Hello! New chapter for you guys but before we get into that I wanted to ask if anyone would be interested in making any sort of fanart for Elsa and Aldren, it would mean a lot to me and the one I like the most would get featured as the new cover photo. please feel free to PM me or leave a review about it if you are interested.

Credit for the OC Zyon goes to Core of Justice here on FanFiction so be sure to check out his/her profile after you read this.

Well that's all for now, anyways enjoy!

Chapter 38: The Oasis Kingdom

Simultaneously Beautiful and harsh, the land of Zaria was both in unequaled measure; a vast desert, dotted by pockets of water often surrounded by vibrant tropical vegetation. The other notable thing about this region were the half buried ruins in the sands that hinted to the existence of a larger, perhaps ancient Kingdom. A Kingdom that stood strong in this part of the world before crusades, carried out by the Southern Isles. If one dared to wander the burning wastes beyond the safety of the city walls, the desert may very well claim you in one way or another; dehydration, heat exhaustion or the surprisingly plentiful supply of predators that may strike from above...or below.

While within the cities one could find shade beneath the shadow of tall ferns and palm trees that lined the streets or within the entryways of most villas, many of which had no need of doors in the constant heat that persisted thru the short nights. While no one could ever truly hope to escape the heat, here there was no shortage of water or food, you were safe from the perils of the sand as long as you were within the cities walls.

A week or so had passed but Aldren did not dwell on these facts or his memory of the landscape while aboard his vessel on the shimmering blue sea, now he instead focused on their destination which was not far now. He approached the greatest city state of this southernmost kingdom. It's name in the Zarian language was: Jawahrat Alwaha 'Jewel of the Oasis', and it was built within a great freshwater reservoir than flowed into the sea. Glittering artistic towers with spiraling roofs sprouted from the jungle floor dwarfing the smaller villas and market squares, just as beautiful in their design, while roads of marbled sand connected them all.

And at the center of this jewel stood the greatest structure of all: The palace home of King Stebor and Queen Renalia, while not the tallest building within the city it was certainly the most expansive. A collection of gardens and pavilions surrounded the outer limits where any guests was welcome to roam alongside the harmless wildlife that inhabited them. Despite how open the outer limits of the palace were one would not have an easy time sneaking in if they tried, it was under constant guard; skilled spear men and hawk eyed archers were quick to act if a perceived threat was found. Not all creatures here were gentle, it was far better for an intruder to face the soldiers than run into a Makhlab Alraml 'Sandclaw': the large cats that were trained to fight alongside the guard and soldiers of Zaria. 'Open and welcoming' BUT 'fortified and armed' would be the most apt way to describe Zaria and it's people.

Before Aldren and his men could hope to reach the fabled palace they would have to dock and be received by their escort and based on his prior time spent in this land, he had an idea of who it might be. As they neared the port Aldren gave his orders, "Signal that we wish to dock. Prepare to disembark." The noises he heard behind him were a little sluggish for his liking but as he turned it dawned on him that his crew looked fairly miserable. While he was Arendellian too, the heat did not bother him due to his powers so he could afford to be in full battle dress and not suffer from the burning sun. His soldiers however were used to year round cold temperatures of the north and this place was the exact and utter opposite, sunburn and heat exhaustion were already beginning to take their toll and having to wear their armor didn't help.

He wouldn't rush them but he did require they stay in battle dress until introductions were out of the way. Barec approached with helmet in hand, dragging his feet, sweat forming on his brow. Wiping it off lazily, he panted, "My lord, the men can't take this heat...I can't take this heat..."

He nodded understandingly, "I know, once we know fully that we are welcome we'll be able relax for a time."

"Fully welcome? I thought you knew these people?"

Aldren nodded again as he turned back towards the port, "I do but there is never any harm in being cautious."

"Couldn't we assume since you're with us that we're welcome too?"

"I would think after all this time you would know by now my friend...I never assume anything."

Barec rolled his eyes and sighed, "Right...I'll go get our tag along then." he said donning his helmet and heading below deck.

Barec returned leading the prisoner by the arm. Meren already seemed far more comfortable in the heat and Aldren wanted to make sure he knew there would be no easy escape for him, "I imagine" he stated, "you understand that any attempt at running would be quite futile in this land. I venture a guess that naga may die from thirst similarly to humans."

Meren scanned the surroundings of the city, seeing only the endless desert he sighed, Aldren nodded, "Good, I trust you haven't forgotten how to bow."

