Chapter 1
Jharm sprinted up the twisting stairs to the top of one of the towers overlooking the harbor.
Did she escape? Where is the Princess? Is she really dead?
Grabbing a spyglass sitting on a table by the door, the guard forced the door open and stepped out into the blizzard, the wind buffeting him ferociously. He attempted to look around, straining his eyes to see if he could see anything below but all he could see was white. All of a sudden though the blizzard literally vanished, almost as if the power fueling it had evaporated. A distance away he could spot two figures, one almost laying on the ground and the other standing over them. A quick look through the spyglass revealed it to be Prince Hans standing over Queen Elsa.
No! My Queen!
Then before his very eyes he watched as Princess Anna dashed in front of Hans and as she raised her hand to stop the coming sword strike...turned into an ice statue, the blade shattering against her hand. Jharm couldn't believe what he just saw. The Princess sacrificed her life to save the Queen...the Princess was still alive...Hans had lied...she had been alive when he had called for the Queen's execution! Red hot fury burned through the soldiers veins as his hand found the hilt of his sword. Hans had betrayed the Queen and the Princess! Thoughts of vengeance disappeared though as he noticed something happening as the grieving Queen hung onto the frozen form of her sister. Raising the glass to his eye once more Jharm could clearly see color returning to Anna's body.
Can it be true? Please have it be true!
Suddenly the Princess slumped slightly as the last of the ice thawed from her body. Queen Elsa could feel the movement and gazed up to see her sister was alive. Jharm lowered the spyglass as a sudden realization hit him.
They are alive and safe! Wait...Hans is still out there with them!
Turning and bolting back down the stairs as fast as he could go, the guardsman pushed himself to the limits. He hoped he would be able to reach the Queen and her sister before Hans could attempt anything again (not realizing that Hans was out cold after getting flung backwards and hitting his head off the ice). As he exited the castle towards the docks he came to a sudden stop as he realized something.
The snow...its...gone?
He gazed around and indeed it was all gone. The snow and ice were nowhere to be seen, the fjord unfrozen and open water once more. A small smile crept across his face, until he remembered his mission and continued down the docks, looking around for any sign of Elsa or Anna. A ship caught his eye as he reached the end of the docks. It looked like it was moving on its own at first until he spotted the Queen on board, using her powers to propel the ship forward. He didn't see any sign of Hans though, and there was a strange man with a reindeer also on board. As the ship drew closer to the dock Jharm could tell the dignitaries and other people gathered there were likely to rush the Queen, many with questions and demands. Gently nudging his way through the crowd he positioned himself so if any should attempt to rush Her Majesty he would be able to work to hold them back. Thankfully once the ship came to a stop and the Queen stepped off onto the dock the people stayed back slightly, though all shouted various questions towards the woman before them. With a regal gesture of her hand Elsa managed to get complete silence.
"Please. I understand you are all looking for an explanation, and you deserve one. However this is neither the time nor the place."
She then turned towards the Captain of the Guard who had also positioned himself nearest the boat.
"Please gather everyone in the palace courtyard so that I may address my citizens properly. In regards to Prince Hans - "
She didn't get to finish her sentence for at that precise moment, a very wet and coughing Hans stumbled across the dock.
"Guards seize her, the sorceress is dangerous! She killed her sister and threatened me!"
It was at this point that Princess Anna, who was standing right next to the Queen, exploded.
"No she didn't you liar! You tricked me and left me to freeze to death so that you could kill Elsa and be king! Arrest HIM! He will remain in the dungeons until we can send him back to where he came from!"
Jharm hesitated but a moment, surprised at the uncharacteristic, forceful nature the Princess just revealed, but then quickly snapped to action. He seized Hans and with the help of 2 other nearby guards dragged the squirming prince towards the castle and the dungeons below, the man bellowing something about them all being deceived by a witch...but Jharm knew what he had seen before, having to work to keep from hitting the pathetic excuse for a man he now hauled down the stairs to his waiting cell.
Once he deposited the villainous scum in his new quarters, the soldier turned and headed out to the courtyard, fully expecting the ever growing crowd of citizens, all waiting to hear from their mysterious Queen. Before long the courtyard was packed wall to wall by people, Jharm standing against the far wall, having a clear view of the balcony he knew the Queen would use to make the aforementioned address to the people. Suddenly the doors to the balcony swung open and Kai walked out.
"Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle!"
As the royals stepped out onto the balcony Jharm could hear some slight gasps of amazement, one such gasp escaping from his lips. There was never any question as to the beauty of Queen Elsa but what they gazed upon was more stunning then any could imagine. Rays of light gleamed off a shining crown that rested on top of the platinum head of the Queen and what almost looked like ice droplets on her gown almost glowed with an inner light. A moment later Elsa began to speak, first apologizing for inadvertently causing the sudden freeze and explaining why she had run away on her Coronation night. She paused as if she was waiting for some kind of response to her revealing that she had been born with the power to control ice and snow. When no kind of response came, she continued in her speech for a few more moments until she neared the end.
