Hiccup soon found himself in a war meeting with the other commanders and Mimir. Viggo was also there, no doubt standing in for Gobber.
"Loki's only launcher that had four sooner than I expected," said Mimir.
"It's a good thing that young Hiccup here make preparations," said Viggo.
"Indeed," Mimir agreed. "Very ingenious using the mud to slow the enemy's advance."
"Thanks, but it's not going to work a second time now that they know it," Hiccup reminded them. "And then they still attack at night, this time with trolls."
"At least we didn't lose anybody," said Guy.
"We didn't even see a single goblin at the North," said Christina.
"The enemy would most likely attack the South rather than the North," said Duncan. "That said, they may try to launch a surprise attack, thinking defences are weaker in the North."
"Don't worry, your pretty head over it; we're not sitting around," Christina assured him. "I've already got people I can trust working on the defences in the North."
"So we still don't know the identity of the spy?" Guy asked.
"This was only the first engagement, and Hiccup had been very secretive about his defences, but as the battle raged on, I'm sure that the spy would reveal him or herself," said Viggo confidently.
"Is there any word about our reinforcements?" Hiccup asked.
"I have reached out to every single demigod still out there, but either they are under attack or are already dead," said Mimir regretfully. "As for a from the elves and dwarves, I'm afraid I don't know any more than the rest of you."
"It has only been 24 hours," Guy pointed out. "Even if we manage to convince them to help us, it's going to take time for them to arm themselves and move out."
"So basically, we're on our own," said Christina.
"We just have to hold out; I'm sure we'll get those reinforcements," said Hiccup confidently.
"You excuse me if I don't share your confidence," said Christina darkly.
"Enough," said Mimir. "Hiccup is right. We should focus more on fortifying our defences in case they attack tonight."
Hiccup looked at Mimir. "Mimir, what do we do if they do penetrate the gates and actually enter the Academy?"
"Then we have to do everything we can to prevent the enemy from destroying the heart of the Academy," said Mimir.
"And where exactly is the heart of the Academy?" Guy asked.
"That would be the tree within the Plaza," said Viggo. "In all actuality, it's a branch of Yggdrasil, and its magic flows right through the Academy. Without that single branch, all the magic would disappear from the Academy, and it would crumble."
"You're saying that giant tree in the Plaza is actually a branch?" Christina stared.
Unlike the rest of the commanders, Hiccup had seen Yggdrasil and knew one of its branches was wide enough to drive on. Unsurprisingly, one of its branches could easily be mistaken for a giant tree.
"It's all a matter of perspective," Viggo smiled.
"At least we now know what we're defending," said Guy.
"Maybe we should think about setting up defences in the Plaza in case the worst happens," Hiccup suggested.
"An excellent idea, and since Eret is too busy setting up new traps outside, I'll handle the task," Viggo offered.
Mimir narrowed his eyes at him. "Fine, but I want to be with you at all times."
"You still do not trust me?" said Viggo, looking insulted.
"Your past history when you were mortal doesn't exactly paint you a savoury light," Mimir reminded him.
"Have it your way; I have nothing to hide."
"Has Wrinkly discovered anything new about the mirror?" Guy asked.
"He's still doing his research, but you can't expect him to solve such a complicated magical artefact overnight," said Mimir.
"It would be nice to know how close he is to a breakthrough, though."
"I'll inform you the moment Winkly has found something. Now, I suggest that all of you carry on with your preparations. We have a lot to do."
After the meeting, Hiccup went outside to sort out the defences, which Astrid was managing.
"How did the meeting go?" Astrid asked.
"As counter-productive as you might expect," he said. "Though we did discover that the tree in the Plaza is actually a piece of Yggdrasil, and of its destroyed, you can say goodbye to the Academy."
"I always wondered how that tree got there," said Astrid.
"How are the defences looking?" Hiccup asked.
"We've managed to retrieve all the arrows we could and replace the boulders we lost. The traps, however, are thinking a little bit longer to prepare; Eret and his team are doing their best with our resources. You know they're even laying landmines out there."
"Let's hope we can find them if we survive this; I don't fancy taking the morning walk across the moors and blowing myself up."
Astrid laughed. "Since you can see into the future, that might not be possible."
"You know it doesn't exactly work like that."
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Anyway, I'm also making preparations in case we have to deal with some wargs."
Hiccup remembered reading about wargs; they were essentially giant wolves that could bite through a solid treatment with one bite. They were often used as mounts for orcs, something you didn't fancy seeing.
"You think they'll attack tonight?" Hiccup asked.
"If the attack from earlier were merely to test our defences, then I would say it's safe to assume."
"Then we better get some sleep. We have the chance," Hiccup suggested.
