Hey guys, sorry for the long wait. I've been very busy, and in actually on a trip right now. But I thought I'd finish up this chapter for all of you to enjoy.
"My turn," Indi snarled, the rain pattering on his wet hair, water streaming down his face and bare arms.
He launched himself at one of the Dragon Hunters and grabbed him by the throat, tossing him aside. The young knight swung his wet bangs out of his eyes, growling through clenched teeth as he sent another hunter flying aside. Indi turned to see a hunter who wore a red shirt and Zippleback skins fumbling with ropes, attempting to quickly bind Elsa's arms behind her back.
Indi jumped, slamming the claws that adorned his fingers into the man's back, and threw the man into the water that the bridge hung over.
Indi's claws withdrew into his fingers as he knelt over the unconscious queen, and gently felt the injury that was inflicted to her temple. Indi growled, his eyes glaring over at the group of ten hunters who stared at him in fear.
He rose and bared his teeth. A loud, deep roar echoed over from the opposite end of the bridge that led from the town to the castle.
Indi looked to see a large, brown creature striding across the bridge. As the men turned to see this new threat, Indi darted forward, and sank a set of claws into two of the men. They screamed in pain, and Indi slammed them together. He grabbed the tunic of another man and threw him at Brynn, who thundered forward, sinking her teeth into the fallen man.
Indi felt a rough hand grab his shoulder, when a meaty fist hit him in the face, splitting his lip and sending him to his back. Brynn bellowed, and Indi jumped to his feet, swinging his claws into the man's throat. Brynn darted forward, and sank her fangs into another hunter, shaking the man like a dog with a section of rope as she growled. As the pair continued to dispatch the invading men, Indi could not shake a feeling that something was very wrong.
When Indi sent his fist into the face of the last man, the voice spoke in his head. "My turn."
Indi felt his hands grab the man, one set of claws sinking into the man's shoulder, the other set sinking into the flesh beneath the man's head. Indi felt his arms pull, separating the man's skull from his body with a sickening ripping sound, blood and bits of flesh pouring from the two pieces of the man's body.
Indi, swinging his arm back, sent the severed head flying into the fjord, before throwing his head back, and roaring loudly into the air.
He turned, regaining control, and looked at the Dragon Riders. Their beaten and battered bodies stared at him, fear in their eyes. Indi strode forward and, with his claws, slashed the ropes that bound each of the Vikings. Looking the riders over, he noticed one of them was missing.
"Where's Hiccup?"
"They took him and Toothless," Astrid said as she rose, the area around her left eye red. Her lip was split, a weary look about her. "They also took Princess Rapunzel."
Indi swung his head, snarling. He looked over at the green cages that held unconscious dragons. "Stay here. Get the dragons out. Look after Elsa. Get her to a healer." He looked over at the mountain path. "I'll go after them."
"But-" Astrid began, only to be cut off by a roar that emanated from Indi's throat as he ran across the bridge. "Thor be with you."
Indi charged along, his bare feet stamping against the cobblestones as he ran. Thunder rumbled above, and Indi's foot splashed into a puddle. He ran as fast as he could, his arms pumping hard. His breath came in hard puffs as he rounded a corner, where he saw his shield sitting against a house, where the red dinosaur had thrown it. As he ran by, he grabbed his shield and strapped it to his back. He ran on, leaving the town behind him and ran up a hill, following the mountain road.
As he crested a hill, he saw a cart being pulled by a pair of large horses. The horses were charging along the road, their hooves pounding the hardened ground. In the cart was a large cage, the bars constructed of green metal.
"I can catch them," the dark, gravelly voice said. Indi's legs churned as he and the voice worked in tandem, sending him flying forward.
As he ran by a thick tree, his arm went out and his fingers extended, scraping lines in the tree's bark, the action sharpening his claws. As Indi neared the cart, he saw Rapunzel, being held by Hiccup and guarded by the Night Fury, whose wings were bound and jaws were secured by a leather muzzle. Indi's put his hand out and gripped the green metal bars, his fingers wrapping tightly. His legs pumped as he pulled himself up onto the back of the cage. He hung on for a moment, regaining his breath.
"You do it," the voice commanded. "Kill them." Indi snarled, and climbed up the bars. As he reached the top, he crawled along the cage, growling quietly. He reached the end of the cage, just behind the two hunters. One of the men snapped the reigns, urging the horses on. Indi grinned and slowly reached forward, his claws extending slightly.
The man who held a crossbow yelled, and Indi pulled his arm back, his claws slashing the man's throat. With a swift punch, he sent the dying man off the cart.
Indi jumped into the seat next to the man who controlled the horses. "Bring it, you fucker!" the voice said through Indi's mouth.
The man's face twisted into an angry yell, and he drew a knife. Indi's hand swung out to catch the man's arm.
"I thought you were gonna let me do this?"
"I changed my mind," the voice said in Indi's head, and a roar emanated from Indi's throat. He smacked the man's face, his fingers leaving red lines in the skin. Indi grinned, as his arm tore the man's knife away, before driving the blade through the man's armor and into his heart. The man face was of utter shock as he fell away. Indi's arm went up, before punching down, severing the cart from the horses' harnesses. The pair of steeds ran off as the cart slowed. Indi jumped from the seat, and tore a branch from a tree, before setting it between the spokes of one of the wagon's wheels. He strode the the back of the cart and slammed his fist into the lock that held the cage shut, the force splitting the skin on his knuckles. He slashed the ropes that bound Toothless' wings with his claws. As the two humans climbed out, Indi stepped back. The voice was silent, though Indi did get a sensation of curiosity.
