Hello my readers! It has been far too long but I won't bother explaining why I have been on hiatus for so long
since it won't make up for it anyway. But perhaps this chapter will, despite being stuck on it for so long I am
pleased with how it turned out. I also would like to thank you guys for the thoughtful comments. As for the
obvious elephant in the room; I will talk about my thoughts on the 'Frozen 2' trailer after the end of this
chapter. Until then please enjoy the long awaited chapter 37.
Chapter 37: Belly of the Beast
Three days had passed since Elsa left for Corona, two since Anna left for the Southern Isles and once again Aldren stood at the Arendelle docks where a ship awaited that would carry him to the kingdom of Zaria. His younger cousin Mane had already departed for the eastern continent of Chatho a day ago, it was difficult for Sol to accept that her brother and the elder cousin she'd lost and found were both leaving her. She, along with Kristoff, had come to see him off on his journey south but not Sven though Aldren suspected he was still recovering from his malnourishment and mistreatment at the hands of the naga. Before Mane left Aldren he had given him back the star gem necklace that had belonged to his own mother, telling him, "To bring it back when he returned."
Sol stood before him now, her eyes full of fear and uncertainty which she masked behind a smile, "I'm amazed you gave that up so easily..." she said.
He smiled and put his hand on her shoulder, "Because I know that I will get it back."
She grasped his chest and hugged him, comforted by his words, her face then turned more serious when she pulled away and looked him in the eye, "You will get it back...when you return-both of you."
He nodded firmly to her. Satisfied, she smiled again and gestured with her head, "Now go on, pretty sure Kristoff over there is dying to talk to you."
He nodded looking between her and the pacing ice harvester, "Be kind to him while were gone."
"I'll consider it."
He shook his head, leaving her side to see what Kristoff's real reason was for being here, "Come to see me off."
He noticed him and turned, "Well yeah but also...I never got a chance to thank you-and also..." the ice master untied the ripped sash from his waist and held it out in offer. "To give you this."
Aldren raised an eyebrow while Kristoff elaborated, "I owe you a lot more than my life; I was actually afraid you wouldn't help me when I wanted to go back for Sven...I don't know how many people would risk that much for a reindeer so...this is my way of saying, thanks."
"There is no need to thank me for doing my job. All the denizens of Arendelle are under my protection, whether they walk on two legs or four."
"If you say so...all the same." he continued to hold out the sash.
Aldren gently grasped the tattered cloth from his hand, looking over it a moment before tying it around his own waist. The sash flowed gently in the wind away from his body, he couldn't help but find that the faded red complimented the almost entirely black of his armor. Kristoff smiled before holding out his arm, the two men locked forearms and shook, "Good luck...Lord Embercrow."
"And to you, Ice Master." he said with a smirk.
Aldren nodded and turned to the sound of marching feet, he saw the now lieutenant Barec leading a small contingent of guards who also brought a cloaked Meren, wrists still in irons. He moved to meet them as they approached, Barec halted and Aldren greeted him, "I see you found the little present I had made for you." he said referring to the gray and blue sash around his waist; a forward facing white wolf's head with one scarred eye on the end.
Barec looked at it and nodded, "Eh...yeah I did."
"I thought a wolf was more fitting for you than a crocus."
"Right...I see you have your own now too."
"Yes, a gift as well."
Barec only nodded shortly, Aldren decided to be plain with him, "I trust you understand why I had that made for you."
"I do."
"That will be symbol of your new rank in the army, wear it with pride."
He inhaled deeply, "I will."
"Very good, now see our third passenger aboard."
The lieutenant nodded and led the group and Meren, who looked none to pleased about his current situation but then Aldren also didn't really care right now. He turned back to Sol and Kristoff who stood side by side, he walked back to them putting hand on both of their shoulders, "Farewell, rule of Arendelle is yours until her majesty or myself returns." he said to Sol. "Train well." he said simply to Kristoff who looked surprised as Aldren turned away towards his ship.
"Train?" he questioned worriedly.
"Sol will explain." he said without turning back, "Don't worry my friend, you're in good hands...perhaps not the gentlest... "
The Ice harvester turned to the lady of house Starlon who smiled, "I'll go easy on you...to start." she said, clearly lying as she cracked her knuckles.
He realized now the 'private matter' that Aldren and Elsa had discussed with Sol away from the others. He swallowed nervously, "Oh boy..."
