Well ain't this a pleasant surprise eh?
Also yes I have been keeping up to date on the events of Tangled the series, I'm on it.
Chapter 48: Fear; the Enemy
What seemed a very long day passed over Arendelle city and into another night; cold, dark and quiet. Atop the castle wall an expectant dragon kept watch with the queen upon his back in full battle dress. Together they overlooked the war camp-the dragon's weight slightly damaging the structure. She had been the first to return from her search in the west for any sign of the naga's withdrawal...or of Aldren; she had found nothing. Now she could only wait for Karl and Zyon's riders to return from the north and south...and she had been waiting for a very long time.
A short distance away Anna, Kristoff and Olaf stood watching her; she had not spoken to anyone since she got back...not even her sister. Her eyes were distant and lonely, Anna had never seen her like this before and it made her heart ache. It seemed right that Elsa kept close to Trolgon, he was the closest link to Aldren she had now. The dragon's eyes were as vigilant as hers on the surrounding and he would occasionally reach back to give her an affectionate nudge with his snout. She would reward him with a reassuring pet to his scales but her eyes never left their searching.
The three turned their attention to the sound of someone coming up the stairs from inside the wall to their left. Rapunzel, Eugene and Cassandra approached and the princess of Corona spoke first with hopeful eyes, "How's she doing?"
They all looked to one another, searching for an answer in themselves and each other. Olaf twiddled his fingers, "As well as someone who's had there true love stolen from them can...I suppose?" he said with a shrug.
Anna smiled halfheartedly at the snowman before finally responding as she looked back to her sister and frowned, "She hasn't spoken to anyone since she got back...not even me..."
Kristoff put his hand on her back, "Give her time Anna...she'll come around."
"Will she? I've never seen her like this, not even when she was hiding her powers."
Eugene cleared his throat, "Karl and Zyon have yet to get back, they might have something."
The trumpeting of a horn brought their attention to the war camp, Trolgon and Elsa both perked up slightly at the sound of it. They could see that both Karl and Zyon's parties had returned from their search, the hopefulness in Elsa's eyes disappeared when she saw that Aldren did not ride with them...she could only wait for them to bring whatever news they might have. Not long after Karl and Zyon appeared from the same stairs and bowed to the princesses; Anna returned Zyon's with a short nod but all Karl received were her hard eyes. The prince didn't respond to her contempt, he followed alongside Zyon to report to the queen.
Elsa turned towards them and Trolgon along with her, a soft growl emanating from his throat, expressing disappointment at the sight of them and not his father. He gently extended a wing down to the floor for Elsa to dismount.
She looked between them, and asked quietly, "Anything?..."
Zyon sighed and shook his head, "There was no sign of Aldren your grace."
Karl nodded, "Nor of the naga troops that attacked us; they must have used the same devices to escape that general Tarn and Sorvec did."
The general leaned his back against the wall, "No tracks, no camp remnants, no trail of any kind to follow...we've nothing."
Elsa's eyes held only the slightest emotion as she exhaled quietly and turned towards the wall, leaning against the parapet on her knuckles with her eyes closed. It was then Anna pushed her way forward to her sister's side, gingerly she placed her hand atop the Elsa's. She was graced with some relief when Elsa's hand turned up into her's and grasped it tightly, the queen's eyes opened though she continued to look on, "They took him...they took him because out of all of us he had discovered Amicus' plan..."
Anna leaned forward, trying to catch her eye, "There's still hope sis; they took him alive-"
"That's just it Anna." she said, finally looking at her, "They wanted him alive, but why? There hasn't been a ransom, no demands...all that effort when they could have killed him...Why?"
Elsa looked away again and Anna opened her mouth to say something...but nothing came; she didn't have any answer for her this time.
Before anyone else could speak another horn call was sounded and they all looked to the edge of the war camp where they saw something shocking. A dozen or less naga warriors stood on the edge of the forest holding a white flag of parlay outside the camp. Trolgon's head leered forward as he growled angrily at them, his frills rattling and his tail whipping slowly back and forth.
"Looks like were about to find out." Kristoff commented.
Elsa's eyes hardened at the sight of the naga, she turned away towards general Zyon-her hand leaving her sister's, "Order the guard to let them through."He nodded and ran back down the stairs, she looked to her dragon, "Stay here Trolgon."
