my faith, I found you."
"So the Maker's a divine matchmaker then," Ragnar smiled.
Heather giggled. "Something like that. The Maker once his children to be happy. Would he have created us with the capacity of love if he did not intend for us to find it?"
"Love is a precious gift, but it is a very complex concept," said Ragnar. "Sometimes, it is strong as a mountain, but other times it is strong as a leaf. You know the Grey Wardens don't usually encourage each other to have feelings, because we're destined to die battling the darkspawn. However, many Grey Warden wish to celebrate what little time they have even if it is short."
"Are you one of these Grey Wardens?" Heather asked, approaching him so close that their lips were almost touching one another.
Ragnar smiled. "I could be."
Heather took that as an invitation, immediately pressed her lips against his, and soon found themselves in a deep passionate kiss. It was so passionate that Ragnar had even noticed that they were slowly making their way towards Heather's tent until they were inside it.
Once they were inside, Heather began to unfasten his armour, and his body was moving on its own as it began to remove her armour. In no time at all Ragnar laid naked Heather down on her sleeping roll and she too was staring at his naked body.
"You really?" he asked.
Heather merely nodded.
Ragnar then penetrated her with his dragon causing a small yelp coming from Heather; he waited for a few moments until she adjusted before pushing even further. He moved slowly, but as she adjusted to the movements, he began to move faster until they found the perfect rhythm.
They were trying to keep their voices down so not to alert anyone of the activities, but he suspected they already knew. Heather's legs immediately wrapped themselves around his waist, and she began pushing him even further in. At the same time, he was tracing his hands over her breasts, giving them a firm squeeze causing her to gasp.
Then the two of them came in perfect unison and exhausted Ragnar fell beside her. The two of them wrapped their arms from one another and began to fall asleep.
When Ragnar woke up, he found that Heather was looking at him. "Hello."
"Good morning, did you sleep well?" Ragnar asked.
"I've been up for some time, but yes, I slept very well," she smiled. "I've just been watching you sleep. Did you know that your eyelids flutter when you dream? And you have such pretty eyelashes."
Ragnar didn't know how to respond that. "Um… m-my eyelashes?"
She nodded. "They're like little butterflies. I want to catch them and keep them in a jar."
"You're teasing," Ragnar smirked.
Heather shrugged. "Maybe. I'm so happy, blissful. I haven't slept so well since I was captured, knowing that you would be the first thing I see at that I wake is be no small amount of comfort. I feel safe in your arms… safe, loved and accepted. This is where I belong. Thank you."
Ragnar smiled. "You're welcome, though as much as I like being in your arms, I think we had better get changed. The darkspawn won't kill themselves."
Heather nodded. "You're right, we have a long day ahead of us."
Once everyone was changing had breakfast began making their way back to Berk, but then suddenly they were ambushed.
Hiccup had no idea who they were, they were clearly not bandits nor were they any of Drago's men.
"They're not any of the Wolves," said Eret reading his mind.
"Most likely bounty hunters," said Ragnar as he fired an arrow.
Valka had created a shield in order to block a firewall that was aimed towards them. "And they clearly have a mage among them."
"We don't have time for this, take them down hard," Hiccup ordered.
With Shale in that order was taken rather literally and they soon began cutting their way for the bounty hunters. Hiccup couldn't help but notice they seemed rather surprised by them, which was strange if they were collecting the bounty on their heads.
Eventually, they kill all of them apart from the leader, though Snotlout approached him and was about to strike him with his mace.
"Don't kill him," said Hiccup.
Snotlout stared at him. "What? Why not?"
"Because he's not a common bandit," said Heather. "None of them were. Their weapons and armour are of fine make, and they are well-trained."
"And clearly are not common bounty hunters either," Ragnar added.
Hiccup looked down at the ringleader. "Now tell us who you are."
He coughed as he lifted himself to his feet. "Someone who regrets taking you on. Was told it would be an easy job. Kill the black-haired girl, you with the others as we pleased."
