The Tides of Destruction

Chapter Fourteen

Arrival

"I . . . I don't even know where to begin."

Maíreweth, Célebron, and Élsaweth stood in the cargo hold, Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff circled around them, their eyes narrowed, filled with anger, disappointment, worry.

Anna ran her hand through her hair, her brow creased with stress. "Didn't I tell you to stay home? That it wasn't safe for you here? I meant it, Célebron, Élsaweth. And then you go ahead and do . . . this . . ."

"But Mama—" Élsaweth began to protest.

"Not a word, children," Kristoff said. "You have already disobeyed us enough. And Maíreweth . . ." His eyes fell upon the young woman as he shook his head. "What were you thinking, bringing them here?"

"I . . . I don't know exactly," Maíreweth admitted, wringing her hands together. "Something just told me that I needed to be here." She looked toward the light that was Elsa's presence, shrugging her shoulders, her face filled with misery. "I tried to leave them at home. I swear! But they followed me to the ship and found me while all of you were talking on other side of the deck. They ran down here and hid. They wouldn't listen to me. Before I could get them to leave, it was too late. I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry . . ."

Jack looked at the young woman, frowning slightly. "Yeh know, I don't claim to be an expert, but it seems as though they've been through enough. What say we all stop being so upset—"

"Captain, I think you need to stop talking right now." Anna's voice was calm, yet threaded with underlying malice. "If I ever think I need parenting advice from you, I'll be sure to let you know."

Jack nonchalantly took a swig from his ever-present bottle. "Whatever you say, love."

Elsa, meanwhile, had approached Maíreweth, her face devoid of expression. After several tense moments, she finally spoke. "Oh, Maíreweth. What have you done?"

"I . . . I was only trying to help," Maíreweth fumbled. "I already told you—"

"I know," Elsa said, placing her hand on Maíreweth's shoulder. "But now I have to worry about your safety. And Célebron and Élsaweth." She paused as she looked upon her daughter, the young woman's face filled with despair. "Although, I am very glad to see you," she admitted, wrapping her arms around Maíreweth. "I've missed you so much already . . ."

Maíreweth returned Elsa's embrace, holding her mother tightly. "I won't get in the way, Mother. I promise. I'll . . . We'll stay out of sight. You won't even know we're here."

"Yeah!" Célebron interjected. "We'll be so good, you'll forget we even came along and—"

The boy let out a yelp as he tripped on a loose floorboard, his body flying forward toward the tub before him. With a cry, his arms fell in, sending water flying everywhere. Embarrassed, Célebron shot a sheepish grin at Sélene as the Véldenmaína looked on, bemused.

"Somehow, I doubt that," Kristoff said. He looked at Anna, letting out a long sigh. "All right, then." Turning back to the twins, he took hold of their hands. "Now that you're here, you are going to have to do exactly what we say. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Papa," the twins answered in unison.

"Good," Kristoff said. "Now, come with us. It's time for bed."

"But Papa—"

Kristoff cleared his throat. "What did I just say?"

Groaning disappointedly, the children followed Kristoff and Anna out of the cargo hold toward their quarters.

"Anna." Elsa took her sister's hand as she walked out the door. "It's going to be all right. I promise. They'll be safe."

Anna simply looked at her sister, her eyes filled with concern. "You don't know that, Elsa. You don't know that at all . . ."

Elsa stared at Anna's form as she disappeared up the stairs, finally remembering she wasn't alone. Turning to Jack, she frowned. "So, Captain. When do you anticipate we will reach the Southern Isles?"

Jack's face contorted into a toothy grin. "Well, Your Majesticfulness, I'm supposing that, if all goes just the way it's been so far, we'll be getting there by tomorrow evening."

Ingeborson let out a laugh of disbelief. "You can't be serious! This is a three-day journey even for the fastest of ships. There's no way we'll be there by—"

Jack raised an eyebrow. "You want to be captain, now, mate? Suit yourself. But I told yeh all I'm the best for a reason." He shrugged. "Of course, if you no longer want me services, you're more than welcome to—"

Ingeborson let out a groan. "All right. All right. You win. If you say we'll be there tomorrow evening, then that's when we'll get there." Moving to the stairs, he paused, looking back toward Elsa. "I must say, Your Majesty, your decision making never ceases to amaze me. Bringing a sea maiden on board, and now letting children remain on this vessel?" He took a long puff from his pipe. "Very interesting. Very interesting, indeed . . ."

As he ascended the stairs, Underthen cursed under his breath. "Arrogant prick!" he muttered. "Let's see if I ever trust play cards with him again . . ."

