This would have been up earlier today but due to editing issues it's a little late and I may still change a few things here and there before I'm satisfied but at least its up now. In other news this monstrosity is now officially longer than a Harry Potter novel...let that sink in for a second.

As to answer your question Akerskm; the final battle for Arendelle will likely be longer than the Battle for the Crow's Nest and the Northern gate combined and will likely span over two chapters at least so, yeah, that much longer. Also you never answered my previous question...

But anyway, please enjoy and let me know what you thought :)

Chapter 40: Anna's Return

For the first time in the two weeks that she had been away from Arendelle, (which might as well be forever) Anna was smiling...like really smiling. She leaned out from behind the ship's figure head to see Elsa's giant ice wall and beyond it was her home and her family; everything that she had been missing was finally within reach again. She had changed out of her armor into peach colored pants and shirt with knee high black boots and a purple waist-coat. Half of her hair was in a braided crown and the rest loose and flowing.

She hoped that everyone else had made it back before her so that she didn't have to wait on them but perhaps that was wishful thinking, she would find out soon enough. Then she remembered who tailed behind and her smile faded somewhat, at the very least she knew that the two princes would have to oversee their troops as they disembarked. She, on the other hand, would be heading through the fjord entrance to the docks near the palace which meant she would at least get a moment or two with her family without the Island prince's around.

Eventually the Islander ships broke off as they were directed to the shore of the war camp, her own vessel stayed the course for the harbor. She was practically bouncing up and down in anticipation of her own arrival, captain Baldrek stood beside her and raised an eyebrow at the funny little dance she was doing, he smiled and shook his head at her excitement.

OoO

The army camp was bustling with activity; Gillian's construction efforts to add siege implements on the wall had been bolstered with the aid of Embercrow artisans and smiths. The Zarian troops, which were starting to get somewhat used to the cold, were cooperating well with the Arendellians in combined forces for patrols across the camp and city. Aldren and Zyon had agreed that it was time to begin scouting beyond the wall's perimeter and see what the naga would have in store for the battle ahead or look for ways to take back the other holds. This operation was largely overseen by General Zyon whose own soldiers were lightest on their feet and used to tracking quarries over bleak terrain, their Sand Claws would be of great aid in this. But any who volunteered for scouting would require oversight from lieutenant Barec who as a former huntsman knew the terrain and wilds of Arendelle better than almost anyone else-not to mention he was perhaps the best archer in the army.

At present General Zyon and lieutenant Barec were seeing to military affairs while Aldren had taken a brief reprieve for the day to train with Kristoff. To the side was Sven who laid on the ground, his antlers starting to return to their proper length, beside him Aurora was curled up, who at first made the reindeer uncomfortable but they had quickly got used to each other. Unlike Sol, Aldren did not like to make a show of any sparring sessions and thus the fights tended to end much faster if his ice harvester friend slipped up. He did so in the war camp instead of the palace courtyard as he wanted to get him used to being around soldiers and the idea of learning to fight. Here the grass was a softer landing than cobblestone.

Examples of his two most prominent faults were seen now as Kristoff overextended himself with a downward strike from his hand axe that Aldren batted down with his training sword almost knocking it from his hands. Kristoff's eyes went wide when his teacher returned with a horizontal slash but he managed to catch the end of the blade beneath the head of his axe. But before he could start to feel good about it Aldren quickly grasped his weapon hand and twisted his arm upward while simultaneously flipping his blade around to the back of Kristoff's neck as he was forced to bend over.

Kristoff groaned as Aldren held him captive for a few seconds before releasing him, "You over committed to the first strike and hesitated to counter when you caught mine." he lectured.

Kristoff faced the opposite direction and said nothing as he rolled his shoulder, Aldren sighed, stabbing the sword into the ground, "I miss her too...but letting those thoughts plague you in situations like this is a quick path to an early grave."

"After...what Hans tried to do to her-to both of them. Just thinking about her being in the same place as that maniac-"

"Do you think it was any easier for her? When you were captured at Ashla's Pike; a bit more tense than a diplomatic mission to the Isles...don't you think?"

