~Chapter 14~
Elsa
A voice. I heard a familiar voice that was shouting. It was a pained and guttural cry the likes of which I had never heard. I shot up from my pillow in alarm, my heart was racing inside my chest. What on earth was that? Once I collected myself, the guestroom around me had been partially frosted as a reaction to my dream. There was a knock on my door from one of the servants out of concern.
"Your highness, are you quite alright?" The voice asked.
I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and responded calmly though my palms were beginning to glow.
"I'm fine. Can you tell the king that I'll assist in the search for his sons?"
"You can tell him yourself as he has extended an invitation to eat breakfast with him and his sons."
"Please make apologies for me. I'm not quite hungry."
"Very well, your highness."
Finally, silence as I heard footsteps head away from the door. I had no belongings with me, so after a few minutes of trying to contain my powers since I was a bit worked up, I quietly left my room. Guards I passed by gave me no issue and I doubt Magnus would mind me leaving since I was doing him a favor after all. Even though my lack of memories were a frustration, I knew in my gut I needed to do what I could on my end to protect Arendelle. I didn't want any harm to come to Anna or any of the kind people who lived in the kingdom. As I booked it to the main gate, Hans grabbed my arm in the courtyard. I almost froze him because he startled me so much.
"What do you want, Hans? I'm leaving?" I spat.
"Clearly, you're making off like a thief in the night."
"Well it's morning, so your analogy needs work."
"Where are you going?"
"Your father made it clear, I need to find his sons because otherwise it will spell trouble for Arendelle and that's the last thing I want."
"The way I see it, four eyes are stronger than two. Let me tag along and we can find them together."
I had no reason to believe his willingness to help me. King Magnus probably sent him to keep tabs on me and watch my every move. The last thing I needed was someone breathing down my neck watching every move I made. When I didn't reply at first Hans bowed his head looking sincere.
"There are listening ears all around us. Let's leave and return to the ship. We can talk there."
"And why should I trust you?"
"Because I know that you have some lapse in memory and I haven't reported it to anyone. If my father knew, I doubt he would have bothered to bring you here."
I searched his eyes trying to identify a lie, but I saw none. Still hesitating, but pressed for time, I relented letting him come with me even though I might come to regret this decision later. We hopped on our horses outside the front gate and raced quickly to the docks.
After the intense ride back to the docks, I hesitated going up the gangplank until Hans answered a few of my questions. There were no prying eyes around, not even a harbormaster.
"What you said before...that is quite the accusation. I just didn't want to argue and draw attention to ourselves." I reasoned trying to act nonchalantly.
"Down play it, if you want Elsa, but I know the truth."
"How could you possibly?"
"Your fear was a big component to my reasoning…"
"My fear?" I said, as if the suggestion was utterly ridiculous, "It is a rather common human emotion. I lead a country and have immense power, it is a daily struggle to not be fearful." I replied trying to reason. I wasn't sure if he bought the lie.
"But also your willingness to accompany me." He continued, "After what happened before, I don't deserve your forgiveness."
"Do you truly think I'm incapable of unforgiveness?" I challenged raising a curious brow.
"I know not, but it would be a kindness that I doubt I deserve."
"Hans, forgiveness and trust are not the same. You have my forgiveness…"
I told him that and I meant it even though I didn't remember what transpired though I may in due time. "But you don't have my trust."
"I hope I earn it in due time." He nodded.
It was so strange seeing such sincerity in his eyes. I was tempted to ask what had happened between us before, but I wanted to maintain my facade. Though I wasn't sure if he believed it still.
"Come." He urged, "The sooner we get off this rock the happier I'll be. Do I still have permission to accompany you?" He asked, extending his hand from the top of the gangplank.
"Four eyes are stronger," I smirked, taking his hand.
It was just after dawn as our small ship pulled out from the Southern Isles. Hans set a course for the docks of Corona merely a half a day's sail from the Isles, which meant a full day away from Arendelle's shores. My thoughts drifted to my sister and how furious or worried she'd be right now, but it really was nice being outside the kingdom for a change. I wanted to explore more of the world and this was my chance. I wondered if it was something I did much of before.
Our sails hit random bursts of speed from gusts of wind that would hit us constantly. It made the time seem to fly by. I wandered about the deck trying to occupy my mind, but worry clouded my calm. My hands constantly balled into fists and began to glow. Please, not now I thought. Hans gave me my space, as much as someone could on a small ship, but he eventually joined me.
"Have you ever been to Corona?"
"No," I muttered.
"How do you plan on finding my brothers once you get there?"