OoO
Six days had passed since Anna's galley had left Arendelle and was reaching it's destination: The Southern Isles. In total the Isles consisted of ten islands each divided among King Reidrich's thirteen sons; the five outer islands to the east were known as The Anchor, The Pearl, Sparrow's Egg, Wish Bone and The Claw. The three closest were The Whale's Spine, Lion's Jaw and The Anvil. The two smallest Islands to the west; White fish and The Rock, the latter of which belonged to the youngest of the prince's...Hans. Both The Claw and Whale's Spine were divided in half, making two domains on each island. And at the center of all of them sat the largest 'Dragon's Breath', where King Reidrich and his eldest son Prince Karl ruled from the castles of 'King's Spire', The Southern Isles capital and 'The Tusk', the mightiest stronghold of their kingdom.
While this small collection of islands might not seem like much at first glance, and truthfully they weren't on their own. But the reach of the Isles extended all across Althgarr; territories and royal states that were all part of the Southern Isles' Empire. Those alliances that weren't bound by oath's of their forebears were often forged through marriage to one of the king's sons as he had more than a few to spare. The only kingdoms to avoid major ties with the Isles were Corona, Chatho, Zaria and Arendelle, due to fact that these kingdoms were powerful enough to simply refuse or in the case of the latter two; bad blood from ancient history...and new. But it was a known fact that King Reidrich had his eyes set on the northern kingdom and looked to solidify presence and control there.
The princess's ship would pass The Rock and White fish on it's way into 'Dragon's Maw Harbor', and Anna found comfort in the fact that once she arrived, there would still be miles of ocean between her and that wretched excuse of a human being. But at the moment she had found a way to distract herself; sitting in her cabin with Baldrek in front of her, braiding his mess of a beard which had grown considerably longer in the past months. He wasn't exactly thrilled but he complied all the same, after all refusing her would be refusing, well...the princess.
He looked like he'd fall asleep at any moment, he started to lean over slightly to which she responded by thumping him on the head, "No sleeping! I'm almost done." she muttered in concentration.
He rubbed his eyes, blinked and sat up, "Right-right, I'm awake...I'm awake."
She finally reached the end of his beard and reached over to grab the finishing touch: a large steel ring with runic engravings lining it's surface. She braided it in, stood and stepped back to examine her work. Smiling she grabbed his arm and pulled him over to stand in front of a mirror that she had to adjust for his height.
"See! Now you look like a viking!" she said, giving him a punch in the shoulder plate which she immediately regretted, shaking her hand and silently mouthing, "Ow!"
His ginger beard now hung in a large, neat braid that reached the middle of his chest, the steel ring scraping lightly against his chest plate as he turned his head from side to side. He grinned and gripped his chin, "And I thought I couldn't get any more handsome."
She nudged him with what little weight she had and they both shared a hearty laugh, when their laughter subsided and they both looked into the mirror Anna's expression fell as he looked off in thought. He noticed this and hesitantly reached for her shoulder but stopped himself, "Something wrong, your majesty?"
She sighed, walked over to the window and looked out into the calm ocean waves, he remained silent, waiting for her to speak. "I'm...I'm really scared..."
"I don't suppose anyone could blame you-your grace, your traveling straight to the home of a man that betrayed your family and tried to kill you."
"I know...but that's not what scares me most." Baldrek wasn't sure how to respond at first and he didn't have time as she went off on a tangent, "What if they don't take me seriously? What if I screw up my words or trip when I walk in-What if..."
As she fell silent, putting a hand over her face, Baldrek walked over to her side, "You're afraid...that you'll fail."
She removed her hand from her face, once again he reached towards her shoulder and nearly stopped himself, but this time he carried through, "You won't. You are one of the most fearless people I've ever known." she looked up at him in surprise as he continued, "I wish I was as strong as you, your grace. I wish for that strength every day I carry my duty as captain to you and your sister, you are far stronger than you think you are...that is why I know, you will not fail."
He removed his hand from her shoulder and smiled, she turned and smiled back, looking down and then back up as she folded her arms, "And Aldren said you weren't much for conversation."
He shrugged, "I talk...when someone takes the time to talk." he grinned.
"Thank you Baldrek...I never did thank you for helping me save my friends." she said with a frown.
"It's my job...and I like to think I'm pretty good at it."
