The Sins of the Father

Chapter Twelve

Audience

Isarn and his men followed the young man across the rocky terrain, cautiously looking around for any indications that they were about to be ambushed. As they walked, they passed several brann wielder men. Some stopped and stared at them, but most ignored them, continuing about their tasks.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the party arrived at the fortress gates. The young man turned to the Wanderers.

"So, what do you think?" he asked, grinning.

Erseth was speechless. Finally, he managed to stammer, "This is . . . unbelievable! Is this . . . Did your men build this? It's flawless!"

The young man laughed. "Our legends say that hundreds of years ago, the volcanos erupted in a burst of fury. Liquid magma flowed everywhere, coating the mountains with their heat. Our people feared the worst: that we were doomed to destruction. But one man, the most powerful ever to belong to our race, was able to harness the power of the earth. He channeled his energy into the depths of the earth's molten core, willing the magma to spare our people. Instead, the lava flowed and formed into what you see now: this magnificent structure. Not a single chisel or hammer cut through this stone. No mortal man could have created rock this pure!"

Isarn nodded. "It is most amazing, indeed. Truly a worthy stronghold for your race."

The young man turned back to the gates, knocking. The gate opened slightly, a guard ready to prevent their entry. The young man exchanged heated words with the guard in a language unknown to Isarn or his men. The Wanderer leader leaned in to Erseth.

"Can you understand them?" he asked. "What are they saying?"

Erseth listened intently. "They are talking very quickly. I can only make out the most basic information. The lad wants to let us in to see the Empress. The guard thinks it's a bad idea. Now they're arguing, exchanging . . . rather impolite insults."

The young man turned back to Isarn, waving his hand. "It's all right," he said. "Come. The Empress will see us."

I hope this goes well, Isarn thought. We have but one opportunity to get this right.


The halls of the brann wielder palace shone with a clarity none in Isarn's party had ever seen before. None could have imagined before that moment that black rock could shine so brightly, or that stone could glisten and shimmer as clearly as the cleanest glass.

The young man led them to the end of the entry hall, a cavernous room lined with dark columns stretching into oblivion. Isarn could see a figure waiting for them as they approached. As they reached their destination, the young man bowed.

"Your Highness," he said.

The young woman turned, regarding those before her with a suspicious look. "Who are these men, Arberish?" she asked. "Why have you brought them to me?"

Isarn studied the woman intensely, taking in her features. Her long hair was the color of flame, the light from the windows reflecting off of it, flickering and dancing as if it was made of fire itself. Her eyes were the purest shade of green Isarn had ever seen. Her skin was immaculate, its pure white color contrasting brilliantly with the red locks surrounding her face.

Isarn stepped forward slowly. "Are you . . . Are you the Empress of the brann wielders?"

The young woman laughed. "No, no. The Empress is my mother. I am Princess Valanda." She stared at Isarn intensely. "Your clothing . . . Your accent . . . Who are you? Why have you come to us?"

Isarn bowed before her, his men following his lead. "Your Highness, I am Isarn, leader of the ice bærers."

Princess Valanda gasped, her hand covering her mouth in astonishment. She turned to the young man. "Arberish, what have you done? Why have you brought them here? You know my mother's orders!"

Arberish raised his hands in protest. "Your Highness, please! It has been so long since we have had contact with the ice bærers!"

"And for good reason!" Valanda retorted. "You know our history. You know the stories. The atrocities they committed against our people!"

Isarn stepped forward. "Your Highness, if I may. We both know that neither of our races is blameless in this dispute. Both sides have committed . . . unspeakable acts against each other."

Valanda shook her head. "Be that as it may, you have no right to intrude upon our solitude! We have respected, begrudgingly, your territorial rights for centuries and have not attempted to infringe upon them. Why, then, do you come here, violating the unspoken accord we have honored for so long?"

Isarn glanced at Arberish, who merely shrugged, uncertain of how to assist. "Highness, we come before you now because a new enemy has emerged that threatens the existence of both our races. I cannot offer anything more than my sincerest apologies and regret for the atrocities of the past. However, if we do not stand together, if we do not set aside our differences, I fear for the survival of both of our races."

Princess Valanda stepped backwards, blood draining from her face. "Is this . . . Is this the truth? You would not dare lie to us, would you? Or is this some trick designed to gain our trust, then strike when we are most vulnerable?"

Isarn swallowed his pride and lowered himself to one knee, genuflecting before her. "I swear to you, Highness. This threat of which I speak is very, very real. My people were attacked days ago by this enemy. Many lives were lost. Many precious lives. Surely you can understand."

Valanda stared, uncertain of what to do. Finally, she nodded. "Arise, Isarn," she said, her voice soft yet commanding authority. "Follow me. My mother must hear of this. She alone will judge whether or not you speak truly."


The throne room of the brann wielders' palace was truly magnificent. Light shone in from windows high atop the walls, causing the floor to glisten with unparalleled beauty. Various torches flickered and sparked, their flames dancing in the blackness. Exquisite sculptures lined the walls, their every detail made manifest in the blackness of the rock.

The party followed Valanda and Arberish, approaching a throne of magnificent proportions and grandeur. Seated atop it was a woman. Like Valanda, her hair was red as flame, her eyes an intense green, like emeralds purified of all imperfections. However, where the princess's face was delicate and soft, the woman's was hard, unflinching.

Valanda bowed before the woman. "Mother," she said.

The woman bowed her head to her daughter, remaining seated upon her throne. "Daughter, who are they? What is this rabble you have brought to me?"

Valanda cleared her throat nervously. "Mother, this is Isarn and his men."

