Sorry about the delay guys! Something came up last week and I had to handle it, but it's all good now!
For this chapter our characters will begin the journey North to fight the enemy, but as the title of this chapter reads, something will be brought up, but I hope you guys like this one!
Enjoy!
(11/22/18: Made a correction in dialogue. Screwed something up initially, but it's fixed now.)
"Come on lads, get your backs into it! Move, move!"
The morning came swiftly as the sun rose over the cloudy the sky around Dragon's Wake. The horns of war were blown, and time was starting to run short as rank upon rank of Vikings lined up into position, preparing for the long march ahead.
Much couldn't be said from Hiccup however since for him and the Riders, it would be a long flight.
From atop the stairs of the Mead Hall, he looked over the town - watching the Vikings make ready for the inevitable journey North.
His eyes however were fixed mostly towards his father who stood in the center of the town with the other Chieftains, discussing any further tactics for the battle yet to come.
Hiccup knew his father would be fine, but then he sighed, feeling his stomach slightly sink as he eyed Toothless who stood near him.
"This is going to be a hard one, Bud." he said whilst wrapping his cloak around him. "This next battle will be one of the largest fights ever against our enemy, so if anything goes wrong, we should stick together just in case."
"...At least, I hope nothing goes wrong."
"Nothing will go wrong as long as none of us are alone."
The familiar voice of Astrid caught his attention as he turned his head back to face the young shieldmaiden, and with her stood the Dragons and the rest of the gang, as well as Magnus, Eira, Hvitserk, and Sigurd.
"Astrid." spoke Hiccup.
She took a few steps forward, giving Hiccup a nodding gesture that they were prepared.
"We've done as you asked, and we've geared ourselves just as you wanted. We're ready to fly off when you are."
"It's best that we fly off as soon as possible." nodded Magnus. "The Great Heathen Army is growing desperate thanks to our efforts thus far. If we are successful in destroying both the remaining Clans that stand with Ivar, then he will be in for a surprise when he returns to Norway - whenever that will be."
"Aye." said Fishlegs. "More than half of his army will be wiped out by then. If we win this next one, victory could be ours within a matter of weeks. We'll finally be able to attack Ivar's capital, and then after that, we can go home."
Heather lightly chuckled, looking back at Fishlegs. "Wouldn't that be something? ... Unfortunately however, we can't be too hasty."
"We can talk about home after we're done here." replied Hiccup, now eyeing Hvitserk. "Our road is still long, and it's not over yet. Hvitserk, can you let me in on where we're going?"
The young Jarl nodded as his gaze turned North. "Currently our main course of direction is towards the boundary of the Arid Highlands and the Iron Mountains. Our destination; Strongholm, just as Sigurd and I have discussed."
"Then let's not delay any further." Hiccup announced as he quickly mounted atop Toothless. "Riders, mount up and prepare to depart. Hvitserk, you're with me. Sigurd, Heather, you two can choose."
Heather shook her head. "You don't need to ask me again."
She then proceeded to quickly dash towards Fishlegs who was mounted atop Meatlug, and with a helping hand he helped her up onto his Dragon, leaving the last option clear for Sigurd.
"...I guess I'll be right behind Snotlout then." he said as he made his way towards Hookfang before settling down behind Snotlout and atop the Nightmare's neck.
"Looks like we're finally ready." said Snotlout. "Let's fly as fast as we can. Otherwise I might get-
…
"-HUNGRY!" Snotlout sighed, irritated. "I am so… hungry!"
It had been some time passed since Hiccup and the others took off, and by now they were no longer flying over dense forest, but rather opened highlands of brown grass and falling snow.
Eira, who was sitting behind Magnus and on top of Thorwind, shivered intensely. Her eyes narrowed down to the ground, widened as she tried adjusting to his flight style.
"Magnus! Aren't you flying a bit too fast?" she called out, gripping tightly to his shoulders. "I think I'm going to fall off!"
"Thorwind flies this fast naturally, Eira." replied Magnus as his voice kept a calm tone. "Fishlegs tells me that Skrills are meant to be one of the fastest Dragons alive. Though not as fast as Night Fury, they are definitely a chaser."
"Easy for you to say! I'm not used to this!" she replied, still semi-freaking out.
Astrid's voice then called out to her. "Come on, Eira! You've flown with me on top of Stormfly before. How much different can this be?"