She laughed, "Yeah...you are."
He nodded, there was a knock at the door, "Come in" said Anna.
A sailor opened the door, "Your grace, we are nearing Dragon's Maw."
She breathed heavily and nodded, the sailor bowed and closed the door. She then looked to her bodyguard and held her hands, "OK, so Aldren said that we should play off each others strengths." he looked at her in confusion, she elaborated, "Right-so I know how to say what's on my mind and have a strong voice-I think anyway, that's my strength and yours is...strength-and size."
He nodded in understanding, "Oh...I can do that."
She held up both thumbs and smiled, "Great!" She turned to her armor rack, "I think it's time for a change in wardrobe."
Baldrek bowed, "I'll be outside." he grabbed his helmet from the table and put it on before leaving the room.
She decided before she would put on her armor she would re-braid her hair into something that might make her look more intimidating or...something along those lines.
OoO
As the galley approached the bustling harbor of Dragon's Maw and the port city of Qorith, the sounds of ringing bells and seagull's chirps pierced the air. Buildings and structures marked by banners that carried the gold dragon's head could be made out as they cleared the ocean fog. Ships of all sizes from many nations came and went with the tides, merchants and traders moved along the ports edge while the city's populace and guard patrols moved along the cobblestone paths. Qorith was one of the largest cities she'd ever seen, it stretched across the entire Maw; tall wooden buildings tightly fitted together meant little room for people to move in the narrow, crammed streets, but still they got by.
Anna's ship pulled into a large dock that was clear of any other naval traffic. She had donned her armor for this meeting with the Southern Isles king...she felt safer in it; sword at her side, bow and arrows on her back, she was no less armed than any of her escort. When she and hers descend from the ship's ramp they were immediately assaulted by stinging sea spray from the bitter/cold winds of the ocean, forcing them to squint and guard their eyes with an arm or hand. They made their way across the dock towards the shore, eager to get away from the stench of the murky sea water and salty spray. This was not the pleasant Arendellian fjords of their homeland; this was a Southern Isles ocean harbor, in her opinion it was ugly...and it stank.
Anna looked behind her to check on the rear, four men held chains connected to a collar around the neck of a large humanoid dressed in rags with a bag over their head; Dane. He had been sent along with her group to aid in convincing the Southern Isles to help their cause whether he liked it or not.
Their welcoming party came into view; three men on horseback flanked by several Islander footmen, Anna and Baldrek halted the group and shared a wary look before continuing onward. She could make them out better as they neared; the lead rider sat atop a white stallion dressed in pristine armor that protected the animals head, neck and body. A sword sat in is scabbard on the side of the saddle while a broad kite shield was slung on the leader's back. The rider wore custom steel armor that covered every inch of his body from his fingers to his toes, the fine cloth across his breast plate bore the crest of King Reidrich while his visored helm was adorned by a group of multi-colored feathers that sprung from the back, it was painfully evident that this was a Southern knight.
The riders that flanked him wore simpler armor that lacked the unnecessary embellishments of a knight; layered steel on the shoulders, a broad breast plate, steel grieves and gauntlets and rough leather gloves on their hands. The footmen wore the same style of armor; each one carried a single tall spear in their right hand, a sword at their side and stood perfectly still despite the harsh weather of their surroundings, they were used to it. The rears of their round-skulled helmets were drawn out into a long tail that shielded the back of their neck while the front extended down to cover the upper face with a single horizontal slit for the eyes, making all but the bottom half of their face encased in a metal shell..like little turtle men.
She couldn't help but notice that their armor seemed heavier in comparison to what most of Arendelle's soldiers wore. While they were still out of earshot she spoke to her captain, "Their armor seems kinda overkill don't you think?"
"Mm, lot's of steel...for little men." he said with a smile.
She smiled alongside him momentarily before they came to stand before them. The knight dismounted and walked forward to meet her, he lifted his visor, revealing the face of middle aged man that stood taller than Anna but shorter than Baldrek; brown eyes, hair and a dimpled chin attached to chiseled face, a small scar across his bottom lip. He smiled pleasantly and bowed to her, "Your grace." she smiled back and nodded before he continued, "His majesty King Reidrich hopes you sailed on fair winds and welcomes you to his kingdom of the Southern Isles. I am Sir Brandon Tares, I am to escort you back to King's spire to meet with his high majesty."
