Chapter 15
The country of Broch
The country of Broch. It had been days Jack had constantly been hearing about it. The Hairy Hooligans Circus was still traveling and slowly going back up north, aiming to go to Broch's country festival. It was a large gathering of the four clans living in this region, filled with loads of games and tournaments, various sport contests and spectacles going on for two weeks long. The circus had already joined it two times and the performers were always welcomed like kings and queens.
Hiccup and Astrid were even friends with the princess Merida, whom Snotlout had tried to woo several times. Despite the ongoing bets on when he would get back together with Heather, the twins couldn't help but make new bets about him trying to get the hot-tempered princess' hand in marriage once more.
Every time the troup was talking about the princess, it was with admiration. Astrid liked her hot temper and her love for weapons and fights. Heather was looking up to her bow skills as well as riding horses. Snotlout was praising her beauty, always talking about her firing hair, fair skin and long neck. The twins and Dagur were mostly talking about the princess' younger brothers, mischievous triplets whom Eret and Fishlegs were complaining about while Gobber was comparing them to Tuffnut and Ruffnut. Valka was talking about Merida and her mother, queen Elinor, with much respect and friendship. As to Hiccup, he took a great time telling Jack about some adventures he went on with Merida when they were younger and just as rebelious as the other. They had a lot of escapades in the forest on Angus – Merida's horse – and Toothless' back.
Jack could hear the affection pouring from the tamer's voice when he was talking about the princess. She was obviously a precious friend for him, and Hiccup was happy to see her again. The boy even wondered if there was something more than friendship going on between these twos because, judging by how Hiccup was talking about her and how many things they were doing together, they obviously were really close.
The closer they were getting to the country of Broch and king Fergus' castle, the more the troup was talking about them, getting more and more excited. They were planing the things they would be doing at the festival, be it their show or the contest they were going to compete in. Snotlout bragged that he would beat everyone at the log throwing, Fishlegs spoke his doubts regarding if logic games were still up or had been removed for lack of action. Mala wanted to compete in the tournament of swords and spears. Astrid, Eret, Heather and Dagur talked about the bare hands fights.
In the middle of all this good mood, Jack felt foreign. With what the troup was telling him, the festival was an outdoor one with a really large amount of people. More than in his village, and no doubts more than in Burgess too. Finding himself in such a crowd, risking loosing control on his magic and expose his abnormality to so many people was scaring him. Little by little, he couldn't sleep again, ending up in several early morning meetings with Hiccup, even before their morning flight with Toothless.
It didn't take long for the tamer to notice something was bothering Jack, but it took longer for the boy to admit it when asked and share his anguish. Hiccup tried to reassure him, telling him his magic was nothing to be ashamed of, no matter if Burgess' people had told him otherwise. But Jack couldn't be convinced. The kind words from his friend couldn't ease him, and all his swirling thoughts ended up bringing back nightmares.
Only on the day of their arrival did Jack finally felt better, and that was only thanks to another conversation with Hiccup. After their last night at their camp, the performers were packing their belongings for the last flight to the castle. Jack, left alone in his tent since the twins were busy loading the carts with the others, was almost done packing clothes from the three of them when Hiccup came in to visit him.
The boy, not knowing why, got flustered being alone with him in a tent. Surely it was because Hiccup seemed nervous too. He was carrying a scelled vial and was twirling it in his hands, surely to keep them busy out of uneasiness. When he finally decided to speak, he handed the vial to Jack.
''Huh… here, this is for you.''
The boy warily took it. ''What is it ?''
He removed the lid and checked even before hearing the answer, only to find some sort of brown liquid which perfume smelt familiar.
''It's… dye.'' Hiccup hesitated.
Jack blinked a couple of time, eyes focused on the liquid, unable to find something to say. His silence seemed to feed the tamer's nervousness as he started to scratch the back of his auburn head.
''I thought back to what you told me, and it would be unfair if you couldn't enjoy the festival because of this fear, so… I thought it might help you to dye your hair ? You know, like you did the night we met. That way you could think about something else, and have fun. You wouldn't have to worry about your hood… Well…''
Jack remained speechless, motionless, just staring at the dye. He just couldn't move, speak nore think. Once again, Hiccup was showing him the extend of his concern and care, and once again it filled his chest with this lovely warmth. A small smile played on his pale face, but Hiccup didn't seem to see it and rather take his silence has a bad reaction.
''Of course, you don't have to if you don't want to… I'm sorry, it probably was stupid, can we forget I said that ?''
