Sept. 14, 1840
Anna held the girl sitting on the saddle before her with one hand as she guided Kjekk with the other. Behind her a little boy clung to her waist. She kept pace with the wagon full of orphans, bumping over the dirt road.
People hurried pass heading for town or up the ridge into the mountains. They gave quick, often, startled greetings as they passed the Princess. Anna met each with what she hoped was a reassuring smile.
As they rounded a small curve atop the ridge, the ocean beyond the fjord came into view. Smoke curled into the clear sky along the horizon. It was all that could be seen of the distant sea battle. How many ships have we lost? Her eyes cut to the wagon load of children. How many orphans will be made today? Anger stirred, dredging up old feelings best not revisited. Before they could take hold, she drove them back. There would be time for such things later. More immediate issues needed her attention.
Four ships formed a perfect line as they sped toward the fjord. The Lienz's flag fluttered atop the lead ship. In the distance, familiar green and purple marked the Agdar. It was gaining on the last ship.
In the streets below a sea of people, wagons and carts flooded the town square. One group pushed toward the castle bridge as the other attempted to reach the main road out of town. The confusion was made worse by soldiers trying to move equipment to their posts. Faints shouts and animal cries echoed over the town.
An overwhelming weight settled upon Anna's shoulders at the sight. How were we going to get all these people out of the streets before the ships arrive? What if they get pass the gate? Her gaze turned to the fjord towers. Suspended between them hung a heavy chain gate, blocking the entrance, protecting Arendelle as it had for generations. No, the gate will hold. She offered a silent prayer to whoever might be listening, please, let it hold.
Now would be a really good time for you to come home, Elsa. The thought brought with it a twinge of guilt. She knew if Elsa were able she would have returned. Which meant she wasn't able. Thoughts of her sister and Kristoff laying wounded or worse caused her chest to ache. It eased as her gaze settled on the glistening snowflake atop the castle. Where ever Elsa was, she was alive. Her thoughts turned to Kristoff. The ache returned.
"Your Highness?"
Startled from her thoughts Anna turned to find Captain Morten at her side. She smiled at him, feeling some of the tension ease in her shoulders. He'd always had a calming effect on her. She suspected it was one of the reasons her father had put him in charge of her guard detail. "Yes, Captain?"
"Those ships are less than an hour out, ma'am. I suggest we make haste for the castle."
"How?" She gestured toward the town. "The square is packed all the way to the castle bridge."
"I can have the men clear a path."
"No. That will just make matters worse. We'll stay this course for now."
"Yes, ma'am." He hesitated. "Princess Anna, if the ships breech the fjord gate we will need to get you to the castle. You cannot be in the streets should they reach the docks."
She started to wave him off with an assurance that would never happen. The words died on her lips as the lead ship drew closer. "Hopefully, it won't come to that, Captain."
"Let's hope not, ma'am." He dipped his head to her, easing his horse away.
Below frightened souls rushed about, seeking safety and shelter. Her mother's words whispered, 'You are a Royal Princess, in times of need, the people will look to you for reassurance and guidance. If you show strength and courage, it will ease their fears and give them hope.' Hope. She embraced the word, clinging to it.
Her gaze drifted to the snowflake. I know you'll come home, Elsa. We need you. She hugged the child closer, pressing a light kiss atop her head. I need you.
0000
Tollak waited on the beach as the first of four long boats paddled toward him. Each rode low in the water with the weight of a dozen or, so men piled aboard them.
As the first boat glided ashore, Prince Hans rose to stand in the bow. With the wind sweeping back his auburn hair, he looked the part of a conquering hero.
Soldiers jumped into the surf and pulled the boat ashore. Once it was resting on sand, Hans leapt over the side, avoiding the breaking waves.
The men cleared the first boat, as a second one came ashore.
With a hand resting on his sword hilt, Hans strolled toward Tollak.
"Welcome to Arendelle, Your Highness." Tollak sank into a formal bow. "I trust your trip went well."
