ANNA SCREAMED as she awoke, looking around fearfully as she realized that she was only dreaming. Anna clung to her blankets and tears rolled down her cheeks.
Since she burned the assassin alive by accident, she has been unable to sleep without constant nightmares. Absolutely nothing was working to stop the onslaught and it was driving her insane. She needed to pull herself together. The last thing she needed on top of the stress of being queen was for her to be suffering from another internal conflict.
Since her talk with Grand Pabbie a few days ago, Anna had been wondering what he meant by an 'internal struggle'. What other conflict was she having to deal with? What else could be plaguing her mind? She had no answers for those questions and it was beginning to worry her.
"My Queen, are you alright?" A voice called.
Anna turned and had not realized that her maid, Alina, had entered the room. She was a very loyal servant and was as close as a sister was to Anna. Anna did not want her to worry for her any more than she already did.
"No, it's nothing," Anna said, "Just a bad dream,"
"Okay then," Alina said, "Is there anything you need, my Queen?"
"Uh, yeah, run a bath for me," Anna said.
Alina nodded and left the room. Anna slowly got out of bed and sighed. She had to pretend that everything was all right. Balder and Kristoff were right; she needed to pull herself together for the sake of her people. She was the Queen of Arrendelle and it was a duty she could not relinquish.
KRISTOFF WALKED down the streets of Arrendelle with Sven. With winter nearing its end, Kristoff's free time from working as 'Ice Master and Deliverer' of Arrendelle was nearing its end as well.
Even though he had free time, Kristoff never actually spent it relaxing. Sure, playing around with Anna and Elsa, when she was alive, was relaxing, but he never spent time relaxing while doing the things he wanted. He was always preparing for his next working season as 'Ice Master' that his free time went by without him really spending time doing relaxing things by himself.
Since there were only a few weeks before winter would come to an end, Kristoff decided to spend some time doing what he wanted. Today, he was going to visit the Trolls, work on his songs and spend time with Sven.
He was on his way to buy Sven some carrots when he heard a commotion.
"What's that?" Kristoff asked as he looked around.
Kristoff followed the source of the noise to a corner of the street and saw a crowd of people. Kristoff approached the crowd and saw a man standing atop a box, speaking to them.
"How long? How long will those who call themselves royalty hide behind stone walls and guards while we are left prey to those criminals?" The man said, "Well, I say, no!"
"No!" The people responded.
"We will not stand by while the Queen shirks her duties and hides up in her castle," The man said, "We are the people of Arrendelle and we are tired of being pushed around by those marauders and our cries being ignored by the Queen,"
The man continued his ranting and Kristoff saw that he was riling up the people.
"Come on, Sven," Kristoff said.
Kristoff walked away from the crowd, leading Sven.
ANNA SAT back in her chair, looking at Kristoff in disbelief.
"You sure?" Anna asked.
"I'm worried," Kristoff said, "The people are getting upset and how long before they become violent towards you and anyone connected to you?"
"You may have a point," Anna said.
"Maybe you should speak to them," Kristoff said, "If they hear what you have to say, maybe you may calm them down,"
"What am I going to say? I'd have to lie to them," Anna said.
"What do you mean?" Kristoff asked.
"We still haven't received word from Corona, so the food problem is still ongoing," Anna said.
"What about the raiders?" Kristoff asked.
"Haven't been able to catch them," Anna said, "They're getting smarter,"
"What now?" Kristoff asked.
A knock came at the door.
"Balder?" Anna asked.
"You can see through walls?" Balder asked from the hallway.
"I can recognize your knock," Anna said, "Come in,"
Balder entered the office and walked up to the Queen.
"What is it?" Anna asked.
"I have done some digging around and I have discovered that a councilman did send the assassin after you," Balder said.
"I thought we agreed to wait this out," Anna said.
"I'm sorry, my Queen, but I was right," Balder said, "The assassin did not attack on his own; he was paid,"
"At least we have a lead on this," Kristoff said.
"How'd you find out?" Anna asked.
"I sent a few spies around and one of them overheard councilmen expressing their displeasure at you surviving the attack," Balder said.
"Do you know who it is?" Anna asked.