"Come on," Indi said. "Is Toothless alright?"
"He's fine," Hiccup said as he pulled the leather strap from around the Night Fury's jaws. "They just used a bola on him."
Indi nodded. "You okay, Princess Rapunzel?"
The blonde nodded, and Indi looked back at the bodies of the hunters. "Hiccup, take the Princess back to the castle. Can Toothless carry three?"
"Yeah," Hiccup said.
"Good," Indi said with a nod. He turned to the cart and grabbed one of the wheels. He lifted with a groan, rolling the cart off the road, the wood cracking and the metal cage crashing with a clang!
As he turned to the two people who had mounted the Night Fury, he glanced up at the sky as thunder still rumbled above. He mounted Toothless, sitting behind Rapunzel. As the dragon took to the sky, he hung onto Rapunzel's shoulders.
He looked down, and focused on the recent developments.
How would he tell Elsa about this voice that he could hear? Could he transform once more?
As Toothless flew over the town, Indi removed once of his hands from Rapunzel's shoulders and let his hand hang down at his side. He watched as the blood mixed with the rain, and dripped from his fingertips.
After a few minutes, Toothless landed in front of the castle gates. Indi jumped off silently, and left the pair of humans and the Night Fury. He turned to see Sleuther walking up to him. He reached out and placed his hand on Sleuther's snout. He rubbed the dragon's nose, before striding off he sensed someone walking behind him as he climbed the spiral staircase that was made of ice. He glanced behind him and saw that Rapunzel was following him. He walked over the red-headed dinosaur, which looked up at him with its glassy, yellow eyes. Indi and Rapunzel stepped into the castle, and the thundering of footsteps running up to them caught their attention. Indi felt himself losing control, when he saw a man and woman embrace Rapunzel.
"Thank you, Sir Indi," Queen Primrose said, tears in her eyes as she embraced her daughter. Indi nodded silently, before striding off towards the castle's infirmary.
He thought for a moment before speaking. "So, what are you?"
"Excuse me?" the voice said.
"You know what I mean," Indi said. "What are you? Who are you?"
"You are asking my name," the voice said. It was not a question, but a statement. Indi rounded a corner, and saw the door to the infirmary.
"Yes," Indi said as he stopped in front of the door.
"I'll think about it," the voice said. Indi scowled momentarily in confused annoyance, before knocking on the door. It opened to reveal an older woman who wore all white. A small white bonnet donned her head.
"Sir Indi," she said in a soft, quiet voice.
"I'm here to see Her Majesty," Indi said.
The woman nodded, a knowing smile appearing on her face. She turned to lead Indi down a small hallway, Indi followed a few paces behind her. The woman stopped in front of a plain wooden door, before opening it. She stepped aside and allowed Indi to enter. As Indi stepped into the room, he looked around. It was a plain room, not many decorative items in it. An oil lamp sat on a nightstand on one side of the bed, and a pot of flowers sat on top of a small bookshelf that held a meager array of tomes.
Laying in the bed, beneath a white sheet, was Elsa. Her hair was let down, something Indi could not recall seeing before. Her eyes were closed, and her chest gently rose and fell beneath the sheets. On her head, wrapping around her head were white cloth strips. The cloths held a thick pad of fabric against Elsa's left temple. Indi noticed that on the cloths were red in some spots where blood had seeped through the fibers. He walked over to the sleeping queen, the floorboards creaking with every step, and knelt by the queen's bed, putting one of his hands on hers.
"What's wrong with her?" Indi asked, looking at the healer.
"Her skull seems to be slightly fractured," the woman said. "Her Majesty also likely has a concussion."
Indi looked back at Elsa.
"She should be on the road to recovery in a week or so," the healer continued.
"Are you sure?" Indi asked, his voice softening.
"I'm sure," the healer said. "Her Majesty is young and strong." She paused. "I trust that the men who did this to Her Majesty are dead."
Indi simply gave a quick nod as he looked out the window.
He felt Elsa's hand moved beneath his, the queen's fingers wrapping around Indi's hand, getting the young knight's attention.
Elsa's eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile appeared on her lips.
"Hey," Indi said softly.
"Hello," Elsa said.
"How are you feeling, Your Majesty?" the healer said.
"I've been better, Marget," Elsa said. "Could you fetch me some tea?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," Marget said as she curtsied, before leaving the pair alone. The door shut with a click.
"What happened?" Elsa said.
"We were attacked," Indi said. "The Riders were captured. Your cousin was as well." Elsa's eyes widened. "Relax." Indi gently smoothed out Elsa's hair. "I took care of it. Princess Rapunzel's safe."
"Did they go after you?"
"I… had a rude awakening," Indi mused.
"Are you feeling okay?"
Indi smiled. Even when she was hurt, Elsa was more worried about him than her own well being. "I'll survive. I'm a little hungry, tired more than anything."
