Life on the Edge

Queen's Rescue, Part 1

Ragnar's head throbs from the blow that knocked him out. Congealing blood coats the left side of his ribs under a sloppy bandage that is not nearly up to his standards. A rough piece of cloth covers his mouth. His ankles are restrained to the wooden legs of the chair he's tied to, and his wrists are bound behind him at the perfect angle to strain his shoulders.

Despite all of this, it's the rough rope chafing at his skin that irritates him the most right now.

Viggo ignores the muffled sound of what are surely some very creative words as he studies his game board. "Sometimes if you want an interesting game, you have to make it yourself," he says, tapping his fingers against the table before he turns to his guest. "Wouldn't you agree, Ragnar?"

Less than amused by the smirk he sends him, Ragnar's glare only grows stronger.

"So sorry," he says sarcastically. "I suppose you'll need that removed if we're going to talk, hm?"

Viggo walks over to the chair and unceremoniously pulls the gag down to hang around his neck. He has the forethought to pull his hand away quickly when he's done so Ragnar's teeth snap closed on nothing but air.

"Now. Now. There's no need for that," he chides.

"Go fuck yourself."

Viggo clicks his tongue. "Such language. I'd heard about that mouth of yours, of course, but I'm afraid I've been so focused on Hiccup that we haven't had a chance to talk."

"Is that what this is? A chance to talk?" Ragnar asks. "You could've just sent a letter to the Edge. I would've happily burned it."

Viggo chuckles. "Oh, I'm afraid my reasons for your capture are a little more complex than that," he says conversationally. "You are, of course, Hiccup's weak point. That has long been confirmed and is a weakness I am more than happy to exploit."

"Do your worst," Ragnar spits. "Hiccup's beat you before and he'll do it again. I guarantee he's on his way now to ruin your little plan."

"I'm sure he is," Viggo agrees with a nod.

He seems remarkably unconcerned as he circles around to stand behind Ragnar instead. Ragnar keeps his gaze forward rather than give him the satisfaction of watching him try to follow his movements.

"But you see, Ragnar, it's not Hiccup I'm interested in this time. No. I'm far more interested in you and a little fact I recently learned- a rumor I had confirmed."

It takes a second for the implication to sink in and Ragnar can almost swear his heart stops beating. He can't mean...

Viggo steps forward and leans down to speak directly into his ear. "Tell me. Which do you prefer: soothsayer or seer?"

A heavy silence fills the tent as Ragnar sits completely still, mind racing. There's no point in denying it. If Viggo knows this much, then he won't be able to convince him otherwise.

"That's none of your damn business," he says calmly.

"I think you'll find otherwise," Viggo says, voice equally calm. "You see, Ragnar, you are not a guest. You are not a visitor. You are my prisoner and, until such time that changes, everything about you is my business."

Ragnar blows upward to get a loose strand of hair out of his eyes and does his best to shrug with his arms still behind him. "Good thing I won't be here too long then. Doesn't take a seer to know that your track record?" He whistles through his teeth. "Not so good. Not against Hiccup."

Viggo reaches forward as if to check the restraints only to press against the wound on his side.

Ragnar doesn't even try to suppress his flinch or pained gasp. They both know it hurts. Trying to hide it would only waste energy he can't spare.