Hey Everyone! I am sorry this took so long there was a lot of stuff I needed to take care off and the chapter itself took some figuring out to do but at long last here it is!
The giant man cleaned an apple with his sleeve as he was waiting, leaning against a tree at the side of the road. Once he was satisfied with the gloss of the bright red fruit he took a big bite out of it, smiling as he enjoyed its sweetness. Or perhaps the smile was reserved for the impending operation that was about to take place at any moment now.
His men were well hid by each side of the road, their dark boiled leather armor further camouflaged with the forest flora, making them almost invisible in the terrain. He could see the silhouettes in the darkness of the bushes and pressed against trees. Watching, waiting, ready to strike on his signal.
A small trickle of juice ran down from the corner of the giant man's mouth as he took another gracious bite out of the apple. Most of their war was already done. He'd received messages from his scouts that the other groups had succeeded in their tasks and secured their targets. His group would act out the last part of his plan.
The noise of hooves thumping against the stone road with the chatter of men began to resonate from the distance. His men reacted to the noise, slipping slightly further into the shadows and vegetation of the forest. As the group coming down the road neared closer to their position the giant man could have a good look at it.
Four well-armed horsemen rode at the front and back of a small carriage, carrying a sizable chest. The giant man smirked and took a last bite from his apple, throwing the core behind him as he stepped out of the trees and in front of the moving convoy.
"Gentlemen!" He announced with a bright smile, his arms outstretched.
The group traveling the road came to sudden halt. He could see the two riders closest to him put their hands on the hilts of their swords, glancing at him with surprised and worried eyes.
"What a pleasant day we have today, wouldn't you say?" He grinned, gesturing to the bright blue skies over head, eclipsed only by the tops of the tallest trees.
"Indeed citizen," agreed one of the riders, an officer by the look of it. "I would ask you to step aside now. We are on official Crown business."
"Oh, I am no citizen," The giant man retorted shaking his head.
"You are not?" the officer spoke softly as the rest of his convoy exchanged looks and murmured amongst themselves. "Then my I ask you who you are and what your business is here?"
The giant man shrugged. "I am just a simple traveler," he admitted. "With a concern for the safety of those on the Crown's business," he added with a wide smile.
The officer, as well as the rest of his men, placed their hands on the hilts of their blades. The intense stare-off between the officer and the giant man would be enough to make anyone weary. "A noble goal," the officer finally acknowledged. "I can assure you however that we are quite capable of defending ourselves."
The giant man glanced over the men in the convoy, their breathing heavy, hands clutched at their weapons. "Is that so?" he asked simply, before pursing his lips and whistling.
As soon as he did that his men sprung from behind the trees and bushes on each side of the convoy with bows readied and aimed at every man in it. The officer glanced around him. With just one look it was obvious they were heavily outnumbered, as well as pinned down.
"If you would be so kind and put down your arms, that would be most appreciated," the giant man stated with the same bright smile he sported throughout this engagement.
The riders looked back at their commander. The officer confirmed with a nod, unsheathing his sword and throwing it to the ground. His men followed suit.
"Thank you." The giant man gave them a nod. "Now please dismount your horses and move to the right side of the road." He gestured to his right. "In orderly fashion please." He grinned.
As they did several of his men put down their bows and took out ropes with which they began to tie their hands. Meanwhile four others went and unloaded the chest from the carriage, carrying it with them to the woods.
"Not this one," the giant man interrupted one of his men as he was about to tie up a rather young looking man who was previously driving the carriage. "I'll take care of him," he said with a smile as he put his bulky arm around the young man's shoulders.
"What's your name boy?" the giant man asked as he walked with him to the horses, his men meanwhile taking the rest of his comrades into the woods in a narrow column.
"B-Boris, s-sir…" the young man breathed out shakily.
"Well Boris." The giant man patted his shoulder before letting him go. "I have a very special task for you."
"A t-task?" Boris gulped fearfully.
"Indeed!" the giant man confirmed. "I need you to ride to the capital and deliver this," He emphasized by taking a letter from his cloak. "To the queen." He put the letter into the boy's shaking hand. "Can you do that?"
"Y-yes, sir," the boy croaked.
"Good!" The giant man smiled and patted his shoulder. "Because the lives of your friends and others depend on it." This statement seemed to make the boy's already white face pale even further. "Take the horse." The giant man handed him the reins of one of the horses. "And don't forget. To the queen boy."
Boris nodded shakily and quickly brought the horse into a gallop, riding fast down the road towards his destination. The giant man laughed and shook his head. On his way to the woods he smacked the horse dragging the carriage, making it slowly walk down the stone road.
Now we just wait for her to come to us.
Elsa awoke with the feeling of something heavy pressing against her forehead. She groaned and tried to open her eyes, squinting against the beam of light coming through small space between the curtains. Opening her eyes however seemed to only intensify the pressure she felt against her head and she rolled over on her back, trying to shake it off.
To her surprise and shock there was nothing pressed against her and the uncomfortable pressure only intensified by her movement. Elsa grunted and shut her eyes while rubbing her temples. The annoying pressure she felt moments ago turned into a downright nauseating pain.
"Well someone's awake I see!" came a bubbly call from across the room which rang in Elsa's ears like a tower bell.
"A-Anna?" the blonde asked, clutching her hands over her forehead in an attempt to combat her raging headache. "What…I…?" The young queen found herself at a lack of words, the pain making it almost impossible for her to focus, let alone think.
She watched through squinted eyes as the redhead, already dressed in casual clothes, sat down next to her on the bed with a smug smile. "It seems that last night finally caught up with you," she chirped with a giggle.
The blonde frowned and blinked a few times trying to remember. "We went to the inn…the Golden Fox and then we…we…" Elsa eyes suddenly widened and she pressed her hands against her mouth as the memories came back to her. "Oh Gods…"
Anna released a hearty chuckle, a music that would be at any other time pleasant to Elsa's ears now felt like someone hammering nails in her brain. The memory of yesterday's antics however was a far more pressing issue. "I made a complete fool of myself!" the blonde whined and buried her face in her hands."
Headache or not the reassuring presence of Anna's hand on her shoulder made her instantly feel a bit better. "Oh come now, it wasn't that bad," Anna argued with an amused tone still present in her voice.
"I'm the queen," Elsa argued, still embarrassed. "I should represent, not—"
"You're only human." Anna gently took one of her hands, rubbing her thumb over the back of it. "And who was there could see that. You represented you are one of them Elsa."
The blonde thought about the redhead's point. She still felt embarrassed and guilty but she considered Anna's argument. Maybe she was right, maybe the people saw her in a different light if they could relate to her. She had read stories of generals and leaders spending time with their troops in their free time, earning the respect and trust of their men. Maybe yesterday she had gained some of that as well from her people.
"You really think so?" Elsa asked, unsure of herself, turning her head to look at Anna.
"Of course." Anna nodded with a smile squeezing her hand slightly to strengthen her statement. The worry somewhat left Elsa and she allowed herself to smile as well, the memory of last night suddenly seeming much happier and enjoyable than moments ago.
"And on top of that you showed me a whole other side of you when we got back here," Anna teased with a sultry voice. Elsa looked at her inquisitively before frowning in an effort to recall what Anna was getting at. The memory came to her as a splash of ice against the back of her neck.