Jack cut him in his nervous rambling as he chuckled. When he looked up to the taller young man, he held from laughing seeing how lost he looked, and how his arm was still lifted behind his head even though he was no longer scratching the back of his skull.
''Thank you.'' Jack said heartily.
It was Hiccup's turn to be speechless, confused, until he lowered his arm and smiled hesitantly. Both remained face to face for a moment, in silence, until the auburnet pointed to the exit of the tent.
''Well, huh, I… I'm going then…''
He turned around and was about to leave, but Jack woke up and called him ''Wait.'' Hiccup instantly stopped and looked above his shoulder, his eyes full of questions. Jack couldn't phantom where this sudden bravery was coming from but the words came out effortlessly.
''Give me some help ?''
He didn't even regret asking, though his heart was pounding from stress. From the moment he had heard Hiccup praising his hair to the other performers, he had started to work on his fear, trying to open up to the others and show them his hair, but he had spent so long hiding it from the villagers that it had become an habit, a need, a defense. It was hard for him to just drop it.
However, in this moment, as he was about to hide it anew, he felt the urge to show it. And Hiccup seemed the perfect candidate to show it to. He knew he could trust Hiccup. Not only because the tamer had already seen it, but also because he knew it wasn't repeling him. Hiccup was not afraid of him. Hiccup would not hurt him because of that.
The auburnet seemed totally taken aback by his request, and not knowing how to respond.
''You… You sure ?'' He hesitated.
Jack had to force himself to keep his smile, deep down he was still a bit scared. Then he nodded. So Hiccup faced him.
''Okay.''
Jack watched as a freckled hand extended to him, and he gave him the vial. He swallowed hard and took a breath in before pushing off his hood. It took a moment for him to gather the will to look up, to look at Hiccup. The latter was frozen, looking intently at the snow hair, and there was nothing but amazement in his eyes, his kindness unwavering. When green eyes met blue ones, the tamer gave him this special smile. Jack blushed and looked down, awkwardly gesturing to a box to sit on.
Once they were settled, Jack turned his back to Hiccup to give him better access to his hair. He held his breath as he felt warm fingers touch his head, starting the task of covering his hair in dye. Silence was surrounding them, only disturbed by the outside commotion of the others packing. Jack's heart pounding rapidly in his chest, making him feel like he had been running. Hiccup's fingers going through his hair, brushing his skull, was having a conflicting effect on him. It was both calming him and making him restless, but still it was nice. Really nice. To the extend he swore he could doze off.
''There you go.'' Hiccup said, pulling him out of his reverie.
Jack opened up his eyes and shyly glanced at the tamer, who was putting back the lid on the vial, his hands stained with brown dye. As he gave Jack the vial back, the boy took it without a word.
''There's enough left for you to freshen it in the next days.''
''Thank you…'' Jack murmured.
Hiccup didn't reply, and didn't move either. They just stayed there, in silence, close to the other. So close their knees were touching. The auburnet should have already left to go back to work, Jack too, still the boy found himself not wanting to move. He wanted to stay there, to feel Hiccup's warm and calming presence that close to him.
With hesitation, he looked up to him and instantly met his eyes, taring straight back at him. An intense gaze, in which was swirling conflicting thoughts. There was sadness in this forest green eyes, undoubtedly, but there was also caring and fondness. Jack felt his cheeks heat up, and noticed how the tamer's lips morphed into a shy smile, and how the air seemed to thicken around them.
His chest was heavying, his breathing deepening, his eyelids started to close by themselve as Hiccup was slowly inching closer to him. His mind seemed to liquefy and awkwardly swim in his own numb thoughts going quiet. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. Nothing but this warmth and this breath on his face.
Jack froze as a loud, hight-pitched whine echoed in the tent. Just in front of him, Hiccup had the same expression of a deer caught in the torchlight, and both turned their head towards the entrance of the tent to find Sharpshot going in with this hight-pitched complain. The small dragon zipped to their feet and, with a single agile bounce, he perched on Jack's lap, still whistling and whining to try and catch his attention.
The boy let out a nervous chuckle and took hihm in his arms, scratching him on the forehead just like he loved. Sharpshot warbled, looking satisfied, snuggling in the boy's arms. Next to him, Hiccup scratched his cheek with a half-smile.
''Huh, yeah, we should go back to work.''
''You're right.'' Jack agreed.
