The Southern Isles were divided into two beauteous regions. The central island was the largest, and home to the castle and its surrounding city. The Central Island, along with its urban land, was covered in enormous fields, and forests one could only find in fairy-tales. The surrounding twelve, smaller islands were more tropical, with dense jungles and forests, very rare this far up north in the world. But this story begins on the Central Island, deep in the castle walls.

It was dinner time, and the Duke of Westleton was visiting, so the entire royal family was expected to show up, allowing them to use their largest dining table. Its large size was due to the fact that the king and queen had a whole thirteen children, all boys. The king called this a gift, as it meant that their family's survival would be ensured until the end of time. The Endless Dynasty, he called it.

The oldest of the brothers and first in line was at the table. Eirik, being masculine, fair haired, with a gorgeously structured face, and height of six feet and two inches, he was undeniably handsome in every way. He was thirty-four years of age, with the queen first being pregnant with him when she was only fourteen. Decked in their finest of clothing, the prince greeted the Duke of Westleton with great courtesy, as he was also an intense gentleman.

The next few brothers, Bjorn, Claus, Haakon, and Ingvar entered the room. Next were the triplets, Ingolf, Jerrik, and Kalle. Then Markus, Nils, Noak, and Tore.

Lastly, and thirteenth in line for the throne, was Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. Auburn hair, beautiful eyes, tall, and a skilled swordsman, Hans was just as much what one looked for in a prince as his eldest brother Eirik. He entered the room with grace, and he too greeted the Duke with true respect, just as he did when the two first met hours ago.

"Ah," said King Vidar. "This is my youngest son, Hans."

"Yes father," responded Hans. "You introduced us earlier today…"

"I did? Ah well, these things slip my mind."

The family began dinner, with Eirik holding a seat for Hans.

"Father will give you the least experience in these sorts of affairs," Eirik had said earlier while they were discussing dinner. "I think you should know how meetings with other people in power go down. Even if you won't be king one day, you can still use your influence to benefit the kingdom."

So Hans took his seat next to his older brother, while the Duke and Vidar discussed important events in the world.

"You know, it's almost been a year since the monarchs of Arendelle died," said the Duke.

"Really? When will their princess Ella have her coronation ceremony?"

"I believe her name is Elsa, and it's still a year away. She has to come of age I trust you will be attending the coronation."

"But of course! I wouldn't miss the chance to attend the most secretive place in Scandinavia. Eirik, will you come?"

"It's still a year away father, and of course." He glanced at Hans, who was toying with his food. "Perhaps some of the others shall join us?"

"Hmm," pondered the king. "Your mother can't attend." He looked to a confused Duke. "She has a disease, too dangerous to let her travel by ship," he informed their guest. Turning back to his son, he continued their conversation. "You know, Bjorn could use some experience off shore, for diplomatic purposes."

"Perhaps all of us."

Hans sat up straight to pay more attention.

"Excellent idea!" said the king. "Though I don't enjoy the thought of Hans running the castle all by himself while we're gone."

Hans dropped his fork while Eirik seemed confused. "Why would Hans be running the castle?"

"We need someone to look after it. Hans doesn't need to go."

"And why not?!" Hans asked, finally having the courage to speak.

The king looked at him as if the answer was obvious, which it was. "Please Hans, you're not going to be king. You don't need to know how these things work. You should stay here and train with the swords-master."

"Why?" demanded Hans. "Because all I'm good for is dying on a battlefield?"

"Precisely."

Silence filled the air.

"Well," said the Duke, trying to fill in the awkwardness, only to make things more awkward. "How about you show me around the castle, your majesty. I've always been a fan of Southern Islander architecture. You know, you people have marvelous pillars and-"

The king got up from his seat and bid the Duke to follow, leaving the brothers there in silence, while the queen spent the dinner in her bed chambers.

"Wow," said Ingolf. "Dad's not afraid to put you in your place when guests are around."

"I'm sorry," said Hans snapping in the triplet's direction, "are you three acknowledging my existence again? That's a change from the past two years."

The triplets snickered while the other brothers all chatted amongst themselves.

Hans stormed out of the room with Eirik following him.

"Hans, father wants you to lead armies. He knows you're skilled enough for it."

"Yeah," responded Hans, "because I'm the most expendable of all of us."

"I'll talk to him when the time comes. Discuss the coronation in Arendelle, and whatnot."

"Don't even bother," said Hans. With that, he retreated to his room, deciding on a plan he had been considering for a long time.


The docks on the Central Island were boarding up trade supplies, and Hans was waiting on them.

"Are you sure you want to do this, brother?" asked Eirik, with the early morning sunlight shining on his face.

"I'm sure," said Hans. His little journey across the Isles was just what he needed. There were so many things he'd heard rumor of out there. Monsters, wizards, cursed people who had control over the elements.

"See you whenever you get back," said Eirik. Hans bid farewell to two of his other brothers, Noak and Haakon, who'd come to see him off as well. They hugged their little brother goodbye, while Hans and Eirik took each others hands, before he got on the boat and was off to see what the Isles had in store for him.