Heather's eyes lit up. "Kill the… you came to kill me?"
Hiccup looked at the bounty hunter with a threatening glare. "Who paid you to kill Heather?"
He coughed again, spit out a bit of blood. "I don't pay to ask why someone wants someone else dead. I just need to know what to do and where to get my money." He then laughed bitterly. "Ha, money. I'll be lucky to get away with my life, it seems. Maybe we can work something out? You'll like the idea."
"Speak quickly," Heather threatened.
"I've no real quarrel against you. Wasn't me that wanted you dead, but I know how you can find the one who does."
"What's their name?" Ragnar asked.
"Never found out. Got the feeling the man I spoke to was doing someone else's bidding too. I have some directions written down on how to get to the house. It's in Aresgan." He then handed Hiccup a map of the city. "Here… it's the best I can do."
"Thank you," said Heather. "Now leave. I never want to see you again."
"You heard the girl, get going," said Hiccup.
"Don't worry. I'll not trouble you no more," he said as he limped away.
"Any idea who wants Heather killed?" Fishlegs asked.
"Normally it's Hiccup and Ragnar are the ones people kill," said Ruffnut.
Astrid looked at Heather sympathetically. "Do you have any idea who wants to kill you this badly?"
"It has to be Marjolaine," Heather concluded.
Hiccup folded his arms. "It passed away at best terms, but it's been two years why galactic you now?"
"I don't know," Heather admitted. "Perhaps she then dared touch me when I was in the Chantry, it could be that she only just learnt now that I've left. Now she was a finish what she started."
"We'll be heading to Aresgan for the Landsmeet, it would be the best chance to find her," Hiccup offered.
Heather nodded. "Perhaps it's time for us to suffer this for good."
It wasn't until midday that they finally reached Berk and the whole place was basically a large military camp. There was a massive collection of people, humans, elves, dwarfs and even mages and temples. Hiccup recognised several flags of noble houses scattered across Midgard, even those outside his father's teyrn.
"Just think only a few months ago this city was at siege and now look at it," said Astrid.
"If the darkspawn want to make its way to Asgard, they would first have to attack Berk," said Hiccup.
"And despite all the recruiting we've done still nowhere near enough," Ragnar sighed. "To have any chance of going to need Drago's contingent to join up with us."
"And this year we can't get this Landsmeet on the road," said Hiccup.
They soon reached the castle and Stoick was overlooking a war table with his advisers.
"Dad, we've just finished recruiting the Freefolk elves," said Hiccup.
Stoick looked up from the table. "Then there's no more allies we can gather. It would seem as if your timing is quite fortunate that we've just finished preparing for the Landsmeet, as we speak nobles are all making their way to the capital."
"Then we don't have a moment to lose," said Hiccup.
A few days later they were now at Aresgan staying at the Haddock estate. Stoick had left Spitelout and Ake behind to be in charge of Berk while they were gone. They had brought a small contingent of guards and Dagur was selected as head of security.
"By calling the Landsmeet we struck the first blow," said Stoick. "The advantage, for the moment, is ours. Drago will have very little choice but to show himself to oppose us directly. He will strike back at us. The only question is, how soon?"
"Right now," said Dagur as he approached the two of them. "Drago and members of his Council are at our front door."
"Let them in," said Stoick.
Surely making their way into the throne room was Drago along with Johann and Krogan.
"Drago," said Stoick looking at him firmly. "This is… an honour, that the region would find time to greet me personally."
"How could I not welcome a man so important as to call every lord in Midgard away from his estates while a Blight claws at our land?" Drago gestured angrily.
"The Blight is why I'm here. With Cailan dead, Ferelden must have a king to lead it against the darkspawn."
Drago shook his head. "Midgard has a strong leader: its queen. And I lead her armies."
"Strong maybe, but not wise," said Ragnar.
