~Chapter 15~
Elsa
A crowd had already gathered in the main square of Ahtohallan. It was quite the public display and citizens were encouraged to throw things at my father, most of which was rotten food. My mother looked wrecked with grief at the sight. Father was bound hand and foot just sitting against a rock wall awaiting his fate. Something that would not come to pass today. Njal was speaking to the crowd as we approached pushing our way forward.
"Isidora is gone and this man from Arendelle is responsible," He yelled pointing a finger toward my father. I only met my grandfather during this accidental trip, but I hadn't seen the man this angry. He was like a completely different person. It was as if he had so much bent up hatred toward anyone from Arendelle, not just my father.
"Father, stop this!" Iduna pleaded.
"Iduna, this man was caught near her room. Now with Colin dead, all these circumstances add up to one thing. He is the culprit."
"He's here for me, nothing else."
"That's just what he wants to make us think."
Agnarr looked up at us for the first time as he had his head bowed to avoid getting hit in the face by the flying objects people were throwing.
"Iduna, get out of here. Find your sister, someone is setting me up." Agnarr insisted.
A molded cabbage suddenly flew through the air as father looked up. Though mother acted quickly setting it on fire, freezing it, and finally blowing a gust of wind to send the food plummeting to the ground in a quick motion. Mother pushed to the front of the crowd and regardless of people's expectations of her or what Njal's opinion was; she kissed him, right here in front of everyone. I admired her courage in ignoring the opinions of those all around us. I know I once felt weighed down by others' opinions of my powers as I grew up, but I had come a long way from that. I know that if Niklas and I were in the same situation, I know I would do exactly what mother was doing and standing up for not only my father, but herself as well.
"Get away from that Arendelle filth!" Njal shouted, coming toward her trying to grab her arm. Mother pulled back as her eyes glowed with a fierce intensity and each had held a different element. One had fire and the other ice.
"Don't you dare touch me,"
Njal backed off, his face softening.
"Listen Iduna please try to understand,"
"No, you listen." She snapped, "You have always been fair, father, but this is too much. You haven't the slightest proof to your allegations, have you? You just assumed and took action. Isidora just lost her husband as my nephews Royan and Aksel lost their father. She is probably overwhelmed with grief and disappeared on her own accord. If it were me, I'd probably do the same."
"Iduna," Njal stepped forward again.
She quickly froze his feet in place.
"I'll go find her, I have help, but you must swear Agnarr will not be harmed." She growled.
"I won't release him." Njal glared, "Not until Isidora returns."
The onlooking crowd grew restless and another couple rotten fruits were thrown toward my father. Mother stamped on the ground and a small barrier or rock was erected around father protecting him from any further onslaught of thrown food. She kissed my father again stroking his cheek before parting.
"You'll be free soon, I'm sorry it turned out this way. Once we get my sister back, I'm leaving with you. I want to be your wife."
My father kissed her again as my heart melted at the sight. It was amazing seeing my parents like this in their younger years. Loyal and devoted.
"This is not the reception you'll receive in Arendelle, I can assure you that." Father smiled.
"I'll be back soon, Agnarr. Don't worry."
Mother walked toward the crowd and stopped in front of Niklas and I.
"You with me?"
Niklas and I both nodded as mother cupped her hands around her mouth shouting a short little tune. An echo of a horse's neigh reverberated nearby as a water stallion ran toward us. This is the same creature I had called upon in the past, but it never had a name until now.
"Say hello to my friend the Nokk." Mother said, patting its translucent water snout.
We all climbed on the horses back and took off from Ahtohallan with mother snapping the reins as we took off in a rush lifting up her voice in that call once again. Moments later, a roar echoed behind the Nokk as a white glow grew from behind us. I turned and was surprised to see a siberian tiger trailing beside us keeping pace with the Nokk. This creature was not native to these parts. Must have been a perk to my mother's power. In the same thought, I felt sad because even before we parted ways in the present in the Black Hallows, never once did she share such things from the days of her youth. Did all this happen because Niklas and I leapt into the timeline?
"Iduna, did you mean to call a white tiger?" Niklas commented, noting what we all noticed.
Mother laughed as if this were all a big joke.
"Her name is Yura and she is the one who taught me everything about powers of the ground and earth. She is my friend and ally."
"And this 'friend' won't harm you or us?" Niklas confirmed.
"That's correct, I called her to help us find Isidora."
The tiger snorted as I looked at her. The menacing ice blue eyes stared up into mine without breaking her stride with not watching her path. Riding southwest away from Ahtohallan, I knew we wouldn't get too far since I knew Ahtohallan was on a isle of land surrounded by the fjord. We would hit the shores of the fjord before too long. Though the isle was bigger than I anticipated as we rode for over an hour in one direction.
