A/N: June has been a very busy month for me: work has been picking up, school is keeping me busy, and I just recently celebrated my 25th birthday with friends and family. As you well know, life happens. With that said, we're back and this chapter will have no smut, instead, it's going to be Harald launching a botched attack on Paris and Hiccup coming in to clean up the mess. Let's get to it.

(Normal pov— Paris)

Savage and his men were feasting and drinking within a brothel, it was a means of winding down after helping the Franks prepare for the imminent attack that Hiccup's followers would launch. The Deviants had a spy within their enemy's war camp, this spy was not only Savage's sorceress but also his lover, her name was Skuld the Sorceress. Her beauty was blinding but she is touched by darkness, and those who crossed her would suffer in ways that cannot possibly be fathomed. Savage had sent Skuld into Hiccup's war camp to spy and learn anything of value, and after spending enough time among the King of Viking's followers, Skuld had reported that Harald Haraldson and many others were planning to launch a premature attack on Paris. Armed with this knowledge, Savage informed Emperor Gudleif of the impending attack, and the ruler of Paris had his counts and dukes marshal their respective forces and prepare the city for an attack.

Looking at his man, Hauk, Savage smirked as his second in command was arm wrestling the strongest of their men at one of the larger tables and there were bear traps placed on the right and left side of the table, if Hauk or any of his opponents lost, they would receive a very painful reward. In times such as these, when the battle was around the corner, Savage would expect his men to prepare and be ready, however, they had the advantage of knowing what their enemy would do, and as such, Savage allowed his men to eat, drink, and be merry for a while, but he explicitly ordered none of his men to get drunk or to harm themselves. It would do the Deviants no good if they fought their enemies bloodied and intoxicated.

"Savage,"

The man didn't even need to look up to see his lover and seer, trace a hand along his shoulders before she threw her legs around his waist, now perched on his lap. "Mmm, Skuld," leaning in and breathing in his woman's intoxicating scent, Savage withdrew and looked into her eyes. "Tell me what you've seen. Will we emerge victorious or will that pampered boy, Gudleif be humiliated?"

Cupping Savage's face, Skuld's pupils dilated as she satisfied his curiosity. "I have seen death this night. Many will fall, Franks and Vikings alike. However, we will taste no defeat this night," smiling at her lover, Skuld traced her thumb along Savage's lower lip. "Many of our enemies will fall, including your former lord, Alvin the Treacherous, now known as Alvin the Trustworthy."

Grinning wickedly at this news, Savage inquired further. "Who kills him?"

"He will perish by your hands, my love,"

Savage chuckled darkly. "That is music to my ears," he then turned to Hauk and barked out of the clamor and exclaims of his men. "Hauk! Enough playing with the men! We prepare for a battle that is arriving at our door soon."

"Yes, Lord Savage," Hauk bowed his head before turning to the other Deviants. "The time for drinking, humping, and feasting is over! Prepare for battle!"

The Deviants acknowledged their second in command and departed the brothel, with Savage and Skuld behind them. Once outside, the tribe of Viking outlaws and criminals was greeted by Otton and Claude Frotto, along with two dozen Frankish soldiers and members of the Paris Inquisition.

"Chieftain Savage, our emperor has tasked Claude Frotto and myself to aid you and your men in the defense of Paris," Otton gestured to the front square once one would enter the capital city. "Our emperor wants the Vikings stopped here so that they could then be lured into the trap we have prepared for them."

Snorting, Frotto held his head up high and remarked dismissively. "As if we require the aid of these vile pagans, my inquisition and the brave men of Paris are more than enough to keep the heathens that march to our gates out—"

"Without our help, you wouldn't be able to identify who the leaders of the Viking attackers are, old man," Savage retorted sharply. "When we kill the enemy jarls and leaders, their forces will scatter to the wind, leaving Hiccup Haddock's forces depleted. Like it or not, you need us."

Frotto's response was a growl, but Otton placed a hand on the older man's shoulder, silently telling him not to provoke the Vikings. "My scouts have informed me that the Viking force marching against us have dragon riders, they will undoubtedly use this advantage to breach our walls, lower the drawbridge, and then raise the gates, allowing their forces to pour out into our streets," turning back to Savage, Otton reiterated. "As I said, our emperor wishes for the heathens to be trapped in the front courtyard, and when all the Vikings have entered our city, we close the gate, preventing their escape, and killing every last one of them."

Extending his arms out, Savage smirked. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get ready to kill our mutual enemies!"

"Something's happening, do you see?"

Heahmund, who was using the key he had stolen earlier to free himself from the shackles heeded Gallio's words and saw a sizeable force of Vikings on the march, many of the clans marching were those that were often at odds with Hiccup Haddock, all that remained of the Viking army moving against Paris was the Fairhair dynasty. Heahmund recognized the marching clans, and at their head, leading them was Prince Harald Haraldson of the Fairhair dynasty. The man was clad in dark brown leather armor and a yellow tunic underneath his armor, like all the Fairhair warriors, Harald had a yellow shield bearing the Viking compass.

"What are they doing?"

Looking over his shoulder, Heahmund replied softly. "By the looks of it, this appears to be an act of defiance," he continued by clarifying to the prince of Constantinople. "That man there, Harald Haraldson, is at odds with the Viking's chosen king, Hiccup Haddock III because he stands as King of Vikings, not Harald Haraldson," the prince of the Roman Catholic Church then chuckled in understanding. "This is a means of shaming Hiccup Haddock. If that fool, Haraldson can conquer Paris, then the Vikings will take note of it and look to him as a man of action. Their support for Hiccup Haddock would wane and the heathens will look to Haraldson as a leader who isn't afraid to attack."

Gallio snorted. "First he would need that victory,"

"Exactly,"

Both prisoners saw Harald look in their direction, he then approached them, his sister, Aud by his side, as well as other members of the Fairhair family. Heahmund was able to slide Gallio the keys to their shackles while they were talking, and now the Catholic prince was now face to face with Hiccup Haddock's rival within the Viking ranks.

"Heathen,"

"Christian,"

Both men traded titles with disgust before Harald smirked. "How does it feel knowing that your humiliation and suffering is at its bitter end?"