Before she replied she scanned from left to right at the hefty 'escort', no larger than her own royal guard, plus Baldrek was an army unto himself, she wasn't worried...yet. She turned back to Sir Tares and spoke pleasantly, "Of course, lead the way."
He nodded, casting a curious and wary glance at her prisoner before signaling the two men on horse back to dismount and the rest of the guard to part. The two riders held the reins of their horses for Anna and Baldrek to mount up, a islander went to help Anna but Baldrek brushed him away and saw to that himself. Once in the saddle she reached into her pocket and pulled out a pair of riding gloves, slipping them on and grabbing the reins while Baldrek mounted his horse, one might have thought his horse was too small for him, but thankfully Southern Isle horses were used to carrying heavy riders. Sir Tares mounted his own steed, turning the beast round and snapping the reins to lead the group out of Qorith. Arendelle and Islander guard filed behind, marching in two separate ranks. Any and all traffic in their path frantically (almost panic stricken) cleared out of their way as they navigated the city streets, eventually leaving the city of Qorith and riding along a dirt road. Anna was happy to be away from the ocean and be back on dry land...but then she frowned at the rumble of thunder overhead. The steady rain soaked the road...she hated this place already.
The once solid dirt beneath their horses turned to mud as they continued their ride west towards King's Spire; passing towns, villages, forests, spans of cultivated farmlands and miles of grassy fields. Despite being only a third the size of Arendelle, there was more to Dragon's Breath than one would expect, of course the Islanders were known for their mounted knights so it would make sense for there to be a great deal of grassland for horses to roam and be trained. What didn't make sense to Anna as she glanced at their knightly escort was how someone could dress so nicely in such crap weather.
An hour or so passed and the tall ivory towers of King's spire could be seen in the distance; first passing through a village on the outskirts of the city where the small folk cleared the path as they rode. Then they halted before a massive wooden gate, the knight signaled to the guards and with a loud crank the gate opened inward, the wooden doors sliding through the mud and revealing the sprawling city within. The buildings were even taller here and the streets swelled with even more people making it difficult for them to clear even at the sight of the princess and her entourage.
The rain died down as they pressed on through the masses until finally the castle could be seen, though it wasn't very sightly, if there was one thing she had to admit about the Spire: is that it was massive. It was the largest castle she had ever seen, three times the size of the palace she grew up in and at least twice as tall with towers that seemed to pierce the clouds. Banners hung down by either side of the entrance, stylist engravings littered the fine wood double doors and all the stain glass windows had a sort of artistic interpretation on them.
They stopped for the last time in front of the wide stone stairs that led up to the entrance, as all three dismounted guards opened the doors and a man in a navy blue tailored coat, knee high boots, blonde hair and blue eyes descended the stairs to meet them; most likely the castle overseer. Sir Tares left the group to climb the stairs, passing the overseer and heading inside ahead of them.
As they were approached by the overseer Baldrek cocked his head at the man, "Short man, isn't he."
Anna rolled her eyes and smirked at him, "Baldrek...everyone's shorter than you." he shrugged.
But Anna had to admit as the overseer neared that he was indeed short, no taller than she was, in fact most denizens of the Isles were shorter than her own men. She knew this was to be expected however; the nords of Arendelle were known for their height, Islanders...not so much.
The overseer smiled as he stood before her and bowed, "Princess Anna, his majesty has been expecting you."
Anna nodded and made to head inside but he spoke again with a hand held out, "Uh-perhaps...you'd like to change into something more appropriate?" he said this in an unfailingly polite manner.
She knew why this was asked...she was a woman and women were not warriors in the Isles. She smiled coyly, slowly taking off her riding gloves and placing them in his hand before signaling her men. Baldrek along with her guards, followed her steps closely, bringing the prisoner carefully along with them. The Overseer was left stunned for a moment as he looked down at the gloves in his hand before shaking it off and quickly catching up with her group. He struggled slightly to make it past the Arendelle soldiers and made sure to give their prisoner a wide birth who growled at him as he passed by, careful not to bump into Anna he jogged ahead to present them to the king. While no one was looking she slipped her archer's glove on as discreetly as possible; she was here on a diplomatic mission...but better have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
The hallway was dark and unlit, empty suits of armor stood at attention along the walls like silent sentries up until the secondary doors at the end of the hallway, where two guards stood on either side. They opened in unison and the overseer walked quickly ahead of them. Anna paused and took a lasting, deep breath clenching her fist momentarily before they entered the belly of the beast.
