Chapter 3

Winter has been kind this year, thought Schmidt.

He was strolling towards the sunset, its harsh light diffused by a gentle haze dusting over the landscape. A pale golden bloom bringing warmth to his heart in spite of the chilly breeze. Now whenever he saw this, he would see Elsa, something he would cherish for the rest of his life. To his left, one of the great forests of Arendelle, the long shadows of its trees creeping onto the frozen lake on his right.

The open ice expanse, a blank canvas in which a child painted whatever was on his mind, a world where evil was righteously vanquished by virtues of hope, joy and understanding. The miracle of creation, as when he was a child, watched his father working at the forge, marveling at the glowing metal that he would transform into tools to help others prosper, rings for lovers to show their affection and, what Schmidt looked forward to most, the occasional sword for a distinguished officer.

How he longed to be there again! The days of running free in the fields and city streets, of seeing artists at work and scientists at play, of hearing the songs of workshop mechanicals or the schematics behind orchestral pieces. He felt more connected to these entities than his peers, who saw him as clever but oddly quiet, unapproachable even. When another child would muster the courage to ask him a question, he would answer in a most rudimentary manner, killing any hope for further conversation. The teachers joked he was a manifestation of Hammerfall's engineering spirit.

There was one matter he never understood - the bullies. Sometimes he would theorise why they behaved like they did towards him. It didn't matter what he was doing or what mood he was in - it was especially fustrating when they attacked him while he was happy; how can one despise joy? In the end, he could draw no logical conclusion, and thus stopped thinking about them. This was what the shadows of the forest represented: The darkness born of many evils, be it greed, sloth, hatred or unreason.

Then he recalled the "Big Freeze", the day the land was swept up in frost. It was not just the fields that were ruined, but also the precision-made machinery that seized up from the sudden drop in temperature. He remembered, if only for a brief period, the ensuing mayhem of citizens emptying shops in minutes, of brawls over who got the last of the goods and of cries for justice against the demon behind the disaster: That wretched ice maiden, the queen of Arendelle.

No! he thought. Hammerfall will pull through!

He saw it as a challenge issued from Heaven itself, for the city to prove it was the greatest on Earth. When the decree was announced that all abled-bodied men were to be conscripted, he signed up without hesitation.

He remembered the early days at the military academy of being taunted, of his below-average height, his earnest nature and the rumours that he was his father's biggest "mistake" - the one thing he could never get over during his studies. None of it mattered however, for on the day of examinations, his understanding in the art of war had him excel in both theory and practice, earning the admiration of officer and cadet alike.

There was an exception - Heinrich, one of the tormentors from his childhood. Of all the bullies, he had to be with possibly the most depraved one of them all. It sickened him to suffer his endless insults, of how people only favoured "that piece of Schmidt" because they liked his father. His pranks were worse, one example being how he snuck some dog dirt in Schmidt's boots before kit inspection - the smell persisted even after several washes. He did his best not to stoop to Heinrich's level, but when Schmidt recieved message that he would be inducted to another unit, seeing his torturer's disdain at staying where he was filled him with delight, for this other unit was the preserve of the elite - the Jagdhunde.

Developed over the fledgling years of Hammerfall, they were the foremost in innovative warfare. Whereas it was usually waged through the butchery of attrition, they were the surgeon's lancet, targeting the enemy's weakpoints - disrupting supplies, intercepting communication and eliminating key personnel, leaving it at the mercy of the main force. Each member a specialist in one aspect, with codenames befitting their talents such as Bluthund: The master of reconnaissance, be it tracking high value targets or providing field information, his senses were so sharp it was as if he had each of them implanted from their animal equivalents. Windhund: His speed and endurance made him ideal as a dispatch runner. Stierhund: A mountain of muscle, he could hold his own in a tavern brawl or point defence. Each one, a formidable force multiplier on the battlefield. Together, unequalled under Heaven.

Like Schmidt, they too were seen as outcasts of society. For the first time in his life, among other misfits, he felt a sense of belonging. It made him strive to do even better, and his determination gained the respect of his fellow "hounds" - they looked up to him as the ideal man. When high command noticed this, he could not believe it when they bestowed unto him the title Wolfhund: The leader of the pack.

He remembered that day, for he also saw the insubordinates rise in arms, again crying for justice, but in reality for vengeance. He thought nothing of them at first, but when they burned the painting of Elsa in public, he could not take it; he thought it utterly illogical when she had helped them recuperate the state's losses. If there was anyone who could explain them, it would be his father. He rushed back to him, for he understood deep down that she was no different to-

"Mr. Schmidt!"