"If I am to die, I will join God and all the saints in heaven," Heahmund then smirked at the Fairhair prince. "As for your family and the fools who follow you? You will all burn in the fires of hell! Valhalla is a lie, and your gods are a lie!" Harald struck Heahmund across the face, but the Catholic prince laughed. "Despite my distaste towards all you heathens, I know that the attack you plan on conducting is a foolish attempt. You are impulsive, whereas Hiccup Haddock is calm and collective, a trait I find... rare and admirable, even for a heathen such as him."

"Harald, enough of this," Queen Gora of the Fairhair dynasty said firmly. She then placed an equally firm hand on her son's shoulder. "We have the battle to fight, Franks to kill, and to see your brother Folkwin's death paid for in blood,"

"Yes, mother,"

Before joining his family, Harald turned to two of his bodyguards and gestured to both prisoners. "Kill them, and join us when you are able," the prince mounted his horse and joined his sister and mother as they rode off to lead their army.

Chuckling darkly, one of the guards drew their sword and loomed over Heahmund. "Now you die, Christian dog," as the guard swung their blade at the catholic's head, they released a shocked gasp when Heahmund evaded the blade which instead struck the wooden totem he and Gallio were chained to. Heahmund kicked the guard in the leg, forcing them to a single knee before landing another kick to their chest, knocking them on their back and causing them to lose their sword. Reaching for his executioner's blade, Heahmund quickly plunged the sword through the Viking's chest. Snarling in agony, the guard reached for the catholic prince, but Heahmund twisted the blade until life fled from the Viking.

The prince of Constantinople freed himself and grabbed the wrists of the Viking who too brought their blade down on him. Grunting fiercely, Gallio rose to his feet and then bashed his head against his executioner's face, staggering him, allowing the Roman to reach for the guard's dagger and to stab him repeatedly in the belly until finally driving the smaller blade through the Viking's throat, killing them. Quickly dragging the now lifeless corpse of his executioner away from prying eyes, Gallio stripped the guard of his fur cloak and threw it over his shoulders as well as throwing the hood over his head to obscure his identity from night sentries.

Heahmund had followed Gallio's example, and now both men were in disguise and simply walked out of the camp, evading both Vikings and dragons. Once in the forest outside of the war camp, both men turned to face each other.

"This is where we part ways," Gallio said before tossing the Viking cloak aside. His gilded armor shone in the moonlight, as did the fires of determination in his eyes. "I must return to Constantinople and inform my father and people of the Viking threat."

Nodding, Heahmund voiced similar sentiments. "If the heathens establish a foothold in the West then they could set their sights on Rome itself, and under Haddock's leadership, they could very well rip out the heart of Christendom."

"Well then, if you wish to preserve your way of life, I suggest you return home," Gallio then gave him a firm nod. "Even though we do not share her same beliefs, I wish you a safe return home." The prince of Constantinople then fled, leaving Heahmund alone.

Heahmund too fled and ran, praying that he would find a port and find passage to Rome. He managed to relieve a purse full of coins that the Viking he killed had attached to his waist. Rome would need to prepare to face this threat and see to it that the head of this great serpent was removed.

Viggo hated to admit it, but he was vexed, deeply.

Over the year he tried to earn Hiccup's trust by any means, yet despite his efforts, all his actions were rewarded with skepticism. Every word that came out of his mouth was taken with a grain of salt. In a way, Viggo admired Hiccup for his caution and he understood why, there was still bad blood that existed between their respective peoples, and those wounds would take time to mend. Though he and Hiccup were on speaking terms and the king tolerated the presence of him and what remained of his tribe, Viggo wished for Hiccup's full confidence, and he had yet to obtain it.

And Viggo believed he could earn the young king's trust by another means.

Currently, the man was inside his tent, seated at a table while honing his already keen mind with a game of Maces and Talons. Whilst playing, Viggo thought of Harald Haraldson, a man who believed himself to be more fitted to become the king of all Vikings. Harald Haraldson was a man of ambition. By no means is that a bad thing, all men should have ambition, however, Harald is a man who serves only himself and his own greed. And such ambition from such a man was poison, one with the power to seep and spread.

If Viggo could prove that Harald Haraldson was attempting to go behind Hiccup's back, he was certain that he would finally earn the king's trust.

But he needed to prove that the leader of the Fairhair dynasty was going behind Hiccup's back.

A series of stern knocks against the thick flaps of Viggo's tent was what caused the man to momentarily cease his thoughts and session of Maces and Talons. "Enter," with his permission, both Robin, his daughter, Alina, his cousin, Lars II, and his man, Skegg. "Well? What have you seen?"

"You were right to be cautious about Harald, father. He plans to lead a premature attack on Paris as we speak,"

While pouring himself a cup of wine, Viggo turned to his daughter with an inquisitive look. "You are certain of this, my dear child?" She nodded firmly in confirmation while Viggo took a drink of his wine. "Who aids him in this foolishness?"

"Madguts the Murderous, Norbert the Nutjob, and Ulfbjorn of the Lava Louts. At least those are his three main supporters, there are others that I am unfamiliar with who wish to attack earlier than Lord Hiccup had planned," Robin replied before sighing. "If anything this is an attempt to make Hiccup appear weak and unwilling to act. Should Harald and his allies succeed, the people will praise them and maybe even look to Harald as a better leader than Hiccup."

"Winning battles is one thing, Robin, it's what you do with the power you're given that reveals what kind of ruler you'll be— a fair ruler or a tyrant," Ariana crossed her arms across her chest and snorted. "That man will be anything but fair."

"Indeed, my daughter," Viggo set his cup down and crossed his arms behind his back, pacing back and forth at a slow pace. "We must not withhold this knowledge from Hiccup. This is our chance to show him that he can trust me, and all who are part of my tribe."

"They've already left the camp, cousin, we'll never reach them before they get a large number of Vikings killed," Lars stated.

"Not on foot, but we can catch up to them on the backs of dragons," Skegg stated before turning back to Viggo. "What do you want to do?"

There was only one thing to do, and Viggo would see to it personally.

"Arm yourselves and ready your dragons, all of you," as Viggo left his tent, he added softly. "I will inform King Hiccup of Harald Haraldson's defiance."

