This was supposed to be an ordinary day for Anna. Just go to her job in the most inconspicuous book store in Arendelle and spend the day sorting and dusting books nobody would buy.
Not that the people of Arendelle are ignorant of books, mind you, but the commoners preferred to spent their hard earned money on food or other necessities for their families and the nobles and wealthier citizens wouldn't bother visiting a simple little shop, tucked away at the very edge of the Old Town.
But every once in the while some thoughtful parent came by to buy a nice story book for his little ones or some scholar visited the shop, looking for some book about his craft. The visits were just very rare and made Anna sad for all the books filled with wonderful stories, knowledge and teachings, that would never come to good use. On the other hand, she was thrilled whenever she found a new and interesting piece she could borrow and read at home before returning it to the shelves the next day. Be it a love story, a heroic saga or just book filled with helpful hints and tips, Anna didn't care. She loved them all and reading helped her get her mind off the idle work hours.
She spent most of her time at work reading behind the counter, only sometimes going to the back of the store to sort some newly arrived books, dusting those that weren't touched in a while and all the others too just for good measure. Sometimes a customer would come to get a book or two, not very often though, but she liked to keep the store looking nice. Although Anna loved reading, spending most of the day siting in an empty store wasn't her idea of a good time. She didn't dislike her job, she just wished for more people she could share all those amazing stories that filled the shop with.
Anna fully expected this day to not be any different when she opened the shop. She took the shipment of new books from the counter left there from yesterday by her good friend Belle, who was in charge of this little emporium of knowledge. Belle was married to an Arendelle noble – Lord Viscount Adam, who kept the store running for the sake his wife's love for books, despite the seemingly non-existent income.
"I never had enough books when I was little and I just want the children here to have a better opportunity then I had," she told Anna when she was applying for the job.
And even though the store was hidden away at the end of a maze of alleyways their prices were significantly lower than any of the other bookshops in the center of the city that Anna had visited.
"Those with lust for knowledge will find their way here," Belle used to say jokingly whenever Anna brought up the stores tucked away location.
Belle's passion for the mundane job amazed her. This girl could be having a feast in her husband's mansion right now but instead she chose to work six days a week just for the thrill of helping those seeking a good book. From Monday to Saturday she would spend the first half of the day at the shop until Anna came around to carry on for the rest of the day. Except on Sundays when Anna had to stay the entire day at the store by herself.
And today was unfortunately – Sunday. Anna grunted as she picked up the last box that remained from yesterday's shipment from the counter. She was just so tired yesterday that she figured she'd finish sorting this last box the next day. She'd already dealt with half a dozen equally filled boxes yesterday so it wasn't that big of a deal. It wasn't like there was a tremendous demand for their books anyway.
The redhead carried the box to the back of the store and set it on the table with a sigh. It wasn't because the box was heavy, but because it all seemed like it was just going to be another long and boring day. In a deserted store, surrounded by books and with no one to talk to. Just like yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that.
Well at the very least, she'd finally get to hang out with Kristoff this evening. It had been ages since they just met up and enjoyed each other's company. Since it was the middle of July, Kristoff's 'ice business', as he called it, was now in full swing. And although Anna was glad that he was doing so well for himself, she took little comfort in it, because it meant that they wouldn't always see each other for several weeks.
"Don't worry feisty pants, I'll be back before you know it," he told her on the night he left, nearly a month ago.
And he was right. The month was gone in a flash and the thought off seeing Kristoff again after so long brought a broad smile to her face. They were the best of friends for as long as she could remember. Anna's father was an ice harvester himself and so she would often times go with him on his 'ice runs'.
Anna's mother died in childbirth and so there was no one who could watch her when her father was out on a job. He would take her with him every time he could, but in strong blizzards or freezing temperatures he had to leave her home, telling her to stay inside and not open the door for anyone.
And that was how she met Kristoff. A scruffy young boy dreaming of being a great ice harvester himself one day. He was an orphan of an ice harvesting couple, whose lives were tragically claimed by the cold waters as the ice gave away beneath them when he was still a little boy. Kristoff didn't have anyone else and so the crew of the ice harvesters took care of him and raised him together. There was always a seat at the food table and a warm bed for him with one of the families in the community. Anna's father also took Kristoff in every now and then and soon he and Anna became the best of friends.