"No, but this means that we have somewhere to begin from," Balder said, "With this, you can put the councilmen under trial and find out who is responsible for sending the assassin after you,"
"I don't know," Anna said worriedly.
"My Queen," Balder said, taking a seat, "You need to take action. Even if you have powers, you are not able to control them completely,"
"I don't even want these powers any more," Anna said.
"Which makes my point even more valid," Balder said, "What if you're attacked again, but this time by more than one assassin? They could injure you or worse,"
Anna was unsure and Kristoff could tell.
"Anna, listen to Balder," Kristoff said, "Just talk to them and find out who sent the assassin,"
"How am I gonna talk to them?" Anna asked, "I'm not good at this,"
"Then let me investigate this further," Balder said.
"Okay, do it," Anna said.
"And what about the raiders?" Kristoff asked.
"I don't know, we haven't been able to catch any lately," Anna said.
"We still have some in the dungeons, right?" Balder asked.
"Yeah, I think," Anna said.
"Then have them executed," Balder said, "If we cannot catch them all, execute those we have. It will send a message to the others,"
"Can't we do this another way?" Anna asked.
"I don't see any other course of action," Balder said.
"What if we set them free?" Anna said, "Show them some mercy and maybe they'll act in kind,"
"These men are far beyond that," Balder said.
"They've been killing people long before winter began," Kristoff said.
"Such men don't deserve mercy," Balder said, "They need to be executed,"
"Do you feel the same way, Kristoff?" Anna asked.
"Balder's right that they're beyond mercy," Kristoff said.
"So you want me to have them killed?" Anna asked.
"What do you want?" Kristoff asked.
"I want to do this without killing anyone," Anna said, "If we killed everyone who commits a crime, no one would be left alive,"
"Well, you need to do something, because the people are getting riled up," Kristoff said.
Anna tried to think when a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Anna said.
A squire entered the room.
"Pardon me, my Queen," The squire said.
ANNA STOOD at the entrance of her palace amongst her guards and the dignitaries of Arrendelle.
Several men clad in black cloaks on black horses marched through the palace gates. The banner men carried the flags bearing their sigils. The sigil was a red dragon on fire.
Anna saw the men approach and they frightened her.
A horseman strode up in front of the group and got off his horse. He walked up to Anna and removed his hood.
"Queen of Arrendelle, the Nine Stars grace you with their presence," the horseman said.
"They grace me?" Anna asked.
The horseman raised an eyebrow.
Balder whispered to Anna.
"The Nine Stars head the Table of Eight, my Queen," Balder whispered.
"What's that?" Anna asked in a hushed tone.
"I shall explain in due time, my Queen," Balder said.
"Okay," Anna said.
A large man, draped in a heavy black cloak walked up to Anna.
"Let us stop the pleasantries and get inside so that we shall speak in private," The man said.
"Okay," Anna said uneasily, "Come in,"
The heavily cloaked man followed Anna and Arrendelle's dignitaries into the palace. Some of the Nine Stars soldiers followed after along with some of the guards.
THE HEAVILY cloaked man took a seat at the end of the table in the council chambers. Anna sat on one end with Balder at her right side and the rest of Arrendelle's dignitaries. Some cloaked men stood behind the heavily cloaked man and the Nine Star soldiers stood amongst the guards.
The presence of the Nine Stars made Anna feel very uneasy. Other than their look, Anna felt a deep fear within her that even surprised her. She tried her best to compose herself, but it still looked like she was scared out of her mind.
The cloaked man removed his cloak, revealing a cleanly shaved head. He was a handsome looking man, but it did nothing to ease Anna up.
"I am Erhard Vinzenz, leader of the Nine Stars," Erhard said. "We have heard many a complaint over the handling of affairs here in Arrendelle,"
"We've been having a bit of trouble lately, heh," Anna said uneasily, "But I assure you that we have everything under control,"
"Not from what we have heard," Erhard said, "It seems you have been plagued by marauders for months and you have been unable to snuff them out,"
"Like I said, we been having a bit of trouble," Anna tried to say.
"Why did you not ask for our assistance?" Erhard interrupted, "We have sworn to assist the kingdoms in their hour of need,"
"Who are you exactly?" Anna asked.
"You do not know?" Erhard asked.