She looked at Anna, wide eyed and blushing, only for the redhead to give her a smug smile and wiggle her eyebrows. "Oh Gods Anna I'm so sorry…" she apologized, once more hiding her now red face in her hands. "I don't know what came over me."
"You don't have to apologize." Anna chuckled and crawled closer to the blonde to put her hand around her shoulder. "It's not like it was unpleasant," she admitted, squeezing an embarrassed groan out of Elsa. "I just thought you'd be tired after such an adventurous evening, but you seemed rather playful instead."
"Anna…" Elsa whined, feeling her face warm up more and more by the second.
"It probably goes to say what naughty things Her Majesty thinks about..."
"Anna please!" Elsa begged the redhead to stop.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Anna giggled playfully and hugged the blonde close, a gesture she was very thankful of as it allowed her to hide her crimson blush. "This is your punishment for leaving me hanging last night!" Anna teased with a chuckle.
Elsa realize at the sentence that her memory of her very embarrassing behavior only went so far. "I-I'm sorry…?" she offered, not quite sure what else to say.
"I'm just kidding Elsa," Anna reassured her and pulled out of the hug to look at the blushing blonde. "You don't have to apologize, alright? We get to…that when we get to that." She smiled widely, waiting for the young queen to smile back and give a small nod. "Then you can repay me," she teased for one last time and landed a peck on Elsa's nose making her turn her eyes down shyly as crimson once more filled her cheeks at the thought.
"Now I told Kai you are socially exhausted after last night so no work for today." She presented Elsa with a handkerchief. "And I'll be taking care of you." Elsa raised an eyebrow in question as she looked at the handkerchief. "Ice?" Anna stated simply.
Elsa blinked a few times before realizing what her love had in mind. She placed her hand over the piece of cloth and focused on what she wanted to do. Magic buzzed through her, making her sore and tired body react accordingly and she cringed as the painful pressure she felt against her temples came back in full force.
Luckily the task was a very simple one and as several cubes of ice popped onto the handkerchief Elsa immediately felt relieved. Even more so when Anna tied up the piece of cloth and held it against the side of her forehead.
Elsa hummed in delight as the pressure somewhat retreated. She smiled at Anna as she pressed against her, the two now sitting side by side leaning against the head of the bed. "So, how do you feel about soup?" Anna asked.
Before she could answer Elsa's headache returned once again thanks to several loud knocks on the door. "That's odd." Anna frowned. "I asked Kai to make sure nobody disturbs us."
Elsa took the packed ice from Anna's hand and pressed it against her left temple. "Yes please?" she called out, the headache once again making itself known even though she tried to speak as softly as possible.
"Your Majesty, I am sorry to disturb you but there is a matter that requires your immediate attention." Both girls exchanged looks but the urgency in Kai's voice made both of them, even pained Elsa, jump out of the bed.
"I'll be right with you Kai," Elsa called out and put the handkerchief aside as she headed behind the changing screen.
"Very well Your Majesty."
Trouble couldn't have picked a better day. Elsa thought as she slipped out of her gown.
"All of them?" Elsa asked in disbelief. "From all three Border Counties?"
"And the Crown Lands as well Your Majesty," Kai added.
Elsa rubbed her aching temples, now under even more pressure from the current situation. It was like a sick joke. It was just a few weeks since she put forth the idea of having a ranger force patrol the woods and roads and now, as if Loki himself had spun the world on its head, all four groups of tax collectors have been robbed.
This had never happened, not to Elsa's knowledge at least. Any bandit or brigand that lurked within the woods of Arendelle knew better than to ambush the Royal tax collectors. It wasn't just a mere traveler they would be robbing but the property of the crown itself. A crime like that wouldn't go unnoticed and unpunished and it would be clear to anyone that the Crown would do it's very best to get it back and to make an example of those responsible.
And now all four groups of tax collectors have been ambushed, their collected money taken and the men responsible for guarding it dragged away to whatever fate that the Gods only knew. Elsa's mind first turned to the idea of the tax collectors themselves being involved in this predicament, but that thought was quickly discarded.
The way they knew about the robberies themselves was because one man from each group was sent by the robbers to announce it. Why they would do that was anyone's guess but it was clear that the tax collectors were not to blame as it would be quite foolish of them to announce their own theft, and by one of their own no less.
The culprits were clearly very well organized as well as prepared. Elsa could only wonder about their true motives as the gold probably wasn't what they were after, otherwise they'd slaughter the collectors and now would be on their way out of the kingdom. No they were after something else, she was sure of it.
Elsa looked around the council room. Lord Wilk was present, currently examining a detailed map of Arendelle, along with Kai and Anna sitting by her side. Merida and John were also present as they ran into them on their way here, the two appeared to be on a walk together. A fact that Elsa would otherwise smile about but given the situation she was as far from smiling as possible.
The summer was officially over and these taxes were here to keep the kingdom safely going through the winter. Arendelle was in no means a poor nation but given this summer's unexpected weather the crown have paid a hefty sum to cover the damages. The kingdom was far from bankrupt but the lack of the collected taxes would still affect it.
There were troops that needed to be paid and fed, trading tariffs to be taken care of, gold spent on transferring goods and materials. The expenses needed were far too many to list and Elsa was counting on the tax income when she reached into the Crown's funds to cover the damage she caused when she lost control of her powers earlier that year.
Getting the money back was a necessity if she wanted to keep her kingdom safe and secure and, if possible, she needed to save the men that were taken away with the gold. Whatever fate they were facing right now was not one they deserved.
"So what do we know?" Elsa broke from her thoughtfulness addressing lord Wilk. "Do we have any leads at all?"
Lord Wilk gestured for the guards and one of them opened the doors of the council chamber, letting in a young man, pale in face and clearly out of breath. "This boy seems to have some information from the culprits themselves but he tells us he will give it only to you, Your Grace."
Elsa turned her attention to the young man and gestured for him to come forward. He kept his head down the whole time, avoiding her look at all costs. Elsa frowned at the thought of how stressful this young man's day must've been, so she decided to help him relax.
"What is your name?" she asked gently, leaning against the table to be closer to him.
The boy raised his eyes for just a second, turning his sight down as soon as they met hers. "B-Boris, Your Majesty," he stuttered out. "T-the Crown lands T-taxmen Division." The words seemed to make the boy agitated as his hands started shaking and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Elsa smiled reassuringly to make him calm down, her beautiful smile casting its own magic. "It's alright Boris," she told him calmly. "Is there something you can tell us that would help us?"
Boris nodded and hesitantly reached inside the coat of his uniform, his hand reappearing with a letter. "T-the man told me to give you this, Your Majesty." He gulped and extended his hand towards Elsa. "I'm sorry for not coming forth with this sooner, but he told me that it's for your eyes only." Boris sniffled slightly. "H-he s-said that the lives of my friends depend on it."
Elsa pursed her lips in both anger and worry. "Thank you, Boris," she said as she took the letter. She gestured to the guards. "Make sure he and all the others are fed and taken care of." As the guards and Boris were on their way out Elsa examined the letter.
The envelope was clean and the brightly white paper spoke volumes of its quality. The envelope was further more sealed by a black seal with the mark of a sword enveloped by a laurel, a sigil Elsa didn't recognize. She frowned and broke the seal, fishing for the letter inside.
