Sorry this one took so long to put out but I've been working on some other things on the side in addition to this.

To Akerskm-to your theory all I'll say is I can't say that you are right...but I can't say you're wrong either...

To Tim-That's a neat idea but it doesn't really fit with the narrative so I'm gonna have to say no to that one I'm afraid.

To Czechoslovakian guest- I actually didn't know about this queen Marisol or her kingdom until you told me but it all seemed pretty mundane so I see no reason to include it. And while I appreciate your enthusiasm for the story I'm gonna have to ask that you not continuously bombard me with reviews asking for the next chapters. It get's kinda stressful when I'm constantly hounded, if you want to leave additional reviews to your initial one let them be critiques of the story. Thank you.

Please enjoy the chapter everyone :)

Chapter 42: A Plan for War

Outside the castle a large, round wooden table had been moved to the center of the courtyard and while most members of the war council had gathered, they were still waiting on prince Karl and his two knights. In the meantime most busied themselves getting acquainted; Elsa was sharing words with general Zyon, one of his lieutenants and captain Baldrek, likely concerning the scouting efforts. Near the northern wall Trolgon, who had returned with Rapunzel and Eugene, was resting nearby. Not being a member of the war council the young princess shared in conversation with Olaf while they sat on the dragon's back, occasionally catching a glimpse of Aurora who looked like an oversized kitten chasing after Trolgon's tale, as he lazily flicked it back and forth.

They both wondered if the dragon had even noticed or was choosing not to react, that was soon answered when the cat caught his tail and pounced on it. Trolgon looked behind him as he lifted his tail with Aurora clinging to it and growled lowly, attempting to scare her. Calling his bluff she pawed at his snout, he only snorted at her before angling his tail towards the ground causing her to slide to the cobblestone after which she immediately resumed the chase. The dragon shifted his attention to the two passengers on his back, lowering his snout and trilling affectionately, they both laughed as they petted his cold scales.

Rapunzel turned to the snowman at her side, "So you were saying you haven't been able to find your nose?"

"Nope. It went missing after we got back." he didn't seem terribly bothered, seeming humored by the situation as if he were used to it.

It was then Rapunzel pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow, sharing a knowing look with Pascal who sat on her shoulder, "I may have an idea who took it, and if I'm right don't worry, you'll get it back...eventually." she said patting his head.

OoO

Aldren walked slowly along the length of the courtyard towards the gate. There he saw Maximus, the white horse that carried Prince Eugene, militantly pacing the courtyard like a regular Coronan guardsmen. The rhythm of his watch was perfect and quite entertaining but it was Sven who made Aldren laugh. Strutting in perfect imitation of Maximus, going so far as to don a similar (if goofier) concentrated expression, the reindeer was a welcome distraction.

He smiled and shook his head as he continued on, passing by Trolgon; their joint creation seemed to be growing increasingly irritated by Aurora's game with his tail so he whipped around and hissed fiercely but still Aurora played. As he neared his dragon he grinned, "Heaven forbid anyone ruffle your scales, Trolgon."

The dragon folded his wings closer to his body and angled his head upward proudly, Aldren chuckled at his pouting before addressing his two passengers, "Princess Rapunzel." he said bowing to her. "Olaf." he nodded to the snowman.

"Oh! Hi Aldren!" Olaf cried with an enthusiastic wave and Rapunzel smiled at them both.

He nodded and walked on until he finally came upon the group he set out for; Sol and lady Cassandra were sparring, quite fiercely if he might add, with sword and shield near the gates. Unlike the times when his cousin had 'trained' with Kristoff, Sol couldn't toy with her newest opponent. Cassandra was of equal skill to the lady of Hadenville and perhaps of greater experience. Watching them a short distance away was Cassandra's father, captain Andris who stood with arms folded, a neutral but attentive expression on his face as he watched them intently. Beside him was prince Eugene whose arms were folded in his usual casual style to match his smile.

As Aldren approached, the two men turned to him and the captain bowed his head. "Lord Embercrow."

He nodded back and held his hand out, locking arms with him, "Captain Andris, I presume."

"That is correct, my lord." he replied.

Aldren then turned to the prince consort, "Eugene." he simply said.

