A Son of Ice and Fire
A/N: PART 2 OF THE CLIMAX. This is by far my longest chapter, at over 12 pages and 7k words, and this will close out season 2. For those that have already read chapter 46, I've changed the number of Jorgenson men from 100 to 200. I realised 100 really isn't many at all to storm a castle, and that seems far too small of an attack force for the first assault, and so I've gone back and altered it. Hope you understand :)
Guest: Mildew definitely has to be afraid of Stoick's wrath, but about now, I think just about everyone has a reason to want Mildew gone. Stoick, Hiccup, Astrid, Heather, Valka? Sooner or later, Mildew will have a storm coming for him :)
Chapter 47: Is this the end?
Hiccup
"Ironborn… Coming… Here… Now," Cami wheezed, clutching onto me.
"It's okay now. You're safe. I've got you." I reassured her, but her grasp on the front of my coat only grew stronger.
"Hundreds… Hiccup… Hundreds." She panted breathlessly. Her eyes shivered an icy blue, drowned in fear of the flood raging towards us..
"Just relax Cami. You've been through a lot. You need to rest." I said softly.
With a sudden burst of energy, or just strength of will, she forced herself back to her feet. She took a few unsteady steps, having to place a hand on the ground to stop herself from falling over, before she rose up and turned back to face me, "Not far behind… We don't have time… An hour behind me… We have to fight."
I nodded to her, and then Gobber approached slowly, "Lad, we need to ring the bells. We need every man out here now." I looked worryingly to him, then to Cami, then lastly to Astrid. Reluctantly I nodded to him, and he rushed off from the courtyard to sound them. The bells. The thought of the bells ringing alone gives me shivers. It's never for anything good. The last time they were rung was the day Mum 'died,' and now they're going to signify imminent attack. Oh Gods, I wish Dad was here now. He'd know what to do. What do I know about defending a castle?
"KEEP WATCH AND INFORM ME WHEN YOU FIRST SEE THEM!" I ordered the soldiers who stood high on the battlements overlooking the Northern gate. "TELL THE REST OF THE MEN TO REMAIN IN THE COURTYARD, I WILL GIVE THEM ORDERS WHEN I RETURN!"
"Yes, my Lord." They answered back affirmatively, before they turned to watch for enemies on the horizon.
I looked up to the sky, as if hoping this was some kind of joke. The dark sky laughed back at me, as if mocking me for having any hope. I hadn't time to sleep all night, and now just an hour or so from the relief of the morning sun, my eyes were just longing for the slightest reason to close. I just shook my head and sighed. Yesterday, I had all these plans. Plans with my family. With Astrid. Now all this. Mildew. The Ironborn. This could be the end. Every nerve in my body seemed to be pricking me at once, striking a feeling of fear through my very core. I turned to meet Astrid's eyes, before looking up to the Haddock banner. The red dragon always flew majestically in the air, but now it's still. Dead still. What if this is it? What if this is how it ends?
I was broken from my thoughts by Astrid placing two firm hands on my shoulders. Meeting her eyes once more, they told me everything. What she wanted to do. What she can do. What she would do. She gave me a determined smile, "Hiccup, I'm with you. We'll get through this." No. This is not her fight. I will not put her in danger.
"I know you are." I responded weakly, as all I could focus on was Cami the background. The tears in the clothes. The blood across her face. The shaking in her hands. It all just added to the anger inside me. This will not happen to anyone else I care about. It will not. I looked back to Astrid, "can you help me get Cami inside?" I asked softly.
"Just give me a sword. I can fight." Cami protested, walking towards us, but her steps were uneven and she nearly fell to one side. "They slaughtered my village. I need to do this." She snarled with gritted teeth. I just shook my head, stepping towards her and placing an arm around her.
"I've got a more important job for you." I said to her, and it seemed to appease her enough to reluctantly start walking with me. Astrid propped up her other shoulder, as we headed out of the courtyard and through the archway and into the centre of the castle.