Hiccup was inside his war tent, leaning over a table full of maps, charts, and outlines of both Paris and its defenses. The only reason he was delaying the siege was to execute a perfect, flawless plan that would see his army to victory, all that remained was adding the finishing touches. Of course, he knew that the longer he planned, the more impatient his forces would get, especially those who had been severely grieved by the Franks. The likelihood of his own forces launching a premature attack was very high, Hiccup prayed that Harald or any who supported him were stupid enough to rally enough warriors to join them and attack Paris. The pressure to come up with a good plan and keep an eye on Haraldson had led to many sleepless nights, and it was costing him time with his wife, Astrid, and his lovers.

"Hiccup, are you there?"

"Right here, Mom,"

Valka entered the tent and soon found herself by Hiccup's side. The king took in his mother's appearance for but a moment. Beneath the fur cloak draped around her shoulders, she wore her usual yellow tunic, skirt wraps, brown leggings, and boots. The candlelight within the tent made her glow, enhancing her features, and Hiccup found himself drawn by her beauty, as he had been the moment she revealed herself to him at the Dragon Sanctuary all those years ago.

"You're still going over the perfect plan of attack?"

Sighing heavily, Hiccup nodded. "I'm still making plans, yeah," he then shrugged. "Aud tells me that the Franks are celebrating one of their saints one week from now, and I believe with the enemy distracted with festivities and celebrations, that could give us the opening to attack."

Humming softly, Valka reached out and raked a hand through Hiccup's hair. Her short nails running along his scalp caused the king to close his eyes and sigh contently. The older Haddock then pulled Hiccup into her side, the king sighed against his mother's neck as she continued running a hand through his hair and wrapped her other arm around him.

Her tactile nature was something Hiccup adored about Valka. No doubt she showed similar affection to her lover, Alrik. For a moment, Hiccup felt jealousy swell within him, however, he was also glad that his mother had found someone to be with. Even if he didn't know Alrik well, Hiccup hoped that he wasn't just using his mother to wet his cock, because Valka was an astonishing woman and one that wasn't just someone to throw down and hump.

"You're tired,"

"That's an understatement," Hiccup snorted.

"What can I do to help?"

Valka's question caused him to peer up at her and smile. "Just... stay for a while," he wrapped his arms around her and repeated softly. "Stay for a while."

"I will, my dear," Valka cooed while pressing a kiss against his forehead. "I will."

"Mmmm,"

The two held each other in comfortable silence, and although this was nice, Valka wanted more; she wanted to be entwined with Hiccup in bed and feel his naked skin along hers and for him to have his wicked way with her. She wanted to play out her darkest fantasies and make them into reality.

She needed to confess how she felt about him. And what better time to do that than now?

"Hiccup?"

"Hmmm?"

Momentarily pulling away from him, Valka chewed on her lower lip nervously before taking a deep breath to calm her racing nerves. "I need to tell you something that I've been meaning to tell you for a long while now," she then held a hand out before Hiccup could speak. "Please, whatever happens, just... promise me that you won't look at me as though I'm a monster."

Giving her a worried look, Hiccup gave his mother his full attention. "Alright, what's going on?" He could see Valka squirm, and he was getting more worried. "Mom, what's going on?" Turning away from him, Valka gasped softly when Hiccup pinched her chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes. "Whatever you say makes no difference to me, I won't look at you as though you're a monster. I swear." His reassuring words were followed by a warm smile. "

"I... I have feelings for you,"

Hiccup's eyes widened in shock. Whatever he was expecting his mother to say, that wasn't it.

Valka had feelings for him.

But now, with this revelation brought to light, it made sense. He would often feel his mother's eyes upon him from afar, eyeing him whenever he worked in the forge on a new project, or showering him with affection whenever they had hushed moments like this.

"Mom, I—"

A series of knocks on the thick tent flaps interrupted them, Valka cursed aloud in her mind for this interruption. Hiccup, however, granted whoever was outside permission to enter. The flaps parted, revealing Viggo Grimborn to both Haddocks. "I was in the middle of having a very serious conversation with my mother, Viggo," the king sighed heavily, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "What do you want?"

Bowing his head, Viggo remarked softly. "Forgive me, but I come bearing most unfortunate, yet unsurprising news," Hiccup gave the former Dragon Hunter permission to continue. "Harald Haraldson and those foolish enough to support him are on the march, intent on laying siege to Paris even as we speak." Lowering his head, Hiccup's face suddenly twisted with frustration and rage as he suddenly flipped the table over with a cry of his displeasure at this news. Viggo looked at Valka, who wrapped her arms around Hiccup's upper body, cooing against his ear, calming him down.

"I've put up with Harald's insolence in the past, but this is a step too far," Hiccup stated with an irritated huff. "He does this to shame me and make me look weak in the eyes of my people."

"Indeed," Viggo agreed wholeheartedly. Crossing his arms behind his back, he then continued. "However, this act of defiance can work to your advantage. If Harald and his allies fail to take Paris, it will give you cause to see them dealt with however you deem fit. Your man, Olaf Beigrøs can attest that Harald and his allies are plotting to overthrow you, can he not? With him as a witness, you can eliminate this threat to your rule and to your people."

Turning to Valka, Hiccup looked into her eyes, silently asking her if she had an opinion. "He's right, son, as much as I hate to admit it. Harald has defied you by setting out on enacting this foolish attack," she then gave him a curious look. "What do you want us to do?"

"Tell the night sentries to sound the horns, rouse our people from sleep. I'll only be bringing two armies to apprehend Harald and those who follow him in defiance, those armies being the Outcasts and Meatheads. Go," Valka nodded and left the tent to see her son's will enacted. Turning to Viggo, Hiccup approached his former enemy and narrowed his eyes at him. "You ride with me, Viggo, along with the other dragon riders. We're going to save as many Vikings from needless slaughter, do this." Getting in the man's face, the King of Vikings spoke softly. "If what you've told me is true, then you'll have finally earned my trust. But only after the task is complete."

Viggo nodded in understanding, grateful that this young man who had once been a thorn in his side was finally ready to gift him with trust. Of course, he could still note hints of skepticism in Hiiccup's eyes, however, after tonight, Viggo was confident that would be the last time he would see that in the king's eyes.