Drago looked down at him. "Ah, the Grey Warden recruit. I thought we might meet again. You have my sympathies on what happened to your order. It is unfortunate that they chose to turn against Midgard."
"I don't accept the sympathies of deserters and regicides," Ragnar glared.
Drago glared down at him. "You should curb your tongue. This is my city and no safe place to speak treason. For anyone." He then turned his attention on Stoick. "There is talk that your illness left you feeble, Stoick. Some worry that you may no longer be fit to advise Midgard."
Stoick narrowed his eyes. "'Illness?' Why not call your poison by its true name? Not everyone at the Landsmeet will cast aside their loyalties as easily as you and these…" He glared at Johann and Krogan. "Sycophants."
"How long you have been gone from court, Stoick! Don't you recognise Johann Trademan, Arl of Traders Bay, and Teyrn of Berserker Fields?"
"And are in the new arl of Denerim, after Urien's unfortunate fate at Ostagar," said Krogan. "You shall show respect to Teyrns Drago and Johann."
Johann turned his eyes upon Dagur and Heather and smirked. "Ah, Dagur it has been a long time, and I take it that this is your long lost sister.
Hiccup saw that Dagur was clenching his fists glaring at Johann. He was showing marvellous restraint. Clearly, he knew that punching Johann in the face wasn't going to get the many friends. "I demand blood rights! This man murdered my family!"
The look Dagur gave him looked as though it could take down an entire archdemon. However, Johann wasn't afraid one bit. "You have no rights. Your family surrendered them when I revealed them to be traitors to the king."
Dagur marched right up and looked at him straight in the eye. "You think you can slander my family to my face?"
"How about we all calmed down," Hiccup advised. "We can discuss these rights in the Landsmeet."
Drago snorted. "I had hoped to talk you down from this rash course, Stoick. Our people are frightened: Our king is dead. Our land is under siege. We must be united now if we are to endure this crisis. You fought tirelessly to see Ferelden restored. Would you destroy your own work? You divide our nation and weaken our efforts against the Blight with your selfish ambitions to the throne."
Hiccup rolled his eyes. "You're the one who divided the nation."
Drago narrowed his eyes. "I was not talking to you."
"Hiccup is the true heir to the throne, and he is a Grey Warden, he will be the one that would lead our nation against the Blight," said Stoick firmly.
"The emperor of Asgard also thought I could not bring him down. Expect no more mercy than I showed him. There is nothing I would not do for my homeland." With that, Drago turned and stormed out, followed by the rest of his men.
Stoick let out a sigh of relief. "Well, that was… bracing. I didn't expect Drago to show himself quite so soon."
Dagur let out a snarl. "Johann killed our family. I can't let him get away with it."
"I may not have known my father, but I can't allow a man like that to destroy everything he's accomplished," said Heather.
Stoick gave them a sympathetic look. "I would not ask you both too. But bear in mind that he will be well-protected by his alliance with Drago." Distaste showed on his face. "He always seemed the kind of man who enjoyed kicking stray dogs. I would not have thought Drago would trust him." He shook his head. "We need eyes and ears in the city. Drago has been here for months. The roots of all his schemes must begin here. The sooner we find them, the better we can turn them to our advantage."
"Can't help but notice that Viggo and Drago's son Tyrell didn't appear," Ragnar noted.
"They must have had a good reason, I always found Tyrell to be quite reasonable compared to the rest of his family," said Stoick.
"We should keep our eyes and ears open and aware in the city," said Hiccup.
When they left the estate, a boy was rushing towards them with a note in his hand.
"For you, sir," he said, handing Hiccup the note.
"Hang on, who sent—"
"Got to go," said the boy and immediately ran off.
Hiccup looked at the note. "It would seem as if someone wishes at the Gnawed Noble Tavern."
"Should we find out what this is about?" Ragnar asked.
"It could be a trap," Astrid warned.
