A Queen's War
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot.
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Umbra Lycan: Thanks, I will.
(A/N: More rebuilding and reunions)
Chapter 4: Arrival
Late morning
Tantrum stirred in her bed, the sunlight piercing her bedroom window waking her. 'How long has it been since I slept in my room?', The day after the Alliance arrived, Rage asked Koll to help him gather what little belongings he and Tantrum took with them to the hovel back. The uncle and niece threw out everything the berserker boss touched, setting the pile ablaze in the front yard. after cleaning the inside of their family's hut, they moved back into the chieftain's hut.
Walking down the stairs, Tantrum sees her uncle finish setting down breakfast, the aroma of real food beckoned her to sit. "I'm meeting Hosver to discuss what our tribe can do to repay the kindness that his people are doing for us". Tantrum consumed half of her plate before Rage even started eating, "We owe the Alliance so much, they've gifted us these supplies in exchange for that troll and his thugs".
"That doesn't seem fair?", Tantrum sipped from her cup, savoring the sweet nectar of golden colored glow juice.
"My thoughts exactly", Rage took a large swig of mead from his mug, "Ahhh, I have to make things right!". he cut a piece from his yak steak, picking it up with his fork, "We do have our pride still". Tantrum nods with a full mouth as Rage tore into the meat slab.
Later
Tantrum finished setting up her room and was walking through the village, still trying to come to terms with their current situation. Months of being under crushing oppression by the berserkers felt like a nightmare, almost half of her tribe fled into hiding to escape the hands of the savages. now, those that survived had begun to move back into their former homes. previous business owners began to rebuild their trade shops, fishermen returned to owing their own boats. yet, the farmers were still left with nothing, their fields were destroyed by the berserkers out of spite.
Tantrum finally finds her uncle, speaking with Hosver where the forest was clearcut to feed the former charcoal kilns, "Shame, this used to be where I would sit and enjoy my breaks between duties".
"My condolences, I can image it was a pleasant place for respite, Chief Rage", Hosver shared the same pastime as the uncle. "Still, this area would make for decent crop fields", the commander observed.
"Aye, but it'll take weeks to dig up all these stumps", he motioned to the numerous tree remains, "My people will have to delay that project until they rebuild their strength".
"Perhaps not", Hosver countered, turning to his sentinel to whisper something.
"What do you have in mind?", the bonded hive-kin reared up to release a low droning roar, confusing Rage and Tantrum. a few moments later, a sea green colossus flew towards them, landing near the trio.
"Are you able to dig up theses stumps?", Hosver walked over to one set his boot on it. The colossus tilted its head then released deep groan, stomping over to the field. using its large forelimbs, the giant upheaved the ground, pulling out the stumps as easily, "Excellent, we can get a couple of spare cutters to mulch up these stumps", Hosver sent one of his men off.
"Cutters?", inquired Rage.
"Yes, they're another kind of Milord's brethren", A few sekärs descended carrying cutters. "Would you mind breaking these down, please?", the cutters chirped in agreement and began chipping apart the removed stumps.
"Wow, these little guys tear apart wood easily!", Rage watched the three hive critters work.
"They're very efficient, they make up the bulk of Milord's workforce back at his home", Hosver said proudly.
"You speak so highly of your leader?", Tantrum made her presence known.
"Lord Veran isn't the leader of our Alliance", the Admiral corrected, "His mother, Vera the Red Queen, is but she doesn't leave her palace in the Citadel". "As her first born, Lord Veran commands our Alliance with her blessing", his tone of reverence obvious, "He's a brilliant tactician and trained under a master to wield his weapons with lethal skill". both Rage and Tantrum listen to Hosver's praises, "I've seen him cut seven men down with one swing".
"Seven, impossible?!", Rage couldn't believe his ears.
Hosver shifted his chest piece slight up, showing an old scar on his lower back, "I know it's true, I was there". he told them of the battle of Old Beartooth, "I wouldn't be here, none of our tribe would've escape if Lord Veran did not come to our rescue".
"He stood against the combined forces of the Berserkers, Murderous and Uglithugs?!", it was Tantrum's turn to doubt. hearing how one man withstood the might of almost three armies, it sounded like the tales of legends told by the elders to the young children.
"He did, giving our people enough time to evacuate the island before it was sunk to destroy our enemies", a sadness was in Hosver's voice.
"An entire island, all those people, gone?", Rage gasped, "in an instant?".
"Yes, through the mercy of the Great Allmother, the Red Queen, Lord Veran settled us elsewhere", Hosver was quick to hide the truth. "Many of us swore our lives to the service of Lord Veran, we shed our blood if our Lord commands us to", Hosver pounds his chest plate with his fist, his fellow troopers do the same.