They walked along a red carpet that started at the door and went all the way up to the feet of the throne. In contrast to what she had seen of the castle thus far, the throne room was brightly lit; tall windows let light in from the left side of the room. The white stone of the arches and floor gleamed in the sunlight that shined now that the clouds outside had cleared, the cloth of gold banners that hung above the throne glittered in the sunlight for a faint moment before clouds covered the sun again. She was honestly thankful for it; everything about the room was glamorous, neat and haughty, she was royal herself and yet everything about this room was a little...too much for her taste, it wasn't home that much she was sure of.
It didn't stop there though, she looked up briefly and saw a set of four stylistic chandeliers, plated in gold. Above the throne on either side was an animals severed head; a boar on one side and a wolf on the other, the coat of arms of King Reidrich and his eldest son prince Karl hung in the center of the two just above the royal seat. Or rather seat's it would seem as there was indeed a second smaller throne to the left of the king's. The main throne was comprised of the same white stone of the arches and floor, gold and silvers were weaved into intricate patterns that ended in three dragon's heads; two on either armrest and a third stemming from the headrest. The other throne was wooden but no less royal; dark walnut with iron studs and two wooden boar's head from the arms with the sigil in the back rest.
But when she looked to these thrones she saw that they were...empty. The overseer simply stood calmly off to the side in waiting, Anna and Baldrek shared a look of discontent at being forced to wait for their 'audience'. Several minutes passed by, Anna's foot taps and Baldrek's fingers drumming were the only sound to be heard in the silent throne room. The Arendellian captain looked up at the grotesque dragon's head that was king Reidrich's royal seal and sneered, "Ugly thing..." he muttered.
"Trolgon would swallow that dragon whole." she added to which he chuckled.
Without warning another set of doors to the left of the throne opened and none other than King Reidrich and his eldest son Karl entered the room along with Sir Tares, another younger knight and an ensemble of guards that filed out near the throne and along the walls. Tares and the king spoke in a hushed tone she couldn't overhear from where she stood, Reidrich eventually stopped in his tracks as he took notice of her, a small smile crossing his lips. He dismissed Tares who bowed and left the room, Anna watched him as he exited with eyes narrowed; she was suspicious to say the least.
The overseer stood before the thrones and bowed low to his king, "Your majesty, I present to you the princess of Arendelle; Anna of the royal house Floran." He then turned to her though she was not looking in his direction at first "To you, your grace I present Reidrich Westergaard; High King and lord paramount of the Kingdom of the Southern Isles."
"I apologize for the delay my dear, the truth is you arrived ahead of schedule." she was brought back to the throne by the elder king's voice as he and his son took their seats while the young knight stood next to the prince, while the overseer assumed his spot apart from the gathering.
"I'd rather be early than on time or late...considering the circumstances." she retorted coolly, unable to stop herself from mentally patting herself on the back for how intelligent that sounded.
The smile remained on his face, "Hmm...I must admit your request for aid came as well, a bit of a surprise to me. Arendelle has not seen war for over two decades-and if memory serves it was your father who abolished the war-like ways of your ancestors...based on my own advisement in some regards no less..." he spoke these last words with a hint of smug satisfaction as he leaned back into his throne.
Anna's eyes widened slightly as she heard this but she did not let the stupor remain in her eyes, "I am not ashamed to admit that my father made mistakes..." she took a confident step forward as she looked him in the eye, "As any king is capable of making."
Prince Karl couldn't seem to stop himself from chuckling ever so quietly, though not out of mocking but rather admiration. It was clear from the king's face that he did not take kindly to this but the prince did not seem to pay mind to his scolding eyes. Reidrich inhaled before looking back to the princess, allowing his facade of a smile return as his fingers interlocked, "Indeed, and tell me princess; what mistakes have you and your sister made to lead you to this no doubt...less than preferable position, asking for my help?"
"The mistake of underestimating our enemy." she admitted willfully.
"Ah yes, the topic now at hand." he said gesturing to their prisoner, "And what enemy did you feel the need to bring before me today?"
