Elsa spent the next few weeks training with the Highland army. She used the clearing near the lake to practice her magic, trying to perfect her aim. Anna would spend hours nearby, watching Elsa and trying to determine how she herself could be useful in the upcoming battle.
"What is she doing?" Violet asked Anna. Elsa was in the clearing, facing an ice sculpture of Prince Oris.
"She's trying to figure out the force that killed him. She had never done anything like that before. When we were children she froze my head accidentally, and then you know she froze my heart. But even that wasn't an immediate death. I froze over slowly. On my wedding night, Oris just dropped dead."
"Perhaps she hit both the head and the heart, at the same time?"
"We thought of that. I think it had something to do with her anger. I've never seen her that way before, or since."
"If love can thaw, it makes sense that the opposite could freeze."
"Yes. She has gotten exceptionally good with the animal creations. She can command hundreds at once. Bears and Elk are easier than wolves but she's gotten proficient at those as well."
"What about something more human like?"
"The more intelligent the creature, the more difficult it is."
Elsa gave up and came over to the women. "You're not talking about me are you?" She asked.
"Of course we are. Queen Violet wanted to know if you could create ice soldiers."
"I don't know. Perhaps. Hopefully, it won't come to that."
When the women arrived back at the castle Captain Farid had news for them. "Advanced party has arrived, the troops from Corona will be here tomorrow."
"Are we ready Captain?" Violet asked.
"We are. We will start the climb the next morning. It is only a days climb from this side, but it will take several days for so many men to make the journey."
"Then we should send our troops first, give the Corona army time to rest."
"My thoughts as well."
"I need to go up first, to prepare the area for the soldiers. I'll take a small contingency of men with me, namely our ice master Kristoff." Elsa said.
"Do you think they will have someone watching the mountains?" Anna asked.
"If they do, we must take them out before they can report in." The captain said. "We should all begin preparing to leave, tomorrow will be a long day."
In there room that night Elsa looked at Anna sadly. "I don't suppose I can convince you to stay here with Violet?"
"Absolutely not. I go where you go. Besides, the trolls told us to stay together."
"Fine. But promise me you will not put yourself in danger."
"I promise. Now, are you all packed? I've had more practical clothing made for both of us. These dresses aren't made for battle."
"Very clever."
"Well, besides, you look too good in pants to pass up the opportunity."
Elsa rolled her eyes. "Don't forget it will be winter soon. You need warm clothing."
"Yes Elsa."
The next day the Corona army arrived, and Elsa was pleased that they seemed to be in good spirits. "Eugene, it's good to see you again."
"I'm glad you're both doing well."
"Is Rapunzel furious that you're here?"
"Not entirely. She understands. I am under strict orders not to die however."
"Has there been word from Arendelle?"
Eugene looked troubled. "Yes. The capital is being held by Cannonvale. Arendelle put up a good fight from what we understand but they are simply outnumbered. Word is that your parents are being held in the castle, but are unharmed."
"No less than I expected." Elsa said.
"Your highness, King Armen will use them against you." Captain Pike spoke up.
"I know. But there is nothing that can be done about it now. How are your men Captain? Are they prepared for what may come?"
"They are. They have no qualms about following their prince into battle. Not to mention, everyone knows what Prince Oris did."
Elsa outlined the plan to the captain and Eugene and then went to find Kristoff. The blonde was chatting with Anna.
"I'll need you to come with us tomorrow Kristoff." Elsa said. "I'm sorry we can't give you more time to rest, but we need your experience on the mountain."
"That's okay. I'm ready. Plus, I missed you guys these last weeks." Sven snorted in agreement.
"We missed you too Sven. You look very handsome in your armor, both of you."
Kristoff blushed. "The story Lt. Dawson told about those soldiers just being common folks was true. We gave them the option to return to their homes or stay in Corona. Over half chose to stay."
"And Dawson?"
"Still being held in the castle, but not in the dungeon. He's been moved to a private room under close guard. He seems like an okay man really."
"Get some rest Kristoff, we leave at dawn." Elsa patted his shoulder before walking away.
Elsa and Anna made sure to say their farewells to Queen Violet as well. The monarch was sad to see them leave, but promised they would see each other again in the future.
"You know she's in love with Captain Farid right?" Anna said as they walked back to their room.
"What makes you say that?" Elsa asked.
"She told me she was in an unconventional relationship and that is why she never married. The way she looks at him tells me she loves him."
"And does he love her?"
"He does."
"How sad that she feels she cannot marry him, because of the color of his skin I presume. She's the queen she can do whatever she wishes."
"Does that mean that when you are queen you will marry me?"
Elsa opened the door to their room for her sister and then closed it behind them. She pulled the younger girl into a passionate kiss that led them to the bed. "I will."
Anna smiled up at her, fingers tracing the contours of her neck. "I can't wait."
"You'll be the most beautiful bride Anna." Elsa suddenly remembered that Anna had already been a bride once. "You were, I mean. So beautiful."
"But this time I'll be happy. I'll be marrying for love." Anna kissed her again.
