Updates 45 (couldn't think of anything witty)

[Mamorien]

A Thing of Vikings (HTTYD)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/104089...5#workskin

CW: Explicit Battlefield Scenes, Character Deaths

One of the core tactical principles of an ambush is to attack from a prepared position onto an unprepared and unsuspecting enemy force, thus taking full advantage of the element of surprise as a force multiplier…

Note that an ambush can be spoiled and turned around if the targets of the ambush become prematurely aware of the trap. In such circumstances, a retreat by the aggressor force is suggested, as they are no longer in a position of tactical superiority and face prepared opposition.

The worst time for the ambush target to become aware of the ambush is when the ambushers are only partially but not fully situated…

For a demonstration of this doctrine, we pick up from last time at Inbhir Niss, where Hiccup hears Jacob's warning and swiftly finds out exactly what it was about. Astrid and Wulfhild head off to reinforce their husband; on his way to Mac Bethad, Hiccup meets with a deranged distraction. Meanwhile, in the mountains of K'avk'asioni, Sigurd and company take the fight to the Pechenegs. Cut back to Inbhir Niss, where Astrid fights for her life, Dagur fights for an honorable death, and Wulfhild fights to not be separated from Astrid by a fortress on fire. Back in the K'avk'asioni, Sigurd gives an enemy a chance to aid him against another enemy. In what are increasingly the ruins of Inbhir Niss, Mac Bethad faces defeat by no living man, Dagur gets arguably what he deserves, and Toothless holds off an attack long enough for help to reach him. In the K'avk'asioni again, Sigurd appeals to the nest-lord. Somewhere north of Loch Niss, Stoick receives a signal from Hiccup; William and Mjolnir provide covering fire for Stoick and Thornado to land at Inbhir Niss, whereupon Stoick swiftly gets up to speed. William and Mjolnir help rescue some dragons, and Stoick gets an explanation of the rescue Hiccup's just perpetrated. Once more to the K'avk'asioni, where Drago faces something bigger than he expected. Back in Inbhir Niss, Hiccup gets the anticipated lectures from family (counting his bud); William and Mjolnir are starting to tire out, but Hiccup is there for them when they have to land. And we close in Constantinople, where Harald has troubles in the distance, and possibly much larger troubles at much closer range...