"By your will, King Hiccup,"

"Let's go,"

Once outside, the horns were being sounded, and the Scandinavians, Vikings, or otherwise were all up and about, arming themselves and seeking out their king for guidance. After summoning Toothless to his side, Hiccup climbed on his dragon's back and addressed those under his rule. "My people! It would appear that several among us have taken it upon themselves to defy my authority as king by marching Paris and attempting to take the city without us!" The people's uproar caused Hiccup to hold a hand up to silence them before continuing. "I understand your frustration and disbelief, but in truth, it was only a matter of time before that scheming weasel, Harald went behind my back. Before this night ends, I promise you, he will be punished, as will all those who march with him." Hiccup looked to Alvin and Mogadon and spoke up. "I need you two to accompany me and those I bring to stop this attack. Will you join me?"

Pounding his fist against his chest, Mogadon gave a firm nod. "Yes. I am with you, my king," he then turned to his son, Thuggory, and the Meathead Vikings. "As do we all. You have our swords and our oaths to follow you."

"Likewise, lad," Alvin retorted with a grin. "If anyone knows how to deal with a treacherous person, I'm your man."

Nodding, Hiccup gave his orders. "Alvin and Mogadon, marshal your armies and prepare them to march, now!" Both jarls nodded and gathered their forces. Hiccup turned to see Viggo now mounting his Skrill, Starscream. "Viggo, you and those who follow you on the backs of dragons will follow me and my dragon riders as we set out to save as many Vikings who are following Harald into certain death."

"Understood,"

Hiccup could see his lovers push through the crowds and approach him, curious as to what they should do. "I need you all to stay with those here and find a new place to establish a war camp, undoubtedly, the Franks will retaliate and descend upon us with large numbers because of Harald's stupidity," turning to Belle, Hiccup gave her instructions. "Find my people a good place to set up a new war camp, once you find it, send a Terror Mail with your location."

"Yes, Hiccup,"

Elsa reached for Hiccup and gave him a worried look. "What if you don't make it back?"

"Do you doubt me?"

"No, but—"

"Then believe in me, Elsa," Hiccup looked at Anna and saw similar worries in her eyes. "You too, Anna," he said firmly. "You'll be fine, you not only have your own army, but you also have your dragons and guards that Kristoff leads. He won't let anything happen to you, am I right?"

"Nothing to worry about, King Hiccup!" Kristoff barked over the clamor and exclaims of the people. "I'll guard your two queens and heir with my life." Turning around, the hulking blond whistled. "Sven! Ready the guards to accompany Queens Elsa and Anna." Kristoff's half-brother, Sven nodded and relayed orders to the Arendelle Guard to prepare for the journey.

"Hiccup?"

The king looked down to see Rapunzel, the long-haired blond was frightened, Hiccup could see it clearly, not that he could blame her, she was unfamiliar with situations like these because she never experienced them. The king, however, reached for the lost princess of Corona and gave her a reassuring smile. "I know you're frightened, Rapunzel, but I need you to be strong for me, can you do that?" The blond nodded, causing Hiccup to nod before looking to Mala who was perched on the back of Sleuther and with Rune in a sling around her front. "Mala!" The tall blond looked to her lover as he gestured to Rapunzel. "Can you look after Rapunzel in the meantime?" The fierce queen of both Defenders and Berserkers nodded and summoned the princess of Corona to her and Sleuther. Rapunzel leaned up to kiss Hiccup on the cheek while wishing a safe return from stopping the madness that Harald and those following him would attempt.

Astrid and the other riders were by Hiccup's side soon enough, turning to his wife and High Queen, Hiccup let out a frustrated sigh. "I swear on all the gods, if Harald's foolishness gets anyone of you severely hurt or killed, I'll send him to Hel myself—"

"The key being "if," my dear king," Tuffnut winked before turning to Ruffnut. "As long as we get to blow stuff up, I have no complaints."

"True. Except some of us are carrying valuable cargo," placing a hand over her pregnant belly, Ruffnut turned to Hiccup, giving him a curious look. "So, all you want us to do is get as many Vikings out before the Franks entrap them?"

"That, and subdue those who defied me, starting with Harald,"

"Sounds easy enough," Snotlout shrugged before adding. "But, uh, you don't expect us to rescue all of those Vikings attacking, right?"

"Save as many as you can, Snotlout," Hiccup then gestured to Atali and her Wingmaidens. "We'll have some help from Atali, Minden, and the other Wingmaidens." The king then gave his lover a hopeful look. "If you don't mind?"

"Certainly not, my dear," Atali smiled. "We will do as commanded."

Nodding in thanks, Hiccup then turned to Fiona who was mounted on Swiftjaw. "Wait, you're coming with us?" When the redhead nodded in confirmation, Hiccup raised an eyebrow. "What about our daughter?"

"Don't worry, I gave her to your mother to look after, she, Gothi, and Ya'ela offered to look after your children while your Kingsguard protect them," Fiona's words caused Hiccup to hum in acknowledgment. The beautiful redhead then gestured to Paris. "Shall we?"

"Yes, we shall," Hiccup then turned to Astrid who was perched on Stormfly's back. "Are you ready, Milady?"

"Ready when you are, babe," Astrid smiled.

The King of Vikings looked to Alvin and Mogadon who had their armies ready to move out, they too nodded at their king, telling him they awaited his command. "We go!" Hiccup then urged Toothless to take to the sky, and the Night Fury was soon in the air with his friends and companions by his side.

Within the walls of Paris, all was quiet, save for the sentries keeping watch along the walls and soldiers patrolling the streets. The Franks on night watch had all been informed of the impending Viking attack and they were ordered to just play along and allow the enemy to believe they had the element of surprise.

Several dragon riders in league with Haraldson and those following him landed along the walls of Paris, killing the sentries and sending a signal to the army lurking in the darkness that they would lower the drawbridge that led into the city and they would raise the gates. As these two groups set out to allow their allies within the city, they were mindful to preserve stealth and to avoid engaging with the night sentries unless they had to.

One group was led by a midget named Jarl Ulf Gardisson, he and his people were mostly comprised of midgets, however, their small stature was not to be underestimated, they were well known for their skills in infiltration and able to sneak past their enemies and flank them from behind. They would employ this same tactic as they reached the chambers that contained the draw bridge mechanism that would both raise or lower it.

