A/N: No smut in this chapter, sorry.

(Constantinople)

Within the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, Constantinople, its emperor, Caius Manilius Valens, the man was reclined back as he watched a private viewing of gladiators fighting within the bowels of his palace. Like every Roman under his reign, Caius was part of the New Romans, a sect of surviving Romans from the days of Julius Caesar and Augustus, thanks to their ancestors. Having left Rome, the capital of their great empire back then, the ancestors of these people set out to make a life for themselves, having been fed up with the tyranny of emperors such as Tiberius and Caligula, and over the millennia, the New Romans grew in numbers and resources and established a new home for themselves. And for a time, the New Romans were living a golden age as their Republic thrived for centuries.

That all changed when Caius Manilius Valens, who was back then, the Fat Consul, burst into the Senate chambers along with the elite Praetorian Guard and declared that the Republic was no more and that the New Romans needed an emperor, one that would surpass all others, and one that leads to Roman expansion worldwide.

"I am the perfect loving god," Fat Consul declared boisterously as the Praetorians who backed his claim formed a protective circle from which he would make his address to the New Roman Senate. "From this day forward, the Republic is no more. I shall take up the rebirthed Roman Empire in my loving embrace. I will be a father to the Roman people, and they shall be my children. I will suffer no tired institution nor petty bureaucrat to stand between me and my children. I am the perfect loving god, and all will tremble to know me." The Praetorians hurled their pilum spears in perfect unison, murdering the entire New Roman Senate, and in the act, overthrowing the Republic and establishing for himself a bloody reign, much like the emperors of old.

This move by the new emperor was not taken lightly, many of the New Roman people resisted their new emperor, especially, the head of New Rome's army-- Nihilus Placidius Vitalis, Dominus of the I Damocles Legion, who was already New Rome's finest warrior and general, but he and his adult children, Proxima and Sejanus, along with half of the New Roman army attempted to wrest New Rome away from Emperor Caius. The resulting conflict led to a bloody civil war and forced Nihilus and the Romans under his command and support to flee Constantinople and seek life somewhere else. Because his armies had defeated the finest warrior that Rome had ever produced in generations, Emperor Caius' ego had been inflated to unbearable heights and he believed that he could overcome any warrior and enemy if they dared to challenge him and his capital city of Constantinople.

Of course, this attempted coup by Nihilus and his loyalists happened five years ago, and since then, Constantinople's population has thrived thanks to rich trade and commerce with the outside world. Constantinople's coffers had swelled to overflowing heights during the last five years, and the emperor used the riches to not only fortify the high walls surrounding the ancient city but also build better defenses to repel any force that would threaten the New Roman people's existence within the city.

"Emperor."

The fat emperor was forced to avert his eyes momentarily from the private showing of gladiators and lay eyes on one of his servants. "What is it?"

"Your son has returned home, and he demands an audience with you."

It had been many months since he had not heard back from his only son, Gallio. And he had feared the worst when he had not received messages on the whereabouts or wellbeing of his sole heir.

But if he was alive...

"Don't just stand there! Send him in!"

Soon enough, Gallio was before his father, the prince had a stern look on his face. "Father," he greeted. "I would have words."

"As would I, my son!" The emperor offered his son a gilded chalice full of wine and gestured to one of the cushioned seats. "Drink! Sit! And view the latest spectacle of gladiators with me!"

Laughing boisterously while taking a huge gulp of wine from his chalice, Gallio sneered at the sight. He resented his father for being corrupted by frivolity and pleasure. Especially when many threats were looming out in the world; threats that could very well bring an end to the New Roman people residing within Constantinople.

"Drink, my son!" Caius exclaimed with a beaming grin.

Reluctantly, Gallio took the chalice his father offered him and sat down before turning back to his father who laughed at the sight of a Murmillo driving his sword through the torso of a Retiarius and then proceeded to decapitate them. As the head of the fallen Retiarius rolled, those in Caius' inner circle, whether they were corrupt politicians, bought off soldiers, or otherwise cheered and booed while exchanging purses with each other, due to them placing wagers on which gladiator would win this fight.

"Father. There's something that you ought to know," Gallio began, speaking loud enough over the exclaims and noise. "There is a massive herd of barbarians who ride winged beasts, dragons into battle or to help them with their everyday lives. These barbarians are called Scandinavians, or Vikings."

