Hello and happy first of the month! I'm back earlier than you might have anticipated with a new chapter and I am very excited for things to come. Firstly I feel it's important to warn you that in the near future the chapters are going to be getting longer which in turn means that it'll take me more time to right them but I promise it'll be worth it. Secondly it has been WAY too long since we have seen Elsa and I guarantee we will be seeing her in the chapter after next.
That's all I have for the beginning of this chapter so I'll leave you to it, enjoy!
Chapter 39: A Throne
Three days had passed since Anna had arrived in the Southern Isles, four since a fleet of Islander ships had set sail, accompanying her on the trip back to Arendelle. Princess Anna and prince Karl's flagships led the voyage home with the combined fleet of the first and thirteenth Isles following behind. Hans' own vessel was situated somewhat in the center of the fleet, Karl was making sure to keep him close...but not too close.
The youngest prince of the Southern kingdom stood on the deck of his flagship wearing the same winter garb he had worn over a year ago on his way to the same wretched kingdom. His hands clasped behind his back, staring on at the flagships with utter contempt. As the hours dragged on a mist slowly enveloped the entire fleet until one could barely see the other ship just across from them. Eventually neither water or sky were visible and the ship's captain descended from the upper deck to report to Hans, "Your grace, we've lost sight of the rest of the fleet, we may have become separated."
He smiled, "Good."
"Then...?"
He turned to the captain, "Yes captain, it is that time."
Their attention was drawn to the air above them that whistled with an unusual sound and suddenly several black orbs surrounded in mist dropped from the sky, each landing close to a member of the crew. Warriors in red and black were suddenly there to hold them all at sword point and the captain's hand found it's way to his sword while Hans wasn't phased by any of what was happening. One orb landed directly in front of them while the captain made to draw his sword but the blade of a spear was at his neck before his own blade could make it out of the sheath. The mist around the feminine figure cleared, her face shield was up to reveal her blue reptilian eyes and pale grimaced lips.
Hans held one hand up as he slowly reached over to remove his captain's hand from the hilt of his sword, "Easy now, were all friends here."
The woman smiled and chuckled, "Friends? I wouldn't put it like that." she withdrew her blade and stood neutral while the rest of her companions did the same.
A final orb slammed into the deck behind Hans, making the ship rock slightly and forcing him to regain his balance while the naga barely seemed to react. He turned to see a tall black armored figure walk out of the darkness, the sight of the horned viper mask was the first thing to finally make him feel afraid. Just being under the gaze of the Witch King was enough to make him uneasy, made even worse by the slow deliberate steps he took, his armored boots echoing with each footfall.
Amicus easily stood at least a head taller than Hans and as he came to stand in front of him he at first said nothing, then he cocked his head slightly and spoke in a voice that sent waves of it's own against the ocean, "So...you are here."
Hans nodded slowly, "You were right; persuading my father to let me accompany my brother to Arendelle was easy."
Amicus walked past Hans to stand with his back to him, "Simple men with simple motivations are easy to predict...and easier still to manipulate."
Hans frowned and did not retort but simply said, "Then you know my motivations?"
The Witch King waved a hand dismissively, "Yes...a throne, a castle, a kingdom...as I said; simple motivations." he held up a finger as he turned to Hans. "But. You also desire the deaths of the queen and princess, the latter even more so I imagine." he walked back towards him, "Revenge is something we naga understand and revenge I respect-petty as it may be...and you shall have it."
"And a throne." the prince reaffirmed.
"Yes." He almost hissed, the metal claw at the end of his armored finger stopping just short from the center of Hans' chest, "If you fulfill the task I have set for you."
"I haven't forgotten how to be deceitful." Hans whispered, trying not to back away.
The Witch King withdrew his hand and leaned in, "I suspect your hosts will be less receiving than they were the last time you were in Arendelle. In any case you would do much better to fall into the hands of queen Elsa should you falter; she would be far more merciful, I can assure you..." he emphasized his last words before continuing, "I do hope I've made myself clear...for your sake." Hans not having anything to say this time only swallowed harder than he had wanted, to which Amicus nodded, "Good."
He went on as he moved to stand beside Venereth, "Our contract is fulfilled once I hold the Snow Queen's heart in my hand and all her allies have been annihilated, then you shall have all that you desire and more." he finished.
Hans took a hesitant step forward, "I've seen what the queen is capable of...I would not think her an easy foe to defeat-"
"You presume 'limits' to my power...there are none."
