Chapter II
A Queen's Duties
Half a year after their parent's deaths, the castle gates opened once again. They had buried empty coffins, and they had worn black for what felt like years. Yet, the world pressed on, uncaring for their grief, and many things had to be done.
Elsa's coronation had gone remarkably well, but sometime during the ceremony, Anna had seen it in her sister's gaze, the edge of fear in her beautiful, deep-blue eyes as she stepped up the throne. They locked glances with each other for a brief moment, and Anna had smiled reassuringly. Elsa smiled back subtly, some of her nervousness gone. No accidents came, and she could the relief on her sister's face when the ceremony finally ended.
She had always thought it unfair, the need to hide her sister's powers. At first, she had been mad: how could their parents not see the beauty of Elsa's wintery magic? Eventually, she understood their fears: they lived in a world that would see Elsa not as a wonder but as a threat, a danger to be smothered out. Who could guess what other monarchs might do, in fear of a sorceress Queen?
The first days of the new reign had been hard. The Queen's duties consumed her at first, but eventually she came around, finding time for them together. Anna helped in whatever she could too, being delegated some of her sister's affairs.
Only when they were alone, Elsa showed her true feelings. The regal mask slipped, and Anna could see the heart-wrenching pain underneath. On the summer's warm nights, they took many silent strolls in the castle's gardens, hand in hand. Later that year, Elsa made it snow every now and then, but Anna was okay with it: everyone would think it was an early winter. Other days they simply fell asleep on each other arms, cuddled in some corner of their chambers or in their secret room.
There were days, however, when an overwhelming sorrow seemed to burst through her sister. Those times Elsa clung to her desperately, burying her face in the crook of Anna's neck, breathing deeply. The princess had felt the countless, falling tears on her collarbone, and she felt her own too, pathing across her face.
The only solace they had left, both realized, was each other arms.
They found ways to be with one another, even if their duties made them travel across their kingdom. Elsa began to laugh again, and she became fond of the little details – an ice flower left in her nightstand, a new book hidden beneath her pillows – that left Anna feeling warm all over.
As the months passed, they settled in a comfortable rhythm, supporting one another through the changing, busy days.
Then came the enchanted forest, and Ahtohallan.
-ooo-
Anna looked over the fjord through the study's windows. She wasn't looking forward to it, but she didn't have any choice, not anymore.
Weselton's ship had docked an hour earlier, and the Duke's retinue would soon arrive at the castle. She sighed, briefly eyeing the chest that rested at her desk's feet.
She saw some of the ships come and go, with their beautiful white flags on full display. The autumn winds helped traders, but the fjord was mostly empty, only a few merchant ships coming each week now.
She wondered if she would ever sail again. There was something unique in the gently rocking of a ship, the fierce, salty winds and the seemingly endless horizons. It had been one of the few quirks she had enjoyed of her royal position: to travel the seas every now and then.
A tiny, selfish part of her wanted to board one of those ships and never look back, to sail away and forget about it all. But she couldn't lie to herself: she would not do something like that, not now or ever. Too many of her people depended on her; too many had placed their trust on her to help them. Deep down, there was another reason, too. What sense would it make, to flee alone?
A soft knock on the door broke her train of thought.
"Come in."
Kai entered the room, bowing. "The Duke has arrived, your Majesty. Should I send him in?"
The young Queen turned away from the window, considering the question a bit. "Make him wait a little, but not too much. Twenty minutes, perhaps. Then send him in." Kai nodded, closing the door behind him.
She really didn't look forward to this, but it was a necessary gamble.
-ooo-
The room's doors opened and Kai entered first, bowing to her before introducing the Duke of Weselton.
Anna rose, rounding her desk to meet with the small man. The Duke hadn't changed much since the days of Elsa's reign: he still wore his funny-looking wig and kept his long moustache neatly trimmed.
"Your Majesty," he greeted her. Anna extended her hand, allowing the man to kiss her hand. So far, so good, Anna thought. Weselton was being respectful, which meant he was keeping in mind her position.