The winged reptile snorted, his frills flexing in irritation but he did as he was told. Elsa followed the same path at a brisk walk, everyone else falling in her wake as she descended. With a slow cranking the portcullis lifted for them all to walk through, Elsa walked out a short distance away from the wall before stopping and waiting for their 'guests' to arrive. They were joined by Baldrek and Barec who had come to see why the horn had sounded.
Passing through the rows of tents they fist saw lady Sol, Captain Andris and General Zyon on horseback, with swords out, riding slowly towards them. The escort occasionally glancing back at their strange envoy. When the three riders parted, revealing what followed, anger gripped all those of Arendelle; Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Baldrek most of all. Walking at the head of the group of naga with their face plates down were commander Sorvec, Venereth and another witch knight.
Elsa's eyes grew wide, her breath heavy with unbridled rage and her fist clenching at her side so much that her knuckles audibly cracked. While Venereth and the other knight walked with their gaze affixed forward, Sorvec's thumbs rested in the loop of his belt as he eyed every soldier he passed-including the ones escorting them at spear point as if sizing them all up. As they neared Zyon, Sol and Andris dismounted to join the rest of the group facing down the approaching naga.
They stopped just a few feet of them and Sorvec raised his face plate; a smug smile on his face as he looked between those he knew hated him, "Recognize me?" he asked.
Elsa stepped forward, narrowing her eyes, "Give me one reason why I shouldn't crush you all where you stand!?"
Sorvec held his hands up and laughed, "Oh I missed you too...but sadly I'm not here for a fight."
"That can change!" Baldrek growled, stepping forward with his hammer ready-stopped only by Barec's hand on his chest.
"Well, look who it is! Lose something big man?" The commander tapped a finger against the ice axe looped in his belt, "This axe...or your friend?" he added with a sadistic smile.
Elsa's patience was gone, "Say what you came to say Sorvec! Before I do what I should have at the Pike..."
Venereth turned toward the commander, "Sorvec! We came here for a reason, enough delay."
He rolled his eyes and growled lowly but motioned behind him for two naga to approach that carried one of the crystalline pads they had used before. They placed it between Sorvec and Venereth and the device locked into the ground, Elsa and the others watched cautiously as it began to glow faintly. Then a fibrous black substance began to ooze out from the sides and gather above the pad, those behind the queen raised their weapons at the sight of it.
The black began to form into a tall figure that towered above all but Baldrek and only when the head formed did they all gasp in shock and fear; the Witch King stood right in their midst-his presence darkening the capitol city. The shadowy figure placed a hand against his own chest and with the other behind his back and nodded towards Elsa, his malignant voice echoing for all to hear, "Queen Elsa, at last...we meet."
Elsa's shock faded and her hateful glare returned as her fist tightened again, "Why are you here Amicus?"
He rose to full height, his forward hand clasping with the other behind him, "Peace. Gentle queen, I've come under a banner of truce...to deliver my terms."
"I don't give a damn what your 'terms' are! Where is Aldren!?"
"Ah, straight to it then...very well." he motioned towards Sorvec, "Thoir an tiodhlac. (Bring the gift.)"
With a smile the commander tossed something small towards Elsa, she was quick to snatch it from the air. Slowly she opened her palm, her eyes widening-mouth dropping in a horrified gasp, her other hand reaching toward the ring of ice-barely touching it, "Aldren..." she breathed out almost silently, tears seeping down from her eyes.
Anna, Kristoff and Sol walked closer and looked down at what had belonged to Aldren, a similar expression afflicted Anna's face as she held her sister's arm. Kristoff closed his eyes and he hung his head at the sight of the ring while Sol shook her head in disbelief, her voice cracking for the first time, "No!"
"Aldren Embercrow...is-dead." Amicus talked down on them, drawing all their attention back to him except for Elsa who still looked down at the ring. Around them, everyone else was hit with a mix of shock and sadness as the Witch King's words sunk in. "If it is any consolation he died fighting...as he no doubt would have wanted."
Sorvec's hands were on his hips as he walked closer nonchalantly, "Honestly I was disappointed Tarn only had the ring when he was finished with him, I hoped he'd at least bring back his head." Anna, Kristoff and Sol glared at the killer as he spoke out of turn, "But if I'd gotten a hold of him, Ha!; it would have been worse...much worse..." he grinned at Anna before shrugging, "Probably wouldn't recognize what was left of-"
The commander was brought to his knees and slid forward into Elsa's icy grip around his throat- Venereth drew her blade quickly holding it to Elsa's neck but Sol's was also at hers, the other witch knight attempted to do the same but was shoved back by Baldrek who held him off at the end of his hammer. The rest of the naga were held at weapon point, powerless to act with their fewer numbers. Ice held Sorvec's legs to the ground, his arms grasping Elsa's that held him tightly, her eyes frozen daggers and her teeth bared in a hateful snarl-completely ignoring the sword at her neck.
