Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you guys are doing well on this wonderful day, because now, I bring to you all another chapter!
As I promised, my schedule for uploading chapters will change as I will start to post them more often for the next month until college starts once again, in which it will unfortunately slow down. But until then, enjoy what I have to bring to you!
I hope you guys have a Merry Christmas, and please enjoy!
Hiccup felt something soft beneath him. A warm and comforting heat surrounded him as the sound of soft voices from nearby filled his ears. Though he did not know where he was, the change in the atmosphere made him realize that he had blacked out. Even now, he was slightly struggling to get up.
As for the voices, they sounded muffled to his ears at first, but it did not take long for him to figure out that they were the voices of his friends, talking amongst each other. Along with that, the softness that he laid upon was a bed, with a blanket tucked around him, and a feathery pillow beneath his head.
Eventually, Hiccup managed to regain most of his consciousness. But rather than opening his eyes to greet his friends, he kept them close to overhear what they were saying. But by the way they sounded, it was clear that they were worried and impatient.
"...But how long is he going to remain unconscious?" asked Arn as he paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, keeping a soft tone. "He's been blacked out for too long. If we don't move soon, the Dark Legions will march against either the dwarves or the light elves, and it's only a matter of time before they do so."
Astrid shook her head with a sigh, crossing her arms while leaning against the wall. "There's nothing we can do to wake him up. I don't know how Hiccup learned to cast such a powerful spell, but whatever it was, it must've been drained him."
"Astrid's right," nodded Fishlegs, slightly sinking in the chair he sat upon. "The energy Hiccup conjured was nothing like anything I've seen before. Not even Gothi's power compares to it. But besides that, we don't know if or when the enemy will make a move. For all we know, they could still be preparing another army."
"The Dark Legions don't sit around. They don't need time to prepare another army. They can just send one out like that," responded Arn, snapping his finger on the last word.
"Uhh… so then why don't we do the same thing Hiccup did?" questioned Ruffnut, who sat down against the wall. "Summon a big ol' thunderstorm, bing bang boom, we kick Legion butt."
"That's a stupid idea, Ruffnut," replied Snotlout. "Do you really think it'd be that easy just to do a spell like that? It was hard enough for me when I fought the giant back at the nest. I had to focus using my magic."
"Ooooor maybe you just suck at magic compared to Hiccup," said Tuffnut in an immature tone.
"What!? How do I suck at it? I only recently found out that I was a Wing of Midgard, and yet I was able to use a new element instantly and go solo on a giant! But you two couldn't even cast a single fireball before! How the-"
"Guys! That's enough," interrupted Astrid in an abrupting voice. "...There's no time for petty arguments. What's important right now is planning out our next course of action. What would Hiccup want us to do?"
"I would have you guys stop arguing and listen to me..."
The sudden voice of Hiccup caused everyone to gasp in startle as their eyes all turned to the lad, now fully awake as he slowly but strugglingly began to sit up, all while he kept his back to the wall behind him.
"Astrid… please help me up…" he spoke.
In a rush, Astrid immediately went over to him and helped straighten him out as he wanted, all without causing too much pain from the bruises and scratches that were still healing.
As soon as he was sat up straight, Astrid smiled as she leaned down and lightly wrapped her arms around him in a hug, showing that she was glad he was awake, to which the lad lightly grinned and hugged her back.
"Thanks," he said as they split.
Astrid gave a nod as she backed away from him, but still kept by his side just in case.
Hiccup let out a sigh as he fully opened his eyes, staring back at the group both with a serious and concerned expression.
"What time is it?" he asked them. "And… where's Toothless?"
"It's the early morning right now," Arn spoke softly. "And Toothless is hanging out in the feasting hall with the other dragons. Still, it's good you're finally awake. We were beginning to wonder how long you were going to be blacked out since the spell you conjured on the enemy during the battle drained you. You were out for three days!"
"Three days? Well at least it wasn't a week," sighed Hiccup. "And more importantly, we won the battle at the pass. Did we not?"
"We sure did," nodded Astrid. "If it weren't for you, we would've been slaughtered."
"Good. Then I suggest you all get ready to leave as soon as possible," the lad responded all of a sudden, causing everyone in the room to eye him with confused eyes. "Because even with our victory against the enemy, they still have the momentum they need to make another attack, and it's one that won't be here. If we don't get moving soon, they may gain the advantage."