Alúvelin's face was nearly as red as her hair. "He has no right to talk to you like that, Elsa," she said. "He is out of line and you know it!"

"I know," Elsa responded. "But as obnoxious as he is, he is the only one I can trust to help me negotiate with the King and his men."

"Why?" Valanda asked. "I thought you said the King trusted you implicitly. Why do you need Ingeborson? Why can't we just throw him in one of the lifeboats and let him float back to Arendelle?"

"Because, as much as I hate to admit it, he is the best negotiator I have ever seen," Elsa said. "He has forgotten more information on the Southern Isles' economy and trade history than I could possibly hope to learn. As repellant as he can be, we need him."

"Well, I don't like it," Alúvelin said. Moving to the tub, she looked at Sélene. "Are you all right? I'm so sorry that he looked at you like that. That he touched you like that."

The Véldenmaína nodded. "I am fine, Alúvelin. I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself."

"Wait." Maíreweth frowned. "He . . . He did what?!"

"Nothing," Sélene said quickly, her eyes focused on the young woman. "It was nothing."

Hoping to change the subject, Elsa smiled slightly as an idea came to her. "You know," she said to Maíreweth. "My quarters are quite cramped as it is. And since we don't really have anywhere else to put you—"

"She's welcome to room across the hall from me, love," Jack offered. "I'll keep a good eye on her. Scout's honor."

Elsa's glare made it clear that Jack speaking was a very, very bad idea. Gathering his effects, Jack gestured to Sanderson. "Come, Master Sanderson. You have first watch this evening. Try not to run us too far off course, savvy?"

Grumbling to himself, Sanderson begrudgingly followed Jack out of the cargo hold. "You know, I know how to sail a ship. You don't have to treat me like a child . . ."

As they left the cargo hold, Elsa turned her attention back to her daughter. "As I was saying: Since there isn't anywhere else for you to stay, and since you disobeyed me by sneaking on board, I can think of only one place for you."

Her heart sinking, Maíreweth swallowed, unsure of what her mother had in mind. "Where . . . Where is that?"

With a delicate smile, Elsa brushed the young woman's hair. "You can stay right here with Sélene for the night. I am counting on you to make sure she stays safe. And, I'm sure she's lonely down here by herself, so . . ."

Without thinking, Maíreweth clasped Elsa's hand tightly. "I will!" she cried out exuberantly. Regaining control of her emotions, she cleared her throat. "I mean, if this is what you need me to do, I will—"

Elsa kissed Maíreweth's cheek. "Just remember that you're being punished. So try not to enjoy yourself too much, ladies. I'll see you in the morning. Sleep well . . ."

Elsa, Alúvelin, Valanda, and Underthen exited the cargo hold, leaving Maíreweth and Sélene alone. The young woman turned to the tub, the image of the Véldenmaína's smile shining clearly in her mind. "So," Maíreweth said as she rested her arms on what had become her customary position. "Have I missed anything?"

Sélene laughed, her voice ringing like a bell as she playfully splashed Maíreweth with a flick of her fin. "You have no idea," she said. "You have no idea . . ."

True to his word, Jack pressed the Valiant faster than she had ever travelled before. All aboard marveled at how the captain seemed to know exactly how to position her sails in order to achieve maximum velocity. The waters of the vast ocean seemed little more than a blue blur as the mighty vessel sailed along.

Finally, as the sun began to set, Jack let out a loud cry. "Oh, Your Majesticfulness! Have a looksee over here!"

Elsa smiled as the familiar sight of the Southern Isles beckoned toward them. The quintet of small landmasses glimmered in the setting sun. The limbs of mighty trees billowed in the wind, their emerald leaves shimmering in the orange glow of twilight. Rising high above the trees, vast mountains towered over the islands, each one serving as a silent guardian over the land below.

"There!" Elsa said, pointing toward the largest of the islands. "That's where we need to go. Take us there, Captain."

Nodding, Jack turned the wheel, steering the Valiant into the harbor. With pinpoint accuracy, he guided the vessel along, bringing her to a halt next to the dock. Grinning proudly, he took a long sip from his bottle. "We're here, Your Majesticfulness."

"Good," Elsa said. "Now, stay here at keep an eye on the ship while I talk to the King."

"Hold on, love!" Jack protested. "I'm supposed to be getting me ship back! Or have you forgotten our deal already?"

Elsa sighed. "No, I haven't forgotten," she said. "But I can't help you until I get the help I need. I promise, we'll find these pirates and get the Pearl back. But for now, just do as I say. Please?"

