Chapter Four: An Issue of Trust
I was spellbound by Captain Anbjorn's tale. How I wished I was there to see it all. Aunt Elsa sounded so amazing. The things she could do to her powers were beyond what I could imagine I was capable of doing. And Admiral Westergard—how bold and clever he was! I couldn't wait to get their side of the story. For now, I was content to just hear more of Captain Anbjorn's tale.
"So what happened afterwards?" I asked excitedly. "How did you escape with a fleet of fifty ships behind you?"
The captain was happy to oblige…
The next few days were a haze to me. My left leg was amputated as the bone shattered when the beam fell on it. The fleet doctor kept me sedated to ease the pain. It took me three days before I became conscious enough to communicate properly and when I did I found myself in a cabin onboard the Alexandra with Westergard beside me.
"The doctor said he can fix you a wooden leg. You'll still be able to walk again," he said as he sat casually on a little chair next to my bed. He had a gaunt, tired look on his face but he can still manage a smile.
"I'll be fine," I told him. Truthfully, the loss of my leg wasn't what bothered me most. I've had my time. This is just God's way of telling me to slow down. What I was worried most about was my crew. "My ship?My men?"
"The Kjerstin was towed and still afloat. Sixteen of your men were injured but they'll make it. Three…" He shook his head and whispered to me their names.
I said a silent prayer for their souls and those from other ships I knew we lost.
"Where are we, Hans?" I asked him.
He gave a deep sigh. "The north sea heading south east, we managed to escape."
"How?"
"Queen Elsa was able to build the second wall in time. It could have been worst for the Kjerstin if it wasn't for her. I wanted her to build a third wall to keep the Weselton armada away, but she didn't have the strength. She did manage to create a thick fog. It hid our ships well so we were able to flee."
"And Arendelle?"
"Safe for now. Queen Elsa's wall is so thick it seems to be impenetrable to canon fire. But Arendelle's under siege and we need to get back there soon before Weselton breaks down that wall. Unfortunately, we're in no position to fight."
I noticed the bags under his eyes and I knew he must be exhausted.
"How bad is it?" I asked.
"All fifteen ships are still afloat at least. But only eight can even go up on a fight right now and they're down to their last rounds of ammunition. We've got a hundred fifty-two injured, fifteen dead, including Captain Kaj."
I heaved a sigh. Kaj was a good man and a good friend. He led the fleet well after Rochport died. I would sorely miss him.
"Our food and water stocks can last us three weeks, but it's our medicine that's going to be a problem. There isn't enough morphine and disinfectant to sustain our wounded. Our surgeons haven't slept in days. Even the Queen is helping out."
The solution was obvious. We needed to find a place to go onshore to resupply and get our injured help. But with Arendelle cut off we had nowhere to go but other allied nations. The closest one that was sure to support us was Corona. But it was more than a week away and Weasletown will surely be on the patrol against us. "Where are we going then?"
"Tastris," Westergard replied as if he wasn't convinced. I didn't blame him. Although Tastris was near enough it wasn't the first choice I'd pick. This coastal kingdom that once had a blossoming fish trade with Arendelle suddenly cut off their fish exports 12 years ago. It wasn't just Arendelle they stopped exporting to. They banned fishing altogether, shut down their ports and even built a wall around their seaside castle to prevent access to the ocean. They still import ice from Arendelle so it wasn't an altogether cut tie, but relations were rather cold for a long time. It wasn't likely the kingdom would welcome the bedraggled Arendelle navy with open arms.
"Queen Elsa said King Eric of Tastris owes her a favor and she intends to collect by asking asylum for us," Westergard explained.
Favor? Hah! That was an understatement. I snorted with laughter and Westergard looked confused.
"What?" he asked.
"Oh King Eric owes her alright. This just might work."
"What does he owe her?"
"It's not something he owes her but something he needs to make up to her. He broke their engagement."
"The Queen was engaged?!" the young girl who gave the Captain Anbjorn mead suddenly exclaimed. Halfway through the story several children were drawn by his compelling tale and were now sitting on crates opposite him or on the ground. Her outburst attracted even more children to come forward.