Once it was out she put the envelope away and scanned the content of the letter itself. The message was short yet no less disturbing. The writing was elegant and tidy, suggesting a literate person wrote it, a fact that further suggested this to be a well thought out operation by a skilled mind. With that thought, Elsa began reading.
A thousand greetings to Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of Arendelle, the Protector of its people, etc.
If you are reading this it has probably come to your attention we are in possession of both your gold and the men who were guarding it.
Luckily for you we are prepared to give all that back to you under these conditions. You will come to the edge of the woods east of the village of Hoggandvik, located in the very south of the Crown Lands, today before sundown.
If you will arrive alone and surrender peacefully, we will let your men go with both their lives and your gold and leave as soon as tonight. If you however try to do something foolish like come bearing arms, your men will die and your gold will be dumped in the sea. If you do not come at all the whole kingdom will experience the consequences of your actions. However if you will come with us without making trouble, your kingdom will never hear from us again.
Sincerely, Volkir Laursen
Elsa rubbed her temples as she finished reading the letter. She glanced around the room to meet everyone's inquisitive gazes. She sighed and handed the letter to Lord Wilk, the rest of her friends gathering around him to read it as well.
"What?!" Anna exclaimed as she finished the letter. "What is this? What do they want with her?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, Miss Anna," Lord Wilk answered as he scanned the letter one more time before putting it down.
All the eyes in the room were now on Elsa who had her hand pressed over her eyes. "Your Majesty?" The Lord Commander spoke.
The blonde sighed and rubbed her hands together. "We are not negotiating with fiends. But right now we need a plan," she decided. "I suppose none of you know who this Volkir Laursen is?" She posed her question only to be rewarded by silence.
"I do not know who that man is," Lord Wilk suddenly spoke. "However this sigil seems somewhat familiar." He examined the broken seal up close. "I can't seem to place it though."
Anna took the envelope and examined the sigil. "I'll drop in to the library, I am almost certain I have seen a book on crests and sigils there somewhere! I'll be right back!" she called out as she rushed out of the room.
The corners of Elsa's mouth twitched slightly upward at the redhead's dedication but the situation was still serious and dire. "Lord Wilk, how many troops can you muster in a few hours?"
The man in question ran his fingers over his mustache. "Even given the short time and urgency I could still manage to gather a decent force," he admitted. "I have to see how far this village is located however. Time is key here and moving a large force is time-consuming. I will fetch the maps and return shortly."
Elsa nodded and the elderly gentleman was off. Elsa was left in the room alone with the two gingers. "What do you think they want with you?" Merida broke the silence.
"I don't know," she admitted. "Can't be anything good though." She hung her head low.
The ginger princess came to sit down at her side and took her hands in hers. "Hey, don't worry, we'll figure it out," she told the blonde to help her calm down.
"We're with you Elsa." The Apprentice put his hand on her shoulder.
Even given the stressful situation, the horrible headache and the possibility of both her people and her entire kingdom being in danger, the comforting presence of her friends made Elsa feel almost immune to all the dark feelings that were assaulting her heart. She only hoped this would turn out for the best.
"This isn't good," Lord Wilk commented as he stood over the maps. "Not good at all."
"What is it?" Elsa asked, coming to his side and sharing his view on the map.
"The village is remote, only narrow steep dirt roads lead there. It would take days for a decent force to get there and it would be stretched thin and made vulnerable to any kind of attacks from the surrounding woods. Basically the village is too far to be reached on foot within the few hours that we have till sundown and worse, even if we could reach it in time the terrain is hard, rocky and uneven. Impossible for even a small army to effectively set up."
The elderly Commander straightened up and twirled the end of his mustache. "The fiends must've thought this through quite well. They know we have the military advantage so they have taken it away from us.
A ride on horseback there would take merely two or three hours. However we have only so much experienced cavalry riders in the capital. Most of them are stationed at Fjose Gard, where the Royal Stables are. Even if we sent the fastest rider there right now they would never arrive in time."
Elsa frowned. "How many riders could you get together from what we have here?"
"Probably around two hundred I'd say. However I am afraid that the fiends may be expecting just this move. They were very clever about their plan so far and took every possible advantage from our hands. Given the tactic they used to ambush our tax collectors I reckon they are quite skilled in surprise attacks, and will be prepared in case we try to bring any kind of force."
"So using force is useless?" Elsa asked, her voice sounding defeated.
"I believe that any plan we could come up with they have already thought of, and will be ready for."
Elsa groaned and slumped into her chair. "What can we do then?" She proposed the question not really expecting an answer. The room was bleakly silent for a few moments before the doors flew open, a feisty redhead bursting in.
"I got it!" She held a hefty tome in her arms as she rushed to the table. "It took us some time but Master Yrvick knew exactly where to find this book," she explained as she sat the Sigils, Crests and Coats of Arms of the World on the table. "Champions of Steel," she began reading.
"One of the oldest existing mercenary bands in Europa, the Champions of Steel have a long and bloody tradition. Founded shortly after the destruction of the Ordo Malefici, the Order of Sorcerers, they were no more than a band of witch-hunters formed to combat the now unchecked magical and otherworldly dangers of our world."
Everyone's eyes turned to John who at first hadn't noticed but then rolled his eyes when he realized he was the focus now. "What?" he muttered, annoyed. "I wasn't even alive back then, it was hundreds of years ago."
Everyone slowly turned back to Anna and she continued. "Growing in numbers of the years of their existence, the band in turn grew in skill and effectiveness. Their survival throughout the over four centuries of their existence is mainly due to their ongoing recruiting as the main source of members comes from the people who are robbed of their loved ones through means of magic or horrid creatures and are now seeking revenge.
This had made the Champions of Steel the most effective pest control on any and all magic-related dangers—"
"Most effective, yeah right," John mumbled under his breath.
"—to date," Anna continued, "as their vast numbers and skill collected through the years from both personal experiences and veteran members set them apart from any would-be monster slayer. They use the tactics of luring out their targets, facing them on their own terms.
"However, the Champions of Steel are known for more than just killing monsters, as for sufficient price they gladly lend their service to fight in regular wars and battles, excelling in guerrilla warfare, sabotage and ambush tactics.
"Over the years, the mercenary band has come closer and closer to a religious group of sorts. Their refusal to use any and all magical means in fighting men or otherworldly dangers led to them devoting their lives to the way of the sword and honing their fighting prowess. The group succumbed to somewhat fanatical worship of steel hence how the before nameless band received their name.
"Even though they focus on beating their foe before they have the chance to even react, every member of the band is a skilled fighter, training throughout their entire lives to become the best of the best." Anna sighed and looked up from the book.
"Now I know why the sigil seemed so familiar," Lord Wilk voiced. "I heard of them during the time of your father's rule. The kingdom of Sweden hired the band when they were attacked by the Republic of Novgorod. For three months they stayed in their territory and sabotages and ambushes became so frequent and harsh that they were forced to end the conflict.
"They became very famous after that, as they were the talk of everyone for a long while. A band of mercenaries that brought an entire country to their knees," he explained.
"How many of them are there?" Elsa asked worriedly.
"The book says their numbers change frequently but always rage in between several hundred," Anna answered meekly.
Elsa rubbed her eyes. "Witch-hunters." She released a shaky whisper. "Is that why they're here?" She looked up with defeated look in her eyes.
"We can't forget they are mercenaries!" Merida exclaimed. "Someone hired them."
"Who though?" Lord Wilk questioned. "And why?"