"As well, get some food in us," Astrid agreed.
"Just make sure you don't need too much; we don't want you to be sick during the battle."
"Hiccup, I know full well just how much to eat. You don't have to worry."
Hiccup smiled back at her. "You can at least let me worry a little?"
Astrid smiled at him as he walked away.
Hiccup decided to take a little nap, but unfortunately, that led to him having another one of those famous demigod dreams. He found himself in a tent and saw a group of people standing around a table, and he recognised every single one.
"Our first assault was an utter shambles!" Ryker roared, slamming his fist on the table. "We can even get anywhere close to the Academy."
"That's because our goal was to test the defences; it was not a serious attack," said Krogan.
"Maybe not, but we still lost quite several troops, and they lost none," Johann pointed out.
"Indeed, most of most of my kinsman were annihilated!" said a dark elf.
Hiccup recognised the dark elf as Atras; he was the leader of the Purists. A group of dark elves disagreed with Queen Briar, the Queen of the Dark Elves and Heather's mother. The last time he saw him was when they went to retrieve the Eye of Odin, making him lose his leg in the process.
"You said it yourself. Those were your most incompetent followers," said Krogan.
"They were still my kinsman!" Atras growled. "Practically all of them were annihilated, and you promised the casualties would be a minimum!"
"You said you had a spy in the enemy camp, and they failed to report this!" Zar growled.
"It would seem as if Hiccup acted independently with his trap," said Loki, looking rather impressed. "I must say the boy surprised me. I never dreamed he would be so deceptive."
"What are we going to do now?" Zar asked. "Wait until nightfall and launch another attack."
"If we are refused to have my people take part in it!" said Atras firmly.
"You're not the only one who lost men, Atras," Johann reminded him.
"And yet I seem to be the only one who cares," Atras glared. "I'm starting to question my decision to ally myself with you."
"Savage, too late for you to have second thoughts," said Gullveig as she entered the tent. "You are recognised as a terrorist organisation in Svartalfheim. In fact, I understand that the Queen has arrested several of your people."
Atras gritted his teeth angrily. "You promised that you would see the Queen deposed and allow the Purists to rule Svartalfheim if we pledge loyalty to you. My people have more than upheld our end of the bargain, and I have yet to see you lift a finger to help us."
"Once the Academy is destroyed, we fully intend to fulfil our end of the deal," said Johann.
"So what do we intend to do?" Zar asked. "Momentum has strengthened our enemy; the longer we delay, the better the chance they have of prepping their defences and getting reinforcements."
"My Zar, there is no need to get so worked up," said Loki gently. "No matter how well they prepare their defences, they cannot withstand our mighty force. As reinforcements that do not seem very likely, the dwarfs are too busy fighting among themselves, and both the Light and Dark Elves mistrust one another."
"Thanks to your deviousness, no doubt," Gullveig.
"Guilty as charged," Loki smiled. "Regardless, we will attack tonight, but this time, we will bring the trolls and the wargs."
Atras narrowed his eyes. "I will not allow my people to take part in another slaughter."
"Then you can merely let the goblins and the orcs take the lead," said Loki.
"Yes, you can hide in the back while you let true warrior show you how it's done," said Zar proudly.
Atras glared at him and left the tent; he was soon followed by the other commanders, leaving only Loki and Gullveig alone.
"Atras could be a problem," said Gullveig.
"If he decides to abandon us, I'm sure we can survive the absence of his dark elves," said Loki. "We only allied with them in order to sow confusion within the dark elves' ranks. With that done, their usefulness has come to an end."
"They are still strong allies, Loki," Gullveig pointed out. "And after the little stunt you did at my Palace, I'm starting to question my decision to ally with you."
"Gullveig, I was merely trying to retrieve some artefacts before they fell into enemy hands," said Loki innocently.
"The only item of value in my workshop was a mirror I designed to use against you," Gullveig pointed out.
"And, of course, I was concerned that the enemy would use it against me. I knew you would find it difficult to believe me, which is why I did not inform you of my decision to retrieve the item. It is just a shame that Hiccup was able to get his hands on it, but of course, he still needs to learn how to use it before it can become a real threat."
Gullveig narrowed her eyes. "You certainly have a way with words, Loki. But don't believe for one second that I believe you; I know just how deprived that mind of yours is."
"And despite knowing this, you are still willing to work with me because you know I am more valuable to you as an ally than an enemy," Loki smiled dashingly. "Unlike the Aseir, I actually use my head in battle. Odin and Frigg may be the wisest among them, but even they can be fooled."
"I warn you, Loki, if you perform one more stunt like the one you did in my workshop, then I will terminate our alliance, and you will have me as an enemy."
"Perfectly noted," said Loki.