Despite his limited air Sorvec managed a raspy laugh, "Oh I know that look...same look you had when you failed to kill me the first time." he looked her in the eye, "But do you have it in you now? Do you have it in you to kill me in cold blood in front of all your loyal subjects, in front of the little snowman...in front of your baby sister?" he chuckled before narrowing his eyes, "You didn't have it in you to kill me then, I doubt you have it in you now!"
Her snarl faded, her own eyes narrowed as she shook her head slowly, "Kill you? No..." she pocketed the ring and unsheathed Dragon's flight, "Worse...much-worse." she hissed, holding the glowing tip dangerously close to his remaining eye, real fear crossing his face at last.
Venereth looked between Sorvec and the queen before bringing her weapon away from the latter and stepped back, "You should have chosen your words more carefully commander...I'm tempted to let her have you."
No one was going to stop Elsa, not Amicus, not Sorvec's own kin...not even Anna, though she did push Olaf behind her.
Amicus' voice broke the silence that was building, as if her were a parent scolding squabbling children, "I did not bring this impudent creature here to trade terse insults with you!...I've come to bring you an offer."
Elsa gave Sorvec's neck one last squeeze, making him gasp and his eyes wrench shut in pain before she threw him back on the ground. While he held his neck and coughed harshly before struggling back to his feet, the snow queen moved back to stand before the witch king. She was now utterly livid, her voice and body shaky with rage and pain, "You bring nothing but war and death upon my people! Threaten and brutalize my family and friends! Kill the man I love and send your minion to mock me with it! And now you say you've brought me an offer?...what offer of yours do you believe I'd ever accept!?"
Amicus folded his arms, his voice growing harsher, "Lord Aldren was given an offer as well that would have spared his life had he accepted...he refused. As for your people; they've only suffered as long as they have because time and time again you've done me the great discourtesy of not dying when you were supposed to! But make no mistake, your highness; you will die before this is over one way or the other. The question is whether you will continue to prolong their suffering in this prideful game of cat and mouse...or we can end this, here-and-now."
"Then come out from the shadows coward! And I'll end you once and for all!"
"Spare me! You spit hollow threats as if you had won any battle other than the one you fought with your own powers! But would you feel so bold in those threats had the Embercrow not put that spear in your hand and shown you how to use it? I think not..." he leaned forward, "The general bore immeasurable hate for lord Aldren...he informed me his end was not a gentle one. But I can assure you that whatever torment Tarn enacted upon the Embercrow is nothing!..." he looked to those that stood beside her, "Compared to what I will do to them."
Elsa held her spear at his neck, "YOU WON'T LAY A FINGER ON ANY OF THEM!"
He leaned back, "You're right, I won't...if you agree to my terms." He gestured to those behind her, "Think about it banrigh; why should anyone else have to shed blood for you, human or naga? I have no need for them to die...just you." he pointed the end of his metal claw directly at her chest, "Step through this portal and surrender yourself to me, stand your army down, whereafter I will reclaim what is mine and I will leave Arendelle and it's people untouched. Spurn this offer;...and we'll kill every last man, woman and child that cowers behind this wall."
Elsa lowered her spear, her brow furrowed as her gaze met the ground and her eyes wondered in thought. Anna stepped forward in front of her sister, and pointed angrily at him, "Even if we believed you'd honor that agreement, we'd never take it!"
He folded his arms and tilted his head towards Anna, "It's not your decision to make, little princess...its her's." He looked back to the queen, "Will you submit and deliver mercy upon those that stand behind you...or will you bring them only further ruin and desolation?"
Elsa looked up to her sister who of course shook her head vigorously, then to Kristoff, Olaf and Sol who yielded the same reactions. She turned to those behind her who eyes all screamed for her to refuse, every one of these people was connected to her; loved and respected her in one way or another, all perhaps...except one. Her eyes centered on prince Karl; a man who valued strategy above all things, who would choose the path of assured victory even if others saw it as wrong. His face gave no tells, she looked him dead in the eye until...he too slowly shook his head.