As he was keeping his eyes focused on the demanding small dragon, Hiccup remained next to him. Once more, he didn't leaving despite being supposed to. Jack wondered what he was waiting for, asking him crossed his mind but he didn't do so as he felt the tamer press his lips on his cheek.
The boy stilled in surprise, wide eyes looking directly into green ones, which only smiled back at him. Then Hiccup patted Sharpshot's head and simply left without a word. Jack's eyes followed him without a word either. He just remained there, only moving his hand to mindlessly stroke the small green and brown dragon's back. It took a moment for him to get back to his senses, and the only thing he maaged to do was put his hand on his cheek, blushing. It took even longer for him to actually realise what had just happened, and it made him smile.
that's with a real good mood he left the tent and went back to work, emptying and tidying the tent, then help Eret dismounting it. The tall dark-haired knife thrower got surprised to see him without his wood and with chestnut hair, but he didn't make a comment and just smiled seeing the boy in such a good mood.
The group of dragons was soaring in the sky, along a friendly wind. The air was as chilly as during winter in Burgess, but the sun was gently warming the travelers and inhabitants. As the group was making its way above a thick forest, Jack couldn't help but stare at the landscape.
The county of Broch was a mixture of large forests, eroded mountains and huge lakes near the open sea. From above, it was looking like wild, untouched nature.
Settled behind Hiccup on Toothless' back, Sharpshot snuggling in his hood, Jack let his gaze wonder on the other dragons. All of them were carrying luggages and the carts, as in every travel. Toothless was carrying the smaller and lighter one, while Hookfang, Stormfly and Barf and Belch, being the stronger, were having the heavier. Especially the Monstruous Nightmare.
Fishlegs was being shaken about on Meatlug's back while Gobber and Valka were both on the cart under them, along with Mala with whom they were checking maps to guide the whole convoy. The twins were goofing around on the Zippleback's back, forcing him from time to time to leave the group so he could catch one of them who had fallen off. That wasn't detering them to stop their fights. Actually, there were having fun and were woohing in delight while free-falling.
As to Dagur and Heather were settled in the cart carried by Hookfang, while Snotlout was riding the dragon and trying to drive him, which was annoying the black-striped red beast. And last but not least, Eret and Astrid were both riding Stormfly. If Astrid seemed as at ease as Hiccup with Toothless, Eret was desperately clinging to his girlfriend, trying his best not to look down. Jack has troubles not chuckling at the big guy hiding his face in the thick blond braid.
He came out of his thoughts as the convoy soared above a huge lake joingin in the sea. A few ships were sailing on it, aiming to the same direction, thought they had different banners. Listening closely, despite the whistling wind and the beating wings of the dragons, voices could be heard, shouting names in chorus.
''Dingwall !''
''MacIntosh !''
''MacGuffin !''
''Dingwall !''
''MacGuffin !''
The voices were clearly from the sailors, as if they were having a contest between the ships, the one shouting louder winning. It also looked like they were actually racing.
''What are they doing ?'' Jack asked Hiccup.
The auburnet cast a look down and smirked before reaplying.
''That's the other clans living in the Broch. Don't mind their war cries, even if they've been allies and friends for long, they like competition and fight for fun.''
Jack chuckled at that, then gasped as he spotted the Broch castle ahead. Perched on the top of a small mountain, cliff on the side, it was looking like a lone sentinel watching over the lake. The building was made of stone, and the more the dragons were coming closer to it, the more it was revealing how big it actually was. Composed of high round towers and ramparts, it was obvious this castle had had been built to resists sieges.
The dragons slowly descended to come closer to the ground, starting to soar the castle surroundings, and that's when Jack started to hear cheers. Looking down, he spotted busy people going around and in the castle, busy people stoping to applaud and cheer the dragon riders.
Hiccup smiled and Valka started to give other instructions. Meatlug flew ahead and guided the group towards the castle grounds. They landed in the inner courtyard where a group of people ran to them as a welcome comitee. Some of them were armed with spears and halberds, looking like guards, while others weren't wearing armors but white aprons.
Valka went to meet a chubby woman hiding her hair and neck under a curious hood. Her rounds cheeks were pink and her breath messy as if she had been running, which didn't hold her from speaking loud and joyfully.
''Madam Haddock ! Oh it's so nice te see ye !''
''You too, Maude, it's been such a long time. Two years, I think.''
''Oh yah, time passes so fast.''
The woman, Maude, chuckled with a hand over her large breast, before she started to gesture and give instructions to the other persons with aprons.
''Whatah ye waitin' for ? Go te work !''
