This chapter I will say is one I somewhat really enjoyed making. I took some influence from my earlier chapters in the story which involved stealth, and I applied it here. There will be stealthiness, and there will be a little bit of fighting near the end of this chapter. Just a little bit. But hopefully you guys like it!
Also, big thanks to KorrieChan, dabzzygirl, Cats and violin (Guest), and KaliAnn for the reviews! Glad you guys are liking the story so far!
Right then. Let's jump directly back into it!
As the chase continued, the group began to notice more signs of enemy civilization nearby from along the path. By then they were already in hostile territory, and the presence of their foe was quite obvious.
Even Hiccup noticed a small distant watchtower overseeing part of the woods, though the small outposts and camps around it were as well quite spread out.
However, that was not all that there was for them to see as eventually, their path came to a stop.
Hiccup, Magnus, and Eira halted yards away outside the main camp of which the Scandinavian Vikings operated from within the forested region. They knew getting in would not be so easy.
They watched as the patrol jogged into the camp with haste, and in their place, more guards blockaded the front entrance like a meat shield. But that was not all for them to see.
"Seems there are also guards on the lookout from atop the walls surrounding the camp." Eira said, gazing in the distance. "And though they're not that large or sturdy, climbing up them to get in would still be nearly impossible."
"Hmph, they truly are prepared." Magnus commented. "They have trenches around the walls with spikes in them. Any man who tries to climb up will just get impaled if they are pushed off… we need an alternate route."
Eira gestured in agreement, rubbing her chin. "So what's the best course of action...?"
"...Through the front entrance." Hiccup responded, catching both pairs of eyes.
"What?" they asked in unison, confused.
"Well I mean- it's the only way." the young Viking continued. "Their front entrance does not have a gate protecting it, and with just enough men we could easily breach it. We climb up the walls, and most likely we'll fall to our deaths or get shot down. We rush through the gate, and our chances of surviving and winning will be higher."
The two Vikings looked at Hiccup with uncertain expressions, unsure of what was going through his head, or what he was thinking. However, as Magnus glanced between him and the camp, he began nodding slowly at the shared thought.
"Maybe, he's right." he said, now reconsidered. "After all, what other way is there? There's no rear gate or side entrance, or anything as matter of fact. If it is to be a risky but possible attempt, then let it be so. We'll need to force our way in."
Eira sighed, shaking her head at the thought. It sounded maddening, but the lass knew, as Magnus said - there was no other way, so the only choice there was for her was to cope with it.
"Alright." replied Eira. "I am with you. But still, we need more warriors, and we don't know where each and every single camp in these woods are located. It could take hours to-"
"We don't necessarily need to waste our time scouting these woods." interrupted Hiccup, grabbing Eira's attention.
"...Did you plan this out while we followed that patrol?" she asked him.
"Indeed I did. Instead, we can follow along the other roads until we see signs of the enemy's presence. I did see a watchtower as we snuck here after all, along with a few camps that were spread out from a small distance, so I doubt finding other outposts will be that difficult. Either way; that's that."
"If that's the case, then it's best that we get moving." said Magnus, with Eira bowing her head in agreement.
"Aye." she said. "...Let's start a little more south of here."
…
Time passed by as they laid low along the road heading south, and already signs of their enemy's presence soon came into view as Hiccup had depicted. Across from them was a dimly lit camp with several guards patrolling and guarding it. Even though they outnumbered them three to one, the Vikings knew that it would be no challenge.
"Nine guards with a few large tents and a fire-pit, nothing special." stated Magnus on the lookout. "But it seems they're surrounding something in the distance... it's a little difficult to see - even through this light fog."
"Then let's get a closer look." Hiccup said, motioning towards the other two to follow. "Come on."
The young lad stood straight to his feet from crouching, running across the path and towards the other side before Magnus and Eira proceeded to follow, then they kept their heads low, continuing to rush at a stealthy pace.
As they reached the outpost, they saw with more detail how the small camp was set up, and with better and clearer vision, they were able to see what the warriors were guarding.
In the center of the camp laid two cages with two manly figures held up inside of them. Though Hiccup couldn't make out who they were it at first, it took a few simple words from the captives for him to figure out who they were.