The ice harvester turned back to him for a moment, looking back down at the ground and sighing as his teacher's words sunk in. Aldren paused, leaving the sword in the ground as he walked over and put a hand on his shoulder, "I know it was not an easy thing for us to ask of you; asking you to stay behind while she heads into a dangerous place. But you must not let that make you forget how strong she really is, what I ask of you now I asked of her too not so long ago and if she can learn that strength then you must as well."

He nodded reluctantly but turned to look at Aldren, "I will."

"Then let us continue." he said, stepping back and taking the sword back in hand.

They both lowered into fighting stance and prepared to duel again, but before they could start they heard the sound of a horses neighing and hoof beats. They both turned to see Zyon and Barec riding up to them and stopping a short distance away, "Islander ships have been sighted coming our way." the general opened

Aldren stepped forward, "The princess's longship?"

"It was spotted at the head, making way to the harbor." Barec pointed.

Kristoff looked to Aldren and smiled widely, the Master of War nodded, "We ride for the palace."

Aldren mounted his horse while Sven eagerly stood and bounced over to Kristoff much to Aurora's dismay. Once seated Aldren spoke to Barec and Zyon, "I want it made clear to all our troops-including your own Zyon, that I want the Islander forces to be treated fairly; they are to be shown the same courtesy that Zaria has been shown...we won't hold prince Hans' crime nor the misguided pursuits of past kings against them."

Barec nodded but Zyon was more reluctant, his gaze turned towards the ground. Aldren became more firm, "Do I make myself clear?"

The general looked up and nodded begrudgingly, Aldren nodded but added one more thing before he left, "And please, inform his majesty prince Karl that if he is wondering why I was not at the docks to meet him, that I rode to the palace to receive princess Anna and will return to the camp soon."

Zyon smiled at this, "With pleasure."

With that Barec and Zyon rode back the way they came to help with the arrival of the Islander forces, the general whistled for Aurora who ran alongside them. Aldren turned and they began their ride away from the camp to the palace, the ice harvester turned to him, "How do you know its this prince 'Karl'?"

"He is the eldest of Reidrich's sons, heir to all his kingdom and known as an accomplished military commander...if it would be any of the thirteen it would be him."

"And...what's he like?"

Aldren replied without looking at him, "You will see soon enough..." he said this with a contempt that he had never previously heard from the Embercrow, to which he decided not press any further.

They rode on quickly through the city towards the palace and waiting for them, in the courtyard, was Sol who stood in full battle dress. They dismounted and approached her, she smiled, "I just heard; princess Anna has returned and with a Islander army, guess she pulled it off after all."

"You doubted?" Aldren asked.

She shrugged, "Not her but I didn't expect them to do us any favors-at least...not without expecting something in return."

"Trust me...they haven't."

Sol noticed Aldren's irritation and seemed surprised by it which Kristoff noticed and still had questions; he hated Hans, all of Arendelle did so that was no surprise but why the particular animosity towards this prince Karl?

The brief silence was broken when a guard on the castle walls shouted to them, "The princess approaches!"

They all turned to the open gates of the courtyard to see Anna and Baldrek ride in, stopping just past the entrance, a bright smile on her face as she dismounted and rushed them. Aldren felt a small wind as Kristoff and Sven zipped by him towards the princess, he smiled and shook his head. While the two lovebirds-and the reindeer all met in embrace, Aldren and Sol moved to meet Baldrek as he walked to them.

The two warriors locked arms as they met in the middle not far from the princess and her man, the captain bowed his head, "My lord."

"Well done Baldrek, I take it you found your confidence after all?"

"Yes-or at least I think so...yes?"

Aldren released his arm and laughed, "Well...I wish there was more time to celebrate, but I'm afraid there is much work to do."

The north man stood at attention, "How may I serve my lord?"

"Meet lieutenant Barec and general Zyon at the army camp, they will inform you of the plan-and don't hesitate to let prince Karl know that in my absence you bare my authority."

"Yes my lord." he then mounted up once more and rode out of the courtyard to the army camp. Before he snapped the reins Sol suddenly called out to him, "And Captain...I like what you did with your beard."