"Then you go to bed," Elsa said. "Can you do something for me?"
"Anything," Indi said, leaning forward intently.
"I'll need you to fill in for me for a few days."
"Come again?" Indi said.
"Indi," Elsa said. "I want you to rule over Arendelle for a couple days. At least until I can help you."
Indi's eyes widened. "You want me… to be king."
"Technically, no," Elsa said. "But in some ways, yes. I'll need you to do some of my duties for a few days."
"Which consists of what, exactly?"
"Well, I'm having a noble family from Corona coming for a political visit tomorrow. I'll also have to find a location to build a new pen for the Ceratosaurus." At Indi's odd look, she clarified. "The dinosaur with the red head and the horn on its nose." Indi nodded, understanding. "I was hoping to have your help for that anyway. I'll have a shipment of trade goods coming in. Spices, sugar, a bit of silk. Things we can't produce here in Arendelle."
"Is that it?" Indi asked.
"That's what I can remember," Elsa said. "I suppose that I could be forgetting a thing or two. I'll write it all down on a piece of paper tomorrow for you."
The door opened and in walked Marget, who carried a silver tray with a tea set sitting on it.
"I'll drop by in the morning," Indi said. He squeezed Elsa hand as he rose, before bending over, and kissing the queen on her forehead.
Elsa smiled as Indi bowed, before striding off. Marget smirked as she prepared Elsa tea.
"Not a word," Elsa said.
"Not at all, Your Majesty," Marget said.
Indi walked through the halls. As he passed a window, he saw the Ceratosaurus settling down in a corner of the courtyard.
"Indominus."
Indi looked around with a start, before remembering.
"What about Indominus?" he said as he turned a corner.
"My name," the voice said. "I am Indominus."
"Really?" Indi said with a deadpan.
"Yes," the voice said.
"Alright, Indominus," Indi said. "Start talking. I take it that's you when I can't control my body."
"Yes," Indominus said. "You will have to learn to share."
"Share my own body," Indi muttered as he passed a servant who was humming a tune as he dusted off a white vase that had little blue flowers painted on it. Indi felt his lip curl back. As he left the young man behind him, Indi spoke softly.
"In that case, you'll need to listen to some rules."
"Only if I like them."
Indi huffed. "First, don't take control when we're around other people, unless my life depends on it."
"Why?"
"Because it will lead to a whole lot of explaining to do. Also, don't attack innocent people."
"What do you think I am?" Indominus said. "I am not some mindless mammal, barely able to control my body."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Indi demanded.
"I mean," Indominus said, his voice coming in various small roars. "That mammals, particularly humans, are rather uncoordinated. Their upright bodies, lanky limbs, big heads. They're also rather impulsive."
Indi smirked; this entity had a point. Compared to dinosaurs, humans were rather clumsy.
Indi turned and entered his room. "That reminds me: no talking when I'm working tomorrow. You heard what all I'll be doing."
"Fair enough," Indominus said as Indi removed his shirt and climbed into bed.
Indi woke just as his room was gaining light. He slid out from beneath the sheets, and walked over to the window and saw a Pteranodon glide by.
"It is about time you woke up," the voice said. "Your mate wants to see us, remember?"
"I remember," Indi said with a groan. He swung his legs over and set his feet on the floor. The cool floorboards chilled his skin. He drowsily walked over the wash basin and poured some water from a while porcelain pitcher into the basin, before splashing the water onto his head, face, and chest. As he shook his hands dry, he moved over to the wardrobe and pulled out a nice outfit: a blue tunic and white vest. The trousers matched the tunic in both fabric and color. He put the leather shoes on, lacing them up quickly. Looked at himself in the mirror, and swiped his wet hair to the left side of his brow. He smiled quickly, before letting his face return to its neutral position.
Indi looked at his shield, which sat where he dropped it the night before. He thought for a moment, before shaking his head. He opened the door to his room, and stepped out into the hallway. He turned and walked down the hallway. As he rounded a corner, he saw Astrid exit a room, shutting the door behind her. She wore a green dress, with gentle ruffles cascading down the skirt. Her split lip had begun to heal, a line of scabbed blood running down her lower lip. Her eye had begun to bruise, the injury taking on a bluish hue.
"Greetings, Miss Hofferson," Indi said, tipping his head respectfully. "I trust you slept well?"
"What are you doing?" Astrid asked.
"I'm filling in for Her Majesty while she recovers," Indi said. "I'll be performing most of her duties for the next few days."
"Oh?" Astrid said, smirking. "Helping out the lady, are we?" She gave Indi a rousing punch on the shoulder.
"Yes, yes," Indi said quickly. "She asked me to." Astrid grinned. "Meet me at breakfast? I could use your help, at least."
"Why of course, King Indi," she said, raising her voice in pitch slightly. "I shall gather the rest of the riders, and shall meet you presently."
"Oh my-" Indi said as he dragged a hand down his face. "Just go." Astrid laughed and made a mocking curtsey, before walking off.
Indi shook his head, before pressing on to the infirmary. As he walked through the narrow hallway, he came to the room where Elsa was being treated. He knocked, and waited a moment.
"Enter," Elsa's voice said. Indi stepped inside. He smiled at the queen, before bowing.