"I should have stolen you away that morning."
"Elsa, think of the scandal! We're together now, that's all that matters. Now, it may be awhile before we're alone again so you need to get these clothes off."
"Is that so princess?" Elsa grinned down at her.
"Now."
At dawn Elsa woke her beloved and they grabbed their bags. Kristoff and Sven were waiting in the courtyard along with Tormund and forty men from the Highlands.
"I'm sending my best archers with you." Captain Farid said. While you're preparing the top of the mountain they will scout the area and get rid of any spies. I'll start sending my men up in three hours. I wouldn't expect to see anyone from Corona for a couple of days. This is a lot of people to get up the mountain."
"Thank you Farid. We will see you soon."
Kristoff tied Elsa and Anna's bag to Sven and they started to climb.
"Nice outfits." The ice master observed.
"Just trying to be practical. Can't be climbing mountains in ball gowns." Elsa replied.
"Oh, I thought maybe Anna made you start dressing like that." Kristoff said.
"Do you think you're funny?" Elsa glared at him.
"You have no idea." Tormund complained. "What my sister sees in him I don't know."
"You guys quit picking on my Kristoff." Anna said. "And I'll need to meet this sister of yours before I can approve of her."
"Is she serious?" Tormund whispered to Elsa.
"Yes. And no, I can't do anything to help. Anna does what she wants."
They made it to the summit by late afternoon, all exhausted from the climb. "It's so much steeper on this side." Anna remarked.
"But a shorter climb. And no wolves." Kristoff said.
Elsa went right to her ice palace and inspected it. "Just as I Ieft it." She then created walls extending out in each direction from the palace, and within the walls rows upon rows of ice cabins. "This should provide shelter from the worst of the wind and cold for our men.
Within a few hours the first of the Highland men appeared at the top of the mountain. Captain Farid met with Elsa in the ice palace, letting his men set up their camps in the ice shelters.
"Scouts set out as soon as we got here, Captain. They are expected to report back within forty eight hours." Elsa said.
"Very well. The majority of our troops should be up here by then. "It's obviously very cold, but I suppose building fires will be out of the question."
"I don't see why. The ice wall should block the flames from view, and I can make them even higher to block the smoke."
"But the fire will melt the ice."
"No, not this ice. Have the men do what they must to stay comfortable."
The next afternoon Elsa heard shouting and ran out to see what was going on.
"Let me through! I'm no Cannonvale scum!"
"Hey, let go of him!" Kristoff shouted.
"That's Oaken." Anna said. "He lives on the mountain, I met him when I came up to find you last summer."
"It's alright. Let him through." Elsa ordered.
Oaken shook off the guards that had been holding him. He bowed to Elsa when he reached her. "Your highness, thank god you are here. When I saw lights and fire on the mountain I felt it must be you and came to see for myself."
"Oaken, we had to come around the long way. What's been happening?" Anna asked.
"Cannonvale attacked months ago. From what I heard the king didn't even put up much of a fight. They've been occupying the castle all this time, and the citizens aren't permitted to leave the city. No one can enter or leave the harbor either, the navy from the Southern Isles has it blocaded."
"The scouts started to report back this morning with much the same news, your majesty." Captain Pike said.
"Very well. What do you suggest?"
"With the number of troops we have, plus you, we could simply engage them head on in battle and attempt to retake the city. Our other option is to freeze them out. Create conditions that make leaving the castle impossible for our enemy. Eventually they will run out of food and firewood and be forced to surrender."
"I'd much prefer that option, but what about the people of Arendelle? They'll freeze as well."
"Well, no offense Elsa, but after the artificial winter you created last year pretty much everyone began taking extra precautions. The townspeople have been storing up large quantities of food and firewood since then. They may be okay for awhile. As long as a month maybe." Kristoff said.
"Then that means the castle most likely has extra stockpiles as well." Elsa said.
"Can we get word in to the staff to get rid of them?" Anna asked. "Send a spy?"
"I'll go." Oaken offered. "They know me there, and the guards are used to me coming down off the mountain on occasion to stock up on supplies."
"Very well. You must only speak to either Kai or Gerda. They are the only ones we are sure we can trust. Tell them what needs to be done."
Oaken left at once and returned late the next day. "I was able to see Kai, your highness. He was overjoyed to learn that you are both well, and that you have come to retake your kingdom. He said to tell you that he has already hidden the castles extra stores so that Cannonvale cannot make use of them."
"Okay, Elsa, it's time to make it snow." Anna said. "I suggest everyone return to their camps and get comfortable."
Elsa led Anna to the balcony of her ice palace. "What if this turns out to be a mistake?" She asked.
"Then we will live with it knowing we were doing the best we could." Anna answered. She put her arms around Elsa's waist. "I love you Elsa."
Elsa closed her eyes and concentrated her energy on the castle of Arendelle, working her way out from there. Heavy snow began to fall, the winds howled and ice coated every conceivable surface. The lakes and rivers were frozen solid within minutes.
"Well, now I guess we just wait."
"I can think of a few things to do to occupy our time." Anna grinned.