They've grown up side by side and supported each other in everything. More importantly, Kristoff was there for her, when her father was met with the same terrible fate as the young boy's parents. Anna was only sixteen at the time and although she took care of herself better than most young people of her age, she couldn't have ever been prepared for that kind of loss.
Since then the two of them lived together in Anna's house on the very edge of the city of Arendelle - one of the only things she had left of her father. Kristoff took care of both of them with money he made from whatever work he could find in the city. His job as an ice harvester was frequently postponed, not only because Anna wouldn't let him go from fear of losing him too, but also because Kristoff just couldn't leave her alone for long. He knew how hard the loss hit her, no matter what she said.
After several weeks of living together and Kristoff working for all the money on the table, Anna finally persuaded him that she was feeling fine enough to find a job herself. After few months of alternating between different jobs Anna found Reader's Retreat; A cozy book shop at the edge of Old Town. And she was lucky enough to find out that they were hiring. Belle was a great boss and was so nice to Anna, that it was no wonder that they soon became good friends.
Finally having a stable job, Anna let Kristoff resume his ice harvesting business, under the condition of being extremely careful. She was still afraid for the blonde man, but she knew that ice was his life and his skill and passion was being wasted here in the city.
And here she was now, year and a half later at the age of eighteen, living a good life, with a good job, good pay and good friends. Everything was fine right?
Anna frowned, took the last book out of the box and placed it on the table. Yes, everything was fine and well, but that was it. Her life was calm and proper, but that made it oh so…dull. Anna craved adventure and travel; she had always wanted to see the wonders beyond the city or even the kingdom.
That was the main reason the redhead clung to books so much. They allowed her to escape the mundane world into the realms of fantasy, giving her the thrill of adventure she longed for. Anna loved the tales of heroes, mythical beasts and most of all, magic. Magic fascinated the young girl. It was something so mysterious, yet so wonderful at the same time. She always wanted to see some feat of magic with her own eyes, experiencing the unknown power first hand.
And about a month ago, her dream came true. First she thought, she was still dreaming when she saw heavy snowfall behind her window. It was the middle of summer after all. Only after the initial shock and realization the redhead went out and saw that the snow was everywhere as far as the eye could see. She didn't know what to make of it at first, but an open mouth smile was present on the young girl's face all throughout the day. The redhead loved snow and she loved magic, and she'd be dammed if this wasn't someone's extraordinary feat of magic. Snowy, beautiful, sparkly magic.
Only later she found out it was the doing of princess Elsa of Arendelle. They said that after hearing the terrible news of her parents being lost on the sea, she froze the kingdom in grief with powers no one knew she had. It was surprising but the princess was always kept in the castle, from the eyes of the public. No one knew why, but now they had a pretty good idea.
The people were scared, but took pity on the young princess, understanding the power was something she couldn't control, when met with such horrible tragedy. Some were opposed to the pity and even dared to call her a witch. That was something Anna couldn't understand.
How could anyone think of her as evil? When she could create something so wonderful - snow kissing the mountains, forests and lakes with enchanted beauty. There was no evil in her magic, but she understood why some people were afraid. Even though the princess' powers were breathtaking, their might could also be scary. Just the sheer scale of her abilities was stunning to say the least.
No matter what anybody said, Anna sympathized with the young royal. Being through the same thing before, she knew the pain a loss of a parent could cause. The redhead was sad at the thought of the princess being alone, scared and hurt in her chambers, with no one to console her. The castle was full of servants who surely wanted nothing but to help the princess, but they were not her family. Even though Kristoff wasn't Anna's kin, she always thought of him as her brother, even more so after her father passed. She couldn't imagine what would become of her if Kristoff wasn't there for her.
The redhead began sorting the books and putting them on the shelves. She sighed at the memory of the hell the young princess must've went through. She put Felix Krumann's Herbal of well and less known herbs between other books in the naturel sciences section.
Or maybe it should go between the specialized literature?
She shook her head, her twin braids dangling with the movement.
I'll check it later.
Anna picked up the next book from the table which instantly reminded her of a certain someone. Snowy peaks of Arendelle and beyond. She smiled to herself and remembered the day when the snows covering their kingdom finally melted. It was about two weeks after the first snowflake touched the ground. Although the bubbly redhead loved snow and enjoyed the wonders that the princess' magic brought to her life, she didn't even acknowledge its passing at all. She just grinned all throughout the day from the fact that the young royal must've been feeling better.