"Sir Indi," Elsa said. She reached over to the small table that sat next to her bed. "Here is your list." Indi accepted the paper, and glanced it over. "I've already informed my staff that you will be in my place while I recover. If they need something, they are to go to you with it.
"I also noticed that you left your shield in your room. Good. You won't need it today, and it would also be unsightly, ornate as it may be.
"Come to me if you absolutely need help. You won't be doing anything like finances, so you should be able to do everything on here."
"Alright," Indi said with a nod. "How are you feeling?"
"A bit better than yesterday," Elsa said. "You might want to get going. There's quite a bit on that list. Indi nodded, and stepped up to Elsa. He bent over, and kissed her. As he pulled away, Elsa looked up at him. "You're lucky no one is here."
Indi smiled. "Are you complaining?"
"Nope," Elsa said as she pulled Indi down. She sat up and pressed her lips against his. Indi gently pressed against her. He had just started to sit on the bed when Elsa pulled away. "Come by later, and we can spend more time together."
Indi nodded. "I'll stop by around lunch if I can." Elsa smiled and watched as Indi left.
As Indi looked over the list, he took notice that each task was numbered, and written in Elsa's flawless penmanship. He entered the dining hall, he saw that the Riders had gathered. The chair at the head of the table was open. The riders sitting on either side of it. A banquet of food had been laid out for breakfast. "Hey guys."
"All hail King Indi!" the twins shouted. Indi quickly shushed them.
"Are you trying to get me hanged?" Indi sat at the head of the table and set the list next to his plate. He turned to Astrid, who sat to his left. "I take it you had something to do with that?"
The blonde shieldmaiden simply smiled, clearly proud of herself.
Indi shook his head as his friends started to place food onto their plates.
"You eat this every morning?" Snotlout said, gesturing to the banquet.
"Yep," Indi said as he scooped some scrambled eggs onto his plate, and added a few pieces of bacon. "Every morning."
"This is equivalent to a celebratory feast on Berk," Fishlegs said.
"If you think this is a lot," Indi said "you should see what the queen can do for a feast following a ball."
Indi took a bite of his eggs pointedly.
"So, what's on that list you've got there?" Hiccup said.
"Ah, yes," Indi said. He put his finger beneath the first item on the list. "First, we'll be receiving a shipment that has things that Arendelle wants or needs. Fishlegs, Heather, I could use your help with that."
"Sure," Heather said. Indi took another bite of his eggs.
"Next we have to select a location for the pen for the new dinosaur that showed up. I think Queen Elsa wants her courtyard back." Indi thought for a moment. "We'll come back to that. Around that time, I have to receive some visiting nobles from Corona. I can take care of that. Though, if you guys would like to be there, I wouldn't mind. You don't have to though. After that, I guess I'll be scouting for a place for a new paddock." Indi thought silently for a moment, spearing a lump of egg with his fork, and stabbing a section of bacon next. He took the bite of food into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully.
"Actually, Hiccup, if you and Fishlegs could study the Ceratosaurus while I receive the visiting nobles, then we can go out to find a plot of land that would suit its needs when I'm done."
"I think we could do that," Hiccup said as he took a bite of the fish on his plate.
Indi scanned over the list. "After that, I'm supposed to meet with Elsa to do paperwork: sign treaties, check trade agreements, things like that I guess. You guys can do whatever.
"And after that, I have court."
"Court?" Snotlout asked.
"Yeah," Indi said. "I basically receive people, formally welcome visiting ambassadors and other important people, give advice to those who ask it, and solve disputes."
"My dad did the same thing," Hiccup said.
Indi nodded. As he finished his eggs, he heard the call of the Ceratosaurus in the courtyard.
As he rose, he stole one last piece of bacon from the platter. "You guys can finish up here. There's no need to hurry. Fishlegs, Heather, you should be able to find me. I'm going to go for a walk about the castle and make sure Elsa's guests are having a good time here… actually, they might be my guests now." Indi shrugged. "Regardless, my duties compel me onward."
"Are you going to keep talking like that?" Astrid asked as she stole a piece of bacon from Hiccup's plate.
"Until the day is done," Indi said. "I have to keep up a good image with the people.'
"Good luck," Astrid said. Indi toasted to the group, tipping his head slightly and raising his piece of bacon. He took a bite of the strip of savory meat, and strode out of the dining hall.
As he walked through the halls of the castle, he came upon the noble family from Kethen. Lord Berbri noticed the knight walking up to them.
"My lord, my lady," Indi said. "Good morning."
"Sir Indi," Berbri said.
"I hope you weren't disturbed last night," Indi said.
"Actually, we heard a lot of commotion," Lady Selova said, setting a hand on her swollen belly.
"Understandable, and I apologise for that." Indi said. "We were attacked last night." Indi noticed a strange feeling coming from Lady Selova that caught his interest mildly.
"Oh my," Lady Selova gasped. "I hope no one was hurt."
"Unfortunately, the Dragon Riders were injured, but only mildly," Indi said. "Her Majesty, however, was severely injured. She's recovering as we speak."
"I hope she receives justice for what happened to her," Lord Berbri said firmly.
"She did," Indi said. "I administered justice myself." He cleared his throat. "Apologies. Have you eaten?"