Hans acknowledged the bow with a nod of his head. "Thanks to your efforts, Colonel, it was a success." He turned to the officer trailing behind him. "Send the boats back for more troops and get the men ready to move out immediately."
"Yes, Your Highness." With a quick bow the man hurried away.
"Why hasn't Sigrid started his attack on the city? Our ships need artillery support."
"He never made it over the mountains, Your Highness." Tollak didn't cower under Hans' glare. "It would appear the Witch drove his army away in defeat."
"What?! What of the cannons?" Gloved hands curled into fists as Hans' jaw clenched.
Tollak shook his head. "Destroyed by the Witch. A scout arrived last night with news of the army's defeat." He hurried on as Hans' face grew flushed. "There is some good news. Earl Swart's men were able to ambush the Witch, and her guard on the mountain. Most of her men were either killed or wounded. I've received several reports confirming she was wounded during the fight, but too what extent I cannot say. There has been no word from her since before the battle with Sigrid. It appears she is either unwilling or unable to return."
"Hiding somewhere licking her wounds perhaps?" Anger softened into amusement as Hans' fists unclenched.
"Perhaps. With any luck she's wolf fodder." Tollak shrugged.
Hans' lips eased into a smirk. "And what of little Anna?" The smirk widened into a sadistic smile.
"She spent the night pining over her sister. When I left, she was leading her guard detail into town to help evacuate the townspeople."
"How heroic." Hans scoffed.
"Yes, her theatrics should make things easier for us. My men have orders to capture her before she can return to the castle."
"Do they understand we need her alive, at least, until we're certain Elsa's dead?"
"They understand, sir."
"Good."
"Once the witch is dead, what are your plans for the Princess?"
With a gloved hand Hans brushed some dirt from his jacket. "I'll keep her around as long as she is useful. Who knows, we might even produce an heir to cement my claim to the throne." He chuckled. "Course, it's more likely I'll slit the little chatter box's throat within a week."
An heir? Tollak's hand tightened on his sword hilt. From the moment he learned of Elsa's magic he'd known the Princess would have to be sacrificed. Her blind devotion to her sister had robbed her of all reason. Even if she could be made to see the truth, there was still the risk of her passing on tainted blood. No, there can be no direct heirs to the Crocus throne. He would see to that.
There would be time to deal with the Princess later. First, more pressing matters needed to be addressed. "Should the witch return, I trust you found what you were looking for to, deal with her." Tollak asked.
Gloved fingertips traced over a gold chain suspended around Hans' neck. Tollak thought he could see the outline of a disk beneath the man's vest.
"Yes, I found it."
"Do you think it will be enough to stop her?"
"It will stop her," Hans smirked. "and even if it doesn't kill her. It will slow her down enough for more, traditional methods." He patted the sword at his hip.
"Your Highness." The officer stepped to Hans' side. "The men are ready, sir."
"Good." Hans grabbed the bottom of his jacket and straightened it with a sharp tug. "Come, Colonel, it's time to introduce the people to their king."
0000
Along the main road, single homes had given way to clusters of houses, lining both sides of the street. Tucked between the houses stood a stone, two-story guard tower. Long ago it had marked the outer limits of the town. Over time the town had spread beyond it.
Two grim faced soldiers watched from the tower windows as the crowd passed below. One slapped the other with the back of a hand, pointing at Anna's group. Both straightened, tugging at their uniform jackets as they came to attention. They offered the proper salute as the Royal Princess and her men shuffled past with the crowd.
Amused by their antics, Anna acknowledged them with a warm smile and dip of her head.
Side streets leading from the docks had been barricaded with sandbags, in preparation for the coming battle. Along the docks, soldiers were making ready to defend the town.
Unable to spread out, wagons, carts and people, created a bottleneck in the narrow street. Any other day Anna could have sprinted the distance to the square with ease. From atop her horse, she could see no clear path through the sea of people separating her from the town square. Resigned to the situation she prodded along with the crowd.
