A/N: Writing is mentally exhausting, you guys don't even know. Anyway, some big things are on the horizon of this story, and I hope you guys are ready for it! Now, onwards to the next chapter!

(Cairo, Egypt— Many years ago)

The clashing of steel rung across the Egyptian deserts, and two opponents were throwing everything they had at each other, despite their ten year age gap. A ten-year-old Nikora Stormheart and her five-year-old sister Eir clashed with swords clutched in hand and eager to defeat one or the other. Now many would question the wisdom in throwing children in the wilderness and try to kill each other, and the answer was simple— prove yourself worthy of being a Mongrel and a Stormheart. From the day Nikora and Eir could stand, they were introduced to the warrior life of the Mongrel Tribe, they learned how to fight and when to fight. They not only honed their skills as future warriors, but they honed their minds as well.

Eir collapsed down on the sand and roared out in outrage that her older sister was defeating her quite easily, despite her best efforts to outsmart her. Nikora whirled her sword in hand and offered her little sister a hand, Eir refused it and dusted the sand that clung to her sweaty skin. "There will be times where you face stronger and bigger opponents," Nikora said, "and those opponents will do whatever it takes to defeat you; even fight dishonorably. That is why you must use your mind and find a weakness to exploit and then land a killing blow." Eir absorbed her sister's words and nodded in understanding. The young Mongrel princess wished they could wrap up this session, but their father forbade it and commanded them to return home only if one of them was victorious.

And so, Eir once again got into a battle stance, as did Nikora. The blazing sun bore down on them and hot winds caressed their sweaty skin, but the two girls ignored the Egyptian heat for the time being and were solely focused on achieving victory so that they could return home and end the exhausting day of learning and training.

With a cry, Eir charged Nikora and thrust her blade at her older sister's belly, but Nikora sidestepped the attack and with the speed of a serpent, she hacked half off Eir's left arm clean off her body. The pain of losing half of her limb caused Eir to scream out in agony and clutch her now heavily bleeding stump. Tears streamed down the young princess's cheeks and she laid eyes on her severed arm and saw it twitch three times before it became motionless. Nikora soon came to Eir's side and wrapped her wound up tightly to stop the bleeding, the older sister cupped the younger sister's and spoke solemnly. "Learn from this lesson and ensure it never happens again," Nikora said firmly, "you charged like a crazed goat and lost half your arm in the process. A warrior must remain patient and calm when facing a stronger opponent." Eir learned this lesson painfully well and swore to herself that she'd find patience.

Though it would take some getting used to.

Not only learning to be patient but functioning with only one good arm.

(Denmark, Scandinavia— Present day)

Eir Stormheart was in a sparring match with one of the many Mongrels under her command, this warrior hailed from Arabia and was one of the Mongrels best assassins. His name was Sa'Luk and he had been with the Mongrel Tribe since he was but a boy, he was trained by the late Hassan Stormheart himself and became one of the greatest warriors in the Mongrel ranks. Sa'Luk led a sect of Hashashin assassins and became the personal executioners for the Mongrel rulers— none stood their equal in combat, they moved as fast as serpents, and they were like shadows.

Sa'Luk was whirling a Kunai that was attached to a chain, the head assassin thrust his weapon at Eir's head, but the Mongrel princess ducked under the attack and inhaled sharply as the blade sliced her cheekbone, it was a shallow wound but it reminded Eir that Sa'Luk could make anyone bleed with ease. Eir felt as if a rug was yanked out from under her as she was ripped off the sand and fell flat on her back, and before she could even reach for her sword, she felt Sa'Luk pressing a foot against her chest. "Too slow," he said, "were this a real battle, your brains would be on the sand." Removing his foot off her chest, Sa'Luk then offered Eir a hand, with an irritated sigh, Eir took her sparring partner's hand and dusted the sand off his body.

"I've trained all my life, subjected myself to every known fighting style in the world, and yet I cannot defeat you," Eir scoffed and wiped the sweat that was clinging to her brow, "how can I even stand up to Hiccup Haddock and avenge my father's death when I cannot even defeat one of my own people in a sparring match?!" It was no secret that Eir was... hotheaded and that she was easily provoked into violence if anyone was foolish enough to put her to the test, but Sa'Luk understood the young princess perfectly.

"I understand your frustration, my princess," he said with understanding, "when your father took me under his wing, he trained me until my bones threatened to snap, and training both my body and mind was... infuriating, to say the least. You all know that I was the son of a merchant, I had no desire to be a warrior, that is until Vikings raided as far as Arabia and took away my father and family— that was when I knew I needed to become a warrior powerful enough to make the Viking people suffer for raping and pillaging my home and robbing me of those I loved."