"When did this engagement happen?!" an older girl in her teens with pimples and crooked teeth asked excitedly. I was a bit put off that this new audience interrupted the story but Captain Anbjorn didn't seem to mind.
"When she was eight years old and he was three. It was all an arranged thing for political alliance of course. It took three years to negotiate that marriage pact but it was set and they had to wait until they were both over 18 to get married. Queen Elsa was five years older so she would be 23 at that time. She waited to honor that contract. But what does this Prince Eric do? Upon the death of his father—which came a bit short of his 18th birthday, he sends her one note saying he's breaking it because he wants to marry for love. Can you believe that? He didn't even come personally, just a cold informal note. The insult nearly severed ties between Tastris and Arendelle."
"And then what happened?" a golden haired little chit with a stain on her dress asked. Her hands curled under her chin and her wide eyes were all on the captain.
"Well Tastris' ambassador Grimsby came over to Arendelle to beg for indulgence for his wayward prince and to assure that the trade relations would continue despite the broken marriage pact. He planned on getting the prince to come to Arendelle to meet Queen Elsa. I think he was hoping that maybe when Prince Eric meets her, love would blossom and the pact can be mended. They actually set sail just before the prince's birthday and we were all prepared to welcome him when fate struck."
The girls all giggled in anticipation. I rolled my eyes heavenward. Girls and their crazy romantic notions, I thought.
"He got shipwrecked on the eve of his birthday and they were forced to go back home. A short time after that, he meets some girl and marries her in three days."
"Three days?" the girl with the mead wrinkled her nose. "Who marries someone they met in three days?"
"Exactly. Years of marriage negotiations and strategic alliance all went down the drain over the misplaced notion of true love," he said sarcastically. "Queen Elsa didn't lose much though except for her pride. It turns out she could have done worse by marrying him because Prince Eric is a political idiot. After breaking their engagement—a move that almost cost Tastris a valuable ally—he imposed a ban on their number one industry: fishing. Then two years later he closed the doors to their main ports. All goods coming in and out of Tastris now need to take the longer route several kilometers east."
"That's crazy," one little boy about my age said.
"No, it's stupid," I told them. "Queen Elsa has too much sense to marry someone like that. If I become king, I would think twice about an alliance with this kingdom. But let's get back to the story," I urged.
"Ah yes, of course," said Captain Anbjorn. "So where was I?"
I told Westergard about the fiasco of the engagement and he just shook his head and gave me that knowing grin of his. "I heard rumors his wife was some sort of odd ball with an aversion to fish. Too bad she imposed it on the entire kingdom."
"Well if they do welcome us, I suppose not being able to eat fish is the least of our worries," I laughed.
There was a knock on the door and one of my younger lieutenants poked his head in. "Captain Anbjorn? The Queen is requesting an audience."
"Of course. Please tell Her Majesty I would be very glad to receive her and I apologize that she had to come to me in this state."
The young sailor nodded and left. Westergard stood up.
"I should leave you," he said as he clasped my friend. "Rest well, my friend."
"Same to you. You need it after that crazy stunt you pulled."
He nodded and turned. As he opened the door, the Queen appeared.
"Your Majesty," Westergard acknowledged her with an elegant bow.
"Captain," she nodded curtly without meeting his gaze.
When he was gone, Queen Elsa closed the door then sat on the chair where Westergard had been earlier.
"How are you feeling?" she asked warmly.
"I've felt better," I told her. "I'll be up soon, don't you worry." I noticed that one side of her neck was bandaged with gauze that covered an obvious wound. "What happened?"
She shrugged. "It's nothing, just a scratch. I'm glad you're alright. I guess you know. Captain Kaj is dead."
"I know."
We were silent for a while as a short tribute to that man.
"We'll take a rest at Tastris," Queen Elsa said. "Hopefully you'll be able to recuperate then. We'll find supplies and get back on our feet." She paused and then: "Captain, I need you to lead the fleet."
I was surprised at what she offered. But then I realized I should have seen this coming. With Kaj dead, I was next in line, though I didn't agree with her.
