Hiccup made a return trip to Wade's Emporium, he still had the dragon skin that he managed to acquire from the High Dragon from the Temple of Sacred Ashes.

Herren smiled as he entered. "Welcome…" This smile then faded when you laid eyes upon Hiccup. "Oh, it's you. Please leave. And if you have any more scales, you can shove them…"

Hiccup folded his arms. "I thought that Master Wade was the one in charge here?"

Herren glared at him. "You have cost our shop a great deal of customers."

"How dare you speak of this fine person that way," said Wade and smiled at Hiccup. "I am inspired, all thanks to you!"

"Stay inspired. Just be inspired quickly," Herren grumbled.

"Actually, I do have more scales," said Hiccup.

Herren looked as if he wanted to strangle him. "You just don't know when to quit—"

"Ho, ho, ho!" said Wade excitedly as he rushed towards the desk. "Why so glum, Herren. Today is a glorious day. Today I'm a make dragon scale armour!"

"I feel so giddy," said Heren dryly.

"How long will it take?" Hiccup asked, looking at Wade.

"Now, I've dreamed of what I could do every night. It's in my head, in perfect clarity. It will be the work of hours."

Herren's eyes lit up. "Wh-what? You're serious."

"Absolutely. Now don't move."

Hiccup sat down waiting as Wade went to work and as promised only took a few hours. He then presented Hiccup with the armour, which was completely black apart from a few red highlights. On the shoulder was the Haddock crest, which was also red.

"There you go," said Wade. "My life's work, that is."

Herren looked at him, shocked. "You did it so… fast?"

"Of course, Herren have some faith. I am a master armour, you know."

"Miracles never cease," said Herren shaking his head and then turned to Hiccup. "But you. You're not welcome here any more."


Hiccup and the others soon returned to the estate where Stoick was waiting for them in the main hallway along with Viggo and Tyrell.

"We've been hearing a great deal commotion in the alienage," he said. "What exactly happened there?"

"Drago conspired with Ensal slavers, he was selling the elves into slavery," said Hiccup.

"I can't believe my father would stoop so low," said Tyrell shocked.

"Do you have this?" Viggo asked.

Hiccup pulled out a document. "This is the list of transactions, and it has Drago's seal on it."

"No doubt Johann and Krogan were in on it," said Stoick looking seriously troubled. "We must end the civil war quickly. What the Blight does not corrupt in this land, politics surely will. The last of our allies have arrived in the city, we cannot delay any longer. I will call for Landsmeet to convene."

"Let's get this over with," said Hiccup.


It didn't take long for the Landsmeet, to begin within the throne room. Devi was sitting up on the phone herself with her father and Krogan standing beside. Other nobles were on the balconies or standing in the hall.

Stoick himself was on the balcony with Hiccup and the others by his side.

"My lords and ladies of the Landsmeet, Teyrn Drago would have us give up our freedoms, our traditions, out of fear!" Stoick's voice rang out, strong and powerful. "He placed us on this path, yet we should place our destiny in his hands? Must we sacrifice everything good about our nation to save it?"

The angry muttering of the bannorn was cut off by the sound of Drago's mocking applause. "A fine performance, Stoick, but no one here is taken in by it." Drago shook his head. "You would attempt to put a puppet on the throne, and every soul here knows it. The better question is, 'Who will pull the strings?'"

He then turned his eyes to Hiccup. "Your son is just another puppet, or perhaps he is the puppeteer. Tell us, 'your Highness': How will the Asgardians take our nation from us? Will they deign to send their troops, or will simply issue their commands through you?" He glared. "Did they offer you the throne? How much the price of Midgard honour now?"

"The Blight is the threat here," he said. He put as much power into his boys as possible in order to make Drago sound like a spoilt child. "Not Asgard!"

Alfstanna's voice was wry. "There are enough refugees in my bannorn now to make that abundantly clear."

Bann Wulff of the Western Hills rose. "The south is fallen, Drago! Will you let darkspawn take the whole country for fear of Asgard?"

Drago's voice was apologetic. "The Blight is indeed real, Wulff. But do we need Grey Wardens to fight it?" He gestured at her again. "They claim that they alone can end the Blight, yet they failed spectacularly against the darkspawn at Ostagar, and they ask to bring with them four legions of chevaliers." He shook his head. "And once we open our borders to the chevaliers, can we really expect them to simply return from whence they came?" He glared down at him.

Ragnar then stepped forward. "Then how do you explain selling Midgard citizens into of slavery?"

There was shock amongst lability as they began talking to one another.

"What's this?" Sighard yelled amongst a crowd of voices. "There is no slavery in Midgard. Explain yourself."