''Right, Maude.''
With much ease and expertise, the group spread to each cart and helped the trop to untie the dragons, then the guard took over to help unload the luggages, boxes and barrels.
''We will settle yer belongings in yer usual rooms,'' Maude explained before freezing as she saw Hiccup. ''Oh my, is this yer son Hiccup ?''
The dragon tamer smiled and came closer to greet her, she giggled and put her hand on her large breast as if she had just been complimented.
''My my, ye grew taller again ! Are ye goin' to stop, one day ?''
Jack observed them with curiosity. It was clear this Maude woman and Valka were long-time friends, to the extend of adressing Hiccup almost as a child. It was quite amusing seeing how the young man was athletic and a good head taller than her. Jack's inner comments quited down as Maude's attention focused on him.
''Oh ? Ah dun think Ah know this young boy ?''
Valka smiled soflty and gesture Jack to come closer, which he did stiffily. He barely felt more at ease as she wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
''Maude, meet Jack. He joined us two months ago.''
The boy started at that. Two months ? Had it already been two months he had left Burgess and been traveling with them ? He got puzzled, surprisingly thinking it had been longer and shorter at the same time. Maude was right, time was passing fast. He tried to swallow down this thought and nodded as a greeting.
''Good morning, Maude.'' He shyly greeted.
She giggled again and shook her hand to blow air in her face, as if she was going to faint.
''Oh my, such charmin' young men in yer troupe, Valka !''
Jack didn't know if that made him awkward or unease. Surely both. Even before the accident, he couldn't recall having been called ''charming'', and being called that by a woman old enough to be his mother was unsettling him even more. Luckily, Maude didn't dwell on it and focused back on Valka.
''We spotted teh lurds' vessels on teh lake, they wun' be long te join us so ye'll be led directly te teh throne room. Their Majesties will welcome ye there.''
''Alright.'' Valka replied, smiling warmly.
She elt go of Jack and swiped around to the rest of the troupe, being spread here and there to help the guard unload their belongings or taking care of the dragons in Fishlegs, Astrid and Heather's case.
''Heard that, kids ? Let's go greet the crowned.''
''Oh yeah !'' Snotlout exclaimed, excited as he bounced on his feet.
The troupe alignd in front of Valka, but behind them, Jack noticed the guards were gathering the dragons and leading them away.
''But… What about the dragons ? Aren't they coming with us ?''
''Don't worry,'' Hiccup reassured. ''King Fergus is a friend of dragons. They'll just be waiting for us at our rooms where they'll get some rest and food-''
He got interrupted in his explaination when Toothless's head bumped into his arm, the dragon warbling and licking his face, like a 'see you later'. The tamer smirked and stroked his scaly cheek.
''Yeah, see you later, bud.''
Toothless warbled anew and rubbed his head against Jack before trotting back tot he other dragons. The boy then realised he still had Sharpshot in his hodd, just before Hiccup lifted the small dragon.
''Sharpshot must want to go with them and-''
The Terrible Terror hissed and tossled vividly, to the extend he managed to escape, then jumped in Jack's arms. The latter chuckled.
''Or not.''
Hiccup chuckled too, just like Valka and even Maude. Jack gave her an hesitant look.
''Can he come along ?'' He asked.
''Oh, of course dear, as long as he dun' spit fire at teh banners.''
Jack couldn't help but laugh at her joke.
''Not a chance. I'll make sure of it.'' He replied, stroking the dragon's back.
The dragons cooed before climbing along the boy's arms, dropping back into his hood where he snuggled and went back to his nap. His tail was hanging on Jack's shoulder but that wasn't bothering the boy, contrary to his collar pressing on his throat. Despite himself, he found back this new tic of pulling at his collar. Decidedly, when he was not wearing his hood, the small dragon was to claim it as his nest.
Maude stayed behind to supervise the unloading while the guards guided the guests to the throne room. They went across a few corridors, then inside of the castle – which was kind of dark, only lit by torches – before they finally found themselve in front of imposing wooden gates. One of the guards slipped in-between and Jack managed to hear his voice on the other side since he was speaking loud and clear.
''Majesties, yer guests arrived. Teh troupe of teh Hairy Hooligans Circus !''
The doors then opened and Jack followed the group as they entered. The throne room was huge. Contrary to the previous corridors, it was bright since there was an openings on the higher walls, letting sunlight in. On each side of the room, behind groups of people, the stone walls were carved with smaller door, guarded by other soldiers, and at the back of the room, a few steps were leading to the thrones. There was four of them, sculpted in wood, even if one of them looked more like a bench. There was sitting the royal family.