Baldrek looked down and back up with a slight grin. He thought he might respond but decided silence was probably more wise. He raised his hand in farewell and Sol nodded to the captain and he turned to depart. Aldren raised his brow and grinned at his cousin who folded her arms and looked away before a soft voice drew his attention, "Aldren." he turned to Anna, who walked towards him with a warm smile on her face.

He bowed to her, "Your grace, it-"

He was cut short when she pounced at him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she laughed happily, the force from her lunge making them spin slightly off balance. When they stopped she pulled back and smiled down at his wide eyed expression, "It's only been two weeks Aldren, you know I hate all that 'my princess' and 'your grace' crap!"

He rolled his eyes, "Oh very well then..." he then smiled and hugged her tightly back, allowing himself to break etiquette. They laughed together before he set her down, hands still on her waist, "It is good to see you Anna."

"Likewise brother." she said, giving him another quick squeeze.

He nodded, "You did it...I knew you would and I'm proud of you."

"Thanks Aldren, I just...I just wish it was all good news." her smiled faded as she said these last words.

His brow furrowed, "What do you mean?"

Before she could answer the guard on the wall whistled, "Islanders approaching! Royalty by their looks..."

"Sounds like prince Karl didn't want to wait for you to come meet him." Kristoff commented.

Shortly after, the sounds of weighted hoof beats could be heard against cobblestone, as an ensemble of Southern Isles riders came through. Moving quickly through the open gates and spooking the other horses with their brazen approach, stopping once they were past the perimeter wall. At the head were three riders; prince Karl and a heavily armored knight, both were to be expected...but the third was perhaps the last person any of them wanted to see: Hans. Anger gripped Kristoff and Sol instantly, along with every other Arendellian in the courtyard at the sight of him.

"What's he doing here!" Kristoff blurted, fists clenching at his sides while Sol's own hand found it's way to her sword, "Maybe he came for his own beheading!" she said lowering her gaze as if anticipating a fight.

Aldren's expression was similar but not as noticeable as the others, he looked back to Anna; her own face a mix of frustration and sadness as she watched their 'allies' approach. He gently grasped her shoulder, she looked up at him; he could tell she had wanted to tell them before they showed up. He nodded, he already understood what had happened. He looked back to the Islanders and spotted prince Karl focused on him as he dismounted his steed, the knight and his younger brother followed suite and walked towards them. Aldren gave her shoulder a last comforting squeeze before he removed his hand and moved to meet their 'guests', the others began to follow until he looked to Kristoff, "Stay here." The ice harvester was about to argue before Aldren cut him off, "I mean it." it was not a request.

Anna gave him a reassuring look, he sighed and reluctantly remained with Sven, leaning against his reindeer companion while Aldren, Anna and Sol went on. Aldren made sure to keep his expression in check, he had to remain neutral despite his opinions of the islanders. At last he and the prince stood before one another, Karl stood around the same height as Aldren which for an islander was rather tall. No one said anything at first while Karl seemed to look Aldren over, "So you are queen Elsa's second...you're younger than I expected." he finished with an almost disappointed expression.

Lord Embercrow gave no tells, "Not the only unexpected occurrence today it would seem." he said, glancing in Hans' direction who grew somewhat uneasy under his gaze which Anna, Kristoff and Sol enjoyed to no end.

The elder prince nodded, "Indeed." he then smiled pleasantly and held out a gloved hand, "Prince Karl Westergaard; eldest son of Reidrich Westergaard, High King of the Southern Isles."

Aldren was hesitant but grasped the hand in return, "Aldren of house Embercrow; lord of Hammerhel and Master of War to Elsa of house Floran, Queen of Arendelle."

The Embercrow loosened his grip but Karl held his longer than Aldren would have like as he leaned in, his voice almost a whisper, "I have so been wanting to meet you...Lord Embercrow."

Anna said nothing but frowned and clenched her fist while Sols' hand rested on the pommel of her sword, the knight that stood to Karl's left slowly gripped the hilt of his sword in response. Aldren's eyes narrowed slightly as he had to somewhat wrest his own hand away, "I'm not sure how to take that..."

The knight released his grip on his sword and spoke up, "With sincerity, northman." he said not so kindly.