The prince had nothing to say and Amicus then turned his gaze to the captain and few of his crew; "Those who follow me will be rewarded for their loyalty to my cause, therefore if you follow Hans...you follow me. Nevertheless, should any of you begin to have shall we say 'second thoughts', I regret to inform you that the alternative is not nearly as pleasant." he gestured to the female witch knight who put a hand on her hip and laid her sword's blade along her shoulder.
The Witch King spoke his final words to Hans, "Remember; I have eyes everywhere and the Serpent's Eyes are always-watching."
Amicus along with all his witch knights exited the way they came, back into mist and disappearing into the sky once more. Not long after Amicus and his minions had left did Hans' ship suddenly jerk to the right as the hull scraped against something. When they regained balance Hans and his captain ran to the port side of the ship to see what they had hit. As the cloud began to thin they saw it was another ship; his brother's. Karl leaned out over the starboard rail and called out, "Ah brother...what a relief, I feared we lost you in the fog. Is anyone hurt over there?"
The younger prince simply shook his head, "No. no casualties."
The elder nodded slowly as his eyes narrowed, "Try not to go missing again, Hans." then turning to tend to his own crew.
Hans saw that in the mild chaos of the fog that the ships were pushed closer together and the vessels now struggled to spread out again. As he scanned the disorder he spotted to his right something that took him by surprise; his ship was not far from princess Anna's...and she was at the edge of the starboard side, glaring at him with hateful eyes. He held her gaze but had to resist the urge to glare back, his fist clenching beside him. As the distance lengthened and she finally turned away he risked cracking the smallest of smiles, reminding himself that she-like her sister, would soon get hers...soon enough...
OoO
Zarian ships entered the fjord just as day broke and sun lit the imposing Ice wall around Arendelle. Aldren's ship led them as the drew close to shore where the Zarian army would offload and join the majority of the Arendelle army in camps behind the wall. The host sent by the desert kingdom was not as great as Arendelle's or even the arriving Coronan and Islander armies, but what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in specialization.
They numbered just twenty five hundred; five hundred of those being a small force of elite spear men while the two thousand were made up of Zaria's finest riders. For while the Southern Isles were known for their heavy cavalry units, Zaria was famous for their smaller lightly armored horses that they would use to weave between enemy lines rather than charging them head on; slashing and stabbing with quick swords and spears and shooting with even quicker bows all while in the saddle. For an army to go against Zaria is not to fight a solid wall of lances...but an untouchable wind of blades and arrows.
But for now the warriors of the Oasis were fighting against only one enemy: the cold. The Zarians aboard Aldren's vessels were huddled around Braziers, clinging to blankets and cloaks donated by the Arendellian crew to return the kindness showed to them back in the desert. Despite being equipped with their best heavy winter garb they shivered continuously, wincing as snowflakes bit at their exposed skin and the wind snapped at their bodies; they were simply not used to it.
They were all in the same sorry state except for one; General Zyon stood at the bow of the ship next to Aldren and Barec with a smile on his face as he took it all in, breathing in deeply as he gazed on, "Ah...look at it all..."
Barec glanced back at the other Zarians and then back to the general questioningly, "Aren't you cold?"
Zyon turned to him, smiling widely, "Freezing! But how can I suffer when I'm having so much fun!" he walked around the lieutenant to the starboard bow, hopping up on the railing as he went on, "I'm finally outside of Zaria, seeing and feeling all these new sensations. I mean just look at that! Rayie! (Magnificent!)" he said gesturing to the towering wall of Ice, "She must truly be all that you say Aldren if she could create such beauty."
Aldren smiled, walking over to the railing and looking out at the wall himself, "Yes...she is."
Zyon laughed as he hopped off the railing to face his friend, "Ah that is the sound of a man in love if ever I heard it."
He didn't bother to try and deny it, word would've made it to Zyon's ears one way or another. For now he thought on the task of delivering the Zarian army; in addition to the main entrance of the wall, Elsa had constructed a tunnel in the water bound section of her creation that was tall enough for ships to pass through that led directly to the shoreline connecting to the army camp behind the wall. Once the ships unloaded they would need to file back out the tunnel to join the remaining Arendellian vessels that blockaded the harbor.
His own ship was the first to rest at one of the docks built outward from the grassy shore, he along with Barec, Zyon, Meren and a small escort of Arendelle and Zarian guard descended from the ramp first. Leaving the wood of the dock and now walking along the grass they could see the tents and fires that stretched across a good span land. The camp did not yet fill the gap between the city and the wall but in time as more of their allies arrived, the camp would expand with the might of Althgarr.