He nodded back, "Aldren." he then glanced toward his wife and Olaf, "I wonder how long before he notices this is missing." he said holding up a carrot from his folded arms.

Andris lowered his gaze disapprovingly at the former thief who held his hands up and smiled, "What can I say; old habits die hard." he stepped towards Aldren and tilted his head, holding the carrot out to him, "How good's your aim?"

Aldren took the carrot from Eugene and aimed at his target, "Olaf!" he yelled.

The snowman turned towards him,"Hey! That's my-". Olaf began, as he caught the briefest glance of his carrot nose sailing thru the air, just before it impaled through his face to the back of his head, making wobble slightly. Rapunzel, wide-eyed and a little shocked, assisted by pushing it forward and into place. Olaf looked upon his returned appendage gratefully, "My nose! (giggle) I missed you nose. Thanks Aldren!"

"Your welcome!" shouted Aldren before he turned back to Eugene, who gripped his chin and nodded, "Nice shot."

The three turned their attention back to the two women, "I see my cousin saw the need to challenge your daughter."

"Actually she challenged lady Sol, my lord." he said with a slight smile.

"Tenacious" said a surprised Aldren, "A perfect match for lady Sol."

Their duel ended with their blades at each others throats in a draw, they both breathed heavily, Cassandra laughed slightly, "Another draw."

"That's fifteen now." Sol smiled back.

They drew their blades away from one another and took a moment to catch their breath, Cassandra rolled her shoulders, "Has anyone ever beat you in a duel?"

Sol looked over to her elder cousin who she noticed had joined the audience, "Only one."

They both sheathed their weapons and walked over as Cassandra's owl descend from the sky and landed on her shoulder. She bowed her head to the Master of War, "Lord Aldren, I've heard you're a great warrior, perhaps the greatest here in Arendelle."

"After seeing you force my cousin into a draw the way you did, I imagine they say something similar about you back in Corona."

Eugene leaned on Andris' shoulder, "Yep, she's your regular pride and joy, isn't she cap?" he said, patting a hand against the elder man's chest.

The captain only grimaced and narrowed his eyes at the prince consort. Cassandra smiled, "Perhaps when this is all over; you would honor me with a contest to see who is greater?"

He smiled at her near silent challenge, "Or perhaps you will honor me, lady Cassandra." She nodded appreciatively, Aldren then looked to Sol, "Lady Starlon, a word?"

They walked towards the south side of the courtyard and he opened with a grin, "Save some of that for Mane. We wouldn't want him to feel neglected if you don't have energy to pick on your own brother when he returns.

She laughed sarcastically and nudged him with her shield, "Trust me, I have a personal supply just for him."

He laughed quietly, "I believe that...He's fine, you know that, right?"

She shrugged, "Not really, I'm not with him."

"But we aren't children anymore Sol; he knows what he's doing...I suspect he's a better negotiator than myself."

Her expression started to drop and she stopped walking, "But not a better warrior..."

Aldren stopped and turned to her, "Mane isn't a warrior Sol...he's a 'poet'." he said, "Swords are our strength, words are his and that's what will see him through the day...and that's one of the things we love about him, isn't it?"

She smiled back and grasped his shoulder leaning against him, "It is...I guess I'm just paranoid." she said with a sigh.

"Probably." he said smiling. She gently shoved him away and they chuckled to one another, just before loud hoof beats and neighing of horses interrupted their moment. Trampling their way through the courtyard gate were the islanders who had finally shown. Prince Karl at the head with his two knights at either side...but no Hans; though it could be assumed that he was recovering from his recent injury.

As the islanders dismounted, the prince shot Aldren a sharp glance before making his way swiftly to the center of the courtyard. Sol put a hand on her hip and shook her head, "He doesn't look happy to see you..."

"I suspect I'll be getting that look a lot from now on."

She slapped his shoulder plate, "Let him look...he's an ass."

It was then they saw emerging from the palace; Kristoff and Anna, the latter wearing her blade and armor minus the helm. The couple shared a brief smile as they parted and Kristoff went to join Sven while Anna spotted Aldren and smiled as she jogged towards him. He was surprised to see her out here but moved to meet her in the middle while Sol walked towards the table where everyone else seemed to be gathering.

As he closed the distance with Anna he attempted a cordial bow, "Your gr-"

She seized him in a hug, "Hey."