"Should I?" Aldren returned, looking to the knight, "Sir...?"

"This is Sir Brandon Tares, lord Embercrow. One of the Isles' most renowned knights and my second in command while here in Arendelle." Karl said, gesturing to the knight who tilted his head upwards slightly in obvious pride.

Sol rolled her eyes while Aldren nodded, "Well I'm sure Sir Brandon is aware that relations between Arendelle and the Isles have always been strained...even more so recently."

"Perhaps you should be more grateful that his majesty elected to put those grievances aside and help you lot." Sir Brandon went on.

Sol stepped forward, squaring up with the knight, "And perhaps you should have more care in how you speak to my cousin islander; his is the highest authority in Arendelle until queen Elsa's return."

The knight chuckled, as if amused by her attempt to match him, "I won't be lectured by you, woman!"

"Let's see you try and shut me up, shiny." she taunted with arms out, they both narrowed eyes at one another as if they might draw swords here and now.

It was then that suddenly Aldren chuckled softly which drew everyone's attention back to him, "Well I must say your majesty...you're more clever than I expected."

"I don't think I grasp your meaning-"

Aldren held up a hand, "Oh I think you do; you let your second in command attack first, draw my attention...while you looked for weaknesses."

The prince grinned, "Very sharp...perhaps there is merit to queen Elsa's apparent trust in you after all."

Anna folded her arms, "And why wouldn't there be?" she asked, growing more annoyed by the second.

Karl went on, without looking away from Aldren, "I say this with all respect-but seeing as you evidently lost the initial battle for Arendelle...perhaps you are not the ideal choice to lead this alliance."

Anna was about to defend Aldren but Sol beat her to it, "I take it that's one less battle than you've lost..." she said with a hand on her hip and her head cocked.

He looked to her, "I have never lost a battle." he stated with confidence.

Aldren was unmoved, "You and your father must choose your opponents wisely then."

Karl looked back to him, his face showing that he took some offense from that comment, "We have a knack for it, yes..." he replied coolly.

The Embercrow smiled slightly, holding the Islanders gaze for several seconds before he said, "You're quiet..." looking over to Hans.

The younger prince took one step forward, careful not to stray close to the princess, "I've found talking...seems to only get me trouble these days." he risked a short glance at Anna.

"You are smart after all, aren't you." Aldren said as he walked over to stand before the attempted killer.

"I understand how...precarious my position here is. You need not waste time with threats."

Aldren laughed slightly, "Threats? no...no threats. I'll only say this and I'll say it once; if at a point I feel that any denizen of Arendelle is threatened by you or your men..." he leaned in and held up a fist, "You'll never see it coming." his hand set aflame suddenly causing Hans to jump back from shock.

Anna and Sol both smiled at the fear in the younger prince's eyes, Sir Brandon almost reached for his sword while Karl's eyes widened but he did not move away. Aldren moved back to his original place as he smothered the flames with his other hand, the elder prince spoke, "So...Queen Elsa is not the only one with an 'extraordinary gift' then is she."

"I wouldn't always call it a gift but it serves it's purpose in these times."

"I see...it is odd; after you displayed your power just now my attention was drawn to your eyes, they are crimson... an unusual color." The prince stepped closer to Aldren, "I confess that you did seem somewhat familiar to me when I first laid eyes on you but it wasn't until I looked at your eyes." he pointed to Aldren's face and smiled, "Your eyes...Fracaia."

Aldren folded his arms and cocked his head, "So you do recognize me."

Anna and Sol glanced to one another shocked by this revelation, Kristoff who had been listening from afar perked up when he heard this, he was starting to understand Aldren a little better.

Karl went on, "I never forget a face; you were part of the mercenary company hired to train their army for their battle against my brother Kurt...and myself."

The Embercrow's fists tightened, "But it didn't end in a battle now did it." he slowly stepped forward so that there faces were almost touching, "What I will never forget is how your army blockaded the city; denied the people food and supplies they needed to survive, just long enough for your brother to strong-arm the princess into marriage...so Reidrich could add another kingdom to his 'empire'." The last word left Aldren's mouth in a spiteful hiss, "I have not forgotten the atrocity the Isles committed then and I will never forget the role you played in it...that is what I remember. I wonder where he gets it from." he said gesturing towards Hans who remained silent.

