Chapter 8: Barroom Blitz
Night had almost fallen as Gobber stood in the small clearing behind the smithy, looking down at the bound Hotburple. The weighted ropes that had restrained the Hotburple previously had been exchanged for iron chains, the ends of which had been hammered into the earth with pylons, holding the dragon down. The rope around its jaws had been removed and the Hotburple lay on the ground, sighing sadly with a forlorn look on his face. Gobber couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the Hotburple as he looked at it with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Master Gobber?" a voice spoke up. Looking to his right, Gobber found Sheamus standing next to him.
"Whit can Ah dae fer ye, Sheamus?" Gobber questioned as he turned to look at the young man, "An' daenae be callin' me 'at."
"Sorry Mas….er, Gobber. Oi was just wonderin', since ya know so much about dragons and all," Sheamus replied nervously, before he looked down at the Hotburple, "Oi just….does it seem, Oi don't know, sad to ya?"
"Aye," Gobber agreed with a nod of his head as he turned his attention back to the Hotburple, "Ah certainly feel there's saemewhere else he'd rather be."
"He?" Sheamus questioned.
"Ah daenae know, it looks like a he tae me," Gobber replied with a shrug.
"Do ya tink dere's anyting we can do for….him?" Sheamus inquired as he looked at the Hotburple with an expression of sympathy.
"At th' moment, nae much Ah'm afraid," Gobber answered with a sad shake of his head. A moment later, a low rumbling came from the Hotburple's direction. Gobber's brow knitted together in confusion as the dragon turned its head to look at him and groaned unhappily.
"Well, maybe there's ane thin' we can dae fer 'im," Gobber commented.
"Do ya tink he's hungry?" Sheamus questioned.
"Aye, Ah think sae," Gobber agreed with a nod.
"But what are we goin' to feed him?" Sheamus asked, "We don't have any food here in the smity."
"Normally, 'at wud be a problem," Gobber said with a chuckle, "But nae wit a Hotburple."
"Why not?" Sheamus inquired.
"Because a Hotburple's got a stomach like a cast-iron furnace," Gobber explained as he patted his own gut for emphasis, "They can eat jist aboot anythin'."
"So, what do ya suggest we give him?" Sheamus asked.
"Ye got any scrap metal layin' around?" Gobber questioned with a smirk.
A few minutes later, Gobber and Sheamus stood in front of the Hotburple, both holding pieces of scrap metal in their arms. Cautiously, Gobber approached the Hotburple, which watched him wearily. Once he was slightly out of arm's reach, Gobber stopped before holding a section of rusted iron chain out to the Hotburple. His gaze turning towards the chain, the Hotburple sniffed the air curiously before licking his lips as his stomach grumbled again. Opening his cavernous jaws, the Hotburple waited expectantly.
"Aye, 'at's wat ye want," Gobber commented with a chuckle before he tossed the chain into the Hotburple's waiting mouth, "Here ye gae."
Once the chain was in his maw, the Hotburple's jaws slammed shut like a bear trap, his teeth crunching down on the rusted metal. For a few moments, the Hotburple made contented sounds as he chewed, bits of metal falling out of his mouth as he ate noisily. Then, swallowing the remains of the chain, the Hotburple opened his mouth again expectantly.
"Greedy, fellow, ain't ye?" Gobber observed with a chuckle before tossing the other piece of scrap metal into the Hotburple's mouth. Turning back to Sheamus, Gobber found the young man smiling at him.
"There ye gae," Gobber said with a grin, "'At shud keep him satisfied fer a little while."
"Should Oi keep feedin' him?" Sheamus inquired.
"Ye shud probably feed him as much as ye can," Gobber answered, "At least if he's fed, he's likely tae be a bit more docile. Jist be careful, ye daenae want him takin' a chunk o' ye wit him th' next time he takes a bite."
Sheamus paled at the thought as he nodded his head in understanding.
"Good lad," Gobber said with a nod.
As Gobber watched, Sheamus cautiously approached the Hotburple, who opened his jaw wide in anticipation. Hesitating, Sheamus glanced over his shoulder at Gobber, who motioned for the young man to continue with an encouraging smile on his face. Nodding, Sheamus turned his attention back towards the Hotburple and tossed a piece of scrap metal into the dragon's maw, taking a surprised jump back as the creature's jaws snapped closed. After watching the Hotburple munching happily on the scrap metal for a moment, Sheamus looked back at Gobber with a broad grin.