With every step, every opened door, every face we passed, I could think of nothing but if this would be the last time I would ever see them. If I'd ever see this place again. The place that had felt like a prison for so long, but also the place that has given me so many happy memories. Memories I will never forget. As a child, running barefoot across the cold stone. Marveling at how the black rock would make the walls come to life and glisten in the candlelight. Always getting in trouble and running away, as Dad's booming voice would snake its way through winding corridors and finally catch up to me. Finally, after all years, meeting Mum. Meeting my sister. And Astrid. If only there was more time. If only…
Along the journey, Cami, though still shaky, managed to walk independently and that, at least, gave me some hope. Now no longer needing us to hold her, our pace was increased, and we managed to reach the room quicker than I thought. As we entered, Mum looked up, and even managed a small smile as the three of us arrived at the healing ward. A few others had woken up, but most were still lying on the beds, spewing their lungs up into buckets. Dad had only left forty men to protect the castle, and with over a quarter completely out of action, we needed a miracle. I rushed over towards Mum, and hugged her immediately, before I turned to Heather. Her shallow breaths whistled softly, and I brushed the hair from her face. If only I could just see those eyes one last time. Have her hug me goodbye. I reached down, carefully picking her up in my arms and holding her close.
"Mum, you have to come with us. Now!" I said to her. She looked confused, but she must have seen the solemn look on my face, and so just nodded sharply. Astrid and Camicazi also shared similar looks of bemusement, but neither voiced their concerns. I quickly led the way from the room, but just as we exited, a deafening sound stopped us in our tracks. DING. DING. DING. There was a two second pause, before it chimed out again. DING. DING. DING.
"Son?" Mum said gingerly. She still looked to be suffering from Mildew's poison, but it seemed like the worst was over. I nodded to her, and she instantly knew what it meant. Colour began to drain from her face, as the alarm bells rang again, loud and true.
"Come on, we don't have much time!" I replied sharply, leading them further and further down into the castle. Just as we reached the intended location, Astrid grabbed my arm, forcing me to turn and look at her.
"Hiccup, what is this?" Astrid asked, eyes flickering wildly as she looked towards the entrance to the crypts.
I didn't answer. Instead I closed my eyes, and sat Heather down gently on the ground. I removed my thick black coat, and wrapped it around her. I clutched her motionless hand in mine, and clasped it tight, before I spoke softly to her, "I know you can't hear me, and I know you can't possibly do it, but I need you to promise me you'll be safe. I know you can fight this, because I know how strong you are. I love you, Sister, please don't forget that." As I gripped her tightly, her hand ever so slightly twitched, and her fingers curled over mine. It brought a small smile to my lips, and I leaned over, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, "stay strong for me, will you, Sis?"
With a deep breath, I finally turned and stood to face the others. "I won't have you be in danger. Any of you. Astrid knows this, there is an exit out of the castle just down there," I stated, pointing to the dark opening. "No matter what happens, I need you to promise me you'll go. You'll go and not return until I come to you," I said solidly, but inside my heart was breaking.
"Hiccup, I'm not going to abandon…" Astrid started.
"… You're not abandoning me. I want you to go," I cut in. "I won't have a chance of coming out of this alive, if I'm worrying something will happen to you. Please don't argue with me on this." I said firmly, but I could already feel my hands beginning to shake.
"But…" Astrid murmured, unable to finish the sentence.
"Son, I'm not losing you again," Valka said forcefully, stepping forward towards me, "I won't leave."
"YOU WILL!" I yelled back, as my resolve began to shatter. "You will," I repeated far more softly. "I love you, and I wish I got to spend more time with you, but you can't stay now. You are sick. Heather is still unconscious. Just get her to safety. Please."
She stepped towards me, placing a hand on my cheek, "No. No. I can't. No." She shook her head violently, as tears began to cascade down her face.
"Please," I begged, "take Heather and go. Head south. There's an inn at the crossroads about a day's ride from here. Wait there. If I'm not there in three days, just head further south. Find Dad. Tell him that I love him. Tell him I'm sorry." My hands now visibly vibrating like the strings of a harp, I looked down, as she rushed to hug me. I nestled into her shoulder, as she cried into the back of my neck. She must have held me for over a minute, and her fingers became claws of steel, fighting to not let me go.