Eir knew many among the Mongrels were victims that suffered great tragedies in their lives, and many more of them lost their people and loved ones to Hiccup's Viking hordes during his many campaigns in the past two decades.

Unity and equality were not the only things keeping the Mongrels together, but a burning lust for revenge against Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.

"Haddock and his rabid dogs will pay for the offenses they have inflicted upon us all Sa'Luk," Eir promised him, "but... we must have patience," Eir said with distaste, if there was one thing the Mongrel princess hated more than Haddock, it was patience. She had always struggled with patience because sitting around and delaying the inevitable was something that was... distasteful to Eir. They the numbers to contend with Haddock and his Viking hordes, but if they don't have a strategy to defeat Haddock, their numbers will dwindle until they are nothing more than a nuisance waiting to be swatted dead.

The cry of a falcon grabbed Eir's attention, the Mongrel princess looked to the heavens and laid eyes on Harald's courier. Extending her prosthetic arm out, the falcon landed on Eir's artificial limb while she reached for the message attached to the bird. It was a message for her and Nikora, and it was written in Harald's hand.

My masters,

I have joined with a Viking that harbors resentment for Hiccup Haddock, he says there are more who harbor a great distaste for the supposed Blood King, my next task is to put these people to the test and decide whether or not they are worthy of joining me in helping us overthrow Haddock and sack his capital city. Also, I've heard that a new trader has docked and wishes to become a trade partner to Hiccup Haddock— the trader is Magnus Finke.

I shall keep you informed and when the time is right, we will strike and shatter Haddock's aura of invincibility.

Your loyal servant,

Harald Forkbeard

Eir hummed as she took in this information, and then cast the falcon off and watched as it flew back to Haddock's capital city. The Mongrel princess then turned to Sa'Luk and bowed her head in thanks. "Thank you for sparring with me Sa'Luk," she then held up the message she received and continued, "but I must inform Nikora of this development." The Arabian assassin bowed his head in understanding and watched as the Mongrel princess sprinted towards The Tempest, all too eager to progress with the impending attack.

Sa'Luk owed his life to the Stormhearts, but he prayed that the young princess would not be bested by haste when patience was critical to this war.

(Onboard The Tempest)

Nikora was seated on her throne while the warlords who served Drago were at her feet, it was not long ago where they all abandoned the now late Kievan ruler and his Rus' brethren to be slaughtered by Haddock and his hordes of Vikings and dragons, but they abandoned their now dead Rus' ally in order preserve their forces and not join the Kievan ruler in the afterlife prematurely. But now the four warlords and their armies were eager for war and came to their new leader— Nikora Stormheart.

"Queen Nikora, when do you plan on launching another attack on Hiccup Haddock?" Chagatai Khan inquired. "Winter has arrived and if Haddock doesn't kill us, the cold and ice certainly will."

"Indeed, it's only a matter of time before Haddock marshals his forces to drive us out of here completely," Rong added, "we cannot leave without victory and domination."

Rising from her throne, Nikora approached one of the two basins that held fire to keep the harsh cold at bay. Extending one of her hands towards the crackling flames, Nikora soaked in the heat and closed her eyes; savoring the warmth that traveled throughout her body. After savoring the sensation of warmth spreading throughout her body, Nikora turned to her allies and reassured them. "My plan to deliver a devastating blow to Hiccup Haddock has already begun," she then clarified, "one of my best Mongrel warriors is within Haddock's city and finds a way to gift us an opportunity to strike."

"With respect, what hope does your servant have?" Atilla inquired, the Hunnic warlord continued. "Haddock and his people are on high alert and will ensure they do not lose the advantage of city walls."

"Fortunately for us, my servant is Scandinavian and can also blend in plain sight," Nikora said with a smirk, "Harald Forkbeard will not jeopardize his position within the enemy's capital city."

"Time is not on our side," Griselda stated, "we're fortunate that the elements haven't been harsh, but that will change soon unless we do not act."

Nikora was about to reply to the Slavic warlord but she spotted Eir approaching, the warlords turned and stepped aside as Eir approached Nikora. "Harald has delivered us a message," she said, "I believe our time to strike is close at hand." Nikora silently read Harald's message and hummed in agreement with Eir before looking at the warlords gathered. "Our servant has found a Viking who harbors great resentment towards Hiccup Haddock, and supposedly there are more who hold great distaste for the Blood King," she then continued, "we must be ready for Harald's signal and ensure our warriors remain keen and ready— keep them sober and fan the flames within their bellies, our time to strike is soon and we will deliver a crippling blow to our enemies." The warlords bowed their heads in understanding, Nikora then granted them leave, and when the warlords disembarked The Tempest, the Mongrel rulers looked towards the Viking capital city with malice.

