Wings of Gold

Ch. 11 - The Maces

          I stepped aside from the doorway, allowing the others to look inside at that wretched game board. After well placed gasps I led the way inside the dim cabin, swinging my sword lazily to imply the others fan out and search the room. I walked slowly, approaching the table that was completely barren besides the maniacal game resting upon it.

          I peered down at the carefully placed figures, the good viking king rested on its side. To my surprise, the traitor pawn was the only standing pawn, located in the center of the board. The traitor won, although it was not possible in real game play.

          "My, my, Grimborn. Old habits may die hard, but perhaps a new one will present more of a challenge."

-

         Back on the Edge, I sat on the balcony outside my hut, grinding my swords edge to a fine point. The setting sun casted it's warm glow upon me, warming my now cold hard just a little bit. I know Viggo better than any of these riders do, and although Hiccup didn't see it in that set up of Maces and Talons on the abandoned ship, I did. This is something out of character. Out of place in Viggo's perfectly planned world. He's either losing his touch, or wants us to believe that. Or perhaps, he doesn't want us to believe it. He just might want me to. 

         Hiccup approached me as I stood up to head inside. "Hey, Y/N, we need to talk about Viggo." I scoffed and went inside, him close behind me.

         "Y/N, Viggo is up to something." He said. I kept my back turned, running my finger perpendicularly to the blade to test it. "Oh really, you think so?" I say, shaking my head. "That game of Maces and Talons, that was something he used to do all the time." He explains, and I laugh a little. "You think I wasn't aware of that? Hiccup do you not recall that I worked with him? Do you think he even assumes you could comprehend his hints?" I began, and Hiccup took offense. "Well, sounds to me like you don't think I can comprehend them!" He retorted. I turned around and threw my sword down, it clattered loudly as I stepped towards him. "Hiccup Haddock, Viggo has something against me. You may be blind to it, but I certainly am not." I said, my lips curling back in frustration. "Why would Viggo have something against you? He trusted you, Y/N, he cared  for you." Hiccup responded, and I backed down. As my eyes rose to above the doorway of my hut, Hiccup turned around to follow my gaze. "What in the-"

          There, above my doorway, hung a weapon. A pawn. A mace.