Every so often a frightened soul would rush to Anna's side or shout at her over the crowd, with questions about the enemy or their missing Queen. She remained steadfast in her assurances that all was being done to defend against the enemy, and the Queen would return as soon as she was able.
If any doubted her, they had the good sense to keep it to themselves. Every time someone mentioned Elsa, Anna stole a glance at the castle spiral. The icy snowflake strengthened her resolve.
Several feet ahead the wheel of an overloaded cart snapped, dropping it to the cobblestones with a sharp crash. Belongings scattered over the street, as the cart owner was thrown to the ground. Dazed by the fall, the man lay groaning in the street.
With a section of the street blocked, the crowd slowed to a crawl. Several people stopped to help the man, others hurried on, trying to slip through the narrow pathway.
"Help him." Anna ordered the guardsmen closes to her.
Peder and Arian slipped from their horses, rushing to the man. They drug him from the road, propping him against a wall, safe from the trample of feet and hooves.
"Normund, Lauris, let's clear the road." Morten ordered, dismounting his horse.
The men dismounted and set about getting the cart out of the way. Several townspeople moved in to help. Among them a woman, Anna recognized as the blacksmith's daughter, stepped up to Adrian.
His face turned an alarming shade of red as he strained against the cart to no avail. She pulled him up by the collar of his jacket, nearly taking him off his feet. With a sweet smile she stepped into his spot.
Adrian's smile mirrored hers. He ran a hand over the back of his neck, ducking his head as she blew him a kiss.
Bare arms rippled with thick muscles as she pulled against the weight of the cart. The smile never left her lips.
Adrian's eyes widen at the display. The tips of his ears grew red. With a nervous chuckle, he set about clearing debris from the roadway.
Anna bit back a laugh at the couple's antics. Several days before, Adrian had confided in her, he was going to propose after the festival. His ears had glowed bright red when Anna smothered him in a crushing hug.
Joy at the memory died as Anna's gaze was drawn to the approaching ships. Thanks to Hans, there had been no proposal. Bastard. Her teeth ground against the rush of hatred brought on by the thought of him.
Kjekk snorted, tossing his head as a boy bumped against his legs, in a rush to slip through the crowd.
"Easy, boy." Anna patted his neck till he stopped prancing, though his breathing remained uneven. "Come on, sweetheart, let's get you into the wagon." Anna lifted the girl off her lap, handing her off to one of the older children in the bed of the wagon. "You too." She reached for the boy seated behind her.
His arms tightened around her waist. "No. I want to stay with you."
"I'm sorry, sweetie. Kjekk is getting a little jumpy. I don't want to risk him throwing you." Like he throws you? Elsa's voice was so clear, Anna caught herself looking for her in the crowd. Shaking off the thought, she pried his arms loose. "A little help, please."
Two older boys wrestled him off the horse.
"No!" He began kicking as they pulled him into the wagon.
"Hey." Anna leaned in to catch his gaze. "Once this is over you can ride back with me, okay?"
He plopped down on the lap of one of the teenage girls, crossing his arms over his chest. "Okay."
Anna chuckled, at his flushed, scrunched up face. "Viktoria?"
From the wagon seat Viktoria turned to her. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Once you reach the castle courtyard take the children to the West wing entrance. Gerda has set up rooms for them there. If anyone tries to stop you, tell them you're working under my direct orders."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Anna raised up in the stirrups for a better view. The square was still a good distance off, but it appeared the crowd there was starting to thin out. Free of the narrow streets, people were able to pass the slow-moving wagons and carts. If they could get pass the bottleneck they should have no trouble reaching the castle.
The cart owner stumbled to his feet and picked up a satchel from his scattered belongings. He slung it over his shoulder, before squeezing in next to one of the guardsmen to help lift.
Cannon fire rumbled over the town. Startled screams were followed by the cries of frightened children. The crowd surged forward. They only gained a few feet before compressing into an unmoving mass.