Anna turned and nodded to Baldrek who motioned for the guards to lead Dane forward. Once he was a short distance ahead of where Anna stood the captain pushed down on the naga's shoulder, forcing him to kneel before removing the sack from his head. The prisoner simply sat with his head hung low, eyes closed for a moment, prince Karl leaned forward from his throne while his father looked utterly unimpressed. All that vanished once Dane shot up on his feet, serpentine eyes and bared fangs revealed, as he made a sudden mad dash for the king. The guards holding him losing their grips, some being dragged along. Before he could get close enough Baldrek seized one of the chains with his free hand and yanked the naga back several feet.
Prince Karl and the young knight had moved to defend their king, weapons drawn along with the rest of the guards while Reidrich had risen from his seat; a hand over his chest as for a brief moment he looked absolutely terrified. He sat again slowly and his look shifted to one of morbid curiosity at the creature that had just tried to attack him.
The naga coughed several times from the force of being yanked back by the Arendellian captain, he was lucky it didn't break his neck but afterward he snickered as he laid on the floor, apparently amused by the look on the old king's face. Irritated, Baldrek growled and grabbed Dane by his scruff and lifted him back onto his knees, pulling his head back so his features were exposed to the islanders for a moment before letting his head drop. Anna walked up to stand beside them, unmoved by what had transpired, in fact she was thankful for Dane's impulsiveness, it would help them a great deal.
Anna stepped ahead of Dane, pointing at him while looking to the king, "That is our enemy. That is what we have been fighting. An entire race like him whose goal is the annihilation of the human race; whether they come from the south, the north, east or west. That is why I came here to ask for your help and the help of all others because they threaten all of us with the same fate!-"
"Death..." a raspy voice called.
All eyes shifted back to Dane who looked up to the princess, "You don't know the half of it..." He then raised his head towards the king, "When my master has destroyed whatever pathetic resistance is left in the north...he will finish the rest of you; your cities and towns will smolder and burn like so many bundles of thatch while the countryside will run with-"
He was silenced when the blade of a sword rested on his shoulder next to his neck, Baldrek angled it upward to let him know he was serious, "That's enough from you."
Dane growled but kept silent, the next to break the silence was prince Karl, "Your point had been made more than clear princess."
Anna could not help but smile as she looked back towards the monarchs, once king Reidrich finished studying Dane he leaned back and turned back to Anna, "Indeed; the threat...is clear."
She released a small sigh as the king went on, "You shall have the Isles' support in repelling this threat to us all. My eldest son shall lead the armies of the first Island to accompany you on your return voyage to Arendelle; three thousand infantry and two thousand heavy horse. See that it is done." he said to his son.
"Yes your grace." he nodded and stood to leave but was stopped by his next words, "As well as the thirteenth; two thousand infantry and one thousand-"
"The Thirteenth!?" Karl snapped back around, barely containing his sudden confusion and fury.
Reidrich was unmoved by his son's tone, Anna looked between them confused, "Who...leads the thirteenth?"
"I do." a voice said calmly from behind her group, a voice that made her tense up more than facing down all the bloodthirsty legions of the enemy ever could. Her guard was already facing the voice but as she turned slowly a shudder passed through her breath and her eyes widen from past experience.
Gently closing the door behind him was Hans Westergaard, standing in his royal garb and looking as nonthreatening as ever. Anna's guard quickly closed a line of interlocking spears and shields around her while Baldrek nearly dashed ahead to cut him in half had it not been for Anna's quick arm across his chest to stop him.
Karl marched back towards his king, "Father what is the meaning of this?"
"Be Silent!" Reidrich barked as he stood, "I may be your father but I am also your King!" he descended down the stairs, "Princess Anna, I ask that you stand down your men, Hans is my son and a prince of-"
"He's an attempted queen slayer!" Baldrek shot back, not caring if he insulted the old king.
"It is my wish that he assist your kingdom in it's struggle as to reconcile for his past sin and repair the breach between our two nations." the king went on, ignoring the captain, "Your grace please, do not make the same mistakes he made...do not spill blood on peaceful grounds." Reidrich actually sounded genuine but she did not take her eyes off of Hans as he slowly approached, his hands showing, his stance neutral as he spoke with the same charm, the same sickening softness he had the day they met, "I mean you no harm princess...it is as my father says; I only wish to-"
"Shut-up..." she finally said in a barely audible whisper that sounded more exasperated than angry as she closed her eyes and shook her head, "Just...shut up."