A few days later
Hosver stands at the bow of one of his destroyers, his ship sailing through the morning fog, "Miss Tantrum, are you sure we're heading in the right direction?".
The young woman approaches the Admiral, pulling out a worn scroll, "Absolutely sure, I've traveled through the thickest of fogs and darkest of nights, and have always found my way to the island". Tantrum knew she were she was going, 'I'm coming take you all back home', Hosver barked to the crew to follow her directions behind her.
Over an hour later, the fog began to thin out, revealing a small island in the distance, "Is that it?". Tantrum nods without a word, "Alright, slow us down!", the main sail was brought down. the ship slowed as she closed in on the island, "I'll get us a boat ready".
"Easy now", the crew above gradually lowered the small boat, Hosver, Tantrum and a few troopers prepared to make their way over to the island. Splash, "Oof!", Hosver caught himself when the boat was released from the winches, "Next time, bring us closer to the water!". the crew above apologized, "Alright, wait for my signal, don't move the ship until then!".
Hosver's men raised the small sail, pushing the boat towards the island, "When we get there, wait by the boat". the Admiral waited for Tantrum to continue, "I'll make sure they know you're here to help, understood?".
"Yes, my men and I will wait on the beach", the troopers were all in agreement, "If there's any trouble, don't hesitate to use that horn". Hosver motioned to the small horn hooked into her belt, "We'll be ready to help".
"I wouldn't worry, only they, me and my uncle know of this island", patted the horn, "I'll make sure they're ready to move before I return".
"My ship has three other boats ready to carry your people and their supplies", he looks back to the destroyer gradually getting smaller.
"Thank you, my tribe doesn't know how we'll repay your kindness", Tantrum sighed.
"It's Lord Veran that you should thank, despite the rumors of his ferocity, he still has a kind heart", Hosver smiled at the thought.
Unkown island
The small boat slid up on the soaked sand, "Let's go!", Hosver hopped out with his men. they unwound the rope tied to the bow and pulled, dragging their boat further up the beach.
"I'll go on ahead", Tantrum climbed out, "With any luck, my people will be ready to move within the hour". the girl trudged up the beach, her boots sinking into the sand. reaching the treeline, Tantrum looked back to see the troopers preparing the boat. after a few minutes, Tantrum hears the sounds of life further into the thick forest. the moment she steps into the clearing, a few women ready themselves with whatever weapons they could reach.
"Tantrum, you're early", they relaxed, "Why are you here?". their collective surprise turns to worry, "What happen, is the... are they?".
The young fiery haired woman smiles, "Yes, the monsters are gone". her answer brought others out from their tents and from their seats by fire in the center of the camp, "We're free!".
"How?!", the women and their families crowed around Tantrum.
"Outsiders, they came a few days ago", the group stepped back, "They were benevolent, crushing the Berserkers and are now helping uncle rebuild our home". the news of their chieftain still alive brought the families peace, "I have a ship ready offshore, gather your things". they were stunned, "We're going home". the group rushed to breakdown their camp, a few extinguishing the center fire and deconstructing the cooking pot above the pit. the mothers and older daughters helped their elders take down their tents, the young girls gathered up any loose belongs like books, dishware and tools.
"These strangers, do you trust them?", the camp leader asked Tantrum.
"I do, they told us they're at war with the Mad Chieftess and her minions", she helped her pack up the tent the leader lived in, "Besides, they had no reason to stay and help us rebuild".
"If they had no reason, why are they helping us?", Tantrum bundled up the tent poles and handed them over.
"My uncle intends to find out", the group finished up packing away their camp, forming up as they followed her out into the trees. Tantrum steps out first from the treeline, quickly followed by the front of the group.
"Miss?", the camp leader tentatively inquired.
"It's alright, they're nice", Hosver slowly approached Tantrum.
"Is this everyone?", the Admiral removed his intimidating helmet, calming the survivors with a gentle smile.
"No, only a third", she shook her head, "The rest are making their way over".
Hosver looks over the fifty strong group, "I see", he signals his men. one blows into a high-pitched horn, "I've sent for more boats, let's get this group ready to leave".
The mothers helped the elders into the boat, the older daughters helping up the smaller girls, "Where are these boats coming from?". Tantrum points to the destroyer off in the distance, the fog getting thinner by the heat of the morning sun. "I've never seen a ship like that!", the camp leader examines the large warship. the three other boats land, the crew hopping off to help the rest of the group up on the craft. "These men, their armor is so strange?", an elder holds her granddaughter in her lap.