The other group of Vikings was led by Princess Aud herself, she and the shield maidens of the Fairhair dynasty got to work on raising the front gates while the dragon riders who had helped them get inside watched their backs. The front entrance had two gate mechanisms that needed to be wielded by two people in order to raise the gate, and there were two counterweights to keep the gate up, if those weights were severed, the gate would close, trapping anyone within the walls of Paris.

Savage and his Deviants lurked in the shadows as they watched Aud and her allies attempt to raise the front gate, and once the gate had been raised halfway, they sounded horns, alerting the Franks of their presence. Church bells were also rung, alerting the entire city of the Viking presence, and Frankish soldiers were arming themselves and preparing to face the hostile force that sought to take over their beloved capital city.

With time working against them, Aud could see that the drawbridge was lowering, but she and her allies needed to keep the Viking traitors within Paris and the Franks at bay until her mother, Harald, and the others were prepared to attack. The Fairhair shield maidens formed shield walls around her and those manning the second gate mechanism so that they could raise the gate without interruptions.

Finally, when the gate was raised and the drawbridge was lowered, the Fairhair prince and queen rode into battle. "Glory or Valhalla!" Was their battle cry as their allies poured through the gate and engaged with Frankish and Deviant warriors. Harald steered his horse towards a heavily armored Frank and decapitated him with one precise swing, his head hurling up into the air while his body tumbled to the ground. Queen Gora, who was a prominent shield maiden in her day struck down several Franks who tried to rip her off of her horse before a spear found its way into her horses's chest, causing the beast to cry out in agony and fall head first to the ground. Gora fell to the ground and would've been struck down had it not been for Aud who used her shield to stop a Frankish soldier from splitting her mother's head open with their sword. The Fairhair princess then hacked both her opponent's legs off with one swing and then drove her blade through their heart, killing them.

"Get up!"

Aud helped haul her mother off of the ground and cut another enemy soldier across the face before raising her shield to stop a spear from impaling her through the belly. She then bashed her shield against the soldier who hurled a spear at her, pinning them against a wall, and then running her sword through their mouth. She then ducked underneath a Deviant who swung their axe at her head, only to decapitate the Frankish soldier she killed. Aud used her shield to strike the Viking traitor across the face and then landed a heavy kick to the chest, knocking them down. With a cry, Aud plunged her sword through their neck and momentarily left her blade in their throat before diving for that Deviant's axe and hurling it at another charging Deviant, the axe struck the traitor Viking right between the eyes, killing them.

"Archers! Pick your targets!"

The higher walls of the front courtyard had Frankish soldiers lining up, crossbows in hand as they took up strong positions along the ramparts.

"Take aim!"

Aud's face twisted with panic as she cried out. "Shield wall!" As the Vikings began to form their shield walls, a high-pitched whistle suddenly filled the air and the next thing Aud saw were several blasts of violet fire, sending the Frankish archers to fall to their deaths and be engulfed in flames.

Descending from the night sky were King Hiccup and Toothless, both alpha males were soon accompanied by the other dragon riders who performed dive bomb tactics, forcing the Franks and Deviants to fall back and regroup. "Riders, V formation, now!" As the original riders and those accompanying them took up the formation their king had ordered, Hiccup drew Inferno and barked out. "Keep them at bay for as long as you can!" The riders nodded and began disrupting the enemy.

"What in Thor's name are you doing, Haddock?!" Harald steered his horse towards Hiccup and Toothless and pointed his blood-stained sword at Paris. "We must press our attack—"

"You will do nothing, you incompetent fool!" Hiccup seethed. "You defy me by taking these warriors and attacking without my approval, you won't secure the grand victory that you hoped you would use to humiliate and shame me, instead, you'll taste nothing but my retribution."

"But—"

"Withdraw, now!"

As Hiccup raised his shield to stop a crossbow bolt from striking him, he then turned to Atali and the Wingmaidens. "Take those that are wounded out of the city, when we're clear of this place, we'll regroup with the others!" Nodding, Atali led her Wingmaidens in the chaos, snatching up wounded Vikings and flying them to safety. Hiccup turned to Viggo, who had his own fiery blade in hand, striking down advancing Deviants and Starscream reduced anyone intent on attacking him and his rider to ashes with fatal bolts of lightning. "Viggo, you and your people shepard the armies that followed Harald out of here, now!" Nodding, the former Dragon Hunter turned to Robin, Alina, Lars II, and Skegg and relayed the king's orders to them.

Within one of the high towers were Emperor Gudleif and his sister, Dotta, along with their own guards. The emperor then snapped his fingers, and one of his guards handed him a blood-red banner flown from a gilded lance, for this, was the Oriflamme, the sacred war banner of France. It means there will be no surrender, no mercy, just a fight to the death. Beneath the tower, the counts and dukes of Paris gathered with their armies and unleashed a battle cry before they thrust themselves into the ensuing battle.

Upon hearing the uproar of advancing Frankish soldiers and the thundering of their sprinting, the King of Vikings suddenly noticed that the counterweights holding the front gates were severed by Frankish saboteurs and the gate was closing at a rapid pace. To momentarily prevent this, Gunnar the Giant, one of Alvin's Raiders tossed aside his mighty battle axe and held up the gate, crying out in strain to keep it up. With the gate now closing and a multitude of enemy soldiers preparing to wash them away like a tidal wave, Hiccup cursed Harald for being so foolish and he cursed the stupidity of such a plan.

"Fall back!"

Hearing the urgent cries from their king and seeing the overwhelming force of Franks descending on them, many of the Vikings who marched with Harald fled for their lives. Those who couldn't flee were snatched away by Wingmaidens or by the dragon riders who followed Hiccup. Looking up to the walls of the front gate, Hiccup could see Jarl Ulf Gardisson and some of his men being struck down and then hurled over the high walls, if they weren't killed by the sword, the fall would've finished the job in killing them.

"We need to retreat, now!" Hiccup barked out to warriors still engaged in fighting. He saw Mogadon strike down a large Frankish soldier before throwing two wounded Vikings over each of his shoulders and running. However, the jarl of the Meatheads was suddenly struck in the leg by a crossbow bolt. "Mogadon!" Hiccup tried rushing to the man's aid, but he suddenly found himself surrounded by Franks, surrounding him and Toothless in a ring of spears. Roaring, Toothless used his tail to sweep several Franks off of their feet before pouncing up and landing a plasma bolt at the remaining spearmen, sending them flying back.