"I love you, Hiccup, please don't do this," she pleaded, her bright purple eyes the source of an unrelenting stream.
"Who would I be if I didn't?" I replied. "The Gods will look after me," I followed up with a slight laugh.
Mum took a deep breath, smiling to herself, "You're so like Stoick. He'd be so proud of you. Just like I am." Her smile turned to sorrow, and she walked a step or two over to Heather. She took Heather's hand in one of hers, and mine in the other, before she turned back to face me, "Will we ever just get to be a family? Will we?" She buried her head in her coat, and I could do nothing but stand there motionless. If only that could happen. If only we could get the chance to be a family.
As Mum's hand let go of mine, Cami brought me into a hug, "Hiccup, don't you get yourself killed," she stated bluntly, "just put a sword in my hand and I'll fight right here and now."
"I know you would," I chuckled, "but you're exhausted, you've already been in one battle, and you're still limping. I can't have you out there."
She pulled back, and pointed to a hole in her trousers towards the top of her leg, "It was just one arrow. It caught me just as I was leaving. I pulled it out so it will be fine," she said carelessly.
"An arrow, oh Gods Cami," I said worriedly, but she just shrugged. I stepped back towards her, placing my hands on her shoulders, "Please go with them. I know you're not a soldier, but I would feel a lot better knowing you were there to protect them." She shook her head instantly, but after a few seconds she reluctantly sighed and nodded. She moved over towards my mother, and the two of them began to lift Heather up. Cami gave me a sincere smile, as if to give me a sense of optimism, but Mum's face was a completely different story. She hadn't stopped sobbing, and all I wanted to do was hug it better, but this could not be fixed. She gave me one final glance, her lips wavering as she tried to speak, but couldn't find the words. All I could do was mouth, 'I'm sorry,' as I could no longer hold back the tears.
As the first tear trickled down my cheek, I turned to face Astrid. She was stood motionless. Frozen. I stepped towards her, and instantly her eyebrows narrowed. "Astrid, please," I said quietly, "please don't make this any harder than it already is."
"Then what do you want me to say?" She said coldly. "That everything is all right. That this is how it has to be. That's bullshit Hiccup and you know it."
"Astrid…"
"No, Hiccup. Just no. If this is your choice, then that's fine," she said firmly, storming past me towards the others. No. I can't leave it like this. I rushed after her, grabbing her arm. She turned instantly, raising her other hand up into a fist. She slammed her fist into my chest, but more as a hammering action than a forward thrust, "Get off me! Just get off me." As I held her, she continued to beat her hand against me, yelling all the while. Eventually, with her hand shaking, she slowly began to stop and finally looked up at me. The ice in her eyes melted almost instantly, and she dug her head into my chest.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I said despairingly, wrapping my arms around her. I could already feel a slight wetness on my shirt where she was resting, and I couldn't stop myself from crying either. Holding her there, I realised it could be the last time I ever do. The feel of her hair in my fingers. The sound of her beating heart. The way she smells. Such simple things. Simple things that only mean that much when they're gone, and never coming back.
"Just ask me to stay with you," she sobbed, "you asked me before. Ask me again. My answer will be the same."
"You think I don't want that as well. I want that more than anything," I confessed, as she lifted her head to look at me. "I want to smile, and laugh, and tell you that everything is going to be alright. I want to tell you that this will all blow over, and I'll see you again soon. But I just can't."
"STOP. Stop talking like this is the end. This isn't the end. It's not," she said defiantly. "You don't get to do this to me. You don't!" She went to slam her hand into my chest again, but I caught it, locking my fingers within hers.
"This isn't the end," I smiled at her, "I need you to fight. Just have faith in me."
"I don't want to fight. I just want you to come with me. Just come with us," She urged.
"You know I can't leave them," I said firmly. "They're my people, I have to fight for them."