"Hosver's men are wearing the usual armor", Tantrum fastens down a few supplies that could fit with the passengers, "Just wait till you see the honor guards' armor".
"Honor guards?", asked the camp leader.
"You'll see...", Tantrum helped push the boat into the water before jumping on with the troopers, "Just wait until we get back". the four loaded boats sailed back to the destroyer; the passengers watched as the crew above lowered the cradle hooks. the troopers carefully maneuvered around the boats, hooking them into metal hoops built into the hull.
"Everyone, stay as still as you can!", Tantrum warned her tribesmen, who muttered fearfully when the boat was lifted up out of the water. the older women held the frighten or excited girls still, until their boats rose into their cradles. the crew locked the smaller vessels down before helping their fellow troopers and wary civilians onto the destroyer's deck.
"Everyone, please listen", Hosver rounded up the rest of the survivors, "We'll get everyone looked at by our Healers, then you'll be brought below into the ship's spare quarters".
"Spare quarters, what kind of warship is this?", inquired the camp leader.
"This is a support destroyer, a variant of our standard combat destroyer", Hosver motioned around him, "She still has the protection but much more room and carrying capacity".
After a few minutes, "Admiral, most of them are in good health", the healer reports to Hosver.
"Very good", he turns to the Tantrum's waiting tribesmen, "Gather your belongings, you'll be show to your temporary quarters". the fiery haired young woman led the refugees below, "The trip back will take a few hours more due to the tide, make yourselves comfortable".
Rage's Island
The camp leader emerged from below, drawn by the commotion on deck, "Miss Tantrum?". she looks around and sees the woman standing beside Hosver, following their sight to the Tribe's home island. "Oh my gods...", many other elders and mothers followed out with her. the group stares in awe, the Alliance's fleet encircled their home. a pair of agile frigates broke off from the fleet, sailing towards Hosver's ship.
The lead vessel pulled alongside, "Admiral, Ladies Mira and Heather just received word from our Lord!", the captain hollered over.
"Thay have?!", Hosver leaned over the ship rails, "When?!".
"A messenger just arrived with a scroll marked with the royal seal!", as soon as he heard, the Admiral barked out to bring the ship into dock faster.
When the destroyer was being moored, Hosver was the first to rush down the gangplanks. he paused his feet touched the docks, "Miss Tantrum, please excused me!". she raised an eyebrow at his anxious demeanor, "I must speak to Ladies Mira and Heather immediately, I must ask that you handle your people without me". she nods, Hosver gives her a short bow before hopping on his sentinel and rushing away.
"What was that creature?", an elder cradling her granddaughter shuffled over to Tantrum.
"The Alliance calls them Sentinels, their 'Frontline warriors", a few sekärs buzzed overhead. "And those they call them Sekärs, the flyers", a pair of them descended to observe the new arrivals, responding to the children's 'Oohs' with pleasing trills.
"And what do they call those?", the camp leader inquired, spotting an Honor guard molossus cavalier with a trio of guardsmen.
"Most soldiers call them Cavern furies; they use them as mounts", Tantrum pointed out the armor, "Those are the Honor guards in mentioned, they arrived with the princesses".
"Princesses, like real royalty?!", asked a little girl bouncing with giddiness.
"Yes, they command the fleets and Hosver with his armies here", Tantrum explained, "Apparently, Lord Veran is currently busy fighting alongside the Bog Burglars against the Berserkers in the south".
"Lord Veran?", an older woman helped her mother-in-law keep up with the group.
"He's the first born of Vera the Red queen, leader of the Alliance", a few Beartooth workers quirked up at the mention of the prince.
The next day
Most of the families were reunited with the men and by the days in, the village was starting to resemble its liveliness before the berserkers. when morning came, the men and a few of the women left their homes to begin the day. the residents were about to go about their day when the Alliance's troops seem to be hastily preparing for something.
"Uncle, what's happening?!", Tantrum finally found the chief jogging towards the restored village meeting hall.
"I'm not sure, Hosver's men informed me that he's at the hall", all around, the villagers watched Beartooth workers performing their duties frantically. "They told me the two princesses summoned him".
When Tantrum and Rage reached the meeting hall, they entered and saw Hosver discussing something with Mira and Heather at the center table, "Hosver, is there something wrong?".
The Admiral turned around; his small smile felt out of place with the recent Alliance collective demeanor, "My Lord has sent another message, he's heading here to inspect our progress with your tribe's reconstruction".
"You mean... Lord Veran is-", Rage approached the center table, "He's... he's coming here?".