Karl kept his expression neutral, his eyes remaining locked with the Embercrow's which brimmed with a slight fiery glow as he went on, "But this is isn't Fracaia and like it or not we are fighting for the same thing now; mutual survival...and nothing-more." he looked between all three islanders, the glow fading from his eyes, "Make no mistake, what lady Starlon says is true; until Queen Elsa returns from Corona, mine is the highest authority and you are all under my command." he turned back to the prince, "Have I made my meaning plain...your highness?"

Karl was silent for a moment before he smiled slightly, "Mm...Explicitly..." he replied snidely.

"Then we are finished here."

Karl gave a short nod before turning slowly with Sir Brandon following closely behind while Hans lingered a second longer. As they mounted the elder prince called out to Aldren, "Do join us as soon as convenient...I believe the Master of War's place is with his army."

Sol grimaced, "Why that piece of-"

But before anyone could say anything more the princes rode out of the courtyard with their escorts. Aldren breathed out a heavy sigh that was more akin to a growl and turned back to the others, Kristoff walked up with Sven to rejoin the group, "So...that's what he's like, great...another jerk."

Aldren then looked to Anna; her eyes questioning, expression somewhere between confusion and mild frustration. His grimace faded, replaced with some shame from the way she looked at him, "I suppose I owe you...an elaboration..." he said mainly to his sister who nodded slowly, "Yeah...I think you do."

OoO

Down in the war camp Baldrek had assumed command of the Arendellian forces from Barec and acquainted himself with general Zyon briefly. He found the general somewhat odd to him but he certainly got along with him and his better than he had with the Islanders and after what he had bore witness to, he certainly had no love for them. Regardless of personal bias Baldrek was a loyal soldier and made certain that his lord's orders were followed to the letter; he stood near the the Southern Isles ships along with General Zyon, doing his best to ignore the giant cat that was currently pacing a loop through and around his legs as they watched the ranks of spears march by into the camp.

The islander footmen company's heavy armor rattled with each stride, moving in tight ranks with unwavering synchronized step, seemingly not as bothered by the cold as the Zarians had been previously. Soon after armored horses could be seen trotting along behind in formation, the riders that sat atop them each carried a lance that rested against their shoulder.

At the head of the cavalry formations rode a single knight in steel plate, the boar head's crest of prince Karl could be seen plainly upon the sir coat across the chest plate of his polished, layered armor. The visor of his helm was up so Baldrek could tell he was younger than he was, maybe only twenty or so...too pretty to have been in a battle in his opinion but the scar along his chin seemed to suggest otherwise. The young knight looked in Baldrek's direction, smiling he broke off from the main group, riding over beside him and dismounted his horse, handing the reins off to an attendant before stepping up to him. He said nothing at first, his eyes widening slightly as if he was just realizing now how much taller the northman was than him as he in fact stood only to his chest, "Are you in charge here?" he finally asked.

Baldrek nodded, while Zyon started to walk away and spoke over his shoulder, "Be glad I'm not in charge, alqasdayr alrajul. (tin man)" he said, calling for Aurora to follow.

Baldrek sighed and shook his head slightly, he'd learned quick that Zaria's distaste for the Southern Isles was just as great if not greater than Arendelle's. The knight watched the general leave but didn't pay any heed to his bitterness, he looked back to Baldrek and held an armored hand out, "Sir Galen Barres of the Southern Isles; sworn knight to Karl Westergaard, eldest son of high king Reidrich Westergaard."

Baldrek locked his arm with Galen's, "Captain Baldrek of...Arendelle." was all he simply said before they released arms, "I serve in the Master of War's stead until he returns from receiving princess Anna."

"Ah yes the Master of War...lord Aldren Embercrow was his name-the princess mentioned I believe." the captain nodded, Galen closed the visor of his helm before slipping it off his head and running a hand through his short black locks, he held his helm at his side as he spoke, "On behalf of his majesty Prince Karl we thank you for your hospitality; we understand our presence in Arendelle is not at present a 'welcome one'."