Jack looked at her for several silent moments. Finally, he nodded. "Very well, Your Majesticfulness. But I be warning you: I won't be giving you all the time in the world. You'd better move fast to keep your end of the bargain, or you and I will be having some serious problems."

Nodding in assent, Elsa turned leave. Thinking better of it, she turned back. "Oh, and one more thing. Help Maíreweth keep an eye on Sélene and the twins, would you?"

"What?!" Jack was not at all pleased with this latest assault on his dignity. "I'm no babysitter, love. I've got too many other things to be doing to—"

The captain's protestations were interrupted by the sound of small, running footsteps. Célebron was there, looking up at the captain, his eyes wide. "Are you really a pirate?" he asked.

Uncertain of how to react, Jack simply nodded. "Aye. I am indeed, lad."

"Wow!" The boy moved to the wheel of the Valiant, his eyes glimmering in excitement. "And this is how you steer the ship? How does it work?"

Jack knew he should shoo the boy away, but something about the boy's energy, his unbridled enthusiasm reminded him of someone else he had known, many years ago. "Well, since you asked, lad," he said, moving to join Célebron at the helm. "Let me show ye . . ."

Turning to leave the ship, Elsa smiled to herself. Hopefully, Anna doesn't kill me after this. She stopped momentarily as her hand began to convulse once more of its own accord. Thrusting it into her cloak, she joined the rest of the adults on the dock. If this doesn't kill me first, that is . . .

King Alwin sat at his desk, his eyes trained upon the massive stack of parchment that lay before him. Letting out a sigh of exasperation, he rubbed his eyes, hoping that when he opened them once more, the large, never-ending stream of paperwork would be little more than a figment of his imagination. To his dismay, the pile looked all the taller as he gazed upon it once more.

Just as he lifted his pen to begin signing the mountain of documents, a knock sounded at the door. "Enter," he commanded, his stomach turning in knots at the prospect of having to deal with whatever new crisis was about to be brought to his attention.

The door opened as one of his manservants entered the office. "I am sorry to disturb you, Your Majesty, but we have . . . unexpected visitors."

At this hour? Groaning, Alwin rose, moving to the center of the room. "Right. I assume they are visiting dignitaries or something of the kind? Very well. Let me greet them, then show them to the guest chambers. I will deal with them in more detail tomorrow—"

His voice trailed off as his eyes fell upon the party standing in the corridor outside his office. A large smile broke across his face as he rushed to the figure at the front of the group. Taking her hand, he bowed before her, kissing her hand. Having greeted her according to protocol, he then violated all formalities by embracing her warmly. "Elsa! What are you doing here?! It's so good to see you!"

The Queen of Arendelle smiled as she returned Alwin's welcoming gesture. "It's nice to see you too, Alwin. It has been too long . . ."

"I know." Alwin released his hold on Elsa, looking at her. "Has it only been six months? It feels like a great deal longer, don't you think?"

Elsa nodded. "Yes. Yes, it does." She gestured to her companions. "You remember most of them, I'm sure. Anna . . . Alúvelin . . . Valanda . . . Kristoff . . . Minister Ingeborson . . ."

"Of course!" Alwin responded. "It's so nice to see you all again." He frowned slightly as he looked upon an unfamiliar man. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I've forgotten you."

"No," Underthen said. "We have never met before, Your Majesty. My name is Underthen. I'm a . . . a friend of Elsa's."

"Really?" Alwin raised an eyebrow as he turned his attention back to Elsa. "I'm relieved to hear that. I've been so worried about you since Arberish passed, God rest his soul. I was afraid you would never find—"

Nervous laughter erupted from Elsa's and Underthen's throats. "No!" Elsa said. "We're not . . . I mean . . ."

"Oh, God, no!" Underthen exclaimed. "That is, I mean, um . . ."

Alwin picked up on the message. "Oh. I'm sorry. I suppose I just assumed. Forgive me." Clasping his hands, he led the party into the office. "So, Elsa. What brings you to our lands without any warning? Is everything all right?"

"Unfortunately, no," Elsa said as she looked at the fine artwork decorating Alwin's office. "I assume by now you have heard of the attacks on the merchant vessels of the Four Kingdoms."

"I have," Alwin acknowledged. "Dreadful news. The soulless bastards responsible murdering countless men without provocation." He poured himself a drink from the decanter on his desk. "It's enough to make a man abandon travel on the seas altogether."

Underthen elbowed Kristoff. "Is this what being a king or queen is like?" he whispered. "This is so boring!"