"You must be patient a little longer Eir," Nikora said, "you will soon drown in Viking blood, but continue to temper your bloodlust with patience." Eir inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly while also clenching her jaw tightly.

"I understand," Eir said, "many Vikings will fall to my blades when the time to strike arrives." She then left, leaving Nikora alone to continue looking at the Viking capital city.

"Savor what peace and quiet remain, Hiccup Haddock," she murmured to herself, "when our time arrives, you shall bear witness to the destructive might of the Mongrel Tribe and its allies."

(Hiccup's pov)

Upon entering the Great Hall, I could see Nuffink and Katerina seated at a nearby table and eating their morning meal together. Despite fleeing from the holgång he challenged the late Prince Igor to, I am beyond relieved to see my son alive and well. Looking in my direction, Nuffink beamed and he quickly rose from his seat and approached me. "Father, I would have words," he said, "can we talk?" Turning around at Magnus and his crew of miscreants, I then turned to my Blood Guards and nodded at them, they then forced the group of traders to sit down while also keeping their weapons on them. I then turn back to Nuffink and pat his arm. "Speak your mind," I say to him, "quickly though, I'm in the middle of business." Nuffink nodded in understanding and then turned to Katerina and extending a hand out for her, causing her to smile and rise from her seat and take my son's hand.

"Father, Katerina has agreed to become my wife," he said, "I'm asking for your blessing so that we can make our marriage public and solidify my eternal devotion to Katerina."

Ah, I knew this day would come sooner or later.

It seems only yesterday that Nuffink was still a babe wailing from his crib, he now stands a man who is ready to devote himself to a woman and continue the Haddock bloodline— fatherhood and devotion to your woman are among the many challenges of manhood, but it made my heart fill with pride knowing that Nuffink was ready to take this challenge head-on. I take Nuffink's hand and squeeze it gently, yet firmly as well, and nod at him. "You have my blessing," I said, "I shall spread the news of your impending wedding and ensure the necessary preparations are made." Nuffink beamed with happiness, as did Katerina while both releasing a breath they didn't know they were holding.

"Thank you father," Nuffink said while embracing me with all his strength, "thank you." He murmured in my ear, I sighed happily and returned Nuffink's embrace and kiss his temple. After breaking the embrace, I turn to Katerina and take one of her hands and smile warmly at her. "You stand as a daughter to me now," I then continue, "ready yourself, your entire world is about to change." Katerina clasped my hand and kissed my knuckles. "Thank you, for your blessing father," she said with gratitude, "I am eager to spend the rest of my mortal days with your son." With that said, I smiled at them both and gesture towards the doors to the Great Hall; silently encouraging them to celebrate the fact that I blessed their impending marriage. The two of them raced out of the hall while laughing together and the sight made my heart soar, yet another one of my children is about to marry and soon produce their own legacy.

With Nuffink and Katerina out of the Great Hall, I turn to Magnus and his people who witnessed the encounter silently and with curiosity. The trader smiles at me and speaks. "Oh, it's such a beautiful sight to see two young people in love and eager to start a life together," Magnus then looked to me and raised a questioning eyebrow, "wouldn't you agree?" I narrowed my eyes at the man and then turn my back on him to pour myself a cup of freshly brewed ale.

"My son's impending marriage is none of your concern, stranger," I said firmly, "your only concern at the moment is speaking truthfully to me and telling me why you are here. And I would suggest you don't lie to me. If you lie, then things will get... bloody." I say with a menacing smirk, then taking a drink of ale.

"I swear to you, our presence in your kingdom is merely to broach a trade deal with you," Magnus said, "what trader would not want to become partners with one of the most powerful men in all the world?"

"I'm powerful, am I?" I inquire in a teasing tone.

"Powerful, infamous, vicious, your name is spoken from the Silk Road to the Arabian Peninsula," Magnus said, "fame indeed travels far, you and your armies have traveled far as well— destroying any kingdom that could rise up against you, freeing dragons from the tyranny of mankind, and pillaging anything of value and claiming them as your own."

"You speak the obvious," I say in a bored tone while finishing my cup of ale, "tell me something I don't know," I challenged, "from where do you hail?" I could see Magnus's countenance falling and his voice filled with sadness as he answered my question. "England," he repeated loudly, "I hail from Wessex England."