What was it that made her care so much for the princess, Anna didn't know. Maybe because she knew the pain of losing a loved one so well, she just didn't want it to happen to anyone else. Especially to someone who would be left all alone.
But clearly she was mistaken because when a week later the soon to be queen gave a public speech and apology to Arendelle's citizen. She, although still visibly a little shaken, was very confident and certain in her words, even throwing a hesitant smile here and there. There must've been someone who still cared and knew the princess well enough to help her through these hard days.
The young royal addressed the damages her powers made and promised they'd be paid off by the crown. She humbly apologized and promised that something like this won't happen again and that she has the best interest of her citizens at heart. Anna put the geography book in its proper section and smiled as she recalled the last words of the princess' speech.
"I am terribly sorry for all the misfortune I brought unto you. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me a-and…and accept me for what I am."
Anna remembered how scared and stiff the princess looked in the few silent moments that followed. The redhead grinned when she recalled the thunderous applause and cheering from the entire crowd. She herself couldn't help but cheer with everyone else and even though the princess' was standing far away on the castles balcony, Anna could clearly recognize an open smile of relief on her face and catch a glimpse of shimmer in her eyes.
Was the princess really crying?
Anna beamed at the sight of the future queen shedding tears of joy and laughing and waving back to the exited citizens.
Magical items, tokens and trinkets. Anna sighed. Not one of these again.
All books concerning magic, sorcery, witchcraft and the like were in the extraordinary works section that had to be accessed by an employee via a ladder. It wouldn't be that big of deal if it hadn't been for the fact that even with the ladder, Anna couldn't reach the highest shelf. She knew she was short and it never bugged her, but this was just so unfair.
She grunted and carried the book close to her chest, while she was passing through the history section. A side glimpse at a beautiful artwork in a form of a golden crown on a spine of one of the books she passed by brought back some more pleasant memories.
Within a week after the princess' speech her coronation took place. Only the other nobles of Arendelle and neighboring or allied kingdoms were allowed to be present at the ceremony but Anna was there when the former princess was presented to the people of Arendelle as their new queen. Once again on the castle balcony the queen greeted her people, thanking them for their support and promising to do her best in governing this kingdom.
Anna pressed the book to her chest with one hand and steadied herself with the other as she started to climb up.
Blasted magic related baloney! We only moved the section all the way up here, because nobody would buy it.
A little bit of guilt dawned on her with that thought. She hated climbing up here, but she knew the books weren't to blame. She felt a bit guilty for her thoughts even more so, because she actually loved reading about mystical creatures, secret wizard orders and other magic related things she could find in these books. They made her feel like there was so much more to this world then boring jobs and dull city life.
Well even so, it doesn't change the weight of this damn thing. Up you go!
The redhead clenched her teeth as she outstretched her arm with the heavy book as far as she could. Standing on her tiptoes on a ladder rung, Anna tried to reach with the book to the uppermost shelf as that was the only one with some room left.
Just a little bit further and…
The doors of the shop creaked open and the bell above them rang loudly enough through the silence of the store to startle Anna and make her lose the grip on the book, which in turn slipped from her grasp and after effectively smacking her on the head, fell to the ground. Anna swallowed a curse.
What the hell? We rarely get customers and not at all on Sundays. Has Belle returned for something she left here yesterday?
The young girl climbed down and rubbed her aching forehead. She picked up the book and peaked around the bookstand to see who came in. To her surprise in was actually a real customer. The person wore a long, simple, brown cloak with a hood over their head. They were facing away from Anna, browsing through the bookstand opposite the counter. By how quickly they were storming through it, the redhead assumed she was looking for something specific.
Shaking off the initial shock, Anna straightened up, pressed the fallen book to her chest and with confident strides she walked behind the counter, ready to do her job. The person either didn't hear Anna's entrance or was too preoccupied to notice. The redhead put the book under the counter and cleared her throat.
"Excuse me, can I help you with something?" She said earning an alarmed gasp and a quick turnaround from the other person.