"...Very different." she said, allowing herself to slowly ease in.
Snotlout sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know about you, but flying is the least of my worries right now! My stomach is rumbling and I need something soon before I go coo-coo!"
Ruffnut looked back at Snotlout. "Hey Snotlout! While you're at it, why don't you start complaining about something else!? You're whining like a boar as if you didn't eat anything this morning!"
"I did, but it wasn't enough…" he grunted. "Never in my life have I felt so pissy over something like this. Why can't we just-"
"Alright. Stop!"
Hiccup's voice bellowed loudly as he rose a hand up in the air, gesturing for the Riders to stop their Dragons as he turned Toothless around to face them. Clearly he was uncomfortable.
He shook his head, glaring. "Right, so it's clear to me right now that some of us aren't as prepared as I asked you all to be before we took off in our flight. Snotlout, how can you be this hungry after two hours into our flight? You've endured worse than this."
"...I simply did not have breakfast this morning." he said, letting himself calm down a little. "But I don't think I'll have the strength to continue if I keep acting up like this. There has to be a place where we can take a rest for bit, and maybe even grab a bite. Anywhere will do!"
"Like a tavern?" asked Tuffnut. "I mean, I guess we could."
Hiccup sighed, glancing back at him. "Tuff, where the Hel do you think we're supposed to go? We're in the middle of nowhere, flying above the Arid Highlands, completely exposed. The more time we spend here bickering, the less time we'll have in reaching-"
"Look, all I'm saying is that maybe if you'd turn around and look, then you'll see what I mean."
His words caused Hiccup to arch a brow as he spun his head back towards the opened plains, and from afar he saw a small clustered area of forest with smoke rising from beneath it, and along with that, he also made out the shapes of two wooden structures.
Both of his brows now rose. "Well now, that is... unexpecting."
"See, told ya!" splurted Tuffnut with his arms crossed. "If anything, I think you should call me genius. Eh? Eh?"
There was no response. The only thing the group replied with was an emotionless stare at Tuffnut who in turn felt embarrassed, and so he backed out.
Then Hiccup spoke up.
"Alright gang, new plan!" he announced. "Let's land down below and inspect the area. From how I see it, there shouldn't be any enemies around here if we're lucky."
"And let's hope that what we're looking at is a tavern as well!" nodded Snotlout. "I'm way ahead of ya!"
Immediately, the young Viking made Hookfang bolt forwards without warning, nearly making Sigurd fly off as they flew fast towards the supposed tavern in the distance, and soon the rest of the group followed.
Eventually, they landed in an opening in the small woods with a pond in the center - suitable enough for their Dragons to stay out of sight and hang around in.
As Hiccup dismounted with Hvitserk, he gave a nod to Toothless, gesturing for the Night Fury to go rest by the pond of water. To this, the Dragon gave a look of confusion.
"This is as far as I can take you for now, Bud." he said. "If anyone spots you or the other Dragons, they could become suspicious on who we are. We have to go in there as if we're strangers, alright?"
Hiccup then turned his gaze back on the others as he said aloud; "Same for you too guys! Let your Dragons rest here. For all we know, there could be spies in that tavern."
"What!?" grumbled Ruffnut. "Come onnnn, we don't even know if there are any!"
"And nor do we know if there aren't any." Astrid replied as she patted Stormfly. "We should all expect the unexpected, Ruffnut. Even if we don't know what could happen."
"Aye." nodded Magnus. "I'd say as well that it's safe enough to leave our Dragons here. Their warm bodies should be enough against this cold."
"Agreed." said Fishlegs as he watched Meatlug rest by the pond. "Our Dragons can stay here. It's safe enough for them out here than in there."
"Then it's settled." responded Hiccup. "Let's move out."
The group soon quickly began moving as they carefully made their way through the snowy woods, walking along a small road towards the tavern that laid up ahead of them. After not even a minute passed, they were right in front of it.
And just by looking at it, Hiccup could tell it was indeed a tavern, especially since there were horses stabled nearby.
Magnus lightly chuckled in amusement. "Reminds me of the tavern back in Kattegat that I used to go to. Although it looked grey and dull, it was definitely well built… I think it was called the Blade and Dagger's tavern or something?"
"Not sure." shrugged Hiccup. "But this one is named…"
"...The Golden and Brown Ale tavern… gah, can't they think of any better names than this?"