"Nothing left of Wessex now, eh?" I taunted. "In fact, all of England is nothing but a desolate rock filled with plague, carnivorous rats, and death."

"Indeed," Magnus said, "not only did that... infernal plague that destroyed England but so did you and your people." The Blood Guards tightened their grip on their weapons at the rise in Magnus's tone, but I held a hand up at my guards and then looked into Magnus's eyes and smiled. "I am Viking, what do you want from me?"

"I have said! I wish to become a trade partner with you," Magnus said, "you needn't worry about me being any trouble in your kingdom." The doors to the Great Hall opened, revealing Mala and more of my Blood Guards, along with the head of my bodyguards— Torunn. I approached Mala and we share a warm hug, when we broke the hug I then turn to the guards behind her. "What did you find?" I inquired, referring to Magnus's small fleet of ships.

"There are no materials are items that endanger dragons— dragon proof cages, Blue Oleander, traps, or Dragon Root plants that will cause the dragons to lash out in aggression," Torunn said, "all that is on board their ships are exotic items, foods, objects, and materials." I approached the head of my bodyguards and took in her appearance— she wore sleek black leather armor, a crimson tunic underneath her armor, a wolf fur cloak around her shoulders, and black boots. Her dirty blond hair was braided, her hazel eyes burned with absolute loyalty and admiration for me, and she had a rune of the word 'loyal' underneath her left eye.

"Thank you Torunn," I say in gratitude, thank you for your devotion and loyalty to me and my family." The head of my bodyguards dropped to her knees and bowed her head. "I live to serve you and the Haddock bloodline until it's my time to enter Valhalla," she said, "it's an honor to serve you and your family." She then looked into my eyes and they were filled with the devotion, admiration, and love that every citizen in the capital city holds for me.

And I intend to never violate the trust my people have placed in me.

I hold my hands out for Torunn, she takes them and I help her onto her feet and press my forehead against her own, the gesture told her that I too am honored to serve her and our people with the power I wield. Turning to Magnus and his people, Torunn then inquires. "What should we do with them?" I turn to the strangers and consider the possibility of being trade partners, I have more than enough, and the traders I am partnered with have not only my trust but my gratitude as well.

"If you wish to be my trade partner, you'll need to prove yourself worthy," I said to Magnus, "and I have just the task I'd like for you and your people to do."

"Speak your desire, and see it well satisfied," Magnus said with a smile.

"You and your people will travel to the Plague Lands that was once England and acquire some of the rodents that inhabit the desolate lands," I say before continuing, "I wish to thin the numbers my enemy has by unleashing these carnivorous rats upon them, and perhaps expose them to the plague that has killed nearly everyone in Europe." Magnus's face blanched at my desire and he was about to object, but I spoke first. "Prove yourself by completing this task," I then shrugged, "if you and your people return to me alive and well, then we shall discuss if you have a place among the many trade partners I have in my service." Looking to Torunn, I nod at her. "Escort them back to their ships." Torunn bowed her head in understanding, she then had the guards round-up Magnus and his people out of the Great Hall, leaving me alone with Mala.

"How are you, my dear?" Mala inquired.

With a heavy sigh, I confess my thoughts to one of my closest allies. "My mother is dying, and it kills me that I can't do anything to make her better," I continue with a bitter chuckle, "the stress of ruling over all of Scandinavia, ensuring the people and dragons are safe, and making sure I don't allow myself to be corrupted by power is eating away at me." Mala approached me and smiled lightly at me and nodded in understanding. "The crown weighs heavy," she said in agreement, "you promised me that you would not allow the power you wield to corrupt you, and you have kept that promise every day for the past two decades. You have so many people to rely on so that you don't carry the weight of this empire alone. Whatever happens, know that I will follow you until I finally fall in battle."

"Your loyalty, encouragement, and friendship are well-received Mala," I said with heartfelt sincerity, "you have no idea how much I value you."

"Oh, I have an inkling," Mala said with a smirk, "if I recall, you demonstrated your more... aggressive side to me." I laughed at the memory of plowing her the moment we became allies, it was... quite an interesting move, but enjoyable none the less.

"That was a long time ago," I said, "I was younger then."

"But still quite handsome," Mala said with a smile, "Astrid is fortunate to not only have a compassionate, loving, and selfless man as her husband, but also one who is devilishly charming." I chuckled at her flattering words and shrug. "Many women have blatantly expressed their desires to sleep with me," I said while rolling my eyes, "when in reality, all they want is power."