"This place is bigger than I anticipated," I said.
"There's a huge pool of magic in Ahtohallan that needs to remain safe and protected. Part of that protection is adding more land surrounding the town, so it can't so easily be discovered." Mother replied.
"So you added more land?" Niklas added.
"Once I began my training as the Fifth Spirit, yes. I found Yura and went through extensive training before I earned her favor and she taught me how to feel and move the earth."
"How did you earn a tiger's favor?" I asked.
"She tried to kill me, but I outmatched her."
"Sounds terrifying,"
"It was, but she has become an amazing teacher and friend. It's part of the tests and advancement at gaining the powers of the Fifth Spirit." Mother replied.
"So anyone can earn these abilities and call themselves the Fifth Spirit?" Niklas questioned.
"The teachers will only appear to those with magical abilities and only those they deem worthy of their power."
"Tough luck, honey." I smirked patting my husband on the shoulder.
"I think you have enough power for the both of us," He laughed, kissing my cheek quickly.
The winds started to pick up as we left the forests surrounding Ahtohallan and dumped out on the shores of the fjord. Grey clouds loomed overhead that looked like thunder and lightning clouds. The Nokk shook its mane splashing the ground with water as it came to a stop and the three of us dismounted.
"There isn't much time, we best find Isidora quickly." Mother nodded.
"This would go quicker if we split up," I said.
"And when is that ever a good idea?" Niklas retorted.
"She does have a point though," Mother added, "I know Isidora is in a rough state of mind. When people are grieving, they become quite susceptible to dangerous influences without meaning to be."
"What sort of influences?" I asked.
"Anything," Mother answered, in a nervous tone, "Even those influences from those who have passed on."
"The dead?" Niklas questioned in disbelief.
I agreed with my husband's skepticism.
"More on that later," Mother nodded, "We'll pair up, Niklas can go with Yura and Elsa you come with me. We can cover more ground. Isidora is close, I feel as if those clouds overhead are accentuated by her pain of losing Colin. Meet back here in a half hour."
"Yeah sure, I can look for someone with a tiger as a partner." Niklas shrugged.
Yura chuffed as my mother laughed.
"What does that mean?" Niklas asked.
"She likes you." Mother smiled.
The tiger took off going north up the shore and Niklas sighed heavily.
"Looks like we're going that way," he nodded.
"Looks like it," I smirked.
My husband stepped toward me kissing my forehead quickly.
"Be safe, stay vigilant." He told me.
"You too." I nodded.
"Eh, I'll be fine." He shrugged, "Not every day I get to work with a tiger who isn't going to klll me on sight."
The four of us parted ways as my mother and I turned to make our way south along the shore. The further apart we got, I couldn't help but find myself glancing back at Niklas and we must of had the same thought as he turned as I did. I knew how nervous he was by our being here still and it was my own doing. Once we found my aunt, I'd send us back. The incantation of time was still in my pocket, so we could leave as soon as we are able.
"You two are so much like Agnarr and me." Mother commented, "I hope that's no weird coming from-," She paused, "You know, me?"
I laughed lightly.
"It's not weird," I reassured her.
"I'm still coming to terms with that fact, but seeing you here is so strange. You know?"
"I get it." I nodded.
"Father was concerned with consequences regarding you both here. I hope those don't come to pass."
I couldn't even quell her worry. Not only have we been seen by people in this past time, but we've talked with them. We haven't even been to Arendelle at all. Mother and I scanned the waters in case Isidora was on the water or even on a ship. There was nothing on the horizon and the crests of waves probably deterred Isidora from venturing far from shore.
"I'm worried for her. She lost her husband and it's as if she lost a piece of herself."
"Well, she did in a way,"
"Yes, but she has two beautiful sons to look after. She's always been the more responsible one. This is out of character."
"We'll find her, mother. Don't you worry."
As soon as the words left my lips, I watched her always recoil at calling her that.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly, "I shouldn't have-"
"No," She replied, grabbing my hand, "It's just us and it's okay. I don't mind it, it merely surprised me."
Silence fell between us as the waves crashed along the shore as we walked. The tides were coming in, which shortened our search window.
"Is it hard?" I asked finally breaking the silence.
"What?"
"Being the Fifth Spirit, I have to say, you never once told me about such things."
Her face fell as I knew she couldn't quite answer for the choices her future self made.
"It is a responsibility, but it gives me a sense of purpose to protect those I love from anyone who would do them harm. Though after falling in love with Agnarr I find myself longing for another purpose that is simpler. To be a wife and mother-someday."
"You'll get there." I nodded.
"Please, tell me about your sister. I wish I could have met you both."
