My little Flower (HiccupxOC, part 1 of Grimborn Family AU)

Chapter 51 - Fight of chiefs part 2

Viggo's POV

Inhaling deeply I drew my ruby set sword and watched cautiously as Asmund deposited his dark red cloak into a woman's arms, whom I recognized as his mother and unsheathed his own double edged sword, whirling it around in one hand and a wicked grin spread across his lips. Always your arrogant self, aren't you?

But Asmund was not an opponent to underestimate. Growing up with him I knew how nimble and skilled he was. Our fathers always encouraged us to compete with one another, giving us both the advantage of knowing each other's moves.

"Mind your stance, boy!" Father yelled while he watched me block another attack of young Asmund's wooden sword. I pushed the black haired boy backwards and circled away from him, keeping my sword in motion and continually changing my guard and stance, like father showed me. Asmund lunged forward again and I countered. I could hear father murmur in approval till another sound caught my attention. "Igo." Just for one second, I let my guard down and turned my head to Lilly who reached her toddler hands out to me and laughed. The next second I lay flat on my back, wooden blade to my neck and heard Asmund sneer: "Haha, killed you!"
Father was furious, he pulled me up by the scruff of my neck and shook me. "Never let yourself get distracted, you hear me son? Such carelessness will get you killed."

Asmund let his gaze wander around the crowd as he slowly approached me and sneered: "There's still time to retreat now, Viggo. Give up on your claim and no one must be hurt."

Anger tore at my mind. Anger and hate for Asmund's betrayal, for being forced into this situation, anger for the way he would look at my sister. I narrowed my eyes, all I wanted was to unleash all my rage and hate on this traitor: "Stop this, Asmund and I might show you the mercy of a quick death for your deceit."

Asmund only snorted: "Well I guess I have to finish what Johann started then."

"Good luck trying." my voice was void from emotion, although my heart was racing in rage and anticipation.

Asmund did not have to be told twice. He raised his sword with his right hand and lunged, aiming for a downward diagonal stab at my shoulder.

The violence of his stroke caught me by surprise but I managed to back away and block Asmund's blade with my own. Striking upwards, the force of the clashing blades vibrated through my wrist and down my forearm.

My whole body tensed up and I could feel the throbbing pain of my freshly healed stab wound spreading on my side.

I made brief eye contact with Asmund who only smirked at me and pushed him backwards. It took only a few seconds and Asmund swung again.

I blocked.

The sound of metal colliding and the excited chattering and cheering from the crowd drummed in my ears. I ignored them. Focus, just focus.

Asmund roared angrily as he tried to get past my defenses. Sweat dripped from our faces, our breathing had long turned into heavy panting.

I could feel my strength seeping from my body. My ribs ached, my lungs seemed on fire.

I need to end this...soon.

Asmund seemed to have lost his temper, he lunged forward and began to batter at me as if to pound me into the ground, crying out in savage rage. Obviously he had expected a quick defeat.

He was out for blood now. I blocked, then advanced and backed away, fighting for bare survival.

A sharp, stinging pain shot through my right thigh as Asmund got past my defenses, drawing blood. I stumbled backwards and hissed in pain. The slash burned like fire but there was something else... a dull numbness spread from the wound through my leg, making it hard to stay on my feet.