"I'm glad you have resisted such women within these walls and have remained devoted to Astrid," Mala said with pride, "she's a strong, loyal, and good woman who needs you now until the day you die." I hummed in agreement, I am very fortunate to have Astrid as my wife, and I thank the gods for giving me a woman like her. Had my first wife and third child survived the plague, I would be blessed with two wives and another child to carry on the Haddock name throughout Midgard."

"It is unfortunate Heather and the third child she would bless you with perished all those years ago," Mala said, "but you fight to preserve their memory and ensure they are never forgotten, as you do for everyone here." She then sighed heavily and continued. "This conversation has been most delightful, but the reason I came was to inform you that the War Council inquires as to our next course of action against our enemies. You wish to use the plague that has devoured Europe against our foes?"

"In a manner of speaking," I said, "if we can thin their numbers and give us a better chance then I'll take it. Once the rodents have served their purpose, we'll reduce them to ash before they advance on the capital and have the opportunity of spreading this deadly plague," running a hand through my hair, I then gesture to the door, "go, and inform the War Council of my plan." Mala bowed her head and left me alone in the Great Hall.

The crown weighs heavy indeed, it brings me great comfort knowing that I do not have to carry this weight alone.

(Normal pov— Sometime later)

Magnus Finke knew that dealing with Hiccup Haddock would be... interesting to say the least. He was a man that built an empire from nothing and made the Scandinavian people rival empires of the past, empires that were far larger and far more impressive. But if there's one thing that Magnus heard throughout the world, it's that Hiccup Haddock is not just any Viking— he's a tactician, devil on the battlefield, the king who is incorruptible, and tamer of dragons.

Everything he heard about Hiccup Haddock was correct, and Magnus was glad that the stories were not exaggerated in the slightest.

But now, sailing the Plague Lands to procure the rodents who carried the plague that has wiped out all of Europe, Magnus was starting to wonder if Haddock was mad. But who was he to decipher the mind of Hiccup Haddock? If he returned to Denmark empty-handed, Haddock would find Magnus and his companions cowardly, spineless, and unworthy of his time.

That was something Magnus could not allow.

"Are we really doing this? Sailing to the Plague Lands and procuring those vile rodents?"

Magnus turned to a deformed Scandinavian hunchback named Baldur, the Deformed. He was in exile whose parents ran away from Scandinavia because they were too weak to kill their deformed son. Knowing that Hiccup Haddock would never allow a deformed individual to walk among his people, Baldur renounced his Viking heritage and found the Magnus and his companions of outcasts, miscreants, and traders who were far more acceptable and caring to him than those who wished him dead.

"We are sailing to the Plague Lands Baldur," Magnus said in confirmation, "we shall procure what Haddock desires, but when we return to Scandinavia, we shall not deliver the rodents to the barbarian king."

"I... I do not understand," Baldur said, "if you have no intention of giving those plague-infested rodents to Haddock, who will you give them to?"

Magnus looked into Baldur's eyes and smiled at his deformed companion. "We go to the Mongrel Tribe and their allies," he said, "the world is about to change and the future of Haddock's barbaric empire is uncertain, especially with the massive army lying in wait at his very door. Haddock doesn't care if we live or die, he has more than enough trading partners to deliver goods to the people of Denmark, and even if we would become a trade partner for Haddock, he'd eventually discover our true intentions of being allied with Nikora and Eir Stormheart."

"So, when we deliver these rodents to the Mongrel rulers and when the Viking capital city falls, we take what wealth Haddock has amassed over the decades?" Baldur inquired.

"Exactly," Magnus said while patting Baldur's hairless head, "I can only imagine what wealth Haddock's treasury holds, and soon it shall be ours to do with what we please!" Magnus then looked out towards the horizon and nodded. "The die has been cast," he said, "we cannot reverse throw. Ready yourself Baldur, you shall soon be drowning in an ocean of wealth and you shall witness the fall of a king and his empire." Baldur smirked and nodded in understanding, he then left Magnus alone.

Inhaling the cold air, Magnus then exhaled slowly and chuckled to himself at what he was about to do— crossing Hiccup Haddock himself and aid his enemies in sacking his capital city and taking every piece of wealth sitting in his treasury as his own. Many would call Magnus mad for even considering this course of action, but all empires rise and they fall either by hubris or by invaders who can prove to the world that these so-called "invincible" kingdoms cannot fall. A chill of ecstasy crawled down Magnus's spine because he would soon be a part of Hiccup Haddock's downfall.

A/N: Alright, I'm halfway done with this story, so I hope you guys are ready for the insanity that's to come! After this story, I need a break before finishing up Traveler Part II because writing has been mentally draining me and I don't want to burn myself out. Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed and I'll see you in the next update!