The woman laughed. "That name means nothing to me. Am I supposed to be impressed?"

Valanda's brow furrowed, embarrassed at her mother's rudeness. "Mother, Isarn is the leader of the Wanderers to the east. He is leader of the ice bærers."

The Empress's already hardened face was now unflinching. Fire blazed in her eyes as she gazed upon Isarn and his men. Standing, she turned her countenance to Valanda, her wrath boiling over.

"How dare you?!" she shouted at her daughter. "You think that just because you are my daughter you can disregard my explicit commands? You know the law! Any ice bærer found trespassing in our land is to be executed on sight! Why are they still alive?!"

Valanda shrunk backwards, terrified at her mother's reaction. "Mother, please!" she stammered. "They say they have an important message for us!"

"I WILL NOT HEAR OF IT!" roared the Empress. "This filth is no better than those fools in Arendelle! After all they have done to us, you dare to allow them access to our sacred halls?!"

Arberish tentatively stepped forward. "Majesty, please! It was not Her Highness that brought them here. It was I!"

The Empress whirled about, looking at Arberish as if noticing his presence for the first time. "Who are you?!" she cried. "You are but a lad! You're not a member of my guard, no member of my security force! You're just a civilian! What gives you the audacity to think you can ignore my wishes and bring these vermin into my palace?!"

"They said . . . They said they come seeking an audience with Your Majesty!" Arberish cried. "They come under a banner of truce!"

"AND YOU BELIEVED THEM?!" The Empress was beside herself. "You will all pay for your treachery! Guards!"

Isarn stepped forward. "Majesty, please! Please let me speak! After I am finished, if you still wish to execute us, we will not stop you!"

The Empress paused, carefully studying Isarn. "You would allow me to kill your men? Really?"

"They came of their own volition," Isarn responded. "They are willing to die if that is your will, but please let me explain first."

The Empress was, admittedly, impressed. "Interesting. Very well. You may speak."

"Majesty, several days ago, my people were viciously attacked by a rogue force from Arendelle. They assaulted our village, slaughtered innocents, murdered our beloved leader."

The Empress nodded. "Arendelle, you say? Military or freelance?"

"Neither, Majesty," Isarn replied. "They are a group of civilians who despise any who are not members of their race. They see it as their mission to eliminate from the earth any who are not like them."

"And why should I concern myself with these matters? We have lived in these mountains for centuries, untroubled by the concerns of those who live by the waters."

Isarn pressed onward. "Majesty, most in Arendelle may no longer believe in the existence of our races. They may think they are nothing but myths and legends. But the men who belong to this radical faction know we exist. They have taken it upon themselves to drive us to extinction. If they have already launched an assault against my people, how long do you think it will be before they turn their eyes toward the mountains? Everything your people have built over the centuries could be at risk. They are a small faction now, Majesty, but they are growing by the day. Soon, neither of our races will be strong enough to resist them on our own."

The Empress stroked her chin, deeply entrenched in thought. "What are you proposing?" she asked.

"An alliance, Majesty," Isarn said. "I propose we disregard any past grievances our races may still harbor toward each other. At this point, clinging to them accomplishes nothing. Let us work together to withstand this threat. If we stand together, Majesty, we can ensure the survival of our people."

Valanda turned to the Empress. "Mother, if what he says is true, you know we do not have the men or the resources to withstand an invasion."

"You heard what he said," the Empress said. "This is not Arendelle threatening us. This is merely a small band of rabble-rousers."

"For how long, Majesty?" Arberish asked. "Forgive me, but . . . If we bury our heads in the sand, if we do nothing, sooner or later this small band will grow. They will recruit more and more men until they are too powerful for us to contain."

The Empress turned back to Valanda. "Do you realize what you are asking me to do? You are asking me to turn my back on everything our fathers have taught us. To betray centuries of our traditions on the word of the leader of our greatest enemies. What would you have me do?!"

Isarn spoke once more. "Majesty, I understand your concerns. I truly do. Many of my own people wished ill of me for even attempting to make contact with your race. However , I must make certain you understand me. Failing to stand together will do nothing but sentence our people to death. I apologize for my bluntness, but it is the truth. I have heard of the wisdom of Your Majesty. You must understand me when I tell you we have no alternative if we are to survive."

The Empress sat back on her throne, covering her eyes with her hand, considering Isarn's words. After several minutes of silence, she lifted her head and spoke once more.

"I must consult with my most trusted advisors regarding your proposal," she said. "I will make my final decision in two days. Matters of this importance cannot be decided hastily." She paused. "In the meantime, you and your men may remain in the palace as guests. However, do not think for a moment this does anything to lighten the animosity that still runs toward your race."

She smiled darkly. "It would be unwise for you to leave the palace, to draw attention to yourselves. Many of my people would be all too willing to kill you without question. If you value your lives, I suggest you remain hidden within these walls."

The Empress turned to her daughter. "Valanda will show you to your chambers. I will see you again in two days."

Isarn and his men bowed before her. "I await Your Majesty's decision," Isarn said.

"Valanda, escort these men from the throne room at this time."

The princess led the group of ice bærers down the aisle back toward the main hall.

As they walked, Erseth turned to Isarn. "Now what?"

"We wait," Isarn said. "That is all we can do. Wait, and hope the Empress makes the correct decision."

"And if she doesn't? If she refuses to form an alliance?"

Isarn paused. "We will have to do everything within our power to persuade her."


AN: The Fire Empress has been introduced. What will come of Isarn's proposal? Please read and review! We will be returning to the present and to Elsa and Anna in the next chapter. More to come!