'Finally, someone sensible!' Baldrek thought to himself though he gave no tells, "Lord Aldren ordered that you were all to be treated with courtesy and that is what we aim to do."

"Indeed, then perhaps you would do me another courtesy; I'm afraid I know little about Arendelle beyond what I've read, this is a strange place to me and I'd appreciate a moment of your time to learn more...if it does not interfere with your duties of course." he said with a hand up.

Baldrek didn't like the idea of leaving his duties for any amount of time but he figured it might be best to indulge the knight, he at least seemed like someone he could actually hold conversation with. He nodded and they began to walk slowly alongside the Isles troops.

"That hammer, it is an heirloom of house Embercrow is it not?" he said gesturing to Traitor's Bane on Baldrek's back, "It does seem odd that you should have it."

The captain glanced at the knight from the corner of his eye, not entirely sure what he might be implying at first but answered, "I did not ask for it, nor did I ask for the position of captain...they were given to me by lord Aldren and Queen Elsa."

"They must have a great trust in you to gift these things to you."

"Yes..."

"Her majesty must also have a great deal of confidence in this 'Aldren Embercrow', to trust him with her kingdom while she is away."

Baldrek stopped and turned to him, "And why wouldn't she?"

Galen continued walking a few more paces before facing him, "I mean no disrespect captain, as I said this is a strange place to me...I'm not familiar with how the chain of command is established here. I've never heard of Lord Aldren outside of what the princess spoke of him and what you tell me now, it does make one question-"

"What is there for you to question?"

"Well forgive me for what I'm about to say...but there are some who may believe that there are others more qualified to lead an alliance of this magnitude...such as his majesty, Prince Karl." Baldrek eyes narrowed slightly and his lips started to grimace as the knight went on, "He is an accomplished military commander, having fought many battles and claiming victory in each. From my perspective...there is no other alternative, and after all...your lord Embercrow lost the battle for Arendelle...did he not?"

Baldrek's grimace faded slightly as his eyes cut away, Galen tilted his head to try and catch the captain's eye, "Should not the fate of your kingdom, of all kingdoms be in the best hands possible..."

The northman looked back to the knight, his grimace returning as he began to realize what the islander was trying to do. He walked up to Galen, standing over him, "I follow queen Elsa and lord Aldren not because of stories I heard or deeds they boasted of, but because before I was captain I was nothing! They took me, an ice harvester from the Pike and they made me something I never dreamed of, gave me a purpose greater than myself; to protect my people, because it is the only thing that is worth fighting for-the only thing worth killing for...that is why I will never lose faith in them." The islander's expression was of slight disappointment and curiosity but he said nothing, Baldrek decided to add one last thing as he held up a hand, "And if you ever speak ill of queen Elsa or lord Aldren again...I'll pull both your arms out of their sockets..." he said with a flat tone and little expression.

Galen didn't respond but he definitely believed him, he watched as the captain turned and left the way they came without another word. He looked towards the ground and pursed his lips, the attendant returned his horse to him which he mounted and made his way to the section of the war camp where the Southern Isles forces were predominantly located. Once there he made his way for a large tent that was as big as a small house, he looked to a guard, "Has Prince Karl returned from the castle yet?"

"No Sir Galen, he has not."

Then the sound of horses neighing brought his attention to just the person he was looking for, with his fellow knight sir Brandon riding beside him. He dismounted his steed and bowed to Karl, "My prince."

"Sir Galen." the prince replied before he and Brandon dismounted, Karl slipped off his gloves as he walked up to his ward, "Tell me what you learned."

Galen sighed, "That they are a stubborn people-no surprises there...I'm afraid I wasn't able to get much out of the brute before he figured me out."

"Smarter than they look, these Arendellians." Brandon remarked, resting a hand on the pommel of his sword.

Karl clasped his hand behind his back, gloves in hand as he turned his back to them, "Oh make no mistake, that Aldren Embercrow is quite intelligent...but by no means am I going to allow him to lead this alliance into defeat."

Galen put his hands on his hips, "The Arendellians and Zarians both loathe us your majesty and their loyalty to them seems to run deep, Corona is not likely to appreciate our presence either...if you are going to shake their faith in lord Embercrow, it won't be easy."

