Half an hour passed in uneasy calm.
The wind off the sea had shifted, carrying with it the distant sound of hooves and rolling wheels long before anyone saw them. Lucian was the first to notice, his gaze lifting toward the winding path that led down from the cliffs.
Two caravans emerged from the rise.
The first bore the proud crest of DunBroch, its banners snapping in the wind. The people riding with it were clad in thick cloaks and leather, their armor practical rather than polished, more Viking than courtly. The second followed close behind, sleeker and more ordered, marked with the crest of Merlune. Knights in silvered armor rode alongside a reinforced carriage, disciplined and alert.
At their head rode the guard Eric had sent.
The caravans slowed as they approached, horses snorting as they were reined in. The lead rider of the DunBroch group swung down from his saddle before it had fully stopped.
King Fergus wasted no time.
"Merida!" he boomed, striding forward with long, powerful steps.
Merida barely had time to turn before he swept her into a crushing hug, nearly lifting her off the ground. The triplets were caught up next, Fergus pulling them all close, one massive arm wrapped around the lot of them.
"Ye alright?" he demanded, pulling back just enough to inspect her face. "Any injuries? Any scratches? I swear, if—"
"I'm fine, Da," Merida said quickly, wriggling free with a grin. "We all are."
Fergus let out a relieved breath that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. "Good. Good." He rested his hands on his hips, eyes scanning the area, the glass-scarred cave entrance, the armed guards, the bound prisoners. "Looks like ye've been busy."
On the other side, the Merlune carriage door opened.
Grimsby stepped down carefully, straightening his coat as he took in the scene. His eyes immediately found Eric.
"Your Highness!" he said, hurrying over. "When the guard said there'd been an attack, I—are you injured?"
Eric shook his head. "I'm unharmed. But I'll need assistance."
Grimsby followed his gaze to where Flynn and the Stabbington twins sat under guard, wrists bound, expressions ranging from sheepish to openly hostile.
"I need these men transported and held securely," Eric continued calmly. "They're wanted in multiple kingdoms."
Grimsby stiffened, then nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. I'll see it done."
As guards moved to secure the prisoners more firmly, Flynn tried a weak smile. "You know, for what it's worth, this is not how I pictured my afternoon."
No one responded.
Nearby, Hiccup and Fishlegs stood a short distance away, both staring intently at Scuttle, who was perched comfortably on Lucian's shoulder, preening one wing like he owned the place.
"Hmmm," Hiccup murmured. "I know there are birds that can talk…"
"Parrots," Fishlegs said automatically. "They repeat sounds they've heard. Mimicry. But this one—" He paused, watching Scuttle gesture animatedly as he spoke to Lucian. "This one's forming original sentences with context."
Scuttle puffed up proudly. "That's 'cause I'm talented."
Fishlegs went very still. "Fascinating."
Lucian, for his part, simply listened, one hand resting lightly near Scuttle as if this were entirely normal.
After finishing with her father, Merida approached Eric, Fergus at her side.
"Your Highness," Eric said, extending his hand.
Fergus took it without hesitation. Their grip was firm, the greeting more warrior than court, more respect than ritual.
"King Fergus, it's nice to meet you" Eric replied. "Your daughter handled herself well."
Fergus's chest swelled visibly. "Aye... She gets that from her mother." He glanced between Eric and Lucian, then back at Merida. "Seems the world's gettin' bigger again."
It took some time for everything to settle.
Orders were given. Prisoners were loaded into the Merlune carriage under heavy guard. DunBroch men secured the perimeter. The shattered cave entrance was marked, sealed off as best they could manage.
When it was finally done, Eric approached Lucian, Hiccup, and the others.
"I imagine," Eric said evenly, "you don't exactly have lodging arranged."
Hiccup opened his mouth, then closed it again.
Eric continued, "You're welcome to stay where I'm stationed. The auction begins tonight, and it would be… safer for all of us to be together."
Lucian glanced around.
Astrid gave a small nod, Fishlegs looked relieved, Hiccup shrugged, clearly not opposed. Even Snoutlout and the twins watched him expectantly.
Lucian considered it for a moment longer than necessary.
Then he nodded. "We'll accept."
Eric allowed himself a small smile. "Good."
Above them, the sun continued its slow descent toward the horizon.
________
The journey into the Northern Market passed in relative silence.
The carriages rolled along the stone-paved roads, wheels clattering softly as they entered the Noble Quarter. Here, the air felt different cleaner, heavier with incense and polished stone. Tall buildings lined the streets, their balconies draped in banners and lanterns that glowed warmly as dusk settled in. Guards stood at intersections, armor gleaming beneath torchlight, eyes sharp and watchful.
Inside the carriage, exhaustion finally caught up with them.
Snotlout leaned his head against the wall and promptly fell asleep, mumbling something incoherent about gold. Tuffnut and Ruffnut whispered animatedly at first, then slowly quieted as the steady rocking lulled them. Fishlegs stared out the window, still turning fragments of crystallized sand over in his mind. Astrid sat upright, arms crossed, eyes closed but alert.
Lucian said nothing.
He watched the Noble Quarter slide by, the sunlight reflecting off glass windows and gilded signs, his thoughts heavier than the carriage itself.
Eventually, the carriage slowed.
It came to a stop before a large inn of white stone and dark wood, its entrance framed by hanging lanterns and a carved sign depicting a crowned lion. The place was well-kept, clearly accustomed to noble guests and discreet dealings.
They disembarked one by one.
Eric moved ahead, already shrugging off his cloak as he approached the front desk. The innkeeper, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and an impeccable vest, straightened immediately at the sight of the Merlune crest.
"Your Highness," he said, bowing slightly.
"I'll need rooms," Eric replied calmly. "Seven more. My guests will be staying the night."
The innkeeper didn't hesitate. "Of course."
He reached beneath the counter and produced a ring of heavy brass keys, each tagged with a small metal plate stamped with a number. He separated them quickly, handing them over with practiced efficiency.
"Third and fourth floors," he added. "Hot water will be brought up shortly. Supper is available until the ninth bell."
Eric nodded. "Thank you."
Keys were distributed amid tired murmurs.
No one argued and no one lingered.
They drifted toward the stairs in small groups, boots heavy on the polished steps, the day finally pressing down on them all at once.
Lucian climbed higher than the others.
His room was quiet and spare—stone walls, a narrow window overlooking the lantern-lit street, a single bed with crisp sheets and a small table beside it. The door closed behind him with a soft click.
For the first time since the cave, there was silence.
Lucian crossed the room and dropped his coat onto the chair without ceremony. He sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, then let himself fall back, staring up at the ceiling.
The mattress dipped beneath his weight.