A pair of her guards entered the room before Kai closed the doors. The Duke eyed them suspiciously before sitting. Anna smiled internally: she had learned that a little show of strength could go to great lengths.
"I appreciate your efforts of coming in such short notice." She said politely, trying to get a reading of the man's mood.
"Of course, of course," replied the Duke in his squeaky voice. "Your envoy voiced a number of concerns, and gave the word of a mutually beneficial partnership."
Anna nodded. It was a good sign: if Weselton was being blunt, he meant business.
"Yes, Duke, that's truth. I'm well aware that my sister's political agenda left your duchy in a precarious position. Today, I want to make things right."
That got Weselton's full attention. He sat more stiffly, straightening his back.
"My kingdom is prepared to begin a long operation of trade with the Duchy of Weselton. We require several shipments of the following: dozens of tons of wheat and other grains. Steel and iron too, in however quantities you can manage, as well as wool for clothing. The amounts and the payments are specified in here." She passed a sheet of paper to Kai, who gave it to Weselton. "I'm sure you will find this treaty very accommodating."
The man gave the contract a quick reading before addressing her. However, his gesture had changed, Anna noticed. He had leaned back on the chair, as in anticipation. He plans to make this hard, she thought wearily.
"Is this right?" he asked, his tone allowing just a tiny sliver of incredulity.
"Yes, of course," Anna simply said.
He rubbed his chin, as if taking in her words.
"I must say, I'm… skeptical. I'm sure you understand. It seems to me a bit grand of a gesture. Too generous, you know?" The man said. "I thought Arendelle wasn't fond of my persona."
"As I said, I want to correct past mistakes. What I'm proposing is merely…"
The man snorted, surprising Anna by his rudeness.
"I'm sorry, your Majesty," Weselton countered, his high-pitched voice laced with contempt. "But I seriously doubt you have the gold to pay for this." He shook the papers on his hand.
"Nobody is so blind. I came in here on thin prospects, if I am honest. But what you are offering is, well, preposterous. How do you intend to pay me, when the Coalition's armies are at your doorstep?"
Anna gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to smack the ridiculous little toupee off his head.
Instead, she smirked a little, taking the Duke somewhat off-guard. It was time to gamble, now that he had showed his hand. As she had thought, for Weselton everything was a matter of profit.
"The royal treasury," she started, choosing her words carefully, "it's currently engaged in a conflict with the Eastern Coalition, yes."
It was no use to deny it, and it would only weaken her position.
"I have, however, other valuables to trade."
The Queen gave her steward a sign. Kai stepped forward, taking the chest that have been sitting at the side of the desk and opened it in front of the Duke, who leaned a little to see its contents, failing to hide his eagerness.
Forgive me, mother, Anna thought.
Inside the wooden chest, piled carefully, was a large array of silvery jewelry. It contained fine objects of many sorts: bracelets, earrings, decorated cups and goblets, buttons and collars of white gold, as well as a plethora of rings. Most of them had been her mother's, many of them gifts from her father and passed on to Anna and Elsa after their deaths. Some others were heirlooms of the Royal family, going back to the ancient origins of their lineage.
Now Anna was selling them. She had to find some solace in the fact the she knew that her parents would've approved. The well-being of their people had always been their foremost worry, and they had taught her well.
"Adding to this," she continued, "the ruling house of Arendelle will sign a contract of export to the Duchy of Weselton, dozens of tons of ice and wood per year, at a premium discount." Kai took a handful of papers from the Queen and presented them to the Duke, who took them off-handedly, eyeing from the corner of his eyes the precious jewelry.
"The ruling house, Duke," Anna emphasized. "So, in case my house should fall or abdicate the throne, the contract will still hold on the terms presented today."
If something should convince the weasel to the treaty, this was it. She kept her face empty, but her nervousness grew a little. She needed Weselton to agree. Her kingdom needed it.
The Duke was now reading the papers, purposefully taking his time, trying to force a reaction out of her. The man flicked the first page with his index finger.