The captain of the squad of warriors stared at the prisoners, chuckling. "Still believing that your friends will come and save you, heathen?" he asked with a guttural tone. "Know that once we find them, we'll execute them all along with you."
A familiar voice spat back at the large Viking, grunting. "You underestimate my friends and allies, fool. Your threatening words are nothing compared to what they will do to you - to what Hiccup will do to you! And when they find us, they'll-"
"SILENCE!" the Viking snapped, reaching through the cage and grabbing Snotlout by the collar of his ripped tunic. "Say another word, and I will easily snap your arm with both of my hands like a twig…"
"Really, both of your hands?" questioned the familiar voice of Fishlegs. "For some as strong as you, I would've thought that someone like you would use only one-"
"And if you say another word..." the captain growled, glancing at Fishlegs. "...I will do the same to you."
Hiccup remained there, eye widened at his two friends being held captive. He actually never thought that he would ever lay eyes upon them again, but seeing them battered and captured fueled him with the will to forcefully press onto the camp.
"They have Snotlout and Fishlegs." he said, gripping the hilt of his sheathed weapon. "Those bastards… I think I am going to slaughter each and every one of them until-"
Magnus' hand fell on Hiccup's hilt, halting his blade. "Stand down. If we try and rush in and free them, Snotlout and Fishlegs' lives will be forfeit. We have to plan this out strategically. We need a ploy of some sorts."
"Like what?" he asked him, with his voice lowering back down to a whisper. "We can't pick them out one by one like how Eira and I did back in Kattegat when you guys helped me escape. There's too many of them."
"...That may be so." Eira stated, grabbing both their attentions. "But if you just take a closer look at your surroundings, then the way forth may be clear. I myself have a plan."
The maiden motioned her head slightly East, making Magnus and Hiccup turn their heads into the direction she was staring at. In the distance, there stood a few wooden structures in which Hiccup was able to easily make out. Being unguarded, he knew it was no outpost.
"A village." he said, lowering his hand away from the hilt of his blade. "Didn't expect to find one out here... but what exactly do you plan to do?"
"I plan to cause a distraction." replied Eira, reaching her hand out. "But in order to do so, I'll need the assistance of your blade to make things more flammable."
Hiccup arched a brow at the young woman. "Hm?"
She winked at the young Viking with assurance. "Trust me on this. The Dragon's Blade will make things easier."
The young lad nodded his head at Eira, confident, as he lifted his right arm up and took the sheathe off from around his waist and placed it in her hand. She willingly grasped ahold of it and gave a nod to Hiccup.
"Unsheathe it to light it up, sheathe it to put it out; you know the basics. Good luck, Eira."
Eira gave a wink, understanding the basics as she lifted herself up from crouching and continued treading her way through the woods, sneaking towards the village with her head being kept low.
Magnus' eyes fell upon Hiccup, showing a sign of pride. "Seems you're beginning to think more. Good." he said, glancing back at the camp. "So then, what do we do from here? It's your call."
"We get information out of these fools." he replied, changing his gaze upon the men in the distance. "Let's get closer and see what they're doing. Follow me, and stay close."
The two Vikings crouched upwards from their position, making their way to circle around the camp towards the left. Sneakingly, they went around the base of the outpost, remaining in the bushes, until finally they stopped right next to a tent - though they still remained hidden in the brushes.
From a short distance, the captain and one of the guards spoke, discussing about something that was hard to make out at first, though Hiccup had his right ear turned to face them.
Magnus looked at him. "Can you make out what they're saying?"
He shook his head with a shrug, still processing the Vikings' words. "Sort of, but- hang on a moment…"
The young lad's words narrowed off, now more closely eavesdropping on the two unsuspecting Vikings in the distance. Still, it was all inaudible and distant sound to him, but then, the words slowly started to form.
The guard from afar placed his axe over his shoulder, talking with his commander. "It seems that much is going to our King's plan, captain." he said, referring to Ivar. "Word has been reached that we've successfully gained a couple thousand more in our numbers from the Saxon Barbarians and Jomsvikings. Taking on the outsiders will make their effort seem worthless."