"Anna? Well, she's a firecracker that one. I have to say I see so much of her adventurous spirit that clearly came from you. Isidora resonates with me because I am the responsible one and older. Much falls on our shoulders."
"You're adventurous in your own unique way." Mother nodded.
After another half hour moving up the coastline, we didn't spy Isidora anywhere. The tides came in quicker than I anticipated as we moved through water that was just below the knee.
"We should turn around and meet up with Niklas and Yura." I urged.
"There's one more thing I was going to try, but only as a last resort as it weakens me tremendously, but only for a short time."
"Well, if you think it will help, but don't drain yourself."
"Do you want to know why I'm called the Fifth Spirit?" She asked.
I had thought about the very question and I had planned on asking it.
"I actually had wondered this. Is there a fifth element besides the usual four?"
Mother shook her head as we stopped walking.
"I learned to harness and train the powers of the elements from animals like Yura. Already born with water power, there was still so much I was taught."
"If Yura taught you things of the earth then water would be-"
"The Nokk." She nodded. "For the battle that wages against the malice that grows, you must be ready for anything."
I released a sharp breath trying to stay calm and not be unnerved by the foreboding warning.
"I can only imagine what may be going on back in your time."
"As I've told you, strange weather and the ice that grows that wasn't grown by my power." I paused, "People at home want answers for such things and I feel the stress that Niklas feels because I have been there."
"I can imagine the weight that running a kingdom must put you both under."
Mother grabbed my shoulder as I put my hand on top of hers smiling weakly.
"So, you were saying about the fifth element," I said, changing subjects.
"Right, well, the fifth part is that of a battle that is usually fought amongst the human race."
"A battle?" I questioned.
"The battle of light and dark. Good and evil that sort of thing. As the Fifth Spirit, it is my duty to keep checks and balances and when threats arise I'm able to deal with them."
All this information was a bit overwhelming, surely she wasn't passing this information down for me to take on the same role.
"But how do you fight the darkness? This is getting a bit metaphorical."
"My fifth power came from my father and it is a power within the mind."
"So you can read minds?"
"Even better Elsa, I can enter someone's mind and turn them from the darkness. For example, a thief was caught in Ahtohallan stealing many things like food, money, and clothes. He was caught and father brought him to me. I entered his mind and corrected the wrong. The man was released and is now an upstanding citizen of Ahtohallan. He doesn't even remember his crimes."
"That sounds dangerous, tampering with someone's mind. I'm not sure anyone should have that sort of power over anyone."
"The intention is for good, Elsa." She nodded.
"I understand, but one person having such control over the mind sounds like the very darkness that you're fighting against."
"The malice is growing in your world, right?"
I nodded.
"To protect those you love, wouldn't you do anything in your power to stop it?"
"Well, of course, but using the right power and resources. Not mind manipulation."
I wasn't used to my mother acting like this. I wondered if having the power and responsibility was getting to be too much, which explained her desire for pursuing a normal life with my father.
Moments later, we turned at the sound of a tiger's roar as Yura bounded up from the south. Though my stomach felt nauseous as I immediately noticed that Niklas wasn't with her.
"Where's Niklas, Yura?" Mother asked.
The tiger chuffed and walked over to me pawing at my leg. My eyes met the animals and if she could talk I know she'd want me to follow her. Yura took off as mother and I raced after her. It began to rain on the way pouring down in moments drenching us. It was a slog trying to get through the mud and water from the incoming tide. At this point it was race against the tide because much of the outer shore was being consumed by the water. I was fearful for Niklas unknowing if he was hurt, but at least she came and got us. There were no footprints to be seen as we moved north and just a bit west off the beach, Yura roared in a nearby thicket of trees just ahead of us as mother and I were panting heavily just to keep up. Following Yura there was a large hole embedded in the ground beneath a trio of large boulders. A mudslide from all the wet weather could have caused this, but as I peered into the hole, there were stone steps embedded beneath the ground. Something someone wanted to keep hidden.
"Yura?" Mother called.
A roar was heard nearby and it seemed to echo back.
"He's down here," I said hopping down into the hole. The blue hue coming from the ring of time was enough to light the path. Something was down here and Niklas had found it, but where was he? The water was rising to waist-high levels as time was not on my side. Mother remained top side.
"Aren't you coming?"
"The tide is coming in and it's coming fast, Elsa. I'm going to stay up here and slow it down to buy you time, but I can't fight nature too long. Hurry."
Mother put out her arms and started moving them around in a way that made her look like she was doing a strange dance, but I know she was trying to slow down the tide, which undoubtedly would take much energy from her. I ventured down the stairs calling for Niklas every few steps.
"Yura," I called the tiger as I continued running.