Mogadon, who was struggling to get up suddenly cried out when a blade found itself in his back. Whirling around, the Meathead jarl roared at the sight of Deviants and he used what remained of his strength to cut them down. Unfortunately, the man was finished by Frankish spearmen, who plunged their spears into Mogadon's chest.

"FATHER!"

Thuggory cried out in horror, the heir to the Meatheads was perched on his dragon, Torch, the Typhoomerang that Hiccup the Riders of Berk had bonded with so many years ago as children. Urging Torch to incinerate his father's killers, Thuggory suddenly leaped off his dragon's back and rushed to his father's side. Hiccup too was horrified that Mogadon had been struck down, he urged Toothless to rush to Thuggory and provide cover for the Meathead heir as he comforted his dying father.

Choking on a mouthful of blood, Mogadon seized Thuggory by the back of his head and gave his son a blood-stained grin. "V-Valhalla," coughing violently, he exhaled weakly. "V-Valhalla." The life in his eyes vanished and Thuggory roared out in anguish while begging for his father to get up.

"Thug, he's gone!" Hiccup barked out. "We need to go, now!" Whirling around to see Heather land behind him and Toothless, Hiccup gestured to Thuggory. "Get him out of here!" Nodding Heather had Windshear pry Thuggory away from his father's lifeless corpse and whistled for Torch to follow them as they departed from the city.

"Hiccup, we can't stay here for much longer!"

Turning to his wife, Hiccup could see that Gunnar, despite his raw strength, was struggling to hold the gate up. Each passing moment allowed the Franks to replenish their numbers and overwhelm the Vikings stubborn enough to stay behind and fight. And many of those who were running were struck down by crossbow bolts.

"Everyone, we're leaving, now!" Hiccup barked out.

"No arguments there!" Fishlegs squeaked out as he raised his shield to stop a spear from hitting Meatlug in the side. "Off we go!" The large Ingerman urged his dragon to fly past a straining Gunnar who was still holding up the gate.

"We have definitely overstayed our welcome," Snotlout patted Hookfang's jaw. "Let's go, Hookie!" The Monstrous Nightmare growled in agreement, but not before breathing a torrent of fire at a group of Deviants advancing.

Whilst the Vikings were in retreat, Gudleif, who was still in the tower overlooking the battle looked to Otton, who had a crossbow in his hands. "Give the order to the archers, kill them all," for a moment, the man did nothing, and the Boy Emperor noted this. "Did you not hear me, Otton?"

"Sire, our men are still down there. They will be slaughtered—"

Snatching the crossbow out of his hands, Gudleif aimed at Gunnar and barked out for his archers manning the ramparts. "Now!" As he pulled the trigger, the bolt he fired embedded itself in one of Gunnar's large thighs, the Viking giant snarled in pain, however, he kept the gate raised. The emperor's command was answered as the archers took up positions all along the ramparts, took aim, and let their bolts fly.

"LOOSE!"

Volley upon volley of bolts rained down on Vikings and Franks alike, killing many. Hiccup threw his shield behind his back, stopping several bolts from piecing his flesh, but as he steered Toothless to the gate, he watched in horror as many of his Outcast and Meathead allies were struck down by the bolts raining down on them like a raging thunderstorm. Making it past the gate, Hiccup could see the remaining Wingmaidens retreat and many of his fellow riders made it out with handfuls of survivors, now all that remained was providing Gunnar with the cover he needed to hold the gate up a little longer so that the rest of the Vikings could escape.

"Riders, to Gunnar! Give him the cover he needs!"

At their king's command, the riders stood by the giant to prevent any more bolts from striking him down. Fiona, who was mounted on Swiftjaw, had her dragon unleash torrents of fire that consumed a large number of Franks and Deviants alike. The fierce redhead had her dragon lower one of her wings and allowed dozens of Vikings to climb on her back and fly them to safety. Despite the large number of enemies Swiftjaw's fire had devoured, more Franks and Deviants were advancing.

"This is crazy, and that me saying something!" Tuffnut exclaimed while raising his own shield to stop a bolt from hitting him in the throat.

"I know, I don't think we've seen anything this crazy in a while!" Ruffnut agreed with her brother while she raised her shield and prevented a bolt from hitting Gunnar's chest.

Swatting away an incoming bolt with her axe, Astrid turned to the straining giant. "Gunnar, keep holding, just a little while longer!" The giant grunted in acknowledgment as his queen's words were relieved to see dozens of his fellow Outcasts flee with their lives. Another bolt suddenly pierced Gunnar through his right bicep, the pain nearly caused the giant to release the gate. Roaring out in both pain and determination, Gunnar was able to lift the gate up higher, allowing several more of his allies to flee.

While laying down cover with his shield by activating the crossbow feature, Hiccup saw that Alvin and a great many of his men were still engaged in fighting. "Alvin!" He barked out, getting the man's attention. "Gunnar can't hold the gate up much longer. Come on!" Noting the strain in his man, Alvin nodded and barked out orders to the men fighting by his side to run for the gate while also evading another volley of crossbow fire.

Gunnar could feel his grip on life slipping, but he used what remained of his strength to hold the gate up, allowing more of his fellow Vikings to flee the botched attack. A final bolt struck him right in the throat, and with that final blow, his grip on life slipped and he crumbled to the ground. The gate descended and landed on the back of his neck, crushing his bones, and ultimately killing him.

Gunnar the Giant was no more.

Many Vikings that weren't able to escape in time were now trapped and left at the mercy of the Franks and The Deviants. Among these Vikings was Alvin, the jarl of the Outcasts, he cursed out loud at his and his companion's current dilemma and readied his men to fight to their last breath.

"Alvin!"

The giant jarl turned to the gate to see Hiccup and Toothless lingering. He could see that the young king wanted to tear the gates down, but Alvin wouldn't allow his king to endanger himself, especially with the Franks preparing to overrun their position.

"Go, Hiccup! Save yourself!" Alvin barked out over the chaos. He then cackled with glee. "Don't worry, lad! I'll be joining your father in Valhalla soon enough!" Striking down an enemy soldier, Alvin grinned. "Go on! Lead our people to greatness and show the world that the Vikings aren't ready to die out just yet. Now, go! Get out of here!"