"A fifteen percent discount. And the treaty extended from one to two years"
"Thirteen," she paused a little as well, feigning consideration of his demand. "You can have the extra year."
She knew her economy would suffer later trying to compensate for the treaty made today, but it was a better alternative than to fall short of supplies for the foreseeable future.
Weselton huffed, wiggling unmannerly in his seat. Anna narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I must consider your offer carefully, your Highness. With your leave, I'd like to go back to my lands, and a reply will follow shortly." He made to rise, but Anna's voice stopped him.
"No, Duke. I'll have your answer now." The Queen demanded firmly, gazing directly at the man.
"Beg your pardon?" The Duke's voice had risen an octave, even if such thing seemed impossible. He wriggled his hands nervously.
Anna leaned forward a little bit. "I think I'm being perfectly clear. I need an answer now."
The Duke's eyebrows furrowed. He rose from his seat, puffing out his chest. "This is unheard of!" He claimed, walking to leave the room. Anna's guards, however, didn't move. Weselton looked at the Queen, incredulity etched in his thin features. Below the façade, however, she could see a tinge of fear.
She had to call Weselton's bluff. By making the first move, she knew she had given the man an opening for him to try to exploit the situation. The most likely outcome, the one she had thankfully prepared for, was for him to try and play both sides, only committing after the balance tipped to one of the warring kingdoms. If so, Anna had to be sure Weselton's fate was tied to her own.
"You're free to leave at any time Duke, after I have your answer. Let me be clear. You may think you can survive after the Usurper has taken my kingdom, as I am sure you have considered. I would expect no less from an accomplished trader, such as yourself," she added for good measure.
"But you can't be so naïve. If that man conquers Arendelle, your duchy will be just the cherry on top. He will not negotiate with you, as I'm doing now."
Weselton tried to reply, his face contorted in indignation, but Anna kept going.
"You can either help us win the war and profit out of it, or lose your lands and riches when his armies turn south after they finish us. I intend to win this war, and to reward those who help me. King Falax, I'm sure, will not do such a thing. You know what will happen if he wins. Do you really think a man like him will let you keep your independence?" Anna crossed her arms. She risked antagonizing him by this manner, but she had little other choice.
Weselton sputtered some incoherent rambles before falling silent. He met her gaze defiantly.
"I'm willing to take that risk," he spat, not bothering to conceal his anger.
Anna raised an eyebrow. "Are you?" She smoothly replied.
They both glared at each other, but Weselton cracked first. The Queen used every bit of self-restrain she had to not smile as the flustered Duke walked back to his seat.
-ooo-
The courtyard on the castle's barracks was remarkably empty. Only a tiny crew remained in the castle: most of the garrison was out patrolling the city walls or were elsewhere on the kingdom.
It had taken a whole hour to smooth out the details of the treaty, and by the time they had finished, Anna felt she had aged a little. Since she couldn't go out to ride by herself, a little bit of training was the next best thing. After briefly checking on Rapunzel, she retired to her chambers and changed into a more appropriate outfit – a lean skirt and blouse of a matching blue, a regal yet simple outfit –.
None of the fighting squares were being used, so she had no trouble locating her partner. Captain Garmond – a very tall, broad-shouldered man, with an edged nose and short, blonde hair – was her First Guard after Matthias left, the man in charge of her usual retinue of Royal Guards. During these months of turmoil, he had proven himself very capable at his position and a good sparring partner, even if it had taken some coaxing on his part.
"Hello Captain. Are you ready?" She asked. She had sent notice of her decision only some fifteen minutes earlier with Kai, who had waited for her in the courtyard.
"Yes, your Majesty. We live to serve." The man answered, stepping into one the biggest fighting square. He stood up rigidly to wait for her, with his sword's handle neatly nested in between his hands, its tip resting on the floor.
She grabbed a medium-sized sword, blunted on its edges. She donned some light protection as well: tip-short gloves and a couple of leather bracers on her forearms and knees. Kai, always useful, took her silvery crown after she took it off. Finally, she unmade some of the loose knots on her copper hair, freeing most of it but not enough to become bothersome as she moved around.