"We were just on our way to the private dining hall," Lord Berbri said. Indi nodded approvingly.
"Should you need anything, just send someone to find me. I'll be all over today," Indi gestured vaguely. "But if you need anything, I'll do my best to see to it as soon as I can."
"Thank you, Sir Indi," Berbri said.
"If you'll excuse me," Indi said. The visiting family nodded, and Indi watched as Lord Berbri and Lady Selova walked off, their three boys in tow.
Indi noticed that the sensation that came from Lady Selova slowly faded as she walked away. He made up his mind to take notice of the sensation and study it more if he encountered her again.
Indi strode onwards, and rounded a corner. He descended a flight of stairs, his ran sliding along the wall to keep his balance. He continued down a hallway, and entered the throne room. The normally full and crowded space was, for the time, barren. As he entered the hallway on the opposite side of the throne room, he threw open the doors. He strode down the hallway, whistling a small tune. As he opened the heavy double doors that led to the courtyard, he locked eyes with the Ceratosaurus.
The red dinosaur stood about ten meters away, its tail swishing through the air slowly. Indi kept his eyes on the carnivore as he walked along, until the animal lost interest. As he cracked the castle gates open just enough, he was met with the black face of Toothless, the Night Fury's pink gums exposed in a goofy smile.
"Hey, Toothless," Indi said, giving the ebony dragon a rub on the head. Indi noticed that Sleuther was missing. He inhaled and shouted the Triple Stryke's name.
Elsa sat up in her bed as she finished her breakfast, a mix of eggs, rice, fish, and prawns. A dinosaur call echoed over her kingdom from the forest.
She set her plate and fork back on the tray, which she moved to the bed stand. After a few moments, Marget entered the room and picked up the tray. "Is there anything else you require, Your Majesty?"
"Some tea," Elsa said.
"Of course," Marget said. "I'll bring it to you right away." Suddenly, a loud roar sounded out very near, and a brown dragon with fiery markings glided from the roof above the window.
The sound made Marget jump in fright, and she nearly dropped the tray. "My goodness," the woman said as she composed herself. "I don't know how you ride that creature, Your Majesty."
"Sleuther?" Elsa said. "He's not the friendliest-looking, but he seems to like Sir Indi, and he tolerates me well enough."
"While we're on the topic of Sir Indi," Marget said. "I know it isn't my place, or that of anyone else, but there's been talk of you and the young knight."
Hearing this caught Elsa's interest, though not necessarily in a good way. "What sort of talk?"
"Just rumors, Your Majesty," Marget said. "Nothing more."
"Speak your mind, Marget," Elsa, her voice taking on a slight edge. "There should be no secrets kept from me that concern me."
The woman made a faint gulping sound. "There has been, rumors, well... really mutterings, about you and Sir Indi doing unsavory things while alone."
"Who said these things?" Elsa said.
"I can't recall, specifically," Marget said a twinge of fear creeping into her voice.
Elsa closed her eyes, taking a breath. Marget was not the correct recipient for her frustration. "Marget, listen to me very carefully. I am not doing anything of the sort with Sir Indi. If you find out who has started or has helped spread these rumors, tell me immediately."
"As you command, Your Majesty," Marget said. "I'll fetch you your tea now." Elsa nodded as the woman curtseyed. As Marget left, Elsa let her head tip back.
The nerve of some people. She was fully aware that the way she was pursuing a relationship with Indi happened to be rather unorthodox, to say the very least. Most families would set up marriages, though that was starting to fall out of practice among the common folk. However, nobles, and especially royalty, would still put their children into arranged marriages. But, as Elsa was queen, there was no one to arrange one for herself but herself.
And yes, Elsa would concede that her relationship with Indi could, in some eyes, be viewed as improper. But, she was not some drunken harlot, tearing her clothes off for Indi when they were alone. She was a queen, and she would behave as how she felt a queen should.
Outside her window, she saw Sleuther rush by, and she heard Indi yell in excitement. This time, she could not hold back. She slapped her hand against her forehead, and groaned.
Should she really had given the important jobs to Indi?
Yes, she did trust him with her kingdom (she trusted him with her life), but there was the political image she was just now considering. She had put someone who could be a bit of a manchild at times in charge of a kingdom, and this manchild rode dragons.
Though, she mused to herself. She had not said that he could not use Sleuther to help in his duties.
Indi yelled in excitement as Sleuther rushed past the courtyard.
The dragon roared and banked into a spiral upwards. Indi clung to the saddle, tightened his legs around Sleuther's armored body.
Indi grinned as Sleuther straightened out his flight path, gliding over the houses below. Indi looked down and saw children pointing up at him.
Sleuther seemed to take noticed that people were watching him, and gave off a loud roar, releasing a jet of fire into the air.
Indi laughed and guided Sleuther back to the castle. As they came to a hover, they saw Fishlegs and Heather leaving the castle by the ice walkway that Elsa had made. Indi found it hard to believe that it was just last evening.
Sleuther landed, and Indi dismounted. "Thanks for helping me out, guys."