"Uh- What on Midgard are you talking about?" asked Snotlout, confused with Hiccup's words. "The way you talk makes it sound as if you know that the enemy is on the move."
"That's because they are, Snotlout," said Hiccup, letting out sigh as he slightly narrowed his eyes downwards.
"...I never told you guys this, but the night before the battle of the pass, I had a vision in my sleep. In the vision, I was surrounded by fields of grass, underneath a night sky with blue stars shining down. At first, there was nothing there. Just me, the wind, and the meadows."
"A- And then," he added on, stuttering. "I saw him…"
"...Him?" asked Astrid, to which Hiccup narrowed his eyes back up, and for a moment, silently and stared back at Astrid.
"It was my dad."
Almost immediately, everyone's eyes widened with shock, almost as if goosebumps began running up and down their skin. It was not a feeling of fear or discomfort, but of an unexpected surprise.
"Stoick?" asked Fishlegs. "You mean- you actually spoke with him? How? I thought he-"
"My dad said that with Odin's help, he managed to separate his spirit from his body, and by using his mind, he easily made a place where my consciousness and his spirit could talk. Either way, it was still him, and I was beyond words."
"You tell me, H," spoke Tuffnut, catching everyone's glance. "As soon as you mentioned Odin, this whole talk just went from ten to a hundred REALLY fast."
"I couldn't believe it either, Tuff," replied Hiccup, before clearing his throat and continuing on.
"From there, my dad and I had a short but very important talk, and what he told me that night was something I didn't expect. He told me that while our attention was diverted on the pass, Drago took the opportunity to send another army towards the elves of Nordell. But from what I've heard, it's going to be an even greater force than the last, and if we don't act soon, then the elves and their city will fall under siege…"
Silence filled the room as everyone glanced at one another with uneased expressions. It became clear to them why Hiccup had mentioned Stoick on the day of the battle, and why Bjornar's march was not a surprise to him. He had been told in advance before any of them, but now with this news now brought to their attention, they knew that they had to reach the elven realm as soon as possible.
"...How long will it take for us to reach Nordell?" asked Astrid, now glancing back at Arn.
"By dragon, it should take us less than a week, if we fly as fast as possible," he said assuringly. "But we'll need to be careful. The orcs have outposts set up all across the continent, and if they spot us, they won't hesitate to use whatever means necessary to take us down. We'll need to move fast and stay out of sight."
"Very well," nodded Astrid, before turning her gaze back onto Hiccup as she asked, "So, what are your orders, chief?"
Hiccup then immediately responded, "I want you all to get your things packed. Gather the dragons, and meet up in the feasting hall. Along with that, tell Ragnar I want to speak to him before we leave… and make sure you all grab a bite to eat."
"Also, I'll need my equipment. ...Where did you guys leave it?"
"We put it aside for ya," smirked Tuffnut, motioning towards both himself and his sister.
"Aaand we made sure to place it on the table for you, as neat and organized as possible," added on Ruffnut, pointing towards the surprisingly yet neatly tidied up clothing behind them.
Hiccup grinned, gladdened that the Twins did something without making a mistake for once. "Great! Then I guess I'll get to changing into my gear and…"
It was then that his grin began to turn upside down. As Hiccup was about to lift the blanket from his legs, he immediately looked down and gave an irritated sigh as he looked back the Twins and asked them, "Where are my pants?"
"Woops…"
…
"About time you're awake!" called out Toothless in Dragonese, running towards his rider faster than a stag. "GIMME A HUG, SCRAWNY FELLA!"
"Heyheyhey, slow down, bud-! WHOA!"
Hiccup had barely any time to respond, and just like so, he was knocked to the floor of the feasting hall, straight onto his back, all while Toothless was licking his rider like the dragon he was.
"Touch down!" let out Ruffnut, pointing down at the pinned lad.
"Looks like he's glad to see you," chuckled Astrid, as she and the others along with their dragons gazed down at Hiccup being "assaulted" by the black dragon.
"Well, he should've seen it coming," added on Hookfang.
"Eugh!" groaned Hiccup as he lightly nudged the Night Fury off of him before standing to his feet, flicking his arms as he attempted to wipe himself off.
"You know that doesn't wash out."
"Oh I know, you've said that a million times," replied Toothless as he gargled in laughter. "Still, I'm glad to see you're awake. How are you feeling? Did you miss me?"
"I'm all right, bud. And yes, it's good to see you too," smiled Hiccup, patting the dragon's head with a light rub. "However, now that I'm awake, I should tell you that we won't be staying here any longer. In other words, with the orcs and their forces completely wiped off the face of Votunheim, it's time we turn our attention to the rest of Valnr."
