The Abandoned Duo

Chapter 12

The horn blew, alerting the sleeping soldiers to go to the post. Crowds of people gathered around the town center, their dragons yawning in the back of the line. I stood, fury coursing through my veins while my face remained stoic. 

"Hlín, what's going on?" Hiccup questioned while running up to the center podium where I stood. Authority oozed from every pore in my body.

The sun had already broken the horizon, steadily rising in the sky while people gathered in a silent hush.

"Raise your hand if you have killed someone intentionally," I stated, my voice smooth. No hands rose and silence rang through the air.

"What's the meaning of this?" Astrid spoke up beside me.

"I killed someone for the first time on my 6th birthday." I began, my tone even. "My father ran a tight ship, kill or be killed. The first few times I sparred it was a tap out, but then I turned 6 and it changed. I was ordered to kill my opponent. He had no issue doing such. I killed him with a dagger to his stomach, he bled out." 

"Every day was a spar from then on." I continued, my voice never wavered. "They were practice men, some skilled, some not. Some were children, some were adults, some were elders, and some were friends." 

"I have grown numb to all things killing, but I have found out that you have not. On that battlefield, it is killed or be killed." I looked over the crowd. 

"You have one hour to decide if you wish to be a part of that." I turned walking away from the group of soldiers. 

"Hlín, wait up." Astrid jogged beside me.

"We don't have to kill to win." she tried to argue.

"I'm going to scout my father's island come sunrise tomorrow. I will try and take out as many as possible, but I will inevitably be caught. I will set as many dragons as I can free, but not all. I will take the weight of this war so your people may live in peace." my mind was long made up. I may die tomorrow, but these people didn't ask for this.

"Hlín, you don't have to do this," Astrid begged. 

"I have no choice. None of you asked for this, and now my father will try to wipe out your people. It's kill or be killed and if you cannot kill, then you should not be apart of a war," I spoke, my voice was stern.

"You're not facing this alone," her voice was determined. 

"I won't put any of you in such danger that you may not come home. This has been my life and my destiny since I have been born." I told her. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders as I spoke. 

"No! We all will be creating a plan and we will all help you help our people!" she said sternly. I just stared at her for a moment. She wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Okay, we'll convene now as your people make their decision," I spoke nodding. I began walking to the conference hall and they reluctantly followed. I could tell this weighed heavy on them. 

"I will lead," I started when we settled. I pulled out my strategy book and began writing the plan. "If I can take the fighting opposite of the dragons, you will all be able to come in and lead them away." I began a rough idea.

"You can't go in alone, you'll be outnumbered fast," Hiccup spoke up. 

"I can go with her. I'm the best fighter, and we work together well." Astrid offered. 

"We do," I gave her a side smile and wrote that in my book. "Ruff, Tuff, and Fishlegs should be back by high noon. The dragons will ensure those who can not fight, are safe." 

"Today will be a day of rest. When nightfall approaches, Astrid and I will get to the island and begin the fight. Then Hiccup, Snotlout, Ruff, and Tuff will release as many dragons as possible. Once our forces begin to dwindle, Balthazar will send up a signal and the rest of the fleet will come." 

"By then, we should have taken most of the impact. The best bet is to go for the kill, but if you aren't comfortable, you need to ensure they are almost as good as dead. I want a pile of knocked out people. We take prisoners if we must,"

"We have this, okay?" Snotlout clasped my shoulder firmly. I nodded, feeling assured, but I knew deep down we didn't. I knew deep down, that my life would be taken, but I wouldn't mind as long as they are all safe from the wrath of Drago. 

I'd give my life for the peace of the world, absent of the parasite I once called my father.