More people stepped in to help move the cart. It began to inch forward.
Anna turned in the saddle to check the road behind them. Stragglers hurried to catch up to the crowd. Mothers with small children, older folks and others who were unable to keep pace. They appeared from side streets in a desperate race to reach the castle.
"You two, come with me." Anna didn't wait for an answer as she turned Kjekk, easing him through the crowd.
Exchanging uncertain looks, two guardsmen fell in behind her.
"Start loading people into the wagons. We need to help anyone who can't keep up." Free of the crowd she spurred Kjekk forward.
The next side street offered Anna a glimpse of the docks and ocean. Along the docks, soldiers hurried about with weapons and sandbags. Beyond the fjord gate, clouds of smoke drifted from the rear Lienz ship. Its mast leaned at an odd angle.
With a sharp turn the Agdar laid low on its starboard side, before righting itself to come alongside the damaged ship. Smoke filled the air a moment before the roar of a dozen cannons reached the town. Anna bit back a frustrated curse, as she lost sight of the ships behind a row of houses.
She hurried toward a teenage girl carrying a little girl on her back. Anna recognized them as the daughters of one of the kitchen maids.
The youngest clung to her sister's neck, trying not to cry out at the jarring of her bandaged leg. It had been a week since she'd broken the leg falling from a tree.
Behind Anna the crowd cheered as the cart was wrestled from the street. With the street cleared, the crowd surge forward, leaving the stragglers further behind.
Anna pulled Kjekk to a stop and reached down, taking the younger girl's arm. "Come on." The older girl helped lift her sister onto the saddle in front of Anna. With her in place, Anna held out a hand to the older girl. She removed her foot from the stirrup, so the girl could step into it. With a grunt she pulled herself up behind Anna.
Thin arms wrapped around Anna's waist. She turned Kjekk and galloped to the wagon.
Peder and Lauris sped past her. Each taunting the other as they raced to collect stragglers. Any other time the brother's playful banter would have amused her. She found it a painful reminder of Elsa's absence.
Reaching the wagon, she handed off the sisters. They settled into the wagon, the younger one climbing into her sister's lap, to be embraced in a smothering hug.
Anna's chest tightened at the sight. She turned away before the feeling could overwhelm her. At the far end of the street she spied a woman, carrying a small child, while dragging another by the arm. She tapped Kjekk's flanks and galloped toward them.
"Princess Anna! Wait!" Morten's voice cried over the ringing of Kjekk's horseshoes. She tucked lower in the saddle, urging the horse on.
Her men continued to crisscross between the stragglers and the wagons.
Kjekk's ears laid back as more cannon fire rumbled over the town. He pulled up short, throwing Anna forward in the saddle. Her fingers dug deep into his mane. Momentum carried her forward, wrenching her arm as she fought to stay atop the horse. The last thing she needed was for Elsa to find out she'd been thrown, again.
Wide eyed and snorting, Kjekk pranced in place. Anna managed to calm him enough to allow her to slip from the saddle. She led him to a lamppost and tied off the reins. "Easy boy, nobody's going to hurt you." He pressed into her hand as she stroked his nose. "You stay here, I'll be back shortly, then we can go home. Okay?"
Kjekk snorted.
"Good boy." With a final pat she hurried toward the mother and children.
Without missing a step, she scooped the child up in her arms, and caught the mother by the elbow. "Come on."
Startled to find the Royal Princess at her side, the woman stared slack jawed as she was led toward the wagon. Half way there Normund rode up.
"Captain Morten sent me to get you, ma'am."
"Take them."
"Princess Anna," The large man shook his head. "my orders…"
"Normund, please. I'll be right behind you. I just need to get Kjekk." Her lips pulled back in a mischievous grin. "Don't make me order you."
He reached out a hand. "I'm going to be mucking out stables for the rest of my life."
Anna chuckled at his grumbling. "Thank you, Normund. I'll make it up to you. I promise." She lifted the child.