Holding back the tears clouding his vision, Hiccup urged Toothless to fly and regroup with the other riders. The dying echoes of good, faithful men and mighty warriors filled Hiccup's ears, as were their final cries.

"Our king will avenge us!"

"Paris will fall, and you will all die!"

"Glory or Valhalla!"

Despite his efforts, Hiccup felt tears streaming down his face. This botched attack that Harald orchestrated led to the deaths of countless warriors and he lost two of his most trusted jarls during the botched battle— Mogadon of the Meatheads and Alvin. Without two of his most important allies, he would need to find trustworthy men or women among their ranks to take their place. For the Meatheads, Thuggory would become their new leader, naturally. The Outcasts, however, would need a leader Hiccup could both rely on and trust. Looking over his shoulder, Hiccup could see what remained of his allies being overrun by the armies of Paris.

"ARGHHHHH!"

Roaring out in rage, Hiccup then urged Toothless to follow the others. They would need to regroup and once they did, Hiccup would inflict his punishment on Harald and those who followed him. The alpha duo soon disappeared in the night skies, leaving behind a great many allies, regrettably.

Within the city, Alvin took command of what remained of his men and they fought to their last breaths, refusing to surrender or cower in the face of such overwhelming odds. Two bolts suddenly struck Alvin in the back, causing him to roar out in pain. Another two bolts struck him in the chest, knocking the air out of his lungs. Taking advantage of his former leader's fatigue, Savage was able to surprise the large Outcast and drove his sword through Alvin's middle and three Franks drove spears through his back which pierced through his chest.

"ARGHHH!"

Roaring out, Alvin swung his sword back, decapitating the spearman behind him, and then landed a ferocious kick into Savage's face, blood and spittle flew out of his mouth as he fell back. Before Alvin could bring his sword down on Savage, another crossbow bolt struck him in his left knee, forcing the leader of the Outcasts to crumble to the group, breathless, bleeding heavily, and clinging to life by a thread.

"Ah, Alvin, you always were a tough old bastard. It's good to see that your allegiance to Stoick's whelp hasn't changed that,"

Spitting a mouthful of blood on Savage's boots, Alvin looked up at his former right-hand man with a grin. "And you were always a sniveling lap dog, always eager to eat from my table when you were still under my command," laughing hoarsely, Alvin continued. "Y-You and your pack of wild dogs have no future. No matter where you go, you're all outlaws and oath breakers, unfit to feast with Odin and the Æsir in Valhalla." Nodding, Alvin added. "And the next time you encounter... "Stoick's whelp," he'll ensure that you and your tribe of oath breakers and criminals all die in a manner that makes you unfit to enter Valhalla!"

Lifting his sword at Alvin's throat, Savage sneered. "If we kill those of high standing, we'll earn our place back in Valhalla," he then drove his sword through his former leader's throat while grinning deviously. "Killing you will be a start to my redemption." Alvin used what remained of his waning strength to draw a dagger tucked in his boot and drive the blade into Savage's gut, causing the man to cry out in agony.

"T-To... He-Hel... with y-you, traitor!"

Two of Savage's men rushed to his side and drove their blades into Alvin's back, finishing the man off. With his former leader now dead, Savage clutched his heavily bleeding gut before snarling out in anger and landing a fierce kick into Alvin's now lifeless corpse before crumbling to a single knee. Noticing their leader was wounded, the Deviants barked orders to fetch their best healers and give Savage the care he needed.

Looking to the sky to see the retreating Vikings that had foolishly attacked, Savage chuckled darkly. Their time would come, all of them; every last Viking who had wronged him and his followers would pay with their lives. And the next life that Savage planned on taking was their king, Hiccup.

"Savage, we need to talk!"

Looking at his Hauk, his second in command was fuming in rage. Gesturing to their fallen brothers and sisters, Hauk voiced his displeasure. "That... child the Franks call Emperor of Pariis killed not only a great many of his own men, but he killed many of ours as well!" He then shook his head. "I know that you are our chieftain, and whatever you say, we will follow. But we should also consider withdrawing from Paris and finding new opportunities to make wealth. I've seen how the Franks look at us, we're nothing but sheep that they plan on slaughtering—"

"If the Boy Emperor is foolish enough to cross us, he will pay for it with his life," Savage reassured his second in command. "But I do agree with you, I wasn't expecting so many of our men to fall in battle. We'll look for other options to make our wealth, but for now, nothing has changed. Hmm?"

"Yes, lord,"

Nodding, Savage groaned in pain before speaking dismissively. "See to those among our number that are wounded and have them tended," he then gestured to his own wound. "This conversation could wait. I have my own wound to lick." Hauk bowed his head and watched as his sworn lord was carried off to have his wound tended to.

Looking to the night skies, Hauk snorted softly. "Next time, Hiccup Haddock," he had seen the young king in battle and had the opportunity to kill him with a crossbow, however, due to the dragon riders under his command, he missed the opportunity to kill the King of Vikings.

He would have his shot, next time. For now, he had wounded Deviants to tend to.

Upon returning to the newly established Viking war camp, Harald dismounted his horse and saw a great many families expecting to see their loved ones returned, instead, all they received were dozens of necklaces of Thor's hammer and arm rings that were bloodied or otherwise. Many wailed in agony and despair over the deaths of those who didn't return, while others gave Harald murderous glares.

"Gods, what have we done?"

Turning to his sister, Aud, who too was perched on the back of a horse saw many of the families cradling their now dead or fatally wounded loved ones that the Wingmaidens were able to snatch away in the city. To make matters worse, the Outcast army, or what remained of it no longer had a leader to rally to and the Meatheads had lost their jarl in battle too, those their losses were not nearly as bad as the Outcasts suffered, the death of Mogadon was a loss that was keenly felt.

Harald Haraldson expected many things to transpire this night, but he never expected such a crushing defeat by the hands of the Franks, to lose nearly all of the Outcasts and cause the deaths of both Alvin and Mogadon.

There would be repercussions for this foolishness, and Harald feared it would be severe.

"Harald!"

Suddenly, the man was ripped off of his horse and was then met with a fist connecting to his face. Falling to the ground, the prince of the Fairhair dynasty laid eyes on a seething King Hiccup, looming over him with a glare that threatened to engulf him in flames. Bearing his teeth, Hiccup then kicked him across the face with his prosthetic leg, blood, and spittle flew out of Harald's mouth as he tried crawling away.