While taking another gulp of wine from his gilded chalice, the fat emperor had a roasted chicken leg in his other hand and took a fierce bite. While chewing with his mouth open, Gallio curled his lip in disgust at this bloated animal who happened to be his father. The young prince was disgusted and ashamed to be this man's son. Even after defeating the Roman rebels who sought to overthrow his father, Gallio had believed at the time, that the rebels were wrong to overthrow his father. But now... he wished the rebels had succeeded.

"Vikings, you say?" Belching loudly, Caius wiped the residue of chicken and wine off of his lips before smiling at his son. "And they ride... dragons?"

"Yes. Their king seeks to establish a new homeland for his people, and they have settled within the boundaries of Christian kingdoms. In time, their already vast numbers will grow even more, and eventually, they will set their sights here." Gallio set his chalice down and pleaded firmly with his father. "The Vikings and their dragons are not the only threat that looms beyond the horizons, father. I have heard of many warring factions that seek to dominate this world. That being said, we cannot stand idle while so many threaten us."

Caius gulped the last of the wine within his chalice and he turned to his worried son. "My son, you worry too much about outside threats. You need not worry!" Laughing, the fat emperor gestured around them. "Constantinople is a well-defended city; our walls are not easily breached, our harbor is protected from an invasion force, and we have established well-defended forts beyond the boundaries of the city to slow an invading army!" Raising his chalice to a nearby servant to have it refilled with wine, Caius beamed at his son while taking another large bite of his chicken leg. "We are secure here, my son. If these... barbarians and savages beyond you speak of wish to challenge the might of the New Roman people, then they will feel our wrath!" He then gave his son a dismissive gesture. "Now, enough talk of such things. Go and eat, drink, and revel in the pleasure of being home after so long!" Boisterous laughter erupted from Caius as he commanded the next showing of gladiators to begin.

Rising abruptly from his seat, Gallio stormed out of his father's private gladiator arena and marched down the halls, fuming with rage toward his father's arrogance and ignorance.

"Such arrogance. Such vanity," the Roman prince murmured to himself heatedly. "I curse that man!"

In truth, Gallio had always resented his father, he was a man who valued hedonism and frivolity more than anything else. And being emperor gave him the power to do whatever he wanted. And with such power, he believed himself to be untouchable from the threats he had seen and heard of.

Although he was in desperate need of a long, hot bath after a long journey back home, Gallio needed to speak with the one man he favored more than his father; the man who successfully repelled the Roman rebels from overthrowing his father, and the man who had complete command over all Roman legions within Constantinople. This man was General Gaius Cispius Tuccianus. For years, the two of them had grown a bond that resembled a father and son, especially since Gaius lost his blood son in the civil war between Nihlius and his supporters. But over the years, Gallio had come to replace the son that Gaius had lost, and the two of them cloistered themselves away to speak of threats beyond the horizon of Constantinople and how to repel such threats.

If anyone would take what Gallio has experienced, seen, and heard seriously, it would be Gaius.

(Unknown location)

Johann and his Muslim Coalition had been sailing like the wind for two long months to meet Fjalarr at a location that was all too familiar to Johann, after all, the island where Fjalarr and his men had said that the magic lamp had been found was on Berserker Island.

How odd, Johann mused, Surely Sultana Jasmine would not venture this far.

Nevertheless, when his vast fleet arrived on the shores of Berserker Island once again, Johann was accompanied by Saluk and several of the coalition's military leaders. The early morning darkness put Johann on edge, and he had his hidden blade arm bracer at the ready and his throwing knives.

"Lord, there."

One of the coalition leaders pointed to a group of men and weapons huddled near a fire, roasting fish and talking amongst themselves. Narrowing his eyes, Johann spotted Fjalarr laughing with his men while drinking. "Stay at my side, Saluk," murmuring firmly to the former member of the Forty Thieves. "If any of them make the slightest move of hostility. Kill them."

"With pleasure."

Retracting his hidden blade from his arm brace, Johann spoke in a friendly manner to Fjalarr and his men. "Ah, friends! So good to see you again after two long months! I am inquisitive as to why you have brought us here, especially to the very island that was once my tomb for a time," Crossing his arms behind his back, Johann raised a curious eyebrow. "You have the magic lamp?"

Fjalarr, who had tossed the remnant of his fish into the fire, rose to his feet. "Master Johann. I regret to inform you that no, we do not have the item you desire."

"Well, then we have no further use of you, do we?" Saluk grinned, bearing his gilded claws.

Johann, however, held his man back before turning back to Fjalarr. "If you do not have the lamp, then why did you bring me and my coalition here?"