Meren grinned scornfully, "Shall I dance for them as well?"

He was caught off guard by a hard backhand from Barec that knocked him to his knees, Aldren shouted, "Lieutenant enough!"

Barec didn't look apologetic but didn't strike Meren again as he lifted him back to his feet, the naga spit out some blood in the opposite direction and looked at Barec with raised eyebrows, "And here I was just starting to like you people."

Barec grimaced as he put a bag over the prisoner's head, "Just keep your mouth shut and do as lord Embercrow says!"

Aldren sighed, walked forward and raised a hand in greeting to the port attendants, once their ship was docked they disembarked and Aldren led the group down to meet their escort. The twenty Zarian guardsmen stood in formation, their uniforms consisting of gold cloth and brown leather with the only steel being their caps, grieves and wrist guards. The sleeves and legs were baggy and loose while the waists were tied tight with a simple sash, each carried a tall glaive with a deadly curved blade at the end and a small scimitar at their side.

Leading the group was a figure dressed in white instead of gold that held embroidered stylization of the desert; horses and wind to be specific. In most respects their outfit was largely the same with the exception of extra armor on the shoulders and a hood concealing their face instead of the cap. Their choice of weaponry was a two handed scimitar on their back, a pair of chakrams at their sides and a small dagger with throwing knives in a belt across the chest.

At their side sat a large hound-sized feline that while sitting erect came up to the lead guard's hip. The beasts traits were speckled sand colored fur, amber eyes, sharp pointed ears with tufts of darker fur at the ends, black markings around the eyes and mouth and a short bob tail. A steel helmet and breastplate protected the cats head and chest with smaller plates running down its back and forelimbs. Oddly enough the cat seemed better outfitted for battle than any of the guards.

The hooded figure stepped forward their Sandclaw following close, calling out to Aldren in a heavy accent as lord Embercrow and his men approached, "Mundh waqt lys bibaeid hamlatuk riah altaghyir beydana ean huna Aldren 'Iimbrakru. (Not so long ago the winds of change carried you far from here Aldren Embercrow.)"

Aldren halted the others but continued to approach as he smiled, "Qad yajid altariq almutaearij hataa alan al'asdiqa alqudamaa im shamlihim...eam. (The winding path may yet find old friends reunited...General.)"

The general pulled back his hood revealing his dark skin, brown eyes, beard and hair with multiple colored beads braided into it and white tattoos across the left side of his face. The man smiled with his arms out as he met Aldren, the two men laughing and embracing briefly. They separated Zyon's hands still on Aldren's shoulders as he looked him over, "'Ant tabdu jayidaan ya sadiqi. Ybdw 'anak saeidat fi alealam mundh akhar marat altaqayna biha. (You looked well my friend. Seems you've gone up in the world since we last met.)"

"Shayieat, Nida'at. (Common, please.)" Aldren said holding up a hand, "My kin are not fluent in Zarian as I am."

Zyon chuckled, "Very well, so...Master of War eh?"

"Appointed by queen Elsa herself."

The Zarian leaned in, "I imagine that's not the only thing she appointed you as..." he said with a grin.

Aldren raised an eyebrow, "You presume much."

"Oh I presume nothing, I saw it in your eyes the moment you said her name."

The Embercrow couldn't think of any retort quick enough which just made Zyon laugh, "Well, much as I enjoy teasing you, I am here to escort you to your meeting with their majesties which we are late for by at least...five minutes, give or take." he said as he glanced up at the sun in the sky.

Aldren never thought telling time with the sun was the best method but he chose not to debate it, "Then we should make haste."

"Yes but...perhaps we should go by boat, I don't think you soldiers would survive the march to the palace from here." he said glancing at Aldren's entourage who still looked beaten by the heat.

Aldren felt somewhat ashamed of the sorry state he'd put his soldiers in as he looked back to them and back to the general, "Ah...perhaps that would be best."

The Zarian looked past him again and saw another figure in rags with irons around his wrists that were connected to chain and a bag over his head, "I see you've brought something to show us, can I get a sneak peek?"

Aldren tilted his gaze and shook his head, Zyon chuckled as he turned to walk towards their destination, "Tati. (Come.)"

Aldren beckoned his own men to follow the Zarian guard to the boats spoken of, the general referred to one of the many canals that ran the length of the city towards the sea that were used to ferry those who could afford this easier trip across the city. They approached the area that had been cordoned off by the edge of the wide canal; there were enough small boats to transport both sets of guards with Aldren, Barec, Zyon, their prisoner and his Sandclaw riding in the lead vessel.