She looked down to Dragon's flight in her grip as she spoke her next words, "You speak of mercy, but what do have to say about the company you keep? Hans would like nothing more than to see my head removed just like you...but he wants my sister dead too..."
"I make whatever promises I must to the likes of Hans-"
"Is that right?" she turned back to the Witch King, "And if you'd make such false promises to 'the likes of Hans', your 'ally'...I wonder what lies you'd be willing to tell me, your enemy."
He lowered his gaze, "Think very carefully on what you're about to say-"
"But I have thought about it! You took Aldren from me because he saw through your illusion and made you feel vulnerable! And if you made him an 'offer' that he refused then you killed him because he learned something else-something you didn't want me to know, which only assures me of what I already knew about you!" She held her spear towards him, "You're afraid...you're afraid of me!"
He scoffed, "Afraid? Of you?"
"YES!" his head pulled back in surprise at her sudden ferocity in her voice, "I do fear for the people beside and around me, I fear for every-single one of them, it costs me nothing to admit that-even to the likes of you!" Proud smiles formed on the faces of those closest to her while the rest behind her moved forward to join in her defiant stand against the Witch King, "I gave into fear once before; that fear nearly destroyed my kingdom, my family and myself! That's the only weapon you possess Amicus; fear! And that makes you my greatest enemy!...and I will never make the mistake of giving into my enemy again!"
The Witch King's head snapped forward and his voice boomed, sending waves all around him, "IMPERTINENT CHILD! THERE WILL BE NO VIRTUOUS DEFIANCE TO REMEMBER HERE! NO MEMORY OF YOUR NOBLE SACRIFICE TO ENDURE THE AGES! THIS FATUOUS RESISTANCE CAN ONLY END IN YOUR SHARED ANNIHILATION! AND YOUR WORDS WILL COME AS NO COMFORT TO THOSE YOU CLAIM TO DEFEND WHEN I GRIND ARENDELLE AND IT'S PEOPLE TO DUST! NOTHING WILL REMAIN OF YOUR PALTRY KINGDOM BUT CRUSHED BONES AND BURNT RUBBLE!" Amicus' chest heaved from his enraged tantrum, "The world will never even know you existed!"
Elsa was unshaken, she and those around her continued to stand in opposition of the darkness that threatened them all. She did not meet his anger with her own, instead speaking quietly, "Maybe, but when you lose Amicus...the world will never forget it." A sound somewhere between a growl and a hiss echoed out of his black helm as his fists clenched at his sides as she continued, "All this time you've hunted me, sent your peons to do your dirty work while you hide like the craven snake that you are! But no longer; bring your army, bring your witch knights, crawl out of the shadows and face me Amicus and I will show you that you are right to be afraid!"
He inhaled deeply, scanning the entire group before coming back to her, "So be it! You'll get what you ask for then...War and Death."
"My people defeated you once before...and we will defeat you again. We are not afraid of you. I am not afraid of you!" she spat, defiance ever in her eyes and in her face.
He leaned forward so close that his mask was nearly touching her face, "You-will-be..." he hissed quietly.
Without another word the visage faded, the black substance seeped back into the crystalline pad before a bleeding red rift opened above it. The naga soldiers behind the three filed in first, then Sorvec drew one of his swords and with a smile held it out towards the crowd, "I'll be seeing you all...very soon..." his sword lingered towards Baldrek who stared him down before he entered the portal.
The second witch knight stepped towards Elsa, it was then she saw that his left hand was no hand at all...but a wicked steel blade where a hand had once been. He held it towards her in a threatening fashion, "You and I have unfinished business."
She narrowed her eyes, realizing who it was, "Grima..."
He said nothing and turned to enter the portal as well, the last to remain was Venereth who turned towards the portal but stopped. She turned back towards them and raised her face plate, "Our army has already begun it's march from the far west; through the Greyfire Mountains...we will arrive before the city in less than two days."
"And how do we know you won't just 'portal' your army through like last time?" Sol asked.
She shook her head, "There are far too many to bring through portals alone."
Elsa's eyes showed her distrust for her while most of the others were not sure how to react to the naga who was giving them this information no apparent reason, then it was Kristoff who stepped forward with a softer expression, "Why are you telling us this?"