A soft smile spread across the young mercenary's face. "Heh, truth be told, Johann, I believed you would've discovered my true intentions sooner rather than later. But I suppose that's what happens when your greed and vanity get the better of you," pacing back and forth softly, Fjalarr gestured to the coalition fleet. "Did you honestly believe that the warriors you have gathered would settle for being your playthings as you seek to fatten your coffers further?" Sneering at the little man before him, the young man continued. "Warriors live to fight and conquer! They are not to stand idle and do nothing. By taking these great warriors into your fold, you have dulled their edge. Your warlords know it, and they have had enough of it."

As the rest of Fjalarrr's men rose to their feet, Johann felt a chill crawl down his spine, he even noticed that his coalition warlords were unaffected by the sudden hostility. They all had their hands resting on their weapons as if they were ready to attack him at any time.

Turning back to the young man before him, Johann sneered. "What is this?"

"For you, this is the day of reckoning. For the warlords you have swayed to your side, this is the day their shackles are struck, and are now free to walk the path they were always meant to walk!"

Laughing, Johann suddenly drew his hidden blade, and one of his throwing knives. "Foolish boy! Many under my command are those who seek to build their profits! War is distasteful to them, and they by serving my interests, not only swell my coffers but their own as well."

"Unfortunately for you, your... trusted warlords here have relieved your partners of their wealth during your voyage here. Every scrap of wealth is now aboard their warships and will be used for a higher purpose."

Turning sharply to his warlords, Johann bore his teeth. "Is this true?!" The warlord's only answer was a smirk, causing Johann to cry out in rage as he then turned sharply to Fjalarr. "You think you're better than me, boy? You are a mercenary! You live to make coin—"

"I'm no mercenary. And neither are my men."

Confused, Johann watched as Fjalarr rubbed at his belt buckle until a symbol on the belt buckle was made clear for all to see. A gasp of horror and realization struck Johann as he saw the symbol on Fjalarr's belt buckle— a Monstrous Nightmare skull with a sword down the middle.

"Y-You serve... him?"

Smirking at Johann's fear, Fjalarr drew a whip of some kind that was strapped behind the small of his back. "I don't just serve Drago Bludvist. He's my father," this revelation caused Johann to blanch as he struggled to form words. "And Fjalarr is not my name. I am Kjell Bludvist." Turning to his men, Fjalarr, or Kjell gave them a firm nod. "Kill him and the filthy thief." As Johann and Saluk were forced to fight for their lives, Kjell looked to the warlords. "The men loyal to Johann are in the ships closest to the island, yes?"

"Yes, Lord Bludvist."

Smiling, Kjell reached for a shard at the end of his whip, at his touch, it glowed and pulsed in his palm as he raised it above his head. Movement in the water could be seen, and suddenly, a massive, serpent-like dragon, adorned in armor from its head and along its body, rose from the water and revealed itself. The coalition warlords exclaimed in both awe and horror at the immense size of such a dragon, Kjell, however, didn't flinch.

"Yes, you know what I want, beast!" Kjell then pointed his glowing shard at the large portion of ships that held Johann's loyalists. "Destroy them all!" The massive dragon bore its murderous gaze at Kjell, but the son of Drago didn't flinch as the dragon drew nearer, its mouth brandishing its razor-sharp teeth. "I said... DESTROY THEM!" Kjell boomed as the shard at the end of his whip grew brighter, the serpent-like dragon roared in agony before complying with the human's demand.

"By Allah," one of the warlords exhaled in fear. "What was that?"

Turning to the frightened warlords, Kjell smirked. "That is the true King of Dragons. The apex predator of all dragons. Under my command, this dragon will command legions of dragon swarms, directing them in coordinated attacks," smiling with glee as he watched his oppressed dragon lay waste to Johann's loyalists, Kjell then caressed the shard at the end of his whip. "It's my secret weapon to wield against anyone who would dare stand against me."

Kjell turned around just in time to catch a throwing knife that had been hurled at his head. Smirking at Johann, the young Bludvist discarded the knife in his free hand. "You've lost, Johann. Why not spare yourself any further humiliation and surrender to me?"

The man was covered in cuts from Kjell's men, Saluk too was still standing, and he was in no better shape. Bearing bloodied teeth at the young Bludvist, Johann spat. "You dare take away my coalition, my wealth, and my resources?! Before I fall, I will cut out your heart!"

"Unlikely."