He sighed and hugged her back, "Hey..." He relented. "I suppose it was silly of me to try that again. You know...you aren't required to be at the war council."

She shrugged and made her way to the table with him beside her, "No, but I want to be; if I'm gonna fight in this battle I want to know what the plan is, like everyone else."

"Well said."

As they neared the table they noticed that they had been under Karl's calculative gaze, clearly having noticed their sibling like interaction...and taking note of it. While Anna had to resist the urge to stick her tongue out at him, Aldren simply met his gaze the whole way as he took his place... next to the queen..

Elsa's voice caught Karl's attention, drawing them both away from their stare down, "I take it your brother will not be joining us then..." her expression showing that she was more than aware of his disdain towards her Master of War.

He nodded calmly, "I thought it best he not be privy to the war council's plan; any orders may be relayed to him through me."

"Perhaps that is for the best..." she then spoke the whole of the council, "Before we begin discussing what the real plan is for taking back Arendelle; we think it's best that you all learn who are enemy is." she looked to Aldren, "Lord Aldren, would you start us off."

He nodded, reaching into his pocket he pulled out a small stack of thick paper sheets and began spreading four them across the table to be passed among everyone, "Those of you from Zaria and the Isles have seen face to face what a naga is. For those from Corona, I'm afraid this will be your initial introduction; these are the leaders of the Naga Ai."

Prince Karl was the first to observe one of the cards passed to him, he raised his eyebrow at the illustration, "The Witch King I presume, Amicus was it?" he said, passing the card onto Sir Brandon.

Aldren nodded, "The head of the snake and the grand architect behind our shared destruction, should he succeed. And unfortunately the one we know the least about; thus far we cannot speak for what his martial capabilities are. What we do know is that he is clearly an experienced tactician; calculated and uncompromising, he won't hesitate to use his own people as sacrificial pawns."

"Mercy isn't in his vocabulary." Anna quipped.

Eugene and Andris looked over another illustration, "Well this guy definitely looks...big." Eugene commented.

"General Tarn." Elsa began "The Witch King's second in command, lead commander of the Naga Ai's army and the one responsible for the second attempt on my life."

"He may appear slow but do not underestimate his ability; I have been on the receiving end of his might on two occasions. His strength has no equal that I have ever seen and his armor is all but impenetrable." Aldren added.

Andris passed the card across to general Zyon, "Seems like someone managed to crack his shell."

"That wound was dealt by Aldren, in defense of my life." Elsa said with a smile.

"A superficial wound and only with your spear when imbued with my power." he reminded her and everyone else, gesturing to the weapon at her side, "No other weapon has ever pierced his armor, even a direct shot from a scorpion didn't make a dent."

Eugene grinned, "Big, mean, tough and probably ugly under that helmet I bet."

Elsa chuckled, "All those things, Eugene. But he definitely didn't become general by being an idiot; he's smart, smarter than I'd like to give him credit for."

Zyon was next to speak as he flipped his card around, "And this delightful creature? I'd offer her a drink if she weren't the enemy." he said with a smile, flicking the card towards Sir Galen who barely caught it.

Anna sneered, "Lady Venereth..."

"Amicus' most deadly witch knight." Aldren added.

"Witch knight?" Brandon asked with a disbelieving laugh.

Aldren narrowed his eyes, "Yes...They serve the roles of guard to Witch King, assassin and occasionally battlefield commanders. Beyond being skilled warriors, they wield a form of sorcery that grants them a magical edge against most they encounter."

"What sort of edge?" Cassandra asked.

The Embercrow hesitated with how to answer that question, "They can cause pain at a simple touch, move faster than the eye can track-at least in short spurts, create barriers, flight-"

He was interrupted by Karl's bemused laughter, "Flight...while I don't dispute your encounters with this 'inhuman' enemy, lord Embercrow. This is a lot to take your word on, whatever it is you think you saw-"

"Is it not enough?" Elsa cut him off in a harsh voice, offense in her expression, "What you've seen just in the short time you've been in my kingdom is still not enough?" Karl's smile disappeared at the volume of her voice as she continued, "I don't doubt that you have fought in many battles prince Karl-many more than I. But you have no idea what we have seen, what we've fought against! If you expect us to win this war, you're going have to start accepting that there are things you won't understand, that can't be explained away...If you're incapable of that then I'm afraid you won't last long against them." she leaned her palms against the table, lowering her gaze, "And further more; Aldren Embercrow is my Master of War and I expect you to show him appropriate respect moving forward...Have I made myself heard?"