She frowned and lowered her gaze to the ground, "Aldren Embercrow...was a good man, a brave man; he did not deserve the end Tarn gave him..." then she looked back up directly at Elsa and Anna with harder eyes, "I hope you can live up to his example."
That was the last thing she said before entering the portal. It closed and ,against their expectations, the crystalline pad remained intact. The first to speak up was captain Andris, "If what she said it true; then we've run out of time."
"We should begin preparing the city for a siege immediately; she could be lying and they may already be on our doorstep." Prince Karl added.
Sol spoke to Elsa in a quiet but determined tone, "All he sent was the ring? I'm not convinced that my cousin is dead if that viper didn't have the spine to bring us his head!"
Anna overheard, hope in her eyes, "You mean, you think there's a chance he's still alive?"
Baldrek's angry roar and the sound of his hammer crashing down on the crystalline pad and shattering it caught all their attention, he turned to them huffing in rage, "Then we get him back! I say we chase down those slithering cowards and grind them to dust!"
"We don't even know where they'll be coming from." Eugene reasoned.
"Yes we do!" the north man snapped, "I was an ice harvester for years-I know those paths, they'll march through the Giant's Door."
Kristoff spoke up, "He's right! That pass is the only road wide enough for them to bring an army through those peaks, it'll take them right past the North Mountain."
Karl stepped forward, "If we march the army west we leave the city open to attack! We should remain here, continue as lord Aldren planned."
Barec narrowed his eyes at the prince, "Well, you sure are quick to agree with lord Aldren now that he's not here!
Before anyone else could say anything, general Zyon moved to the head of the group, "I'm afraid I must agree with the prince..." He said this with no small amount of reluctance, "We cannot risk the city's defense for the sake of one man...not even lord Embercrow."
Anna turned towards the Zarian in disbelief, "How can you say that? After all he's done for you!"
He turned and raised a finger to her, "Do not question my love for Aldren! He may be your kinsman but he was my brother on the battlefield long before he was yours!"
"You certainly have a funny way of showing your 'love' general!" Sol spat.
Arguing broke out all amongst them, their voices loud and angry. But Elsa was numb to all of it, while they bickered she looked down at the ring of ice in her palm before closing her hand around it tight and closing her eyes, "General Zyon and prince Karl...are right." her voice silenced them all.
They all looked to her in shock at the calmness in her voice, none were as shocked as Anna, "W-...what?..."
The queen turned to them all, her face neutral and controlled, "We stick to the plan and prepare the city for a siege...that is all."
Without another word she walked through them back towards the wall, Anna shook herself of her shock and pushed through to catch up with her sister, "Elsa wait!" she grabbed her arm, stopping her, "We can't abandon him! After everything he's done for us, all that he's sacrificed! Elsa don't you want him back!?"
Elsa snapped back to her, grasping her arm back, "ANNA! OF COURSE I WANT HIM BACK!" the princess was dumbstruck at the queen's pained tone, the sight of her sister's weary eyes, breaths heavy with sadness and anger, "I love him Anna. I love him as much as I love you...and it is taking all my restraint not to send everything we have at Amicus this very moment! I want nothing more than to rip that murderer, who dares call himself a king, right out of whatever black pit he's hiding in! To end his evil then bring Aldren back to us and make our family whole again..." She breathed out shakily, "But I can't do that now...I have a responsibility-not just to you but to every living person behind this wall! And I will do what is required of me to protect them because it is what Aldren would want of me, what he would want of us!"
The princess lowered her head shamefully, Elsa held her sister's hand in both of hers, "We have to do our duty to Arendelle now Anna...and I need you to trust me."
Anna looked up to her eyes, "I...I do Elsa...I always have."
Elsa smiled and nodded before pulling her sister in and leaning her forehead against Anna's, her hand lingering at the back of her neck. They both looked down at the ring of ice one more time before Elsa's eyes hardened again and she looked past her sister right at islander prince, "Looks like you got your wish Karl...I expect you to have this city secure by dawn."
All he gave was a short nod, she looked back to Anna with a softer expression, "I want to be alone for now Anna..."
Anna nodded hesitantly and released her elder sister's hands who turned away to walk back through the wall's gates.
"Queen Elsa!" She was halted at the sound of Karl's voice though she did not turn, he took a few steps forward, "I did not believe before, I did not truly understand what it was you had faced...I do now."