Karl turned back, "No, it won't...but we must find a way, a way that the other kingdoms can't resist. See what else you can dig up Galen-but be discreet...unfortunately the Embercrow has turned the princess against me once again. We don't need anymore surprises."

Galen nodded and turned to leave, Brandon folded his arms and grinned, "Queen Elsa will no doubt start to see you more favorably when she sees her Master of War falter and how much more qualified you are than him...what girl doesn't love a prince in shining armor to rescue her."

Karl said nothing as he turned away again, that was the least of his concerns at present but to his father it was half the reason he had been sent here. He knew that both the queen and her sister were unmarried but both significantly younger than him...and while he did admire the princess, if he was going to have to marry one it might as well be the older one. If she was anything like her sister he didn't necessarily have a problem with that, but how easy it would be to talk her into marriage he would have to gauge when she returned from Corona and they met face to face...

OoO

Prince Hans rode into the section of the Southern Isles encampment where he had been located to, most of the soldiers here bore his standard of the isle known as the Rock but his eldest brother's own troops were roaming in the mix; Karl was keeping his promise to princess Anna and keeping eyes on him at all times. He guessed that the Master of War would be taking his own precautions to keep him caged as well.

As he approached the center of his camp he came to a stop, rather than dismounting he simply stayed saddled, leaning forward as he searched his thoughts. Amicus had warned him about the second elemental but that didn't make it any less shocking to see it first hand, he also imagined that he could do significantly more than that if provoked which was something he didn't intend to do...not yet at least. Despite the amount of eyes he knew would be watching he was not at present worried, all he had to do for now was sit and wait for the final pieces to arrive on the board.

OoO

Aldren walked the halls of the palace with Anna, Sol, Kristoff and Sven trailing slightly behind as he unveiled yet another piece of his life to his surrogate sister. Most of the story was simple, he had joined a mercenary company called the Silver Hounds that had been employed by the king of Fracaia; a small independent kingdom offset from the west of Corona, near the center of Althgarr, to train his army and fight alongside them against the Southern Isles incursion from prince Kurt. The ninth son of Reidrich was vain and impulsive; easy to tempt, easy to taunt, against him alone the Fracaian army along with the Silver Hounds might have defeated them...but it was never that easy.

A second even larger host arrived alongside Kurt's led by his eldest brother prince Karl, together the two armies greatly outnumbered them. And the city itself proved to be useless, Karl was not the fool his brother was; rather than expend their own troops in battle, Karl had the city blockaded so no supplies could enter the city and no one could leave. All the weeks that had been spent training their employers had all been for nothing and it didn't take long for the Silver Hounds to decide they were better off leaving. And they did just that; prince Karl even paid them to abandon their employer and they were allowed to leave without incident...all except Aldren who stayed behind, hoping against hope that he might find a way to stop the islanders from breaking the will of the king.

Soon after Karl delivered his father's terms to the king; that the king's daughter princess Giselle was to marry Kurt, making Fracaia a state sworn to the Southern Isles, their lands, resources and armies would serve when called upon...that was perhaps the most sickening thought of all to Aldren, that the army he helped train would now serve Reidrich rather than fight against him. Aldren tried to persuade the king to allow him to challenge Karl to single combat to decide the outcome but the king didn't hold enough confidence in him to do so. Torn between his daughter's freedom and the suffering of his people he was forced to give up the former and met with the princes in negotiation...if one could call it that.

The wedding of prince Kurt and the young princess Giselle took place in Fracaia that same night but Aldren didn't stay for that. An inked quill against parchment was the sword that twisted into the heart of Fracaia, politics and marriage were the hands around that poor nation's throat...

"And that is something...that cannot be bested by mere swords." Aldren said sadly, his head lowered in shame. Anna was no longer frustrated as she looked on down the hallway, processing the story while Aldren went on, "Before they had come to an 'agreement'..." he held up his hand, "Between Anoroth and here...it was the only time I truly considered using my powers again." he closed his fist, "I hate myself for not doing so."