A soldier ran up to greet them that Aldren didn't recognize, a boy no older than seventeen, and stopped just short of their group standing at attention, "Lord Embercrow."
He nodded "At ease. Name and rank?"
"Torvi my lord, corporal appointed by Lady Starlon."
"Very good." he then turned to his lieutenant, "Barec have our Zarian guests properly settled; we'll need shelter for the horses and make sure they're given something hot to eat and drink, they're not used to this weather."
"I'll get it done."
He then turned back to the boy, "For now corporal, any new orders you'll take from the lieutenant."
Torvi bowed, "Yes my lord." Barec then bid the young soldier to follow him and they made their way toward the docks.
Aldren looked to Zyon, "General will you join me momentarily to ride to the castle? I need to speak with lady Starlon."
"Ah certainly and who is this 'Lady Starlon'?" he asked as they made their way to a stable of horses waiting for them and their escorts.
"My cousin, Sol Starlon; the lady of the Glister Lands, she is standing in as Master of War for me during my absence which has now ended." They mounted and began riding through the camp, "As if that will make her any less reluctant to give up the title."
"She a feisty one then is she?"
"I wouldn't try charming her if I were you, she'd knock you on your ass faster than it would take you to wink."
The General laughed, "Well...I like her already."
Aldren sighed and shook his head, snapping the reins of his steed and speeding their arrival to the palace. As they left the military camp they rode at a slower pace through the city, it would seem their arrival was anticipated as scores of people were gathered along the sides of the cobblestone street. They were assaulted by a continuous stream of cheers and praising comments, due to the arrival of the Zarian reinforcements that brought hope to their hearts. Aldren largely remained indifferent to the praise; occasionally raising a hand in small wave or nodding which was in stark contrast to the general who smiled toothily, waving all the way and throwing an occasional kiss or wink to the local ladies.
Aldren was glad when they finally left the crowds and came into view of the open palace gates, a guard on the castle walls announced them. All of the soldiers moving about the courtyard stood at attention as he rode thru and he overheard two guards striking up a dialogue as soon as they saw him.
"Lord Aldren's back."
"Thank goodness."
"Shh! Don't want Lady Starlon to hear you or they'll be Hel to pay."
Aldren smiled and shook his head. He then chuckled as he dismounted and saw precisely what he had expected to; in a small fighting ring not far from the chapel. Dressed in training armor, Kristoff was fighting and failing to land a hit on Sol as they dueled with sword and shield, while Sven and a group of soldiers watched. But then again there were few in Arendelle capable of besting his cousin in battle and he could see that Kristoff was indeed improving or at least he was on his feet so he assumed he was.
Zyon stood next to him, "That's your cousin?" Aldren nodded, he put his hands on his hips, "Whoa...what-a-woman!"
"Behave yourself."
"Have you ever known me to do otherwise?...Don't answer that-So whose the man she's fighting with?" he said quickly changing the subject.
"That would be Kristoff the-...princess Anna's...man that...courts her." he replied, struggling on how exactly to explain him. "He's the Royal Ice Master and Deliverer."
The general shrugged, "Huh...Lucky man." Aldren then led the way to greet the lady of Arendelle...when she was finished humiliating Kristoff that is.
OoO
Sol circled around Kristoff, her shield facing forward with her sword's blade balanced on top, he mirrored her form, albeit with less confidence. After a few seconds had past Kristoff struck first with a hard swing from the right that she blocked, returning with one of her own that gleamed off his shield. They continued this dance of sword and shield for a few minutes; probing each others defenses, seeing how the other would react.
The ice harvester made the first commitment to the fight; swinging down on her, she angled her shield so his sword would slide off then spinning around and swinging at the side of his head. He ducked under her sword and rammed her shield with his, they both strained against one another but Kristoff was heavier and started to push her back. For a brief moment it seemed like he might be gaining the upper hand but then she smiled right before suddenly dropping down and striking his knee guard with the pommel of her sword causing him to lose balance. Taking advantage she raised up quickly, her shield slamming up into his and knocking him backwards. With a pained grunt he landed hard on his back and only just managed to raise his shield in time to block her sword to which she responded by batting it away with her own, pinning his sword arm with her foot and holding her blade to his throat.
She grinned down at him, "Looks like I win again."
He sighed, laying his head back, "Yes...just like the last time...and the time before that-oh and the time...before that."
She laughed, releasing his arm and sheathing her sword, then holding a hand out to him, "Here."