Even though the hood covered much of the stranger's face, Anna could tell she startled the unknown visitor.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you, I just wanted to let you know I'm here that's all." She gave the stranger a warm smile with an apologetic look.
The stranger seemed to relax and answered with a little stutter. "I-It's a-alright. I just didn't hear you come up."
Anna smiled even wider at answer. A woman, she thought. Her voice was definitely feminine, it was so sweet and soft.
But why does she have to hide her face? Anna wondered.
"So," she started. "Is there something in particular I can find for you?"
The woman was silent for a short moment and then replied. "Y-yes, there is something I am looking for."
She approached the counter as she finished, rubbing her hands nervously. Anna stiffened a little but hadn't moved an inch.
What's wrong? She seems so jumpy.
The woman gripped the sides of her hood and said, "Please, don't freak out."
Why would I… HOLY SMOKES!
As the woman removed her hood, the redhead froze in her spot with a light gasp. She would know that face anywhere. That pale as snow skin, those crimson red lips just slightly opened in an unsure, maybe even startled expression, little button nose that from this close of a distance, Anna could see the faintest freckles. Her platinum blonde hair, shining like a sparkling brook, tied into a tight bun at the back of her head, her thinly plucked eyebrows shaped into a perfect arch that followed the slight curve of her deep, azure blue eyes. The eyes that now stared with panic look into her own. Even though Anna only saw her twice and from very far away, she would still recognize her queen. There was no other woman like her in the entire kingdom.
Anna was stunned. What was she supposed to do? What could she even do? She opened and closed her mouth a few times, trying to say something, anything. Unconsciously she backed away a few steps until her back hit the bookstand behind the counter. That made the young girl jump up in surprise and wake her from her initial trance.
"Y-your Majesty! I-I'm…you're…I mean…umm..." Anna's face turned red, her eyes still running over the features of the queen's face. The redhead realized that and immediately bowed her head, turning her gaze to the floor.
The monarch raised her hands in front of her. "No, please, it's alright, you have nothing to be afraid of," she added an unsure smile to strengthen her words.
That seemed to calm the redhead a little. She composed herself, straightened up and brushed off nonexistent dust from her skirt. Anna cleared her throat, trying to get rid of her stutter.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I was just…well I-I mean…what are you doing here?" When she realized, what she just said, her eyes grew wide and her faced even redder. If that was even possible. She waved her hands in an apologetic gesture.
"Not that you're not welcome here! Or anywhere for that matter! You're the queen, so you can go anywhere you want really, this is your kingdom after all, right? I'm sorry, I'm rambling. It's just thing I do sometimes. Well, often. Well, all the time actually. So…umm, yeah." Anna suddenly stopped her ramble, pursed her lips and looked back up at the young monarch. She tried to keep calm, but her accelerated breathing made a steam pump of her chest and beads of sweat started to appear on her forehead.
The queen remained quiet, her mouth making an "o" shape and her gaze still fixed upon Anna.
Oh Gods, I must've offended her! Yes, definitely - speaking without permission or something. What is the sentence for rambling to the queen?
Then the queen did something that the redhead did not quit expect. She chuckled.
Wait, what?
The tiniest, cutest chuckle Anna ever heard escaped queen's lips. The young royal covered her mouth with her hand until she finished her giggle.
"Well, I'll be sure to keep that in mind," she gave the young girl a sincere smile that left her speechless.
Don't just stare at her, say something, you idiot!
But the monarch beat her to it, "Let's start over. You already know me, so might I ask your name?"
Her comforting tone and kind gaze calmed Anna enough to find her speech again.
"Ah-nna, Your Majesty," she said, her voice still shaking a little, "my name is Anna."
The queen's smile grew wider, seeing the redhead relax. "Well, it's nice to meet you Anna."
The redhead was a little taken back by the queen's warm and friendly attitude. Not that she would ever think badly of the queen in any way. After both of her speeches, Anna was certain, that the young queen was actually a really nice and kind person, but seeing her so welcoming first hand was just too much for the young girl. So much so, that she caught herself grinning at the monarch like an idiot.
"Oh, likewise, Your Majesty." She did an awkward curtsey, earning another sweet chuckle from the young royal. "So, umm… you said there's something, you're looking for? Is there anyway I can help?"