"Then let me fight for you," she demanded, eyes full of determination.
"I need you to keep them safe. Heather is still sick, and Mum and Cami are still worse for wear. You're one of the strongest people I've ever met, and I know you will protect them with your life," I said softly. She dropped her head, but I used two fingers to raise her chin. "One day we'll go to the cove. Just me and you. We'll sit in the sun. Dip our feet in the water. Lie staring up at the stars all night. Just me and you." As I spoke, the first smile in hours crossed her lips.
"Just you and me," she grinned, placing an arm around my waist, "I'll hold you to that."
"I know you will," I smirked, placing my hand on her cheek. "Just promise me, if anything happens to me, don't give up. You are amazing, and you deserve to be happy."
"Only if you promise not to get killed," she countered, inching forwards.
"My lady, I promise I will do my best," I chuckled, leaning in so our foreheads were touching. Her blue eyes staring into mine, I placed my hands gently on her neck, using my thumb to wipe away the moisture on her cheeks. She looked up at me with her tear-stained face and pressed her lips to mine. She draped her other arm around my waist, and there were no longer any thoughts of the future battle, or the danger brought with it. No war. No suffering. Just the two of us. Even after the moment had ended, neither of us could break apart. So scared for what it would mean. Will that be the last? The second we did, cold air filled where only warmth had occupied, and only one hand of locked fingers connected us. Like a blade to the heart, the moment her touch severed from mine, a void of emptiness and darkness replaced it. I stood there, as if part of myself was leaving with them, as the four of them headed off into the crypts. "Astrid," I called out after her. Either she was too far away, or she couldn't face looking back, "I…" DING. DING. DING. DING. DING. The sound of the bells echoed all around, even as far down as we were. She turned and gave one last smile, before, inch by inch, she vanished into the darkness. "… Love you."
Snotlout
"This is it, boyo. This is it!" Dad cheered, as the walls of the castle appeared in the distance. "Now I can avenge my son."
"What does my brother have to do with this?" I asked angrily. He never mentioned this before. Not once.
"You think I trudged my men half way across this fucking country on Balon's orders?" He exclaimed loudly. I rapidly shook my head, and a menacing grin crossed his lips. "This castle belongs to the man that killed my son. His people will pay for his actions. They will suffer my wrath." I nodded to him, but inside I felt like I wanted to throw up. All this. All this is for revenge. Killing hundreds of innocents for one man's actions. No wonder the whole world hates the Ironborn.
I kept my thoughts to myself, as I just stared forward at Dragon's edge. It looked like a palace of obsidian, spiralling into the sky. High walls, and strong gates. How can we possibly take that? Adrenaline from the last 'battle' had meant we approached the castle quickly, but as not all the men had horses, we were still at a large disadvantage. With only the three ladders we carried from home, and two more we were lucky to salvage from the village, we're not exactly in the best position to mount a full frontal assault. Stealth and surprise could have had us take it, but now they could know everything. Now we could be entirely predictable. I looked back to my father, but instead of a concern for possible casualties, he simply licked his lick in anticipation. Now we see what our iron is worth.
Arrows began to fly towards us, as we emerged from the hill and charged towards the wall. "HERE COMES THE STORM!" Came our war cries, as it was evident all surprise had been lost. A few idiotic men charged straight towards the wall, and fell to the ground looking like human pin-cushions. I remained closer to the back, taking cover behind the men with shields, as wave after wave showered down upon us. Screams echoed out, and men began to fall more and more. Hunched behind my buffer, more and more bodies had to be climbed over, as we pressed forward towards the wall. I rolled out to the side, picking up a shield that had been dropped by a fallen warrior. Storing my hammer on my back, I kept my head down and although a dozen arrows slammed against the shield, I reached the wall unharmed.