"No problem, Indi," Fishlegs said in his squeaky voice. Indi led the way, walking along the bridge. Sleuther, Meatlug, and Windshear followed their humans. As they walked into the town, Indi looked around. He noticed the people would stare a bit longer than was proper, though most would smile at Indi. It was understandable. He had served this kingdom well enough, though Indi did not seek any special treatment for his services. He jerked to a stop as a crowd of children ran in front of his little group, chasing a ball one of them had kicked.
Suddenly, and woman came out of a shop. The woman, who wore a blue dress and a brown smock, started berating the children, who glanced over at Indi, before hanging their heads in shame.
Indi smiled and shook his head before walking over.
The woman curtseyed as Indi came up to them. The children glanced up at him, before averting their eyes to the ground.
"I'm so sorry, sir knight," the woman said. "These children should have more respect. They shouldn't have gotten in the way of someone of your rank."
"It's quite alright," Indi said, glancing over at the children in question. "If anything, I should apologise to them. I nearly got in the way of their game." The children looked up at him timidly.
"Sir knight?" the woman said.
"These children haven't done anything wrong," Indi said. "They haven't hurt anybody or damaged property. No harm has been done, therefore, no apology is necessary." Indi looked over at the children. "Keep playing. Just watch out next time. You might get in the way of a carriage." The children nodded, and ran back into the street to continue their game.
"That was nice of you," Fishlegs said.
"What was that woman's problem?" Heather asked.
"We had children playing with their family's dragons in the plaza on Berk," Fishlegs said. "While everyone agrees it can get a little wild when the ball gets thrown and several dragons go chasing after it, we don't interrupt them. Even if Stoick has to get through, he waits for them to pass. Though… I will say it can be hard to force your way in front of several dragons who are chasing a ball, as they are quite big." Meatlug made a whining groan. Fishlegs gave his Gronkle a big hug. "No offense, girl."
"From what I've gathered, it's really the principle of the thing here," Indi said. "People who are in the lesser ranks in society make way for those who are higher than them."
Heather shook her head, and Indi shrugged, before pressing on.
After a few minutes of walking, Indi, Fishlegs, and Heather came to the docks. Indi took note of the ship behind them, a three masted vessel with decorative railings.
As their feet hit the wooden boards, a man who stood at the end of the gangplank gasped as he saw the trio approaching with a group of dragons behind them.
"Captain," Indi said.
"Sir Indi Rex?" The man said, his brown moustache quivering.
"Yes," Indi said. "The one and only."
"I- I don't understand. I was expecting the queen."
"I understand," Indi said. "Her Majesty was injured in an attack last night. I am filling in for her until she recovers." Indi noticed the man's eyes sink in disappointment. "She sends her apologies for not being able to receive you personally. She hopes you'll understand."
The man smiled. "Of course. Please send Her Majesty my wishes to her health and swift recovery."
"I will," Indi said before clapping his hands together. "So, what have you brought us?"
"Oh, I'm sure Queen Elsa will like what I've brought," captain said, motioning for the small grouo to board the ship. "Please, please come." Indi followed the man up the gangplank.
"I've brought spices, sugar, fabric, and many other things that the people requested."
Indi pulled out his list. "Her Majesty requested a steel anvil..?"
"Yes, we have that down below deck."
"What about the cornflour?"
"Yes, we have several barrels of that for her. We have a list here somewhere."
Indi looked at the sun, and guessed the time. "Alright. Have your crew send the stuff to the docks. I'll go recruit some servants to move the stuff Her Majesty requested.
"Fishlegs, Heather, can you double check the Queen's list with the captain's? I'll be right back."
"Sure thing," Fishlegs said.
Indi jogged down the gangplank and jumped onto Sleuther's back. "Let's go, bud." Sleuther snarled happily, and vaulted into the air with a strong flap of his wings.
Elsa turned the page, her eyes scanning over the text. She reached over to the bedside table and seized her teacup. Bringing the small vessel to her lips, she sipped quietly, before placing the cup back on a little plate.
A knock on the door caught her attention. She glanced at the page number, and shut the book.
"Come in," she called. The door opened gently, and in came Anna, Elsa's sister. "Ah, Anna, come in, come in."
The princess entered the room and shut the door.
"Hey, Elsa," Anna said.
After a moment of silence, Elsa spoke. "We're a mess, aren't we?"
"Yeah, we are," the princess said. "Is Indi coming up to see you?"
"He should be," Elsa said. "I'd like him to eat lunch with me."
"Elsa, I'm worried," Anna said. "This is the fourth time Arendelle has been attacked. I don't feel safe."
"I know, Anna," Elsa said. "I worry almost every day. But, we have to stay strong, for our people." Elsa yawned, covering her mouth with he hand.
"I'll let you sleep," Anna said.
Indi sat on Sleuther as the dragon glided over a section of forest, the trees just beneath them. He looked down, and saw a clearing with a stream that ran past the edge of the forests.
"That'd be a good spot," Indi said. He quickly mentally memorized the area, before pulling on the saddle, guiding Sleuther back to Arendelle.
The dragon shot through the air, his wings flapping periodically.
Indi sat back. So far, he had a good day. He spent roughly an hour hunting for a spot that he Ceratosaurus could live. The location had water, trees, and a small field. It was overall nice and secluded.
As Indi relaxed for a moment on Sleuther, a voice sounded out in the young knight's head. "Busy day we are having."
Indi scowled in annoyance. "What do you want?"