"I'm not sure," I replied slightly, raising my voice.
My hands gripped the side of the ship tightly.
"The kingdom is vast and the Isles have done a lot of trading there. It will be tricky to find my brothers. Like a needle in a haystack."
"You know Hans, if you have an idea, please share. Otherwise, leave me alone to think!" I snapped. I didn't care if I came across harsh, I was not in the mood for his games.
"All I would suggest Elsa is to question the captain of the guard or even ask townsfolk if they know of anything. Father says my brothers are notorious and stubborn. They weren't cut out for palace life."
"Strange considering your father mentioned they craved power."
"Yes, but they were brutes."
"The youngest brother would think that, huh?" I smirked.
Hans frowned as if I had said something I shouldn't.
"Elsa, you should really mind what you don't understand. I don't exactly have fond memories of my childhood. I wish I could forget being bullied and relentless torment. Not all of us can suffer amnesia."
His voice broke and immediately I felt bad. I only had a brief encounter with his father and I wasn't impressed by his demeanor, so I could only imagine what Hans went through growing up.
"I'm sorry, forgive me. I overstepped."
Hans smiled, taking in a deep breath.
"Now we're even." He winked.
I rolled my eyes as we both looked out onto the ocean. My hands were more relaxed and I felt that my powers were suddenly more at bay.
"So you figured me out...amnesia is a tricky thing." I shrugged, if he wasn't going to buy my story, I might as well save my breath and be real.
"It wasn't instant if that makes you feel better." He laughed, "It's mainly cause you did seem so different and unlike yourself. I always thought if you ever saw me again you'd freeze me to death in an instant." He joked.
My face fell and I was curious to know, but wondered if he would give me an honest account.
"What happened before? Anna only told me that you were cruel and conniving."
"Well, she wasn't wrong. I was...at the time. I acted out of selfish ambitions to better myself in sheer desperation. My judgment was poor."
"Did you harm my sister?" I asked getting right to the point.
"I hurt both of you." He muttered locking eyes with me before walking away.
I could get a sense of remorse from Hans and I think he did regret what had happened in the past. Though I had more questions that would due for now I suppose. My guard went up, but I think he told me the truth and that was honorable.
Hans didn't approach me again until we neared the shores of Corona. A few hours into our journey, but still no worse for wear. It could have been an even longer trip. Anna told me about how our cousin attended my coronation and was a very kind person. I was curious to see the kingdom where she hailed from. The waters got rough as we pulled into the Corona port, but we docked with little trouble. As two of the ship hands laid down the gangplank, I glanced beyond the harbor into this new kingdom. The lower village was well populated with a marketplace right near the port. Purple banners with golden suns were strewn between homes. The palace of this kingdom was found up a hill just beyond the village. I don't know why, but Corona reminded me of Arendelle or maybe I was just missing home.
"Should we head for the palace and talk with some guards?" Hans asked, snapping me back to attention.
"I don't think I should be around people, I'm sure you've seen me when I get nervous."
"And I don't particularly want to see that side of you again, so are we at an impasse?"
"Maybe we should split up. I do better on my own." I replied.
Hans suddenly grabbed me arm urging me down to the dock.
"You've been doing well so far. You probably have better control than you think you do. Besides, I think it would be unwise for you to be alone and worry yourself into a blizzard."
I knew he was right, there was no denying that fact. We wandered into the market and we got stopped three times by various merchants trying to sell their wares. Near the south end of the street lay an intricate stone fountain near a mural of a royal family. The mural was a mosaic and quite colorful. Seeing this family depicted made me think of my sister and how worried she must be. Once this adventure was over, I would return home where I belonged regardless of my unnerved feelings. My palms began to glow as I quickly released Hans' arm for his own protection and I accidentally bumped the fountain, though I froze the water instantly. The huge crowd of witnesses stared me down in awe and terror. I recognized the judgmental looks easily and it only made me feel worse. Once the whispering began, people called for the guards and I turned right around and bolted. I didn't know where I was headed, but I had to get out of there. Hans chased right after me. My sprint maintained across a long bridge that went into a lush, green forest. There were no guards after me luckily to question me or my use of power so that was fortunate. We stopped to catch our breath.
"And that is why I didn't think I should be around people…" I said between gasps of breath.
"You realize never being around people with your powers will keep you from facing the problem. It's good to expose yourself."
"And it also keeps us from your father's task. We didn't get to ask for any leads…"
"I think I found one," Hans said pointing to a wanted poster nailed to a nearby tree trunk. He ripped off the page and he showed it to me.