"GET THE LADDERS UP!" Came Dad's orders, as he stood with his back to the wall. Four of the ladders slowly ascended above the wall, but the last one was repeatedly halted. Men that ran towards it were cut down in the tracks, and even those climbing up the other ladders were struggling. A few men stayed further back, attempting to fire arrows through the slits in the battlements at the defenders, but with little success. Over half our forces laid dead in the mud, as not a single hole could be broken in the castle's defences. "COME ON! PUSH FORWARD!" Dad screamed, as he slammed his foot onto the first prong of the ladder. Arrows whistled down at him, but he either managed to dodge, or block them with the head of his axe. I noticed that his distraction had allowed other men to gain ground, and soon all four ladders were being climbed to much greater success. I leapt from the wall, shield in front of me, as I climbed hastily up the ladder adjacent to my father. I only got halfway, before I saw Dad's leg swing over the top and his axe hack down against an enemy, almost immediately.
Two more arrows swerved towards me, only missing my head by an inch, as my shield rose just in time. I managed to clamber over the top, narrowly using my shield to knock the defender at the top backwards, as he attempted to push me to my death. I brought my hammer around, swinging it heavily with enough force to knock the man from the battlements. Two stories he fell backwards, landing on his back on the courtyard below, never to get up again. "PUSH THEM BACK!" Came the voice of one of the defenders. I looked to the direction of the voice, and for a second I thought it was Viggo. Dressed in mostly black and red, but with a slight mix of brown leather, the man was ordering the men around. Wielding two swords, he sliced through three men with ease. "PUSH THEM BACK!" he ordered again, as he ducked under an axe swing and cut the man's chest open with one blow. For every one they lost, we lost ten, but soon our numbers were making the difference. Dad's axe struck deep, gouging a deep hole in a man's breastplate. The heavy blade slicing through the basic leather armour like ripping paper.
"RETREAT TO THE COURTYARD!" The man in charge of the defence called, as our forces began to swarm the battlements. Ladders could no longer be defended, so any man still not up and over, had free reign to climb them and join the battle unhindered. I sprinted across the battlements, striking down the last defender who chose to stay, by buckling his breastplate completely. As our wave descended on the courtyard, the fight seemed a lot more even than it should have. The initial onslaught had reduced our number to a mere tenth of its original might, with less than two dozen Ironborn remaining. Standing in an arch, in two lines, what remained of the castle's forces stared us down. Dad leaped down from the top of the first set of stairs, landing loudly in front of what was left our men. The man in the black and red stood at the front of his forces, as our two sides squared off, neither making the first move.
"ATTACK!" Came Dad's booming call, as he charged towards the line. His attempt to penetrate the defence failed, as his heavy swing was blocked by two swords, and he was forced to retreat. Our men charged at the line, but the uncoordinated attack left many of the men vulnerable, and one by one, they fell. I attempted to rush in to save one of our men struggling to hold his shield up against his opponents sword, but the defender reached round and dug his hook into the man's neck. I instantly stopped in my tracks, as the soldier fell to the floor. As the body dropped to the floor to join the other, the castle began to glow in the sunlight. Blood glistened, as the battle raged on under the watchful eye of the morning sunset. One by one, our men attacked, and our men fell. Seeing their advantage, the defenders charged. Pushed back, we were being picked off like flies. This is it. This is the end. Two swords swinging in his hands, their leader turned towards me. Shit. Shit. Shit. I thought about running for the steps, but I knew I wouldn't make them in time. He'd cut down more of our men than any other, and now he advanced on me quickly. I took a deep breath then ran towards him, matching his pace. If this is the end, maybe he'll make it quick.