The voice was familiar. He then saw the red-haired woman, riding a reindeer in glee. "You," he said, "Anna, was it?"

"You remembered!"

"It would be hard for anyone to forget one such as yourself."

The beast looked at him with intent as she dismounted. Schmidt leaned away - it made him feel uncomfortable. "Don't worry about Sven," she assured him, "He may look haggard but he's a gentle soul. He just hasn't seen you before!". As they resumed the walk. Schmidt asked

"Why did you want to see me?"

"I'd like to know more about you."

He could not comprehend why. Anyone else would have known enough to stay away. However, he knew he could not run away this time.

"Like what?"

"How did you know the wolves wouldn't attack?"

"They recognised me."

"Recognised you?"

"I fought them off before."

"By yourself!?"

"Yes."

She was astonished not at this unbelievable feat, but how he seemed to think nothing of it. No way to continue on that, she thought. She then asked

"How old are you?"

"Twenty."

"Really!?" she said in shock, "You look much older!"

His irritation began to show on his face. Realising she had offended him, she turned hers away in guilt. "Madame, I am not one for small talk. What is your true reason for being here?"

She could not understand how this reserved individual had won Elsa's heart. She took a second to regain her formal composure. "As you guessed last night, I was told that you were responsible for the Red Morning. But as a diplomat, I have to hear all sides of the story before I make judgement. Tell me yours."

He appreciated her neutral tone by nodding. There was almost a smile as he began his exposition.

"That dawn, I was running to the industrial district where my father lived. I had recieved a promotion and I could not wait to tell him. He raised me alone, and I imagined I would make him truly proud with my achievment. Something was wrong when I smelled smoke - nobody would be working the machines at this time. Before long, the streets were filled with people fleeing in panic, it was as if the Big Freeze happened again. I had to barge my way through to see if father was safe, I would have recognised him had he fled with the others. Tell me Madame, how does the sunset look now?"

She was perplexed. That question had no relation to the matter as far as she knew, but if it allowed her to know more, she replied

"It's beautiful. A warm amber light among a scarlet sky, although a little too many clouds. It's so intense, like watching a-"

The discovery of his reason for asking knocked her sideways: This was how the fire looked as it engulfed the district.

"The problem was that the buildings were built too close to each other, many of them hastily made with wood to accommodate the influx of migrants when the embargo was enforced; the flames spread far too fast for us to extinguish them. Through the heat and smoke, I finally reached father's place, but he was trapped. I tried everything to free him, but... it was in vain. He said "Son, my time has come. Just do what you want to do now, but remember what I have always told you: Never let emotion overcome reason." I heard the house straining under the pressure. Instinctively I ran outside, before realising what I just did and turned back, only to see..."

Anna glimpsed his face wince as he turned away. "It's okay," she said, "You can stop."

"Bear with me," his voice quivered, "I must finish."

A few minutes later he faced her again. He was still showing remnants of pain.

"And that was the last I saw of him."

How awful! she thought. She remembered the sorrow when she recieved news of her own parents' death, but to see your father perish before your eyes...

"Madame?"

"Sorry!" she replied, "I was thinking of my own... tragedy. So, what did you do after?"

"I ran."

She thought it strange that Schmidt, who appeared to value logic over everything else would do just that. "I know what you think," he said, "Why did I not stay and provide my account of the incident? I will tell you: I was, but as I made my return, I saw a few figures carrying rifles through the smoke. I thought they were my fellow soldiers - if I made my presence they would help me out. I was wrong."

"How come?"

"As I approached them, they aimed their weapons at me! Only through reflex did I manage to evade their shots. I dashed into them as they were reloading and attacked. It is all a blur now, though I do recall cutting one of their faces with a bayonet. Then I ran, and I will keep on running for as long as I can."

As he watched the remaining sun, now obscured by the trees, he felt a sense of closure. A feeling of refreshment coursed in his veins which he had to express, something he had not experienced for a long time.

"You know Madame, since that day I had been searching for something to ease the anguish, straining my mind to find an answer. I feel like a fool to not think that all I needed was somebody to listen. Thank you Anna."

Anna could not help but feel warm and bashful as he kissed her hand, and watched his dark grey eyes become gentle, along with his smile; now she knew how Elsa felt. "I think I know enough now." she said. "I hate to admit it, but I'll miss you!"

"In that case, take this."