Hiccup then pulled out the document they acquired slavers. "In my hand is a document with a list of names of elves being shipped to Ensal with Drago's seal upon it!"

Drago could see that he was cornered the only thing could do was explain himself. "There is no saving the Alienage. Damage from the riots has yet to be repaired. There are bodies still rotting in their homes. It's not a place I would send my worst enemy. There's no chance of holding it if the Blight comes here."

Hiccup looked at him. "I think you are neglecting to mention that most of the damage was caused by Arl Krogan."

"Elves assassinated Vaughan, you really expect there to be no punishment?" said Krogan.

"They started because Vaughan interrupted an elven wedding, kidnapping the bride and a few other women for a little party. It was a pure act of self-defence and the elves responsible handed himself over to the authorities so retribution would follow down upon the people."

"It is true," said Grand Cleric Elemena and everyone turned towards. "We send a Chantry sister in order to oversee the wedding in question. She was distraught when Vaughan entered calling it 'a little tea party'."

Hiccup then turned back to Drago. "And let us not forget about your right-hand man. You allowed Johann Tradesman to imprison and torture innocents."

Sighard gestured angrily. "He speaks truly! My son was taken under cover of night. The things done to him…" He slammed his fists down on the rail. "Some of them are beyond any healer's skill."

Drago shook his head and tried to regroup. "Johann was responsible for himself. He will answer to the Maker for any wrongs committed in this life. As must we all. But you know that. You were the one who murdered him."

"Actually I was the one who killed him," said Dagur. "He murdered my family and tried to kill both my sister and me. He lied to everyone say that my father was a traitor, but in truth, he was just jealous and saw an opportunity to seize power!

Drago tried to draw them back. "Whatever Howe may have done, he should have been brought before the seneschal. There is no justice in butchering a man in his home. Despite what you may and if you think, I have done my duty."

"Was sending an apostate to poison Teyrn Stoick your duty as well?" Speedfist asked, putting power into his voice.

Drago gave him a scornful look. "I assure you, mage, if I were going to send someone, it would be my own soldiers. I would not trust to the discretion of an apostate."

"Indeed?" The ire in Alfstanna's voice could be heard all over. The woman arched an eyebrow, her arms folded across her chest. "My brother tells a very different tale. He says you snatched a blood mage from the Chantry's justice. Coincidence?"

"We also have the mage in question in our custody," said Hiccup. "I'm sure the templars can identify him as a wanted man."

Grand Cleric Elemena stood up, and the eyes of every noble in the bannorn turned back towards her. She turned her stern eyes on Drago. "Do not think the Chantry will overlook this, Teyrn Loghain. Interference in a Templar's sacred duties is an offence against the Maker."

He tried to wave her off. "Whatever I have done, I will answer for later. However, I must point out that my daughter is the true heir to the throne."

"Then why not let her speak, father?" Tyrell asked.

Drago glared up at his son. "I do not take the advice from a traitor?"

"I'm just stating the fact that she is old enough to express our own opinion, she does not need you to hold her hand."

Drago was about to speak, but Devi rose to her feet. "I am the Queen my word is law! Anyone who stands against me is nothing more than a traitor!"

"Anyone who declares herself a queen is no true queen," said Viggo looking down at her. "If anyone is a puppet, it is you, your Majesty. You do not have an ounce of royal blood, and you own the queen because your husband happened to be a king."

Valka then stepped forward. "Hiccup is the true heir to the throne."

Many of the nobles stared up at her in the immediately recognised her as Valka.

"Then why do you not make yourself queen?" Drago with a small smile.

Valka sighed. "Because I am a mage, but I have never desired power which is why I'm advocating my position as heir and given it to my son."

"Yet you married a very powerful noble and who's to say that your son is not a mage in disguise?" Drago roared.

Astrid then stepped forward. "Hiccup has shown no hint of magic throughout our entire journey." She then glared down at Drago. "He has done more for our country than anyone else here. He defended an entire city from under head… eliminating abominations and demons that were roaming the Circle Tower… ventured deeper into the Deep Roads than anyone else… wiped out a plague of werewolves. What have you and your daughter done?"

Devi glared at her. "You dare speak to your queen like that you filthy peasant girl!"

"You're no queen," said Astrid.

"This argument has gone on long enough," said Stoick look into the crowd. "I think it is time for us to decide the future of our nation."

"For once I actually agree," said Drago and turned back to the Bannorn. "My lords and ladies, our land has been threatened before. It's been invaded, and lost, and won times beyond counting." He tried to rally them back. "We Midgardians have proven that we will never truly be conquered so long as we are united. We must not let ourselves be divided now. Stand with me, and we shall defeat even the Blight itself."

Arl Bryland was the first to stand. "South Reach stands with the Grey Wardens."