"Does that mean we're heading out soon? When are we leaving?" asked Toothless.
"We'll be leaving after we get something to eat. For now though, we need to wait for Ragnar. I have something to say to him that's of the utmost importance-"
Just as Hiccup was about to finish, the doors to Ragnar's chambers suddenly flew open, and as everyone's heads turned, they watched as the twelve foot tall chieftain of the Dragonskarn calmly came walking out, all while his eyes stared at the young vikings and their dragons.
The half-giant then proceeded to walk up to his large wooden and furred throne, and upon sitting down, his eyes gazed directly at Hiccup, bowing his head in gesture for the young chieftain of Berk to come forward.
"Step forth, my friend," he said.
Hiccup looked back at the others, nodding at them as he began to hastily yet subtly approach the votun on his throne. The look on his face turned to that of a more serious expression, and as he stopped in front of the throne, the chieftain gave an attentive look to him.
"Hiccup," he began. "I heard from your friends that you wanted to speak to me before departing from the city. Is there something important that you want me to know?"
"Yes," the lad replied. "I just wanted to remind you of the promise you made to my friends and I when we first came here to Votunheim... You said that after we help your people out, you would repay the favor by joining us in this war, and by extent, joining the Alliance of Midgard. If we're to win against the Dark Legions, we-"
"I know, young chieftain. You need not to repeat yourself, or to give some sort of long speech in an attempt to satisfy me," responded Ragnar. "...My answer is an immediate yes."
Hiccup arched a brow. "Wait- just like that?"
"Yes," the chieftain chuckled. "Tell me lad, after everything you have done for my people and I, why would I need another convincing speech? You sacrificed blood and flesh to liberate our valley, and you saved my people from a traitor who nearly starved us. You told me before the battle that after that day, I'd be welcome into your Alliance. Well now it's done, young chieftain. Know that from this day forward and until the end, the Dragonskarn tribe is part of the Alliance of Midgard."
And thus, the pact was made just like so, and as Ragnar extended his gigantic right hand out for a handshake, Hiccup quickly followed along as he eagerly, yet somewhat awkwardly due to the size difference, raised his hand outwards as well, grabbing ahold of two of the votun's large fingers as they finally shook.
From behind however, Ruffnut's voice rose up as she said loudly from across the hall, "Pfft, quit being overdramatic!"
Hiccup merely shook his head as he waved her off, but proceeded to ask Ragnar, "So. What do you plan to do now that you're with us?"
"Gather an army of course," the chieftain chuckled. "I will give a speech to the people and begin to recruit as soon as you leave. I will assemble two thousand brave warriors to join our cause, and no less. However, it will take some time for us to leave Votunheim. Since we can't use the pass after what you did, we'll have to take the way along the shore to go around."
"Wait- there was another way in and out from the start?" asked Hiccup, to which again the chieftain laughed.
"Heh! I will admit, I should've told you earlier. However, desperate times called for desperate measures, and we couldn't let the enemy know. Not even the untrusted. But I promise you, we will give Drago and his lapdogs the fight of their lives. Together, we'll make their master tremble."
"That we will," smirked Hiccup.
…
From across the sea, they sailed...
A gigantic fleet of over a thousand tough viking longships, swift elven war-sloops, and metal-headed dwarven galleys rammed across the ocean, heading north to Valnr where their enemy was, which still yet remained to be eradicated from the face of their world.
But even as the ships sailed, they were not the only ones who were travelling along the voyage.
Up in the cloudy sky, three hundred Berkian dragon riders flew above the massive fleet, riding atop more than a dozen species of dragons, as if they themselves were commanding a flying armada. It was indeed a sight that the simple-minded could barely imagine.
Nightmares, Nadders, Gronckles, Zipplebacks, Rumblehorns, Thunderclaws, Thunderdrums, Quakens, Armorwings, Boneknappers, Changewings, Dramillions, Snafflefangs, Raincutters, Hobblegrunts, Razorwhips, Timberjacks, Triple Strykes, Typhoomerangs, and even the mighty Skrills...
All of them flew as one.
But as a whole, the mighty host of humans, elves, dwarves, and dragons alike was an unthinkable possibility that became possible. True to the name, it really was an Alliance of Midgard...
As the colossal armada continued its voyage across the cold ocean, the leaders of each faction gathered atop the dwarven flagship near the center of the fleet, and there they spoke.