"Oi tink he likes it!" Sheamus said with a laugh.
"Well, there's nae accountin' fer taste wit a Hotburple," Gobber replied with a chuckle.
As Gobber continued to look at Sheamus and the Hotburple, a thoughtful expression crossed his face.
"Sheamus, ye said ye came tae th' Highlands when ye were a babe, aye?" Gobber questioned.
"Dat's roy, Master Gobber," Sheamus confirmed with a nod.
"How did 'at come tae happen?" Gobber inquired, letting Sheamus' slip pass.
"Well, Oi'm sure ya've heard about the war between de Highlands and de Vendal," Sheamus replied, looking uncomfortable as he spoke.
"Ah hae," Gobber confirmed with a nod.
"Well, back den, de Vendal had pushed into MacGuffin territory, and in order to help foy dem off, Lord MacGuffin hired mercenaries from de Emerald Isle," Sheamus explained, his expression turning pensive, "Ma da was one of dose who came over, and because ma ma had died when Oi was born, he had no choice but to brin' me wit him."
"What happened to yer da?" Gobber inquired, though he dreaded the answer.
"He died in de war," Sheamus answered simply, his eyes falling to the pieces of scrap metal in his hands.
"Ah see," Gobber said with a sad sigh, "Ah'm sorry tae hear 'at, lad."
"It is what it is," Sheamus replied with a shrug, not lifting his gaze as he spoke, "Oi was so young when it all happened dat Oi barely remember dem now."
"How'd ye end up here?" Gobber inquired.
"Oi spent my childhood travelin' around de kingdom, workin' where Oi could and beggin' where Oi couldn't," Sheamus explained, "When Oi first came to Yorksdale, Oi was doin' odd jobs for a travelin' merchant when he decided to get rid of me."
"Get rid o' ye?" Gobber inquired with a quirked eyebrow.
"Oi'm a bit of klutz when it comes to most tings," Sheamus answered with an embarrassed expression, "Eventually Oi mess up enough dat nobody wants me around anymore. De merchant had reached dat point when we got to Yorksdale. He actually paid Master Balfour to take me off his hands. Oi've been here ever since."
"Very gracious o' Balfour tae dae 'at fer ye," Gobber commented, his voice practically dripping with sarcasm.
"Master Balfour isn't de best master, Oi'll admit," Sheamus replied as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, "But he's taught me….a little of a useful trade and the smity is fine to sleep in….most of de time."
"Ye sleep in th' smithy?" Gobber questioned, blinking in surprise.
"...Yes?" Sheamus answered with an awkward grin.
"Ah'm startin' tae think Ah need tae hae a few words with this master o' yers," Gobber stated as he crossed his arms and glowered.
"Please don't," Sheamus requested, his expression so intense that it gave Gobber pause.
"Is there saemethin' wrong, Sheamus?" Gobber asked with concern.
"It's just….Master Balfour has a fierce temper," Sheamus replied hesitantly, "And if ya said someting to him, he would know ya heard it from me and…."
"An' he'd take it oot on ye," Gobber finished, clenching and unclenching his good hand as he thought about the scars he had seen on Sheamus' back.
"Yes, sir," Sheamus replied with a nod.
There was a pause as Gobber took a long, steadying breath.
"Alright, Sheamus," Gobber said with a nod as he gave the young man a meaningful look, "Ah waenae say anythin' tae Balfour, but Ah need ye tae make me a promise."
"What's dat, sir?" Sheamus questioned.
"If he sae much as lays a finger on ye while Ah'm here, ye tell me aboot it," Gobber stated firmly, "Ah'll set him straight."
"Alroy, sir," Sheamus replied as he gave Gobber a small smile, "Oi'll do dat."
"An' ah'll hold ye tae it," Gobber said, pointing at the young man before he began walking away from Sheamus and the Hotburple, "Anyway, Ah'm off tae find oot what ma lordly friends are up tae. Ye keep 'at dragon calm while Ah'm gaene."
"Will do, Master Gobber," Sheamus stated as he gave the Viking a friendly wave, "Ya have a good evenin'."
"Ye too, lad," Gobber replied as he returned the wave, smiling and shaking his head as he watched Sheamus turn to the Hotburple and toss a piece of scrap metal into the dragon's waiting maw.