The queen frowned a little, turning her gaze to the side and raping her hands around herself. "Yes, I umm… I've been searching for some… well, special books," she said, visibly nervous.
So the queen of Arendelle just wants some books?
"Well, Your Majesty, if I may ask, there are many other book shops in Arendelle that are much more accessible. I mean, no offense, but even I sometimes get lost, trying to get here. And I work here."
The queen closed her eyes and shook her head. "I've already been to every store in the city, just recently I found out about this place and from what I've heard you sell some uncommon titles, some that one can't find in just any book store," she said, returning her gaze to Anna with anticipation in her eyes.
Well that's true. Belle always insisted on having all possible books they could get their hands on, including some hard to find titles.
"Yes, I suppose that's true. So what is it you are looking for, Your Majesty?"
The queen beamed up at Anna's statement. "Would you possibly have any books concerning magic?"
The redhead gave her a puzzled look. The queen seemed to understand her confusion immediately.
"Not some fantastic tales or legends, but real professional pieces on the topic. Maybe some published studies, manuscripts, diaries of magic users, something like that?"
Well, you've certainly come to the right place, Anna thought. The extraordinary works section was full of pieces that would fit the queen's description. The freckled redhead often browsed through those books, reading about all sorts of studies conducted on sorcery and witchcraft, manuscripts including procedures and secrets of alchemy and conjuring even some biographies of court wizards.
"Oh. OH! Right, yes, yes, we have exactly what you're looking for, Your Majesty. There's the Bright Wizard's investigations of the Black Arts, although that one mostly deals with the dangers of conjuring dark forces and how to repel them, so, maybe not exactly what you're looking for…I hope…Oh! There are the manuscripts of Mystics from the mage tower of Ensiferum, all seventeen issues! I think that at least one of them should have whatever it is you need. OH! And I definitely have the autobiography of Septimus Argius, the court wizard of Aderrash here somewhere. You know Aderraash, the old kingdom in the Boneless Desert. It's called Boneless because, according to legends, there live these nasty sand worms that eat the bones of any dead traveler. But if you ask me that's just superstitious nonsense. And you wouldn't believe what they think of…"
Anna suddenly stopped, just when she noticed the queen's half opened mouth and confused expression.
Oh Gods, I did it again.
"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty! I ramble to anyone who comes in, really. It's just I am here all alone the whole day and almost every day for that matter, so when someone comes in I get a little bit exited..."
The redhead bowed her head in shame and stared at her shoes, wishing she could shut up just this once. Her entire face was red and she was so hot, she was surprised there wasn't steam coming from her ears.
The queen remained silent. Anna took all the courage she had left and looked up at her face. The monarch was staring at her firmly, her mouth pursed into a thin line, her eyes half shut as if she was judging what to do with her.
No, no, no! I totally offended her this time! I am so going to the dungeons. Now she'll probably...wait, what?
As the freckled girl awaited the queen's reaction, she noticed that the corners of her mouth were slightly twitching and the rest of her facial features too for that matter as if she was having a trouble concealing something. Before Anna could figure out what it was the queen had bust into a fit of giggles, trying her best to hide it by holding both of her hand over her mouth.
The redhead first didn't know how to react. She just stood there with wide eyes, mouth half opened, questioning if she got up this morning or if she's still dreaming.
The young royal waved her off, trying to catch her breath. "J-just a little bit?" She said, covering her mouth again to stop another wave of giggles. "I-I'm sorry," she said trying to sound as serious as possible. "It has been 'no fun and games' lately at the castle, it hasn't been since..." The queen suddenly stopped, her face frowned and her mouth half opened at the unfinished sentence.
Anna's heart ached, filling with sorrow for the other woman. The young monarch was still deeply hurt, no matter how well she could hide it. The redhead would like nothing more than hug her and hold her, letting her cry away all her troubles, but she knew that was out of the question. Sad or not, this girl was still the queen of Arendelle and Anna was…well, just Anna.
"I am very, very sorry for your loss, Your Majesty," was all she could manage.
"Thank you," the queen retorted quietly, "Let's just say, it was a long time since I last laughed."
She gave the freckled girl a smile, which Anna knew was forced, but she couldn't blame her. She was the queen, and she must lead by example. If she would crumble, the kingdom would too.