Gobber the Belch, along with Eret, Lornduil, Morgrim, Alvin, Dagur, and Heather of the Berserkers, had a meeting about their next course of action, which was finding Hiccup.
At first, Alvin and Dagur suggested splitting up to find the lad, but the other faction leaders, including Heather, came to a disagreement after having a moment of small talk, knowing that the risk would be too great if they were to separate. Thus, the idea was dropped.
"We'll need to use a different strategy if we're to find Hiccup," said Gobber, grabbing the attention of the other leaders. "We're about two weeks away from Valnr- maybe less, and so we'll need to plan carefully... even though planning was never my sort."
"I agree with the Berkian," nodded the elven king Lornduil, being the wise elf he was. "Southern Valnr alone is vast, and as we agreed on before, splitting up only makes us more vulnerable to the enemy. We'll need to not just rethink our strategy, but also improvise."
"Personally, I think Valka would know what to do if she was here," said Eret, speaking up. "She knows Hiccup better than most of us. I will admit, it's a shame she chose to stay behind."
"Well, Hiccup wanted her to protect Berk as acting chieftess," replied the Belch. "She chose to stay behind to honor his wish, so it's best we keep it that way."
"Agh, less chattin', more planning!" spoke up Morgrim, the king of the dwarves. "The sooner we find the high chieftain, the faster we'll be able tae smash those orc bastards and their dark gits tae Hel!"
"So then what's our plan?" asked Dagur, now looking at Gobber. "I mean, you can't expect all of us to explore the south together, now can you?"
"Hmph, he has a fair point… it would take a month if we tried going all over the south," said Eret, rubbing his chin. "Maybe longer, and we know well that it will not work, since it'll take too long. Unfortunately though, I don't have any ideas up my sleeve."
By then, it seemed as if the leaders were running out of ideas. Splitting up would only leave them more vulnerable, and sticking together would take too long to search for him. Thus the real question was, what could they do to make it a swift search without being too exposed?
However, before any discussion or argument could break out, one voice suddenly spoke up. It was Alvin's.
"If we can't search for Hiccup altogether, then I say we send out one rider," he said, catching everyone's attention with instant interest. "It will be quicker, and safer. Plus, I reckon flying high enough can avoid the orcs' gaze. No one will be able to spot our rider."
"Question is, who will be our rider?" asked Lornduil, and almost immediately, one of the figures around the table rose their hand up, and then the voice of the young lass quickly announced herself.
"I'll go," said Heather, turning everyone's attention towards her. "I know Hiccup and his friends better than anyone here. I know how they travel, and I've been able to track them down more than once before. I think it's proper that I find them again."
"Don't be ridiculous, sis," replied Dagur, now speaking in a concerned tone. "You're needed here more than out there. You're the heir of the Berserkers!"
"And you're the chief, brother," Heather added on. "You're more important to our tribe than I am, and Windshear is among the faster dragons of our group. If I go swift, I can reach Valnr in four days. From there, I can look for Hiccup."
"Do you trust me?"
Dagur let out a sigh, realizing that there was nothing he could do to change his sister's mind. Along with that, he also knew that there was another reason, though not as vital, for why she wanted to search for Hiccup and the others. It was Fishlegs.
"...Do you need supplies?" he asked her, to which she shook her head.
"I have food and water packed on my saddle. It'll be enough to last a week. After that however, I'll need to find a tavern and resupply. But I assure you Dagur, I will make it."
"Then you ought to get going, sis. Time is ticking," replied Dagur.
Heather gave a nod as she proceeded to grab ahold of a horn that hung by a string on the side of her waist. It was a calling horn that the lass used to summon Windshear from afar whenever she was needed. Most times, Heather would blow it whenever in a rush or an emergency, and that time was now.
Upon blowing the horn, a loud and high-pitched blast sounded out into the air, echoing across the area for a short moment. Within less than ten seconds, the familiar sight of Heather's metal-plated dragon came flying into view, and like so, the dragon landed beside her in a swift swoop.
"Windshear, looks like you and I have business we need to do up north. You and I are going to look for Hiccup."
The dragon nodded as she let out a light croon, gesturing for the rider to mount up. But before Heather could, the voice of the dwarven king called out to her.
"Er- Hold on lass!" said Morgrim, catching her attention. "Before ya go, I have something that I want ye tae give tae Hiccup. If ya wouldn't mind, I want ye tae stay here fer a moment."
