The Quest For Hope

The Battle: Chapter Thirteen

The grisly scene below worsened. The king's men watched, mouths slack and brows furrowed as insult and rocks were hurled at the castle walls. The men were tired. King Agnarr's face had grown piqued and pale. Hiccup's temper burned as Prince Hans continued his tirade below. 

The growls echoed from the ground sounded like a slaughterhouse. Their beautiful sky had been blackened with smoke, and the harmonious sound that usually filled the air was exchanged for the yells of the raucous mob.

It was the second day of the siege, and no progress had been made on either side. Prince Hans seemed content to stand his ground outside the walls, mocking and harassing the guards above as he paced. 

On top of the platform, King Agnarr's men kept watching.Jack led the knights, yelling out orders and maintaining the defence. His face was tight, his lips pursed, refusing to give any sign of weakness to Prince Hans and his men. But he knew it couldn't last forever. His legs were tired from running the length of the castle walls, his throat sore from calling out orders. 

The wind blew into his hair and face, clearing his mind. There was not a time to focus on his worry. It was his time to act, to protect his kingdom and princess. 

King Agnarr and Prince Hiccup looked back and forth between the inner courtyard and the mercenaries outside, discussing their options as Jack approached from the west corner. "Your Majesty, Your Highness," he said, pointing to the commotion below. "The area is protected. I have surveyed every corner, and there are no evident weaknesses. The castle walls are high and strong, and the men are brave and ready. Most of the villagers have been accounted for and are settled into new dwellings for the time being. Supplies are still being counted and divided up for rationing. We can hold this position as long as we need to, or we can move at your command at any time." Jack's deep blue eyes were steady and sure.

King Agnarr's robe billowed in the wind and strategies formed in his mind. Glancing down, he could literally see both sides of the problem. On one side of the wall, Prince Hans and his men pounded at the gate, swords drawn, faces scowling. On the other side sat the villagers, heartbroken and wounded, huddled together for warmth and comfort as they relived the destruction of their homes. The wind and snow continued to gather as the king rubbed his beard, hoping their strategy was right.

With a quick glance at Hiccup and Pabbie, King Agnarr cleared his throat and spoke loudly and clearly.

"At the moment, we stay, we stand tall and strong. Our fortress is secure, our men's vision clear. Winter is settling in, and we're on the better footing. Let the snow freeze them and their tempers. Our people have seen enough tragedy for now." his eyes swept over the horizon, filling with tears at the memories of the carnage.

Prince Hiccup nodded in agreement, clasping his hands on the castle walls. "I agree, father," he said, looking down at Hans. "It's the best plan for now." Jack looked them both in the eyes and nodded before returning to his men. 

Anna grabbed the soft velvet lining of Elsa's dress. The princess dropped her bag she had hastily packed for the trip. 

"Elsa, please," Anna begged. "You can't just leave. You have to tell your father, and consider all your options."

Elsa stopped for a second and turned to face her friend. Holding Anna's hand in hers, she offered a sad smile. "I understand you're scared. I am too, but we don't have time to think about that right now. Our village is gone, destroyed right before the festival. Our people are displaced, our harvest and food scattered, land taken siege, and why? All for Prince Hans' obsession with me."

Her eyes searched Anna's face and saw it soften. "It's my duty as a Princess, but also as a person, to try and find a solution for this. I have to try," Elsa said firmly.