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'Just a little further, Angus,' Merida shouted, clinging onto his reins with frozen hands as he raced through the driving rain that had already soaked her to the bone. Ahead of her, she could just make out the castle rising against the dark sky and she urged Angus towards the bridge.

We're nearly there...

'What a night,' Katya said, pulling her cloak tighter around her and turning to Immanuel, who shrugged.

'I've been out in worse...'

'I'm sure. But no-one ever mentions this, do they? Join the Arendelle Guard, spend all night outdoors in the rain.'

'Look on the bright side. At least no-one's trying to kill us...do you hear that?'

'It sounds like hooves. We don't have any riders out, do we?'

'No,' Immanuel said, drawing his sword just as a horse cantered across the bridge, a red haired young woman clinging to his back. As they watched, she slipped from his back and fell to the cobbles, where she lay still.

'Come on,' Katya said, racing towards her and kneeling down next to her.

'Is she alright?' Immanuel asked, walking up behind her, his sword held lightly at his side and Katya glanced up at him.

'I'm not sure. I think she's unconscious...' she said, her eyes widening as she saw the broach fastening her cloak.

'We need to get her inside,' she said, picking her up. 'Send someone for Dr Cristensen...'

'Checkmate,' Elsa said as she moved her Knight to take Anna's Rook.

'What?' Anna said. 'How did you...?'

'You've just got to see the whole board,' Elsa said and Anna shrugged.

'Yeah, well. Chess was never my game...'

'Do you want to try something else...?'

'No!' Anna said, grabbing her pieces and starting to set up the board again just as the door opened.

'Excuse me, your Highness?'

'Yes, Helda?'

'I'm sorry to interrupt, your Highness, but there is a...situation that needs your attention...'

'Who is she?' Elsa asked, as she and Anna followed Helda through the corridors to the guest rooms.

'We're not sure, your Highness. But she is wearing a broach with the symbol of Clan Dun Broch...'

'Who are they?' Anna asked.

'They rule a land to the north of here, Princess,' Helda said, as she pushed open the door, where two members of the Arendelle Guard were standing outside. Inside, a redhaired young woman was lying in the bed with the covers pulled up to her chin.

'She appears to be exhausted,' Helda said, closing the door quietly behind her. 'I would say that she's been riding for at least a day...'

Her voice trailed off as Merida's eyes fluttered open and she turned towards them.

'Where am I?'

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Any comments, reviews or constructive criticisms are very welcome.