Resigned to his fate, Normund pulled the child onto his lap.
Anna held the infant while the mother climbed on the back of the horse. Once she was in place, Anna handed up the baby.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Tears glistened in the mother's eyes as the horse sped away.
"Your welcome." Anna turned and hurried to Kjekk. She pulled the reins free. "Alright, boy, let's go home." As she raised her foot toward the stirrup cannon fire cracked.
Kjekk shied away, prancing and tossing his head.
Anna stumbled, managing to catch her balance before falling face first on the street. "Dammit, Kjekk, behave!" She drew a breath to settle her frustration. "Easy, boy." It took some effort to pull his head down, so she could rub his nose. Soft, whispered words helped some.
She glanced over her shoulder to find the wagon, and most of the crowd had reached the square. Several of her men were riding toward her.
Rapid cannon fire echoed through the town. With a whinny Kjekk reared. Caught off guard, Anna felt the reins slip through her fingers.
"Kjekk! Wait!" The horse bolted toward the castle. Anna took a couple of steps after him, reaching out in vain. Her fists clenched, coming to her sides, as she watched him race past her men. "Elsa's right! I'm getting a new horse!"
Halvor sped toward her, Morten followed close behind. They were shouting something she couldn't hear over the ringing of horseshoes. "What?!"
An arm circled her waist, lifting her in one swift motion. "Hey!"
The world spun a moment before she found herself sitting across the lap of a soldier she didn't recognize. Something about his demeanor made her neck hairs stand on end.
"Put me down!" She struggled against the arm at her waist. It tightened, pulling her closer to the man. Her nose crinkled at the stink of onions and stale breath.
"Shut up, and sit still, or I'll knock you silly."
His heavy Russian accent, coupled with the threat, caught her off guard. Whoever the man was, he was not a member of the guard.
She grabbed his jacket to steady herself as he turned the horse away from town. As they turned Anna spied another group of riders approaching from the ridge. Their green uniforms did little to ease her concerns. She could hear her men shouting over the clatter of horseshoes on cobblestone as they gave chase.
The hairs along the back of her neck were singing. Something told her if they reached the riders, she would never make it home. There was only one thing to do, find a way off the horse.
She wrapped both hands in the man's jacket and leaned back. In one swift motion, she jerked him forward as she slammed into his face with a head butt. The blow caused her helmet to chime with a dull ding.
Blood flew from his shattered nose, and at least one tooth sailed away. Unconscious, the man rolled backwards off the horse. With her hands tangled in his jacket Anna fell with him. She managed to land on top of him as they struck the street.
She rolled several times before coming to rest on her back. Her knees and elbows stung from bruises and scrapes. Who's ringing that bell? She silently cursed the unknown assailant, as she lay staring up at the sky. It was a lovely shade of blue.
"Princess Anna!"
The ringing grew closer as she raised her head to find Halvor leaping from his horse. He moves fast for a bear, she chuckled at the thought.
Thick, strong arms scooped her up, causing the world to spin. Anna bit back a yelp, squeezing her eyes shut against a wave of nausea. She wrapped her arms around Halvor's neck, as he mounted the horse, settling her across his lap.
As her mind began to clear, she realized the ringing wasn't bells, but horseshoes against cobblestones. Over Halvor's shoulder she spied the riders. They were drawing closer.
Several horses surrounded her. She relaxed a little as she recognized Arian and Normund. Behind her Morten's voice carried over the ringing.
"Head for the guard tower!"
Anna nodded as if she had any control over where the horse was going. She held tight to Halvor as bullets began to whiz pass.
"Keep moving!" Morten shouted over the deafening clatter.
0000
"Why are we stopping?" Elsa gave a light tug on Vor's reins, to avoid crashing into the horse in front of her.
The blond-haired guard cocked his head to one side. "Do you hear that?"
In the quiet of the forest, a thumping sound grew louder.
With a tilt of her head Elsa listened. There was something familiar about the sound.
Riders.