I swung my hammer down at him, but he managed to roll out of the way. He slashed twice, but I jumped back, avoiding the blows. Eyes of a cold green stared at me though his helmet, and I felt like a mouse in a snake's nest, only waiting on the inevitable. I lunged forward, swinging horizontally, but he managed to duck under the blow. In his movement, he outstretched his blade, slicing across my calf. The surge of pain shot through my leg, but I pushed on, and soon his other blade had pierced the skin of my upper arm. I fought he urge to give up, and swung again. He used one blade to deflect the blow, while the other plunged deep into my lower chest. I looked down, as the blood began to burst from the wound. I turned and looked over to my dad. He was fighting furiously, but his eyes met mine and he all but froze in his step. I turned back to face the man with my blood on his swords, looking at him one last time, before I closed my eyes as he went to strike the final blow…
Hiccup
We'd nearly won. Less than half a dozen of them remained, and those that did are all but surrounded. The man in front of me was shorter in height, but far stockier, and to his credit, he fought fiercely. Looking into his eyes, he almost looked as if he was accepting his fate. I went to strike the final blow, but the sound of a horn blowing stopped me mid strike. Almost in an instant, an entirely new wave of Ironborn swarmed the courtyard from the south. I instantly sprinted across to the other side, throwing myself into more duels, as an endless amount of them seemed to pour inside the castle's walls. How has this happened? How is this possible? Rolling under an axe swing, I rose to plunge a sword straight through the first man's centre. The next soldier suffered a deep slice across the gut. The one after got a blade through the neck. Side by side, our warriors fought on, but the numbers soon overwhelmed us, and our dwindling numbers shot down even quicker. We can't win this.
Just as I thought there was no hope, a unique figured strolled into the courtyard. Armour of black and silver, and with a red and black mask, he was pointing and ordering the men about. If he's their leader, and if I kill him, maybe I can salvage this. Maybe I can end this. I fought my way through, with Bucket and Mulch providing cover. Alvin hadn't lost skill in all these years, and his great sword easily countered the comparatively flimsy axes of most of the Ironborn. Gobber hadn't fought in years, but was handling himself well. I pushed through, mowing down the complacent soldiers with relatively little risk. They had no control. No precision. It made them easy to beat. Yet as I was nearing reaching my target, it was evident this would be different. Bucket must have had the same instincts as me, as before I could reach the masked enemy, Bucket's sword swiped down at the man. I had to halt my advance, to subdue two or three men who had tried to attack me from the side, but as I turned back to help Bucket, I couldn't. He was kneeling on the ground, a sword through his chest, and a dagger through one of his eye slits. The man who did it twisted his head to look at me, and if a mask could smile, his did. With a jagged pull, he ripped the dagger back through the socket, and watched as Bucket fell to the floor in front of him.
Anger couldn't even come close to comprehend my feelings, as the man stepped over Bucket's body and casually wiped the blood from his dagger, all while looking directly at me. Mulch was getting pushed back. Alvin was barely hanging on. Gobber was in trouble. The half a dozen or so others were outnumbered and hanging on by a thread. I need to end this now. I ran towards the man, who slotted his dagger back at his waist, before engaging me. He was skilled. Very skilled. But he was overconfident. He followed through on every strike, never doubting it would miss, and that would be his downfall. Blow after blow struck between my swords and his, but after capitalizing on his mistakes, I had him on the ropes. My right hand forced the sword from his grip, and my left flicked the dagger he attempted to pull out of his other hand. You will not kill me fighting dirty. Dishonourable scum. He dodged back, but before he could collect his weapon, my sword cut straight through his armour. Hitting him an inch or two beneath his left collarbone, maybe even clipping the top of his heart, I held the hilt of my sword firm, before I dragged my steel back out of him. He held his chest for a moment, before he stumbled back and fell to the ground. A few of the men recoiled back a bit, and I thought it had worked, but a loud yelling from the other side of the courtyard proved me wrong. He wasn't there leader, but now I know who is!
Weaving between swords and axes, leaping over ever-growing piles of bodies, I sprinted towards the largest warrior the Ironborn had. He was booming commands, as his men began to encircle us. As I lunged towards him, the stocky soldier with the hammer I all but killed earlier, stepped in to block the hit. Blood dripped from his armour, and his face looked pale and weak, but he fought with all his strength. "SON!" The larger man yelled, turning towards me and raising his axe. Son. Maybe I can… This could work… In a flash, I span the man at my mercy around, so he was facing his father. The larger man instantly stopped, and with an angry scowl across his face and an deep grunt, he stared at me. I held my sword to the man's neck with hope I could leverage him, but as I looked around, there was nothing to leverage. Everyone still fighting had been disarmed or killed, and now I was the sole target of two to three dozen axe wielding Ironborn. Trapped in a sea of darkness, I span around hopelessly, looking for any possible escape. There's no getting out of this. I'm sorry Dad. I failed.
