~Chapter 13~
Elsa
I was thinking of Anna and of home, but in my heart, I couldn't deny the fact I wanted to see my father while all this effort was taken to come here; accidentally nonetheless. When the light returned after speaking the incantation, I thought of my father. As the light dissipated, we were hovering just over the fjord again, but dropping straight onto the deck of a large galleon ship. These ships were huge and used for wartime. Why on earth were we here? Crashing flat onto the deck, it knocked the wind out of both Niklas and me, but after making sure we each were okay. I spun around to get my bearings.
"Elsa?" Niklas asked, his tone full of suspicion, "Why aren't we back in Arendelle in our time?"
"Why do you think we aren't?" I asked.
My husband pointed up the short set of stairs on the deck leading to the ship's steering wheel and who was behind the wheel was none other than my father. There were a few guards to speak of and they promptly seized Niklas and I. Taken to my father quickly, there I was with my mouth agape seeing a younger version of him. His hair cut shorter than I remembered with his face free of any facial hair.
"Who are you?" Father snapped, defensively.
Niklas was the first to bow his head as I quickly followed his lead.
"Forgive us, sir. We came here by accident." Niklas said.
"Stowaways aren't tolerated." Father said, "Bold of you to choose a princes' ship."
That's right. I didn't know the year we had traveled to, but if father was still a prince. He wasn't king of Arendelle yet.
"I swear, this was an unfortunate accident," Niklas said, glancing my way.
I know he was upset that I made us stay, but I couldn't help myself. It's not every day a unique situation like this presents itself.
"I should turn this rig directly around and bring you into custody back in Arendelle."
"Sir, we will vacate at the earliest convenience and-"
"And avoid punishment for your crime?" Father interrupted, "No," He said firmly, "Take them below deck until we dock the Isle of Ahtohallan." He instructed the guards.
"Are you visiting Iduna?" I asked.
My father shot me a surprised and quick aggressive gaze taking out his sword bringing it to my neck. I knew he wouldn't do anything, he was bluffing. Though how quick he was to come to mother's defense toward a stranger he doesn't know is his own daughter. Niklas was trying to resist the guards at his back for my safety, but I remained calm locking eyes with him.
"Who are you?" He growled, "And how do you know Iduna?"
"We're family," I said.
"And why should I believe you?" He asked.
Before I could attempt to argue my case, a lookout from the rigging of the ship called down.
"Land hoe, Ahtohallan draws near." He called.
A dense fog began to cloud the ship as a water spout shot out from the fog soaking my father. He laughed as he wiped his face and looked up toward the sky. My mother descended down from the ship's rigging almost as if she were floating on air. She didn't even notice Niklas and me at first. Her boots hit the deck and she walked right over and kissed my father. Mother was older now, but not by much. Gone were the freckles of her younger days and her brown hair was down and smooth growing passed her shoulders. The magenta scarf that she wore the last time we saw her was still draped around her shoulders.
"Agnarr, you shouldn't have come to Ahtohallan. We meet in the middle, remember." Mother scolded.
"I know, but trying to come see you and sneak in doing it is a bit exciting."
"We saw each other yesterday," Mother laughed.
"Doesn't matter," Father replied.
Mother finally glanced at me doing a double take as she at first froze and then hugged me.
"Elsa, it's great to see you!" She exclaimed, "You too, Niklas."
"It's been awhile," I shrugged.
As we parted, Father glanced at me.
"You know these two, Iduna?"
"We met a few years ago," Mother replied.
"You just met some family for the first time three years ago?" Father questioned, still suspicious acting like an interrogator.
Mother looked at him.
"They're good people, calm down." She replied.
Father sheathed his sword as mother couldn't stop staring.
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's just, it's been three years and you guys don't look at all different. I mean, I know I've changed a bit in three years." She paused, "Your last visit, I didn't get to say goodbye."
"Sorry about that, we had to get home, though we took a slight detour," Niklas said, snapping his head toward me again. He had every reason to be upset. I'd make it up to him. We had to of been okay with coming back near Ahtohallan, it was lucky we didn't land in Arendelle.
"My father should know you're back," Mother insisted.
"Wait Iduna, I came to see you privately," Father told her.
