Chapter 2
"You still haven't answered my question."
Anna sat in the master bedroom waiting for her sister to get dressed behind a screen. She was still concerned about what happened in the garden earlier, but every time she asked Elsa would evade it with some other matter occuring in that moment. They were preparing for a meeting with representatives from neighbouring Hammerfall over its current situation. Anna was worried if she was fit to attend. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked.
"Am I okay?" Elsa answered as she stepped out of the screen. She was wearing a cream coloured dress, the kind Anna had seen at the state visit. It was much simpler than her own traditional outfit - no frills, no patterns, fastened by buttons instead of lace. Yet it did not diminish her appearance as a queen - on the contrary. This was a dress made with integrity in mind, hugging her body in silk. One could imagine it was tailored by spiders in thrall of her beauty. She strolled to a stool, where a maid stood waiting to fashion her hair.
"I have never felt better!"
The maid was swift, tying her locks into a single braid and carefully placing it around the top of her head. Anna was doing her best to coneal her ire, which was difficult as Elsa smirked in that small, conceited way she knew she could not ignore. When the crown was fitted and the maid left the room, the butler stood at the door, stating that the representatives had arrived and are awaiting her presence. Elsa gestured she would be there in five minutes. As soon as he left, she suddenly leant to Anna, her face lit up with wide eyes and an even wider smile. Anna was taken aback at this change of expression. Elsa then raised her little finger.
"Sister secret?"
Anna was disappointed. They were fully grown women now. They did not have time to play little girls' games, moreso from Elsa, the more mature of the two. But then she noticed something unusual; she had never seen her this excited in a long time. This was not the fabled "Snow Queen" or the dreaded "Ice Witch"; it was Princess Elsa, the childhood friend who she always loved to play with. It brought her back to that innocent age, before having to learn stupid grown-up things like how to eat at a table, or the proper mannerisms of greeting a gentleman. Before she knew it, she could feel her own kid self pulling her heart, saying "Come on Anna, you know you want to find out! You'll know it'll be really good!". Stop it! she thought, this is no time for whimsical endeavours!
Elsa saw this emotional tug of war on her sister's face, giving her immense pleasure - she almost felt guilty about it. In desperation, Anna turned to her for help, even when she knew she shouldn't, but the bond between them was too strong; their parents died while they were still children, and she had no one else to look up to. This was Elsa's moment to strike. She moved closer to her and whispered
"Let it go."
The inner child had won. Anna's faced beamed with joy as they hooked their little fingers.
"Okay, sister secret!"
"A stranger came into the garden!"
"A stranger?"
"Well, an admirer!"
Anna was really curious. There had been many people who claimed to admire Elsa, but never one so audacious as to meet her during one of her private moments.
"I guess this admirer must be pretty special! What did he do?"
"To be honest, I thought he was like all the others, spouting about himself and how I was his inspiration. I've had that told to me so many times I just don't enjoy it anymore. So I freezed him."
"Okay..." said Anna, puzzled, "And that was all it took?"
"That's the thing: It didn't work! I got so angry, I did everything I could to try and stop him!"
"And somehow he stopped you?"
Elsa let off a deep sigh, staring into a daydream. "When he held me, you should've seen him Anna, the way he smiles at you. It was so open and true. If it'd been any other man I would've iced him by accident, but him... I've never felt so warm in my life! In fact, I could only summon water!"
That at least explains the garden, thought Anna before she asked
"But what did he look like?"
"Well, he wasn't the tallest guy, and he wore baggy clothes, but he was cute, with jet black hair and dark grey eyes. Oh Schmidt! Why did you have to- what's wrong?"
A look of anxiety washed over Anna's face. She remembered him saying he needed to be elsewhere after he assisted her. If this was the same person...
"Elsa, I was going to mention this at the meeting, but this Schmidt is Hammerfall's most wanted! Do you know what could happen to Arendelle if they knew he was here?"
She had a point. The relationship between the two states had grown tense lately. Elsa did not have time to ponder over it though; the meeting was about to begin. "Don't worry," she assured Anna, putting on her gloves - she promised the visitors not to use her magic and wearing them prevented it, "I'll keep quiet about what occured earlier. Come on, let's go."
The Republic of Hammerfall was a city state founded twenty-six years ago not by an individual who had the power to rule, but by the likes of farmers, philosophers and craftsmen, people of ability who believed mankind could become masters of their own destiny through prosperity and progress, but was stagnated by the aristocracy's outdated ways. Before its creation, these citizens openly opposed the royal states, and thus were viewed either as peasants bemoaning their low status or anarchists bent on the destruction of civilisation. Either way, the regales were confident that without a vast amount of wealth, the upstarts would pose no threat. "Let them have their little utopia," they snided, "We will see how long they last."
But within a few decades, Hammerfall had grown financially strong thanks to the many inventions it created, free from the "design constraints" imposed by the royal states. These were made with only purpose in mind, giving them a simple, cheap look eschewed by the nobility. The lower and middle classes, more concerned with their budgets, desired such products, and thus were the main source of the nation's income. The imperials, startled at its rising position in the world, enforced a trade embargo. In protest, the people depending on its goods flocked to the "Land of Innovation", further increasing its standing.