"We don't have time for finding answers," John joined in on the conversation. "We need to decide what we'll—"
"WAIT!" Anna shouted victoriously, making everyone twitch. She pressed her finger against a paragraph within the book.
"The hierarchy within the band is very tightly bound to their religious-like worship of steel. The so called Trial by Steel is a way of electing a leader of the Champions which is always the best swordsman of them all. Any member has a right to challenge the current leader for his position and if he wins he shall become the leader himself."
She looked up from the book with a wide grin. "We can use that! We'll challenge their leader and when we win we tell them to scram!"
"How do you know they'll accept that? None of us are members," Merida argued.
"If they practically worship the way of battle I bet their leader won't wuss out of a challenge!" Anna replied. "I think this is the best if not the only shot we've got because there's no way in hell we are letting them take Elsa." Both the blonde and the redhead blushed when Lord Wilk raised an eyebrow at Anna's comment. "I-I mean, Her Majesty."
Lord Wilk hummed in approval. "By all means I agree with you, Miss Anna." He twirled his mustache. "However, who will be the one we send to fight the duel?"
Silence fell over the room, and even the brightened up Anna seemed to lose some of her excitement. Lord Wilk was the first to speak. "I may not be in my best years but I can still hold my own in a fight. If Her Majesty well to call upon me to champion for her I would not obje—"
"Don't even think about it, Lord Wilk," Elsa dismissed him right away. "If anything were to go wrong, I need you to be here for Arendelle."
The elderly gentleman gave her an understanding nod. "Then I can go through my men, there are some that are quite skilled—"
"I will fight for you," John spoke plainly, everyone turning their gazes his way.
"Y-you'd fight for me?" Elsa breathed out.
"Of course," he replied. "I am probably the most skilled fighter you can get your hands on in this place, so if there are no objections…?"
"The Trial is to the death," Anna spoke quietly.
John frowned and stood there silently for a moment before releasing a small laugh. "Better make sure I don't die then," he joked. "That settles it then. I say we get ready and set off."
And with that he marched out of the room, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
Half an hour later when everyone was getting ready in the stables Anna sought out John to give him a piece of her mind. "Hey John." She caught his attention. "You know I could fight for Elsa."
John chuckled heartily. "No."
Anna pouted. "What do you mean 'no?' I can fight! You know that."
"What I know is that you can hold your own in safe conditions with a practice sword," John replied while saddling his horse. "That is still miles away from engaging in an actual combat."
"But—"
"Anna, this isn't a practice match, do you understand?" His raised voice made Anna twitch slightly in surprise. "This man won't be trying to help you train, he is going to be trying to kill you." He turned away with a sigh. "I'm sorry…it's just not going to happen."
The redhead frowned, the deeply rooted desire to protect her beloved taking over her best judgement. "I could do it…for Elsa."
"Answer me this then," The Apprentice turned to her, his face locked in all seriousness. "What if you lose?"
Anna blinked a few times, taken back by the question as well as the possibility. "Lose?"
"Yes." He nodded. "What if you lose, well die basically. Can you even imagine the consequences?" Anna opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. "Do you understand what your death would mean for Elsa? Not only would they take her away for Gods know what fate but do you really think she could ever live her life without you?"
Anna broke out of her shock by an index finger poking her in the chest. The horrible realization she received from John's words however left a horrible feeling in her heart. She hung her head low, the thought of leaving Elsa all alone leaning as a crushing weight against her.
"Hey." John put his hand on her shoulder and lowered his head to meet her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm going to keep you all safe."
Anna sniffled. "But if you die then—"
"Then what?"
The abruptness with which he uttered those words took Anna back. She stood there silently for a moment just staring back into those green-grey eyes, seeming just too old and tired for their owner's appearance. She wanted to tell him. She wanted to tell him she valued his help with her own training and above all with what he did for Elsa. She wanted to tell him he was her friend, their friend, that they all cared for him.
But his stern gaze kept all those words unsaid. Every reason unspoken. Some part of her told her that he didn't wanted to hear those things. That he didn't want to feel obligated to them so that even in the slightest chance of him dying he didn't have to go out fearing for his friends. Fearing they would miss him.
Maybe the thought of being all alone in this gave him courage. Maybe forgetting he had something to lose gave him strength. Or maybe the fact of leaving someone behind that had cared for him just scared him too much.
Whatever it was Anna understood and remained silent. "Yeah." John smiled sadly. "Precisely."
Anna thought a lot about those two words on their way to Hoggandvik. Pressed against Merida's back as they rode together she thought about the weight and feeling they carried. And watching Elsa cling to John as they rode beside them she understood their meaning.
Sacrifice.
Elsa held onto John as they rode through the harsh terrain. The four of them were accompanied by four other riders, a small number just to be safe on their way but not enough to provoke an outright conflict with the Champions.
"John," Elsa said to her riding companion. "Thank you for doing this."
"Don't mention it Elsa," John answered, glancing back at her over his shoulder. "We will have a good laugh about this when we're on our way back tonight."
Elsa smiled and sighed. She only wished she could've shared the sorcerer's optimism. She was always expecting men to jump at them from behind any nearby tree they passed. But they had passed Hoggandvik a few minutes ago and no incident had yet happened. And Elsa prayed it would stay that way.
She could see the clear edge of the woods in the distance, the forest being far denser than the few trees here and there they had passed. It had opened or closed, depending on the viewpoint, in the shape of a crescent and they were now riding right into its open arms.
The sun was still high in the sky when they arrived, but it would be only a few hours or so before it would hide beyond the hills. As they came to a stop at the edge of the woods, John was the first one to get off the horse, telling Elsa to remain in the saddle.
"So what now?" Elsa wondered out loud as she watched John scan the edge of the woods.
As in on cue, several feet in front of them the thick coniferous spread out and a man came out from behind them. Elsa's eyes widened at the sight. The man was giant, a good seven feet in height she estimated, easily towering over anyone Elsa had ever met.
But that wasn't even the most shocking part as the man also had the stature of a bear. With wide shoulders and chest, bulky muscular arms and with hands that looked like they could crush stones, the man looked menacing to say the absolute least. On the contrary his cleanly shaven smiling face and shoulder length black locks gave off the impression of a noble gentleman.
"Welcome, welcome!" he greeted them, his voice smooth as silk.
"Volkir Laursen, I presume?"
"Your Majesty." He made a deep bow that Elsa could find nothing less but perfect. This man clearly knew courtly manners. "We agreed on you coming alone. But you clearly haven't come with hostile intent and a small escort on the way is understandable." He gave her a thankful nod. "I thank you for your cooperation. Now, as promised…"
He snapped his fingers and several men bearing the uniforms with the Arendelle military uniforms were lead out from the woods by an escort of armed men, behind them came several others carrying hefty chests. They stopped just as soon as everyone was out of the woodwork and placed the chests on the ground, revealing their precious contents, glittering in the sunlight.
Elsa had to admit she was surprised. None of her men looked even remotely hurt or mistreated and the chests were full to the brim. Of all the possibilities she imagined this turning out, the fiends actually keeping their word wasn't one of them.
"You see? Just as promised. Now as we agreed your men are now free to go and can take the gold with them. If you would just follow me, please." Volkir held aside some of the branches, making way for her.
Elsa decided this was a good time to break the news to him. "I am not going anywhere with you," she replied calmly.