"It will have to wait, Agnarr." She said, "Anchor your ship near Ahtohallan's shores, but wait for me to come to you. You know how paranoid my people are."
My father had his crew pull the ship right up against the shore as Niklas and I stepped off the ship. Mother kissed father's cheek saying she'd return later. Father got less aggressive toward us once he heard mother knew us. Though she only knew a partial truth, not the whole. I wanted to tell her about me.
Niklas was quiet as my mother escorted us into Ahtohallan. I wanted to return home and yet seeing my parents here was more wonderful than I anticipated. Parting ways in the Black Hallows to meeting them again as their younger selves in the past was more than I could have hoped was possible. I only wish my sister could experience this with me. Even though coming here by that ring's power I found in that underwater ruin was an accident, I still sought answers for the growing frost that had put my aunt and cousins to sleep. Njal seemed knowledgeable. He was my grandfather, after all, I didn't ever get to know him until now, but perhaps he could be helpful.
"What are you scheming?" Niklas asked pulling me out of my thoughts.
"I'm not scheming anything," I said.
"Elsa, you shouldn't have kept us here. I thought we agreed to that."
"We do agree and I will get us home," I nodded, "Just not yet, we still don't know what spell has claimed my aunt and cousins."
"What knowledge do you think the past has that our future doesn't?" Niklas challenged. His tone full of annoyance. I took his hand in mine giving it a gentle squeeze.
"There is magic in this place, the likes I have never seen, I hope to gain knowledge. Anything to help my family wake from their sleep. Is that too selfish of me?"
Niklas sighed not letting go of my hand.
"I'm king of Arendelle, but I'm your husband first. I'll follow your lead here since obviously I know nothing of what it's like to have power, but I fear losing you."
"Losing me?" I laughed, "Don't even give that another passing thought."
We made it through the woods to the cliffside above where Ahtohallan stood. Needing to be taken down below by way of a water slide last time, but this time was quite different. Mother moved large rock chunks scaling down to where Ahtohallan was. Did she learn another elemental ability?
"Iduna, when did you-" I started to ask.
"You left three years ago," She paused, "Much has happened since then. I can explain more later."
Maybe it was better to not know. Was knowing this information dangerous? Ahtohallan appeared to have gotten smaller as we made our way into the village. Some of the homes that used to be down here were destroyed. Less townsfolk were out on the streets. What had happened here these past three years? Though for Niklas and I, it wasn't that long at all.
"You chose a great time to return to us," Mother said, taking us into the main hut of the village.
"What's that?"
"I have two nephews. My sister and her husband Colin are formally presenting them to my father, Njal. It's a total surprise for father because today is his sixtieth birthday."
"That will be one he will remember," Niklas added.
We were presented to Njal once again and he looked much older than our last encounter. There was fatigue in his eyes and his skin seemed flushed. He didn't seem to be well off.
"Father, I bring more guests for your celebration," Iduna announced.
Njal looked at us with wide eyes coughing trying to clear his throat.
"What brings you here?" He asked.
"I have questions," I said.
"So do many people, my dear, but such things are a delicate nature," Njal replied.
I know he was concerned with us being back, that was easily read on his face.
"You shouldn't have come back! It's dangerous!"
"We know," Niklas added, with a heavy sigh.
"There is a frost growing in our home. Fire won't melt it and it's putting people we care about to sleep. Have you heard of such things happening before? Can you help us?"
"I'm sorry for these grave circumstances. It sounds like the work of an ancient power. I wish I could help, but alas, it is beyond me."
"So it can't be stopped?" Niklas asked.
Njal looked at me with concern on his face before glancing at my mother.
"Excuse me," Njal muttered before leaving his hut.
"What's going on?" Niklas asked.
"I'll explain later, but first I have somewhere I need to be." Mother said.
"Iduna, we don't have time to linger here," Niklas urged.
"Meet me at the north shore in thirty minutes." She nodded before leaving Niklas and me abruptly. What was going on?
"Is it just me or was that a little peculiar?" Niklas asked, turning towards me.
"Oh, it definitely was," I agreed.