Kjell suddenly used his free hand and made what sounded like a dragon call. As Johann rushed the young man who had played him for a fool, Johann was sent flying back by a blast that struck in front of him. Covered in sand, Johann spat the tiny grains in his mouth before his eyes widened in shock at what was now before him. "N-Night Fury!?" The sleek black dragon crouched on all fours before a trembling Johann was a Night Fury. This one, however, appeared to be a female due to it being smaller than the Night Fury in Hiccup Haddock's possession and it had different features, that, and its blazing azure eyes.

"H-How?"

Smirking at the defeated Johann, the young Bludvist patted his Night Fury's head before giving Johann a cold reply. "You'll never know." The Night Fury's maw was wide open and before Johann could even scream, a plasma blast struck him in the chest. A thick cloud of smoke caused the coalition warlords to cough and cover their mouths while waving away the smoke. When the smoke had cleared, they could see Johann's corpse splayed out on the sand, a massive hole in his chest, thanks to the plasma blast that ripped through flesh and bone.

After surviving being flash-frozen, Johann met his end on the very shores he had sought to claim unlimited power so long ago. As he failed back then, he had allowed his pursuit of wealth and power to blind him to threats that were right under his nose, and it led to him meeting a grisly death.

Saluk who was being overwhelmed suddenly ripped himself free from Kjell's men as he then rushed the young Bludvist. "I've been looking forward to finally gutting you, boy!" With a snarl, Saluk was ready to eviscerate the young man. However, in a flash, Kjell drew a sword that was strapped at his hip and cut Saluk's hand clean off, causing the man to crumble to his knees, screaming in agony while clutching his bleeding stump. Before the mountain of a man could voice insults at the young man, Kjell quickly sheathed his sword, caught Saluk's gilded claws in the air, and drove them under the former thief's chin.

"You're good, Saluk. But not good enough," smirking as Saluk choked on his blood, Kjell then spat out. "Unsurprising from a filthy thief like you." With great strength, Kjell used Saluk's claws to rip off his own lower jaw. The brute fell face-first onto the sand, a pool of his blood soaking the sand. Looming over his rival in the Muslim Coalition, Kjell spat on Saluk's corpse.

Returning his gaze to the sea, Kjell saw his secret weapon destroy the last of Johann's loyalists; their corpses were but mere crumbs for beast, and their ships were now at the bottom of the sea. Eventually, when the serpent-like dragon had destroyed every last one of Johann's loyalists, it unleashed a mighty roar.

Looking over his shoulder at his men, Kjell gave them a nod. "Take the warlords back to their respective ships. It's time we meet with my father and merge this coalition with the Northern Alliance," bowing their heads, the group of men and women who followed Kjell summoned their dragons and flew the warlords that Johann had gathered back to their ships.

Climbing on top of his enslaved Night Fury, Kjell too took to the sky as he used his whip to get the attention of his alpha. Roaring, the massive dragon in the water submerged in the water as it followed its oppressor beneath the waves, as well as the coalition armada. They would be arriving at the new base of operations that the Northern Alliance had established, and soon enough, the world would belong to them. Those who challenged them or stood in their way would be crushed without pity or mercy.

(Viking settlement)

Astrid stirred from slumber, although the warmth of naked flesh wrapped in heavy furs was a most welcome way to wake up, the Viking queen could feel the absence of her husband. Sighing heavily, Astrid rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and detangled herself from the many women in her and Hiccup's bed, which was large enough to hold twelve people.

After reliving her bladder, washing her face, and throwing on some clothes, Astrid went to the nursery to check on not just Zephyr and Nuffink, but also the other Heirs of Hiccup who were still sound asleep. Smiling at the sight of the little ones wrapped in furs made Astrid's heart melt and her determination to protect them from any threat only grew stronger; these children were the future of their race and people, and they had to be protected to secure the future.

Making her way downstairs, Astrid found that a fire was already established in the hearth, courtesy of Hiccup no doubt. As the Viking queen poured herself a cup of water, she heard several footsteps coming down the stairs. "Sorry if I woke you all," Astrid mumbled to Heather, Fiona, Anna, and Camicazi.

"Don't be. I was just waking up, anyway," Fiona yawned before lying down on the sofa, draped in furs and had cushions to sit on. "Hiccup's gone already?"

Snorting softly, Camicazi, who was joining Astrid in getting water, remarked over her shoulder. "And this surprises you?" Smirking when Fiona rolled her eyes, Camicazi drank before stating what was obvious. "For the last two months, something... foul is in the air."

