A/N: In this chapter, Rome stakes its claim on Scandinavia, and the Viking people will be aware of their presence which will result in them assembling together and discussing what to do.

(Normal pov— Scandinavia)

Legatus Vesuvius Nectaridus of Legio X: Erebus' Shadow stood at the front of his warship, The Silent Blade, wrapped in his crimson cape and wolf furs to keep the cold from creeping into his bones. He was accompanied by five other warships from his own legion, they were tasked with hunting down runaway slaves who fled from their masters in Rome, leading these slaves were in fact gladiators. Instead of sending a single ship of soldiers to hunt down these slaves, the emperor had tasked Vesuvius to take six ships full of men from his scout legion and apprehend the slaves. In the past, perhaps, Rome may have underestimated these runaway slaves, but these Romans learned from the mistakes of their ancestors, they remembered Spartacus and the Third Servile War, a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic centuries ago. Although Spartacus and his slave uprising failed all those centuries ago, it showed the Romans that there were vulnerabilities in their society and that their system wasn't as strong as they thought it was. Emperor Dolphus made it clear to Vesuvius that he wished to not repeat such an embarrassment with Rome's slaves, and so he wanted this matter resolved quickly and without the rest of Rome's slaves rising up to overthrow their masters.

Obeying the will of the emperor, Vesuvius would personally lead the manhunt and quash this new slave uprising swiftly and ruthlessly.

It was early morning, and although the slaves managed to momentarily gain the upper hand by losing him and his men, Vesuvius knew the slaves were only delaying the inevitable and that they would be brought back to Rome in chains and then crucified to send a message to all slaves in the capital to never rise against their masters. Though the early morning darkness made it hard to see far, Vesuvius spotted landed nearby, he then barked orders to his men to prepare to make landfall. Eventually, his ship touched down on land, and Vesuvius was eager to take a brief moment of respite after the long voyage at sea. Vast forests and mountains lay before them, it was too early to tell whether or not this land was inhabited, but if so, Rome would seize these lands and claim them as a waystation and colony for the Empire.

"Legatus, what do you command?"

Turning to one of his tribunes, he then looked back to the uncharted land before giving them his orders. "Once the remainder of our ships has made landfall, I want men who aren't too weary to keep watch while the remainder of the men gather respite. See to it that the slaves in the bowels of my ships are rested and secured, the last thing we need is to hunt down more vassals in uncharted territory," he then nodded firmly before continuing. "After our men are rested, we'll set out and explore this new territory and see whether or not it's inhabited or not. If it is, then we will take it, in the name of Emperor Dolphus. Send a handful of cavalry to scout ahead and have them locate a suitable location for us to establish a fortress." Turning to his tribune, Vesuvius gave him a dismissive wave. "These are my orders, see it done."

"Yes, Legatus."

Placing his helmet on top of his head, Vesuvius sighed while narrowing his eyes in thought. It felt as though he and his men had finally reached the edge of the map, and he has been to many foreign, uncharted lands ever since the Empire had been resurrected from the ash heap of history. Though hunting errant slaves was a waste of his and his legion's time, Vesuvius would not dare question the commands of the emperor, his word was law, and he would see his task completed to the letter.


(Unknown location)

Eleven hundred ships bore the legionary standard of Legio I Invicta: The Sword of Damocles on its sails moved across the open ocean like an arrow that would strike its mark from afar. Not only was Legio I Invicta the best legion at Rome's disposal because of Nihilus' prowess as a warrior and tactician and not only because the men and women that made up the legion were highly trained and capable of adapting to their environments, but it was because Nihilus possessed incredible war machines, none, however, were greater than his airships. At first, these airships were nothing more than observation balloons, a means of conducting aerial reconnaissance on the enemies of Rome. Eventually, Nihilus decided that he could use such inventions and apply them in battle by raining fire down upon his enemies. With the approval of the emperor, Nihilus oversaw the construction of these airships and after the hard work his architects had put in, the Dominus of Legio I Invicta was pleased with how his fleet of one thousand airships turned out.

Now, as Nihilus and his legion set out to face the Viking people and seize the dragons of Scandinavia, he knew that he and his men were about to face the greatest challenge of their lives. Something Nihilus was looking forward to.

