As the sounds of battle raged on, Astrid worked as quickly as she could setting up various traps around Hiccup and herself. They could hear the Hunters getting closer, people shouting for a Healer, or screaming at the gods.

Astrid didn't dare look outside, fearing what she'd see. She had to keep her focus. Hiccup did his best by offering advice on where which trap would be most effective. You could hear the worry and fear in his voice. He was terrified of what the Hunters would do to Astrid if they made it past the Berserkers. He was worried about himself, but what more could they do to him that they haven't already done? No. he needed to do what he could to make sure Astrid was safe.

Once the last trap was set, he looked at his wife, memorizing every feature, from the stray blonde hairs down to her stomach where their baby was growing, and stopping at her nimble feet that helped her maneuver better whether in battle or dancing in the kitchen after breakfast

"You should go," Hiccup said.

"I'm not leaving you," Astrid stated. "You need me."

"We are not having this argument," Hiccup shot back. "You going to go. You can't think about just me. You have to protect yourself and our baby. That baby is going to need you."

Astrid placed her hand on her stomach. "They need you as well. I'm not going anywhere and that's final."

As the words barely passed her lips, the sounds of battle fell silent. The only thing that could be heard were the cries for help. Astrid stepped around the traps to get to the door. She braced herself for what she would find.

Dagur stood in the middle of his village, covered in blood. Some of it his own, the rest belonging to several Hunters. Bodies scattered around him. Very few belonging to his tribe. Many were wounded but only a few had died.

The battle had raged on for nearly an hour before the remaining Hunters turned and ran back to their ships. Captain Vorg and a few men had already captured them and were taking them to the prison cells to be held for trial.

The Berserker Chief looked out at the sea and saw Toothless finishing off the ships and preventing any survivors from making it to land. That dragon wasn't taking any chances.

"Chief," a young warrior called out, getting Dagur's attention.

"What is it, Magnus?" Dagur asked, pulling his eyes away from the Night Fury.

"We've finished the census," Magnus answered. "Everybody has been accounted for. Out of 256 people, there's sixty wounded counting yourself, and eight dead."

"Eight dead," Dagur repeated. Eight of his people had died protecting not only his brother but their home. They died heroes. They would go to Valhalla and be honored for their sacrifice.

"Chief," Magnus said getting his leader's attention again. "You should get looked at. The gash on your shoulder looks pretty bad."

Dagur placed his hand over the cut, wincing from the pain, and pulled it back to look at the blood. "You're probably right, but I need to make sure the rest of the injured are cared for first. I can wait."

"The rest have already been cared for," Magnus informed. "You've been standing here for over an hour. Healer Jorn is waiting for you back at your home along with Queen Mala and the baby."

Dagur said nothing and started walking back to his house. Magnus followed close behind, keeping a worried eye on his Chief.

With the help of Jorn, Astrid managed to clear and put away the traps and clean up the mess she had made in preparation in case the Hunters broke into the house. Mala sat at the table breastfeeding the baby, watching the two clean. Hiccup was fast asleep thanks to a tonic Jorn had given him.

Just as Astrid was adding more wood to the hearth, Dagur walked in, covered in blood, sword still firmly gripped in his hand. Magnus was right behind him.

"Oh my gods," Astrid gasped. "Dagur. Are you okay?"

The older man didn't answer or even register that he heard her.

"Honey cakes," Mala called out as she stood up.

Still no answer.

Jorn stopped what he was doing and went over to check on Dagur. "Dagur, can you hear us?"

Dagur gave a slight nod but remained silent. He barely flinched as Jorn began checking him over.

"He has a nasty gash on his right shoulder," Magnus said. "I don't think he has any other injuries. When I found him he standing in the middle of the town square. He barely said anything."

"First things first," Jorn said. "We need to get him cleaned up so that I can treat him. Magnus, think you could go and get me two buckets of water. Lukewarm if possible. A full bath can wait."

"On it," Magnus said before taking off running towards the nearest well

"What is wrong with him?" Mala asked.

"Shock, probably," Jorn said. "Should wear off soon, hopefully." He looked at the two women, neither seemed happy with his answer. "It's different for everyone. Once we get him out of his armor, cleaned up, and cared for, he should come to. If not, I'll give him a sleeping tonic and we'll wait to see what tomorrow brings. Now, Mala, since you are feeding the baby, is it okay if Astrid helps me take off his armor and blood-soaked clothes?"