"Ah…" Volkir sighed in disappointment, letting go of the branches. "Now that's not very nice, is it?" He crossed his hands over his chest, with one hand gesturing towards the tax collectors and chests of gold. "We have kept our part of the agreement—"
"A forced agreement," Elsa cut him of sternly.
"However an agreement nonetheless." Volkir smiled smugly. "You received the terms," he argued. "If you did not want to meet them I don't see a reason for coming here other than fooli—"
"I challenge you to a Trial by Steel," John jumped into the conversation with the announcement.
Volkir raised an eyebrow at him, measuring him from head to toe, his arms still crossed over his chest. There was a moment of silence before the giant man released a short laugh. "You are not one of us, my men would never follow you."
"Good thing I don't want to lead your pathetic band then," John countered.
Volkir's smile disappeared but after a moment of silence he smirked once again. "So what is it you desire?"
"You will let those men go with the gold you've taken, leave this kingdom empty handed and swear to never cause harm to any of its people again."
Volkir nodded thoughtfully and rubbed his chin while humming to himself. "Well that's quite the stipulation if you ask me," he remarked. "However, tell me why I should agree to it if I have you all practically at my mercy here?"
He whistled and suddenly from between the trees dozens of men appeared, previously completely blending into the background of the forest. What Elsa thought were thick branches turned out to be limbs, and what she mistook for dry twigs turned out to be bows. The bows that were now loosely aimed at the ground. Given the number of men she saw with one glance, Elsa knew they couldn't leave even if they wanted to.
"You don't of course." John nodded in understanding. "I can see you are intimidated by a clearly superior opponent." Volkir's smug smile disappeared once more, a mask of disbelief draping over his face. "I mean everyone understands you're scared."
Volkir glanced back at the tree line from where hushed whispers could be heard after the Apprentice's taunting. Under his burning gaze the whispers quickly stopped and he turned back with a smug smile. "Very well then, I accept your challenge," he said. "Under one condition."
John nodded to show him he's listening. "If I win, the queen goes with us. Willingly." The answer seemed to catch the ginger off guard but before he could think of a thing to say Elsa beat him to it.
"Deal."
Everyone in the group snapped their eyes to the blonde who sat straight up on the horse with a stern look on her face. "Great!" Volkir voiced happily. "Men, prepare the circle!" He ordered his lackeys. As his men started walking out of the forest and started marking the ground Volkir turned to his challenger.
"You have half an hour to get ready. We will both fight with the same basic sword. No armor, shield or other weaponry. Only what you get and the skill and strength of your arm. We fight until one falls, understood?"
John nodded and Volkir took his leave with a mocking bow and an amused hum on his lips. The preparations for the duel had begun.
A shiver run down Elsa's spine every time she caught a glimpse from one of the Champions. They all looked at her with such hatred and distain that it seemed to Elsa their looks hurt her more than their blades could.
She tried to ignore it but the feeling of someone's eyes constantly watching her was most uncomfortable. "Don't worry Elsa," Anna whispered to her and rubbed her shoulder. "We'll be out of here soon enough."
Elsa sighed and nodded. Even though she had trust in John's abilities, Volkir was still a massive mountain of muscle, easily a head taller than him. A fact that made Elsa quite nervous to say the least.
I just don't want anyone to get hurt because of me, she thought. Or worse.
"Come here." Anna pulled Elsa into a tight embrace. "Everything will be alright," Anna told her. Though she didn't know was if she was trying to convince just Elsa of that or herself as well.
Merida came up to John who was in the middle of stretching. "Hey," she said softly, not hiding the bleakness in her voice.
"Hello."
"You ready?" she asked, hoping for an encouraging response.
John finished his stretching and sat down on the grass. "As ready as I can be."
Merida frowned but joined him by his side. The two sat there in silence, watching the Champions encourage their leader who was now warming up by sparring with some of his men. "He's really big," Merida commented worriedly.
"I've seen bigger."
"Really?"
John turned to her with in disbelief. "No, are you joking?! He's massive!"
Both gingers laughed slightly, the joke doing little to improve the sour mood. The sun was slowly but surely coming down, and even though it was still an hour or so until sunset the whole scenery was already bathed in a dim glow.
They sat there, silently, watching the breeze play with the tops of trees, oblivious to time and thought. "Merida." The ginger princess turned to her companion. "In case I don't make it—"
"Don't say that! Don't you dare say that!" Merida cut him off before he could finish.
"I am not planning on dying here," he retorted to calm her down. "But just in case I do, I need you to…" Their eyes met, and in that one single moment the Apprentice could see the glitter of silent tears in the Princess' eyes.
"Yeah…?" Merida breathed out, never breaking away from his eyes.
"I…I-I need you to take this." He took of his coat and folded it before placing it into her hands. "Tie it up with some rocks and throw it in the sea. There are things inside that could do terrible things in the wrong hands."
"Oh," Merida looked at the coat. "O-of course, I'll do that." She looked back at him, nodding.
"Thank you." John placed a hand on her shoulder with a smile. A smile that she gladly returned.
"It's time!" Volkir called out to the sorcerer.
"On my way." John stood up, taking Merida's hand to help her up as well. "Here." He took off the amulet from around his neck and placed it in her hand. To Merida's surprise he placed a small phial with strange looking liquid there with it. Before she could ask him what it was he pulled her into a tight hug.
"If I lose," he whispered into her ear. "Break the phial. It will create a smoke screen and distract them so you can get away. Don't let them take Elsa." When he pulled away she stared at him speechless, too astonished to even wish him good luck.
John smiled and patted her shoulder before walking towards the circle Volkir's men had prepared. Merida suppressed a sniffle and hid the phial in her sleeve before joining Elsa and Anna and the rest of the Champions that had gathered around the circle to witness the Trial.
John entered the hastily prepared circle where the fight was supposed to take place. It was approximately thirty feet in diameter, its outline marked by stones. The grass was mostly plucked out inside of it, though there were still some patches here and there.
John now stood face to face with his opponent. From this closeness he could truly see what an enormous bulk of a man he was. He looked at the two swords Volkir was offering him, both seemingly indistinguishable.
"They are the same," Volkir cleared out his confusion. "But the challenger still chooses first," he clarified. "Tradition."
John hummed in agreement and shrugged, taking one of them, as there was absolutely no visible difference. Volkir nodded and took of his cloak, throwing it back to one of his men. "Just before we start," he said, catching John's attention. "I know who you are."
"Oh really?" John raised an eyebrow finding that hard to believe.
Volkir gestured with the tip of his sword towards his neck. "I saw the amulet. The Burning Eye of Foteinó Pýrgo." He shook his head. "I don't think I've ever encountered a Sorcerer before."
"We are a dying breed," the Apprentice joked.
"Indeed." Volkir nodded. "Just so we're clear, no magic. This is a duel of skill at arms, you understand?"
"Of course."
"Very good, so you ready?" John confirmed with a nod. "Then let the Trial by Steel begin and may the best man win." He gave John a small bow, the sorcerer responding in kind. The duel had begun.
Both men took the proper fighting stance and began circling each other. John tried to stall for time, looking for any weak spots in his posture, however he couldn't find any. All places that seemed like apt openings were kept like that to taunt him to make the wrong move. He knew the tactic well. Make your opponent think he has you while you are luring him into a trap.