"Well, at least it will do for now." said Astrid. "Best we get out of this snow and get inside to take a look."
"Agreed." said Hvitserk. "I could use a good ale by now… as long as it isn't piss."
The group instantly proceeded to make their way inside, getting themselves out of the cold and into the warm tavern with the door swinging open on them.
Upon making their way in, their eyes met with a firepit and their ears caught the sound of tavern music being played. A dozen or so figures then caught eye of Hiccup and the others, causing them to almost freeze in place until Hiccup quickly realized that the people that all sat around were just simple patrons and travelers.
"Relax, guys." he said calmly as he continued forward. "They're all just patrons. Let's move on."
The others looked at Hiccup confused, but followed him - disregarding the people in the tavern who were back to minding their own business.
As they headed towards the wooden counter, a long blonde-haired and bearded man came into view, wearing a leather apron and carrying an empty mug in hand. He glanced at the Riders with a welcoming face and proceeded to greet the group.
"Quite the lot I must say." the tavern keeper said, motioning his hand towards the wooden chairs that sat in front of the counter. "Please, sit! There's enough for eleven."
They all silently nodded back, sitting along the line of chairs as they waited for the keeper. In order from their left to right sat Snotlout, Fishlegs, Heather, Eira, Magnus, Hiccup, Astrid, Sigurd, Hvitserk, Ruffnut, and finally Tuffnut.
For a short moment they sat there, still waiting for the tavern keeper until he eventually showed back up.
The man grasped his hands, staring down each of the young Vikings. "Now then, what can I do for you fine and young lads and lasses? Perhaps it's a warm meal you want? Or a nice ale? Just tell me, and I'll get you what you need. We have all kinds of food and drink here at the Golden and Brown Ale tavern!"
"We just want something to keep us well fed for our journey North." said Hiccup, showing off a friendly expression. "A leg of chicken and a small mug of ale will do for me, as well as baked bread."
"Same here." nodded Astrid.
"I'll have a cooked salmon fish, and some warm milk." said Snotlout.
"My friend Eira here and I will have stew and a mug of ale, please." said Magnus.
"Same." Sigurd and Hvitserk announced in unison.
"Us two will have a mutton of yak, and some water." Fishlegs said, gesturing towards himself and Heather.
"My sis and I will have boar ribs!" spoke Tuffnut.
"And two pints of ale!" added on Ruffnut.
The list seemed long, but to the tavern keeper it did not seem like something he couldn't do. He slowly nodded as he kept track of everything they wanted as a small grin appeared on his face.
"Alright then!" he said with a light hearty chuckle. "My cooks and I will get right on it, and I assure you we will finish in no time. Stay here - I'll be right back."
The man once again walked out view and made his way towards a room where the scent of food being baked could be smelled.
This especially struck the Twins as they both let out an "Aah…" of hunger.
After the keeper was out of sight, Hiccup, Astrid, and the others began talking and whispering among one another, keeping their voices low so that no one could hear them.
Hiccup glanced at Astrid, sighing. "Looks like late breakfast is served for us."
"I guess so." she shrugged. "But I'm still curious. Why is the tavern keeper so nice? I'd thought he'd be so..."
"Rude?" he answered. "I wouldn't have said that. Perhaps the keeper is kind to us because this tavern is located away from civilization. Plus, it looks like a place that serves mostly for travelers and patrons. Like us."
"You mean he isn't as rude as the other folk back in Kattegat since this place doesn't have the same feeling that the people there give?"
"Exactly." he said to her. "It's also why this place seems more successful. It feels more cozy and comfortable despite the outside look… Though speaking of Kattegat, I do wonder what's going on in that city. It's been awhile since I've heard from it."
"Who knows?" replied Astrid. "Most likely the place is just under the control of Ivar's forces. At least eight thousand of them I'd say. More than what we're about to go up against-"
"Please don't remind me." he said, shaking his head. "I just want something to eat to ease my mind off of things before we continue the journey."
Hiccup then turned his head around, looking down as he patiently continued waiting for the tavern keeper to return. But before he knew it, the keeper would come walking out again with almost a few mugs in his hand along with a couple of plates in the other. Behind him, several others followed him, also carrying food in their hands as they placed it down in front of the group.
"And that's that." the tavern keeper replied. "Though I will say, this alone is all worth at least fifteen silver. But I will accept-"
His words would be instantly cut off as a satchel hurled towards him, and as it landed in his hands, he looked back at Magnus who was standing up with a look of approval.