He was silent for a moment before lowering his gaze and nodding his compliance. Satisfied, at least for now, Elsa looked to Aldren, "Please continue."

He nodded to her before turning back to council, choosing not to react to Karl's comment, "The aforementioned Venereth is the most deadly of their number; I did battle with her only once and nearly lost my life to her poison blade...her majesty princess Anna is the only reason I am still alive after that encounter." he gestured to his surrogate sister who folded her arms and smiled proudly.

Sir Galen spoke next before passing his card along to the prince, "This one appears to lack depth perception, who is he?"

"A dead man." Baldrek muttered under his breath. Overhearing him, Anna placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Commander Sorvec..." Elsa all but hissed, not bothering to conceal the hatred in her expression.

"Lowest on the totem from what we can tell, but no less dangerous than the others; blindingly fast, sadistic and unpredictable." Aldren replied more steadily. "Should any of you have the misfortune of encountering these individuals on the field; make no assumptions, bring no expectations...or those will be the last mistakes you ever make."

Everyone nodded their understanding, The Master of War then set out the rest of the cards "Now onto their army composition." he began explaining as they looked over the next set of information, "Like any army, the naga have baseline units that will be familiar to most; infantry, ranged units, siege engines-"

"Cavalry?" sir Brandon asked.

"None that we've seen deployed but it's safe to assume they have something of that nature in their army."

Sir Brandon nodded, Cassandra looked over another card as she spoke, "I'm guessing these are their ranged guys...but that's no crossbow he's carrying, is it?"

"No lady Cassandra, it is not." Sol replied.

Aldren then turned behind him and motioned for Gillian who had been waiting a short distance away with a tyranite rifle in hand. The old smith approached, handing the weapon to the Coronans first as Aldren spoke, "The naga call this weapon a 'tyranite rifle'."

"Tyranite?" inquired captain Andris.

"That would be this lovely little gem here, captain." Gillian replied, holding up a one of the smooth, glowing red shards before passing it to them as well.

"A crystalline resource that is as unique as the naga themselves, an essential part of their war machine; functioning as ammunition, weaponry, fuel...and a mutagen." Aldren explained.

"Mutagen?" Asked Eugene as he stopped himself from touching his finger to the tip of the shard.

"Overexposure to the substance can have negative effects on a living thing such as illness, hallucinations...and physical mutations."

"Demonstrated by these two I'm guessing." Karl said, holding two cards around with a picture of a mutated bridge troll and a tatzelwurm.

Elsa nodded, "The cat like creature we call a tatzelwurm, we don't know what they...'used' to be, but the naga have only ever used them like attack dogs."

Baldrek folded his arms, "They're rabid, bloodthirsty beasts but they die easy enough."

Karl nodded before gesturing to the other card, "And this one."

"Well that's a different story." Aldren said, "That creature used to be a bridge troll; a native of Arendelle like us...but the animal we encountered had been subjected to tyranite crystal implants that drove it mad. They're very big, very tough and very strong-but not invincible."

"Has anyone killed one?"

"That honor once again goes to the princess." He said, looking to Anna who nodded.

"It was your sword that broke the skin Aldren, I just finished him off while he was busy pulling your arms off."

A small smile appeared on Aldren's lips for a split second before he looked to the council when Zyon spoke next, "And what of these?" he said gesturing to his cards.

"Canons, artillery that beat the hel out of us at the Pike." As the rifle and shard came back around he handed them back to Gillian and nodded, "Observe."

The smith loaded the weapon and took aim at a training dummy in the courtyard, a twitch of his finger against the trigger followed by a loud discharge (that made everyone that wasn't used to it flinch) sent the single shard into the dummy. The metal shell around the wood warped from the crackling energy and the wood beneath it burned-not to mention a sizable hole was left in the chest. These reactions only lasted mere seconds but the devastating effect of the projectile was clear to everyone.