Heather, who was preparing a morning meal for everyone, hummed softly in agreement. "Yes. It's as if something terrible is just waiting to happen."

"What exactly?" Anna, who was still trying to wake up yawned while wrapping thick furs around her body.

Astrid grunted softly before voicing her opinion. "It's as if eyes are on us all. Not just us, but specifically, Viggo Grimborn," setting her cup down, the Viking queen continued. "In the last two months, we haven't seen Alina Grimborn. And Robin, who has grown fond of Viggo's daughter, has been restless, it's as if he's... looking for someone. And finally, Viggo has been quiet and distant."

"Is it possible that Alina Grimborn has been taken?" Fiona inquired while pouring herself a cup of water.

"The night she seemingly vanished, many of the warriors on night patrol and that Saxon, Jack Overland, along with a handful of Northuldran shepherds saw an unknown dragon fly away from the direction of the Grimborn hut. And they all said that an unknown woman was riding this dragon and a young woman who was unconscious over the dragon's back," Camicazi pointed out while adding more logs to the hearth, feeding the fire. "The question is, who took her?"

Astrid nodded in agreement. Her gut was telling her that terrible things would happen soon. And as queen of her people and a warrior, she was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure that her husband, her people, her children as well as the other Heirs of Hiccup, as well as the dragons, were safe from any threats.

Within the Great Hall, Snotlout and Miden were eating together while also whispering together and sharing loving smiles. They would be expecting their first child very soon and despite his excitement at being a father, the Jorgenson family was even more excited. Ever since the death of Snotlout and Adelaide's younger brother, Hedgelout, there had been sadness among the Jorgenson Clan, causing them to express their emotions in very different ways amongst each other and their fellow Vikings. But now, with Snotlout and Minden already married, and Adelaide and Gustav's affection for each other growing day by day, Spitelout and his wife, Irmgard, were happy that their family would live on through their children and were looking forward to meeting and interacting with their grandchildren.

"Oh, well isn't this perfect? Looks like all of us couples get to enjoy our morning meal together!"

Snotlout and Minden were greeted not only by Adelaide and Gustav, but also Tuffnut and Thorhild, Ruffnut and Fishlegs, and Eret and Melody. Once the other couples had seated themselves, some began to eat, Adelaide, however, made conversation first.

"Have any of you felt a sudden... shift in the air?"

Gustav, who had a bite of honey-roasted oats in a bowl of yak milk looked at his significant other with a questioning look. "Like what?"

"You have to ask?" Fishlegs challenged. "Alina Grimborn has gone missing. And Viggo is keeping quiet about it."

"And why would he do that?" Snotlout questioned.

"Maybe the "sudden shift" that your sister is talking about are people in this settlement that don't belong here," Minden shrugged.

Melody, who finished swallowing a bite of her food gave Miden a curious look. "How do you figure?"

"Well, the Wingmaidens have seen two men who are unfamiliar and they skulk in the shadows while keeping a very close eye on Viggo Grimborn and his associates."

Eret, who washed down the first bites of his food with water sighed. "I may not know Viggo Grimborn as you all do, but if there are men who don't belong among us and are keeping an eye on him, then they must have something to do with his daughter's disappearance."

"They do."

The group turned to see Jack Overland, who was wearing a light blue poncho hoodie, a dark gray tunic, black leather pants, and fur-laced boots. Lowering his hood and revealing his face to them, the Saxon shepherd and former protege of Heahmund of the Zealot Order sat at their table.

"Oh yeah? And how would you know that, Christian?" Thorhild challenged.

Turning to Tuffnut's wife, Jack smirked. "Because I saw what happened."

"And what exactly happened?" Tuffnut asked with a mouthful of eggs and chopped yak jerky.

"Well, after being... turned down by a girl I've had eyes on for a while now, I was making my way out of the fields and back into the settlement, only to see an unknown dragon rider perched on the back of a dragon unlike any I've seen. And on this dragon's back, there was an unconscious girl."

"And you waited until now to tell us this?" Ruffnut deadpanned.

"I've told Queen Astrid already. Besides, I wasn't the only one to witness this. Two Northudlran shepherds, Ryder and Honeymaren Natturra, who I've befriended were with me when Alina Grimborn was taken," Jack winked, causing Ruffnut to snort softly and take a bite of her food.

"This dragon that you saw, could you describe it?" Fishelgs inquired while pulling out a sketchbook from one of the three pouches strapped to his belt. He already had a charcoal pencil in his book and was merely waiting for Jack to give details.

