Elsa trembled nervously. That was all she allowed herself. She swore to herself on the morning after her coronation she'd never live in fear again. But right now that fear was taking her over again.
She took one breath, then let it out. Another breath.
"Gentlemen, I need an answer; who did this?"
Her voice rang a bit. It was not received particularly well. At least, not in any way she could tell. She had assembled an emergency council council to answer one question; what had happened to the Winter's End?
One man cleared his throat, "Your highness, we're not exactly sure who..."
She held up a hand, "I just... want... a name!"
"Hans," Said a foreign voice from the end of the room. He resembled his brother. Elsa's eyes flew upwards.
"Who are-?"
Her question was cut off, "I can give you a name." The gentleman walked forward, bowing politely, "Your grace."
Elsa nodded, "A name?"
"From the Southern Isles," He said, mysteriously, "As you may know, about a week ago, your sister, Princess Anna of Arrendelle disappeared completely with her entire ship, plus an escort ship."
Elsa blinked. She knew all this already.
"We know them as the Pirates of the Black Spot. We have less politically correct names for them, but in all honesty, it doesn't matter very much."
Everyone remained silent. He took this as his cue to continue, "Whatever fears you may have about the fate of your sister, let me assure you, it's worse than what you're imagining. Far, far worse. These are not men, they are beasts who give into any urge, any whim, that so strikes their fancy, and a few that don't purely so people will always fear them."
Elsa glared at him, "This is a southern Isles attack?"
He smirked, "This is a driftwood issue; the scum of the Atlantic Ocean come to our shores. It's not our fault that they came for you."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that the worst pirates in the world have your little sister, and the only hope you have to beat them is the Southern Isles navy."
Elsa remained silent for a moment, "Who are you?"
"Prince Baragor Westerguard, your highness."
The queen narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "You're telling me this why?"
Baragor swallowed, "Because if they can take a princess, successfully, there's no telling what they can do."
The council started muttering. Kai Spoke up, "Can't anyone stop them?!"
The room was silent as the visitor spoke again, "Perhaps... one."
Elsa rose with purpose, "Bring him to me. Now."