Aldren turned back to the council, "Now imagine that, but multiply the effect by at least fifty."

A short pause followed from all the newcomers; some simply understanding, others concern...except for Karl who gripped his chin, looking more curious than anything. "I'd have to admit that I was impressed...if they weren't aimed at me."

Elsa and her peers did their best to remain indifferent to the prince's morbid interest in the weaponry, but Anna was having trouble containing a grimace as her arms folded tightly to her body. Aldren chose to move on, "In any case...I trust that everyone at this table now has an understanding of the kind of power our enemy wields and why we must think through our strategy against them very carefully."

"And what strategy do you have in mind?" Andris asked.

The two elementals looked to each other briefly before Elsa turned back, "We are somewhat...divided on that front; lord Aldren and I wished to discuss with the rest of you what might be the best course."

Prince Karl folded his arms, "Well let's hear it."

Elsa looked back to Aldren with a smile, gesturing for him to go first. He bowed his head to her, then turning to Sol who handed him a map of Arendelle that he laid out across the table before leaning forward on his palms. "If what we've learned from our experience with the Naga Ai is any indication, Amicus' focus will be to take Arendelle city to solidify control of the country. It's likely his army is regrouping for their final assault against us now...So we hold the city and let them come to us."

The war council all nodded their heads in understanding, save for prince Karl who only drummed his fingers against his arm in thought before turning to Elsa, "And you, your majesty...you don't agree with this course?"

Elsa was quick to respond as she stepped forward, "While I understand my Master of War's concern-given our past experience." she said giving Aldren a brief caring glance, "The circumstances are very different this time: before, we didn't have nearly twenty thousand to match Amicus' ten thousand. The Witch King is marshaling his forces from Ashla's Pike in the north and while lord Aldren suggests a siege...I propose a direct assault to retake the major holds of Arendelle, starting in the south as we did before." She pointed to the map, "If he hasn't already brought his army to the city yet, he's most likely lying in wait somewhere in the glister lands -the only region with stretches of land large enough for a field engagement...other than the fields before the wall that is...We retake Arendelle's holds and in the process; take apart the Witch King's army piece-by-piece before finishing them." she clenched her fist to solidify her point, her face beaming with confidence.

The council all once again nodded though this time certain members of the council did so more eagerly, such as lady Cassandra, lady Sol, captain Baldrek, Anna and Prince Karl along with his two knights. Aldren gave Elsa a cautionary glance, "For now we cannot make a final decision until our scouting party returns..." he reminded his queen whose smile didn't disappear as she replied, "Of course."

"In any case, we should turn our attention to how we shall best secure the city." Another map was handed to him, this one of Arendelle city, "Regardless of a siege-or open battle, the capital must-be-protected." he pointed to the map as he began, "If we decide to meet the naga in the north we'll need to leave a standing force behind to garrison the wall and the city itself. The wall can hold around fifteen hundred if needed; this includes soldiers to man the siege defenses." he looked between The Coronans and Islanders, "Your forces represent the two largest armies in the kingdom at present, we will contribute seven hundred to that effort..."

Andris nodded, "We can lend four hundred men to the wall defense; crossbows and halberds, my lord."

Karl did not answer as quickly before he exhaled, "I can accommodate four hundred as well-archers and some infantry, but I can spare no horses."

Elsa and Aldren looked to one another and nodded their acceptance, Karl smiled as he spoke again, "And-if it would please; I would volunteer Sir Gallen to lead the defenses." he gestured to the younger knight on his right that stepped forward.

Elsa's eyes narrowed slightly, "Who will lead the defenses will be decided only when we have determined our plan of action..."

Karl's smile remained, "Of course, your grace."

"If I may point out a very obvious fact, prince." Their attention turned to Anna who shifted her weight to once side, arms still folded, "Your people are not exactly...'well loved' in Arendelle." she said this with a not so subtle smile of her own, "I don't think our people would be very comfortable with an islander knight leading the city defense..."

The prince showed no anger, but his smile was gone, "A most...valid point, I will grant you."

"Which brings us to another." everyone turned, surprised to see Eugene studying the map intently.

Sir Brandon shook his head, "What are you-"

Elsa raised her hand, "Let him speak."