"It's a risk, but someone is put themselves more risk trying to reach out," said Hiccup. "The entire city is under Drago's control, and I imagine wardens sympathises are executed right on the spot."
"But as we should split up, we'll be able to find out more about way," Ragnar suggested.
"Okay, I'll follow up on this note and Ragnar see if you can't do some digging," Hiccup instructed. "Wartihog, you Shale, Sten and the twins stay here to keep my father safe."
"Whatever floats your boat," said Wartihog.
Hiccup decided to visit Wade's Emporium and given more Drake scales in order to outfit a new suit of armour. Wade was extremely excited, though Herren was less so and nothing he did dissuade Wade from working on the armour.
While Wade was working on the armour Hiccup made his way to the Gnawed Noble. The bartender pointed him to the room where he met a merchant with a strong Rocrosan accent.
"You hear about the note?" he said calmly. "Maybe we have some things we can talk about."
"Just see the conversation remain civil," Eret warned. "If this is a trap—"
"Eret, is it?" said the merchant looking at him. "You are Grimmel's responsibility. Other Wolves may try to kill you, but in my eyes, you're already dead. So you are of no notice." Is eyes then turned to Hiccup. "But the Warden, he is of great interest to me."
Hiccup looked at the two of them. "Wait, you're part of the Wolves. But when you hired to kill me?"
"I can't stress enough that I wasn't hired to do anything," he said calmly. "An associate was, and he's failed—and failed badly."
Eret huffed. "I like to see you do any better."
"Do you take me for a fool! That's a contract I'd never take." He then looked at Hiccup. "The client can always hire more… help. If the job isn't done the first time. But I'm hoping we can make sure that doesn't happen."
Astrid still looked suspicious and Eret. "Is this true?"
"I've only heard of one time the entire House of Wolves was hired for a job. A princely sum changed hands on an entire Noble family dead. Not one soul survived. Ignario has the right of it, it is one master, one job."
Hiccup nodded after then gestured her to lower her arms before turning towards Ignario. "I'm listening."
"Midgard is a busy place: Blight, civil war, other mayhem. Lots of people not getting along. Sometimes they really don't get along. Maybe want to do something about it. The people that handle that sort of thing can get real busy."
"So you're hiring help?" Hiccup asked.
"You could say that. Not many people we can turn to. So someone that's crossed our path and lived… well, maybe they could help out. Maybe some coin. Everyone wins."
"How does this work, then?"
Ignario then handed him a scroll. "A man by the name of Paedan has become one of our marks. Apparently, he killed someone very important to a very important person for being a Warden supervisor."
Hiccup read the contract and looked at Ignario. "So he's one of Drago's men?"
"Actually he's one of Arl Krogan, the new arl has been hammering out dissent among the common people without any iron hand. He also has no love for elves as those in the alienage can confirm. However, the target is on Paedan, the scroll will give you instructions on how to find him."
"I see," said Hiccup with a knowing smile. "You're testing my response to see whether I'm someone you can back."
Ignario merely smiled. "And that is something I cannot dive out of this present moment."
With that, they left the tavern, leaving them with many questions.
"He certainly seemed to be quite simple for an assassin," said Valka.
"Don't be fooled he's quite skilled," said Eret. "For all, we know this could be a trap in order to assassinate us."
"It's a risk we're going to have the take, we can't let this man murdered innocent people," said Astrid and looked at Hiccup. "So how do we find him?"
Hiccup looked at the scroll. "Apparently when you do find a Grey Warden poster. It will provide us with a password needed to enter the door at the Pearl."
"The Pearl?" Valka sniffed. "That's a brothel."
Hiccup shifted awkwardly. "And perhaps it was a good thing we decided not to take Wartihog or Snotlout."
"Let's just find that poster," said Astrid.
It took them several hours to locate the poster which was in the marketplace, and it did provide them with a password. With that, they made their way to the Pearl, which was a little uncomfortable.