"Alright," she said, entering the square. "I expect your best, Captain." She warned, half-joking. She swung her blade a little, adjusting to its weight.
The man nodded solemnly. "Of course, Your Majesty."
He stepped forward, entering his usual stance, sword held parallel to the ground at his eyes' height, his left arm extended towards her. The young Queen took the sword with both her hands, holding it her chest's center with both her feet spread outwards. They both took some preemptive steps, measuring one another. She slid to her left, and the Captain replicated her movement, letting her set the pace. One step, then another, before the man flashed forward in sudden blur of green and bright silver, his sword catching the sun's light.
Anna moved to her right, blocking the blow, quickly moving her sword back, parrying the next strike. She countered with a swing of her own, directed towards his knee, but the Captain blocked it easily, launching a series of thrusts against her sides. She dodged his arm-length strikes, swiftly stepping out of his reach, deflecting those that approached her. She lunged back, trying to close the distance, repeatedly entering the man's wider reach and falling back out of it with sure-footed steps.
After months of practice, it came naturally to her. Her thoughts quieted and instinct took over. Now, there was only the rush that seemed to course through her entire body each time their swords met. After she parried a low strike, she lunged forward, taking the offensive. Matthias had taught her many things about swordsmanship, but one piece of advice had stuck with her. 'Channel your enemy. Bring them to where you'll have the most advantage.' It seemed obvious in hindsight, but it was a lesson she took to heart.
Captain Garmond had the upper hand in a blow for blow engage: his superior stamina and arm's length would eventually defeat her, so she had to counter-act them by closing the distance, attacking in short, controlled bursts that could perhaps manage to overwhelm his tight defense. She launched a series of testing swings before actually committing to a frenzied offensive, attacking from many odd angles in a calculated attempt to confuse him.
Eventually, one of the man counters passed dangerously close to one of her arms and she saw a brief flash of hesitation on the man's eyes. It lasted for just an instant, but she saw it still, and in that moment, a primal part of her decided to punish his mistake.
Instinctively, she leaned in the sword's direction, feigning a lapse of concentration on her part. The Captain, fearful of actually striking her, retracted his weapon, trying to fall back into a safe position but failing to see Anna's hand shooting up, swatting his right arm. His eyes opened in surprise, his own weight and larger frame making him lose his footing. The redhead struck once more with a backhand swing, but to her surprise the man managed to regain his balance, stepping backwards with his left foot in the last moment, using it as an anchor to twist his body back in place, barely blocking her blow.
The Captain's young features contorted, his brow furrowing deeply. Anna smirked a little, knowing she almost had him.
"I meant it that time, you know?" She said, her voice ragged by the exertion. "I want you to fight me for real."
The man's face softened a little before nodding, a phantom smile pulling at the edges of his mouth.
There weren't many subjects who wanted to risk injuring their monarch, even by accident, but after making it an order when they began her training, the officer had reluctantly conceded to her wishes. Sometimes, however, his instinct to protect her overcame the rest.
She had chosen her opponent wisely: the man clearly knew how to keep up with her, managing to hold against her assaults with sparse, precise swings, deflecting back many thrusts.
They resumed their sparring, and after dozens of heated exchanges, Anna's breath became more labored, but she relished on it, enjoying the way her own body moved around, made lighter by her racing heart.
Beads of sweat began to form and fall from her forehead, and after a while, some of her strength had definitively left her. On the other side, her adversary seemed unfazed, slowly taking back control of the fight by steadily applying more strength to each of his blows.
Anna knew that it was only practice, but that didn't mean she was going to let up that easily. She carried on, parrying and blocking each of his strikes while trying to maintain her form, pausing less and less in between swings. That rhythm, however, was draining, and she ended up making the first mistake.