Currently, the Dominus was aboard his flagship, Mars' Wrath, it took the lead while his armada was close behind, and the Imperial Praetorian ships were behind Nihilus's fleet. Within his strategy chambers, Nihilus was accompanied by Proxima and Septimus, along with those in command. They had finished discussing their first course of action once they arrived in Scandinavia, and that was to find a suitable place to build a fortress to house the soldiers and those who served the emperor. At the moment, Nihilus was more worried about this... Dragon Master, whom he's heard so much about from traders and merchants who had conducted business in Scandinavia. Camicazi too mentioned him more than once, speaking in hushed whispers that if he and his legion crossed the Dragon Master, he would dearly regret it.

A threat that Nihilus would not take lightly.

"This supposed "Dragon Master" sounds more of a myth than an actual man," Placus Metilius, one of the legion's tribunes snorted with his arms crossed. "Those who have whispered this barbarian's name will be dealt with like all the enemies of Rome—"

"It's unwise to underestimate an opponent that you have not yet encountered, Tribune Placus," Proxima warned firmly. "We have yet to see whether or not the Dragon Master's reputation is exaggerated or not. But until then, we will not underestimate him and what he is capable of. Understood?"

Quickly standing at attention, Placus bowed his head. "Yes, Domina Proxima, I understand," he then added. "Apologizes for my negligent words."

"Your apology is accepted, tribune," Proxima reassured before turning to her father. "We must assume that this man's title is because he has a close affiliation with the dragons of his homeland. According to the traders and merchants who conducted business in the Viking's lands, I was able to speak with a great many of them prior to our departure, and they say that he rode a dragon that's black as night, a Night Fury, supposedly the rarest and most dangerous dragon in the world. And according to the traders and merchants that were Scandinavia prior to the dragons mysteriously disappearing, they said that this Night Fury is the King of Dragons, meaning it commands all dragons." Seeing her father's face scrunched up in thought, Proxima then looked to her brother. "If we find and capture that Night Fury..."

"...then all of Scandinavia's dragons will belong to Rome," Septimus finished with a mischievous grin. "The enemies of Rome will be reduced to dust when we force them to do our bidding."

"Uh, may I be allowed to speak, Dominus Nihilus?" All eyes turned to Savage, the man was looked upon like he was a cockroach, it made him tense, fearing that he may have overstepped his bounds. "If you truly want to know about Hiccup Haddock III, I can tell you all that you need to know about him."

"That's the Dragon Master's name, Hiccup?" Tribune Galerius Aelius laughed out. "How ridiculous!" Galerius was silenced when Proxima gave him a murderous glare, causing the tribune to cease his laughter and murmur words of apology and then stand at attention.

Nihilus, however, smiled and gave Savage a nod to proceed. "By all means, grace us with your knowledge," his smile vanished and was replaced with a stern look. "However, if you waste our time by telling us lies, then you will pay most severely."

Giving a nod of understanding, Savage then spoke. "Hiccup Haddock's name means runt of the litter, he was born prematurely, and instead of him being killed the moment he left his mother's womb, he was spared. For most of his boyhood, he was considered the laughing stock of Berk because he wasn't the Viking heir his father, Stoick the Vast wanted. Back then, Vikings were at war with dragons, we had been fighting the fire-breathing lizards for three hundred years, that is until they all stopped. The reason the dragons attacked us in the first place was that a dragon the size of a mountain resided in a place we call Helheim's Gate, it's now nothing but a graveyard for the Red Death—"

"Red Death?"

Turning to Septimus, the weasel of a Viking clarified. "The late Queen of Dragons, she had the ability to control the dragons that resided in her nest, a massive volcano that resided on Helheim's Gate, and she used these dragons to ravage Berk and most of Norway with raids," Savage then crossed his arms before continuing. "Back on the subject of that whelp, Hiccup. The boy had done what no Viking has ever done before, he shot down a Night Fury, and instead of killing the beast, he befriended it, becoming the very first Dragon Rider. At first, the prospect of their heir befriending a dragon enraged the people of Berk, especially Stoick, but when Berk's chief rallied his army to set sail to Helheim's Gate with the Night Fury serving as a guide to finding the Red Death's nest, they realized that the former dragon queen was too much for them to handle. Berk's chief and its army should've met their end that day, but Hiccup formed the Dragon Riders, to combat the Red Death and save Berk's chief and its army. But ultimately it was Hiccup and his Night Fury that slew the Red Death, ending the three-hundred-long war between Vikings and dragons. Since then, Hiccup Haddock and the Dragon Riders of Berk have sworn to protect dragons and to fight anyone who threatens them and their own people."