The place was filled with half-naked women and very attractive men, who seemed to be entertaining some very horny sailors. A few of these women tried to get Hiccup attention, and he did his best to ignore them, thought Eret seemed found himself at home.
They continued to make their way towards the door and knocked.
"What's the password?" said a voice.
"The griffons will rise again," said Hiccup.
"Come in. Quickly."
They entered the room and came face-to-face with some heavily armed individuals, two of them were qunari.
"Another Grey Wardens supporter," said the ringleader who had to be Paedan.
"Not just a supporter, Paedan," said a female elf taking note of Hiccup's emblem on his chest. "That's a Grey Warden. He is the one that Arl Krogan is looking for."
Paedan face lit up. "Our trap landed a Warden? You've got one chance to surrender."
Astrid looked at Eret. "Did he just ask us to surrender?"
"It would appear so, perhaps we should allow them to gather more men to make it a more fair fight," Eret suggested.
"They could certainly do with the help," Valka agreed.
The smiles on the faces of the men in front of them turned to confusion. Paeden shook his head. "I don't think you get it. We're not common guards, Warden. We're Krogan's elite."
"More like common mercenaries," Astrid snorted.
Hiccup looked at them. "We've fought against undead, abominations, werewolves and darkspawn. Dealing with the four, you are a triviality at best."
It didn't take long to take down Johann's elite only about a minute.
"Not exactly elite were they," said Astrid.
"That was to be expected, they were only paid to kill unarmed supporters at best," said Eret.
"We best let Ignacio know the job is done," said Hiccup.
Ragnar and his group meanwhile were making their way through the streets when they came across a sergeant, who looked deeply annoyed. Intrigued Ragnar approached the sergeant, who looked as if he was about to pull his hair out.
"You hear to report another crime?" he groaned. "I swear, we should just cordon off the entire district." He then noticed the Warden insignia on his chest. "Oh, uh. Can I help you, Warden? I'm Sergeant Kylon of the City Watch."
Ragnar was most surprised. "You know who I am?"
"Your likeness of you and your comrades were passed around to the senior guardsmen at the palace," he explained. "I must say the sketch didn't do you much justice. Don't worry, even if I believed the 'official story' of what happened at Ostagar, I'm no fool. If I asked my men to apprehend you, they'd all run and cry big, soppy tears in their courtesans' bosoms and leave me alone to be skewered. Don't disturb the peace in the market and that's one for me."
"Is the Market District really that bad?" Fishlegs asked.
"The loan market isn't deemed important by the captain of the guard, even less with Arl Krogan in charge," said Kylon bitterly. "So when I finally get the men I requested, I get the delightful surprise of discovering they're Lord's Such-and-Such's illegitimate, undertrained, moronic whelps. Those lords keep sending me more than. It's decent pay, no expectations, a uniform. So I have a legion of bastards to protect the market from pickpockets, stabbings and what-not. And Teyrn Johann's specially picked men are the worst of the lot."
"Tell us more about his men," said Heather curiously.
"With the bastards, I just have to worry about dicing, the odd bit of drool, or yelling at them too loudly hurting their poor feelings and then getting chewed out by their noble fathers. But I swear the teyrn's men are more criminal than the miscreant we occasionally arrest. Some of them are the criminals we have an arrest."
"Perhaps we can offer you a helping hand," Ragnar suggested.
"What? You're serious?" Kylon blinked.
"I'm travelling with the true heir to the throne, and I think he would appreciate if we made the marketplace a safer place," Ragnar explained.
"Well, I'm not going to turn down help. I got a pretty popular… establishment… that's crawling with mercenaries. If I send my boys in, someone might get—Maker forbid—hurt. And I'll have to explain to the noble fathers that being a guard is actually dangerous."
"Would you want us to go?"
"The name of the whorehouse is the Pearl. The down any mercenary that are out of line and send them a message. I said beat down, not kill. Let me make that really clear. Not on fire, or exploded, or Make note whatever type of grisly death you can dream up."