After deflecting an especially hard blow that rattled her arm, she saw his next strike a little too late, his sword plunging towards her from an elevated arc. There wasn't time to block it, so she crouched instinctively and spun around, her flapping skirt lifting little clouds of dust. She stood up quickly, swinging back in wide circle in front of her. As the Captain managed to block the strike, she used her own momentum to whirl around once more, taking in her weapon's rebound to fall back in position, holding the blade vertically to meet his counter-strike.
For a brief instant she felt safe to try and swing back, pivoting towards his exposed arm, but the Captain leaned forward as their swords clashed, using his superior weight to throw her backwards, breaking her balance, mirroring her earlier stunt. She reacted just in time, barely dodging another thrust against the underside of her chest, but this time he was too fast, using her own block against her, pivoting his sword to hit her on her hips. The blade grazed her before she swatted it away with a weak deflection.
She had lost. If this had been a real fight, that blow would have pierced her body, leaving her crippled and vulnerable. The Captain retreated a bit, his face neutral.
"Impressive, your Majesty." A hard voice rang on the courtyard, breaking her fight-infused trance. She turned, having recognized the voice.
Lord Grenn stood on one side of the courtyard, with his arms crossed over his chest. Even at his age, he still had a commanding, burly frame, amplified by his ample shoulders and the green cape he always wore while in court.
"You have your father's instincts, your Grace." The old man said, nodding approvingly. "I apologize for interrupting."
Anna signaled the Captain for a break. The man nodded, now openly smiling at her.
She smiled back. Even if she had failed, it felt rewarding to have been able to put up a good fight.
After stepping out of the fighting square, Kai handed her a skin of water. She swallowed eagerly, enjoying the way the liquid seemed to cool her body. When she finished, she walked to her councilor while removing a few strands of hair from her sweaty cheeks.
"Thanks, Lord Grenn. Though, I hardly remember seeing my father fight." She recalled.
"Oh, yes. There hadn't been much need in his time, your Majesty. But he could fight, your father." The man said, rubbing his beard as he reminisced. "I saw it a couple times, against some Hanian raiders. He was a fierce warrior, same as you. Very elegant, too."
Anna smiled at the compliment, but it faded almost immediately. The mention of the raiders brought back some the worries she had successfully pushed away by the sparring session.
"Lord Grenn. The Hanians. Who are they?" She knew little of the raiders aside from the official history of her kingdom. While she trusted her other councilors, she had waited to speak with Lord Grenn about the subject since he was by far the most knowledgeable of them all.
The man expression darkened a little.
"Tribesmen, your Majesty. They became exiles some two centuries ago, in the reign of your ancestor, King Ornar the Third." Anna nodded knowingly. It was one of the defining moments of Arendellian history.
"They settled in the northern lands beyond the Great Mountain, and they have kept mostly to themselves ever since. From what we know, they have taken to worship some ancient gods, especially the Lyrra, or the She-Wolf goddess. Still, some of their bands travel south sometimes, taken jobs as mercenaries or becoming bandits. Those are usually outcasts of their own people."
"But Falax has them on his side now." Anna's implication was clear.
"It seems that way. The Usurper must have bribed them somehow, your Majesty, but we can only speculate at this point. Lady Varin is investigating the issue, so perhaps we will find out."
Yet, the problem stood. Not only she had to face Falax's armies, slowly pushing into her borders, but now most of the Coronian army and some savage tribesmen as well. It wasn't a pretty picture, she knew it very well.
If King Falax's had bought their loyalty, there was a chance they could do the same.
"One problem at a time, your Highness." Lord Grenn said, smiling reassuringly after reading her troubled expression. "Their numbers are small, and we have more pressing matters."
"When do you leave?" she asked.
"'Morrow morning, I'm afraid. I will send word of the situation next week. Your Majesty," he continued, his face hardening suddenly. "I'll not fail you. We will keep the invaders at bay, for as long as we need to."
Anna nodded thankfully, feeling a sudden rush of appreciation for the man. Lord Green had been her father's right hand for many years. The man was on his sixties, but he never faltered nor showed weakness, a strong figure that kept on fighting, helping her protect the kingdom. Her kingdom.