"Hm… do not get too confident in knowing their ability." the commanding captain replied back. "The High King has ordered them to guard his capital of Kattegat along with the Völsung, should the others fail."
The Viking arched a brow, unsure of his commander's words. "But how could they fail? Our Great Army numbers in tens of thousands, and King Ivar sent all of us down upon their army."
The captain shook his head, unamused. "It is because of the skill and strength that our foes possess. The death trap which Ivar set up through the woods leading to Skyrsdok's overlook failed. And when four hundred of our numbers marched to the cliffs to climb up them where this 'Hiccup' stood his ground, all of them were killed by him, his allies, and his Dragons."
"Hiccup? Why does this name keep spreading amongst our ranks? Everywhere I go, I hear this name. He must be of valuable importance."
The captain lightly chuckled. "This Hiccup is the one who leads this army of Tribes from the 'Barbaric' Archipelago. I am told that he is a young lad like our King, but younger. Our warriors are also saying that he is named the 'Dragon Conqueror.' Bah, what kind of title is that? It's not like he's the only one who knows how to use Dragons at his side. At least, not yet…"
The man's voice lowered bit, with his hands dropping to his sides. "Ivar has a plan that will turn the tide further in our favor. Hiccup Haddock may think he is the only one who can control Dragons. But when the King returns to Scandinavia, he will find that-"
Suddenly, a loud boom from that of an explosion interrupted the captain as it echoed all around and caught every warrior's attention in the camp. From afar, a large fire sparked and set aflame two structures in the nearby village as black smoke rose into the air, causing the men to be on an alert.
"There's fire over there! Something's happened!" one of them called out.
The captain gritted his teeth with his brows lowered, unsheathing his sword and shield as his eyes fell upon his warriors. "Our enemies are among us! They are not far from here! Everyone, to arms!"
All nine Vikings stood to their feet, grabbing their weapons and armor to prepare for anything that could happen. However, the captain motioned for four of his men to stay in the camp, leaving the outpost with just half of the other warriors to inspect the village.
Magnus and Hiccup on the other hand grinned at the sight of Eira's successful attempt in lighting up the village, but before they even realized it, the maiden jumped down next to them without warning, nearly jumpscaring the both of them.
Hiccup gasped, placing a hand on his chest. "You nearly got me on edge." he said, surprised. "I was about to think that our enemy found us. But it seems that you did things faster than I expected."
"Practice makes perfect when you work effortly with speed." she said back, sticking her hand out with Hiccup's sheathed weapon laying in it. "But I still believe that this is yours."
The younger Viking gave a nod, grabbing ahold of the sword as he wrapped the sheath and blade back around his waist and belt. However, his sight of the camp would not wander off as now he laid his eyes directly onto it.
"Ready for a small skirmish?" he asked the two Vikings.
"Let's get it over with." said Magnus. "I could use a little bit of fighting right about now."
Eira responded only with an eager nod as their heads spun to face the camp, and in unison, the three unsheathed their weapons with Hiccup's lighting up in flames, but it immediately caught the attention of one of the guards.
"Who's there!?" one of them called out, unsheathing his axe and laying eyes on the bush from which Hiccup, Magnus and Eira hid in.
However. All that came back to him was one simple word in a faint but low tone.
"Me."
Instantly, Hiccup's weapon went flying out of the brush and towards the Viking, spinning and hurling until it reached the man's chest and impaled him with a direct hit. As a result, the man fell to the ground on his knees, before falling to his side, feeling an immense burn take him over as he slowly lost his life.
However, even though he was dead, the three other Vikings were now aware of what was happening.
"Assassins!" one of the them called out as their weapons were drawn, and from the bushes, Magnus and Eira charged out with their weapons in front, aiming for the warriors on the flanks while Hiccup went for the centered Viking.
As he ran out, he pulled his sword directly from the man's corpse, lifting it with both his hands to his level as he entered combat with the Viking.
But although Hiccup was a great warrior like Stoick, he could not fight to his full ability after what happened in the previous battle. A majority of his energy was drained, so he decided to focus on efforted and balanced attacks.