"Elsa,"
"I know," I said taking his hand in mine, "We'll leave today once I question Njal and my mother about the frost. I wish I could communicate with Anna and let her know we were okay."
"Isn't there a way, what Royan taught you last year, you know? With the snowballs?"
"My ice power is blocked, remember?"
"Doesn't hurt to try," Niklas shrugged.
I glanced down at my hands and the time-traveling ring on my finger. The blue hue hadn't once faded in color, still glowing strong, which meant its power was still intact. I closed my eyes trying to summon a little snow, but my body ached upon attempting to do so. Gritting my teeth, I tried to feel the icy temperatures permeate my fingers, but nothing happened as I let out an exasperated breath.
"I can't,"
Niklas squeezed my hand.
"It's fine. Don't overwhelm yourself."
I got up off my knees looking around noting blank sheets of paper on the desk in the corner beside a quill and ink bottle.
"I need to write, Anna."
"Write her, from the past?" Niklas questioned, "Let me be the voice of reason here, how do you plan on doing that?"
"I hide the letter in a place that will remain unchanged for years, so Anna can find it in the present." I nodded, sitting down to compose the letter.
"Alright, I think I understand. How do you intend on getting it to that place?"
I only managed to write my sister's name as my husband's point was made and I stopped, turning toward him.
"We can't get it to Arendelle." I reminded myself.
"It's a great risk." Niklas nodded, "Njal warned us about going places we know in our present. We've already seen people we know in the present, so I'd rather not take any further risks."
I kept writing assuring my sister not to worry and to seek answers in Ahtohallan. I signed the bottom and I had Niklas do so too. She knew my penmanship and needed to know that Niklas and I both were okay. I sealed the letter folding it tight before rising to my feet.
"We can't go to Arendelle, but my father can. I need to get this to him."
We had to hurry before my father's ship would leave the beach. Hurrying out to the main square, we didn't make it far before Njal found us.
"Elsa, I wish to speak with you," He beckoned.
"Of course, but I must deliver a message before-"
"It is of grave importance, it must be now and you alone." He replied glancing at Niklas.
"Sir, I must insist I stay with my wife, you know-" Niklas said before I handed him the letter.
"I'll go, but you need to get this to my father. Anna must know and the sooner she finds it, the better."
"Elsa," Niklas muttered, hesitant to part ways.
"Go, I'll meet you with Iduna later." I nodded.
He knew I was right and this couldn't be delayed. Niklas kissed my cheek before leaving me and Njal.
"He's a good man, that's plain to see."
"He is," I nodded.
"Follow me, Elsa"
I did as he asked and we returned to the cave beneath the cliffs. Njal was silent as we walked that long path into the cave. He took me somewhere new and just when I thought it couldn't get deeper, further in we went as the path was well lit with torches. I felt like we had walked for miles and yet it wasn't that long, but the weight of this room weighed different on my body. My muscles began to ache, but not for too long before we stopped. There was a blue glow about the room with the movement of water reflected onto the walls and ceiling. A few feet ahead from where we stopped there was a large opening in the ground and deep within was dark water. I looked up at Njal curiously.
"What is this place?" I asked.
"This is the heart of Ahtohallan. Memories of the past lie within these depths."
"Memories?" I questioned.
"Yes," He replied, "But take care to not dive down deep or the waters will claim your life."
"Why did you bring me here?"
"This place can offer answers to what you seek, but I bring you here with much caution. Lives have been lost."
"I'll be careful."
"My daughter needs no further distractions," Njal said, bluntly, "Her responsibility is to protect our people from a powerful malice."
"What malice?"
"A creature whose power is unmatched with influence over the mind and body, who longs to eliminate all those who cross his path. He lies buried cursed to remain there unless the two kingdoms that sealed him unite to break the seal."
"Two kingdoms?"
"Arendelle and the Isles of the South."
"How do you know such things?"
"Visions, my dear. Yet when I try to picture your face in this, I get a blurred image."
"We know why, it's because I'm not from here."
Njal frowned.
"I know not what it means, but I think it has to do with the fact that you and your husband should leave this place."
"I hear you, Njal, but first I need your help."
"It's doubtful I can even-"
"There is a frost growing in our home putting people I love under some sort of sleeping spell."