"LET MY SON GO, OR YOU WILL SUFFER IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY!" The larger man yelled, so I turned back to face him.
"You leave now, you can take your son with you." I challenged back.
The man sniggered, "Your home is in ruins. Your soldiers are dead. What are you even fighting for?"
"My life. My home. My people." I growled at him. I looked around and the Ironborn that were left had dragged all the surviving defenders across and lined them up.
"You love your people so much, eh boy? For every time you refuse to hand my son over, one of your people will be executed," their leader snarled. My hand began to shake, but I still refused. What's to stop them from just killing me and them afterwards anyway. It's not like they'll keep their word. At my first refusal, I turned to the bone-crunching sound, as one of my men had his head wiped clean from its body. I nearly threw up in my mouth. This is savagery. This can't be how things are. This must be a nightmare. I went to refuse again, but then I saw who was next on the chopping block. Gobber. No. He will not die like this. He won't.
"Okay. Okay. I yield. Just let them go. You can have me. You can your son. Whatever you want. Just let them go," I pleaded.
"NO HICCUP," Gobber yelled, "Don't…" Before he even got time to finish, I pushed the man I was holding forwards into his father's arms. Before he could do anything to me, I felt a surging pain down my right side, as a sword pierced through the back of my leg and emerged through my kneecap. I immediately dropped down to that knee, turning to see the grim sight of a red and black mask laughing down at me.
The man went to strike again, this time for the kill, but their leader stopped him, "VIGGO ENOUGH!" He ordered, and the man behind me reluctantly sheathed his sword. The man in front stepped forward. With long black hair and a horned helmet, he laughed heartily, as a smile crossed his lips and he sauntered up to me. He ripped my helmet off, and then just nodded smugly. "Hiccup Haddock," he sighed, "I don't always believe a son should pay for his father's crimes, but this is a special case. Your father took my son from me. He must have the debt paid. In full. I wonder what Stoick will feel when he sees your head on a pike. We don't usually do this, but it would be a shame not to make it official," he laughed. "I, Lord Spitelout Jorgenson, in retribution for the death of my son, Vicelout Jorgenson, sentence you to die" I'm sorry Dad. I'm sorry Mum. I'm sorry Heather. I'm sorry Astrid. He raised his axe, but before he could lower it, Alvin forced himself to his feet and shouted over.
"Yer want yer son's killer. 'E's right 'ere." Alvin announced, pointing to himself, "That boy's father tried to save yer lad. It was me. I charged after yer sons. I made them flee. I was closest when the rubble fell on them. It was me."
"Alvin, no." I pleaded.
"S'alright 'ICCUP. I told you I've been paying for my mistakes for a decade now. It was my fault. I brought this on us. I deserve this." He stated firmly, looking into the eyes of Spitelout. Lord Jorgenson looked to appreciate the honesty, and nodded as he made his way over.
"Is this true?" He asked Alvin.
"Every word. It was war. I 'ad me orders. I followed 'em," he stated boldly.
"Did they suffer?" Spitelout asked quietly. Now less raving madman, and just a grieving father, he hung on Alvin's every word.
"No, it was instant. They didn't even feel it." Alvin said sadly, for he knew exactly what was coming.
"Good. Good. Then neither will you." Spitelout said in a monotone voice, before one swing of his colossal axe beheaded Alvin on the spot. In one motion, the giant size of Alvin dropped to the floor, falling backwards.