Proxima was deeply fascinated with the story Savage had just told, she often wondered how this man, who was nothing but an enigma in her mind's eye became such a legend. Now that she heard what she could only assume was the truth from the putrid mouth of Savage, Proxima was eager to encounter Hiccup Haddock herself, perhaps even speak with him and try to sway him and his people to cooperate with the Roman Empire instead of trying to resist them.

"If what you say is true—"

"If?" Savaged scoffed in disbelief. "I told you the truth!"

"Nevertheless, if what you say is true, then we must assume that Hiccup Haddock and his people will fight us and ensure their way of life is protected and the location of the dragons remains hidden from us," Tribune Tullia Trebia said firmly before turning to Nihilus. "Dominus, what are your thoughts?" Her question caused all eyes to look to the man who had been silent for some time.

Eventually rising from his seat, Nihilus crossed his arms behind his back and raised a questioning eyebrow at Savage. "How does Hiccup Haddock fair in battle, without the aid of his Night Fury or any other dragon?"

"Efficiently," Savage then growled in embarrassment. "He and his Dragon Riders defeated me and the men who swore fealty to me when I attempted to usurp the Berserker throne some years back. We had their dragons sedated with Dragon Root in a gaseous form, as a means of subduing dragons of any kind and transporting them to wherever you choose." He then added. "Before departing Scandinavia, my men and I were in league with an ally that can help you and your men sedate dragons without severe casualties."

"And who might this "ally" be?"

"Madame Maeve, leader of the Dragonroot Company," Savage said with a sinister grin. "Like many Vikings, she lost her family to dragons, and she swore to kill them all or die in the attempt. Three years after the war between Vikings and dragons, Hiccup and the Dragon Riders decided to venture beyond the borders of Scandinvia to discover new species of dragons and explore, they established a stronghold called Dragon's Edge, but it's been long abandoned. During that time, however, Hiccup and his riders encountered Dragon Hunters, this encounter ultimately led to Berk and the various tribes of Norway going to war with these Dragon Hunters, a war that Berk and her allies won. What's left of the Dragon Hunters rallied to Maeve as she not only built a profitable business from the ground up, but she's also dealt in some of the rarest dragons in Scandinavia, earning her and the men under her command wealth."

Humming in thought, Nihlius could see the looks of caution in the eyes of his tribunes. "If we are to round up the dragons of Scandinavia, we'll need people who specialize in dragon wrangling. We will have words with Madame Maeve when the time comes," he then looked to Savage. "You will accompany me and my men of choosing to break words with her once we have established our presence in Scandinavia."

"As you command, Dominus Nihilus," Savage bowed his head in submission. He then stammered out. "Uh, i-is there... anything more you wish me to reveal about Hiccup Haddock?"

"That won't be necessary. I believe you have provided us with enough information to know how we can effectively deal with Hiccup Haddock," he then gave Savage a dismissive wave. "Now, fall from sight. I will summon you and your men when you are needed." Once again, Savage bowed his head before taking his leave. Now alone with his children and tribunes, Nihilus spoke firmly. "Keep an eye on that man and those who follow him, they're men that will say and do anything to preserve their own lives. If they say or do anything that hints to them taking us for fools, kill them where they stand."

"With pleasure."

Returning his gaze back to the map of Norway, Nihilus pursed his lips in thought before speaking his thoughts. "The fate of the Empire is in our hands. We must remind the men of this daily, in order to keep them sharp and at their best; failure has no place in my army, the bar must remain at its highest," looking back at his inner circle, Nihilus then smiled. "I know that you all will not disappoint me. You never have. This campaign will be unlike any we've conducted in the name of the emperor and for Mother Rome, because if we fail, Rome loses her sword and shield, leaving her exposed for our enemies to land the killing blow and eradicate our people for good."

"We will ensure that doesn't happen, father," Septimus reassured firmly. "We will complete this campaign to the letter and return to Rome in triumph."