"Correct", Hosver slid over the scroll with a broken royal seal, Rage picked up the message and read it over. "Milord has ordered two of our fleets to returned to the Bog Isles for refit, resupply and crew shift", the chief paused to look at him, "The Scin'faxi will accompany Milord's heavy Galleon, the Allmother's Will, and it's flotilla to your island".
"What do you need us to do?", he handed the scroll back to the Admiral.
"Our people are trying to finish the reconstructions that can be done before our betrothed arrives", Mira answered, an excited tone evident in her voice.
"If there's anyone from your tribe that wants to help, please over see them", Heather continued with a similar attitude, "As for the rest, I must ask them to keep themselves out of the way".
"I understand, I'll see to my people", Rage responded, planning on asking every able body in the village to aid the Alliance's people.
Two days later
The tribe watched as the Alliance troops gathered into their battle groups, the expeditionary force's troopers lined the main street. at each branching crossroad, troopers stood in formation with their bonded sentinels. at the end of the street above, the wide area that led to the grand hall had a stage constructed. To the left side of the area, Rage's chieftain hut was cleaned and decorated with his tribe's symbol banners created by the Alliance's craftsmen. the Honor guard squads took to their positions on the stage's flanks, their armor and gear polished for the day.
Tantrum and Rage waited on the stage, sitting on their chairs opposite to the stairs that led up to the stage, "I wonder what kind of leader this Lord Veran is to command such reverence from his army?".
"My thought exactly, Tantrum", horns of various tones blew in succession, stifling further discussions.
Hosver sees a flagman signaling from a rebuilt watchtower and approached Mira and Heather, "Miladies, He's on approach", he whispered with his head bowed. Rage brought up the spare spyglass Hosver had lent him, his shuddering gasps unnerved Tantrum.
"Uncle what is it?", instead of answering, he passed her the spyglass. she mimicked how he used it and gasped as well, "Oh... my... Gods...". the sight of the two massive ships caused the villagers to begin muttering amongst themselves. the fleet parted to let the huge Galleon sail into the harbor, the mast-less ship of equal size stayed with most of the newly arrived fleet. the crowds' mutterings intensified when wings of flying hive kin took off from the deck of the Scin'faxi, sekärs flew in formation around each colossus carrying troops.
a few minutes later, a column of warriors wearing extensively gilded armor marched along the main street. the shimmering armor of Royal guard superseded the awe of the Honor guard, who bowed as the column passed each crossroads. the villagers silently observed as many of the imposing warriors bowed, kneed and a few even prostrated themselves when a group of gilded cavilers passed surrounding a figure donning midnight black armor.
when the column arrived at the top of the main street, they parted until the cavilers arrived. Mira and Heather had changed into more ornate armor and cloaks in each of their respective colors. they beamed when the black armored figure finally arrived, bowing slightly and spreading their arms to flare out their cloaks. a pair of Royal guards moved to the prince, escorting him to the stage before they stood at the base of the stairs. Mira was the first to approach him, quickly followed by Heather. the two princesses stood beside him as Rage stood up from his seat, slowly approaching the leader of the force that freed his island and people from oppression.
"Lord Veran?", Rage asked carefully, the prince nods before removing his intimidating helmet. 'This young man is no older than Tantrum!', Hiccup's youthful face shocked the chief into silence.
"Greetings, Chief Rage", he smiled at the older man, "My name is Hiccup Veran, Son of the Vera the Red Queen". Tantrum sees his face, bewildered as a man her age could be the legendary warrior of many tales and rumors, "I apologize for my late arrival, but I had to break the berserker's siege of our ally's capital, The Bog Isles".
"No need, Lord Veran", Rage found his voice, "Your people have given us so much kindness, we fear we may never be able to repay them-you!".
"It is quite alright, Chief Rage", said with a small smile, "I am here to oversee the continuation of the rebuild, with your blessings of course?".
"We'd be thankf-no, honored if you were to do that!", Rage glanced at his graspers resting on his weapon hilts before looking at his back limbs folded under his cloak.
"By your word, Chief Rage", Hiccup motioned him towards the stairs. Rage collected himself and led the prince to the steps, a shuffle behind him made him look back.
"Now that the formalities are over, you have no idea how much I missed you, Love!", Mira clasped her hands around his hand before bringing them up to press against her cheek glowing pink.
"Missing you?", Heather wrapped herself around his other arm, "If I have to leave you for more than a day, I'll make a messenger sekär carry me back to you!". While Rage led Hiccup trying to calm his clinging girlfriends, Tantrum stayed seated, watching Hosver following them as he chuckled at his lord's predicament.
(A/N: Sorry if it's a bit rushed, my job has been overbearing recently. I'll try to work on my stories as best I can!)