Making his way through Yorksdale, Gobber watched the villagers go about their evening business as he walked towards the inn. As he went, Gobber couldn't help but notice a number of them sending glances his way and whispering amongst themselves. While Gobber was already becoming use to this reaction, he noticed that there seemed to be more whispers and glances than usual that evening. Gobber had to imagine it had something to do with him helping bring a dragon and a pair of Vendel into the village.
Reaching the inn, Gobber pushed open the door that led into the tavern, finding it almost full with both the locals and the visiting Dingwall men. Glancing around the room, Gobber failed to spot the three lordlings, but smiled as he caught sight of Maudie. His smile turned to a frown though when he realized she was talking to Duncan. Looking closer, Gobber could see that Maudie was agitated and was speaking sharply to Duncan. As Gobber watched, Duncan put his hand on Maudie's arm, which she quickly brushed off with a cross expression. This caused Gobber's eyes to narrow dangerously as he began pushing his way through the crowded tavern towards the two Highlanders.
"Ma lady, ye must understand-" Duncan began to say as he reached out towards Maudie.
"Ah must naethin'," Maudie cut him off sharply as she batted his hand away again, "But ye must remember Ah said nae tae touch me."
"Ma lady," Duncan insisted as he reached out to touch Maudie again, only to stop as Gobber grabbed his arm by the wrist and held him firm.
"Ah believe th' lady asked ye nae tae touch her," Gobber said sternly as he glared at Duncan.
"Unhand me!" Duncan snapped as he angrily pulled his arm out of Gobber's grasp, "This daes nae concern ye, Vikin'."
"Ah'm thinking it absolutely concerns me," Gobber replied, unphased as Duncan glared daggers at him. Gobber began clenching his good hand into a fist when Maudie laid a hand on his shoulder and drew his attention away from Duncan.
"It's alright, Gobber," Maudie said gently, "Ah can handle this."
Doubt seeped into Gobber's expression as he looked at Maudie, but he relented with a nod as he took a step away from Duncan.
"As Ah was sayin'-" Duncan started as he turned towards Maudie but stopped as she held up her hand.
"Ah believe ye've said enough, sir," Maudie stated as she gave Duncan a cold look, "We've both said whit we wished tae an' Ah think it's time we gae our separate ways fer th' evenin'."
Duncan paused for a moment as he studied Maudie's firm features before glancing at Gobber, who grinned back at the Highlander.
"Very well, ma lady," Duncan said, nodding as he returned his gaze to Maudie, "Ah will bid ye goodnight then."
"Goodnight, sir," Maudie replied with a curt nod.
Duncan spared Gobber one last glare before he turned from them both and began pushing his way through the crowded tavern, uncaring for the people he jostled out of his way as he did so. Maudie watched him go before she let out a long, raggedy breath. It was only then that Gobber noticed that Maudie's hands had been bunch up tightly in the fabric of her dress, her knuckles white as she relaxed her grip.
"Are ye alright?" Gobber questioned with a concerned expression.
"Ah think sae," Maudie answered with a nod as she looked up at Gobber, "Ah think Ah cud dae wit a sit though."
Nodding in reply, Gobber led her over to an empty table where they both sat.
"Sae, what was 'at all aboot?" Gobber questioned as he settled into his wooden chair, "If ye daenae mind me askin', 'at is."
"Nae, Ah daenae mind," Maudie replied with a sigh, "Duncan decided he needed tae….explain tae me how it wasnae wrong o' him tae want tae kill 'at dragon."
"Ah take it ye didnae agree," Gobber observed.
"Nae in th' slightest," Maudie answered, her brow furrowing as she crossed her arms over her chest, "Tae think saemeane cud see honor in slaughterin' a defenseless animal. It seems sae….well, sae barbaric."
"Ah cannae help but agree wit ye there," Gobber stated with a nod, "Reminds me o' saemethin' Hiccup said shortly afore we left."
"What's 'at?" Maudie inquired.
"He told me 'at th' reason he cudnae brin' himself tae kill Toothless after he had shot th' dragon doon," Gobber explained, "He said 'at he saw too much o' himself in Toothless. 'At he cud see 'at th' dragon was scared."
"Jist like th' dragon taeday was," Maudie observed, "'At's jist how Ah felt when Ah saw it layin' there. Ah can see 'at's how ye felt too."