He took something from his coat pocket and handed it to her - a toy toldier. "It may not be obvious to you, but this is a fine example of Hammerfall craftsmanship. I helped Mr. Holstein at his farm to earn the money for it. By the way, how is he?"

She looked to him in regret. "He had to return. A shame. He's a good man, kind of what I expect from your citizens."

He nodded in agreement. As they looked around, stars were beginning to appear in the darkened sky when something rustled from the bushes - a rabbit darted out. Anna grinned and looked at Schmidt.

He was not smiling. It was a return to that wolf-like stare as when they first met. He faced the forest and shouted

"Show yourself!"

The only response was his voice echoing in the wood. Anna was unsure of what to say. Have the wolves returned?

It was Sven that saw through the ruse. He sniffed the air, then made his way to a bush, prodding it repeatedly. A muffled voice was heard before he charged and knocked a man out of it. At that moment, several soldiers appeared from the darkness and leveled their firearms at the pair. The one who was rumbled got to his feet and announced

"Schmidt! By order from the Republic of Hammerfall, you are under arrest for the crimes of arson, desertion, treason and murder! Surrender now or we will open fire!"

Anna could not believe the voice she recognised. "Is that you Kristoff!?" she yelled, "Why are you here?"

"Because I know you enough that when things get interesting, you seek it without regard for your own safety. Besides, you took my Sven without permission!"

Schmidt was furious at Anna's lack of caution. "Do you ever consider the consequences of your actions?" he asked. If there was one thing that riled her up, it was being reminded of her nature as a flaw.

"Consequences!?" she snapped back, "I would've left you be if you hadn't met El-"

She noticed too late what she had just said. Schmidt aimed his lupine eyes at hers in a pychological hold. "Madame," he whispered, his anger barely concealed, "what have you done?"

Kristoff was worried, having never seen Anna like this, as if her spirit was draining from her body, leaving only dread behind. I've got to stop him, he thought, but Hammerfall wants him alive... Damn, I won't let him do this to her!

He fired a warning shot. The bullet shrieked across the space between Anna and Schmidt, making him flinch and breaking his grip-like stare. As the soldiers scorned Kristoff for his brash action, Anna felt her courage returning. Now she wanted to turn the tables and nothing would hold her back, walking up to Schmidt and giving him a piece of her mind. "You listen to me jackass! If there's one thing I won't give into, it's fear, and you think you can just scare me into staying quiet? I nearly died saving Elsa and the world! If it wasn't for me, your country would be no more and- don't you walk away from me, I'm not finished!"

She continued her tirade, pursuing him. She could hear Kristoff and the others shouting at her to stop, something about thin ice, but she was not going to give up on him now. Perhaps it would be better to send him back and-

Thin ice!?

A few inches was all that stood between her and the black depths. Schmidt was walking further still. "Wait!" she pleaded. He stopped and faced her, still angry. "I heard that the Snow Queen's sister was reckless." he said, "I did not expect it to be so understated."

"Let me explain! Elsa recieved a message from Hammerfall: We bring you to them and they'll stop the insubordinates attacking us! Please understand!"

The insubordinates? he thought. Have they gained so much leverage since he ran away?

"She also told me what happened in the garden. You think I wouldn't be curious?"

Schmidt observed his situation, and there was only one way out of it. "Madame," he said mournfully, "I realise what you are doing is out of love for Her Majesty, and that is admirable, but see it from my perpective: If I return to Hammerfall, they will execute an innocent man, and to die for a senseless cause goes against everything my father taught me. I will not surrender, and for all it is worth, I am sorry."

Anna watched in horror as the ice beneath him gave way, his face unchanged as he plunged into the lake.

She stood motionless as a dilemma appeared before her: Dive after him and she would freeze to death, but to return empty-handed meant Arendelle facing an uncertain future. As she struggled to make a decision, Kristoff approached her carefully. "Anna," he said, "I know whatever you're trying to do means a lot to you, but you have to accept you can't always win. I don't want to lose you and neither does Elsa. I beg of you, just this once, let it go."

The last three words was all she heard. The rest was drowned out by her scolding heart and mind, for either way, she had failed herself, her nation, but most of all her sister. The fustration became too much - she screamed and stamped on the ice.

She had no memory of falling in, only the sudden numbness of paralysis, her body rendered stiff as stone and every nerve howling in shock; she could not even hold her breath as cold water filled her lungs. Worse still, her mind was trapped in a vicious cycle of anger and despair, constantly repeating itself, before slowly fading into the abyss that now enveloped her.

The last thing she experienced was a faintly physical, almost otherworldy sensation of moving upwards...