"Uh, well, it... honestly looked like a mix of both a Deadly Nadder and the species of dragon Hiccup's mother rides."

"A Stormcutter is the species," Fishlegs said before his eyes went wide. "You saw a hybrid between a Deadly Nadder and Stormccutter? Oh! That's amazing!"

"Big deal, it's just another dragon, keep your trousers on, Fishy," Snotlout snorted.

Gustav, who had finished his bowl of honey-roasted oats gave Jack a curious look. "What direction was this dragon rider heading?"

"Uh, they were flying south of here."

Acknowledging Jack's words, Gustav nodded. "I'll round up the Auxiliary Riders after they've eaten and see if we can pick up Alina Grimborn's scent."

"Right." Before Jack took a bite of his food, he then gestured outside. "And what about the men in this settlement that are eyeing Viggo like a wolf?"

Smiling, Minden replied. "Not to worry, I'll talk with some of the Wingmaidens and see if they can find where they're held up. Once we know where they are, we'll let Hiccup know."

"Lovely. I can only imagine what will happen to those who decided to take Grimborn's daughter," Eret chuckled while taking a drink. "Take a man's child, and there will be hell to pay."

The morning cold caused Hiccup to tightly clutch his heavy fur cloak around his body. He had pried himself away from the warm embrace of his wife and other lovers to seek the guidance of the gods.

And who better knows the gods than a seer?

Entering the humble hut of Gothi and Ya'ela, Hiccup greeted both women as he sat on one of the benches facing a firepit. "King Hiccup. Good morning," Ya'ela greeted, offering him a mug of freshly brewed ale. Taking the mug from the young woman who would take an aging Gothi's place as the royal seer and healer, Hiccup drank and sighed contently at the warm drink momentarily keeping the cold in his system at bay.

Gothi, hunched over by the fire, was wrapped in a black fur cloak, a hood over her head, reached for her staff, and began to scribble on the floor. Ya'ela read what the decrepit woman had scribbled before looking up at Hiccup. "She asks how she could be of use to you, King Hiccup." The beautiful young woman sat beside her mentor and gave the king a curious look. "You have everything a man could want: love, respect, family, a wife along with several lovers to breed with, reputation, and dragons. What could you possibly want from a seer?"

Setting his mug down, Hiccup looked into Gothi's eyes, which had grown dim. "Viggo Grimborn has been acting... strange for the last two months. It's not just him. I can feel an ominous change in the wind. It's as if the gods are trying to tell me that something terrible will occur," he then gave the old seer a hopeful look. "Will you tell me what you can see?"

Casting her runes, Gothi rattled the teeth and bones dangling from her staff until finally, she began scribbling once again. After the old seer had scribbled her last word, she looked at her young protege and gave her a nod. "Darkness threatens our people, King Hiccup..." Ya'ela translated, "...what has begun is only the beginning of terrible circumstances. Beware of the ferocious young hunter who seeks vengeance, the mad warlord who amasses an army comprised of armies, the traitor who seeks to be king no matter the cost, the cruel sting of the oppressor's whip, and the battles that aren't your own yet must fight to stay alive."

Taking in this knowledge, Hiccup contemplated what it could mean, obviously, the "mad warlord" is Drago Bludvist, and the "traitor who seeks to be king no matter the cost" is Harald Haraldson, but as for the rest, it was unclear.

"When will these things happen?"

Gothi scribbled once more, and Ya'ela read the runes that the older woman wrote before translating. "They have already begun. Each event will come like a violent storm at sea," Ya'ela pursed her lips as she removed her eyes from the last of the runes that Gothi wrote so that she could look Hiccup in the eyes. "These events could very well bring an end to your kingship."

Inhaling sharply, Hiccup knew that eventually, enemies would come to challenge him and his people. But if the events Gothi spoke of would bring an end to his kingship, then it could very be the end of Viking kind; if the many enemies who saw them as a threat didn't destroy them first, then those who desire power within their ranks would kill fellow Scandinavians to secure power for themselves.

"Is there anything I can offer to the gods to perhaps sway their minds from letting these events happen?"

Again, Gothi wrote on the ground, and as Ya'ela read what she was writing, the young woman looked at the king. "There is no swaying the god's mind on this matter, King Hiccup." Shaking her head, the young woman continued in a stern, yet regretful tone. "It's fate. And as you know, ultimately, we are the god's playthings, and these terrible events are placed before you as a test of not only your strength but also your dependence on the gods."