She had heard him but she said nothing and only continued through the gate and out of sight of the others. As she passed through the wall she was greeted by the sound of Trolgon's wing beats. He had been waiting for her return and glided curiously down to her side. Hesitantly she opened her hand, revealing Aldren's ring to him, he trilled sadly at the sight of the object before leaning his giant head down to sniff it. She wrapped an arm around his snout and leaned her head against his briefly before releasing him and continuing her journey to the palace.
Her dragon followed her on foot the entire way through the city until she reached the courtyard where Gillian watched her walk past. He was unsure what had happened but positive that something was wrong...and he intended to find out what. She ascended the palace steps where Trolgon could not follow and could only watch her enter the double doors. She climbed the stairs to the upper levels, passing castle servants, citizens who had been offered asylum and overseer Freja who had offered to help here in any way she could.
As she neared her room she passed overseer Kai and head servant Gerda who she spoke to as she stood in front of her door, "Allow no one to disturb me unless the need is urgent."
Kai nodded, "Yes your majesty...is there anything else you require?"
"No..."
She turned the handle and walked inside, closing it behind her. Now alone her back hit the wood and she slid down to the floor, her mouth slowly opening in a silent scream as her eyes wrenched shut, tears spilling out from them at last. Her right hand covered her eyes while her left held the ring tightly as despairing sobs racked her body. Frost crept out from around her and coated every surface of the room, the sudden intense cold shattering a vase and cracking the mirror of her vanity. There she sat in the deepest anguish she had felt since the death of her parents, since she believed she had killed Anna...holding the last thing she had given to the man she had loved, a love that had been stolen from her...
OoO
Rapunzel watched as all those around her dispersed; Karl was now the architect of Arendelle's defense and he was not slow in giving orders to that end. He was in command and a capable leader but the pain of Aldren's absence could be seen on the faces of many. Her gaze lingered longest on Anna and Kristoff, who's eyes still stared in the direction of Elsa's departure. Their deep concern and feeling powerless to help made them unable to move or look away, She was brought out of her stare when her husband placed his hand on her back, speaking softly, "Hey, I'm gonna go with the cap now and help out where I can. You gonna be ok?"
She looked up to him and smiled, "Yeah, I'm fine Eugene...be careful." she kissed him on the cheek.
"Well we're at war but the battle's still a ways off...I hope." he added grimly.
She watched her husband walk away until she could no longer distinguish him from the crowd. Rapunzel's mind went back to a time when she understood her cousin's pain better than she wanted to. She looked to Pascal on her shoulder who squeaked sadly to her. She sighed, "I know Pascal; I want to help them but how can we? It's not as if we could just bolt off into the night, find Aldren and bring him back on our own..." A confident smile formed on her face, "That's a great idea." she said aloud, but then the chameleon gave her unsure glance, making her second guess herself, putting a finger to her lip she tapped her foot, "Hmm...but we can't go on our own, we're gonna need help-"
"What do you need help with?"
They jumped, startled by a small voice behind her. They looked down to see Olaf looking up with a curious smile. She rolled her eyes, hands on her hips, "What-us? Nothing, nothing at all- just standing here doing nothing, just...enjoying the weather..."
He raised his brow, "Are you sure?"
She scoffed, waving a hand, "Yeah! Of course silly!" She smiled nervously, trying her best to sound not guilty.
He shrugged and turned away, "Oh O-k. I just thought you might want in on on my plan to find Aldren and bring him back on my own..."
She shook her head in surprise before lunging forward and scooping up the snowman's top half to face her, "You were gonna try and save Aldren by yourself too!?"
He smiled widely, "Of Course!" he exclaimed with arms up.
Rapunzel nodded slowly, smiling too, "Well...what if we went and saved Aldren by ourselves...together."
"Or just together, that would make more sense you know."
She shook her head and laughed, "Good idea." she sat his upper half back to the bottom, "But if we're gonna do this we'll need more than just the three of us."
Olaf pointed towards the castle, "Why don't we ask-"
"I know just the person! But first I need to grab a few things-come on!" she said quickly while grabbing his arm and running with him, not realizing that she had run off with just his arm and not the rest.
"Wait-wait! I need that!" he said, adding an exasperate sigh, and began his fastest possible waddle after her, "Out of shape-out of shape-out of shape..." he muttered between pants.