A noble who Hiccup didn't recognise stood. "The Wardens helped me personally in a… family matter."

Alfstanna's voice was firm. "Waking Sea stands with the Grey Wardens!"

Sighard's voice was still filled with rage. "Dragon's Peak supports the Wardens!"

Wulff sat as he spoke. "The Western Hills throw their lot in with the Wardens. Maker help us."

"Hunter's Reach stands with the Grey Wardens!" said Viggo.

"Not sure I get a vote, but I'm with Hiccup," said Dagur.

"I stand with Drago!" said Korgan, earning him glares from the inability.

A quavering voice spoke up. "I stand by Drago! We've no hope of victory otherwise."

The remaining voices failed to join him. "I stand with the Wardens." From the other side of the room. "The Blight is coming; we need the Grey Wardens!"

Hiccup was utterly astonished as the last of the voices died away. It had been better than he had hoped for and then he turned to Drago "The Landsmeet is against you, Drago. Step down, gracefully." She hoped that he would show dignity at this defeat.

"Traitors! Which of you stood against the Asgardian emperor when his troops flattened your fields and raped your wives?" He turned and gestured at Stoick. "You fought with us once, Stoick. You cared about this land once. Before you got too old and fat and content to even see what you risk." He shook his head. "None of you deserve a say in what happens here! None of you have spilt blood for this land the way I have!" His voice was almost a snarl. "How dare you judge me!"

Devi glared in all of them. "I will not stand aside, guards seize those traitors!"

The soldiers looked at one another, not sure how to respond.

Hiccup then walked off the balcony and looked at Drago. "Call off your men, and we'll settle this honourably."

Drago narrowed his eyes. "Then let us end this."

Hiccup looked at him. "I gave you a chance to stand down on, what comes next is your own undoing."

"Really tell me what you would have done to my daughter, locks away in some dungeon or you perhaps you would have executed her on the spot."

Drago stood on one side of the room, flanked by his soldiers. "When we first met at Ostagar, I would never have thought so. But Ostagar seems like it happened in another lifetime, to someone else. A man is made by the quality of his enemies. Maric told me that once. I wonder if it's more a compliment to you or me. Enough. Let the Landsmeet declare the terms of the duel."

Alfstanna's voice rose above the crowd. "It shall be fought according to tradition: a test of arms in single combat until one party yields. And we who are assembled will abide by the outcome."

"Will you face me yourself," Drago stared at her. "Or have you a champion?"

"I will face you myself," said Hiccup.

Everyone watched in bated breath as the two of them began to circle one another Hiccup with sword and shield in hand while Drago had a firm grip on his bullhook.

Drago was clearly stronger than Hiccup, and he had more experience, but Hiccup had the advantage with a sword and shield, and his sword and armour were a finer make.

Astrid looked at Stoick. "You think you can win?"

Stoick looked at her. "I don't know."

They continued to circle each other for a moment. Hiccup bashed his sword against his shield while Drago spun his bullhook. Theron pulled out both his weapons. With a shout, Drago charged. He swung his bullhook, but Hiccup blocked it and sidestepped out of the way before trying to hit him with an uppercut. However, Drago saw this coming and used the handle his bullhook to block it.

He then used his strength to push Hiccup back and then swung it quickly towards him. Thankfully, Hiccup arched his back backwards, and it passed over him. He then swung his leg, slamming his it against Drago's chest, making him lose his balance. He then slammed his shield into Drago's chest and nearly toppled over. Before Drago could recover, Hiccup slashed Starfang into the gap between Loghain's arm cutting and damaging the straps.

As the two faced off again, Drago trusted his bullhook at Hiccup, who quickly blocked it with his shield. Sadly the impact made his entire arm numb and began clenching his fist to get some feeling back. Hiccup decided to wait for Drage to make his next move to lessen his chances of making a mistake. Drage was also being a little cautious as he began moving slowly. Hiccup let him take a few steps, and then swiftly moved in to meet him. Their weapons clashed, and they met each other's eyes.

"You could have stood down with honour," said Hiccup.

"There's no way I will let you Wardens ruin this country," Drago growled.

"You've already ruined it because of your hatred of Asgard."

Drago then pushed him back and looked at him with anger in his eyes. "Hatred? You have no idea what they have done, and they wouldn't miss the chance to invade if they had the chance."

"Hatred only leads to more hatred," said Hiccup. "If you let your hatred take control, then you start hurting those you try to protect. Tell me, Drago, how much of your honour have you sold in this war?"

Drago roared and charged him again with his bullhook held high. Hiccup quickly blocked it with his shield, but he moved so fast and so much power that the shield was knocked aside. Drago then slammed his Bullhook down again, making Hiccup raised Starfang. Drago kept on striking the sword with all his strength forcing Hiccup down on one knee.