The lord bowed, taking his leave, leaving her in silent contemplation.
A few minutes later, the Queen walked back to the fighting square with renewed vigor, ready to spar once again.
-ooo-
'Dearest Anna. I write with hopes of finding you in good health. The fact you haven't write back makes me believe you're still mad at me, but I do not blame you if you do. The promises we made, I try to uphold them most of the time. I am truly sorry that this time I could not. However, I intend to keep my last promise. I shall come back to you.
Never doubt my love for you, and that I always have you in my thoughts wherever I go.
Today I reached the Faraxian border. This country is vast, and I cannot use my powers openly. I can't risk it. The presence from the black sorceress has grown stronger, and I feel my journey is closer to its end. Even if I have many days of travel ahead, the prospect of coming back to you soon keeps me going. Gale its good company, don't get me wrong, but he cannot compare…'
Anna folded the piece of paper, which was beginning to show signs of wear. She didn't need to read the rest. She could recall every word. Nonetheless, there was something special about seeing her sister's elegant handwriting. When she read them, she vividly imagined her sister, leaning back at some inn's table or in the middle of the forest, a glowing ice sphere casting light for Elsa to write as she had seen her do sometimes.
It hurt her, to be able only to picture her, but she had stopped resisting months ago. It kept her sane.
She opened the last drawer of her vanity and put the letter away with the others, groaning as she did so.
Her arms and back hurt whenever she moved brusquely, but she welcomed the soreness. Her body's exhaustion made sleep much easier.
An orange glow enveloped her room. Elsa's piano sat on one of the corners, shining brightly in the twilight's light. She had had it moved to her room, as most of the belongings she left behind.
It felt right, as in preparation for her return.
Anna fell on her bed, closing her eyes. On the silence of the room, she recalled the sad sound of the ivory keys. She had never been able to sit still long enough for her to learn the instrument. It hadn't been her thing: she had preferred going outside most of the time, mastering riding, or simply running around the castle's grounds. Elsa did learn, at their father's request.
She seldom played, but she did it sometimes. She kept to simple melodies, but for Anna they were invaluable moments. Whenever Elsa softly played those songs, it felt as if she allowed some deep part of her to flourish on those brief, mesmerizing instants.
Anna knew she would need to get up soon, but she decided to taste the moment, to enjoy those memories before she had to go out and be the Queen again.
-ooo-
A few days after Weselton's visit, the first of his cargo ships had arrived, but even that fact failed to lift Anna's spirit as she sat on her saddle, overlooking the long rows of marching men that crowded the Capital's main street.
She had dreaded for this moment to come, so much that her meeting with the Duke seemed now a cheerful affair. The morning was cold and windy, and over the whole city hung a sullen quiet, only broken by the sounds of the procession and the soft murmurs of crying.
She had come out to bid them farewell, of course. The Queen would not hide on her castle as those men headed towards the city's gates. They were her orders, and she had bowed to look them in the eye when they left, headed to a war they didn't ask for.
As the new recruits marched, many of the Capital's citizens had come out to say their farewells too. They held a solemn silence, only occasionally stepping forward to hand them some clothes for the upcoming winter: scarfs, folded capes and woolen gloves, made in the Arendelle colors. Even the refugees had come to see, many of them spread out among the crowd. Not everyone kept the silence, however.
Anna forced herself to see it, for it was her duty, even if it broke her heart. The tear-filled faces of the children, whose dad or brother now marched away. Many wore brave faces, especially the older ones, but she could see it, what their defiance hid. Some women sobbed openly, drawing glances of pity and some reassuring words from their neighbors and friends.
If things turned out as bad as she feared, most would not come back. Was it worth it? Wasn't it more sensible for her to abdicate and avoid the bloodshed?
In reality, there hadn't been any choice. What would become of her people under that tyrant? She knew what had happened to the other countries to the east: she had read the reports, the stories of executions, of entire populations turned into slaves, life and death hanging on the whims of a single man, the Usurper. Even if she believed her cause was right, that the things she did were for the best of her people, the doubts kept creeping forward, a constant barrage of fears, each more venomous than the last. After all, she did the same as him. She chose who lived and who died, and she had to carry that weight with her.