OoO
Cassandra walked along the paths of the war camp occupied by the Coronan army, she and her father had orders to secure the outer wall perimeter and the inner city. Their share of troops had already begun filing into the wall and she was to be in command of the wall's garrison until further notice. She would follow her orders...but now she was on her way to the royal tent where she suspected Rapunzel might be. She had left the princess in a rush once Karl had started giving orders, after-all she was a soldier but Rapunzel was her best friend and she felt she owed her an apology for leaving without saying anything, and if nothing else she wanted to see how she was holding up.
She arrived at the center of their encampment and approached a tent much larger than the others, as she parted the flap and walked inside she hoped that Eugene wasn't there so she could talk to Rapunzel alone-
"What the-?"
She reeled back in surprise to see the princess hurriedly stuffing her knapsack full of provisions; a compass, maps, vials of herbs and snacks. The princess was so focused in her task she hadn't noticed Cassandra standing behind her in utter shock, but the latter did notice the snowman sitting on the table to the left that waved at her, "Hello!"
It was then Rapunzel turned around and smiled at the sight of her best friend, "Oh! Cass, hey! I was gonna come to you but this works to."
"W-what are you doing?"
The princess continued packing, "Just packing a few things." she picked up a steel frying pan and a golden lasso with a metal weight on either end, looking between them, "What do you think, should I bring the lasso or the frying pan-oh I'll just bring both!" she decided, looping them to her coat.
Cassandra shook her head, "Wait a second! You're leaving? Rapunzel you do know these troops are preparing for a siege? You heard what Amicus said; he's going hit this place with everything he's got."
Rapunzel pointed at her with a baguette, "Exactly! This army needs it's rightful leaders-both of them."
She sighed, "Raps...Karl is in charge now-"
"Well he shouldn't be!" She and pascal nodded to each other.
"We don't even know if he's still alive-and even if he is we have no idea what he's in the middle of now."
She walked up to Cassandra with determination in her voice, "Which is exactly why were going to find Aldren, rescue him from the Witch King and bring him back here so he can lead the alliance with Elsa!"
Cassandra looked down at her disbelieving, "Are you sure you're doing this because you think Aldren should be the one leading the alliance...or because you really want to make everything better for Elsa?"
She thought about it for a moment before smiling, "Why not both?"
The lady shook her head and small smile formed on her lips, "Well...it's not like I could stop you even if I tried...So I guess I have to come with you don't I?"
She put on her earmuffs, "Yep!"
Cassandra chuckled before becoming more serious again, "But it's not like we can just ride out of here. The perimeter has already been locked down and I can guarantee you Karl isn't going to give us leave to look for Aldren."
"Why would you ride when you can just fly out of here?" Olaf asked as he fiddled with a compass.
They looked back to him with confusion but soon his meaning became clear to them, Rapunzel putting her hands over her smiling mouth in utter glee while Cassandra rubbed the back of her neck and groaned, "I'm gonna regret this..."
Not long after the trio (and pascal) exited the tent, Rapunzel wearing a cloak around her shoulders for warmth and to conceal her intent to escape. Making their way towards the wall they did their best to act natural but occasionally would glance around them for any prying eyes. The two women cautiously eyed the snowman who waddled happily beside them as he'd been known to blurt before. The princess smiled to her friends, "I think we're doing pretty good so far."
"Lady Cassandra!" they both tensed, turning to their right to see prince Karl and sir Brandon approaching them on horseback with a islander contingent.
Despite his less than pleased tone and expression Cassandra bowed her head respectfully as he neared, "Prince Karl."
"I thought you would have already reached your post by now..."
"I was on my way there but I thought it prudent to see what her majesty's needs first; as my first duty is to her." she explained calmly.
"Is not her husband capable of seeing to her 'needs'?" Sir Brandon asked snidely.
"Her husband is doing his part to help protect this city...just like you."
"Which is exactly where you should be." The prince said before looking to Rapunzel, "And where may I ask are you off to at this late hour?"
She cleared her throat and pulled the cloak around herself tighter, "Oh, well I was on my way to the palace to see if there was anything I could do to help there. Cass was just keeping me company on her way to her post is all..."
Karl furrowed his brow, then he raised an eyebrow at Olaf who only smiled and waved at him, he looked back to Cassandra, "I expect no further delays on your way, do I make myself clear lady Cassandra?"
She nodded, "Yes your majesty..." she replied coolly.
Without another word the prince and his escort rode past them, the knight giving her a cross look as they passed. Once they were gone Pascal grimaced in the direction they'd left and blew a raspberry. Cassandra looked to Rapunzel, "You know something? I don't feel so bad about disobeying orders anymore..."