Not today. John decided to go for a few basic attacks, only to test Volkir's speed and reflexes as well as technique. To his surprise the man was fast. Incredibly fast. Not an attribute he had expected from a man of such stature. Volkir block all of his strikes with expert form and blinding speed, even redirecting his last attack before he had even finished it.
The Apprentice took a few steps back to go over his options and hopefully think of a way to beat his opponent. However it seemed Volkir wouldn't give him that chance as he leaped forward, probably set on testing John's own abilities. Ah well, I work better under pressure.
Block. Block. Parry. Counterattack. Miss. John just barely defended himself against the mountain of a man, Volkir now backing away smirking. If the man was fast with his blocks his attacks were like lightning strikes, both in speed and strength.
Right now John realized three things. The sword was a nightmare to wield. It was light and barely an arm's length long which made him land all of his attacks with too much force and make all of his blocks weaker. The Vorpal Blade was longer and much better balanced and he had to admit he might've been relying on the magic sword way too much.
The old man always said that will one day be the death of me. John had to smirk. Hopefully not today old man.
John covered his right side from a quick slash and then dodged a swift stab aimed at his stomach. Too close. He tried to attack Volkir to keep him at a distance but the giant man quickly turned his assault into his own and John had to do his very best to defend himself. His opponents slipped down his own and made a long, luckily not deep, cut on the back of his forearm. After that Volkir backed away smirking.
He had a few moments to think. Second thing the Apprentice realized was that he was way too reliant on his spells in his fighting style. An attribute that was normally extremely useful but in this situation turned out as more of a burden than an advantage. The mixed fighting style of both martial art and magic was much desired in all sorcerers and for a good reason as it turned out to be very effective in combat.
Right now however John found himself mentally straining himself from not using any of the hundreds of spells that could've ended this duel in his victory dozens of times now. Net of Amitoch here. John thought as he redirected his opponent's blade. Crimson Bands of Tuh'nazal there. He pondered as he made a few wide strikes at Volkir's feet to get him to retreat. A Gods damned fireball would be all I need!
Volkir didn't hesitate however and used the opportunity of his momentary disorientation to come for a strong upward strike against his chest. A strike that John redirected aside. Barely. The ginger groaned and looked at the crimson stain that had begun spreading over his tunic. Huh, too slow, was I? John thought and took one more quick glance through the hole in his tunic.
A slash. Deep but not deadly, it's not as bad as it looks. John estimated and this time went on the offensive. He struck repeatedly against Volkir's blocks to give him the feeling of knowing his next move before he redirected his last strike to aim at the giant's man exposed legs. A quick parry and kick in the gut made the third thing John realized before even more obvious.
Volkir was clearly the superior swordsman. The Apprentice staggered back from the force of the kick and brought his blade up just in time to parry. However the force of Volkir's strike and his own not secure stance led the giant man's sword break through his parry and slash against his ribs.
Only the tip grazed him but he knew what game Volkir was playing. He wanted to chew him up, bit by bit, one slash at a time until he would be too weak to prevent him. Unfortunately for John, he had no way of preventing him in doing just that. Volkir was stronger, faster and in clear fighting superiority.
There could be a way. If I make him think he has already won I could force him to make a mistake.
It was wishful thinking but it was probably the only chance he had. So he took it. John pretended limping on the side he was slash and held one of his hands over the wound. Volkir raised an eyebrow.
"Ha, that's it?" He laughed at John who hunched over just a bit to make his trap more believable. "I must say I expected more." Volkir shrugged and attacked. John blocked his attack but only with half the efficiency he could've used just to make it seem like he was on his last legs. This pretending had earned him an ugly gash on his right arm but he was sure it would be worth it in the long run.
"A dying breed indeed." Volkir laughed once more. "No wonder this is all you got!" The laughter of his men echoed in John's ears and he weakly parried another strike, receiving another slash, this time in his left shoulder. In his effort to seem as beaten down as he possibly could the Apprentice caught a glimpse of the three women watching him in terror from behind the circle.
A sudden guilt filled his chest. How much would he like them to know what he was planning. He couldn't however. If Volkir caught as much as a wink could see right through his theater and his plan would be over. He avoided their gaze and turned to his opponent instead.
Merida watched with bated breath how John got the hell beaten out of him. It wasn't supposed to be this way. It couldn't be this way.
She didn't care for the Trial, she didn't care for honor or for what the Apprentice had said. The first second she would spot even the slightest opportunity of him dying she would use the phial and drag them all out of there.
She hoped it wouldn't have to come to that but that didn't make her resolve any weaker. She took the phial in her palm and watched the duel continue.
Anna couldn't believe how horribly the Trial turned out. John looked to be at the verge of his strength and vitality, seemingly growing weaker with every breath and move. He couldn't lose. She couldn't let that happen. Not only for Elsa but mainly for him. John was her friend and seeing him give up his life so boldly for Elsa, could Anna really do any less for him?
She glanced as discreetly as she could at one of the Champions standing just a foot or two away from her. The scabbard with his blade that hung around his waist was now unsecured and ripe for the taking, as its owner had his hands up in the air, enthusiastically encouraging his commander.
If the need arose she would grab the sword and end Volkir before he could land the final hit. And maybe just maybe they could get away in the created commotion. Anna knew she couldn't fight them all. Hell, she might not even be able to fight any of them but she would be damned if she would just stand there and watch her friend get killed.
It might turn out to be a death sentence for all of them, but it was a risk she was willing to take.
Elsa bit her lip at the look of John's bloodstained tunic. This was too much for her. She should've never agreed to this. Now her friend was in grave danger because of her. It was not like Elsa didn't realize this coming in, but seeing it first-hand gave the thought such a tangible realistic depth that it was making her sick that she ever even considered this duel as a possibility.
The blonde rubbed her hands, feeling the magic buzz through them. Glancing around the edge of the circle and back at their horses several dozen feet away from the fighting she considered her options. If a chance would turn up of John dying she could create a wall of ice around the circle as well as a corridor back to their horses.
She could deal with Volkir. Somehow. She wouldn't let her friend die.
He leapt forward, making sure to make his attack look as weak and pathetic as possible. Volkir didn't even raise his blade and moved out of its way instead with relative ease. "Oh come on," The man groaned in annoyance. "This wasn't supposed to turn out to be so boring." As much as John wanted to smirk right now he forced himself not to.
"Have you ever actually used a sword before?" Volkir threw out an insult his way. "Or have you been relying on your hocus pocus all your life?" John didn't answer, instead he hung his head low and pretended to be breathing more heavily than he actually was.
Volkir groaned and shook his head. John watched as he approached him accompanied by the thunderous encouragement of his men. He looked up at him to meet his disappointed expression. "Any last words?"
John only kept his head down. The sigh of his opponent clearly told him that he had fallen for his ruse. And the shadow he could see on the ground told him he was going for an overhead strike. Perfect.
The smallest flicker of the shadow signaled for John to make his move. Volkir brought his blade down with all his might, in more of an executioner fashion than in a proper strike. And all John needed to do was apply enough force under the fitting angle. He could see the shock in Volkir's face when he launched his own blade up against his own. The two swords clashed with a loud snap and Volkir was left standing with a hilt sporting a short broken piece of blade.
John straightened up and pointed his sword against his chest. "Yield," he uttered simply.