The prince consort went on, "Arendelle city is protected from the front by the wall, the sheer cliffs at the rear and our combined fleets in the fjord...but there are still other ways they could sneak in."

"Explain." Aldren said.

He sat on the edge of the table and pointed to the map as he elaborated, "Sewers and docks are one possibility; I'm guessing most of your drains lead out to the sea and if that's the case then you'll want those guarded at all times. Then there's the roofs-not just the lower but the upper city are vulnerable; If they're brave enough they could climb down from above. And if some of these jokers do in fact 'fly', then that will make it all the easier for them, but some archers positioned nearby should nullify that threat."

Aldren gripped his chin, "The naga tend to prefer brute force, but they have been known to use stealth tactics before..."

"How is it you know all this?" Sir Galen asked Eugene.

Eugene grinned, "Because I've done all of them in one place or another. Former thief, remember-emphasis on former...most of the time."

A light punch to his arm from Cassandra made him laugh as he stood back up. Elsa nodded thoughtfully, "Very well, then if you would aid captain Baldrek in organizing a city watch; your expertize will no doubt help us remove the threat of a naga infiltration."

Eugene nodded to Elsa then pointed to Baldrek and clicked his teeth, the captain's only reaction was a raised eyebrow.

Cassandra was next to speak, "If some of these naga fly, shouldn't we make sure the skies are watched?"

Sir Brandon scoffed, "I don't see these 'witch knights' trying anything with that beast flying around." he said, gesturing to Trolgon.

The knight's face dropped at the sight of Elsa and Aldren's visible anger, The Master of War was the first to calm his expression, "Trolgon...has proven one of Arendelle's staunchest defenders-" he turned to look back at the dragon, "But he cannot be everywhere at once in Arendelle's skies." He turned back to the Coronans, "Lady Cassandra is right. The skies will need to be watched, we will add that to the list of preparations."

Before they could carry on any further with their discussions the sound of hoof beats caught everyone's attention, a single Arendellian messenger rode into the courtyard frantically, "Your majesties, lord Aldren, lord Mane's ship has been spotted!"

Elsa and Aldren shared a smile, the queen stepped towards the rider, "How many ships does he have in tow?"

The rider shook his head, "None your majesty-and lord Mane's ship...it appears to be battle damaged..."

Aldren and Sol's faces were horror stricken, Elsa was quickest to action, "Off the horse!" The rider dismounted and Elsa ushered Sol towards it, "Sol, ride ahead and see what's wrong, we'll follow."

Without another word the lady rode off towards the palace docks with the others following behind in a mad sprint, Rapunzel, Kristoff and Aurora saw the commotion and joined them while Olaf rode atop Sven and Trolgon took to the sky.

OoO

Down at the docks Sol had arrived and watched helplessly as her brother's ship sailed in pitifully at a lopsided angle; several pieces were missing from the sides and the bow, the sails were torn and the mast was barely holding-the fact the ship had made it this far was in itself, a miracle. The young lady paced back and forth in panic-her fists opening and closing, she didn't even turn when the other showed up behind her. Elsa and Aldren flanked her on either side-she snapped towards the queen, a pleading look on her face, "Your majesty, is there anything you can do? Please!"

Elsa looked skyward towards Trolgon, put her thumb and index finger to her lips and whistled before pointing towards the ship. The dragon flew towards the wounded ship, circling around to hover at the stern and flapping his wings hard-creating a wind that blew into the tattered sails, speeding it's approach to the docks. As it drew nearer the snow queen raised her hands, raising a physical buffer of snow from the water that stopped it from all but crashing into the docks as gently as possible. Once it came to rest she created a ramp that she, Sol, Aldren and Anna bolted up with several soldiers following.

The scene they saw aboard the deck made them all sick; several Arendellian soldiers lied about with bandaged wounds of varying degree, those still on their feet tended to the wounded as best they could. Aldren gestured to the hurt, "Get these men off the ship and to the camp for medical attention!" The soldiers behind them began seeing to the ship's crew and ferrying them off the vessel while Sol and Aldren searched among the faces frantically for Mane.

"Lord Aldren, Lady Sol!" They all turned to a pair of soldiers walking towards them that supported an injured Mane, their shoulders underneath either of his arms.

