Empire at war (A Httyd Fanfiction)

Chapter 16: Wedding

A/N: Halfway done with this story, I don't want to rush it but at the same time I'm eager to finish it and take a break before finishing up Traveler Part II just to relieve myself of stress and mental exhaustion.

(Normal pov— One month later)

Word of Nuffink and Katerina's marriage spread like wildfire throughout Scandinavia and the preparations for the wedding took a month. During that time, the hostile army of Mongrels, Slavs, Mongols, Chinese, and Huns held their position on the beach of Denmark and continued to lie in wait, like a predator stalking its prey and waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce. Despite the joyous occasion of his son's impending wedding, Hiccup didn't let his guard down for a moment and ordered his armies to remain on high alert throughout the capital city— guarding the gates, docks, sewers, anywhere the enemy would try to slither inside undetected.

While the warriors within the capital city were all over the city, the citizens were unaware that there were traitors among them and they used that to their advantage. Gudmundr was draped in a thick bear fur cloak and making his way into a tavern to meet up with Harald Forkbeard, upon entering the establishment, the old Viking was greeted to the sight of men and women hoisting mugs of ale, drinking in honor of Prince Nuffink and his marriage to Princess Katerina. The people were all in a joyous mood because after many weeks of preparation, the day of the wedding had finally arrived and everyone was to attend and witness Nuffink being married.

Gudmundr approached a table where a hooded figure sat, with a heavy sigh, the old Viking seated himself across from his Mongrel ally and poured himself a cup of ale. "How has it come to this? Haddock's whelp marrying a Christian princess, it's an insult to the Viking people and our gods!" Gudmundr snarled out while taking a large drink of his ale. Harald was twirling a throwing knife while ensuring nobody in the tavern saw his face, the heightened patrols around the capital were putting Harald on edge.

"If you're thinking about defiling this marriage, I will gut you like a wild boar," Harald said with a cool tone, "if you commit such an act, Haddock will torture you for your reasons, and once you're nearing death's door you'll reveal that a wolf is among Haddock's flock."

"Harald, I would not—"

The Mongrel brought the knife to Gudmundr's throat, causing the old man to inhale sharply and hold his breath while looking into Harald's eyes that burned with paranoia. "I cannot fail my masters, not when we are so close to utterly destroying Hiccup Haddock's saga," he then continued, "failure is not an option, and I have an inkling you and your rabble will ruin my task within these walls," the Mongrel then snarled out, "if you or any of the fools who harbor resentment towards Haddock reveal my true nature, I will feed your innards to the crows before Haddock kills me, do you understand me?" Gudmundr nodded furiously and believed the threat Harald just issued.

Removing the knife from Gudmundr's throat, Harald sighed heavily and he too took a drink of ale to try and calm his nerves. After drinking half his cup, Harald nodded and spoke. "While Haddock's son and his intended bride are giving their vows, I will look for any weaknesses at the front gate and see if there's a way to allow my masters within these walls," Harald continued, "you and those who have joined us will attend the wedding and be the good servants that you are."

Gudmundr growled but nodded in understanding. "Very well," he said before continuing, "however, Haddock has two of his trusted allies in search of anyone who may have breached these walls— Fishlegs Ingerman and Camicazi," Harald remembered meeting Fishlegs Ingerman and would have to be mindful to avoid detection; stealth was imperative and he would need that advantage until the time was right to strike. After finishing his cup of ale, Harald then inquired. "When is the wedding?"