They passed by traffic on land and in the water on their straight shot to the palace, despite still being under the sun's oppressive rays the Arendellian men were at least thankful they could be off their feet for the rest of the journey to the center of the city. While on their boat ride Aldren became acquainted with the cat which leaned up, begging for attention, he chuckled as he scratched underneath her chin, "And who is this?"

The general leaned back, "I named her Aurora; after those oh so 'beautiful northern lights' you would go on about." The animal turned it's focus to Barec who was less comfortable about a cat the size of a dog pawing at him. Zyon smiled, "Seems shes taken a liking to you northerners."

Barec pulled back away from the cat, "I'm not really a...cat person." but she wasn't giving him much choice as she forced her way onto his lap. The cat did not fit and it balanced constantly to stay perched on him but her contentment was obvious as she purred happily. Barec looked between Aldren and Zyon in panic, "What do I do?!" he whispered.

Zyon leaned over, looking worried, "Pray..." he then smiled and laughed at him to which Barec responded with his own sarcastic laugh.

Aldren chuckled and shook his head, "Just don't move."

"Easy for you to say." he murmured, nervously glancing down at Aurora.

Zyon leaned forward as he spoke to Barec, "Let's distract ourselves then; I'm curious about this scarred eye of yours." he said tapping a finger next to his own.

Barec looked away, "It's a long story."

"Oh, I love stories, won't you tell it to me?"

"No."

"Please..."

"Has anyone told you that you're really nosy?"

Aldren shook his head, "You'll have to forgive the general Barec, his need for constant activity is greater than even princess Anna's and perhaps as great as Olaf's...it might have gotten worse since we last met."

Zyon leaned back, "Can you blame me? It is your fault after all; ever since you did such a fine job helping put down that vile rebellion things have gotten stale around here...Malil jiddaan. (so bored.)" he sighed laying his head back.

"Well that may change after today, if all goes well."

The Zarian leaned forward, "Well...I don't see them refusing you after all you've done for us...in any case Arendelle is our ally and if what you said in your message was true then we have a responsibility to aid you for all our sakes."

Aldren smiled and nodded thankfully.

"Well what do ya know, he can be serious." Barec commented.

The Zarian shrugged, "When I need to be."

"When it counts." Aldren added.

Soon the sides of the canal were no longer riddled with traffic as the palace came into view, their boat ride ended as they reached the end, just short of the palace perimeter. They all piled out of the boats, the Zarian guard assisting the Arendellians who were still not fully recovered, also it took some convincing from Zyon to make Aurora get off of Barec's lap. As they approached the palace tall archways connected by roofs overshadowed the extensive gardens and fountains, it was as they neared the entrance doors that Zyon had them stop and turned to lord Embercrow, "Aldren, let your men rest here, only you need to be there to deliver your message, besides your soldiers aren't exactly...in shape for meeting a king and queen."

Aldren was inclined to agree when he looked back at them; leaned over, breathing heavily and sweating. He nodded to Zyon in agreement before speaking to his men, "Remain here while I speak with their majesties...and yes, you may remove your armor for now."

They sighed thankfully, most wasting no time in removing their helmets, gauntlets and chest armor, finally able to rest in the shade near a source of freshwater. Aldren turned to follow Zyon and his cat in as a pair of guards opened the double doors and just as Barec was removing his helm Aldren spoke to him, "Come with me lieutenant."

Barec scoffed as he reluctantly followed, "Oh sure, I have to follow you." he grabbed the chain that held Meren from another soldier and followed behind his lord.

Aldren just smiled as they walked down the length of a short, decorated hallway that led to the throne room, varied patterns and vibrant colors swirled around the pillars that lined the hall and surrounded the outer border of the circular throne room. Similar designs complimented the ceiling and reflective marble floor, aided by sunlight let in from all sides thru tall windows.

Aldren could not help but take in the exotic beauty of this place, he exhaled deeply as King Stebor and Queen Renalia came into view. Stebor was of average height and build, skin that was lighter than Zyon's but still fairly dark, short black hair and a well kept beard with a sharp goatee that encompassed his jawline and chin. He wore a white high-collared tunic, a black and gold patterned vest adorned with a ruby in the center of his collarbone and black baggy pants that were stuffed into knee high black boots.