"NOOOOO!" I yelled, trying to raise to my feet. My right leg in insufferable pain, I scraped myself off of the dirt. I fell back to the floor after a second, but forced myself back to my feet. The second attempt had the same result, but on the third, something completely unexpected happened. All the Ironborn were laughing as I struggled to get up, but one dropped his weapon and even offered his shoulder to help me stand to my feet. I turned to thank him, realising it was the same person I had first almost killed, then held hostage, if only briefly. This is complete madness. This can't be real. I slowly turned to face Spitelout, "if you're going to kill the rest of us, just get on with it. I'm not going to lay on the ground snivelling for my life just waiting for the end."
"As you so wish!" Spitelout said tonelessly, stomping over. I stood high and stared into his eyes, as he raised his axe. Astrid please forgive me.
"STOP!" The man that helped me up yelled. Spitelout gave him an angry glare, but as he went to strike, that same man, his son, stepped between us, "you don't have to do this, Dad. You don't. You've got justice. There is nothing to gain from this."
"But there is nothing to lose." Spitelout remarked coldly.
"How about you just take him prisoner. Make him yield the castle to you. Make his people serve you like a King. Wouldn't that bring you more satisfaction than this one moment." His son argued. Keep going. I don't know why you're helping me, but keep going. Please.
"Yeah, I suppose having them serve me like slaves wouldn't be a bad thing." Spitelout grinned, rubbing his beard with one hand, "we can take what we want, and they will kiss our boots while we do it." He patted his son heftily on the back, before he turned back to face us.
"Seems you've survived today," he laughed, before turning to his men, "TAKE THEM TO THE CELLS!" In an instant, me, Gobber, Mulch and two others were being dragged from the courtyard towards the main keep. How did it come to this? How has it ended like this?
Astrid
With Heather being in the condition she was, the journey along the passageway was a lot longer than it should have been. Eventually, however, we did manage to find the end. Cloaked in a sheets of ivy, the exit wasn't very large, and would be almost impossible to be stumbled upon. I exited first, axe out, just in case. I looked around, but it was clear, so I made my way back to the tunnel and helped carry Heather out. Valka exited after her daughter, and then Cami was last. I pulled the sheeting back across, masking the entrance, but I made sure to scan the surroundings for landmarks, just so I could get back in if needed. I looked back to the castle. All was quiet. Even at this distance, the sound of clashing steel would carry in the air, but now, only the silence carried on the wind.
"Mmmm mmmm," came a gentle murmuring, and my eyes lit up to see Heather's opening once more, "what happened? Where are we?" She mumbled.
"We're safe. We're safe. We're just waiting for your brother and all will be okay." I answered optimistically. A bad feeling was rising within me, but I couldn't possibly express that.
"Don't worry, dear, Hiccup will be fine," Valka reassured, brushing her hand through Heather's hair.
For a few moments, we all just stared towards the castle. It must be over. That must be a good thing, right? But as we watched on in horror, the pit in my stomach grew to a gaping valley, ready to swallow me up. Valka collapsed to the floor, shaking, and repeating the word 'no' over and over. Camicazi just bowed her head and closed her eyes. Heather had no clue what was going on but by our reactions soon gauged what it meant. I just stared on in shock. No. I was making involuntary blubbering sounds, but I didn't care. It's gone. It's all gone. I collapsed to my knees, tears streaming down my face, a lump in my throat so big I could hardly breathe. I wanted to close my eyes, but I couldn't force myself to. From the second it dropped, to the second it hit the floor, we all knew what it meant. As the Haddock banner was cut from its post, it floated momentarily in the air, before slamming into the dirt. The red dragon had flapped its wings for the last time. It's gone. It's all gone.
GAME OF THRONES SEASON 2 END
A/N: So, this is the end to S2 of the story. This season alone has nearly reached 100k words, so I can only see future seasons matching this, to make sure I can get everything I want said, written down. I plan to take a short break, of maybe a week or two, just to get my ideas for S3 condensed, as well as just to take a breather from constant writing. I really do value your feedback, so any reviews on the chapter, as well as the season as a whole, would be very much appreciated. I'm loving writing this story, and I hope you are enjoying reading it. Make sure to follow to keep up to date with when I next update, and be prepared for more shocks, twists and surprises in Season 3 :)