"Ah suppose Ah did," Gobber confirmed with a chuckle, "Tae think there wud come a day when Ah wud look down on th' idea o' killin' a dragon. If ye had told me 'at a year ago, Ah wudnae hae believed ye."
"Well, Ah hae tae say ye're adaptin' tae these changes admirably," Maudie observed with a warm smile, "It must be 'at good heart o' yers."
"Oh please," Gobber replied with a roll of his eyes as a blush colored his cheeks, "Ah'm nae all 'at."
"Ye are though," Maudie insisted before her expression turned apologetic, "Ah'm sorry aboot th' other day, by th' way."
"Sorry aboot what?" Gobber asked in confusion.
"Ah know when we first ran intae Duncan an' th' other Dingwall men, ma reaction…." Maudie paused as she thought over her words, "Ah cud tell 'at it hurt yer feelin's."
"Well, Ah'd be lyin' if Ah said Ah cudnae see why ye might be attracted tae saemeane like 'im," Gobber commented as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head, "He's awfully charmin' along wit….well, everythin' else."
"Yes, he is rather comley," Maudie agreed as she giggled at Gobber, "But good looks an' charm can anly get ye sae far."
Her cheeks turning pink, Maudie reached over and placed a hand on Gobber's, causing the Viking's eyes to widen in surprise.
"Ah told ye before, Gobber," Maudie said as she smiled at the blacksmith, "Whit Ah like aboot ye is 'at ye're a good man. Ah can tell."
Gobber looked at Maudie for a moment before a smile spread across his features. Slowly, he turned his hand over and took Maudie's into his, causing her to look away with a happy smile on her face.
"Sae," Maudie said as she looked back at Gobber, her face still flushed as she held his hand, "Any idea what ye're gaein' to dae aboot th' dragon we found taeday?"
"Nae yet," Gobber admitted with a shrug, "Th' lad from th' smithy an' Ah figured oot how tae keep it happy fer now, but Ah imagine 'at th' villagers arenae too keen aboot keepin' it in th' village."
"Why daenae ye take it back wit ye when ye return tae Berk?" Maudie suggested.
"What?" Gobber questioned as he blinked at Maudie in surprise, "Take it back wit me?"
"Aye," Maudie confirmed with a nod, "After all, it's becomin' fashionable tae keep a dragon as a pet there. Maybe this is yer chance tae find ane o' yer own."
"Ah daenae think Ah hae it in me tae train an' look after a dragon," Gobber replied doubtfully, "Besides, 'at Hotburple strikes me as a bit o' a grump."
"Ah think ye arenae givin' yerself enough credit," Maudie chided gently, "Ah bet ye've already formed a bond wit 'at creature. An' now 'at ye say it, Ah think Grump sounds like a fine name fer a dragon."
Gobber grinned and looked like he was about to say something but stopped as the doors to the tavern slammed open. Turning to face the door just like everyone else in the tavern, Gobber was surprised to see Sheamus stumble in, a wild look in his eyes.
"Master Gobber!" Sheamus called as he looked around the tavern, "Master-"
"Sheamus?" Balfour shouted from across the room, a clear slur in his voice, "Sheamus, what th' bloody hell are ye daein' here!?"
Looking over towards the shorter smith as he rose from his seat, Gobber watched as Balfour stumbled through the tavern towards Sheamus.
"M-Master Balfour," Sheamus replied nervously, his face paling as he looked at the smith, "Oi was just….Oi was lookin' for…."
"What is it, boy!?" Balfour demanded, "Come on, spit it oot, ye great idiot!"
"D-De dragon, Master Balfour," Sheamus mumbled, unable to look Balfour in the eye as he spoke, "De dragon, he-"
"It what!?" Balfour shouted, "What aboot th' bloody dragon!?"
"He….He got sick, master," Sheamus answered.
"What dae ye mean he aet sick, Sheamus?" Gobber questioned as he pushed his way through crowd so that he was close to Balfour and the young man.
"Well, Oi was feedin' him de scrap like ya told me too," Sheamus explained as he looked at Gobber, not noticing Balfour's face darkening further, "But den he….vomited it back up….as molten iron."
"Ye let 'at damned dragon barf up molten iron all over ma smithy!?" Balfour roared as his face turned an angry shade of red, "Ye thrice damned idiot!"
With that, Balfour swung up and boxed Sheamus hard on the ear. Sheamus let out a cry of pain and surprise as he dropped to one knee and clutched his injured ear, a small trickle of blood running down his cheek.