Ragnar raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry… used to give orders to my boys," he apologised. "Just leave them breathing, and I'll be happy."
"Leave it to us," said Ragnar.
"Thank you, Warden."
"So why are we helping the City Watch?" Snotlout asked.
"Because it wouldn't be a bad thing to have the city watch on our side, especially given the mess Krogan and Johann have caused," Ragnar explained.
"Besides you really complaining about going to a brothel?" Heather asked, raising an eyebrow.
"When you put it that way, I don't see a problem," Snotlout smiled.
Hiccup's group had returned to Ignacio, but not before stopping at Wade Emporium in order to pick up his order. Despite Wade's complaint about the quality of the armour Hiccup thought it looks quite excellent.
Then, of course, he mentioned that he had even more drake scales which excited Wade and to Herren's horror. Though Wade the claim that he could make the army even faster than the last set, but Hiccup wanted to be perfect.
"I hear that tragedy has fallen over poor Paedan," Igncaio smiled.
Hiccup shrugged. "What can I say this place is dangerous, accidents happen."
"Indeed and there is one more person you might find quite interesting," said Igncaio handing him a scroll. "A very important man has had his son kidnapped by a Captain Chase, he wishes to see the captain dead, and his son safely returned."
"I'll look into it," said Hiccup.
They made their way to the meeting spot and encountered Captain Chase, but there was no sign of the boy and upon seeing them broke into a fight. Captain Chase was killed along with the rest of his men and they immediately return to Igncaio.
"I heard there was quite a scuffle in the alleyways," said Ignacio when they returned. "Well done, Warden."
"The boy wasn't there," Hiccup replied.
"Don't worry, Warden. Some 'friends' have rescued the boy." Ignacio gave a pleased smile. "He's already safely home and back with his father… his very important father. You already took care of the father's other requirement. The man who kidnapped his son, Captain Chase, is quite dead thanks to you."
"We done here?" Hiccup asked.
"My superiors want me to convey their thanks. The Wolves aren't accepting any new contracts on you."
"So now that return do you mind giving me some straight answers?" Hiccup asked.
"I did what I had to do. But there's no more need for word games."
"Who contacted all these assassins?" Hiccup asked.
"The civil war brought many old grudges to a boil. You'll be pleased to know that those contracts helped your own cause. After all, it is not in the Wolves best interest that the archdemon wins."
"Then why were you trying to kill Hiccup and Ragnar before?" Astrid asked.
"For a time, we thought that Drago was the only man for the job. But that's before we got to know you. When the first attempt on your life failed, we kept a close eye on you and saw that you were more capable leader and Drago. More and more allies joined your call well he was more focused on his own borders rather than his land. It was too late, of course, Grimmel had already accepted a contract. Even now, until you kill all of Grimmel's men, you will have to fight my brothers. We never cancel a contract once accepted."
"I was half expecting a doublecross," Hiccup admitted.
"And I was expecting the same. But our order has survived centuries because we always uphold our deals. Like I said, sending Eret after you was nothing personal. We determined you are far better ally than an enemy."
"Then our business is done here," said Hiccup.
"Just remember when you become King that should you need our services, we are always up."
Ragnar and his group had just finished kicking the mercenaries out of the Pearl without some great deal persuasion. They met up with Kylon in an alleyway, and he was quite pleased with their actions.
"I was hoping that I would find you," said Kylon. "I heard about the Pearl. I don't know how, but you got them to leave with no fuss at all. The Pearl's 'workers' will—"
Sadly he was interrupted by the arrival of a bunch of mercenaries.
"Nobody gives orders to my men but me," said the mercenary captain angrily. "A little lesson in respect is in order."
"I see," Kylon sighed and looked at Ragnar. "Don't bother sparing these louts. Things are about to get messy."