Anna smiled brightly at the older girl, trying to brighten the sour mood as best she could. Maybe returning to the matter at hand, would help to take her mind of things.
"So…what exactly is it you are looking for, Your Majesty?"
"I…umm, it's about...," the freckled girl could clearly see it was a delicate topic. "It's about my powers." She finished, avoiding the younger girls gaze, as if she said something to be ashamed of.
WHAT?!
"You aren't trying to get rid of them right!?" Anna exclaimed, maybe just a little bit more loudly and strictly than she intended.
The queen flinched, little surprised by the redhead's unexpected outburst. "What? No! I-I just want to see if I can find anything about them, perhaps learn how to better control them."
Anna released a sigh of relief. "Oh thank the Gods! That'd be bad, because your powers are just marvelous!" Putting a big emphasis on the last word, she beamed up at the queen who seemed a little confused by her statement.
"I-I…thank you, that's…that's very kind of you to say." She smiled unsurely at the redhead who grinned back at her brightly.
"Most people would be afraid of them or what I might do with them."
The younger girl frowned and waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, I know you don't want to hurt anybody!"
The queen was taken back by Anna's response. She could tell from her serious expression that Anna's comment was genuine.
"How could you know?"
The redhead lowered her head, looking at her shoes and shrugged her shoulders. "I just know." She said looking back up, meeting the queen's gaze. "I can't imagine you abusing your powers…not after your speech."
The young royal was staring in Anna's emerald green eyes, not breaking her gaze for a second. After the Great Thaw, everyone in the castle was either tiptoeing around the subject of her powers or ignoring it entirely. To hear someone discuss it as if it was something amazing and a commoner whom she only just met at that, was a completely new experience for the queen. And to her surprise, actually a very pleasant one. Anna was truly something else.
Not even realizing it, the queen smiled brightly at Anna, her comment warming her at heart. It felt nice to not only be accepted but even adored.
She should smile all the time. That smile is too cute to keep it hidden, Anna thought, not even noticing she was smiling back and still staring at her queen like and complete idiot.
"So, umm…yeah! If you would give me some time, I think I could definitely find something that might help you..."
"Actually," the monarch started. "If I may?"
The redhead stopped walking towards the aisle that led to the extraordinary section and turned around to give the queen her full attention.
"You surely have other work to attend to and I don't want to take up all your time just for my sake. Would it be at all possible for you to look up whatever books you can find over today and bring them to the castle tomorrow?"
Anna goggled at the older girl. "W-what? Me? In the castle?"
"Would that be a problem?"
Yes! A pretty big one! What would I wear? How would I act? What would I say? This is a very, very, VERY bad idea!
"N-no! Of course not! No problem at all!"
Nice work there, brain.
The queen smiled warmly at her.
Ok it was worth it for that smile.
"Is around lunch alright with you?"
Well I don't start working until 2PM, so I should make it fine.
"Yeah, that'd be great!" She shot the queen a smile with a quick nod, her twin braids dangling with the sudden motion.
"Alright then," the queen started. "When you arrive at the gates, there'll be a female guard standing watch. Her name's Denice, she's a good friend of mine and I trust her. I'll alert her of your arrival, just tell her that you are here at my request and..." The young royal approached the counter and took of her right glove. She slipped a ring from her finger and put it on the counter. "Here. Show her this ring so she knows it's really you."
Anna picked up the ring hesitantly and nodded agreement.
The monarch smiled at her brightly, tilting her head to the side a little.
Gods, that smile could melt glaciers.
Anna felt herself blushing again, familiar warmth rushing to her cheeks.
Don't just stare at her like a dolt, you creep!
"Well I am looking forward on seeing you tomorrow," the monarch said, breaking the redhead's chain of thought.
"Me too!" the young girl blurted, maybe little too eagerly. Remembering her place, she added, "Y-your Majesty," supplying it with another awkward curtsy.
The older girl covered her mouth to hide her small giggle and then beckoned at Anna, "Goodbye Anna, and thank you."
"You're welcome, Your Majesty. Goodbye."
As the queen put on her hood and walked through the door to the warm summer evening, Anna was left there wondering what had just happened.
Have I actually been invited to the castle? Me!?