Njal's eyes narrowed before widening in surprise. He clearly recognized this phenomena I was disclosing. He glanced at the glowing blue ring on my finger before looking back up at me.
"Iduna," He said, "She might help. Find her and be on your way. You don't belong here, but perhaps, in time, you just might."
My eyes narrowed.
"Wait, I don't understand."
"Leave Elsa!" He bellowed, his voice reverberating off the walls.
It startled me as I quickly left heading toward where my mother requested to meet her. Though I got a little lost on the way, I found Isidora along the way who directed me by taking me there myself. Silence fell between us as she led me until she finally came out with her exact thoughts.
"You and your husband should not be here. You endanger all of us."
"We will leave, but I'm afraid it's a bit more complicated."
"I don't know, it seems selfish. What reason could you have for coming here?"
Trees began to clear as I saw a sandy beach area a few hundred paces away.
"I wish I could tell you, but frankly, I don't trust you, regardless of being family."
"Likewise," She muttered.
I saw two people waiting on the shore gazing out on the fjord. I wish I knew the map of the area to know where on the fjord we were. My mother was standing next to another woman. I didn't see my husband anywhere yet, I hope he managed to get that letter to my father without difficulty. I approached Iduna and the other woman from behind as they both were distracted by the fjord, but at the approach of my footsteps, they both turned to greet me. The woman beside my mother was pregnant and she definitely had a maternal glow about her. My mother turned toward this woman, I wasn't sure if they were friends or she was a lady in waiting or something of the like.
"Excuse us, Svana." Mother told her friend.
Svana glanced at me as I smiled at her warmly when an alarm of recognition went off in my head upon hearing her name. It was the name Kristoff shared was his mother's.
"Wait," I said, stopping her, "Is your last name Bjorgman?"
"It is, indeed," She replied, narrowing her eyes curiously, "How do you know this when we've never met? Did Iduna tell you?"
"I know your so-," I paused, pursing my lips knowing I couldn't reveal the truth, "I think our families have crossed paths," I shrugged.
"Well perhaps we can reminisce later," Svana nodded.
I smiled knowing there more than likely wouldn't be a later, but I couldn't wait to tell Kristoff about this. I waited until we were alone as Svana left my mother and I by the shore and Niklas was nowhere in sight. If he wasn't along soon, I'd have my mother tell me where to find father. Though what I wanted to share with her now couldn't wait.
"It's interesting you know Svana's family," She said.
"More on that later, listen, there's something I need to share with you and it may be confusing to hear, but I promise you it's the truth,"
My mother was distracted glancing out on the horizon before us.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked.
It wasn't often that a daughter got to console her own mother, especially a younger version of her. She was clutching her left hand in an anxious manner. Though as I saw what was swiveled between her fingers, it became quite clear.
"Did Agnarr propose?" I asked.
She finally looked at me in surprise raising her brow.
"How did you know it was him?"
"Was it a secret?" I smirked.
"Sorry," She shrugged, "I guess I'm still just so guarded about our relationship. Svana was the first to know, but I want to tell my sister tonight. I wish the decision was easier."
"Isn't it?" I replied, "I've seen the two of you together. Have you accepted?"
"I did, nothing could make me happier,"
Her voice trailed off as her face fell.
"But-" I urged, knowing there was more.
"But I have a duty and responsibility to protect people from the malice that lies dormant."
"Why does that fall to you alone?"
"Because Elsa, I am the Fifth Spirit. I've trained in the elemental arts for over three years. If I don't protect people, who will?"
I pursed my lips grabbing her shoulder.
"I empathize with the burden of protecting those you care about."
"If father knew how I really felt, I can imagine the look of disappointment on his face," She paused, glancing directly toward me, "So what was it you wanted to tell me? It sounds mysterious."
She sounded half teasing, but I honestly wasn't sure how she'd react to what I was about to say.
"Should we wait for your husband before we discuss this?" She asked.
"I'd actually rather tell you this by myself,"
"So he is aware of this?"
"Yes," I nodded, simply. I paused again hearing Niklas in my head knowing he would be against sharing this, but I knew that I must. "You know we're family, your father told you so."