He wasn't wrong as a fight immediately wrote out, but with the assistance of Kylon and his men, they were able to kill all the mercenaries.
Kylon shook his head. "And people actually voluntarily attack you? Are they just stupid?"
"Most of um, yeah," Ragnar shrugged.
Kylon raised an eyebrow and then nodded slowly. "You have my gratitude." He considered a moment. "A lot of folk swallow whatever lies are fed to them, but us believers will try and spread word about you and the Wardens."
"Much appreciated. Let us know if you need anything else."
"I will."
Hiccup and his group were making their way back to the estate when confronting them was a tall man with short grey hair.
"And so here are the mighty Grey Wardens at long last. The Wolves send their greetings, once again."
Hiccup saw Eret sigh. "So they sent you, Grimmel? Or did you volunteer for the job?"
The man atop the stairs laughed. "I volunteered, of course. When I heard that the great Eret had gone rogue, I simply had to see it for myself."
"Is that so? Well, here I am, in the flesh."
"You can return with me, Eret. I know why you did this, and I don't blame you. It's not too late. Come back, and we'll make up a story. Anyone can make a mistake."
"Eret belongs with us now," said Hiccup
Grimmel laughed. "You don't even know who you're talking about, do you?"
Eret shook his head. "And neither do you, Grimmel. I'm sorry, my old friend. But the answer is no. I'm not coming back… and you should have stayed in Rocros."
Grimmel and his men then immediately attacked them, and they moved with lightning-fast reflexes. Valka slowed their movements by conjuring up a powerful blizzard, and Toothless jumped into the fray, biting down on one of the assassins.
Grimmel pulled out a small cross but renamed it at Hiccup, but he quickly raised his shield and blocked the shot. This was the perfect opportunity to test out his new shield, so he clicked down on a tree again immediately fired a bola that wrapped around one of the assassins.
Astrid had the opportunity and sliced the assassins head clean off. Eret had vanished, but some of the assassins ended up falling to the ground from stab wounds. Grimmel obviously could see the type was not toning well as or his men were dead and everyone was approaching him.
He then dropped a smoke bomb before they had a chance to make a move, and when the smoke finally cleared, he was gone.
"Where did he go?" said Hiccup astonished.
"Far way I imagine," said Eret as sheathed his daggers. "He was always skilled when it came to quick exits."
"Can we expect him to attack us again?" Astrid asked.
"You killed all of his best men, apart from myself of course," said Eret modestly. "And Ignacio made it clear that they were not going to put out any more contracts on you. So basically he is now in the same boat as I, the only differences he doesn't have someone skilled enough to protect him."
"So he's a pariah," Fishlegs concluded.
"Oh, I expect we will be seeing him again someday he's always been determined to see a contract through to the very end."
"So what about you?" Hiccup asked. "The Wolves will still come after won't they?"
"So long as I lay low they will not seek me out," Eret assured. "And I can use the chaos of the Blight to get away, a whole lot of refugees and I can blend in perfectly, but only after I complete my oath to you."
"So you're staying?" said Astrid surprised.
"You may no longer need my help to avoid the Wolves, but you still need a skilled blade by your side, I think. Of course, after all the celebrating I will be on my way, assuming we survive of course."
Hiccup met up with Ragnar and the others just outside the estate, and they compare notes.
"I say we've done a good job," said Hiccup.
"This still one thing to do and it's more the personal nature," said Ragnar looking at Heather.
Hiccup nodded. "Do you need any help?"
"It won't take all of us, only Heather and I should go."
"Oh no, I'm coming too," said Astrid.
"As I," said Fishlegs.
"You couldn't hurt to bring some extra swords with you," said Hiccup.
"Okay, hopefully, we won't be too long," said Ragnar.
Using the information they had gathered from the mercenary, they managed to track down the house where Marjolaine lived.
Ragnar looked at Heather. "You ready?"
Heather took a deep breath. "No, let's settle this once and for all."
