The Queen's Mercenary

Chapter 2 (Unfavourable Fortune)

Hiccup's brain could hardly register the news he just received. His heart aches for the lives of his former brothers he lost in the battle. May they rest easy. He closed his eyes for a moment. Taking in on everything before disposing the message on the ground along with the corpse of his enemies. He was aware of the danger that this new threat will bring apon them, there wasn't a single doubt in his mind that their will be no future for anyone to come if the madman succeeded. He was no longer a guardian, and he is no king or any kind of nobleman. He can't just take on an army. Even with Toothless' help, his efforts would be fruitless. He just hope the kingdoms will unite together to defeat this common enemy cause if they don't. Their will no longer be a kingdom for them to rule over.

"Come alone now bud. Let's get out of here" He called Toothless who barked happily and followed behind his master. Hiccup was extremely tired but not completely done for the day. The sun has not set yet and the day is still young. "Come now boy! Would you like if we go on a ride?" Hiccup said excitedly, looking up at Toothless green orbs which spark with excitement when he heard the word "ride", his tail waggle faster as a result causing the brown hair man to laugh at his furry companion. He climb on top of the saddle and they ride towards the nears kingdom

After an steady 2 hour journey, they arrived at the prosperous kingdom of Arendale. Home to 7 million people, one of the biggest kingdom of the South. They are many great things, Hiccup have heard many tales about this gigantic Kingdom. He heard that this very land is rule by a Queen no less. Many would argue that rulings is only a job fit for men and many also will defend that women could rule. Personally Hiccup doesn't really care for the gender of the ruler as long as they do their job well and isn't a tyrant. That was enough to please him. Gender shouldn't be an issue and equality must be established

He also overheard conversation that the Queen herself possess ice powers and she wasn't like any magic user, while they learn and earn their magic. She was born with it and can manipulate the element of ice and snow better then a master magic caster. It's just incredible and with this kingdom's army which is also one of the largest by far. Hiccup would say they have a very powerful military. Making them foolish to toy with.

He also have heard of the Queen's beauty while he don't doubt that what they say couldn't be true but it's what it meant to him. Honestly he would have to see it for himself afterall beauty is in the beholder of the eye

Toothless and Hiccup were near the large entrances of the kingdom. They were heavy fortified stone walls and station heavily above it was dozen apon dozen of archers and a hand full of mages. Eyeing him and his companion like a hawk, being caution of his every move and just beside the gates were two dozen swordsman. Identifying and verifying the people entering the kingdom.

Hiccup wasn't the only one wanting to enter the Kingdom. They were four to six carts pulled by the strength of the horses in front of him waiting to be granted access into Arendale and some carts and people leaving as well. It took awhile but Hiccup didn't mind waiting, he have no dealings so far and as of now, time is all he have. He stop at gates and the guards eyed him carefully and Hiccup can see a hint of fear in their eyes. He is very well known, his skills and expertise had made him a name for himself and he was kinda of proud of it. Not only was it good for business, as many rich man will pay handsomely for his services. That and it also made people think twice before they do something stupid that he did not like.

"name and purpose of this visit?" one of the gatekeepers said. Keeping a rather wide distance between himself and Hiccup. Good

"Hiccup Haddock the third. I'm only here for a few days to rest up and resupply" Hiccup answer simply with a neutral expression and the guards just shift uncomfortable.

"it-it's that all?" the guard cough, hoping that it would cover up the stuttering which didn't go unnoticed to anyone, not even towards Toothless. Hiccup just nodded and couldn't help but smirk a little. "very well. Please we welcome you to Arendale. May your stay here be pleasant." the guards soon move out of his and Toothless' way to let them enter. They could at least put more confident guards on the gates, their display in front was laughable. Maybe they were rookies.