The straightforward path led to a doorway and into a large, dome chamber. Several paces inside was a sort of pedestal, but it was vacant. Somebody took something from down here.
"Elsa, come back!" Mother urged.
I couldn't leave until I found my husband, but he wasn't here. There was no roundabout path out of this place, so I began to head back. A wave of water rushed down into the entrance of this place knocking me off my feet in an instant. I reached the stairs as the water level was now up to my neck. I kept swimming nearing the entrance when a bit of mud hit my head dripping into my blonde hair. I looked up on the ceiling as it was coming loose with chunks of mud and grime slopping into the water with growing splashes. I managed to swim to the stairs when a thick pile of mud came down right on top of me. There was no freezing anything to break myself free, the ring of time still blocked me. The mud was thick and heavy with the mix of water. As I gasped for air, the rest of the wall came down on me. I felt heavy as my fingers dangled above the ground. My lungs burned with the need for air as I struggled to get free. I couldn't see a thing being all dark and murky even snuffing out the hue of the ring. My muscles began to slow as my eyes began to fall when two hands grabbed my arm. As my head was yanked out of the mud and water up the stairs and out of the pit, I saw both Niklas and my mother who both helped to get me free. I coughed deep and guttural as some dirt and grime managed to get into my mouth from my nose.
"And this is why splitting up is a bad idea, "Niklas smirked, "You okay?" He asked rubbing my back.
"Where were you?" I coughed, "I went down there looking for you."
"Isidora was here, she was the one who flooded the pit surging the water toward us." Mother said, "She tried to fight me with water, which I blocked by raising up slabs of rock. Isidora couldn't even land a hit though she tried."
"What's the matter with her?" I questioned, "It's like she can't decipher between friend or foe."
"Exactly Elsa," Mother nodded.
"Well, the tides are surging inland. What do you suggest we do?" Niklas asked.
"Isidora tried to drown Elsa intentionally to distract me, but she left with something in her hands holding onto it with a fierce grip. It looked like an instrument of some kind."
"I heard someone singing followed by a horn once Yura and I made it to this area." Niklas said, "The tone was sharp and intense, yet, beautiful all at once. It made me feel lightheaded."
"When was this?" I asked.
"I'm guessing right before you two showed up, I blacked out." He replied, "But Yura roared before I passed out, so she protected me from something."
"She led us to you." Mother said.
Mother looked heartbroken as she zoned out looking into the trees. I grabbed her shoulder.
"We'll find her," I nodded.
"I know, and I'll question her then. This isn't like her, Elsa. She's grieving."
"Strange way to grieve by trying to drown your niece," Niklas snapped, before clamping his hand over his mouth thinking he had revealed too much in front of mother. He didn't know that she already knew about me.
"It's alright, Niklas." She nodded, "Let's get back to Ahtohallan. Father must know about this."
Mother called for the Nokk with that familiar song as the horse came out of nowhere from the tide water that had moved so far inland. The Nokk rode hard as we whizzed by trees still drenched from the falling rain as Yura raced beside us. Thunder rumbled across the sky as Niklas suddenly snapped his fingers.
"The Horn of Souls!" He said.
"Huh?" I replied.
"The instrument Isidora held. I've read about this in journals from our ancestors who first founded the Southern Isles."
"Do you know what it is?" I asked.
"Raevich, the fallen sorcerer, he used it to gain unparalleled power, which is why my ancestors worked so hard to stop him. He took the lives in Carcallier before flooding the city to hide the evidence of his crimes."
"Raevich?" Mother replied, "He is the creator and originator of magic. He discovered so much beauty within the powers of nature. He is not a fallen sorcerer."
"Might want to check your history, Iduna. If he was once so revered, the man got corrupted." Niklas added.
"Did the journals say what this horn does?" I asked, unsure I even wanted to know as this situation seemed threatening.
"The journal I read detailed a report from a general who served my grandfather. All he wrote was of an instrument that he depicted as causing instant death on all ears who heard its sound."
"How did he survive?"
"He placed cotton in his ears as his whole battalion was wiped out apparently the sole survivor. He blocked the sound."
"Yura," I said glancing at the tiger, "She saved you."
"But I heard the sound of the horn," Niklas replied.
"And thankfully, you're still here," I nodded.
"I'm sorry," Mother muttered, "What good are my abilities if I can't even stop my sister from hurting others? I'm supposed to protect and keep balance."
"You are, but I wonder if Isidora is being influenced by something that we may not be aware of."
Before we ponder any further ideas, my skin raised with goosebumps at the sound of shrill screams coming from Ahtohallan as we neared. Waters had surged into Ahtohallan from the onlooking cliffs. I wasn't sure if this was Isidora's doing or flooding from nature itself. We all looked on in fear as Ahtohallan citizens ran away from the main square trying to get away from the water. Mother hopped off the Nokk and stared at her home in disbelief.