"To hunt," Indominus said. "You cannot deny what we are, Indi. You are a predator, and predators need to hunt."
"No," Indi said. "Not anymore." His mind drifted to the queen.
"You worry about your mate," Indominus said. "You wonder, no- fear what she would think if you engaged in the necessary indulgences of a hunter."
"Stop," Indi said. "I've given that up."
"You did not seem to have any qualms about it last night," Indominus said with an audible sneer.
Indi shut the voice out of his head, and noticed that Sleuther was looking back at him with one eye. "I'm okay, boy." Indi gave Sleuther a pat.
As the dragon landed, Indi saw a ship starting to pull into the fjord. He pulled out his list and scanned down.
"We are going to be late," the voice said.
"Shut it," Indi said. "Down, Sleuther!" The dragon roared and went into a dive, before landing solidly on the cobblestones near the dock. Indi dismounted, and smoothed out his clothes as best he could.
"I was wondering when you'd get here," a feminine voice said. Indi turned to see Astrid leaning against the wooden pole of a stand that sold fresh produce.
"Well, I'm here," Indi said. He held out his arms slightly to the side. "How do I look?"
Astrid smirked. "The windblown hair is a good touch."
Indi groaned as swiped his hair to the side. Astrid laughed and stepped up to him. She licked her fingertips, and swiped Indi's hair from his eyes.
"There," she said. "You're fine."
"Thanks," Indi said. He turned to look at the ship coming in.
"So, who are these people, exactly?" Astrid asked as she came to stand alongside him.
"All I know is that they are nobles from Corona, where Princess Rapunzel and her family is from," Indi said. "If I remember correctly, the had ties to the royal family in the past. I think they're the king's cousins or something."
Astrid merely "hm"ed.
As the ship drew closer, Astrid spoke. "So, what was last night about?"
"I don't want to talk about it," Indi said plainly.
"Ind-" Astrid began.
"Astrid, please," Indi said. "I just need to work through some stuff. Please, just drop it for now."
Astrid set a hand on Indi's shoulder, concern in her eyes. "You can talk to me, Indi."
"I will when I'm ready," Indi said.
The ship pulled in closer, and Astrid removed her hand from Indi's shoulder.
As the ship pulled into port, Indi muttered "Here we go." Indi whistled and pointed to the sky, Sleuther taking off at his human's command.
"Pitiful," the voice said. "These humans' traditions force you to be parted with your carnivore brother."
As the gangplank was lowered, a man stepped forward to announce the noble family.
"Presenting his Grace the Duke of Dalhurst and his wife, Her Grace the Duchess of Dalhurst." The man stepped aside and the two people walked down the gangplank. Indi stood tall and took in the two newcomers. The man was had dark hair and was fully bearded, though not as much as Stoick the Vast. He wore a purple suit and brown shoes. Indi's eyes drifted to the woman: she wore a plain green dress, with slight lacey ruffles near the hem.
As the nobles reached the bottom, Indi gave them a slight bow.
Greetings, Your Grace," Indi said as he straightened himself. "I am Sir Indi Rex. I welcome you to Arendelle."
"Greetings, Sir Indi," the Duke of Dalhurst said.
"The queen sends her apologies for not being here to receive you," Indi said. "She was injured recently, and is presently recovering."
"Send her my wishes for her speedy recovery."
"I shall do that, Sir," Indi said. "In the meantime, I'd like to Introduce my friend, Lady Astrid Hofferson from the Viking Isle of Berk."
Astrid stepped forward. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"And you as well, Lady Astrid," Dalhurst said.
"Well met, Lady Astrid," Lady Dalhurst said.
"If you'll accompany me," Indi said. "We'll visit the castle. For your safety, I don't think it would be wise to let you go into the courtyard, at least for a couple days."
"Why ever not?" Lady Dalhurst said.
"We have a dangerous animal being held in there," Indi said. "Unfortunately I didn't have any other place to put it easily. Lady Astrid helped me quite well during that endeavor."
Indi strode on, Astrid falling into step beside him. Lord and Lady Dalhurst fell into step on the other side of Indi, opposite of Astrid.
As they walked along the stone bridge that led to the castle, Stormfly landed in front of the group with a this. Lady Dalhurst screamed, and her husband shoved her behind him. "What is that ungodly beast?"
"That, Sir," Indi said. "Is Stormfly." Astrid smiled and walked up to the brightly colored dragon and started rubbing her beneath her jaw.
"That's a-a-" Lord Dalhurst said, fear in his voice.
"A dragon," Indi said gladly as he stepped forward to greet the object of the nobles' fear. He reached up and ran a hand gently down Stormfly's side. "How are you doing, girl?" The Deadly Nadder squawked, shaking her head happily. She proceeded to push her snout into Indi's chest, nearly knocking him off balance. Indi laughed, and gave the dragon a rub on the snout.
"Would you like to pet her?" Astrid asked.
"No, thank you," Lord Dalhurst said, before clearing his throat nervously.
Indi frowned. "I understand your fear, but once you get to know them, dragons are some of the most loyal creatures you'll ever meet. In fact, I have one as well. Actually, I have three."
"You do?" Lady Dalhurst said as she peered out from behind her husband.