Renalia's skin was lighter than her husband's but only slightly darker than Aldren's, mid length black hair held back from her face by a gold tiara set with multicolored gems slotting it's length and large golden earrings. To say her loose dress was only one or even three colors would be inaccurate, more like a shifting kaleidoscope of bright shades. Both monarchs possessed similarly light brown eyes that watched him intently as he entered the center of the throne room, on first impressions one would guess that both were around their mid thirties in age. Contrary to his expectations neither of them were seated upon their thrones but rather stood ahead of them as they waited, Stebor with his hands behind his back while his queen's were ahead of her.

General Zyon quickly bowed to the king and queen moving to the side with Aurora while Aldren and Barec continued to stand before the king and queen, Aldren immediately knelt before them with Barec following suite, "Your majesties, I...I apologize for the circumstances under which I return to-"

He was stopped by a bemused laugh from Stebor's deep voice as he and the queen stepped down to him, "Please Aldren, we didn't forget you in all this time. Stand my friend."

Aldren looked up surprised but did as the king asked, Barec once again following his lead. Queen Renalia spoke next in her softer voice, "It would seem you found your way home after all and with a new found status."

He smiled, "The status was always mine...I simply needed some convincing to take it back."

She nodded then turning to Barec, "And who is this?"

Aldren introduced his comrade, "This is lieutenant Barec, a loyal soldier of Arendelle and my second on this mission."

Barec bowed his head, "Your majesties." they nodded back.

Stebor then noticed their prisoner, "I see you've also brought with you a guest?"

"An enemy prisoner."

"Enemy?" the queen asked inquisitively.

"An enemy of my people...of all peoples."

The king nodded, "Really...well, let's have a look at him."

The three turned to the prisoner while Barec pushed him down to his knees and removed the bag from his head. The king and queen were taken aback by his reptilian eyes, Zyon even looked surprised as he stepped away from the wall to join the circle with Aurora who hissed at the sight of the naga. Meren watched them as they stared in awe, "Am I really so dreadful looking?"

Barec tightly gripped the back of his neck, "Watch your tongue!"

"Please, that isn't necessary." Queen Renalia said, holding up a hand. Barec released the naga as the queen knelt in front of him, "It's just we've never seen a creature-...an individual like yourself."

Stebor looked to Aldren, "So this is the enemy you spoke of?"

"Yes your grace, they call themselves the Naga Ai; a race of unknown origin that have launched a crusade to eradicate my people along with all others that stand in the way of their conquest that will stretch across all Althgarr."

Zyon cocked his head towards the prisoner, "He doesn't seem all that threatening..."

"Meren is...somewhat of a rarity among his own people; he has his own reasons for following the Naga Ai. But the true concern isn't so much the naga as a whole but their leader; Amicus...the Witch King. He is the architect of this campaign of violence that has plagued our people for months now."

Stebor nodded as he considered this information, then kneeling next to his wife as he spoke to the prisoner, "Meren...this is true? Your king wants to see mankind exterminated?"

Meren replied as though he were simply stating facts rather than being malicious, "He will not spare any; man, woman or child or any that stand with them...and you cannot hope to prevail against him. You and your own people would do better to beg for mercy than try to fight him...sorry."

Zyon folded his arms, "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

The king and queen stood and Stebor spoke, "Well...that settles it then." he looked to Aldren, "Arendelle will have our aid in this fight. General Zyon will lead a force of our best fighters to accompany you back to Arendelle."

Lord Embercrow allowed himself to breathe a small sigh of relief, smiling he nodded, "Thank you, your majesty."

Stebor nodded, "He will depart with you as soon as his forces are ready." and Zyon gave a quick bow to them before he put an arm around Aldren's shoulders, leading him out of the throne room with Barec dragging Meren behind, "I'll give the order to mobilize, we can go over the logistics shortly-but while were waiting what say we have a drink together?"

"I don't partake."

He laughed, "That's alright, I'll drink for both of us!"

The general's laugh echoed through the throne room as they left, Aldren felt more at ease now that he had finally fulfilled his mission to the cause and as long as the others did the same he just knew they were on their way to a sure victory.

OoO

Back in Arendelle lady Sol had continued to serve her roll in Elsa and Aldren's absence. Over the past week and a half; she had organized the training of new recruits for the army and tended to the defense of the city though there had thus far been no encroachment from the enemy. As an instructor she was even harsher than Aldren which not all the trainees appreciated but then again she was not the type to take that sort of thing to heart. By far the student who suffered the most under her tutelage was Kristoff, though it had been difficult to spare time to train him personally during her initial organization of duties. She planned for that to change after today but first there was one little errand she need to complete and she was on her way to Gillian's forge to do just that. Crossing the castle grounds she haphazardly carried her worn out armor, if she was going to continue being temporary Master of War (or temporary queen depending on the perspective) she wanted to start looking the part.