The princess smiled, "That's the spirit."
They continued their journey through the war camp at a slow pace and once they reached the gate they took a last look over their shoulder before nodding to one another and running, Cassandra scooping up Olaf to carry him. None of the soldiers they passed through the city questioned their presence at the moment but that could change soon. They let nothing stop them until they came to the bridge leading into the palace courtyard.
It was here they slowed their pace so as not to draw unneeded attention from the castle guard. It didn't take long for them to spot the great ice dragon curled up on the cobblestone near the castle his frills laid back while his great head rested sadly on the steps leading up. He lifted his head, his frills flexing slightly at the sight of their approach, but the sadness in his eyes remained.
Cassandra set the snowman down who then ran up to the dragon first, "Hi Trolgon!" The dragon bent down to greet him with a depressed trill, Olaf frowned and nodded, "I know buddy, I'm sad too. But it's OK, we have a way to fix everything!"
The beast cocked his head curiously at the snowman before looking past him to the princess who approached next, "Hey Trolgon, do you remember me?"
He leaned forward and nudged her affectionately, she laughed and hugged his snout with both arms, "I missed you too big guy." she pulled back to look the dragon in the eye, "But now I need your help; we need you to fly us out of here so we can look for Aldren."
Trolgon pulled away from her arms and looked up towards the palace, likely to Elsa's room and whined pitifully before looking down at the ground, an uncertain look in his expression at the idea of leaving his mother now.
"I know you don't want to leave her now...but if there's even a chance that he's alive...don't you want to take it?"
He looked back to the castle, his eyes in thought for a few moments before he rose from the ground and walked beside them, leaning his neck down in offer.
Rapunzel smiled gratefully while Olaf jumped up and down, "Yes! Adventure! Just like old times-but with you guys instead of my other friends."
Cassandra nodded, "Well, guess we're doing this..." she then looked down at Rapunzel's feet, "But if we're going to the mountains, you really ought to be wearing some shoes."
"Will these do?"
They all turned sharply in surprise at the voice only to see it came from the forge master Gillian, who smiled pleasantly. He walked to them calmly and held out a pair of fur-lined leather boots complete with blue steel plates on the top for protection, clearly made for a soldier. "They're a spare pair made for lady Sol, might not be your size...though I suspect you'll make do." He sat them down in front of the princess, "Well, go on."
She looked between him and the boots hesitantly but did as he asked and slipped her feet into them, she took a few in place steps before laughing nervously, "Roomy."
Cassandra eyed the smith suspiciously, "Why are you doing this?
He clasped his hands behind his back, "I knew Aldren when he was a boy and I regret that I did not get to watch him grow into the man he is, he was good then as he is now. And I know how much he means to their majesties and to this alliance...besides that I have my own reasons for helping you but explaining them would take time; time I suspect you don't have much of before the prince catches wind of your scheme to elope." He walked a little closer to Rapunzel, "But please, hurry if you can; Trolgon is one of Arendelle's mightiest defenders and we will have need of him soon, as well as the rest of you...all of you." he added, looking to Olaf who smiled appreciatively.
The princess nodded, "Thank you."
The group climbed onto the dragon's back with Rapunzel in the front, Cassandra behind her and Olaf between them while Pascal made sure to tuck himself away in the hood of Rapunzel's coat. Gillian placed his hand on the dragon's side, "Whatever you find out there, be careful; I don't suspect the Witch King is ever in a merciful mood-especially today."
She nodded, "We will...and we'll bring Aldren back." she replied determined.
"Good luck, your majesty." He smiled before stepping back and giving Trolgon a kick in the wing, "Right then, get going you lazy lummox, they're not gonna fly themselves!"
The dragon hissed at the old man as he walked away, Gillian waved a hand, "Oh! 'Hiss!' to you too!"
The two girls laughed at that before Trolgon spread his wings and with a series of hard flaps took them into the night sky-and nearly knocked Gillian off his feet. The dragon's sudden departure with the princess of Corona stirred up the attention of the guards in the courtyard and the four adventurers couldn't help but smile at the sight of their confusion. Off to the west they flew to find Aldren Embercrow, on the wings of a dragon carrying faith and hope with them...
Next chapter will be up probably the day after the movie's premiere as long as I can stay focused
As always I hope you enjoyed, remember to Fav, Follow and Review and I will see you all next time!