"Forgive us, my Lord," Balder said, "She has not sat at the Table before,"
Anna looked at Balder questioningly.
"Oh, that's right, Arrendelle has not had anyone on the throne for three years," Erhard said.
"Yes, as I have said, my apologies," Balder said, "I have been unable to properly inform the Queen,"
"Well, let me properly educate you on who we are," Erhard said, "From now on, the Arrendelle is under the complete protection of the Nine Stars. The Nine Stars will oversee all decisions of the council and the Queen from now on,"
"What? You can't do this," Anna said.
"I already have," Erhard said, "Things have gotten out of hand since the death of your parents and the Nine Stars will put things in order,"
The dignitaries mumbled angrily amongst themselves.
"I'm afraid he does have the power to do this," Balder said.
Anna frowned and Erhard sat back in his chair.
"Now, as our first order of business –," Erhard tried to say.
"No, you can't do this!" Anna yelled, rising from her seat, "Our family has been running this kingdom for generations. You can't just come in here with your black horses, your hoods and your bald heads – geez, you're creepy – and think you can take over everything,"
"My Queen, I implore you –," Balder pleaded.
"No, I won't stand for this!" Anna yelled.
"Get her out of here," Erhard said.
The soldiers of the Nine Stars moved towards Anna and the guards of Arrendelle reached for their swords.
"If you attack, you will be declaring war on something that is beyond your comprehension," Erhard said, "Put down your swords,"
The guards looked, awaiting her order.
The soldiers of the Nine Stars grabbed Anna.
"Let go of me!" Anna yelled.
"Give the order, my Queen, and we will send these men to their graves," A guard said.
The soldiers dragged Anna toward the exit.
"I told you to let go!" Anna said.
Steam exuded from Anna's skin and a soldier backed away from her.
"What in the world," the soldier said.
The doors swung open, grabbing everyone's attention. Elsa entered the room and everyone rose to their feet.
"Impossible," Erhard said.
"Elsa?" Anna said with disbelief.
Elsa looked around and saw Erhard.
"What are you doing with my sister?" Elsa asked sternly.
"What is this? We were heard of your death," Erhard said, "What sorcery is this?"
"Well, I am alive and that's all that matters," Elsa said, "Release my sister at once!"
"Where were you then? You have been gone for over a month," Erhard said.
Elsa fell silent. Anna looked at Elsa as if she was seeing a ghost.
"I did not know I was gone for that long …," Elsa said, "But that is besides the point; what are you doing in my kingdom? Why are you here?"
"We heard of how the kingdom was crumbling under the rule of Queen Anna," Erhard said, "The Order was going to take the kingdom and run it as it saw fit,"
"Well, I am back now and things are going to change," Elsa said, "Release my sister,"
Erhard nodded and the soldiers let got of Anna.
"Well then, this might change things slightly," Erhard said, "The Nine Stars were to take over Arrendelle as things went out of hand, but with the rightful ruler back on the throne, we should be sure that things will be put back in order,"
"I understand," Elsa said.
"The Nine Stars will stay in Arrendelle for the time being and snuff out the marauders," Erhard said, "We shall protect Arrendelle until we are sure it is safe and we shall return after,"
Elsa nodded.
"We shall take our leave and meet in the morning," Erhard said.
Erhard and the soldiers of the Nine Stars left the room. Elsa turned to Anna.
"Anna …," Elsa said.
Anna broke down and Elsa hugged her.
Olaf entered the room and looked around.
"Uh, what're we crying for?" Olaf asked, "Who're the guys in black?"
"I thought you were dead," Anna sobbed.
"I'm here and that's all that matters," Elsa said.
Anna cried into Elsa's shoulder.
"THEN I met this man in a cabin who taught me how to use my powers," Elsa said.
Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Balder spoke in Elsa's office after the Nine Stars went to their chambers.
"What did he teach you?" Anna asked.
"A lot of things," Elsa said, "Apparently, I can turn myself into a snowy wind at will,"
"That's so cool," Anna said, "Maybe you can teach me some cool stuff too,"
"Yeah, but he told me something else that worries me," Elsa said, "He said that my powers came from Frost Giants,"
"What? How's that possible?" Anna asked.