He did just that and as she breathed a heavy sigh before narrowing her gaze, stepping forward and placing a hand on the shoulders of the two nearest of her guards, "Stand down." while they were reluctant to follow this order they did just so while Baldrek pleaded with her, "Your grace I-"
She gently silenced him with a hand on his breastplate, "It's OK." he didn't think so but he did not get in her way, he did however follow a short distance behind her as she approached the prince...he had not forgotten his orders.
As she neared she glanced over her shoulder towards Reidrich, "Mistake?" she turned back, "There was no mistake...I looked into his eyes...I saw exactly what was in them the day he tried to kill me, the day he tried to kill my sister, when he said the words 'Oh Anna, if only there was someone who loved you.'" her imitation of him was disturbingly accurate. She then began to speak directly to him as she was within smelling distance, her words growing louder, "Ambition, greed...jealousy! You tried to kill us because you would never have the chance to sit on your daddy's throne." she said mockingly, he mostly contained himself but facially it was having an affect. It was then she finally stood before him, "I have no reason to believe that all the words that come out of your mouth aren't honey and lies, so tell me...what reason do we have to trust you?"
Hans remained composed, "None...none but my father's word that I am to be 'at your service' and that I am to do whatever you want of me."
Anna scoffed, "Whatever I want huh?" she tapped her lip as if in thought before in the time it took to blink her blade was against his neck. The room like him did not move, as even the slightest motion would end his life his breaths were shakier and fearful now as he truly did not know what she would do next. She narrowed her eyes and leaned in, "What if I wanted you to die?"
He swallowed hard and uttered out as confidently as he could, "Then...I will die..."
A silence that lasted seconds seemed to stretch on for minutes until finally she released him and backed off, he sighed in relief before she spoke again, "Between the snakes that are attacking my home now and the one I'm looking at...I'd happily choose them." she pointed her blade towards him, "You get to live today and if...if you help us...you get to live tomorrow. And after the war is over you will-never come back to Arendelle again."
He nodded, "I understand."
"Good." she brushed past him, sheathing her sword and shoving the double doors open behind him, her escorts following as she spoke her final words without looking back, "We'll be waiting, we leave as soon as you are ready."
Baldrek eyed Hans as they walked past, growling as he sheathed his sword, the overseer followed them out and shut the doors behind him.
Hans clasped his hands behind his back, "Well that went well I-"
"Leave us." Reidrich simply said as he sat back on his throne. The youngest prince bowed slightly, "Father...brother..." before leaving the room as well. Karl watched him suspiciously as he departed then shifted back to the king with confusion and anger on his face. His father spoke before he could, "Oh don't act so surprised, it was the most logical course of action."
"Logical?"
"Yes. Think of it as an exercise in leadership; you will be responsible for your brother and any action he takes in the north."
Karl breathed out sharply before storming towards the doors of the throne room the princess had exited, Reidrich raised a eyebrow, "Where are you going?"
"To repair the damage you may have done!"
"Oh by all means, best you get to know your future wife-or sister in law...whichever you prefer."
The prince all but punched through the doors as he left.
OoO
Anna exited the royal palace with her escort, her adrenaline was finally dropping but as she stepped outside under the overcast sky, she suddenly felt light headed. She was saved from stumbling by the steadying hand of Baldrek, "Your grace?" he said.
She grasped his forearm for support. Holding up her other hand, "I'm fine Baldrek... Thanks." he nodded.
"Let's head back," she said wearily "I'd rather sleep on the boat than have to talk to another Islander..."
"Princess Anna!" a voice called.
She did not turn but rolled her eyes and laid her head back, "Oh...kill me!" she said in a whispered yell. She turned around she was surprised to see prince Karl, by himself, held at distance by her entourage.
"Your grace." he started, clasping his hands in front, "I came to apologize for our discourteous welcoming; my father's actions were unwarranted-"
"Unwarranted? Unwarranted!" Anna laughed sarcastically as she walked towards him, "I can think of several other words to describe what your father did; how bout 'Ridiculous! Childish! Insulting!'. But you know what I find even worse: that your father had the gall to send you out here to apologize for him-"
"I did not come per his instruction!" he stated loud and firm, shutting her up, "Now please. Listen." he said softer.
She relaxed slightly, folding her arms and waited, "Well? Talk..."