It would have been the greatest state were it not for an incident four years ago.
When Elsa withdrew from the world during the height of summer, the resulting freeze destroyed the vast crops Hammerfall had nurtured to feed its growing population. Facing famine, its people demanded she should be punished for this selfish act of stupidity. She accepted full responsiblity, sending aid in compensation. However, she was not so naive as they had hoped she would be, for in return she demanded they help Arendelle progress forward with some of their innovations and engineers. They agreed, grudgingly, as no other nation was willing to help.
It also was decreed at this time that all abled-bodied men were to be conscripted into military service, claiming it was a critical time to deter any would-be invaders from attacking. In those four years, its army had grown substancially. It was more worrying that a small, but vocal, section were claiming the agreement between the two nations was a sham, designed to keep Hammerfall on a leash; they wanted revenge. Elsa was promised that these "insubordinates" were being kept in check, and their threats of invasion were hollow.
The people of Arendelle thought otherwise. Recently Hammerfall's military was flaunting its strength; trade caravans had been raided and skirmishes broke out along its borders. There was speculation that the government was becoming powerless over the insurgent movement, and that it was only a matter of time before they would launch a full-scale attack.
The prevention of this outcome was the subject of the day's meeting. Elsa sat on the throne, presiding over a long table. On one side was her advisers and Anna. On the other, representatives from each of Hammerfall's ministries that made up its government, and draped above them was their emblem: Thought, in the form of a quill, becomes action, symbolised by a billhook, both housed within a cogwheel, the result and continued cycle of the republic's philosophy summarised in the mantra: Fatum inventa noster.
The tension in the atmosphere was palbable as she stood and adressed the assembly.
"I will begin by thanking you all for coming here today. We are facing a very dangerous situation that threatens both of our lands. It need not be said, but if war were to break out among us, the other nations will seize this oppurtunity to conquer or destoy either. As was done so since my ascension, I, Elsa Regina Arendellia and my people will do what we can to strengthen our ties with the Republic of Hammerfall, and as I have seen for myself, her citizens have delivered their promises of helping us, for which I am most grateful. Now, we need each other more than ever. We must push ourselves harder, possibly to breaking point, but if we focus, we will overcome this ordeal, and we will be the envy of the world!"
The hall filled with applause. Anna could only look on in wonder at her sister's prowess as a stateswoman.
The applause subsided, save a slow and mocking clap from the Hammerfall side. It was the Grand General of the Martial Ministry. A giant of a man, he had the appearance of a shaved gorilla, though no one dared say that to his face, and was made bigger by his small eyes, oversized epaulettes and a cumbersome collection of medals. "As ever, your speeches impress me," he said, "You should try telling that to the insubordinates."
"Isn't that your job, General?" an adviser retorted.
The General looked into straight into him, his thousand yard stare silenced the adviser on the spot, making him shrink into his chair. "In all earnesty Madame," he said to Elsa, "It pains me to punish them, for I have trained some of these boys myself."
"Boys?"
"From sixteen years of age. They can still be... impressionable."
"So they are being persuaded by some outside influence?"
"No," answered the Minister of Well-being, a priest whose immaculate robes concealed a small, frail body that contradicted his title, "It is simply a case of new generation, new ideas."
Another of Elsa's advisers stood up to question him. "And you didn't think to teach them these new ideas could conflict with Hammerfall's founding principles?"
"It is difficult to adhere to them when they have starved for the past four years. Even the food your nation has provided is not enough."
"Perhaps you shouldn't have recruited so many. Have you even bothered tending your own fields?"
"You take that back!" cried a voice from the furthest end of the table. It was Mr. Holstein, representing the Ministry of Produce. A short, stout figure with a weather-beaten face and callused hands, he was sent to Arendelle to grow surplus crops for Hammerfall. "The land back home is notoriously difficult to culture! It'll take many years before we can feed ourselves again!"
"It might have helped had you returned three years ago." said the Minister of Commerce, a former craftsman whose ruthless efficiency with money and men had him welcomed into the government. Without the physical effort of his previous work however, his body had grown so fat its girth spilled over the sides of his chair. "So why the delay?" he asked.
Mr. Holstein stood silent. Anna saw him struggling for an answer. She knew him personally, a good man who was proud of his work, even tending the fields himself when others could not turn up. I have to help him! she thought. She stood up and said
"With due fairness, Minister, he did so because he believes it's the right thing. Thanks to his efforts, those three years have seen bumper harvests the like this nation hasn't seen before! Do you really think it's wise to-"
"It's alright, Your Highness," said Mr. Holstein, "My tenure is long overdue. I will return after-"
"Did you just call her Your Highness!?" bellowed the General.
To distance themselves from archaic class-based rule, the founding fathers of Hammerfall declared uttering aristocratic titles offensive, akin to swear words. He clenched his fists and slowly walked to Mr. Holstein, his medals clanging as they swung around like the trinkets of a savage headhunter. Mr. Holstein's face was written in terror while the assembly watched on, horrified at what was to happen but too fearful to intervene.