"Saemetimes Ah wonder why Ah even bothered tae take ye in!" Balfour spat as he raised his hand to strike Sheamus again, "Ye're naethin' but a useless screw up!"
Balfour brought his hand down towards Sheamus face, but was stopped as Gobber grabbed the other man by the wrist and stopped him cold. Blinking in surprise, Balfour looked up at Gobber as the Viking glared down at him.
"'At's enough!" Gobber snarled.
"Get yer hands off me, ye filthy Vikin'!" Balfour snarled as he snapped out of his shock and yanked his hand out of Balfour's grasp, "Who dae ye think ye are!?"
"Ah'm th' ane who's stoppin' ye from beatin' this poor boy," Gobber growled as he moved between Balfour and Sheamus.
"Ye hae nae right tae interfere wit me disciplinin' ma apprentice!" Balfour shouted, sticking a finger in Gobber's face, "In fact, ye hae nae right tae be 'ere at all!"
"Ye need tae back off," Gobber said, his tone even but dangerous.
"Nae, what Ah need tae dae is teach ye a lesson, ye filthy half-breed," Balfour snarled threateningly.
"Oh, an' how are ye gaein' tae dae 'at?" Gobber questioned, glaring at Balfour as he rose up to his full height.
"Ah think ma mates an' Ah will beat it intae ye," Balfour said as he glanced away from Gobber. Following Balfour's gaze, Gobber saw five other men step forward from the crowd of tavern patrons who had surrounded them, watching the spectacle. Looking at the men, Gobber could see that they were each rough-looking individuals with dangerous looks in their eyes.
"Master Gobber…." Sheamus said weakly as he rose to his feet, still clutching his bleeding ear.
"Get oot o' 'ere, lad," Gobber said as he glanced over his shoulder at Sheamus, "Ah'll take care o' this."
Nodding his head, Sheamus made his way over to Maudie, who was ushering the young man over to her as he pushed his way past the men who had surrounded Gobber. As Sheamus reached her side, Maudie looked at Gobber with a nervous expression, to which he offered her a confident smile in reply.
Unfortunately for Gobber, Balfour decided to take advantage of the Viking's momentary distraction and punched him on the jaw. The blow took Gobber by surprise and he stumbled a handful of steps before catching himself as the crowd of onlookers gasped in shock. Rubbing his jaw, Gobber turned his attention back to Balfour, who grinned savagely at the Viking.
"Ye like 'at, half-breed?" Balfour questioned as his compatriots grinned.
"Aye, 'at was pretty good actually," Gobber commented with a grin as he wandered over to a table that had been abandoned when the commotion had started, "Give me a second, wud ye?"
As the other men watched, their expressions turning to looks of confusion, Gobber picked a glass stein up off the table and began drinking its amber contents. What followed were a few moments of awkward silence as Gobber took deeper and deeper pulls from the glass.
"Uh, what are ye-" Balfour began to say but was interrupted as Gobber held up a finger, signalling for the other smith to wait.
"Oh, screw this!" one of the other men snarled in frustration as he marched towards Gobber, his hands balled into fists.
Cocking his fist, the man moved to punch Gobber, but was stopped as the Viking suddenly turned towards him, lowered the glass and spit the contents of his mouth into the other man's face. Stunned, the man took a surprised step back as he tried to blink the alcohol out of his eyes, allowing Gobber to step forward and smash the stein against the other man's face, shattering it. As the man cried out in pain, Gobber grabbed him by the front of his shirt and headbutted the other man in the face, knocking him to the floor where he lay groaning in pain.
A stunned silence fell over the room as Gobber looked down at the man. Lifting his gaze, Gobber looked as everyone, including Balfour and his remaining four friends, stared at him in shock.
"Alright then," Gobber stated as he looked between his adversaries, "Who's next?"
Snapping out of his shock, Balfour's face purpled with rage before he charged at Gobber with his fist raised to strike. Seeing him coming, Gobber managed to sidestep Balfour's angry charge before he grabbed the back of the other man's shirt and used the momentum of his charge to lift Balfour off his feet. Spinning around, Gobber tossed Balfour over the bar, sending him crashing into the wall behind it before falling out of sight.