"MANE!" Sol sprinted towards the soldiers with Aldren and the others following close behind, the soldiers handed the wounded lord off to his sister and elder cousin. Aldren supported his cousin's back as he knelt with him while Sol grasped his hand; his sea garb was as tattered as the sails of his ship, bandages were wrapped tightly around his leg, shoulder and side. The pain was clear on his face when Sol touched her palm to the wound, a sharp hiss escaped him before his eyes opened and he smiled slightly though gritted teeth, "Hey guys, boy...my lucks just been rotten of late...hasn't it?"

Sol frowned, "Mane-" she was stopped when the lord of Hadenville shakily held up something in his hand towards Aldren, "Still...k-kept my promise..." his hand opened to reveal his mother's star gem necklace.

Aldren hesitantly grasped the necklace from his cousin's weak hand, Elsa and Anna knelt beside them with concern in their faces, the snow queen reached out to his shoulder while he breathed out shakily, "I'm sorry your grace...I-I failed..."

She shook her head, "No Mane...that doesn't matter now."

Sol stroked her brother's hair, "Brother, what happened out there?"

His face dropped as he recalled something, "We were attacked...before we could even make it to the shores..."

There was a brief pause as he trailed off, Anna swallowed, "Naga?"

He blinked slowly, "N-...no...someone else; might've been mercenaries or...corsairs of some-" he groaned in pain holding a hand to his head, "Damn!...There-there was a battle happening before we even got...there..." his eyes shut and his head slumped.

Panic struck Sol as she gripped his hand tighter and turned his face towards her, "Mane? MANE!"

Elsa touched the back of her hand to his forehead, "Fever. We need to get him inside!"

"I'll get him." Sol stated, Aldren nodded and handed him to her-she picked her brother up bridal style while Aldren turned to the two soldiers who had carried him, "You two. Come with us."

The queen and her Master of War led the way down the ramp to where the others looked on from.

"Clear the way!" Aldren snapped to the crowd who parted for them.

"We need a physician to meet us in the palace, immediately." Elsa commanded.

"Wait!" Rapunzel and Eugene pushed their way through the crowd, the princess ran up to the queen, "Elsa, Aldren let me help, this is what I came here to do."

They both looked hesitant at first, Eugene stepped forward, "She's good for it, trust me."

Elsa nodded and ushered her along, "Alright, come with us. He's burning up."

"Then we need to hurry." Rapunzel stated, going to Sol's side and looking Mane over as they headed towards the palace. Elsa turned to her sister, "Anna, you and Baldrek take charge until we return."

Anna nodded, "You got it."

"We will reconvene as soon as we assess lord Mane's condition and have learned exactly what happened." Aldren added.

Without another word they ran to catch up with Sol and Rapunzel, the council dispersed to make themselves useful elsewhere...all except Karl and his two knights. The island prince watched the two elementals as they neared the palace, spying a shared glance of affection as the queen grasped lord Embercrow's hand. Before he could see anymore someone very large stepped in front of him, he looked up at captain Baldrek who folded his arms, "Don't think you're required here anymore..."

Sir Brandon sneered, "You presume to command a prince!"

"No. I presume." princess Anna stepped around to Baldrek's side, she narrowed her eyes at Karl, "Now like he said 'You aren't required here'. You and your lackeys...Get lost."

Karl said nothing for a few seconds...he smiled and bowed his head, "Your grace..." he slowly turned and left with his two knights. Anna and Baldrek traded a look of shared disdain towards the islanders before Kristoff walked up to her side with Sven and Olaf, "He sure does likes to stare, doesn't he?"

Anna didn't say anything; she could tell that Karl was starting to figure out what things were like between her sister and Aldren...she could only pray that it wouldn't cause problems for them in the future...

OoO

Mane laid on a cloth sheet that had been spread across a large bed, Aldren and Elsa stood on one side of the bed next to Sol who watched intently as Rapunzel assessed her brother's condition. She began redressing his wounds, "He's lucky" she said, "incredibly lucky. The blade didn't cut down deep but if his wounds had festered any longer without proper treatment..." she rinsed her hands in a bowl of water on the floor before reaching into the small handbag she carried with her, pulled out two vials and set them on the nightstand. "White willow for the pain and Feverfew to help break the fever" she seemed to say this more to herself, not looking back as she did one final check before standing to face the others, "He needs to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest."