"That is fine, as long as Astrid Haddock is okay with it," Mala agreed.

"I'll help," Astrid chimed in, stepping over to aide Jorn.

"Dagur, think you can hand me the sword?" Jorn asked in a gentle tone, not wanting to spook the injured man. "You don't need it anymore. The Hunters are gone and the battle is won."

Dagur nodded and dropped the sword. Jorn carefully picked it up and leaned up against the wall.

"Good," Jorn continued. "We're just going to take your armor and tunic off for now. That way I can get a better look at your shoulder."

Very carefully Astrid and Jorn worked together to undo the armor's straps and buckles. Astrid set each piece down as quietly as she could. With the armor off, Jorn took a pair of shears and cut the tunic off, letting the pieces fall to the floor around their feet.

As the last of the fabric fell away, Magnus returned with two buckets of water. "Thank you, Magnus," Jorn acknowledged. "Go home and rest. We got it from here." He looked over at Astrid. "Bring me a chair and a couple of wash rags, please."

Astrid did as instructed and quickly brought the requested items over. Jorn carefully got Dagur to sit in the chair so that he could better clean around the wound in order to properly treat it.

"While I work on his shoulder, can you wipe away the rest of the blood on him?" Jorn asked.

"Yeah," Astrid said. "No problem."

Mala stood to the side, now cradling the baby as he slept, watching the two care for her husband. She had never seen Dagur like this and if she was being honest, it scared her. They had fought in many battles in their short time together and never once had he had this reaction afterwards. Normally he would busy himself by helping those who were injured or needed supplies. He was never one to just freeze. It didn't matter if he was wounded or not. Did he see something he never had before? Was it age? Maybe he'd finally seen enough blood spilled? She needed answers, but couldn't get any right now.

"The gash is pretty deep," Jorn said, pulling the queen from her thoughts. "Stitching it closed won't be an easy task. Someone will have to hold the wound closed while I stitch it up."

"I will do it," Mala offered.

Jorn looked up at her. "Are you sure? It'll take a lot of strength, emotionally and physically as it will be causing Dagur a fair deal of pain."

"I am sure," Mala confirmed. "Astrid Haddock, please hold my baby. Perhaps take him outside, so that whatever sounds are made do not wake him."

Astrid took the sleeping baby and cradled him in the crook of her arms. She did as requested and went outside with him.

Mala kneeled down a bit and looked her husband in the eyes. Eyes that gave no recognition that he noticed her. "I do not know what is going through that Berserker mind of yours, but I do know that you are hurt. And for that I am sorry. I am also sorry for any more pain I might cause you." She kissed his forehead and stood back up, looking at Jorn. "Let us get this over with."

Jorn quickly rummaged through his medical bag, pulling out a vial, a needle, and a spool of thread. "Place your hands on either side of the wound and when I say, I want you to use as much strength as you can to force the skin together."

Mala did as instructed while watching Jorn dip the needle into the vial and then thread it. "What are you doing?"

"Dipping the needle in honey," Jorn answered. "It'll help fight off any infection he might get from the wound. Are you ready?"

Mala let out an unsteady breath. No, she wasn't ready, but she had no choice. "Yes."

"Okay," Jorn said, readying the needle. "Now."

The queen did as she was told and used all her strength to hold the wound closed. Dagur let out a blood-curdling scream. The sound sent aches through her heart as she resisted the urge to let go and pull him into a hug.

"I am so sorry," Mala repeated, wrenching her eyes shut, as Jorn worked as quickly as he could to close the wound.

After what felt like an eternity, she felt someone take hold of her hands and remove them from her husband. She opened her eyes once more and saw that the wound had been closed.

"It's okay," Jorn said letting go of her hands. "Your job is complete. He's going to be fine."

Mala looked down at her husband, who was now unconscious. "What now?"

"Now?" Jorn repeated, taking in a deep, tired breath. "I wrap up his shoulder and get him into bed. I don't think he'll be waking up until sometime tomorrow." He looked over at Hiccup, who was still soundly sleeping. "Looks like I have two patients to look after for a while."

Author's Note: I hope everyone reading is enjoying the story so far. I would really like to know what you guys think, so please consider leaving a review and letting me know.

Heads up for the next couple of chapters, it will be emotional, so tissues and a reading buddy are recommended. Also after chapter 13 the story will probably not be updated for a while as I do not have the next chapters ready yet. I know what I want to write, I just haven't gotten around to it due to other WIPs taking up my time.

Until next time