"...a woman forged from winter, wielder of magic and ruling monarch of Arendelle."
Once again there was complete and utter silence. Jharm could see that the Queen was nervous.
She thinks the people don't want her as their Queen...no...that can't be true!
Looking around Jharm did the only thing he could do. At the top of his voice he bellowed the only words that he felt needed to be said.
"All hail Queen Elsa!"
People around him joined in the shout as choruses of "long live the Queen" and "hail Queen Elsa" rang out across the courtyard. The guard could tell this was the response she had hoped and desired for. Suddenly she raised her hands, the crowd quieting instantly. She then proceeded to recognize her sister and all that she had done for the kingdom and how if it hadn't been for Princess Anna the eternal winter may have never been lifted, and that a massive celebration would be held in her honor in seven days. She then turned and seemed to exchange some words with her sister and then the two hugged and turned and left the balcony. Jharm began to work his way back through the crowd to head into the castle.
Upon entering the castle he noticed a general lack of guard presence. There were a few guards about but where were the roaming patrols and guards at the entrances to the castle? After such a series of events that happened recently the Castle guards should be even more evident, especially with all the dignitaries still within the city from the Coronation event. Where was the Captain of the Guard? He grabbed the nearest guard he saw and inquired such a question to him.
"I don't know, he disappeared shortly after coming back up from the docks...I hear he may have been removed from duty by her Majesty."
Oh no...if that is true then no one is handling assignments so...who is guarding the Queen?!
Jharm moved through the entry hall and up the stairs, spotting Kai thankfully.
"Kai...where is the Queen? Did she have anyone with her?"
"She is in a meeting with all the dignitaries just down the hall there."
"Did any guards accompany her or anything?"
"No, I do not believe so."
Damn it all!
Kai looked slightly confused at Jharms scowl.
"Why, is anything wrong?"
Jharm hurried down the hallway, heading in the direction Kai pointed
"I hope not!"
He reaches the door and puts his ear to it. He hears voices within, one definitely Queen Elsa and the other a man that he didn't recognize the voice of. From the tone of the mans voice it sounded as if he was arguing with the Queen about Prince Hans. Accepting that it was a sign the Queen wasn't in any danger Jharm stepped to the side of the door and took the stance of parade rest but still keeping a slight ear towards the door should any sign of trouble emit from within. After a short period the doors opened and Elsa and Anna exited the room. Jharm snapped to attention and placing his right fist over his heart and bowing slightly to each woman [the general method of the Royal Guards to acknowledge the Crown].
"Your Majesty...Princess"
Elsa nodded to him gently as she and Anna continued on towards the kitchen.
Strange...I don't remember him being there when we first went in there.
After giving the sisters a generous distance for privacy and respect, Jharm turned and quietly followed after them until they reached the smaller dining room where they had apparently chosen to have their dinner in. Choosing to remain outside the door since he had never been "officially" assigned to guard the Royals and thus may not be appreciated to be in on a private dinner he resumed his position next to the door at parade rest once again.
After a few minutes Kai came walking down the hall with the stranger from the boat earlier and a...small snowman. Kai gave the guard a small nod as he realized the reasoning for his earlier questions but then paused as he remembered about the snowman behind him. Jharm glances down at the snowman who looked up at him with a big toothy grin and waved a flimsy stick hand at him. Giving a nod of acknowledgment he returned to looking straight forward. The butler gave a small shrug accepting the guards reaction to such an odd sight. Opening the doors the man stepped in and announced the two.
"Kristoff Bjorgman and Olaf...the snowman."
The two entered the dining hall and Kai shut the doors.
Well now I know the mans name, and the snowmans too...Kristoff, whoever he is must be important if the Queen invites him to dinner.
Pushing the thought from his head he steps away from the door and patrols a short distance up and down the hallway to keep the blood flowing in his legs before retaking his position next to the door. The doors open up and Kristoff and Olaf come out, both looking confused. Jharm glances at the man, wondering why he suddenly left the room. The ice trader looks at the guard and shrugs...apparently whatever happened even he doesn't understand. A noise from within caught the guards attention...it sounded like faint crying. Knowing the layout of the room and the fact the only other recent occupants outside of the Queen and Princess were in front of him, Jharm decided to remain next to the door unless
the sounds got louder or worse. After a few moments the cries faded away. The doors opened up once again and Princess Anna was standing there, a big smile on her face and bouncing around like her normal self.
"Its OK guys, you can come back in now!"