As she watched him she grew bothered when he spoke the word 'hate', he associated that word with himself more than she would have liked but she didn't say anything on it for now. Instead she spoke of what he had told her, "So he starved all those people just so Giselle would marry his brother...I mean-I don't even know her but I feel terrible."

"She was younger than you at the time...not at all prepared for the horror that befell her life that day and not at all deserving of it."

Anna cocked her head slightly, "You knew her-I mean...personally?"

He smiled slightly, "Yes, half the reason I stayed to fight...sweet girl...like you-though perhaps gentler." Anna smirked at that, he continued, "To be honest I think she was quite taken with me at the time but obviously that wasn't meant to be...but I did care about her." he chuckled, running his hand along the pinky finger of the other, "She even gave me this ring to remember her by; a white band with an emerald encircled by two doves...and I lost the damn thing not long after. But I've never forgotten what it looked like."

Anna walked closer to him, "You wanted to give it back to her one day."

He halted his stride near one of the tall windows, "Yes."

"I'm sorry Aldren..."

He shrugged, "It's in the past, and even if I could go back and change it I wouldn't."

"I'm glad to hear that...Aldren, why didn't you tell us about this sooner?"

He sighed, lifting a hand to the side of her head, "I didn't want it to affect your mission to the Isles...I wanted to have this conversation with you before having to meet with the prince but...things didn't work out that way." he said lowering his hand again.

She folded her arms and looked away, "To think I was actually starting to kinda like that creep. Last time I trust another island prince that's for sure."

Aldren leaned his arm against the window and looked out towards the ice wall, "He was right about one thing though; I lost us the battle at the Pike..."

Anna leaned her back against the window on the other side, "Maybe...but that doesn't make him better for the job." He looked to her, waiting for her to elaborate, "We may not have won...but you were willing to give everything to save us-to save everyone when we needed to retreat. You didn't panic, you didn't abandon a single person, reindeer or snowman." she finished with a smile.

"She's right." they looked to Kristoff who walked up, "If it wasn't for you and how you fought for us we'd still be locked up by the Naga Ai...or worse." he said gesturing to Sol, Sven and himself.

Sol folded her arms pridefully, "I would've found a way out..." they shot her a scolding look, she sighed, "But yes, she is right. Neither you or Elsa sit in the saddle and give orders from afar; you're right there at the forefront with the rest of them leading the charge...And that is exactly the kind of leaders this alliance needs to fight the naga; Karl doesn't know our enemy, he doesn't understand what they are capable of...you do." she finalized with a nod.

Aldren looked to them all, his express blank at first before he smiled, "That helps..." he spoke quietly, "That really does...thank you-all of you."

Anna grasped his hand and squeezed tightly, "Believe in yourself Aldren...because we do."

He looked between them all, "I'll do my best."

"Promise..." she warned, cocking her head and holding a finger up.

"I swear." he said crossing his fingers over his heart.

Satisfied she smiled again and released his hand, he looked back out the window, "I am grateful to you all...but now Sol and I must return to the front, I think we've kept his majesty waiting long enough."

"We'll go with you, we can help." Anna offered.

He shook his head, "No Anna, you should rest today." he grasped her shoulder, "You did a brave thing going to those Isles and you came back no less brave, at the very least you've earned a days reprieve. Spend some time with each other." he said to her and Kristoff.

Anna nodded, leaning up to give him a sisterly kiss on the cheek before walking over to take Kristoff's hand and lead them away. The ice harvester turned back to say one last thing, "Don't go easy on those islanders Aldren-especially Hans."

He grinned, "Of course."

With that, the couple and Sven left one way while Aldren and Sol walked away, to counsel with their 'allies'...

I thought it would be neat to include Anna's hairstyle and outfit from the new trailer, I will likely do the same for Elsa, speaking of which I hope you all are excited because our Queen finally returns from Corona in the next chapter! As always I hope you all enjoyed this chapter cause I had a lot of fun with these character interactions.

Also is 'Silver Hounds' a cool name for a mercenary company? I had other ideas too; Silver Ravens, the Silver Kraken, the Silver Lions in general 'Silver' something. I'm still kinda undecided on that so let me know what you all thought.

I'm afraid I don't have any voice to character suggestions today but please let me know if you think of any.

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! :)