Elsa nodded, "Thank you Rapunzel."

Sol walked over to her brother's bedside and knelt, grasping his hand and tracing her fingers along his brow above his closed eyes, "I'll make sure he gets them."

Elsa sighed heavily, walking up to Sol and placing a hand on her shoulder, "We need you at the council Sol."

The lady snapped around, "He's my brother I-" she stopped herself when she remembered who she was talking to, "I-...I can't just leave him."

"Yes you can." she felt Mane's hand tighten in hers and she turned back to see his eyes open, he smiled weakly, "You won't be doing any good sitting here being useless with me." She smiled at his surprisingly bold words-despite his condition, releasing her hand he reached up to bop her on her helmeted head, "Now go on sister...worry doesn't suite you."

She nodded hesitantly, leaning over to kiss him on the forehead before standing and stepping back. Rapunzel knelt beside the bed once more, looking up at the sister, "I'll stay with him a little longer to make sure he's properly settled."

Sol nodded and it was then that Aldren stepped forward and finally spoke, "Mane...I know it is not fair of me to ask this; but is there anything else you can tell us about the attack?"

Rapunzel gave him a scolding look, "Aldren, he needs to rest."

"It's alright." Mane raised a hand, "I want to help...but there isn't much else to tell. After I took the wound to my side I lost consciousness...they flew no banner or particular colors but we could tell there was fighting happening before we even got there; we weren't their prey in the beginning."

"Thank you Mane and...I'm sorry." Aldren breathed out heavily.

His cousin shook his head and shrugged before looking back up at him, "Make sure you thank those men Aldren...they paid a heavy price to protect me."

The Embercrow nodded solemnly, Elsa grasped his shoulder, "Let's give him some time to recover."

The trio left the room while the Coronan princess stayed with the wounded lord for the time being.

OoO

Outside in the hallway they questioned a pair of soldiers that had been with Mane but no information they gave yielded anything they didn't already know. Twelve had been killed of the fifty men they sent, having been outnumbered three to one by the corsairs. Since the attackers bore no banner they could not trace them to any nation or employer and, from what they had learned, it seemed an unrelated affair they simply were unlucky enough to be caught in.

But despite this, there was one fact that could not be ignored; Chatho had been under siege when Mane had arrived...no help would come from the eastern kingdom. Once they had learned all they could they dismissed the soldiers, now alone the three sat in silence for some time as they processed. Eventually Aldren looked to his cousin, surprising her when he took the star gem necklace and lopped it over her head.

She looked down at the pendant and grasped it gently, "You just got it back..."

"And you'll return it to me...when Mane has recovered." he finished with a small smile.

She wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug, he met the embrace just as tightly, "I'm sorry Sol..." he whispered sorrowfully.

She pulled back, "No one could have known what would happen Aldren...But he's OK-that's what matters...now what are my orders." she finished, bringing him back to the present.

He nodded, grasping her arm, "Bring the others to the courtyard and let them know we will join shortly-but speak nothing of what we learned from Mane until we get there."

She bowed her head to both of them before turning to leave. Aldren turned to his queen who walked closer to him, "Are you ever going to get to wear that again?" she said.

He smiled, "When this war is over, I promise you I'll never take it off if I can help it."

She smiled back, placing her hand on his arm, "You're still in favor of a siege then?"

His face dropped, "Yes-even more so now...And you?"

He could see it on her eyes when he asked her...her mind hadn't been changed. A part of both of them wanted to be angry at the other for not agreeing, but neither of them had the energy nor the heart to do so right now. Without prompting she caught his lips in a gentle kiss that lasted a short moment before they pulled away and simply held one another. Here in the palace no one could see them, no one could judge them-not that either of them cared...but they would spend a few moments in each others embrace before they returned to the council...

So I thought it would be fitting for Rapunzel to take the role of a healer outside of her magical abilities. I think it fits her personality and it helps her serve a role without making her another fighty person.

Also I imagine those of you who follow Tangled: the series have noticed some discrepancies concerning a certain character, but I'm taking those events into account and I'm making sure it fits in a plausible way...trust me.

Well I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and as always be sure to Favorite, Follow, Review and as always I will see you in the next chapter...Bye Bye! :)