She nodded her head.
"Father didn't say much about it, but it's enough to know you are my family."
I took a breath before locking my eyes with hers.
"I'm your daughter,"
She blinked a few times letting the words sink in, but I didn't like the way she looked at me afterward. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. I let the words hang out there and the moment I spoke them, the ring of time got suddenly hot.
"You're not serious,"
"Why would I make that up?"
"What proof have you?" She growled, growing angry. I had never seen such anger in her before. Though I didn't blame her mistrust. "People would say such things to throw a facade and get me to do favors for them."
"I have no proof and it's not a facade, but-"
"The day we met three years ago…" She muttered, "You came from the future?"
"Yes, purely by accident, but once I saw you again I had to stay just for a little while because-"
"I'm not there in your future, am I?" She concluded.
"You and father gave your lives to help Anna, me, Niklas, and all our friends escape a deadly land."
"Anna-" She murmured, "I always liked that name for a little girl and I imagine you were named in honor of my mother, Elzabeth."
Her eyes welled with tears and I took a step toward her and she stepped away in a flinch.
"I'm sorry," She muttered.
"I get it," I nodded.
I made a mistake and should have listened to my husband.
"Why have you come to me with this?"
"I need your help and now that I've been here, I wonder if Ahtohallan can give me the answers to the curse that has befallen part of my family in my time."
Mother wiped her cheeks clearing her throat.
"Who is cursed?"
"Isidora and her two sons, please, come back with us, use whatever power you can to wake them, and I'll bring you back here to this time. It's simple really."
"Elsa, my expertise lies with elemental power, but I know enough about time that it's something you shouldn't mess with. The power to bend past, present, future…it does things to your mind."
"I'm fine, really. It's others back home I'm concerned about. Please, can you help?"
The sound of footsteps approached and I saw my husband joined by another man I hadn't met before.
"Colin." Mother acknowledged the new face before glancing at my husband, "Niklas."
"I found him at the Arendelle ship," Colin said.
"A man can get lost in a new environment," Niklas shrugged, glancing at me.
"Iduna, are you ready to go?" Colin urged.
I had said my peace, but mother hadn't exactly given an answer to the problem.
"Wait, now?"
Colin offered mother his arm.
"I-I'm sorry, I have to go. Hunting for the feast later."
"B-But," I muttered.
"Return to Ahtohallan in time, Elsa. Answers can be reflected back."
My mother and Colin left as Niklas looked at me curiously.
"What was that about?"
"I told her," I muttered looking away feeling guilty.
"Told her what, exactly?"
When I hesitated a response, Niklas let an exasperated breath.
"Elsa, how could you be so reckless?"
"What would you have done, Niklas?" I snapped, "Besides, I think she provided some insight into what may help with the issue back home."
"And what's that?"
"I have to return here, to Ahtohallan, in our time."
"But you don't know where this is?"
"I know it's along the fjord,"
"The fjord is huge."
"I'll ask my father, did he get our letter?"
Niklas nodded.
"It took some convincing, but I also mentioned not only to keep the letter safe, but mention it to Kai in case something bad were to happen in Arendelle."
"Good thinking," I replied.
"But how will Kai know to disclose the letter's location to Anna?"
"I told him he'll know when ice begins to grow around Arendelle and won't melt."
"It's a start, but I have another idea to try," I said.
Before Niklas could ask what it was, I sat on the sandy ground here by the fjord and tried to make a snowball to see my sister. Royan taught me this and again it would come in handy if I could manage it. The ring of time was still hot around my finger, but maybe that was showing its release of the block to my power. I focused hard just like Royan showed me trying to summon ice from my hands. I chewed my bottom lip as the ball of snow was conjured. Though not without difficulty. Niklas looked at me in surprise.
"I thought your power was blocked,"
"Never underestimate your wife," I winked.
I took the ball bringing myself to my feet and focused hard on my sister trying to bring her image to the surface of the ball.
"Anna," I whispered.
Though it wasn't long before I felt liquid running out my nose and as I went to wipe it away, I felt suddenly weak as my husband caught me before collapsing face first.