While Gobber's back was turned to him, one of the other men leapt upon it and wrapped his arm around the Viking's throat. Gobber struggled with the man for a few moments before he reached back, grabbed a fistful of the man's hair with his good hand and flipped him over his shoulder, slamming the man's back against the bar. As the man lay on his back, groaning in pain, Gobber reached down, grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pushed him down the bar, sending the man sliding down the smooth wooden surface until he fell of the end and crashed to the floor.
Hearing another man charging at him, Gobber spun around and smacked him across the face with his prosthetic hammer, sending one of the man's teeth flying out of his mouth in the process. As the man fell to his knees, clutching his jaw in pain, Gobber reached down and grabbed him by the back of his shirt. Hoisting the man in the air, Gobber spun around and threw him over the bar just as Balfour was picking himself up, causing the other man to slam into him and sending both Highlanders crashing to the ground.
As one of the other men charged at him with a loud cry, Gobber grabbed one of the chairs from the nearby table, lifting the wooden piece of furniture up by its back with one hand. As the man reached him, Gobber spun around and slammed the chair against the man's side, sending the Highlander falling to the ground with a cry of pain. As the man tried to pick himself up off the ground, Gobber lifted the chair above his head before slamming it against the Highlander's back, shattering the chair as the man crumbled to the floor.
Still clutching part of the chair's back, Gobber turned to face the last man as he charged at the Viking, fist pulled back to throw a punch. Before the man could reach Gobber, the Viking tossed the piece of broken furniture at him, hitting the Highlander square between the eyes. As the man stumbled to a stop, Gobber stepped forward and grabbed him by the throat. Struggling against Gobber's iron grip, the man could only look at the blacksmith with wide eyes as the Viking lifted him off his feet before slamming him against the empty table, the force of the blow breaking the piece of furniture in half and sending the man crumbling to the ground in a shower of splinters.
At that moment, Balfour tried to pull himself to his feet again, gripping the bar for support. As he did, Gobber slammed his hammer hand against Balfour's fingers, causing the Highlander to howl in pain. Before Balfour could react, Gobber reached across the bar with his good hand, grabbed the back of the Highlander's head and slammed his face against the bar, breaking his nose with a crunch. As blood began to pour down Balfour's face, Gobber shifted his grip to the front of the Highlander's shirt and hauled him back over the bar, sending the blacksmith crashing to the floor.
"Sae," Gobber said, breathing heavily as he stood over Balfour, "What was 'at lesson ye wanted tae teach me?"
"Ye daenae belong 'ere," Balfour spat, his broken nose making his voice almost unintelligible, "Ye daenae belong anywhere, ye half-breed trash."
"Is that right?" Gobber questioned with a grin, "Ye know, yer nae all 'at intimidatin' what wit ye bleedin' on th' floor an' all. Maybe ye should stick tae beatin' on boys. Seems tae be all yer good fer."
"Ah'm twice th' man ye'll e'er be," Balfour replied, pausing to spit a glob of blood out of his mouth, "Ye're naethin' but th' mongrel son o' a murderer an' a whore."
The last word seemed to lance through Gobber's heart like a dagger of ice and the smile immediately slid off his face.
"What did ye jist say?" Gobber questioned, his tone dangerously cold.
"Ah said ye're parents were a murderer an' a wh-" Balfour replied before he was interrupted by Gobber slamming his hammer hand against the Highlanders face.
The gathered crowd gasped in shock as Gobber leaned over Balfour, grabbing the front of the man's shirt with his good hand before smacking him across the face with his prosthesis again.
"Master Gobber!" Sheamus cried out in alarm as Gobber struck Balfour a third time, the other man going limp in the Viking's hand as he stared at the Highlander in wild fury.
"Gobber, stop!" Maudie pleaded, but Gobber ignored her as he hit Balfour again, the rain of blows having turned the smith's face into a bloody ruin.
Raising his hammer hand above his head, Gobber prepared to strike Balfour again, but was interrupted by something slamming against the back of his head. The blow nearly floored Gobber, leaving him on his hands and knees as the world spun around him. Raising his head, Gobber was just able to make out the sight of Duncan looming over him.
"Make a fool oot of me, will ye?" Duncan questioned, his voice sounding like it was miles away, "We'll see who's th' fool in th' end."
With that Gobber saw Duncan lift his foot before she slammed it against the Viking's head, and the world went black.
A/N: Had a lot of fun writing this one. Hope you guys enjoyed it as well! As always, feedback and critiques are always welcome, so please review! Later!