"Agnarr." Mother whispered.
She muttered his name and moved down on platforms of stone she conjured leaving Niklas and me behind on the Nokk's back. Yura followed after my mother as the Nokk followed suit. Niklas and I held on as the horse descended from the cliffs. Once the Nokk stopped, we were in the heart of the city with water continually rising nearly at our waists. All around us, there were lifeless bodies bobbing above the water. I had to look away from the pained expressions that were the last these people ever would express. Mother was a few paces away calling for my father until a weak reply came. I was all turned around as buildings had been flooded with water and some of the stone had broken down. Father was still bound and from his perspective being on his knees, the water was up to his neck. Mother quickly untied him bringing him to his feet before hugging him tight.
"You okay?" Mother asked him.
All of us including father were a sloppy drenched mess.
"Better now that you're safe, Iduna." He nodded.
"You were seriously worried about my safety?" She said, raising a brow.
"We have to leave, come with me to Arendelle. I can protect your people, your sister has lost her mind."
"Agnarr, is she here?" Mother asked cupping his face in her hands.
He nodded.
"She saw me but paid me no mind knowing I was trapped probably suspecting I would drown. I saw her blow into a horn as people ran by and they dropped like flies."
"How are you okay?" Niklas asked.
"I stuck my head underwater to absorb the soundwaves. The horn is cursed. I've seen depictions of it archived in Arendelle's library."
"Good thinking on your part in covering your ears." Mother said.
"We need to get out of here, Isidora is dangerous." Father nodded.
"My sister isn't dangerous, I don't understand any of this," Mother said, glancing up at me.
"We should leave Ahtohallan quickly and regroup." Niklas urged.
"You all go, I'll catch up." Mother insisted.
"What do you intend to do?" I asked, half annoyed that she was debating this.
"I have to find Royan and Aksel and my father and snap sense into my sister. Whatever she is doing, it isn't her." She said.
"If you're staying Iduna, then so am I," Father said.
"The powers of the Fifth Spirit will back me up," Mother insisted, "You all should leave."
None of us moved as mother looked me annoyed.
"I'm just trying to protect you." Mother muttered.
"Well, we can sit here and argue or work as a team and get that horn from your sister's hands," Niklas said.
"And knock sense into her for starters," Father added.
"Very well," She relented, "Niklas and Elsa, you draw her fire and distract her, but protect your ears from the horn. Agnarr, can you find my nephews and my father and get them to safety?"
"I'm on it," Father nodded.
Mother turned toward Yura as the tiger was swishing her tail back and forth.
"You ready?" Mother asked.
The tiger chuffed as if in acknowledgment. All of us with our various assignments moved out of our hiding spot by the wall and people were still running, but they didn't get far before dropping dead. Right in front of us, a man and woman went down holding hands and as they splashed into the water, their faces permanently froze in fear. Two small white orbs left their mouths and flew toward Isidora's horn in her hand. I glanced down at my hands wishing I could shoot the horn with ice. Our plan was well thought out, the only difficulty was sludging through deep water with all sorts of debris in the water, not to mention bodies. All of us had our assignments and we all broke apart. Mother hung back to wait while we got Isidora's attention.
"I wish you could be spared from this, Elsa," Niklas commented.
"It's what one does for family." I shrugged.
There were some weapons floating around in the water. I grabbed a bow with a leather quiver as Niklas found a spear. We waded down the path and Isidora was hoving overhead standing on a pillar of water maybe thirty feet high. Niklas got her attention by throwing a spear merely hitting her foot. No damage dealt, but it got her attention. She surged a slew of waves pushing us back following us from overhead. I barely managed to get my head above the surface. Isidora was focused on us until all the water froze around us. At first, I wondered and hoped that came from me and seeing all the ice again made me relieved, but my hopes were dashed as mother came forward out of hiding.
"Stop this now, Isidora!" Mother shouted.
"What do you intend to do, Iduna?" Isidora growled mockingly, "You are no match for him."
Mother blasted a dense spiral of wind knocking Isidora off her water platform and dropping the horn. Isidora broke her fall blasting water from her hands before she landed on her feet on top of the ice. Isidora looked furious as mother froze her hands, so she couldn't blast any more water.
"It's over, you've done enough. I'm going to get you back." Mother told her.
Niklas and I didn't even have to use the precautions for our ears. Isidora began laughing.
"Iduna, you're naive if you think you've won just because you're the Fifth Spirit."