"Shut up," Kristoff whispered back, smiling. "This is a relatively simple conversation to follow. You should hear them when they're talking about treaties. It's enough to make you want to rip your ears off!"

Elsa had accepted the drink Alwin had offered her. ". . . which is why I need to ask a favor of you. A very, very big favor."

Alwin smiled at her. "Elsa, you have done so much for my people over the past few years. It is high time we repay Arendelle's generosity. Especially after the . . . unfortunate misunderstanding . . ."

Elsa nodded. "These pirates attacked Arendelle yesterday morning. They destroyed almost all of our merchant vessels. Many of our men were killed. Countless more were injured. We have been assured that they will return in one week's time to finish what they have started."

Alwin took a long sip from his drink. "How can we help? Anything you need, simply name it."

The Queen nodded. "Your fleet. We need ships to reinforce our own naval vessels. With your help, we can catch these monsters by surprise and stop them before they terrorize any other nations with their unprovoked attacks."

Alwin paused as he considered Elsa's request. "It . . . It will not be popular, Elsa," he said. "Many of my people will question why we are entering conflict when we have not been attacked." A pained expression crossed his face. "And . . . And I am not my father. I'm doing my best, but I lack his eloquence, his dignity, his unfailing ability to convince a man to do anything." He frowned. "He's the man you need, Elsa. Not me. If he were here, it would make your life much, much easier."

Elsa rested her fingers upon his shoulder. "You are wrong, Alwin. Arendelle needs your help. I know you will not let her down. Whatever doubts you may have about yourself, you must lay them aside. Do not try to be your father. Instead, simply be Alwin."

The King of the Southern Isles allowed Elsa's words to ring in her ears. "You always know just what to say, Elsa," he said softly. "A fine Queen of the Southern Isles you would make, indeed . . ." Finishing his drink, he moved toward the rest of the party. "We stand with Arendelle."

Ingeborson rubbed his hands together eagerly. "A wise decision, Your Majesty. Now, if you wish, I will gladly work with your ministers to negotiate compensation for your assistance that I am sure will satisfy both parties."

Alwin nodded. "As you wish, Minister." He looked back at Elsa, flashing her a small smile. "I am not worried about the details. The word of Queen Elsa is enough for me. Tomorrow, I will send my finest ships to aid you. Together, Arendelle and the Southern Isles will free this world of these barbarians and—"

"Alwin?"

A feminine voice echoed down the corridor, footsteps growing louder as the approached the office. "Alwin, are you—"

A young woman no older than seventeen entered the office, her long red hair rolling down her shoulders in waves, her brown eyes looking about in surprise. Frowning, she moved toward the King, her red dress shimmering in the setting sunlight. "Alwin, who are they? What do they want?"

A pained expression crossed Alwin's face. "Philomena," he said, taking her hand. "Sister, these are—"

Elsa felt a rush of trepidation course through her as she looked at unfamiliar young woman. Behind her, she heard Anna gasp. "Sister?" Anna whispered, echoing Elsa's thoughts. "Hans never said he had a sister—"

The young woman's eyes narrowed as she gazed upon Elsa, her jaw clenching tighter and tighter as she took in every detail of the Queen's appearance. "You," she whispered. "You . . . You can't be . . . You wouldn't dare . . ."

"Philomena, please!" Alwin said, stepping toward her. "Let me explain. This is Queen Elsa of Ar—"

Before anyone realized what was happening, the young woman had rushed before Elsa. Letting out a shriek of rage, she delivered a blow to Elsa's jaw, her face red with fury. Caught off guard, Elsa stumbled backward as Alwin restrained the young woman.

"You . . . You murdering bitch!" Philomena screamed as she fought to escape from Alwin's grasp. "How dare you come here! How dare you!"

"That's enough, Philomena!" Alwin shouted as he wrapped his arms around his sister, fighting to keep the struggling girl from breaking free once more.

Elsa tasted blood on her tongue, felt it trickling into her mouth from a large cut on her lip. "I . . . I—"

"Don't try to explain yourself!" Philomena roared, her fury turning to misery as she collapsed in her brother's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "You killed him!" she choked out. "You killed him, and you have the nerve to show your face here!" Slumping to the floor, the young woman buried her face in her hands. "My brother . . . Hans . . . He's dead because . . . because of you!"

AN: More new characters! I'm really enjoying how many of these characters are just springing to life in my mind. Philomena is named after . . . well, that's what the Internet's for, now, isn't it? Her name is pronounced "fee-lo-MAY-na," by the way. More to come!