Ice stirred as her heart began to race.
The thumping grew into a low rumble. Elsa flinched as a rifle volley cracked in the distance. Ice coated the reins clutched in her hands as a second volley answered the first. With some effort she pulled the ice back. It rested just beneath her palms.
The blond guard coaxed his horse to the crest of a nearby ridge. "Your Majesty, I think you should see this."
Elsa gave Vor's flanks a light tap, moving her to the man's side.
Far below she could see sunlight reflecting off ice barricades. Behind the barricades green dots darted about. She leaned forward, straining to see. "Do either of you have a spyglass?"
"I do, ma'am." The dark-haired guard rode up on her opposite side, pulling a glass from the leather pouch on his saddle. He handed it to her.
With a quick snap, Elsa opened it, and brought it to her eye. She missed the look shared by the scouts, as their hands eased toward sword hilts.
Green uniforms lined the barricade, firing on the riders. Several guardsmen darted about within the protective circle. Two men carried a small wooden keg to an empty section of the ice wall. They knelt, disappearing from Elsa's line of sight.
She adjusted the glass, to no avail. Her brow furrowed as she waited for them to reappear. Both men stood and began running to the far side of the barricade. Curls of white smoke drifted from beneath the wall.
Elsa's eyes widened as she realized what they had done. "No…"
Ice, dirt and men were sent sailing as the keg exploded. The blast ripped through the ice, leaving a jagged opening. Even from a distance, Elsa could feel the ground shake. She caught the reins with one hand, to bring Vor under control.
The sharp twang of swords being drawn, brought a silent curse to her lips. Ice coated the spyglass as she dropped it, twisting to face the blond-haired guard.
Her lips pulled back into a primal snarl as ice leapt from her palms. The force of the blow sent him, and his raised sword sailing. He flipped backwards off the horse, landing face down in the dirt.
The blow had been impressive. Elsa never saw it. As the ice left her hands, sharp steel sliced across her ribs.
White hot pain cut through her side, drawing her double. The forest echoed with her scream. Without looking back Elsa threw out a hand, releasing a blast of ice. She was rewarded with a grunt, followed by the sound of something heavy hitting the ground.
Doubled over she clung to the wound. Her eyes squeezed shut against the pain and tears. Dammit! I knew those bastards couldn't be trusted. Yet, you dropped your guard against them. Mocked an all too familiar voice. Shut up. Silent curses faded as her vision darkened. Unable to keep her balance, she slipped from the saddle. Pain shot through her body as she landed on the forest floor with a hard jolt. Tears flowed freely as she rolled onto her back, clutching at the wound. Blood seeped through her fingers.
She struggled to breathe against the pain. It was unlike any she had experienced before. Her hand trembled as she lifted it to examine the wound. There was so much blood. Her blood.
Oh, God, no. She clamped her hand against the wound, willing the blood to stop. Crimson rivets trickled down her side into the dirt. It can't end here, not like this. Hot tears stung her cheeks.
Somewhere in the dark recesses of her mind, the familiar voice whispered. Perhaps, it would be best if it did. She cried out against the thought. Far too many times over the years it had whispered to her. Coaxing her to the edge of a line, she'd never had the courage to cross.
You've failed, again. Lies, betrayal, treason, those will be the legacy of the Snow Queen's reign. Your reign.
Elsa squeezed her eyes shut, willing the voice to go away. It was replaced by another. What if she was, destine to die alone in the deep woods? Alone. Pain turned to bitter tears. I don't want to die alone. Ice crept out from beneath her. Tears gave way to sobs. Each sending a new wave of pain through her side.
"I…sorry…papa." She had failed, as a daughter, an heir, a sister. Sister.
Anna.
The smiling glimmer of hope, in Elsa's darkness. Somewhere in the chaos of despair she could hear light laughter. As it had done countless times before, the sound guided her back to the light.
Sobs softened to whimpers. The pain in her side ease to a bearable throb. Through the tears she looked skyward. Between the branches she could see patches of sky. It was a lovely shade of blue.