"Elsa, look at me. I'm in no position to lead your fleet."
"You'll recover," she reassured. "The doctor said—"
"I'm not talking about my leg," I said gently. "Elsa, I'm sixty-seven years old. I've served both your father and your grandfather. If the war hadn't broken out I would be retired by now. As much as I want to, I'm not the best person to help you in this war." I stopped to let my words sink in then added. "You know who is."
She fell silent and touched the wound of her neck self-consciously. "No," she uttered softly. She got up and turned away. "No, I can't… not him."
"Elsa, he was Rochport's choice to succeed him and you know it. Kaj only took the position to head the fleet because you insisted. Even then he refused to be promoted to admiral. I'm refusing it too."
"You can't refuse this," she cried. "Please…"
I shook my head. "His pure nerve and clever strategy saved us three days ago. He's been doing that for quite some time. Isn't that enough to earn your trust?"
"Who? Who was it that she needs to trust?" interrupted a little boy. All the other children asked the same thing but I didn't need to have that question answered. It was obvious Captain Anbjorn was referring to Captain Westergard. I wondered how come Aunt Elsa didn't want him leading her fleet. I was about to ask when Lady Anja, Aunt Elsa's handmaid appeared with two lieutenants in tow.
"Oh there you are, Captain. Queen Elsa and Admiral Westergard had me looking all over for you. It would not be fitting to have one of the heroes of Arendelle left behind in the honor parade. They insisted you be part of it." She motioned to the soldiers behind her with a waiting horse.
"Ahh, well… duty calls," said the Captain. "I'm sorry children. We'll pick this up later." I helped him with the two soldiers up his horse and he was led away.
I was disappointed that the Captain left me with some unanswered questions. I looked forward to catch up on him later. I turned to find Lady Anja looking at me.
"Well Prince Fredrik, your mother is asking for you. She's back at the castle preparing the victory ball for tonight. So shall we?"
She held out her arm and I took it. We walked together towards the castle. Lady Anja is only sixteenyears old but she was one of the few women who were brave enough to volunteer to join Aunt Elsa at sea when the war broke out. Certainly she would know what happened next.
"Tell me what happened after the fleet escaped from the Weselton forces?"
"Oh, it was very exciting but very scary," she said with an almost dreamy expression on her freckled face. I knew I found the right person to ask and she went on…
I huddled below deck with two other ladies. We were in tears and praying so hard as we heard shouts and gunshots from above, fighting over the din of the familiar canon fire. We knew we were boarded and there was only a matter of time before they got to us. Queen Elsa ran up deck at the start of the battle. I heard her scream and we cowered even more, certain that it was the end. I felt the temperature drop and knew the Queen was terrified. Was she dying up there?
Minutes ticked by, slow and agonizing. The gunshots ceased but the canonfire kept up.
Then an explosion!
I shrieked as the ship rocked. There was cheering from the men but only for a short while for I could hear the Queen again shouting to someone.
"Turn back to Arendelle! They're coming!"
"It's too late. We're too far, Your Majesty!"
I felt the ship turn and I managed to look out a porthole that for once had a clear view. I saw several enemy ships on the way to Arendelle. I was paralyzed with fear. Would I ever see my mother and father alive again? Or my little brothers?
The ship turned again and I lost my view. All I could see through the porthole was splashing water and debris. It was useless to look. More minutes went by. A blast of canon sounds of crunching screaming. It didn't seem to end.
Finally I couldn't take it anymore. If I were to die, then I don't want to do so cowering in a corner.
I gathered my courage and walked out. The other two ladies begged me to stay but I was resolved. I went up the deck and nobody stopped me. I found several bodies I didn't know. Despite my horror I was relieved that none were wearing Arendelle green. That was until I reached the top deck and found Captain Kaj's lifeless body. My eyes prickled with fresh tears but there was no time to grieve. Men were shouting for help. I saw the Kjerstin was badly damaged from a direct canon hit. They were transferring their wounded to the Alexandra.
I ran back to the entrance of the deck and shouted to my two companions to come up and help then I proceeded to assist. I cleared one side of the top deck and started tending to the wounded.