Volkir stared at him for a moment before glancing all around as his men began to mumble and whisper amongst themselves. John caught the glimpse of his three friends behind Volkir, all grinning in glee. The giant man however used this moment of his opponent's momentary inattention and swung with his broken blade against John's, effectively making it fly away from his hand.
The only thing John managed to see before he was tackled to the ground was Volkir dropping his broken sword and leaping at him. Now he was held down by the mountain of a man and felt strike after strike of his massive fist land against his face every moment.
Peaceful. It felt peaceful. Having his life beaten out of him always made him feel so light-headed. Like he could float away from his body and never come back. It was always that way when he wrestled for his life. Vorpal Blade was a fearsome weapon but more times than enough he was caught off guard, not even able to swing it before being tackled by some horrid beast.
Such was his life and as a result he had gotten pretty good in fighting hand to hand. And no matter how strong or quick Volkir was, he head wrestled worse things. He had redirected a strike aimed for his head aside and locked it under his arm, grabbing his opponent under his elbow. Volkir stopped in the middle of yet another punch and stared at him dumbstruck for a second. "Big mistake." John smiled with blood staining his teeth.
He pushed Volkir's forearm upwards with his hand while still holding the end of his arm down as leverage. The elbow bent in an unnatural way with a sickening crack. The giant man shouted in pain and ripped his dislocated elbow away from John's grasp.
The Apprentice used the opportunity and landed a firm strike against his opponent's side. Volkir gasped out in shock of the blow and hunched over just enough for John to grab him around the neck and head-butt his nose. Well I tried, next time aim lower, John thought as his head spun from the failed collision.
It was nevertheless enough to knock the shaken man off of him. "You know why I am not as good at sword fighting as you?" John grabbed Volkir by the collar of his tunic and pulled him close before sending him to the ground with a firm strike. "Because I can kill monsters without it."
John sat over the giant man's chest and blocked a feeble attempt at a punch by bending the man's fist backward, twisting his wrist, earning another shout of agony from him. "I have fought things you wouldn't believe," John continued calmly as he grabbed Volkir once again by the collar and pulled him close. "Things that would make your eyes bleed." The Apprentice head-butted his nose, this time successfully. "Literally," he finished and let go of his collar, letting his upper body drop back on the ground.
"The Never-King…" John continued to monologue as he landed hit after hit with every word. "The horde of Living Failures…" Volkir was barely acknowledging anything as he kept getting shelled by punches. "The Blind Wraiths of the Astral Tower…" John finished and pulled his opponent closer to him once more.
"DO YOU THINK THOSE THINGS FOUGHT WITH TOYS OF STEEL?" The ginger let go of the beaten man before resuming his assault. "They fought with fang and teeth and talon and claw…" He leaned forward and spoke directly to the bloodied face of his opponent. "And they all fell dead at my feet."
John glanced around himself in search of his blade but the only thing close was Volkir's broken sword. Good enough. He grabbed it. He wanted to kill this man. The bloodlust in his brain roaring so loudly he could barely think. The only thing he wanted right now was vengeance.
Vengeance for every time he was brought down by some horrid creature. For every time he got clawed and bit and pommeled. For every time some beast almost tore him apart. This time it's my turn. John almost laughed a wide smirk spreading across his face.
He raised the broken blade over the giant man's head and prepared to strike. And just as he brought the blade up his eyes met with the faces of his friends. He stopped for a moment, the realization dawning on him gradually. They were frightened. But not for him, no. he recognized that look. The look reserved for monsters.
Just then he saw what they saw. He looked down at the beaten man under him, now barely breathing. He looked at his hands, bloodied and sore. He looked at his torn knuckles that he just now began hurting as if his hands were on fire. He could feel every gash and wound on his body that he previously ignored. It all dawned on him.
He looked at the broken sword in his hand. No. He thought. If we fight like animals, we will die like animals.
John pressed the blade against Volkir's neck. "Yield."
Volkir caught up some blood. "I-I yield…" he mumbled weakly.
"Swear that you will leave Arendelle and no harm will come to any of its people from you or your men ever again."
Volkir sighed in pained daze. "I s-swear."
John pressed the blade closer to his neck. "Swear upon steel!"
"I-I swear upon the steel that binds me, protects me and delivers me," Volkir gargled through blood and pain.
"Hail to steel." Came a collective praise from every Champion.
John spat aside and rose up, throwing the broken blade aside. He wobbled on his legs and made his way towards the three girls standing at the outline of the circle. The way was much harder than he anticipated, as his head spun quite substantially with every step he took.
"Ha, told you I would win!" He grinned when he was just a few steps away from them. Then suddenly everything went black.
"Oh Gods!" Merida rushed to John's side as he collapsed to the ground. His previously white tunic was soaked red with blood and even though not all of it wasn't his that was of no consolation to the ginger princess.
"We have to get him help, now!" she quite literally shouted at both Elsa and Anna who were there by her side.
"Hoggandvik is close. There has to be someone that can treat his wounds." Elsa called on the guards that rode there with them and ordered them to take John there.
"I'm going with them," Merida exclaimed and climbed on her horse. "We'll meet you there."
Elsa nodded and let the riders leave. She ordered the men who were just recently held hostage to carry the chests to Hoggandvik for the time being before she would send for someone to bring them both a carriage for the heavy chests and horses.
As the men set on their way and Anna waited for Elsa to come, the blonde took one last look at the Champions. Volkir was being held up by two men and just at that moment their eyes met. Given the horrible state the man's face was in Elsa couldn't be sure what kind of expression he now had.
"Men," he uttered sternly, earning everyone's attention. "We're leaving."
Even though these men caused nothing but trouble to both her people and friends, Elsa had to admit they had honor. Still better stay to make sure they are actually gone. She thought as she joined Anna by her side and told her men to head for the village. The two girls would stay for a while.
Volkir grunted in pain as one of his men snapped his elbow back in place. The three men that held him down had a hard time doing so. They wanted to support him on the way to the ships but he sent them away. They've already seen too much weakness from me for one day. The day I won't be able to walk on my own they might as well finish me.
Of all the results he imagined the Trial ending in, both of them walking away wasn't one. He didn't complain though. Live today so you can fight tomorrow. That was the code they lived by. The way of steel. Volkir knew that his loss would cause some stir in his ranks, some might even challenge him for his position, exploiting his weakness.
That was of no immediate concern however. Even if someone were to challenge him, they would wait for at least a few days. Even though many would like to see themselves in his position right now, challenging a wounded opponent would only make them seem dishonorable in the eyes of the rest. An attribute no one desired. No, any challenges to his position would wait until he had somewhat healed.
The way to the fjord was strenuous and hard for him even though it was in a short walking distance from the place they had met with the queen. He spat aside at the thought of the witch and at the thought he will never be able to exact his revenge on her for this disgrace.
No matter how happily he would drive his blade into that scheming temptress' belly he swore never to harm anyone from this kingdom. And he swore by steel. To come back here would be to go against his honor and the honor of his men. To go against the way of steel. No, this land was safe from him.
He still could not understand how that had sorceress charmed the entire kingdom to her will, but that was no longer any of his concern. They would sail back to Denmark today and never return. They would not deliver on their contract but there was nothing they could do about it now. The only thing that would suffer would be their reputation.
Hundred times better than our honor.