Isidora glanced at me scrutinizing her gaze and then opened her mouth and began to sing. The tone was stunning as I was drawn to it immediately. My body relaxed as I dropped the bow. Niklas walked ahead of me drawn by her voice as well, but suddenly the beauty stopped and the voice was shrill and sharp. I saw Niklas collapse on the ground just ahead of me as I quickly followed blacking out.
When I came to, I was on the ground with walls of rock surrounding me. A sort of makeshift tent. Niklas was nowhere to be seen, but mother was here with me and a few paces over was Isidora unconscious with a slight gash across her forehead. I groaned as I sat up massaging my neck. Mother had her eyes closed as she had Isidora's head between her hands, but not touching. I waited until she opened her eyes again not wanting to break her concentration. Mother took five minutes before she lowered her hands and opened her eyes.
"You're awake!" Mother exclaimed.
"How long was I out?"
"A few hours."
The room was spinning slightly and I could tell how out of it I still was.
"Where's Niklas?"
"He's right outside with Agnarr and the boys."
"The boys?"
"Royan and Aksel."
Mother dabbed at Isidora's wound on her temple with a ripped-off piece of linen from her dress.
"It won't stop,"
"Probably adrenaline pulsing through her. Maybe secure it by tying it around her head?"
Mother did so and red began to soak into the bandage, but at least she was hands free now.
"Is she okay?" I asked.
"She will be," Mother replied, "I was right, she was influenced to make these egregious actions, but the culprit has left her."
"Where are we?" I questioned looking around some more.
Mother rose to her feet clearing her throat.
"On the cliffs outside Ahtohallan. My home has been lost," She said, her tone sounding glum, "But I froze it to preserve what is left, but it's hardly habitable."
"How many lives were lost?" I asked with some trepidation.
"Almost everyone, including my father. I couldn't protect even half!"
Mother's voice broke as I got up a bit wobbly and hugged her. She clung to me tightly and I didn't have any idea of what to say to help. Though if anything happened to my family or anyone else in Arendelle, I know it would feel like that. Like a sucker punch to the gut.
"All this power and I'm still so weak," She muttered, "I don't want it anymore, I'm done."
"You helped your sister, so that's something."
Mother glanced at me as she wiped her eyes trying to feign being okay.
"I threw that accursed horn into the depths of the fjord, so it can't be used to harm anyone again."
"Good riddance, though I might have burned it," I said.
"Trust me, I tried." Mother replied.
I took a few wobbly steps trying to get a grasp of my footing, but my legs felt anything but strong. Though with each step, I could feel my muscles kicking in and getting stronger.
"Elsa?"
"Hmm?"
"Was I a good mother?"
Her question caught me off guard as I looked up at her almost heartbroken that she doubted herself in this way. It had to of been the grief of Ahtohallan and her father. I closed the gap between us grabbing her shoulders.
"The best. Anna and I wouldn't be the women we are today if it wasn't for you." I nodded.
Both of our eyes were glassy as she hugged me.
"Though it might have been good to have shared stories of Ahtohallan and days of your youth with us. Anna and I love a good story."
"I'll keep that in mind," Mother nodded before she paused. "Elsa, you should go."
"Right, I'll give you some time alone to process."
She shook her head.
"I mean, you and Niklas."
"Oh," I said glumly knowing this was inevitable. How could I expect anything else? It's not like she could ask me to stay nor could I.
"You got what you came here for right? Now you must return home."
"Right, a home where my parents are gone." I paused, "Now that I've been here with you, it'll just reopen that wound of loss again. I can't stand this. Come with me."
I didn't mean to put any pressure on her and I already knew the answer before she said it.
"You know I can't." She said, bringing her hand to my cheek.
"I don't know how to do this without you,"
Mother pulled me close hugging me again.
"I'm always with you even when you can't see me. Besides," She said pulling away wiping her eyes more, "Water holds memories, did you know?"
"That's a first." I laughed.
She took my hands in hers and there was a sudden warmth in the exchange.
"Train to be the next Fifth Spirit. How can it be anyone else?"
"I don't know if I'm ready for that,"
"You will know when the time is right. You're my daughter and I chose you for this purpose."
"I don't think I can do this,"
Mother kissed my forehead taking my hands in hers.
"Of course, you can." She said moving a loose strand of hair from my eyes, "You are a fearless and strong woman."
I recoiled upon hearing fearless because I was many things, but fearless wouldn't be one.
"Find the animals of each element who will be your teachers. You'll be surprised by how your powers grow. Return to Ahtohallan. Reveal yourself and there you will find the answers you seek."
"You be safe and take care of those powers."
"I don't plan on having them much longer. I will pass them down."
"You can do that?"
"You and Anna how elemental powers, do you not?"
"So the other two?"
"Royan and Aksel."