"I don't know, but he said that my powers are the same as three soldiers he had met who were infected by Frost Giant magic during the Great War," Elsa said.
"What's the Great War?" Anna asked.
"You don't know?" Elsa asked.
Anna shook her head and Kristoff rubbed the nape of his neck uneasily. Anna looked at the others and was surprised.
"Wait …, did you guys know about this and not tell me?" Anna asked.
"Everyone knows this," Kristoff said, "I assumed you did,"
"Hello, locked up in my room my whole life," Anna said.
"Queen Elsa knows," Balder said.
Anna turned to Elsa angrily.
"I read it in a book," Elsa said.
"Well, tell me then," Anna said.
"Years ago, before you and I were born, there was a war between an army of dragons and humans," Elsa said, "The dragons were destroying everything and the humans were losing the fight until the Nine Stars came and saved them. Since then, the kingdoms have pledged allegiance to them,"
"They fought dragons?" Anna asked.
"Yeah, from what I read," Elsa said.
"How?" Anna asked.
"I don't know, but records show that they were great warriors," Elsa said.
"Whoa," Anna said, "Wait a minute, if you knew about the war and the dragons, why didn't you believe me about the Fire Cellar in Corona?"
"I just didn't believe the whole thing about dragon fire never going out," Elsa said.
"You've never seen a dragon, maybe dragon fire doesn't go out," Anna said.
"I doubt it," Elsa said, "Even if I did, dragons are extinct, so I still don't believe what you heard about the Fire Cellar's true,"
"You can never be sure until you see it for yourself," Anna said.
"Yeah," Elsa said.
Elsa sat back in her chair and Balder thought about something.
"That man, Oliver, he said that your power is because of Frost Giants," Balder said.
"Yeah," Elsa said.
"How is that even possible? Your parents were both human," Balder said.
"I don't know," Elsa said, "But, it's pretty obvious that I'm not a normal human,"
"Well, if we believe that theory," Kristoff said, "What does that say about Anna?"
"What do you mean?" Anna asked.
"If Elsa's powers are from Frost Giants," Kristoff said, "Doesn't that mean your power is from Fire Demons?"
Anna furrowed her eyebrows and turned to Elsa. Elsa did not look surprised.
"You're considering it?" Anna asked.
"The question has crossed my mind," Elsa said, "I didn't want to believe it, but if what Oliver said about me is true; then the only conclusion is that your powers are from Fire Demons,"
"So, you wanna tell me that I'm a Fire Demon," Anna said.
"If what Oliver said about me is true, then, yeah," Elsa said.
"How's that possible?" Anna asked.
"I don't know," Elsa said.
"Queen Elsa, you and Anna are sisters and your parents were both human," Balder said, "There is no way you are a Frost Giant and Anna is a Fire Demon. It's preposterous,"
Elsa shrugged.
"Even if you want to say that you are not human, you being a Frost Giant and Anna being a Fire Demon does not make any sense," Balder said, "You are sisters, Frost Giants and Fire Demons are different races entirely,"
"Well, I don't know anything at all at this point," Elsa said, "All I know is that Oliver taught me how to use my powers and that I'm back where I belong,"
"It's great to have you back here," Anna said, "At least I won't keep messing up anymore,"
"It's great to have you back, my Queen," Balder said.
"Thanks," Elsa said.
Olaf looked around curiously.
"What were we talking about?" Olaf asked.
The guys chuckled.
A GUARD walked down the streets of Arrendelle in the night. He walked into an alley and met a cloaked man in it.
"You said you had something to tell us," the cloaked man said.
"A few days ago, an assassin attacked Anna in her sleep," the guard said, "When we arrived, we found the assassin's corpse thoroughly burned. She is like her sister,"
"You're sure about this?" the cloaked man asked.
"I saw his charred corpse with my own eyes," the guard said, "There was no sign of a fire anywhere and the corpse was standing when we arrived in the room. She's dangerous,"
The cloaked man gave the guard a small bag of coins.
"The Order thanks you for your assistance," the cloaked man said.
The guard nodded and walked away, discretely pocketing the coins.
As always, Follow, Favourite and Review and Await the Awesomeness as we dive deeper into the universe. Thanks for reading.