The next thing I knew I opened my eyes as my blurred vision came into focus as Niklas was squeezing my hand tightly in a chair beside the bed. We were in the guest room that was ours three years ago.
"I've missed seeing those blue eyes of yours open,"
I groaned trying to sit up, but quickly realized how utterly exhausted I felt. All I could really do was lie here and breathe.
"What happened?"
"You've been unconscious for a few hours. Njal has looked in on you every hour on the dot."
"I'm okay, I just overdid it."
"Elsa, I-"
"Don't," I said quickly cutting him off, "Really, I just need a minute."
I knew he wanted to argue, but didn't want to push me any further, which I was thankful he didn't press.
"Do you think you reached, Anna?" He asked.
"I don't know," I murmured, "I hope it was enough."
Minutes later we heard distinct yelling from outside the building in the village square. It was muffled due to distance, but I did recognize my mother's voice and my aunt's.
"Let's go see what's wrong?"
"Elsa you just woke up, give yourself a minute,"
"I have, so let's go."
He offered me his hand as I slowly creaned up from the bed and we got ourselves downstairs. The dispute was drawing a crowd as my aunt was laying into my mother, but she wasn't alone, father was standing beside her. Words between them got clearer as we made our way toward them.
"Colin couldn't have seen enemy hunters from that far off!" Isidora said,
"Isidora, my back was turned. Colin pushed me out of the way, he saved my life." Mother emphasized that fact, "Three arrows struck him before I even knew what had happened. The enemies vanished as Colin went over the cliff."
"Those hunters didn't accidentally shoot missing the deer, they were after you!"
"You can't prove that," Father interjected.
Isidora glared pacing at first, but then began to walk away.
"And of course, the outsider from Arendelle conveniently got you out of there in time." Isidora accused.
"It wasn't like that, you know there are people who want the Fifth Spirit dead." Mother said, her tone broke as both sisters were upset. Understandably so.
"You wanted a normal life, so here's your chance, Iduna." Isidora spat, "I hope you're pleased with yourself now that you got my husband killed."
Isidora marched out from the square disappearing away from the crowd.
"This isn't right," I muttered.
"What's wrong?" Niklas asked.
"Colin died by a bear attack," I said simply.
"Elsa, are you sure about that?"
"Positive," I nodded, "I need to talk to my mother."
Though I didn't get the chance as Njal moved quickly to have my father arrested for trespassing into Ahtohallan. Mother was beside herself as my father was taken away. Njal instructed everyone there would be no feast, but instead a time of mourning for Colin. Hours later, there was a processional through the streets of Ahtohallan as everyone wore black and my mother lit the way forward with fire from her hand. Isidora wasn't anywhere to be found. This march through town went on well into the evening and later. It had to be close to midnight by the time Niklas and I got back to our room for sleep. Niklas sat on the side of the bed kicking off his boots as I leaned against a pillow with my arms crossed thinking.
"Elsa, we have to face facts that our being here has already changed how Colin died, who knows what else can happen."
"I know," I muttered.
"And still you won't use that spell to get us home?"
"I will, but there is more to be done here. I have to help my family, for better or worse."
"Elsa,"
"Niklas, I know you're concerned, but trust me when I tell you, I have to do this, but it'll be much easier with my husband's support."
He laid back turning over toward me.
"Nothing could ever stop me from supporting you, Elsa. I just don't want you to get hurt."
He took my hand in his rubbing the top with his thumb.
"Thank you," I smiled as I leaned my head against his shoulder.
He leaned toward me kissing my forehead as we both fell asleep before too long. The next time my eyes opened, I was being shaken awake by none other than my mother.
"Iduna?" Niklas muttered as we both stirred.
"Forgive the intrusion, but-" She muttered.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"Sunrise," Mother replied, "I need your help."
Her voice was shaky and she kept glancing out the window.
"With what?" I asked.
"Isidora is missing. Father thinks Agnarr orchestrated a kidnapping. He wants to have him executed for trespassing and for my sister's disappearance."
"Agnarr is incapable of harming anyone and besides, your father has no proof."
"We'll help," Niklas said, throwing off the bed covers as we both got up to help my mother. She was beside herself with worry. Though I now was too, if Njal executes my father today-Anna and I would cease to exist.