They entered the house and immediately confronted two guards who attacked them instantly, but Astrid moved just a little bit faster than they did and sliced their heads clean off with her battleaxe.
They then stepped into the main room and found sitting at a large table was a beautiful black-haired woman. Ragnar noticed that resting beside her chair was a bow and a quiver full of arrows.
"Heather!" she smiled sweetly. "So lovely to see you again, my dear…"
"Spare me the pleasantries," Heather snapped. "I know you're—"
"Oh, you must excuse the shoddy accommodations…" she said gesturing to the house. "I tried to be a good host, but you see what I have to work with? This country smells like wet dog. Everywhere. I cannot get the smell out. Even now it is in my hair, my clothes… ugh."
Ragnar did his best to maintain his patients, but that was not easy. "Why did you send assassins after Heather?"
She looked at him curiously. "So business-like, your companion."
"You framed me, had me captured and tortured," Heather snapped bitterly. "I thought when we parted ways, I'd be free of you, but it seems I was not. What happened to hate me so much? Why do you want me dead so badly?"
Marjolaine blinked. "Dead? Nonsense, I know you, my Heather. I know what you're capable of. Four, five men… you can dispatch easily. They were sent to give you cause to come to me. And see? Here you are."
"You could have just sent a letter," said Astrid folding her arms.
Heather nodded. "You are so transparent. What are you up to, Marjolaine? Why are you in Midgard?"
"In truth! You have knowledge that you can use against me," she said, narrowing her eyes at Heather. "For my own safety. I cannot let you be. Did you really believe that I would let you go? Did you not think I would not watch my Heather? 'What is she up to?' I thought. 'The quiet life, the peasant clothes, devoting herself to the priesthood… this is not her.' You are planning something. I told myself. So I watched… but no letters were sent. No messages. You barely spoke to anyone. Clever, Heather, very clever. You almost had me fooled. But then you left the Chantry, so suddenly. Then suddenly discover that you are the lot daughter of a powerful teyrn, who could inherit a mighty army. What conclusion should I draw? You tell me."
Everyone looked at one another in bewilderment, this will actually believe that she was more important than the Blight.
Heather's just shook her head. "You think I left because of you? You think I still have some plan for… for revenge? You are insane. Paranoid!"
"She left because of the Blight she certainly has no vendetta against you," said Astrid.
Ragnar nodded. "And I thought Drago was paranoid, but releases concerns a more genuine. Not everything is about you Marjolaine."
Marjolaine looked at him as if he was crazy. "Oh, is that what you think? If I were you, I would believe nothing, she says. Not a one. She will use you. You look at her and see a simple girl—a friend, trusting and warm. It is an act."
"I am not you, Marjolaine," said Heather bluntly. "I left because I didn't want to become you."
"Oh, but you are me. You cannot escape it. No one will understand you the way I do, because we one and the same. Do you know why you are a master manipulator, Heather? It is because you enjoy the Game, you revelled in the power it gave you. You cannot change or deny this."
"That part of Heather's life is over," said Ragnar.
Heather blushed slightly. "Thank you." She then turned her eyes to Marjolaine. "You will not threaten me nor my friends again, Marjolaine. I want you out of my life forever."
"You're not going to get away with what you did," Ragnar vowed.
"You've caused too much pain for too many, Marjolaine," said Heather as she drew her twin-bladed axe. "It ends here."
Marjolaine clearly saw this coming because she quickly grabbed her bow and quiver with blinding speed. In no time at all, she nocked an arrow in her bow and fired, but Astrid was just as prepared and quickly sliced right through the arrow. Heather then charged at Marjolaine with incredible speed and sliced ahead before she had a chance to fire another arrow.
"It's over," said Hepburn in the civic you weight was lifted off her shoulders.
Ragnar looked at her. "You wish to talk about it?"
"Not here, maybe back at the estate," she said and then left without saying another word.
Astrid looked at Ragnar. "Give her some time."