Although the dwarf's favour was questioning to her, she disregarded the thought and gave the king a nod of approval and allowed him to quickly run off to retrieve what he needed.
Morgrim immediately made his way into the cabin of his ship, almost in a rush, and not even a minute passed before he came running back out with a steelbox in his hands. Heather was unsure what exactly was in it, but by the look of the dwarven king's excited face, she could tell it was something of great value.
The four and a half foot dwarf stopped in front of Heather, and presented her the box.
"Open it fer yerself, so that ya don't have tae wait fer Hiccup tae see it first."
Though it was a bit mysterious, Heather once again nodded as she took ahold of the box and unhatched the lock, before proceeding to slowly open the metallic container. However, what she found inside had her jaw dropped. She knew the dwarves were a special people known for making all kinds of different contraptions, but the item in the box that her eyes laid on was nothing she had ever seen before.
"What is it?" she asked, looking back at Morgrim, to which he responded grinningly,
"A new weapon."
…
...As time passed along, with Hiccup and his allies progressing in their campaign against the enemy, the Legions' darkest forces too ployed against them from the shadows...
Far to the north, in the blackened and impossible lands of the Dark Legions, more wicked forces continued gathering across its barren wastes as the Dark Master's chaotic and voidic presence grew evermore, and as it did, its influence continued spreading across the region.
Yet even as Maldragor's power grew, the warlord of the Dark Legions had other matters on his mind that concerned him.
From within the towering obsidian citadel of the Legionblight, the Dark Legions' main bastion, Drago Bludvist sat atop his throne, pondering to himself of the failure that happened in Votunheim. Though he cared not for Bjornar's death, he did not anticipate the army's crushing defeat by the hands of Hiccup and his allies.
After all, the legion he sent forth was not meant to be a pushover, for it was one of the more elite legions of orcs and other foul warriors…
...And yet they were defeated.
As he went on and on thinking about the recent events, his gaze fell upon the center of the room, where from out of the corner of his eye was a gathering cloud of black smoke. Upon further inspection however, he could feel that there was a familiar dark presence that it had brought into the room.
He knew what it was.
Drago sighed as he stood to his feet, approaching the shadowy smoke with slow but large footsteps that echoed throughout the wide and open throne room. At first, there was no movement from it. It merely floated in place like a fog in the woods, surrounded by a haunting ambience. However, as soon as the warlord halted in front of the smoke, it suddenly disappeared…
And then from all around, the room began to shake, and in a flash, the shadow immediately reappeared in the form of a black storm cloud as chaos lightning loudly rumbled from it like thunder. After a moment passed however, the room soon ceased its shaking.
The warlord looked up at the shadow that dwarfed him, and was quick to give him a bow.
"Master," said Drago, as his voice echoed throughout the large room. "I assure you that the defeat in Votunheim was only a setback. I already have a larger force marching on the elven realm of Nordell. They will reach the city in less than two weeks."
"I do not care for your failures or excuses, Drago," calmly spoke Maldragor, his voice booming louder than the roar of dragons. "All is continuing as planned, but be warned that the Wings of Midgard are growing in power. Six have been reunited, and yet one remains. The final wing must not awaken before the ritual."
"But what about the fury that Haddock unleashed?" asked Drago, now more aggressively. "If he figures out how to master it along with the other wings, they will become as powerful as their ancestors! It will mean the end of us! We will-"
"It will NOT mean the end of us, servant," the Dark Master interrupted, speaking back at his underling. "When my wrath is free once more, the descendent of Horren and his companions will be annihilated from existence. Fire and lightning shall rain down from the skies, and this world will be lit ablaze in chaos... for they will know the true power of a god."
"...But until then, the war continues, and when the time comes, you will march south to the leyline, where you will set the circle of conjuration, and begin the final ritual."
"But what about the Wings of Midgard?" Drago asked once more. "How shall we handle them for the time being?"
Maldragor let out a booming chuckle, causing the chamber to vibrate.
"I already have plans to take care of them," the Dark Master answered. "But it is not you who will handle them, rather it shall be my most powerful servants. By their black steeds, the most malevolent of the dark vikings now ride forth."
"...The Four ride forth."
As Maldragor spoke those words, it was then that the great doors to the obsidian citadel from down below began to open, and from the fortress, four dark vikings rode forth, garbed in blackened armor and robed kilts as they galloped atop large war steeds.
And yet they rode at an unnatural speed...