Hjordis is in shackles, though at a heavy cost.

The half-giantess is marched into the hall, her hands shackled behind her back, a retinue of no less than eight burly men surrounding her, ensuring she doesn't try anything.

Donald limps into the hall, supported by his friend Gordon. Jana surges forward, pulling her king into an embrace.

“My love, what happened?” the blonde cries out. “I should've never agreed to stay behind, you-”

“Ach, peace Jana. It's nothin'.” the Beathan responds tetchily. “The she-brute went down a lot easier the last time.”

“This was war.” Hjordis rumbles simply. The jarl has at least a foot on any man in the hall. Even bound, stripped down to her leathers and surrounded, she's an imposing figure.

“Aye, it's war, and you've lost.” Kara announces, striding forth to join her brother. Your heart leaps to see her, alive and seemingly unharmed.

“For now, maybe.” Hjordis mutters.

You cast an eye around at the recent arrivals. Though some are in pretty bad shape, you make out all the lords, Beathan, Itherian and Sinnabarrovian, as well as Roland and the other major mercenary captains. The only people you can't seem to locate are Solla, or any of the Oro Elide's leadership.

“King Edward.” Hjordis says, faux-sincerity flooding her voice. “A pleasure to see you again.”

She tries to take a step forwards. Instead her captors, with considerable difficulty, wrestle the Deanian to her knees.

“The tables have turned since last time, Hjordis.” you say, trying your best to sound commanding, confident. “I must say, I much prefer it this way.”

Hjordis smirks.

“Remember, I took you on my own. It took a mighty host of armies, twice my number, to capture me. I think I've maintained my ancestors' honour.” the half-giantess reminds you.

“Lot of good that'll do you, rotting in a cell.” Kara comments.

“If you've even got one sturdy enough to hold me.” the Deanian responds.

“I should be able to help with that.” Madeleine sniffs, striding forth confidently. “If there's no cell that can hold you, I'll make one that can.”

Hjordis looks the redhead up and down. Even brought to her knees, the half-giantess's eyeline is barely lower than Madeleine's.

“I take it you're Madeleine of Sinnabarrow?” she asks, regarding the crown princess. “You really shouldn't be here, girl. The Beathans, Itherians... they're weak, but they still technically qualify as warriors. I can't say the same for your people.”

At this moment, Rana and Juhi enter the hall. The lionesses stroll confidently, each bearing a Deanian standard, up to Madeleine, throwing them down at her feet.

You take the designs in. On one, a red octopus on a purple background. On the other, a giant revelling among vanquished foes, on a black background.

“We may not be able to fight in my kingdom.” Madeleine says, looking down her nose at the giantess. “But we've the good sense to hire people who can!”

“Your war-dogs can scrap, I'll give them that. But you all would've never taken me if I had semi-competent support. Jens Eight-Arm was nearly as big a liability as Siggi. If Einar hadn't saddled-”

“Oh, that's another thing we don't know in Sinnabarrow!” Madeleine goads the restrained giantess, taking a step closer to her, stooping to bring her face level to the raider's. “Loser talk. But it seems like a language you're rather fluent in, no?”

“That's enough.” Hjordis tells the princess. “I've killed plenty of Reds today, but there's always time for one more.”

Madeleine laughs in the Jarls face. She doesn't notice the giantess clenching her fist, nor the tautness of the chains between her wrist, but from your remove, you certainly do.

“Oh, I'd love to see you try! Did you forget you're chained up? Gods, you northern barbarians are even stupider than I'd heard. What are you going to-”

Madeleine is interrupted by a snap that everyone in the hall seems to hear. Hjordis breaks her chains and with a roar, throws off the men restraining her. She rises to her feet, swinging at Madeleine's face as she goes.

The Deanian's fist collides with the much smaller woman's forehead, sending her reeling back.

As Madeleine drops to the floor, the hall breaks out into chaos. Roland surges forward, using his size to try and pin down the Jarl.

“Get her out of here, now!” Donald commands, once Hjordis has been restrained again. “Find our strongest cell and throw her in there. I want guards on her at all times, weapons drawn!”

“It won't be enough and you know it!” Hjordis calls out, as she's dragged from the hall. With the giantess gone, you turn your attention to Madeleine.

“Madeleine, you alright?” Kara asks urgently, crouching, gently slapping her on the face. Madeleine groans and writhes, flitting between consciousness and unconsciousness.

“Ach, well at least she's still alive.” your wife determines. “I've seen men struck dead by softer blows.”

“We should get her out of here, she'll be more comfortable in her quarters.” Swain remarks.

Hoisting the princess up, Kara and Elodie drape her arms around their shoulders and make to leave.

"Guess Hjordis did what a lot of us've been wantin' to for a while, eh?" Kara smirks as she passes you.

Ben Swain himself hangs back, to talk to you.

“Perhaps you should be with Madeleine?” you suggest.

“Of course, majesty.” Swain says. “Though I'm sure she's in good hands with your Kara. I just thought I'd stay here a spell. You never know, my assistance may be required...”