As her mind began to clear she became aware of gunfire in the distance. Traitors. Anger began to push back the pain. If they touch my sister… Ice raced through her veins at the thought. She made no effort to stop it. I must get home.
She closed her eyes, focusing her ice on the wound. An icy bandage formed, she bit her lip to hold back a cry.
There was a groan nearby.
Elsa's eyes fluttered open at the sound. She raised her head to find the dark-haired scout climbing to his feet.
Blood stained his uniform, marking where an ice shard had cut deep across his side. Elsa felt no guilt for inflicting the wound. He picked up his sword and staggered toward her.
Anger spread through her riding the ice flowing to her fingertips. She rose to an elbow, ignoring the pain the movement brought. Blood dripped from the fingertips of her raised hand.
The scout stopped mid-step as their eyes locked. Silence hung in the clearing as they glared at each other.
Traitor. "Why, would you betray your oath?" Ice began to pulse over her raised hand.
"I will not have my children raised under the banner of a witch!" His grip tightened on the sword. "If that means killing a monster like you, then so be it."
If he noticed Elsa's flinch he didn't say.
She had noticed he eased a little closer. "What kind of a monster kills his brothers? You are a traitor to your uniform, your oath and the people of Arendelle!" Ice and anger helped hold the pain at bay.
"I know the sins I've committed, but, killing you won't be listed among them." He took two steps forward, pulling back as the air popped with sparks.
"Hans doesn't care about you or your family. All he wants is a crown." Spots began to dance before her eyes. She resisted the urge to shake them away.
"Perhaps, but at least, I won't have to worry about him freezing me to death."
The words cut deep, stealing Elsa's breath away. Her ice began to quiet. "You have my word, that will never happen again."
"Your word?" He began to laugh.
The sound made Elsa's skin crawl.
"I've seen how dangerous you are, Your Majesty. I'm not betting my family's lives on your empty promises."
"The people need…"
"What do you know of the people's needs?! They need someone who will protect them!"
"You speak of protecting the people, while betraying them to an invading army! What of your oath and duty?"
"Don't speak to me of duty." He drew a step closer. "You've hidden from your duties for years! Your father chose you over his duty to the people." He leveled the sword at her. "The day he locked the gates, we should have drug the lot of you into the streets. Four slit throats would have been a small price to end this madness. But, I'm willing to settle for two."
All emotion slipped from Elsa's face. Within her veins the ice paused. From deep in the pit of her stomach a strange warmth began to build. "Don't you dare speak of my father, traitor. You know nothing of the sacrifices he, and my mother made." The warmth began to build into a controlled rage.
"You stand here mocking him, while your fellow turncoats conspire to destroy the very lands you are sworn to protect." Yellow magic began to glow over her hand. "Know this, as Queen and Protector of this Domain, I will see you, and every traitor who has raised a hand against their fellow countrymen, hanged for your crimes."
She caught the shift in his weight as he leaned forward. His knuckles whitened as they tightened around the sword hilt. Her eyes narrowed. An eerie sense of calm settled over her. "I warn you, if you bastards harm so much as a hair upon my sister's head, I will make you beg for the relief of hell's fire."
The man's lips curled back with a snarl. He leapt forward, raising the sword over his head. "Go to hell, witch!"
Ice exploded from Elsa's hand in a blinding yellow flash. "I am not a witch!" The blast sent him sailing across the clearing. His body slammed into a tree trunk with a heavy thud. Unconscious he slid to the ground in a crumbled heap.
Nausea and dizziness swept over Elsa. She drew quick, short breaths in a failed attempt to ease the pain overwhelming her. Unable to fight off the darkness creeping in, she collapsed onto her back.
In the distance she could hear rifle fire, over the cries of wounded men. She clutched the wound squeezing her eyes shut. Tears slipped free to trail into her hair. No, have…to…get…home… she fell still as the darkness claimed her.