He exhaled, well aware of her seven foot bodyguard standing behind her staring him down with hard eyes, "You took a great risk coming here and even greater risk holding your blade to my brother's throat. It was...brave and foolish-but...mostly brave...then again; you don't need me to tell you that." he smiled
She shook her head, "No...don't suppose I do."
"Very well...I won't waste your time with apologies or vows of honor, I will only say this; I have led my father's armies with distinction for over twenty years and I will do the same to protect your kingdom-to protect all our kingdoms. And I will keep my brother in line and at distance." he took one more step forward, "If you cannot trust my word...then trust my blade on the battlefield of tomorrow."
Anna cocked her head slightly, "Why do you want me to trust you?"
"Well...you are not exactly what I was expecting when we were told you'd be coming here."
"Oh?"
"Though perhaps when my brother described you to us he did not paint you in the finest light."
She grinned, "I don't suppose he mentioned the part where I punched him so hard he flew overboard did he?"
"Ah, I had deduced something of that nature had happened from the very obvious fracture in his nose...to be honest I thought a full grown man had hit him...But you are certainly not a man and clearly not a fool; intelligence, like bravery is unfortunately a lacking trait I find among fellow monarchy. If nothing else I'd like you to trust me because I admire you."
"Admire hmm...careful Karl, that's just a bit too close to 'like'."
"It is the truth."
"Truth...OK Karl, you help us win this war and maybe-maybe I'll consider trusting you."
He nodded slowly and smiled, "Very well, I...will take it. I think queen Elsa will find my knowledge of battlefield tactics and military experience of great value. She is in no doubt in need of a second in command, yes?"
Anna and Baldrek looked at each other before sharing a small chuckle, making the prince's smile disappear. She shook her head, "Just hold your horses there Karl-all two thousand of them...my sister doesn't need a second."
He looked at her disbelieving, "You? Or perhaps this big fellow beside you?"
She laughed somewhat mockingly as she turned away, "You'll meet him soon enough...Oh and believe it or not I think he's even less fond of you islanders than I am." she added as she left.
Karl was left at an internal impasse as the last of the princess's guards walked by him; on one hand he was...accepting of taking orders from another but were they-was 'he' really the best choice since he clearly didn't lead them to victory during the first battle. He feared they would choose this individual over him simply out of spite or mistrust and if the fate of the world was truly at stake then this was something he couldn't let stand. But he did not have to worry about that just yet, he had an army to mobilize...and as the princess had said; he would meet him soon enough...
That was for all the HansElsa/HansAnna shippers out there, you guys need to cease and desist right now!
Well now that we are at the end I will will give you my thoughts on the trailer that disney released a couple days ago;
I'll firstly say that I thought it was pretty cool, obviously there wasn't enough there for me to grasp a
potential plot but just from seeing the opening of the trailer it seems that the creators of Frozen
are realizing Elsa the way I always imagined her since I first saw Frozen back in 2013.
She is a warrior that represent the innner strength of people who deal with emotional turmoil,
someone who is willing to push the limits of what she is capable of to carry her journey and her family
through to their goal.
As for the visual context of the scene I believe she is doing just that; pushing herself to the brink,
discovering her full potential in order to overcome an obstacle in the way of her and her party.
The only concern that I have is how they may plan to explain her powers existence as well as the existence
of other people with powers. I just hope that they don't base the powers around the four seasons as some
people tend to be theorizing, that would honest to god just be plain dumb in my opinion.
Other than that I can't criticize much else other than people's sometimes ludicrous theories and expectations;
such as the persisting obsession with Elsa being a lesbian.
But beyond that I liked the tone of the trailer and I loved the music in it and it seems that they
are taking the story in the right direction.
In fact I have a pretty important question to ask you guys; do you think that my story could be an
honest to god sequel to this movie and thet they could be made to fit into the same universe and timeline,
leave your thoughts please.
Now it's time for some characterXactor voice matchups:
Who would be the best voice actor for The Witch King Amicus? Corey Burton (Count Dooku),
Frank Welker (Lord Megatron) or Darin De Paul (Emperor Valkorion)
Who would be the best voice for Witch Knight Venereth? Eva Green (Artemisia), Kate Beckinsale (Selene)
or Lara Pulver (Irene Adler)?
As always leave your thought on the chapter, what actor should play character
and anything else you'd like to tell me, I'm glad to finally be continuing this story
and I will see you all in the next chapter, Auf Wiedersehen! :)