Volkir thought as he and his men arrived on the beach of the fjord. He shouted a few orders and the Champions began preparations for departure. It wouldn't take long since they had already prepared to leave as soon as they got the queen, so everything was already packed and ready to be brought back on the boats.
"What is this?!" Volkir sighed and turned to the skinny guy. "Why are you leaving? Where is the queen?"
"Our honor prevents us from pursuing her further," Volkir explained. "Such is the will of steel."
"Screw your honor!" The skinny guy raged, becoming a target of dozens of angry glares from Champions passing by. "You got paid, so you will do as you're told!"
"You will get your gold back once we arrive back in Denmark, as we cannot do as you ask."
"My master will not take kindly to this failure!" The skinny guy threatened.
"Your master can do as he likes but me and my men are going home." Volkir turned around and headed to one of the rowboats at the shore. "I suggest you keep your mouth shut from now on if you don't want to be accidently knocked over board on the way."
Volkir sat inside one of the rowboats and let himself be taken to the fleet of ships anchored just outside the fjord. The sooner we leave this place the better.
"THEY WHAT?" The Eternal One shouted in outrage. When the servant he had sent to hire the mercenary band contacted him he had expected him to tell him that they were on their way to him with the desired price in hand. What he had heard however didn't please him in the slightest.
"T-they refused to capture her my lord," his servant whined. Even through the mental communication the Eternal One could feel the soiling fear that gripped the man. "We c-can always hire a different group my lord." The man tried to soothe his wrath.
"I think not," the Eternal One decided, focusing on the place where his servant was currently contacting him from. The sea, perfect. "They have outlived their usefulness. Just like you," he announced before cutting the telepathic conversation. No one would make a fool out of him and get away with it.
He grabbed his orb and squeezed it with all his might, draining it of the magical energies it contained. The spell was cast. The Eternal One slumped back onto his throne in annoyance. He needed someone else to get him the price he wanted.
Someone more reliable than a band of mercenaries. Someone more blunt then the pathetic Ecrosian. Someone more powerful than that weakling Praise was. And had the perfect candidates. The Eternal One summoned one of his servants into his hall.
"You called master?" The man bowed deeply before him.
"Of course I did, idiot. Call back the twins. I have a different job for them."
"T-the twins? But they are already on a hunt—"
"YOU DARE QUESTION ME?" The Eternal One's voice echoed through the hall. He was in no mood for disobedience.
"No, no, of course my lord!" The servant bowed his head. "They will be contacted immediately," he croaked and bolted out of the hall as soon as the Eternal One beckoned him to do so.
Finally, someone who can get the job done.
The Eternal One smirked and returned to his meditation.
Elsa and Anna stood on a tall cliff, overlooking the fjord. Following the trail of several dozen men did prove quite easy and as soon as they found themselves in this position they remained there, watching the ships leave one by one.
They would go back as soon as possible, Elsa didn't want to make anyone worried by their long absence, but she just wanted to be sure the Champions would leave. "We did it." Anna pressed against her, landing a peck on her cheek.
Elsa smiled at the gesture. "John is the one that did it," she corrected her as she encircled her waist with one arm.
"Yeah…" Anna breathed out and leaned her head against the blonde's shoulder. "I hope he will be alright."
"I am sure he will," Elsa reassured her with a smile. "You read the books, he had survived far worse than—" The words froze on Elsa's lips when her eyes were suddenly attracted to something massive in her peripheral vision.
Her eyes widened in shock when she turned to see the very object that caught her attention. "A-Anna, do you s—"
"Yeah," the redhead almost whispered in horror.
Out of nowhere a massive wave had risen from the sea, high enough to reach the top of Arendelle's castle with ease and was now headed in blinding speed towards the fleet, right now stretched like a snake, sailing away from the fjord. There was nothing they could do, the wave was simply too fast.
The ships that were the furthest from the fjord got simply consumed, devoured by the incoming element. A chill ran down Elsa's spine as the wave dragged the following ships like they were paper, crushing the grand vessels mercilessly.
Was this how Mama and Papa went…?
Elsa bolted up. "We have to help them!" She shouted desperately, the wave rushing its way towards the fjord, pommeling more ships on the way.
"H-how?" Anna questioned, visibly shaken by the sight as well.
Elsa's breathing accelerated, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what to do. She only knew she didn't want anyone else to suffer the same horrible fate her parents did. And even though these fiends were to take her away from her home, she still wouldn't just watch them die like this.
Most of the ships were already destroyed and sunk. A few were trying to turn around and sail into the safety of the fjord but they could never turn fast enough. The wave rolled over them in devastating charge. One ship however, the last in the fleet had already turned and was on its way into the fjord. It would make no difference however, the wave would reach them before they could reach the shore.
That's when Elsa decided to act. She couldn't save those already lost but save at least these few. She waited, painfully stressed, for the ship to make it beyond the confines of the fjord. The wave was approaching, still fast and mighty. She needed just a few more seconds. Just a few more feet for the ship to pass.
In the last second, the ship slipped beyond the fjord's opening just in time for Elsa to act.
The entire fleet, gone. Nearly all of his men, gone. Volkir watched the destructive spectacle in horror. There was nothing to be done. Nothing than trying to flee back into the fjord, hoping to make it in time. Luckily they sailed off with a strong headwind, that was the reason why the fleet moved out so sluggishly and slowly, a fact that now worked in their favor.
It was no use however. Volkir watched as the wave approached, fast and rigorously. He cursed the witch that cast the spell. He cursed the skinny guy who had offered them the job. And above all he cursed himself for taking it.
This was not a way for him to go. He wanted to die with sword in hand, not drown like a fool. A death without meaning. He cursed the witch for one last time when the ship reached the fjord with the wave tightly behind it. It won't be long now. He thought as he stared at the wave. At least I will face my demise.
The element rushed towards them as an unstoppable force of destruction, fully set on destroying them. And it would. If not for a last second a massive wall of ice rose up from the waters of the fjord blocking its path. What?
Volkir stared in astonishment, his gaze following the trail icy blue magic that draped through the air up to one of the cliffs overlooking the fjord. There stood a person, too far to distinguish. The only thing Volkir saw was a sparkle of platinum gold in the light of the setting sun. WHAT?
His trail of thought was cut short when the wall of ice shook and a massive crack was heard, the wave crashing against it. The water surface shook slightly as the vibration from the impact coursed through it. Another crash into the wall made several giant pieces of ice break away from it, falling into the water.
The smaller waves the giant one dragged behind probably. Volkir thought just before a loud crack echoed through the fjord and the ice wall shattered, a small yet still considerably large wave for normal standards breaking through.
"Alright, boys! Brace for impact!" he shouted, moments before the wave collided with the hull of their ship. After that there was only blackness.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter after such a long wait. I have two things to announce!
I have made a deal with a wonderful artist (also my dear friend) and in the future we will get some illustrations on the story itself but mainly on lore that I can't fit into the the story itself (at least not fully) but that is never the less very important! These illustrations will be placed on my deaviant art account and supplemented with the proper lore, much like the maps for the world of Winter Flower that are there now. The link for my deviant art account is on my profile here on fanfiction net and I will give you heads up at the end of the chapter every time there is something new there!
Ok so that's one thing and the other I am proud to announce is that there will be a Halloween special, supplied by an illustration!
So that's all for now, I also have to tell you my school year had started so there might sometimes be a longer wait than usual (3-4 weeks tops!).