Narrowing his eyes at the young seer, Hiccup questioned in a low tone. "Are... you suggesting that I do not depend on the gods?"

"A man can only do so much with his strength alone, but when you look to the gods, then anything is possible," Ya'ela rose to approach the king until she loomed beside him. "It is no secret that the gods have blessed you with good fortune, King Hiccup. But they could remove their goodwill at any moment. After all, you are no stranger to being abandoned by both men and the favor of the gods."

Painful memories of his youth back on Old Berk flooded Hiccup's mind. When he was truly an outcast among his people and was barely even regarded as the chief's son. His life truly began when he had shot down Toothless, and ever since then, the gods have blessed him in more than one way. Of course, even after being accepted by his people, his life had challenges to test him, and sometimes those challenges came at a loss of life. His father, Stoick, was a loss that was still fresh on his mind, even after losing him years ago.

Placing a hand on his shoulder, the young seer assured him. "Despite the terrible circumstances that will come, you have supporters and loyalists that walk among us who will ensure that your rule will thrive. Take strength from that," Ya'ela then went to be Gothi a medicinal tea.

"And if everyone I know and love dies in the coming storm?" Hiccup challenged.

Looking over her shoulder, Ya'ela replied softly. "Then you will see them in Valhalla, where the brave will live forever."

Looking back into the fire, Hiccup steeled himself for what the gods would have in store for him. He was no stranger to challenges, his whole life had been a challenge. And yet, whatever would transpire would undoubtedly be his greatest challenge. When that time came, Hiccup knew that he would not only need every ounce of his strength to overcome it, but also look to the gods to ensure success, not only for his sake, but for the sake of his family, people, and kingdom.

The die had been cast, and there would be no reversing what was now about to happen.

The Aggressor.

It is one of the more blunt pieces of Maces and Talons that allows players to press their advantage when they have their opponent backed into a corner.

Viggo observed the game piece in his hand while his mind settled on his daughter. How could he not of foreseen such a bold maneuver from those who sought vengeance against Hiccup Haddock? There were rumors that Grimmel the Grisly had a child because evidence of this child had not been procured or confirmed during the time. Perhaps this was the case because the man who had singlehandedly decimated the Night Fury species wanted to keep the existence of his child a secret to prevent other Dragon Hunters seeking power and fame from using his child against him or simply killing them to goad the legendary dragon killer into a trap so that younger, more ambitious hunters could eliminate the greatest competition in the dragon poaching community.

Nevertheless, the child of Grimmel the Grisly held his beautiful, fair Alina in her clutches, and Viggo's blood boiled at the thought of what the girl was doing to his daughter.

In a rare fit of anger, Viggo, who was seated in the hearth of his hut, flipped the table over with a roar. The Maces and Talons board and pieces clattering to the ground, along with the mug and vase of ale. Panting heavily, Viggo clutched the game piece in his hand tightly until he felt the piece pierce his hand. Blood began to trickle down his palm, and as he looked at the bloodied game piece, he knew that he needed to act if he wanted to ensure his daughter had a future.

A series of knocks were heard at his door, and Viggo opened the door, revealing two men who were unfamiliar to him. "What do you want?" He hissed in a cool tone.

One of the men smiled mockingly. "The great Viggo Grimborn. Once a renowned Dragon Hunter who possessed an empire, now reduced to this. A dragon lover," the man scoffed before tilting his head. "What would your brother, Ryker, say about you if he was still alive?" The other man chuckled at his companion's taunt.

"My brother can no longer say anything. He's dead," Viggo's response was as cold as ice, and it wiped the taunting smiles off of the men's faces. The former Dragon Hunter changed the subject by crossing his arms behind his back. "Now, be the good errand boys that you are, and tell me what Zlobina wants from me."

The other man snorted softly before relaying his superior's orders. "Zlobina wants you to lure Hiccup Haddock and his Night Fury into the forests and entrap him. Once that has been done, our leader will kill the Viking king and his precious dragon," he smirked at Viggo. "For the sake of your daughter, you had best go through with this."

Restraining himself from killing both of Zlobina's agents, Viggo inquired further. "And when does she want me to lead Hiccup Haddock into this trap?"

"At the next full moon." As both men walked away, one of them grinned wickedly at Viggo. "For your daughter's sake, you'd best go through with what Zlobina wants."