Before, things had been easier. The burdens that came with the crown she had borne gladly. Now, to protect her people, she had to be willing to sacrifice them.
She despised it.
The man all looked towards her as they passed. She kept her mask of calmness and reassurance, and she held her head high, even if a cold fear had settled inside her chest. How many of them wore similar masks as hers, concealing their resentment, a hatred born of being sent away to fight?
Sometimes, it felt as if she had become an empty shell, a stony idol whose job was to stand proud against the raging winds of an hostile world. A necessary lie, she reasoned. If I despair, why shouldn't they?
As the last of the men passed by, followed by several carts of supplies and weapons, a rider approached her circle of guards from one of the side lanes, mounted on a black steed. Even from that distance, her clothes gave her away. Captain Garmond recognized her as well, allowing her to approach the Queen.
Lady Varin always wore black, from her dress to the veil that covered the woman's features. Even up close, only the aged skin of her neck was visible.
Ever since her husband's death on the Coronian coup, Lady Varin had attended the Council in his place, but from what Anna had heard, she rarely spoke to anyone other than the Queen herself while in the castle's grounds.
"It is done, your Grace." She said simply. Anna always felt uncomfortable looking at the dark, featureless clothing that hid the woman's face. It had been almost a year since her husband's passing, but she still wore her grieving clothes.
Anna couldn't blame her, though.
If I ever lose Elsa…
No. She wouldn't allow herself to finish that thought.
"Where is he now?" She asked. Lady Varin glanced at the guards around before leaning on her saddle, closing the gap in between the two mounts.
"The Tyrandelle region," she whispered close to the redhead's ear. The town had been the first province to fall at the Usurper's hands, located on the east-most part of her kingdom. "He has made contact. If things go according to plan, he will have access on a couple weeks."
"Thank you." Anna replied. Lady Varin didn't respond. Her spymaster bowed very slightly, pulling on the reins of her horse to turn it around.
"Lady Varin?" she called. The woman turned her head, looking at her. Even through the black cloth, Anna could feel the intensity of her glare.
"I'm truly grateful. I know it isn't easy, to put so much at risk. I'll never forget it."
The woman nodded once, acknowledging her words before galloping down the street.
Before riding to the castle, she looked at the fading multitude, most of them walking back to their own houses, many emptier than the day before. She mused, falling deeper in the bitter mood, if she would have been able to do what they did, what Lady Varin had done as well: to let go and blindly trust in fate and luck to bring them back. Against her will, the memories surfaced, perhaps for the hundredth time since, of the day Elsa left. Her mind kept going back to it, as if by remembering it she could somehow change its outcome.
It had been a day like this one, just as fall began to give way to winter. Clear, blue skies that never failed to remind her.
What wouldn't she give to have her back?
To feel her soft hands, to see her sky-like eyes.
Oh, Elsa. Please. Just come back home, she thought.
Everyone, one way or another, was losing. Anna hoped with all her heart it would be worth it in the end.
-ooo-
-ooo-
-ooo-
In the oppressive mist that enveloped her, time became feeble, frail. Somedays she managed to regain some of her mind's clarity, but inevitably, the dark, heated waves dragged her down once more.
She felt the corruption, spreading through her limbs, slipping beneath her skin. Her shackles were all around, her mind waging a losing battle. It was slipping away, her sanity. She fought against an ethereal foe, a force clouded in shadows, which she could not strike.
The world's sounds, what little reached her, echoed in the damp cave.
It choked her. Slowly. Her own mind became a thick, black-stained place. In the few moments of fleeting lucidity, she forced her aching, numb limbs to crawl forward, but deep down she felt the foul blackness rising, threatening to swallow her whole. She had little strength left.
The maddening warmth stuck to her skin, stealing her breath.
Still, she endured, because the ever-burning fingers of the darkness couldn't take away the past, those brighter days, and the promise they held.