Anna couldn't believe what had just transpired here. Maybe she had just fallen asleep again on the job and it all took place in her head. But the ring in her hand was a clear indication that it was indeed real. The bubbly redhead couldn't hide it any longer and cried out with joy, laughing like a lunatic and jumping up with excitement. Her dull life was finally taking a turn. It was something unbelievable, after all, this was supposed to be an ordinary day for Anna.
A month ago, far away from Arendelle
The inn was crowded and noisy at night. The piercing stench of spilled beer and sweaty drunkards was filling the entire establishment. The Wanderer knew that, but welcomed it. The smell, loud shouting and laughter kept his other senses distracted so he could focus simply on thinking. His place in a dark corner kept him safe from anyone straying in and annoying him. He just wanted a secluded place to contemplate.
Maybe he could venture to the Black Swamps again. It wasn't that long since the last time he was there, but there were always some dire creatures threatening the local villages, so there would surely be enough work for him. And that's not even mentioning that every other aspirant of dark magic hides in the Swamps to practice his skill in the Black Arts.
Yes, there will surely be some work for him. The people of…Tagansburg? Takanesburg? He was sure it was something beginning with T and ending with burg. Blasted memory. No matter, the people of that village were so kind to him couple of years back. It was when he got rid of the waterstrider that was drowning the villagers so it could eat their bloated organs.
Hideous creatures those striders. Although seemingly having a weak form of a crooked humanoid, they are strong as bulls, their claws sharp as razors, eyes big as clenched fists and black as night.
And because they live in underwater caves the villagers couldn't exactly smoke it out of its lair to kill it. Luck had it that the Wanderer was just passing through those parts. As soon as he heard of the drownings, he was ready to help. Luring the beast on the solid land wasn't easy. Killing it though, was a merely a mediocre task.
After the deed was done the people fed him and let him stay at their barn for more than a week. It was far more than he could've asked of them. But he was eventually always back on his way. There were other people who needed help against things they couldn't face themselves. And he was their protector, or at the very least, he tried to be.
Yes, he will venture forth the Black Swamps the first thing tomorrow. In few days' time he should arrive—
WHAT THE HELL!?
The amulet around his neck started to burn so hot as if it was just pulled from a blacksmith's furnace. He jerked on the spot, trying to unlace the fastening of his shirt. Too slow. He ripped his shirt open and tore the necklace from his neck, throwing it on the table in front of him.
By all the Gods, what just happened?
The amulet was supposed to get warm in case of magic disturbances. The stronger the magic used the hotter it would get. He used it to track down all dark magic users that were endangering anyone. But it never burned so hot before. Even with the strongest of spell casters he fought, the amulet hadn't been hot enough to burn his skin. Whoever - or whatever - this was – it was immensely powerful.
The Wanderer hurriedly grabbed his garnet red coat that laid on the bench next to him and reached his hand inside. He pulled out a crystal ball, held it before him and shouted, "Show me! Show me where that was!"
His sudden outburst earned him some questioning looks of other people sitting in the inn, but he didn't care. This was too big of a deal to keep his calm. If this amount of power was in the wrong hands, that would be bad news for everyone.
The crystal ball shivered a little in his hand and enchanted smoke inside turned dark red.
Oh not this again.
He forgot that the ball will work only if spoken to it in rhyme.
Damn this thing! Who thought enchanting it with such a ridicules rule would be a good idea?
The Wanderer sighed in frustration and shut his eyes trying to figure out what he'll say. After a while he gave up and went with the best thing he could think of.
"Crystal ball, please don't be mad. Just show me where this person is to be had."
The ball shivered for a few seconds and the red smoke turned green. The next moment the smoke dispersed and the Wanderer saw a big castle with tall spires. And it was no ruin, it looked well preserved.
Whoever they are, they aren't trying to hide themselves in some secluded lair.
The Wanderer focused on the image that has been shown to him, trying to get some more information on where this might be. Then he saw the flag on one of the spires, dangling in the wind. A horizontal dark purple and dark green stripe with a brightly yellow flower in the middle.
The Wanderer was sure he had seen it before. He studied geography and the names and heraldry of all the kingdoms as the part of his training. But that was long ago, when he still trained magic with—
ARENDELLE! It has to be the kingdom of Arendelle in the far north.