The trio enters back into the hall to return to their dinner. The rest of the night passes normally, Jharm following a distance behind the sisters as they eventually make their way to Anna's room. At that point Jharm realizes something again.
Still no replacements...no one else to check up on the Queen? I can't leave them alone...what if something happens?
Deciding to do the only option he has left, he walks down the hallway a short distance and fetches a small chair and brings it back next to the door. He then sits down and watches the hallway until eventually exhaustion overtakes him.
Suddenly the sound of screaming from within the room shakes Jharm awake, causing him to fall out of the chair.
"No! Please! I'm sorry, it was an accident!"
"Elsa! Elsa, please wake up!
"Anna!"
"ELSA!"
Jharm stands before the door, hand poised to open the door but from what he can hear it almost sounds as if the Queen is having some kind of nightmare and Anna is trying to wake her and the thought of barging in on them keeps the guard from opening the door, though he does lean against the door slightly, trying to hear and determine if everything is in fact alright. What he hears next shocks him to the core.
"Please, you have to kill me, end this torture. Destroy me before I can hurt anyone else. I'm sorry I was too weak to do it myself, I tried. I don't want to live without her, she was all I had left. Please..."
Jharm stumbles back from the door.
No...what have I done? I shouldn't have heard that...damn you Jharm!
Panicking, he grabs the chair and moves it back to its original spot and then hurries down the flights of stairs towards the small barracks at the back of the castle for guards assigned to the castle. Thankfully the room is mostly empty at this hour and the shaken guard takes off his jacket and collapses on one of the beds, staring at the ceiling.
No one must ever know what I heard...I'm sorry my Queen...I'm sorry.
He then drifts off to sleep.
====The next day====
The Queen walked slowly up and down the row of men as she spoke.
"I am sure many of you have heard rumors as to the dismissal of the Captain of the Guard. I will put it simply...it was decided he was no longer acceptable for the job. Until a new one can be chosen you will take your orders from Kai."
Elsa gestures to the butler standing near her. A slight grumble or two can be heard amongst some of the men at the idea of taking orders from a servant but they are silenced by an icy glare from the Queen's cerulean eyes. As she gazes down the row of men, her eyes come to settle on the guard she saw outside the study after her meeting with the dignitaries.
Where do I recognize his face from? It seems familiar to me...but different.
She then looks towards the castle and sees Anna standing by the entry door, a look of impatience on her face. Elsa had promised to spend the day with her and here she was spending it doing "Queen stuff". She walked towards Jharm until she was a few steps away.
"You will be coming with me. (to the rest of the Royal Guards) the rest of you are dismissed!"
In one motion the guards bow to the Queen and fall out of formation, other then Jharm who remains standing still.
"You will be accompanying myself and Princess Anna today."
(Gives a bow) "As you wish your Majesty."
Elsa walks past the man and up to Anna and the two head through the castle and out into the royal gardens, Jharm following a short distance behind them. The two sisters slowly walk through the gardens, talking and laughing as they make up for all the lost years. At one point Anna dashes forward, intent on gathering up the prettiest flowers she can to brighten up her sisters boring study. Elsa slowly continues walking as she glances behind her to Jharm and gestures for him to move forward. Obeying the Queen's wish he walks faster until he is beside her.
"I desire to know more about the ones responsible for the safety of myself and more importantly...of Anna. What is your name?"
"Jharm, your Majesty, Jharm Devaron."
Devaron...why does that name ring familiar to me as well?
"Well Jharm, there are those who do not seem to agree with the idea of me being Queen after what happened and finding out about my powers. Where do you stand on that?
Jharm stops and looks at Elsa, slightly surprised at the suddenness of the question.
"What happened was an unfortunate accident, and as for your powers...it changes nothing. You are my Queen, I will serve and protect you until either the day I die or I am relieved of my duties, not a moment earlier then that."
Elsa nods slightly and the two continue walking.
"Tell me...do any other Devarons serve in the Guard?"
Jharm seems to falter ever so slightly at this question.
"Presently no your Majesty."
"But they did I take it?"
"Yes...my father used to serve until he retired"
"What is his name?"
"Vildayvin"
Vildayvin...wait...it can't be.
Multiple memories flash through Elsa's mind. In each memory one thing is constant, a large man with black hair and a bushy black goatee standing generally near her father and one name keeps getting repeated in each memory. Vildayvin, along with a title sometimes...Sentinel. She then recalls a most recent memory...and a painful one at that. Her parents are leaving for a 2 week journey across the sea, and accompanying them as usual is Vil Devaron, Sentinel to the Crown.
Elsa stops and looks towards Jharm.
"Your father is Vildayvin Devaron...who used to be the Sentinel for my mother and father...and he is still alive?"