Once Zlobina's men were out of sight, Viggo was about to storm off, when all of a sudden, a Night Fury landed in front of his house, and Hiccup slid off of his dragon's back before confronting his former enemy.

"King Hiccup," bowing his head in greetings, Viggo smiled softly. "How may I be of service?"

"Where's your daughter, Alina?"

Pursing his lips, Viggo continued on his way, only for Hiccup and Toothless to catch up to him. "Viggo! You will answer me!" Grabbing the man by the arm and whisking him into a nearby stable, Hiccup closed the door and gave him a stern look. "For the last two months, I haven't seen your daughter. There are rumors that she was abducted." When Viggo said nothing, the king raised an eyebrow, challenging him to deny his words. "Am I wrong?"

Sighing heavily, Viggo paced back and forth before speaking hushedly. "My daughter was abducted," before Hiccup could speak, the former dragon poacher continued, "I could not say anything because there are agents within this settlement who belong to the woman who took my daughter."

"A woman? What woman?"

Coming to a stop, Viggo gave his ally a look of dread. "Zlobina the Malicious. She is the daughter of Grimmel the Grisly." Hiccup's eyes widened in shock, Toothless growled at the mention of the human hunter who brought his kind to extinction, and Viggo shook his head softly while stroking his beard. "She is using my daughter as leverage and using me to lure both you and Toothless into her clutches so that she can exact revenge for her father and kill your beloved dragon, who might very well be the last Night Fury in this world."

Running a hand through his hair, Hiccup thought back on what Gothi had prophesied, this would be the beginning of the end of not only his kingship, but his people, and the dragons.

"And Zlobina's agents that are among us, could you find them?"

"I very well could," Viggo then raised an eyebrow. "What do you plan on doing?"

As Hiccup and Toothless were leaving the stables, the king replied. "I plan on forcing their cooperation, and getting your daughter back," opening the doors, Hiccup gave his former enemy a firm nod. "Be ready."

After leaving Viggo's hut, Hiccup was surprised to riders on horseback approaching, they were Scotts. And one of them was Merida. Over the last two months, Hiccup had ordered that his people help the Scotts settle in their portion of the territory that they had been offered by Queen Arianna, and during those months, the Scotts and Scandinavians interacted with each other. Naturally, given that these two peoples had centuries of bad blood, there was thick tension and there was a man within the Viking ranks, a Danish earl named Haesten the Hateful, and a handful of other prominent Viking figures who tried picking fights with the Scotts, but Hiccup made it clear that any aggression or hostility towards Merida and her people would be met with serious punishment. Witnessing Hiccup standing up for her and her people made Merida believe that not all the Vikings were like the bloodthirsty savages she had heard about from the stories of her youth, and she desired to understand Hiccup on a personal level. And so, the Scotts would mingle with the Scandinavians and attempt to set aside their heated rivalry for the sake of the future generation.

For a moment, Hiccup was entranced by Merida's beauty and her features; the early morning cold made her cheeks flushed and highlighted her freckles, her azure eyes shimmered in the morning sunlight, and she looked strong on the back of her horse. Despite what men say about women who are incapable of being strong leaders, Merida is a very capable woman, and Hiccup could see it the more he spent time getting to know her.

"Queen Merida. To what do I owe the pleasure?" He finally asked.

Dismounting from her horse, Merida was draped in a white fur cloak and bowed her head in greetings. "King Hiccup. I was hoping that we could spend more time together." She then gave him a curious look. "Are you available?"

Before he could reply, however, one of Hiccup's Kingsguard approached. "Apologies, King Hiccup. But Queen Arianna of Corona has summoned you, and your Fair Queens to join her and Princess Rapunzel at Corona Castle."

"For what reason?"

"The messenger who delivered this told me that the people of Corona are gathering later at midday to witness a grand spectacle of some kind. And Queen Arianna and Princess Rapunzel have not only invited you, Queen Astrid, and your Fair Queens, but those in your inner circle to participate in this event, if you wish to."

Nodding, Hiccup gave his answer. "Return to Queen Arianna's messenger and tell him that we'll be there." The Kingsguard nodded and ran off to inform the messenger outside of the settlement's walls. Turning back to Merida, Hiccup gave her an apologetic look. "I would still like to spend time with you. When we return from Corona Castle, I'll come to your people's settlement. Deal?" He extended his hand out to the Scottish queen.

"Deal," Merida smiled, taking his hand and giving it a firm shake.

A/N: Get ready for the next chapter, it's gonna be another smut fest!