"Indeed," Indi said proudly. "One is out hunting right now, I believe. As for the other two… I actually do not know where they got off to."
"I trust that Her Majesty is aware of these creatures in her kingdom."
Indi nodded. "Of course. Nothing happens in Arendelle without Queen Elsa knowing about it."
Elsa buried her face in her hands. Things were happening in her kingdom that she did not know about.
"Why?" Elsa said, her palms muffling her voice. Why would someone spread such horrid rumors about her and Indi?
"I don't know," Primrose said as she sat in the edge of Elsa's bed. "Some people talk, and they spread things that people like to talk about."
"But, don't they trust me?" Elsa looked at her aunt pleadingly. "Of all things they could think, my honor?"
"Obviously, most of them do."
Elsa sat up from bed and swung her legs over the edge. "Elsa, stay in bed."
"No," the younger queen said as her feet hit the floor. "I'm getting to work." Elsa rose to her feet. She would shut down these rumors. As she took a step, the room collapsed around her and her vision faded to blackness.
She woke up to a cold cloth on her forehead, and the sheets tucked around her.
"What happened?" Elsa said weakly.
"You were overly determined," Primrose said. "You've been spending too much time around Sir Indi."
Elsa sat quiet, trying to figure out what Primrose meant. Did she mean that the time she was spending with Indi was the reason for the rumors, or were Indi's mannerisms rubbing off on her.
She could not contemplate this for too long, because she felt her eyes grow heavy once more.
Indi yawned as he went into the infirmary. As he approached the room that Elsa was being treated in, he saw Queen Primrose shut the door quietly.
"Is she okay?" Indi asked.
"Queen Elsa is fine," Queen Primrose said softly. "She fainted after trying to move around. I will fill in for you for the rest of the day."
"Are you sure?"
"Quite."
"Very well," Indi said. He pulled out the piece of parchment and handed it to the older woman.
"I just received the Duke and Duchess of Dalhurst."
"Excellent," Queen Primrose said. "Good day, Sir Indi."
Indi nodded and bowed as the queen of Corona walked off, before turning to the door. He opened it softly and walked in quietly. He knelt next to Elsa's bed, and took her hand in his. He gently kissed the top of Elsa's hand, her skin soft like silk.
He rose, and took one last look at the woman in the bed, before leaving the room. He went through the halls of the castle to his room. He opened the door, and went to the small desk that sat there, and took out a piece of paper. He sat it on the surface of the desk, and produced an inkwell and a feather. He started making s list of all the creatures that lived in Arendelle permanently. He excluded the hybrids, as they would be able to gather supplies and contribute to the kingdom. Once his list was finished, he read it aloud to himself.
"Ten Dimorphodons, six Pteranodons, two Tyrannosaurs, seven Velociraptors, one Allosaurus, one Indominus rex, two Indominus Furies, one Triple Stryke, two mosasaurs, and a Ceratosaurus."
He'd never realized that there were actually very few animals.
He looked at the sun outside, and figured that he would go to court. He folded up the piece of paper and stuck it in a pocket. He made his way to the throne room, where people were getting ready. He saw Queen Primrose making sure that the set-up went smoothly.
"Your Highness," Indi said with a bow.
"Sir Indi," Primrose said. "What can I do for you?"
"I thought I'd take over your for today, if that's alright?"
"If you insist," Primrose said, before turning to the guards that manned the doors. "Let them in." The men nodded and opened the doors to the throne room. As people filed in, Indi went into the hall to prepare himself.
"We want to hunt," the voice of Indominus said.
"Not now," Indi said.
"You're suppressing your primal instincts. It will come back to bite you." And the voice went silent. After a moment of silence, a man announced to the crowd. "Presenting Sir Indi Rex, knight of Arendelle." Indi strode out, and stood in front of the throne. In front of him and slightly to the left, sitting a a plush chair, was Lady Selova. She set a hand on her pregnant belly. She looked rather uncomfortable.
"Indi," the voice said. "You sense that too."
"Mhm," Indi said.
Suddenly, Lady Selova cried out. Indi jumped to his feet and strode down, though not of his own accord. He knelt in front of the woman, tilting his head so that his ear was near the woman's belly, and what she shouted next confirmed his suspicions. "The baby's coming!"
"Riders, get a room ready in the infirmary!" Indi made eye contact with Lord Berbri. "Queen Primrose, please take over court here."
"As you wish, Sir Indi," the royal said.
"My Lady," Indi said. "I apologise for the indecency, but-" He scooped up the woman, one arm going beneath her legs, and the other supporting her back.
"Lord Berbri, get the door," Indi said. The man nodded and ran to the doors that led to the hall from the throne room. Indi carried the woman, moving as fast as he could through the halls. Selova cried out again.
"Out of the way, out of the way!" Indi shouted as he ran towards the infirmary. "Pregnant lady coming through!"
Indi rounded the corner, and ducked into an open room, where Astrid and Heather were.
Indi gently set Lady Selova down on the bed. "Heather, go find some healers. Help them get them whatever they need. Heather nodded as she left quickly. "Lord Berbri, Astrid, stay here with Lady Selova. I'll be right back."
"Hurry, Indi," Astrid said as she knelt next to Lady Selova.
Indi nodded, before storming out of the room and into the hall.