He grinned at his small victory but frowned when he realized what was wrong with what he was seeing. Arendelle was a kingdom in the far north but even there was no snow in the middle of summer. And there was a lot of snow in the image before him. The fjord that the capital city had been situated on was now frozen over as far as the eye could see.
Well that was not good. Even in the heart of winter, the fjord never froze entirely. There were definitely some external forces at work here.
Somebody brought winter into the kingdom several months early. And harsher than it has seen in a very long time.
Who would profit from that? Was somebody plotting to destroy this kingdom? He had to find out who or what it was that summoned the rage of winter upon Arendelle. The Wanderer frowned and focused on what he wanted to say.
"In rhyme…to you…I choose to speak. Now please show me, the one I seek."
The ball once again filled with green smoke and after it dispersed the wanderer saw who it was that wielded the power his amulet alerted him about.
A…girl?
The Wanderer had seen his share of dark and evil sorceresses to know that women were just as capable as men in the arts of magic, but a young girl was not someone who he had expected. He imagined some old grumpy conjurer who used his years of experience for evil or some raging fanatic after dark ritual for some unknown forces of darkness.
He was completely stunned by what he was seeing. The room the girl was in was richly decorated, beautiful pictures covered the walls and expensive looking carpet laid upon the ground. And even though all that was cover by a lair of frost, he knew that this girl was no simple commoner.
A noble, no less.
The Wanderer shook his head in confusion, question upon question rising in his head. Who was this girl? Why would she do that? How could she do that? Until he realized something that he in his hurried search for answers overlooked. The girl was crying. More than that she looked devastated. Crawled up in the corner, sobbing uncontrollably. She held her knees tightly to her chest, shivering hard and with eyes red from the crying.
She must have been crying for a long time.
This girl meant no harm to anybody. The Wanderer was certain. She was scared, sad and alone. He did not know how she came by to so much power, or what triggered this sudden unburst of her magic. But he would rather burn in hell than leave her get through it alone.
Seems like Black Swamps will have to wait.
He stood up, threw on his coat and put the crystal ball inside. With few long strides he was at the bar.
"Innkeeper, how far from here is Arendelle?"
The innkeeper looked at him with a questioning look and scratched his head.
"Month or two on horseback, depending on the weather. The roads tend to get muddy after the rains this time of year."
The wanderer frowned. It was too slow but it would have to do. He reached into his coat and tossed a pouch of coins onto the bar. The innkeeper's eyes widened at the sight.
"I want a good horse and some provisions for a long journey, you can keep the change but make it quick!"
The innkeeper lost no time and ran to the stables right after shouting some commands to the kitchens and grabbing the pouch in front of him.
Hold on girl. I'm on my way.
Month ago, even farther away from Arendelle
What was that?
The Eternal One sprung up from his seat. He felt something. A powerful shift in the winds of magic. Too powerful. He hadn't felt anything that strong in a long time. Not since…No! Now was not the time to dwell on the past. Not when he was so close to his goal. And this new power could be the final step in reaching it. It had to be investigated.
He reached into his side pouch and removed its content from the inside, clenching it in his fist.
"Let me see…"
He closed his eyes and let the vision dance in his mind. He saw a city. Covered in snow. That was absurd. No city this big and grand lies so far north to be covered in snow in this time of year. Unless…
"Preise! Get here this instance!"
The doors to the hall opened and a tall young man came through.
"You summoned me, my Lord?"
"Yes. There has been an anomaly, a great deal of magic was used to cover an entire kingdom in snow. Get in contact with your agents and find out where it was. An incident of this scale couldn't have gone unnoticed. Once you know where it happened, take your men and venture there. I want the person behind this brought to me… alive! Is that understood!?"
Preise shivered a little. "Yes, my Lord. It will be done as you command."
With a deep bow the man left the hall.
The Eternal One hoped they can sort this out quickly. He would go on and do what needs to be done himself, but someone that powerful, would surely not give up his powers willingly. He would win if it came to a fight, he had no doubt about that, but it would cost him great amounts of magic he could not dare to waste. No, Preise and his men could deal with this as they dealt with so many other sorcerers and wizards before. What good is your magic to you if you are caught off guard? Stealth and cunning were sometimes more efficient then brute force. With that thought, the Eternal One returned to his peaceful meditation.
Finally, after so many years this could be the final step in achieving my ultimate destiny.