Beginning the fight with his foe in front of him, Hiccup found that the warrior depended on using his shield for defense and offense, as well as strike with his axe using quick attacks. Even for a weapon being somewhat small, it was still very deadly.
The man started out with a flurry of attacks, keeping his shield raised from the side as he attempted to hack at Hiccup towards his upper body with his axe. Though the attacks were swift, Hiccup was still able to keep up by using his sword to counteract the enemy's strikes. However, just because the opponent had the advantage against his upper defense didn't mean that his lower defense was the same.
Hiccup noticed that despite the man's attacks, he left his legs and lower waist exposed to him, giving him the key to inflict his attacks back on him. However, in his state of concentration, he felt metal scrape down against his face as the warrior's axe scratched Hiccup on his left temple near his left eye. To this, the Viking let out all he could on the warrior.
With a great cleave using both of his hand, Hiccup brought the Dragon's Blade down and across on the man's legs, slicing the front of his kneecaps opened and causing him to fall to the ground in pain. As a result, the Viking was left fully exposed to Hiccup as he found himself facing the fiery blade, all before it went through and across his neck, decapitating him.
As Hiccup beheaded him, he let out a loud scream which echoed out in the area, and to Magnus, it sounded like the mix of a Human and Dragon. But he knew that his voice was just becoming guttural throughout all the fights they had gone through so far.
The young lad then looked around, still feeling blood from his scratch go down his face, only to see that Magnus and Eira were quick to finish off their opponents as they impaled them with their blades through their chest and neck. With that, the camp was now secured.
"Is everyone alright?" Hiccup called out, earning nods from the two older Vikings. But even then, the center of Hiccup's attention was quickly turned towards his two friends in captivity.
"Hiccup, you're alive!" Fishlegs said, happily and relieved.
From the cages, he and Snotlout watched everything that went down, and they cheered for Hiccup after seeing him and the others cut down their captors. Now, it was time to free them.
Hiccup approached the cages, and one by one, he slashed his sword at the iron locks, breaking them until both cages sprung opened with the two Vikings now freed to wander out. For the most part, they were in one piece despite their tattered clothes.
"We're glad you came as soon as you could, Hiccup." Snotlout said as he walked over to one of the corpses and took their weapon. "When we were captured, we feared the worst that we were never going to see the light of day again. But it seems even I have underestimated your ability. You have my thanks."
Hiccup nodded, arms crossed. "There will be plenty of time to talk later. For now, we need to learn where the others are so we can free them, then we're going to assault the main camp. But Snotlout… where's Astrid?"
"She and the others are out there, held up in other camps and outposts somewhere. Most likely they'll be more heavily guarded compared to this small camp, but even with us alone, we can't assault it… however, there is a solution."
Snotlout made a gesture to the tents that stood behind them, causing for Magnus and Eira to walk over to them and inspect inside of them. What they found however somewhat surprised them, but also gave them a higher sense of hope.
Eira stared at a group of captives who had their mouths gagged and their hands bound behind their backs. Their colors were familiar, and right away she knew who they were.
"...There are Warsung captives in here!" she called out as she unsheathed her dagger and began cutting at the ropes that bound them. "As well as Hooligan warriors!"
Hiccup's eyes widened in slight surprise, not expecting that they'd encounter Hooligan Tribesmen held up in the camp. Even their numbers alone were now more than a dozen, and to this, he knew that they were about to have the better of this mission.
As the remaining warriors were cut from their bonds, their attention fell onto Hiccup who stood in the center of the camp with his blade still drawn, and he motioned over to the nearby weapon rack. "Grab whatever weapons there are. If you can fight, then follow me, and we will rescue our allies together."
"Then we have your back, Hiccup." one of the warriors said, saluting the Viking as he received a nod back from the scrawny Viking. The warriors then rushed over to the weapon rack which stood by the fire, and grabbed whatever they could.
"...So." Snotlout said with a small smirk. "Mind telling us your plan? You seem to know what you're doing after all."
"We'll discuss about it after we get to safety." he replied to him, sheathing his weapon. "But for now, follow me. We're going to find and free the Twins, and then we'll search for Astrid and Heather… I just hope to the Gods that they're still alive."