The tribunes all grunted in agreement with Septimus before returning at attention when their Dominus turned to them. "Upon our arrival, ensure that our men are rested and prepared for battle. The Viking people have faced many threats and dangers over the years, according to credible sources and that craven fool, Savage. When they see the forces we will bring to bear, they will undoubetly unite all their peoples to face us and ultimately expel us from their lands. But we must show the Viking people that compared to us, they're inferior," those gathered nodded and grunted in agreement with their Dominus while he continued. "These Vikings are nothing more than beasts, and out here, we are Rome, and we will steer these beasts to either comply with us or we will slaughter them." Nihilus grunted out while driving his Pugio dagger into the map of Norway, he then added in firm tone. "Glory to Rome!"

"Glory to Rome!"

In all his years as a soldier, Nihilus has never known defeat, neither has his legion. He intended to keep that boon of invincibility, no matterr how high the cost.


(New Berk)

Heather was pulled from the grip of sleep thanks to a pair of lips kissing along the back of her neck and right ear, not only that, but strong arms that were wrapped firmly underneath her breasts pulled her back flush against soft, toned flesh. Smiling to herself, Heather knew it was Astrid was showering her with morning affections, she looked over her shoulder to see Astrid looking up at her with mischevious eyes.

"Good morning."

Smiling, Heather's eyes fell closed and a happy moan parted from her lips when Astrid's hands began to gently massage her breasts. "It certainly is," Heather purred while pushing back against the blond beauty, she then bit her lower lip when she felt Astrid's arousal smearing her backside. "Are you always this... excited in the morning?" She inquired before moaning softly as one of Astrid's hands slid down her toned belly and began rubbing against her clit.

"Are you complaining?" Astrid challenged while pressing a lingering kiss to Heather's cheek and rubbing her clit faster before delving two fingers inside her sopping folds.

"A-Ahh!" Heather mewled loudly before replying to Astrid's words. "N-Not... at all."

Smiling against her face, Astrid then purred. "Glad to hear," she then continued to drive Heather to insanity in the best way. "Just relax so that I give you a proper good morning." Offer the blond no resistance, Heather succumbed to her pleasurable wake up and let Astrid whatever she pleased.

In the past, Heather had often fantised about Astrid touching her this way, she would fantasize about the blond beauty forcing her on her hands and knees while she eat her out from behind or she would imagine Astrid taking her with her fingers, which was exactly what was happening right now, and it was far more pleasurable that having to fantasize about it. While Astrid was currently driving two digits in and out of Heather's sopping folds, she used her free hand too grope her right breast and pinch at her nipple, causing the ebony-haired beauty to throw her head back and moan. Looking at their husband, Astrid smirked before catching Heather's lips and engaging in a heated kiss with her.

Heather was so distracted by Astrid and her wonderful ministrations that she failed to realize that Hiccup had awaken and then joined in driving her into bliss. Breaking away from Astrid's lips, Heather gasped in both surprise and pleasure when Hiccup latched onto her left nipple, suckling like a babe craving its mothers milk.

"H-Hiccup!"

Smiling around Heather's tit, the chief of Berk gently tugged at the bud with his teeth, chuckling to himself when his new wife hissed in pleasure before mewling weakly when he began lapping at the bud with his tongue. Eventually, he switched breasts and latched onto her right nipple, giving it the same amount of attention as he had with the left. Cradling Hiccup's head against her breast, Heather could feel her husband's morning wood at full mast, poking at her abdomen, begging for attention. Eventually, Heather had Astrid lay flat on her back and then she layed on top of the blond, allowing her to rest her chin on Heather's right shoulder so she could watch Hiccup take her.

"Go on, Dragon Master," Heather spoke coyly. "Take that cock of yours and take me!"

Obliging his wife's request, Hiccup sat on his knees and used one hand to grasp his length and align himself at her sopping folds before sliding inside her. Throwing her head back at the feeling of Hiccup burying himself inside her was a feeling that Heather adored, he was perfect. Astrid groped Heather's breath while watching the lewd scene of Hiccup grabbing the bottom of Heather's legs and thrusting back and forth inside her.

"O-Oh, gods! You feel so good inside me, Hiccup!"