"I just hope those boys don't grow up scared of themselves," I muttered.
"Isidora will be a great teacher for them."
Niklas called for me shortly after as mother and I joined them outside the stone tent. I popped my head outside noting the mass of ice that was Ahtohallan a few hundred feet from us. Mother must have been exhausted from expelling that much power. The rain was still falling and clearly the guys didn't mind getting a little wet. Royan and Aksel were running around splashing in the nearby puddles. Niklas watched me curiously as I ran to him and he wrapped his arms around me snuggly.
"I missed you," I whispered.
He kissed my forehead gently before glancing back at me.
"You scared me, but you're okay, right?"
"Never better," I nodded, "Let's go home."
"Finally." He smirked, "Next time we travel to the past, we'll visit my family."
I'm glad his humor was still intact after all of this and his excessive worrying. I turned toward my father who had no idea who I was of course as he held out his hand for me to shake it.
"It was nice to meet you," He said.
It was all I could do to hold back tears forming in my eyes as I threw my arms around him. He reacted stiffly surprised by the gesture.
"Uh, you okay?" He asked.
I pulled away releasing him quickly.
"Yes, fine. It's been a pleasure, Agnarr."
"Safe travels."
"Take care of her," I nodded.
"Don't you worry. I will." He smiled.
My mother hugged Niklas and I heard her thank him for protecting me and that he was a good husband. I'm sure that was nice for him to hear. Mother pulled Agnarr and the boys inside the stone tent to give Niklas and me privacy for our departure. No more questions should be raised. With one hand in mine, Niklas gave my hand a squeeze as I pulled the incantation from my pocket with my free hand.
"You ready?" He asked.
"As I'll ever be," I nodded.
With all the swimming and getting wet, the ink had bled and I was worried to misread the spell, but I had done this before, I couldn't doubt myself. I spoke the words as the ring of time began to glow and a bright light enveloped us.
This time was different. It wasn't bright light and a simple landing on the other side. I opened my eyes and I felt as if I was flying inside a bright tunnel with hundreds of lights in various colors surrounding me. Niklas still had me by the hand until suddenly he let go and flew off ahead while I stopped. What was going on? I tried walking my way forward, but there was no surface to push myself forward. Before I started panicking, a hole in the nearby wall of the tunnel appeared, and out from the hole came another being. Dawned in black robes with gold insignia all over the front though their face was shrouded. I saw glove-covered hands that held a long staff with a sphere at the point with golden arrows pointing at the positions of twelve and four. Like those of a clock.
"Elsa Elris Von Arnadalr." A voice called to me.
The voice came from the person who came closer to me, but this voice didn't sound human. A deep, gruff voice.
"Who are you? Why am I stopped here, I'm just trying to get home."
"I'm here to pass judgment on those that corrupt the flow of time."
"You're not human," I interrupted.
"I appear in the most comforting form for your benefit."
"I still don't know who you are," I said clenching my hands into fists.
"I have no name, but all you need know is that I'm the Gatekeeper of Time and I'm here to carry out your punishment for corrupting time."
I stared at the being in disbelief.
"Punishment? Everything was-," I paused trying to come up with a suitable explanation in my head, "Everything was an accident, I didn't mean for it."
"And yet, here we are. We wouldn't be here if merely traveling through time had been your only wrong. Someone from the past knew of your existence from the future. Iduna, your mother. People from the past cannot coexist with those of the present or future. It is a safely guarded rule, which you broke with a simple act of defiance."
I now understood why Niklas was so worried or even Njal warning me of the consequences. Did he foresee this consequence and not even warn me, but he did and I didn't listen and kept delaying our return. Though for some reason, I felt calm, a sort of brave courage to just take whatever punishment I was about to get.
"Fine, slap my hand or whatever. Obviously, this isn't a fatal offense."
"Corrupting time, in turn, corrupts yourself, Queen Elsa of Arendelle. You will live the rest of your days as a much-changed woman that history will forever remember you as."
Without another word, the being came at me and I put my hands up in defense like he was going to knock me over, but nothing happened. I did notice the ring of time was gone and the block of my power lifted. I felt the icy cold in my hands again as I moved through the tunnel again passing through the light.
My feet touched down in a spare bedroom in the palace. I glanced around and it all seemed familiar and yet this was not my home. Niklas came toward me throwing his arms around me.
"Elsa, you okay? You didn't come out with me like last time."
I didn't return his hug keeping my arms down at my sides as he released me.
"We should find Anna, she'll want to know we're back."
"Wait here," I said, moving my eyes to the door, "I'll find her."
I took a step toward the door before Niklas grabbed my hand stopping me.
"Both of us should go, don't you think?" He asked.