"What. Have. You. DONE?!" Hiccup bellowed, punctuating every word with his right foot connecting to Harald's side, leaving him breathless and wheezing. "Do you know what your actions have cost us?" Crouching down to flip Harald on his back, Hiccup seethed. "DO YOU?" The Fairhair prince tried to speak, but Hiccup suddenly drew the dagger strapped to his left forearm gauntlet and pressed it to Harald's throat.

"L-Lord, I-I did what I did—"

"For the sole purpose of defacing my rule and making me appear that I'm too weak to act, yes, that much is painfully obvious," Hiccup laughed dryly before continuing. "Instead of the grand victory you were hoping for, you failed, quite spectacularly I might add. Not only that, but you got countless good and faithful men killed, and you got of my most trusted two jarls killed, Alvin and Mogadon."

"No!"

"Yes!" Hiccup pressed his dagger harder against Harald's throat, blood trickled down the prince's throat and he held his breath as Hiccup leaned in and seethed in his ear. "Your attempts to overthrow me as king and your own plans end here. Today, you pay for your grievances." Pulling Harald up to his feet, Hiccup turned to face his people, all who were gathered, they were just as angry with Harald as their king was, perhaps even more, especially since his foolishness led to the deaths of many of their loved ones. "This man defied me and because of this, he has weakened our numbers and has caused the collapse of two strong pillars in our leadership structure. He deserves to die, doesn't he?"

"YES!"

"Do you want to see his blood spill?"

"YES!"

"And do you wish for the deaths of your loved ones, deaths that this fool caused avenged?"

"YES!"

Harald inhaled sharply and released a shuddering exhale, fear gripped him. Despite his failure, he refused to die at the hands of Hiccup Haddock, a boy. He was royalty, the descendant of King Harald "Finehair," and he still had considerable ambitions that he wished to see through. The disgraced prince looked into the crowd and laid eyes on one of his allies who also happened to be a dragon rider, they shared a nod.

"Thuggory, step forward!" The new jarl of the Meatheads approached Hiccup, his face was stained with tears, yet his face was stern. "Your father died for no reason, all because of Harald's selfish ambitions and desires. Yet by helping many of our allies escape the jaws of death, Mogadon is now feasting with the gods and our great heroes in Odin's halls." He then stepped aside and gestured to Harald who was now behind held down by two Kingsguards. "I give you the life of Harald Haraldson, to do with him as you as you wish."

Approaching the man he loved as a brother, Thuggory grabbed the back of Hiccup's head and the two men rested their foreheads against each other. "Thank you, Hiccup, for this honor," he murmured softly. After pulling away from Hiccup, Thuggory turned to Harald with a murderous glare and then summoned one of his Meatheads to give him a battle axe. With the axe in hand, Thuggory loomed over Harald and pressed the cold steel against the back of his neck. "This is for my father and all the others your ambition has killed!" Before Thuggory could remove Harald's head, an arrow struck the young jarl in the chest.

"Thug!"

Camicazi rushed to his side while everyone dispersed while also looking for the one who let the arrow loose. In the midst of the chaos, Hiccup saw a hooded Viking helping Harald up to his feet after killing his two Kingsguard. A Woolly Howl dragon suddenly landed before the hooded Viking as he climbed on the dragon's back and helped Harald up.

Before the warriors could shoot them down, Hiccup stopped them. Looking up at Harald, the King of Vikings barked out. "Harald Haraldson, I banish you from my kingdom, if you are seen again, you will be given the blood eagle by Thuggory himself," the king turned his back and as he walked away, he spoke over his shoulder. "You wish to be free of my command, well now you're free. So go, wander this world, but should our paths cross again, your death will be beyond excruciating." The disgraced prince of the Fairhair dynasty and his accomplice flew away, disappearing in the darkness.

"He's going to be trouble,"

Turning around to see Thuggory and Camicazi approaching him, Hiccup stopped so that he could speak with his friend and lover. "That man won't stop until he himself becomes King of Vikings, Hiccup, and you know it," Camicazi stated. "Why let him go?"

"He only his life and that fool who rescued him. I'll have Gustav and the Auxilary Riders watch our flanks in case Haraldson is following us," turning to Thuggory, Hiccup grabbed one of the man's large arms and squeezed reassuringly. "Your time to kill him will come, my friend."

"I look forward to it,"

The two of them then noticed Viggo approaching, causing Hiccup to turn around and lay eyes on the former Dragon Hunter. "It seems you spoke the truth, Viggo," nodding, the king continued. "Not only that, but you and your followers helped me and my companions rescue a great many of our people from dying pointlessly."

"I... regret that Alvin and Mogadon were not among those who are yet among the living, my king," Viggo looked to Thuggory and gave him a nod. "You have my condolences, my dear boy." The new jarl of the Meatheads narrowed his eyes at Viggo before grunting in acknowledgment.

"You've earned my confidence, Viggo," Hiccup's words caused the man to look his former enemy in the eyes with a look of genuine surprise. "It's what you wanted, right? Well, congratulations, you got it."

Kneeling to the young king, Viggo spoke in a humble tone. "I promise you that your trust in me will not be misplaced, King Hiccup," looking up into his eyes, the older man continued. "I swear to you."

"We'll see,"

Hiccup laid eyes on his mother as she was returning his respective children back to their mothers. Dismissing himself, the king approached Astrid as she held Nuffink in one arm and held Zephyr's hand in her other hand. Sharing a kiss with his wife, Hiccup swept Zephyr off of her feet and held his daughter close, causing the future Queen of Vikings to giggle and return her father's embrace. Looking at his mother, Hiccup could see a hopeful glitter in her eyes, and he gave her a firm nod, silently promising that they would continue their earlier conversation later.

For now, all Hiccup wanted to do was wash away the stench of battle and blood, climb into bed with his wife and Fair Queens, and then prepare to bring Paris to its knees.

As for the rest of those who stood with Harald in defiance: Queen Gora, Aud, Madguts the Murderous, Norbert the Nutjob, Ulfbjorn of the Lava Louts, and all the others, Hiccup would deal with them in the morning.

A/N: Again, I apologize for not updating soon, but as I said, life happens. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll catch you all in the next update!