"Yeah?" Astrid breathed against her ear while pinching her nipples and tugging at her earlobe. "Does our husband's cock feel good inside you?"

"So-Ohhh! So good," Heather moaned out while looking right in Hiccup's eyes. "Please, give me your seed, Hiccup, so that I can bless you with an heir."

Letting out a growl of arousal at her words, Hiccup began pounding harder, burying himself to the hilt with each stroke. Astrid laughed quietly while continuing to grope Heather's breasts and kiss along her neck, she always loved this feral side of Hiccup, he'd too would take her in such a way whenever she spoke to him in a manner that Heather had done. Hiccup never did last long first thing in the morning, his growls and moans told Astrid that he would burst any moment now. With one final stroke, Hiccup buried himself to the hilt and let out a ragged moan while spilling deep inside of Heather, planting his seed inside her womb, a sensation that caused Heather to moan happily. Reaching up for her husband, Hiccup went willingly and met Heather for a deep, passionate kiss, he then groaned in oversensitvity as he pulled out of the ebony-haired beauty.

"Well, I'd say that was a good start to the day," Astrid smirked while pressing a kiss against Heather's cheek. She then looked up at Hiccup was now quickly getting out of bed, but not before reattaching his prosthetic leg and putting on his discarded pants from the following day. "Problem, babe?"

"I'm gonna take a piss," he then added while rushing out the door. "I'll prepare our morning meal when I'm done!"

Chuckling while shaking their heads, both Astrid and Heather would follow Hiccup's example, but not before approaching the water basin in their room to wash away the stench of sweat and sex. They would all need a proper bathh once they had finished their morning meal, but for now, they would just go for a quick wash before they too relieved their bladders.

"So, how does it feel being in a relationship with the two of us?"

Turning to her blond lover, Heather beamed. "It's everything I thought it would, I couldn't be happier," she cupped a handful of water and washed her face before using the remainder of the water in her hands to wash along her body. "I understand you're bearing Hiccup's second child, how does that make you feel?"

After washing her face, Astrid smiled before she then began washing along her breasts. "Blessed beyond belief, however, the abnormal cravings, mood swings, morning sickness, and everything else that comes with pregnancy is not appealing. But when I bear this child, I'll know that all that pain and hardship was worth it," she then reached for Heather's belly and place a hand on it. "It's likely you'll be with child soon, I know Hiccup is going to be happy, whether your child is a boy or a girl."

"That's what I love about him, he's carefree, and he isn't like most Vikings that wish to have male heirs to succeed them," Heather then smiled while thinking of Zephyr. "Your daughter couldn't have asked for a better father."

While washing her arms, Astrid chuckled. "Oh, I know. That girl is like Hiccup is so many ways. But she also possess my warrior spirit and eagerness to ensure our people are protected," whille running her hands through her blond hair, Astrid then sighed. "Zephyr will make an excellent chieftess when her time to lead comes."

"Of that, I have no doubt," Heather remarked while concluding her washing. She was about to fetch supplies for bathing, but Astrid reassured her that Hiccup had stashed soaps, ointments, and bath sponges at their secluded waterfall. While throwing on a thick fur cloak that was gifted to her from the Bear Claw Tribe, Heather changed the subject. "So, is there anything exciting you have planned for today?"

While throwing a white wolf fur cloak over her naked body, Astrid reached for her fur laced boots while answering her lover. "I'm training Berk's future shield maidens and Valkyrie's, Zephyr and Valka will be accompanying me," she then looked over her shoulder to smile at Heather. "You should come with me and help train the daughters of Berk. Besides, your skills with an axe are exemplary. That is, of course, you haven't gotten rusty over the years."

"Ha! The day I allow my warrior's edge to grow dull is the day I decide to go whoring with Snotlout."

Both woman laughed out loud before putting their boots on and descending down the stairs, where Hiccup was saying good morning to Valka and Zephyr who had just returned from the woods to check on the traps that Zephyr herself had laid out. They returned with over six rabit, large ones too.

"Mother, look! My traps were able to provide us with food!"

Beaming at how excited her daughter was, Astrid croutched down to kiss Zephyr's forehead and observe the three rabbit she was dragging in. "That's fantastic, dear!" She then playfully pinched her daughter's cheek. "If you keep this up, you'll be one of the best trappers on the island, you may even give Eret a run for his coin."