Captain Westergard gently laid down a wounded soldier beside me. "Where's the Queen?" he asked.
I shook my head. He didn't wait for a response and began shouting for her.
There was a familiar scream and I looked up to see Queen Elsa. A large strange man held her from behind and he pressed a knife at her throat. I realized it was one of the men that boarded earlier.
"This war ends now!" he threatened menacingly. "Lower your weapons and surrender or the witch dies."
Frost began forming all over the deck and Queen Elsa gasped. The blade already pierced her skin and it was drawing blood.
Soldiers all around me threw their weapons down on the deck. But one man stepped forward directly in front of the Queen and her attacker. It was Captain Westergard.
"Do you trust me?" the question was directed at the Queen.
She stared at him wide-eyed for a moment. I could see that she was confused and hesitant, but finally she gave a slight nod.
Captain Westergard brought out a pistol and fired.
I screamed along with the Queen.
There was smoke from the gunshot. When it cleared I saw her attacker on the deck dead from a single bullet to the head.
Queen Elsa lay crouched a short distance away in Captain Westergard's arms. There was a gash at her throat though it didn't appear to be deep. She seemed alright, though she was sobbing and clearly shaken. He held her tight for a moment with one of his hands running through her loosened platinum hair while he murmured something into her ear. She shut her eyes and clutched tighter at him with her head resting on his shoulder. At that moment I thought how fitting they seemed together. He looked like a shining knight comforting his gentle lady.
But then her eyes suddenly flew open and she pushed him away almost violently, leaving flecks of frost on his uniform.
He got to his feet and his face registered his usual reserve.
"The Weselton fleet will be in range in fifteen minutes. Your Majesty, I need you to build another wall," he implored her with almost business-like detachment."
It was then that I noticed the solid wall of ice that was standing before us. I was bewildered by this marvelous object she created.
She shook her head. "I-I can't," she cried desperately. "I-I don't h-have the…"
He sighed and nodded. "Alright, we've got to find another way. We can't stay here."
She took deep breaths and I could see she was extremely tired. "I don't have the strength to build a wall, but I can hide us for a little while. Set up beacons and signal to our ships to follow our lead. We'll head south."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Captain Westergard moved to obey. The Queen stood on the middle of the deck, her arms raised to the heavens. A thick fog appeared. Under its cover our ships moved stealthily south.
I busied myself by tending to the wounded. It was already night by the time the fog dissipated completely. There was no sign of the Weselton fleet and we were able to move freely in open waters.
The next few days were like a never-ending nightmare. There were so many wounded to tend to that I barely slept and when I did I was haunted by dreams of the dying and the screams of men in pain. I did not dare complain. Everyone in the ship, including my own Queen endured the same as I did and she bore it with a strength that was admirable. Captain Westergard and Queen Elsa led the massive work to ensure our supplies were rationed, the limping ships were towed and our rear was well covered. Thankfully, no enemy was sighted.
By the fourth day we reached Tastris. The seaside castle with its massive wall loomed before us in a forbidding manner.
As we approached a company of men appeared above the walls armed with crossbows all pointed directly at us.
"Identify yourselves or we will open fire!" one man atop the wall commanded.
I wanted to shrink back but I saw that Queen Elsa remained in front with Captain Westergard at her side. If the Queen could be brave enough then so would I. I held my ground behind her, though every fiber of my being protested to hide.
Captain Westergard spoke carefully. "Queen Elsa of Arendelle wishes to meet with King Eric of Tastris."
The man on the wall appeared to hesitate for a moment then replied. "Wait where you are and come no closer."
"Do you think he'll get the King?" Kai, Queen Elsa's steward asked. "You haven't exactly met him Your Majesty."
"We've written to each other for years," Queen Elsa replied. "He's a friend."
Captain Westergard looked at her with a worried expression and uttered the question that all of us wanted to ask: "But can you trust him?"
Author's Note: I originally wrote this as a redemption story focusing on Hans but this war has gotten so interesting that I couldn't resist writing the entire thing. So I hope you enjoy it. By the way, anyone realized who King Eric of Tastris is by now?