Begrudgingly he took her hand and she pulled him back up to his feet, it was then they noticed Aldren approaching with a foreigner. She smiled widely at the return of her elder cousin, dropping her shield and running to him as he met her in the middle. Both laughed happily as they embraced, they leaned back with a single arm still around one another, "I see she's still standing." he said gesturing to the palace, "Though I also see the same cannot always be said for dear Kristoff. I do hope she is teaching you something and not just using you as a training dummy."
He rolled his shoulders, wincing slightly from his earlier fall as he approached, "It varies from day to day."
He shot his cousin a light scolding look to which she only rolled her eyes. Aldren smirked, "Hmph, well we shall have to remedy that, but later. For now, allow me to introduce the leader of the Zarian forces-." he said turning to make introductions.
"Zyon." he finished for himself, "General Zyon."
Sol nodded "General." she moved to shake his hand, she was surprised when he gently grasped her hand and bowed, smiling up at her, "It is a privilege to meet you at last...my lady."
Her expression was somewhere between a smile and a grimace as she quickly withdrew her hand before he could try and kiss it, "Charmed."
Despite this he still wore the same charming smile on his face, Aldren stepped forward, "Perhaps we should return back to military matters, yes?"
The General nodded, Sol turned to Aldren, "Actually cousin, might a I have a word?"
"Of course. Go on without me general, we'll join shortly."
He sighed, "Don't keep me waiting too long, I'll start missing you before you know it." he added before departing with his escort back to the war camp.
Aldren then turned to Kristoff, "Go get some rest my friend, tomorrow you'll be training with me."
"Somehow I feel that can't be any worse than training with her." she shot him a joking glare and faked him out with a mock charge, he couldn't help but chuckle as he quickly left with Sven.
Sol then gestured for her cousin to walk with her and they slowly made their way around the courtyard. Aldren tilted his head towards her and spoke, "It seems in the absence of Mane you've taken to tormenting poor Kristoff instead."
She laughed, "It isn't nearly as fun...I wish my brother would come back to us already." she said, becoming more somber.
"He will...they all will and then we can truly begin the fight against the Naga Ai."
She nodded but still seemed to dwell on it so he changed the subject, "I see you've been fitted with new armor. You look like a true valkyrie...hopefully the only one any of us have to see before this is over."
She grinned, "You like it?" she said giving a lady like spin.
He nodded, "Gillian has created yet another masterpiece; with our family ties in mind as well." he said pointing to the crow's wings on the sides of the helm.
"I was especially thankful for that bit..." her smiled faded and she was silent for a moment before sighing, "Aldren I...wanted to apologize for how I was at the council...on both occasions." he waited for her to elaborate, "My outbursts were disrespectful to your position as Master of War...and simply rude to you as you are."
"They were."
She hung her head and chuckled quietly, "Isn't this the part where you're supposed to tell me 'it's OK, I forgive you' and make me feel better?"
He stopped and quietly laughed, raising a knuckle under her chin, "Oh my dear Sol...it's no secret that you've long sought after the position I hold now."
She refused to look him in the eye, "I suppose I did resent you at first for a while...I'm sorry."
"Perhaps one day I would be willing to pass it onto you." her eyes became hopeful, "When you show me that you are ready for it." he put a hand on her shoulder, "You are one of the greatest warriors in Arendelle, no one disputes that. But always remember that you are not just fighting to prove that. You are fighting for our people Sol, fighting for a way of life beyond just our warrior way and for a much bigger picture of good vs evil. When you can prove to me that you understand that then I will know that you are ready."
She smiled, "Well then I guess I better get started."
He shook his head, reaching up to tilt her helmet back and plant a kiss on her forehead then lowering it and messing up her hair with it, "Now then, let us see how are Zarian guests are faring below."
She straightened her helmet as they moved to leave the courtyard, "Ah yes, your southern friend certainly seems to have it out for me."
"He...'has it out' for most anyone that he likes."
She snickered, "Should queen Elsa be worried about you?"
He went wide eyed momentarily before scoffing, "He's not my type."
They laughed together, happy in their reunion but both thinking of those still far away from home and praying for their safe return.
Who would be the best voice for General Zyon? Oded Fehr (Ardeth Bay), Sterling K. Brown (N'Jobu) or Pedro Pascal (Oberyn Martell)?
To the one who calls himself Akerskm, why do you not have a profile? I wish we could converse beyond your reviews.
As always be sure to review, favorite and follow to let me know you guys want more of this and as always I will see you in the next chapter! Bye bye! :)