Laughing at her words, Hiccup nodded in agreement before adding in a playful manner. "Hopefully Eret doesn't take it too personal, the man may not be as egotistical as Snotlout, but he certainly has his moments," he then crouched beside Zephyr and smiled at her. "But in your case, I don't think Eret would mind if you eclipsed him for being a better trapper than him." Zephyr giggled before making her way to the dining table and placing her kills there before reaching for her drinking horn.

"What do have planned today, son?" Valka inquired while helping Zephyr with her drinking horn and pouring the girl some water.

Sighing heavily, Hiccup replied to his mother while reaching for his fur cloak. "Many of the men and I will be building new defenses around the island," he then continued. "With watch towers, trebuschet's and ballista's overlooking the sea, we're prepared for anyone that might brazen enough to attack us."

"With Grimmel dead and the Northern Alliance destroyed, who else is left to challenge us?" Heather inquired.

Looking at his second wife, Hiccup chuckled. "You'd be surprised, Heather," he then explained. "When the dragons were still living among us back on Old Berk, we encountered what's left of the Grimborn Dragon Hunters, they, along with any other hunter or trapper organization we've decimated have all banded together and formed the Dragonroot Company."

Narrowing her eyes, Heather then shrugged. "I've never heard them."

"That's because their leader, Madame Maeve, wishes to keep it that way," Valka said while turning to face her new daughter-in -law. "We've only encountered them a handful of times, spoiling their operations from killing a nest of dragons near my old Dragon Sanctuary. But since then, we've not seen Maeve or her men."

Nodding, Heather then looked to Astrid. "Surely Maeve knows that without dragons to hunt, her men will disband and go their seperate ways. Right?"

"That's what we all thought too. However, word from various waystations and markets has reached our ears weeks after Hiccup and I were married. Maeve and her men have been purchasing timber that's strong enough to build durable ships and they've purchased a great many weapons. Obviously they're making sure they remain strong and are ready for hunting."

Snorting, Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Well, if Maeve and the fools who follow her think that the dragons will resurface, then they'll be sorely disappointed," his words caused a pang of melancholy to strike him in the heart. "It would, however, be great to have the dragons back with us."

"It would," Astrid agreed. "But that's the past. If they were to return to the surface, then the Dragonroot Company would bring the entirety of their forces to bear."

"Astrid's right, Hiccup," Valka agreed. "As much as it would be wonderful to have the dragon back among us, greedy humans that wish to use them as beasts of war and those that would see them all eradicated are still out there. Let's hope that the dragons will remain hidden so that they will be kept far from the grasp of vile humans."

Hiccup recalled all the men he's encountered that posed a threat to him, Berk, and the dragons: Viggo and Ryker Grimborn, Johann, Krogan, Drago Bludvist, and Grimmel the Grisly. But the one thing all these men have in common is that they're all dead, never again will they raise a hhand against Berk and the dragons of Scandinavia.

"Well, I'm going for a bath with my wives before returning here to get ready for the day," Hiccup said before turning to Astrid and Heather. "Shall we?" They both nodded and after sharing a brief farewell with Valka and Zephyr, Hiccup and his wives left their house before making their way into the forest.

Even though it was unlikely that dragons would ever return to the surface in his lifetime, Hiccup prayed that he could see Toothless again.

Perhaps one day.


(Unknown location)

The Viking waystation of Hvile was bustling with life; blacksmiths pounding away at cast iron while forging tools, weapons, and anything of worth. Fishermen of seasoned years were returning and docking their ships at the harbor with their nets full of fish. Women were purchasing furs, silks, and food from the merchants with their children by their side. Hvile was a place where many Vikings would come to take a brief moment of respite after long voyages at sea, returning from raids, or simply because they wished to see what Hvile had to offer. In truth, it wasn't a large place, it was a small settlement that was established on a large island with vast forests and mountains. Hvile was located on an island between Norway and Denmark, though the waystatioon wasn't big, the island that it was established on was massive, large enough to build a kingdom in fact.