I stepped back casually freezing his boots to the floor as he looked up at me stunned narrowing his gaze as his eyes fell on mine.
"Elsa, what are you doing? What's wrong with your eyes?"
"For the first time in years, I feel freedom."
"Your eyes are purple like Irises. What's wrong?"
"Nothing at all," I shrugged, "I'm going to go find my sister. You wait here."
Niklas looked confused and struggled against my ice. He wouldn't get free without help. I closed the bedroom door behind me as I left freezing it over sealing my husband inside. I could hear him yelling my name from inside. Walking calmly down the hallway, I left a trail of ice behind me as I walked while touching the nearby wall as ice spread out like a virus from my fingers. Servants who crossed me I froze in place, none of them knew what hit them. Encased in ice, they would only survive the cold for so long, but they were alive for now. I went out a side entrance to the courtyard freezing the garden and all its flowers before leaving the palace and heading toward the village across the bridge. People were out and about going through their day and some came to approach me once they saw me.
"Your majesty, have you discussed with the king about-" One man approached before I encased him in ice. Several witnesses saw this and screamed. I froze them without another thought. Citizens ran away from me and I was finally alone. I turned toward the harbor and I knew what I wanted to do next. Upon the shores of the fjord, I stamped into the water and I watched as the great freezing line spread out across the water. Freezing in place high crested waves and unsteady waters. Minutes later, I heard a familiar voice yelling my name. My sister was on Sven's back riding toward me with Kristoff and Olaf in tow. She took longer than I thought.
"Elsa!" Anna practically shouted hopping off Sven and coming toward me, "When did you get back? People in the village say you're the source of the ice. Is this true?"
I shrugged casually.
"Make your own conclusions," I said, calmly.
"Elsa, what's wrong with you?" Kristoff asked.
"Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Olaf added.
Anna stepped toward me locking her gaze with mine.
"Your eyes look funny, what's happened? This isn't normal."
"Welcome to the new normal," I said.
I shot up my arm into the air releasing a blast of ice magic into the sky. A large image of a snowflake emerged from the clouds outlined in a blue hue and it quickly began to snow. Anna stared at the sky and at me in confusion. She grabbed my shoulders biting her lip nervously.
"Elsa, tell me what happened, this isn't you."
"This is the real me, Anna. Arendelle wanted a snow queen and now they have her. Getting in my way will bode badly for you, so why don't you leave me alone."
"You know I can't do that," She reasoned.
I narrowed my gaze.
"Are you really going to make me hurt you?"
I began to freeze her, but her firepower melted my ice just as fast.
"Fire and ice, bad combination." Anna retorted.
"Hmm, think so?' I mocked.
I spun around striking Kristoff with my ice freezing him head to toe in place.
"Kristoff!" Anna cried.
I think I got her attention as she quickly placed her body against the ice that encased him and it melted in moments. Kristoff looked dazed and disoriented as Anna stood in front of him.
"Elsa, I know you're in there," Anna muttered.
Her empty words fell on deaf ears. Anna blasted a line of fire on my right narrowly missing me.
"Was that meant for me?" I mocked, "Your aiming needs work."
My sister blasted another line of fire this time on my left and I blasted both fire lines out with my ice. Using this much power I could feel was knocking the wind out of my sails, but I knew I would outlast Anna. She was quite unstable.
"Elsa, stop this. Talk to me." Anna pleaded.
"There is nothing to talk about Anna, Arendelle will be in a new ice age by the time I'm through. The spell I sent up will drop the temperature every few minutes to the point of everyone outside within the radius of Arendelle will freeze to death."
Anna retaliated by blasting a tight circle of fire around me quicker than I could blink. She was trying to entrap me. I rolled my eyes at her simple tactics and went to blast the fire away, but my ice struggled to emerge from my fingers. Sweat dripped down my brow as I realized Anna's plan. My ice was melting as it came from my hands, Anna was trying to dehydrate me and it was working.
"Feeling feverish, Elsa?" She asked from the other side of the fire circle, but in moments, she stepped inside walking right through the fire that of course couldn't harm her.
"I told you fire and ice was a bad combo. Surrender now and we can talk."
"Why would I surrender when I have already won?" I asked.
Using all the strength I could muster I blasted ice again pushing hard against the heat of the fire and put it out in moments. Though it brought me to my knees with that expulsion of energy. My nose began to run and as I wiped it on my sleeve, I saw that blood was left behind. I pushed too much.
"You can't win, Anna." I told her, "The sooner you accept that-"
"I lost the battle, Elsa, but you lost the war." She replied as she looked up.
Curiously I followed her gaze turning behind me. I saw Niklas as he struck me over the head as darkness took me, I fell to the ground.