"I'll give you twenty silver." he said as he sat back down. "It's more than what we owe you, but you deserve it for your fine service."
The blonde haired man rose his brows in surprise. "Very well, good traveler." he said. "I hope you enjoy!"
The group slowly began to eat away at what they were given, happily chattering to each other as they discussed while they ate. To the Dragon Riders, it seemed like a warming rescue for their stomachs.
As Hiccup ate however, his ears couldn't bother but to eavesdrop on the quiet discussions that were happening behind him from the other patrons. The feeling it gave was almost like he was back in Kattegat.
It was then that a specific couple caught his attention. The voices of two men from behind Hiccup attracted his ears as he began to listen closely.
"Did you hear the recent news happening down South?" one of them said as he ate from his meat pie.
The other man shook his head. "I hear stories here and now and again, but no. Is there something going on with that stupid boy Ivar?"
Ivar. The name nearly shook Hiccup to anger, but he managed to hold it in.
"Aye, but not exactly." the first man said. "There's been news reaching out from the city of Kattegat. It angers me what that warmongering Boy-King is doing to his people."
"What do you mean?" the other asked. "What exactly is happening down there?"
"...Ivar is starving out Kattegat."
"What...?"
Hiccup's eyes widened and his brows slightly rose as the grip on his mug of ale tightened. Did he hear what he thought he just heard?
"You heard me." the man said. "The people of Kattegat are starving, and it's not looking good at all. Ivar has decided to cut off all the stocks of food to the people, and he is instead using it to feed his Great Army. If this continues to go on, the people will starve to death in a month."
"Odin's beard…" the second patron gasped. "I can't believe he's going this far in an attempt to win this bloody war he foolishly started. Doesn't he realize he can't win without people?"
"What would you expect from an ruthless twenty year old King?" the first man said. "His act of starving out his people has riled them up. There have been riots in the streets and attacks on Ivar's Jomsviking and Saxon allies, as well as the warriors that were supposed to protect them. Unfortunately, their uprisings have failed miserably."
"...At this rate, Kattegat will become a Fortress of rabid dogs if it continues. His support of war from his people is beginning to die out, and they want it to end. There's more warriors in that city than there are folk."
"Aye." the second man nodded. "If anything, this war has took a turn for the worst for him. Two of his allies are dead, and it is definite that the Vikings of the Archipelago are still alive. They are the reason why you and I are survivors."
"Indeed, and if they continue attacking Ivar at this rate then there may be a chance that he can be stopped… they are the only hope left. I say to Helheim with Ivar."
Slowly, the men's conversation left Hiccup's ears as he sat there bewildered and shook. He couldn't believe what he just heard, and it wasn't looking good.
Even Magnus, who sat on Hiccup's left, noticed this.
He looked down at the young lad, concerned. "Hiccup, are you alright?"
"...No." he replied softly. "Something's bad happened Magnus. Something very bad."
…
"What!?"
Everyone's voice spoke up in unison as they flew through the air, now back onto the backs of their Dragons.
Hiccup sighed, nodding his head. "That's what I heard from the men I eavesdropped. Ivar is starving out his people to feed the Great Heathen Army, but now they are rebelling against him. At this rate, the people are now in support for us to win so we can save them. If not, they will die in a month!"
"I can't believe this." Magnus growled. "Ivar has gone too far for the LAST TIME! He starves his people all because of a war he started for his own gain, and now they're dying as a result. Hundreds and hundreds of innocent men, women, and children!"
"This is barbaric." said Heather. "No Tribe in the Archipelago would ever do this far just to win a stupid war."
"Well that's Ivar for you." Sigurd replied. "He shipped me and a large amount of his Völsung Clan out as prisoners for refusing to fight his war, but he turned us into his enemy as a result. Warsung."
"But still, this all just makes no sense." said Fishlegs. "I mean- why? Why would Ivar want to starve his people out just to feed the army more? Doesn't he already have enough?"
Hiccup shook his head. "That's the thing Fishlegs, he doesn't. At the start of this war Ivar had over twenty thousand men under his banner. Scandinavians, Slavs, and Germanics. But his warriors numbered more than his people. However, there is only one conclusion I can draw up from this."
"And what's that?" asked Astrid.
"...Ivar does not want to ever stop fighting this war."