As the people at Hvile were going about with their business, the loud neighing of a horse grabbed their attention. The Vikings whispered and murmured amongst each other as soon as they laid eyes on this stranger who was perched on a beautiful white horse. The stranger was wearing a crimson tunic, gleaming silver armor, a bronze belt, a crimson scarf wrapped around their neck as well as a cape that was draped over their broad shoulders. Over their head was a silver helmet as well as a mask covering their face, they even bore the hide of a wolf over their head. And in this stranger's left hand, they held a wooden shaft that bore a crimson banner and a gilded eagle perched on top of the shaft. Steering their horse in the center of the waystation's plaza where all could see him, the standard bearer plunged the shaft in their hands into the ground beneath him and looked around at the Vikings eyeing him with awe, wonder, and caution. The warriors of Hvile were uneasy as this masked stranger tilted its head at them, and so they drew their weapons and were about to demand who this man was and if there were more with him.

Suddenly, the thundering of horses could be heard as could blood-curdling screams and roars of fire, which already put the occupants of Hvile on edge. Eventually, dozens of riders on horses rounded the corner to where the standard bearer had made his presence known, these new riders wore the same armor except they had no wolf hides over their heads. With swords in hand, these soldiers steered their horses in the direction of the people who were in too much awe. As bodies began dropping one after another, only then did the people of Hvile realize that they were under attack and that they needed to run while they still can. Despite the valiant effort of the warriors stationed here, they were outnumbered and overwhelmed by the cavalry of these armored strangers.

One of the warriors watched in rage as these foreigners were cutting down defenseless women and children without pity or mercy, they even set fire to the establishments, burning those that were inside. With a growl, this warrior reached for a downed spear and hurled it at one of the armored strangers, successfully striking them in the chest, and killing them. Drawing their sword, the warrior lashed out at one of the armored strangers that were poised on killing a woman shielding her two children, successfully swatting away their blade and then driving their own blade through the stranger's throat. Ducking underneath another one of the stranger's swords, the Viking used their shield to strike them in the face, sending them tumbling to the ground before driving their sword through their mouth.

The Viking cried out in pain when one of his attacker's blades cut his right leg, causing him to crumble down on one knee, he quickly brought his blade up to stop his attacker's blade from splitting his head open. Unfortunately, he was struck down from behind by one of the Romans. The Viking's blood spatter flung up and soaked the Roman's face mask, which only added to the intimidation factor. Having slaughtered every Viking in their sight at the waystation, the Romans retreated but not before booming out.

"Gloria Romae!"

They then fled the scene and back into the forest, leaving only death and destruction in their wake. Unknown to the Romans, however, they failed to kill an old occupant who had played dead while watching in horror as these strangers slaughtered everyone here in what seemed like seconds. Rising from the ground, the old man roamed the blood soaked ground in search of someone dear to him. Upon laying eyes on the person close to his heart, the old man released a choked sob and then crumbled to his knees while looming over the now lifeless corpse the person he cared for and began to weep bitterly.

Suddenly, Viking warriors perched on horses emerged from the thick clouds of smoke thanks to the fire that was now devouring Hvile. These warriors were stunned at the carnage they laid eyes on, not only were fellow Viking warriors among the dead, but women, children, and elderly. One of the warriors spotted the old man sobbing bitterly while cradling his now-dead grandchild to his chest. Dismounting their horse, the warrior approached the old man and placed a hand on his shoulder, causing the old man to look up at the warrior with tears streaming down his face.

"What has happened here? Who did this?"

Turning away from the warrior, the old man then pointed with a shaky hand at a shaft with a crimson banner that bore a gilded wreath and the letters "SPQR" on it. And on the top of the shaft bore a gilded eagle with its wings spread out.

Rome has now staked a claim to Scandinavia.

Dismounting their horse, the warrior approached the old man and helped him up to his feet before gently reassuring him. "We'll help you give your boy a proper passing. After that, we must take you to King Torsten, the Troll," he then gestured to himself and his men. "My name is Toke. We're Danes, and we're part of King Torsten's personal guard. We came here to purchase additional furs and pelts for the king. You must come with us, to give an account of what you witnessed here."

The old man nodded in understaning and willingly allowed Toke and two men to help prepare a funeral pyre for his grandchild while the rest of the men got to work on putting out the fire that threatened to burn Hvile to the ground.

A/N: The Vikings are going to attend the Thing in the next chapter and learn of the Roman's presence in their homeland and then devise a course of action. Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, and I'll see you in the next one!