Jack noticed the king first. He was a tall, imposing and bulky man. Over a brown tunic, he was dressed with a kilt adorning the clan's colors, hues of blue-green, dark blue and red. He was also drapped in black fur. Just like Hiccup and Gobber, a prosthetic was replacing a missing leg. Though his looked more like Gobber's peg leg since it was made in wood. The man had wavy greying red hair, along with a large moustache and slightly messy beard.
On his right was the queen, a tall, brown-haired woman with long green dress. Her braided hair was so long it looked like it could touch the ground. On the other side of the queen, aligned on the bench, were three young boys. They were roughtly five, maybe six years old. Curly red hair was popping on the top of their roundish head. Sitting with a suspicious angelic-like aura, you could see weapons hideen behind them.
And last but not least, on the king's left was sitting the prncess. Her light blue dress was adorning golden patterns and she was looking really tensed and annoyed. Just like Maude, she was wearing a hood covering hair and neck, highlighting how long and thin this neck was. But unlike the chuby woman, the princess was also wearing a tiara, and the hood looked puffy, surely she had a lot of hair in it. The only hint about this hair was a lone strand of curly red hair popping out on her forehead.
Her blased face vanished as the circus troupe came closer, replaced by a smile. She opened her mouth as if about to say something, but the queen proved quicker and stood to greet the guests.
''Meh dear friends, what eh pleasure te see ye today. We were not sure ye would come.''
''We would have never missed this, queen Elinor.'' Valka smiled as she bowed.
The other performers bowed too, and Jack was quick to imitate them.
''Happy birthday to you, princess.'' The ringmistress added as she bowed to said princess.
The young lady smiled even more, her blue eyes filling with sparks. So it was her birthday ? Jack then realised why such a festival had been organised, and why the troupe wanted so much to participate. King Fergus stood too and opened his arms, hollering with joy. Jack barely had time to wonder what had gotten onto him before Gobber did the same, and both joined to give the other a bone-crushing hug, as if trying to choke the other.
''Fergus, please, behave yerself.'' The queen reprimanded.
''Sorry, meh dear.''
The red-head straightened and lifted his chin, looking down on Gobber while still having this friendly smile on his face. Jack then felt a soft nudge and looked to his left to find Hiccup leaning towards him so he could whisper some explanations.
''Gobber, my dad and king Fergus were long-time friends, they used to hunt bear together. Actually, that's how the king lost his leg… and Gobber his hand.''
''Oh…'' Jack replied.
That's all he could think of saying, at least to show that now he was seeing where this complicity was coming from. He focused back on the main conversation as the queen spoke again.
''We hope ye traveled well and are not too tired, we were plannin' on havin' a welcome feast tonight.''
''Great, I'm starving !'' Dagur cheered.
Next to him, Mala and Heather shook their head, looking exasperated but his behavior. The synchronisation of their gesture made Jack chuckle, but his smile faded as he met the princess' eyes. She was looking intently at him, a confused frown staining her beautiful face. Jack suspected that, like Maude, she was surprised to see a new face in the troupe. He wondered if Valka was going to introduce him, though the idea of catching attention on him was nothing but worrying for him. Luckily, they didn't have time for this since another guards entered the room.
''Majesties ! Now announcin' teh lurds !''
He barely managed to finish his sentence before the doors got kicked open, ejecting him and waking up in a start another narcoleptic guard, who quickly stood on guard, brandishing his spear as if under attack.
''Who goes here ?!'' He bawled before noticing the lords entering the room.
Three men were leading a huge group of men and women. The three were standing tall and trying to have a distingued walking, looking imposing, but that was not really working. On of them, having long fluffy dark hair and covered in blue paints, had knocked-knees and his legs were woobling while he was walking. Another one, with greyish-white hair, had a large belly and was more focused on maintaining his belt than making sure he was walking straight. As to the last one, he was so stiff he wasn't even moving his bulky arms, locked in a position which was intending to show off the muscles hidden under green sleeves. He was stomping at each step, which was making his gait kind of caricatural.
Behind them, people from their respective clans were carrying banners, some of them playing noisy musical instrument that looked like a bag with pipes pointing upward. Jack didn't recognize the device but he found the sound quite heady.
There was so many people they filled the whole room, forcing the circus troupe to step aside. Then the three chiefs stopped in front of the thrones, almost guard-like, while the music was still playing. The grey-haired man gave a glance to the others and started to grunt.
