The day had arrived! Elsa would return from her journey today, Sunday! Anna was beside herself with excitement! Kristoff tried to calm her down a little.
"Take it easy, Anna! Elsa might not arrive until this evening, and you'll be too tired to greet her!"
"I'll try, Kristoff, but I am just so happy! I've missed her so!"
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Captain Smith took the watch at the harbor that day, a highly unusual move. But everyone knew why. She'll be back today! I can't wait to see her, and hold her in my arms again! Thought the Captain. Approximately every hour, James would check with Herford, the Harbor Master, to see if he had spot anything.
Herford decided to do a little good-natured ribbing. "Honest, James! I WILL let you know if I see anything, except for any Arendelle ships!"
James had a blank expression on his face. Herford laughed.
"I know both you and the princess anxiously await the Queen's return. But remember, the sea is fickle. Hopefully she arrives today, but it may be tomorrow."
Little did Herford know, it was going to take much longer than a day for Elsa to return.
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Captain Baleson and the North Mountain were just taking leave of Lukens Island, where they informed the good king of the sad plight of the Arendelle embassy.
"It grieves me to think that Elsa, the captain and crew of the Pride of Arendelle II, and the captain and crew of the Icy Fjord were lost!" stated Lukens sadly. "This will be a crushing blow to Princess Anna, especially after losing her parents in a similar disaster! Please extend the Southern Isles deepest condolences. If there is any way we can help Arendelle in this troubled time, please let the Princess know we are here if she needs us."
"Thank you, your Majesty!" replied Baleson sadly. "I dread having to bear the bad news to the Princess, but it is my sad duty."
The North Mountain was being escorted by two Southern Isle man-o-wars, to ensure that they would return to Arendelle safely. They should arrive on Tuesday, two days late.
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The Icy Fjord was two days away from Lukens Island on Sunday, and another two from Arendelle. They should arrive (with a Southern Isle man-o-war escort) on Thursday, four days late.
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The Pride of Arendelle II set sail at approximately high noon. They would head due east and try to dock at a Southern Isle port. Elsa took the logbook with her. She knew Anna would want to read it as well.
As they sailed eastward, Captain Bjorkland estimated that they should sight Thors Island sometime on Tuesday. Elsa hoped that Anna wouldn't worry much.