"GENERAL!"
He was stopped by Elsa's icy glare, ready to take off her glove. "Two things. One: Under Hammerfall law, uttering such words results in a fine, not corporal punishment. Two: You are not in Hammerfall. Now return to your seat before I get angry."
It looked as if he was about to explode, but knowing he was no match for her magic, he skulked back. "Is there any way of at least appeasing the insubordinates?"
she asked.
"There is one way." answered the Minister of Law, a magistrate whose non-descript face lacked emotion, only this was forced - it was less the look of a judge and more of a poker player. Anna realised what he was talking about; she almost forgot the item she brought back from the state visit. "Allow me, Your Honour," she said, "The Republic of Hammerfall has issued a warrant for the apprehension of a soldier named Schmidt, thought to be responsible for the Red Morning incident. As you all know by now, a few weeks ago the city's industrial estate was burned to the ground around dawn. Property damage is at a value unheard of and several people have died - including the suspect's father."
"Correct," said the Minister, "the insubordinates have stated they will stand down if he is brought to face justice."
There was another person on Elsa's side, a tall middle-aged man whose face was cut with deep wrinkles, a furrowed brow over burning brown eyes and a handlebar moustache which was as coarse as his voice, developed through years of barking orders and punishments. He was the Commander of Arendelle's forces, and had been listening carefully throughout. He stood and asked
"General, since he is a soldier, could you tell us more about this Schmidt?"
"From what I heard, the officers spoke of him highly. Followed every order to the letter, an expert with a sword, rifle, pretty much everything is a deadly weapon in his hands. A model soldier in every sense. Actually, that last part was wrong - he was said to be a loner."
"Did you know him personally?"
"He did see me once. Something about a discrepancy with supplies. He burst into my office without warning. I was ready to punch his lights out, but when he wants your attention, he will look straight into your eyes like..."
The hint of worry on his face was a sight to behold. It was unlikely they would witness something like that again. Anna was taken in by this, not realising she would finish his sentence.
"Like a wolf?"
"Yes. Exactly like that, Madame! You must have read my mind!"
Elsa was perplexed. She knew Anna enough that the spontaniety of her answer would not come out without reason. As she listened, a pinch of suspicion was felt within her. The Commander continued his inquiry.
"Does he possess any specialist skills?"
"The last I heard of him was that he was transferred to a scout unit, so chances are he is currently hiding in your vast forests. I propose that you allow my troops to conduct the search and-"
"Why?" interrupted one of the advisers, "So you can catch us off guard with your invasion?"
"How dare you make such a claim!" he snapped back. "At least my men are competent! Is there anything Arendelle makes that is better than ours?"
"At least our nation isn't run by a walking corpse, a gluttonous fat cat, a dubious looking lawman and an obnoxious hulking sack of..."
At that moment, the atmosphere turned hostile, the air turning blue as both sides threw curses at each other. Elsa tried to restore order, but to no avail. As the salvoes of taunts and threats continued, she was struggling to control her fustration. Anna saw this and, knowing what was about to happen, stepped behind her chair. Elsa could take it no more. She pulled off her glove and slammed her hand on the table.
The hall fell silent as it was swept in ice, seizing everyone save Anna.
"You broke your promise!" yelled the General. Anna ducked; she could not hide her amusement at the image of him posing as a teapot. Elsa was not so pleased. "Gentlemen, we are discussing the prevention of war! How can this be possible if you can't restrain yourselves? If you want to sling mud, there's a pigsty just down the road- no offence, Mr. Holstein. This is my proposal: My men will search Arendelle for the suspect and will bring him to you. In return, ensure your army never sets foot on my land. Do we have an agreement?"
"Fine," answered the General, still fuming, "but only if you free us!"
Elsa lifted her hand. The ice broke off, releasing the assembly.
After the meeting, Elsa still sat at the throne, her head buried in her arms, regretting what she had done. Anna wondered how she could be driven to such drastic action.
"Madame?"
Mr. Holstein stood by with a look not of sorrow, as they expected, but pride. "I just wanted to say, when I arrived in Arendelle I held only contempt for the queen. I'm sure you understand that a farmer like me would've been reluctant to help after what she did. But over the months, I'd learned to appreciate what she has to go through, being burdened with such power. It also helped that your fields are immensely fertile! If I could have it my way, I'd transport them back to Hammerfall!"
"I'm surprised they haven't devised a way yet."
"But I disgress. I want to tell you I knew Schmidt. Sometimes he helped me on my farm back home. And I can say without any doubt that he is a most noble and just fellow, as was his father."
Elsa raised her head, her interest piqued and asked
"So you don't think he was behind the Red Morning?"
When he noticed the guards telling him to leave, he simply nodded and said
"I daresay you should meet him for yourself. You'll be pleasantly surprised, Your Majesty."
With this last act of defiance against his own state, he was escorted out of the hall.
Anna noticed her sister leaning to one side, eyes softening as she drifted into another world. A realisation struck her, a new objective to her impetuous spirit as she made her way outside.
She had to find him.