''Oi !'' He called out.
A young man dressed in the same light-green kilt left the crowd and deposited a footstool in front of him, on which the chief climbed to give the illusion of being as tall as the other twos. Until then, Jack hadn't even noticed his height, but now he struggled not to smirk at the ridiculous gesture. He pressed a hand on his mouth and hid behind Hiccup, before noticing the twins were snickering lowly, giving him a knowing look. For a second, Jack wondered if they were making fun of the chief, like him, or of him.
He let it go since he knew they were just teasing, and focused back on the meeting. The huge group of warriors gave a war cry, brandishing their weapons along the music. Some of them were bumping their chest as a virile sign which filled Snotlout's eyes with admiration, and Astrid's with boredom. Then, when the music stopped, so did the crowd. King Fergus stood from his throne and opened his arms wide.
''So… here we are !''
Even if he was talking loud, he was pretty much hesitant and didn't seem to know what he had to say.
''Huh… Teh four clans ! Huh… Gatherin' ! For…''
Jack spotted the queen sighing, running a hand on her face. Seeing how the king was struggling, she didn't wait to take the lead.
''For teh festival of teh four clans !''
''Teh festival of teh four clans !'' The king completed to make it look like he said it all by himself.
The clans in front of them started to play music again and shout as if they were preparing for war. They were howling, bumping fists on their chest or shields, slapping the ground with their spears… All this noise was reverberating int the whole room, echoing in Jack's hears, drawing a headache. Sharpshot bustling in his hood told him the small dragon was not liking it either. Jack ended up pulling the dragon out so he could carry him in his arms and stroke his head and back.
''There, easy…'' He soothed him.
The deafening sound was getting louder and it took a moment for Jack to realise that a fight had actually started among the four clans. It was merciless and filled with low blow judging by the high-pitched noises some of them were making. The boy worried, but the blazed look of the queen and the princess as well as the enjoyment of the king were showing it was usual for them. Jack noticed the three young princes had vanished. He didn't know why, but he knew they had joined the fight. Actually, they were not the only ones since Dagur, Snotlout and the twins had left the group.
King Fergus was hollering in laughter, punching his armrest.
''Get 'em ! Get 'em ! Thet's teh way ye do it !''
The king stopped laughing as he noticed his spouse's blazed expression. Then, without a word, she gave him a look.
''Alreght…'' He sighed.
He stood again and puffed his chest, taking a deep breath in, before bellowing even louder, his voice booming.
''Stop thet !''
The music stopped, everyone stilled.
''Now thet's all done, ye've had yer go on each other, show a little decorum and no more fightin' !''
A metallic clang echoed in the room, followed by a pained cry, and instantly the fight started anew, just like the music. It didn't take long for the king to actually jump in the fight. And it got even worst. Soon, benches and even people started to get thrown. One of them landed next to the circus troupe and Jack back in a jolt, keeping Sharpshot close to his chest.
''Shouldn't we do something ?'' He asked Valka hesitantly, who was standing right before him.
She gave him a slight nod to say no, her eyes trailing on queen Elinor. Said queen, visibly annoyed, ended up getting up. Jack stared at her with fascination as she marched in the middle of the fight, the warriors getting out of her way as if she had an invisible shield all around her. The queen silently made her way until she found her husband, fighting with the three other chiefs.
When the queen got back to the throne, she did it by dragging the four men with her. Pulled by the moustache, ears or hair, all of them followed with tiny steps filled with painful 'ows', then they sighed as she finally realeased them. As she was climbing the stairs, the four couldn't be more apologetic.
''Good Majesty, Ah'm so sorry.''
''He started it !''
''Please accept meh deepest apologies…''
''We didn' mean te disrespect ye…''
Fergus followed suite. ''Ah'm so sorry, meh dear, I didn'-''
She efficiently quieted him with her silence.
''Alreght…'' He added as he returned to his throne.
The queen, always so calmly, smiled a welcoming smile. ''Alreght, where were we ? Oh, reght. Toneght, we will have eh welcomin' feast fer all our guests.''
Jack noticed the chiefs' puzzled expression, as if they were expecting to be scolded like children.
''Rooms have been prepared fer teh duration of yer stay, and startin' from tomorrow, teh festival shall begin !''
The crowd rejoyed, making newdeafening noise with their fists and weapons, just like the music. If it was always like this with these four clans, Jack suspected the upcoming days were about to be particularily restless and noisy.