As she entered the forge she made her way past several smiths all working on various projects under the old man's supervision; he had become famous in the past week for seeking out new ways to improve their weaponry and armor, even going as far as reverse engineering Naga Ai technology...with albeit mired success. Most of his projects wouldn't even become applicable to the war but he intended for them to be prepared for the future.

When she finally found him towards the back of the room he was situated over his own table trading focus between two different items; one a long crossbow of some kind that was comprised of two bows that opened and closed as he tested the mechanisms, the other was simple but albeit finely crafted helmet and he was adding engraving into the surface. She stood before his table and held the armor out to him, "I need a repair for my armor Gillian if you'd be so kind."

The old man looked up from his task, stepping around the table he took the armor from her hands, looking offended not by her request but by the armor itself.

He scoffed, "No...what you need is a smelting pot to get rid of the garbage."he said as he prepared to do just that.

She quickly stepped in front of him before he could dispose of it, "Well-hey now! That armor's all I got and it's not...that bad."

He laughed, "You'd be better off wearing a potato sack into battle, trust me, I'm doing you a favor." he said as he tossed it in to be melted and walked away. Sol watched helplessly with her jaw agape as her armor returned to the metal it had been forged from. Gillian returned to his table, picking up the helmet he had been working on, "Now this is armor."

Sol swung around on Gillian thinking she might strangle him while his back was turned but calmed herself, though she was till irritated, "You really expect me to go into battle wearing only a helmet?"

"Oh this isn't your helmet. I'm working on this for her majesty, see." he turned and showed her, it was similar to the one that Elsa had worn into battle previously but instead had a crest running from the forehead to the back that was formed in the image of a dragon's head and neck, very similar to Trolgon but more angular and less lifelike. "I think a dragon will be a lot more intimidating to the enemy than a crocus, hmm...might talk with her about changing the banner."

She shook her head, chuckling, her irritation less but still present as she pinched the bridge of her nose, "OK that's-that's great and all but what am I supposed to wear into battle now! Unless you think this dress will protect me!"

"Now I never said you wouldn't have armor, my lady." he sat the helmet down and walked towards a curtain behind his workbench that led to a separate dimly lit room. Her irritation returned as she followed him, "Oh really? You gonna forge me new armor now? I don't know if you noticed Gillian but were already at war and there isn't really time in these circumstances!"

"That would be true...if I hadn't already finished it a few hours ago."

Sol stopped in her tracks, "I-...What?" but as soon as she did she saw it; at the back of the room was a suit of armor fitted for a woman of her height and build but was more angular in it's design than those made for Elsa and Anna.

The metal was colored in a symmetrical blend of sky blue, white and a small amount of gold while the leather was a darker blue and the skirting silver. The helm was what truly set it apart; open faced, a metal star sat in the middle of the forehead that led up to two small steel horns that curved outwards and upwards similar to the standard Arendellian helms and finally a pair of wings were engraved into the sides of the helm. In addition two scabbards held a sword on the hip and the back that she could carry along with her spear and shield.

"The crow wings are meant to signify your kinship with house Embercrow, I also spied a look at your father's shield and took note of the colors...what do you think?"

She walked up to the armor, placing a hand against it and smiling, "I...I love it. Thank you Gillian." she said turning to him.

"Ah don't thank me too much, I love my job...and I'm damn good at it."

She laughed, "That you are...but now I've got to kick you out."

He held up his hands, "Fine, fine you wanna change, I understand. Let me know if it needs any adjustments, I'll be at my workbench." he finished as he left the room.

Now alone in the room she reached up and grasped the helm, slowly putting it on. She closed her eyes and felt the cold steel against her face and sighed, she finally felt like she was in her own skin again, she was feeling confident...and she looked forward to showing off to Aldren and terrifying Kristoff with it.

Who would be the best voice for Commander Sorvec? Ed Skrein (Ajax also known as Francis), Pilou Asbaek (Euron Greyjoy) or JB Blanc (Kano)

Who would be the best voice for Gillian? Billy Connolly (King Fergus DunBroch), John Cleese (King Harold) or Jeffrey Combs (Ratchet)

That's it for now folks and as always be sure to Fav, Follow and review and I'll see you in the next chapter, Wadaeaan!