HHH: Prince of Thieves

Part 19: Prince or Outlaw?

The fighting had settled by the time they emerged. The guards on the door had surrendered readily to the King and his men and had resumed their duties without much protest. The Grimborns, Vorg and Savage had been taken to the cells and any surviving Outcasts and Berserkers had also been locked up. The dead had been removed as well and the King, flanked by his loyal comrades, his son and the outlaws, had returned to the platform in the yard. Spitelout and Snotlout were in chains and the King was grateful and relieved to see the familiar lopsided shape of Gobber waiting on the platform, throwing a very cheeky salute.

"The castle is secure, sire," he announced loudly for the benefit of the crowd, winking at his lifelong friend. "All those who failed to swear loyalty to you have been locked up or executed. All commanders have been imprisoned as a matter of course until we can determine their loyalties!"

"Good work, old friend," Stoick said and sat pointedly on the throne. He lifted the crown-then placed it back on his own head. His cold gaze swept over the crowd. "I'm back," he announced.

Cheers erupted from every throat-even those who had been cheering for the new King because most of them hadn't truly understood the situation. All had just accepted what they had been told by their leaders-and now, faced with their rightful King, the people of Berk-who were notoriously stubborn and traditional-stuck to their rightful King without hesitation. Stoick grinned and waved for them to be quiet.

"I know the Kingdom has faced hardships in my absence, manufactured by those who saw an opportunity to advance themselves at the expense of others-mainly you, my people," he announced. "But I have learned my lesson. My place is here, protecting Berk from the enemies within well as without. But we have lost many loyal subjects, my Council included as well as so many of you who have been murdered, starved or taken and sold into slavery. And I swear that I will do all in my power to make reparations for those wrongs. The destroyed villages will be rebuilt, homes and livestock restored and those stolen from you will be tracked down and returned-no matter how long it takes!"

He had to stop then because the cheers would have drowned out the entire castle exploding. The people went wild, abruptly reminded why they loved their King: stern but fair and just. He wasn't the easiest to slip low level scams or cheating past but he cared for all his people and they knew they could rely on him to protect him.

"The celebrations and free food will still continue today!" Stoick roared over the cacophony and the cheers got even louder. Free ale and mead were always welcome and the smells of roasting yaks and boars were seeping through the castle enticingly. He had to wait until they quietened down again before he could speak. He stood. "My brother has committed treason," he announced, a finger stabbing at Spitelout. "I have loved and supported him for years and he has repaid me in treachery. So he will of this hour, lose all titles, privileges, lands and possessions henceforth. He will be dishonoured and exiled from Berk. He is no longer a member of the Royal Family and has no claim on the Throne until the end of time. He is no one."

He waved his hand and Spitelout was taken away. The man wrestled against his guards as he was manhandled off the stage. "NO!" he shouted. "You can't do this! You can't make me live like a...peasant! Why don't you just kill me?" Stoick swept his eyes over his brother and his face was cold.

"Because that would be too kind," he said grimly. "You did far worse to my son. You tried to kill him, you had him at the block, you recaptured him and had him tortured and maimed. Why should I let you get away without any real punishment for your crimes? And every day you toil in grime and cold and hunger, you can remember what you had and what you threw away through greed and cruelty."

Then he turned his gaze to Snotlout. The young Lord gulped and he tried to look remorseful. "Uncle...sire..." he whined, "I didn't have anything to do with this. I swear!"