"It's over!" Drago roared as readied himself to deal the final blow.

"Not yet!" Hiccup yelled.

Hiccup then quickly rolled to the left and Drago's bullhook slammed on the floor. Hiccup then jumped back in moving enclosed for close combat, dropping his sword at the same time.

Hiccup punched him hard in the face causing him to drop his bullhook. Drago tried to counter by swinging his fist, Hiccup dodged it and slammed his elbow right on top of his shoulder, and they could hear a slight crack. Drago hissed in pain and Hiccup then jumped into the air and kicked him hard in the face knocking him down to the ground.

Hiccup then grabbed Starfang and pointed it at Drago, who could see he had been defeated. "I underestimated you, Hiccup. I thought you were like Cailan, a child wanting to play at war. I was wrong. There's a strength in you I've not seen anywhere since Maric died. I yield."

"You'll die for what you've done."

Then with one single slash, he beheaded Drago.

Devi was completely distraught. "Kill him! Somebody kill him!" However, none of the guards moved a muscle. "I am your Queen! I order you to kill him!"

"You're no longer Queen, Devi," said Stoick with a hint of satisfaction. "Hiccup is now the king."

Hiccup then smiled at Astrid. "And I would love Astrid to be my Queen."

Astrid's eyes widened. "Hiccup, are you sure I—"

Hiccup interrupted her by pulling her into a kiss, leaving quite a number of people speechless.

Hiccup then pulled away at her and smiled. "I'm sure."

Stoick then turned to Devi. "" Devi, the Landsmeet has decided against you. You must now swear fealty to the king, and relinquish all claim to the throne for yourself and your heirs."

Devi all but spat at him. "If you think I will swear that oath, Stoick, you know nothing of me. I will not yield my birthright, and I refused to allow this fool to have a commoner rule beside him. Grimmel now!"

Then suddenly emerging from within the crowd was Grimmel holding a crossbow a minute directly at Hiccup. "Should have killed me when you had the chance."

He then pulled down the trigger and fired a bolt at Hiccup.

"No!" Stoick yelled and immediately jumped into the path of the bolt, striking him in the chest.

"Dad!" Hiccup yelled.

Grimmel was about to fire another bolt, but Eret quickly tossed a dagger piercing his arm and forcing him to drop his crossbow. Many of the guards and nobles were leaning to apprehend him, but then he dropped some sort of pellet, and there was a huge smokescreen.

"Fine him!" Ragnar ordered.

"He's gone, sir," said a guard.

"What about Devi and Krogan?" Heather asked.

"They bolted as well," said Viggo. "Spread out and find them!"

Valka quickly rushed over to Stoick and examined the wound. "I can't heal this, he doesn't have long."

Hiccup looked at down his father. "Dad, I did you—"

Stoick smiled at him. "To protect you, any father would do for his son or any loyal subject would do for his king."

Hiccup shook his head. "I never wanted it to end like this."

Stoick then touched his face. "Son, I'm so proud of you. I know you will make a fine king, just remember that it king protects his own no matter the personal cost."

"I will," Hiccup promised.

Valka then bent towards him. "I wish that we had more time together."

"So do I my love, but we will meet again by the Maker's," he smiled.

Tears flowed down Valka's cheek, and she bent down to kiss him in a few seconds later after she pulled away from him, his body went limp. Silence fell, and every one of the soldiers present saluted to show respect.

Hiccup rose to his feet and looked at Grand Cleric Elemena. "I want to give him a state funeral as soon as possible."

Grand Cleric Elemena nodded. "I'll get the preparations done right away."

Tyrell approached Hiccup. "You better speak to your subjects, they'll be expecting you to say something."

Hiccup do know what to say, everything came unexpectedly. Him becoming King, his father being murdered out of nowhere and talk to all the powerful nobles of Midgard that were present.

Valka could sense his hesitation and approached him. "You came early into this world, you are such a wee thing… so frail… so fragile. I fear that you would make it. But your father, he never doubted. He always said that you would be the strongest of us all and he was right

Hiccup took a deep breath and nodded and then turned and faced all the nobles present. "I was so afraid of becoming my father, mostly because I thought I never could. I mean, how can you be someone that great… that brave… that selfless? I guess you can only try." He then looked at everyone present with a determined look. "A king protects his own, and that is what I will do. Drago was right about one thing, we Midgardians can overcome anything so long as we fight together. We will battle against the darkspawn, and we will win! Now, who's with me!"

Cheers then erupted as everyone got ready for the battle ahead that would decide the fate of not only Midgard but all of Reros.