"These are my brothers," Hans said, sounding glum.
The two men on the poster looked stern underneath the words: wanted dead or alive. They each held furrowed expressions and scars on their cheeks. Though one had an eye patch over his left eye. I held the poster up beside Hans.
"I don't see the resemblance." I teased.
"Brekan and Barek were their names though apparently locally known as the Stabbington Brothers."
"Well, we have plenty of daylight left, something tells me they wouldn't be in Corona anyway. We could explore out here, I'd feel more at ease."
"Might as well." Hans agreed.
I'm glad he didn't argue with me on this one.
The surrounding trees were quite dense and probably three times the size of the forest back home around Arendelle. There was a dirt path that diverted into the thick of the trees and just to be sure we didn't lose our way, I marked upper branches of trees with my ice. Hans and I walked together in silence for the most part. I missed the distraction of talking to take my mind off subduing my power. There was already a close call in Corona and I didn't want that to happen again.
"How will we convince your brothers to come? They're wanted men, so I doubt they'll return home peacefully." I asked Hans suddenly.
My question surprised him clearly because I don't think he put the thought together himself either.
"That's a good question." He replied.
"I could freeze their feet to the ground so they don't run, but that doesn't help us get them back to the ship." I reasoned.
"True…are you against using your feminine charms for our purposes?"
I was taken aback by his question.
"I highly doubt I'm in possession of any charms." I frowned, "We might have to use force if it comes down to it. Are you going to be able to go up against your brothers?"
"They have never treated me as such, so why should I feel loyalty to them?"
His tone was harsh and even sounded pained. I know Han's relationship with his family was complicated to say the least, but I think the wounds went deeper than he led on.
"Will they attempt to harm us?" I asked, wanting a direct answer.
"I wouldn't put it past them. In any event, the best defense is a good offense."
"I guess so." I shrugged.
"You know, you keep surprising me," Hans replied.
"How so?"
"Well, you seem to be doing pretty well considering you have no memories of your life."
If only he knew how insecure or how much I really struggled, but I'm thankful it didn't come across. I was a better actress than I thought.
"I knew you before and you seemed to have good control of your powers then. What's changed now?"
"It's strange, but I felt a lack of support I guess. Anna, has been more than kind, but I think she's so stuck on who I was before. She doesn't accept my present self. I felt ashamed of who I am now."
"That must have hurt coming from your sister."
"It's why you came at such a perfect time. I just needed some space and time to clear my head. I know Anna cares, but sometimes it just comes off too strong."
"Anna definitely has a lot of love to give. I can attest to that, but what happens when your powers get out of control? How does Anna react?"
"What are you getting at, Hans?" I pressed raising a curious brow.
"I mean she hasn't imprisoned you, right?"
The thought of my sister going to such measures sent a chill down my spine and that never happened to me before. I shuddered at the thought. It was a harsh judgment against her character and I hated the insinuation.
"Anna would never do that to me!" I shouted.
My hands balled into fists as frost began to emanate out from my feet.
"Please can we stop this? I don't want to talk about it anymore, alright?" I said crossly.
"Right, sorry I didn't mean to upset you." He apologized.
"Let's keep moving," I muttered as I marched forward leaving a snowflake trail behind me as I walked.
We ventured further into the forest running across a family of deer just ahead of us on the path who quickly darted away startled by our presence. As I marked another tree branch with ice, I saw smoke rising from the trees ahead to the west of our position.
"What is that?" I asked curiously.
"Let's check it out, but we should be cautious," Hans said.
We followed the rising smoke trail to its source finding a building in the middle of these woods. It was tucked beneath the shade of a large oak tree with large branches hovering overhead. There were some horses tied to a post out front and a sign near that read: The Snuggly Duckling. People in Corona certainly had weird names for things.
"Strange location for a pub." Hans muttered.
"You go check it out. I shouldn't be around people." I urged, still worked up about the conversation about my sister earlier.
"I'll be quick and ask about the brother's last known location."
Hans went inside the building and I stood patiently awaiting our next lead.
"Well look at that, little Hans has found himself a lady." A raspy voice piped up.
"Never thought I'd see that runt get the girl." Another voice said.
I spun around to identify the strangers, but I was alone.
"Show yourselves!" I growled.
Two brutish men jumped down from the overhanging branch just overhead and I was embarrassed I didn't even see them. They matched the image of the two on the wanted poster and honestly other than the scars, I could see the similarities between Hans and them.
"How did Hans land himself a pretty thing like you?" He reached for my cheek, but I slapped it away.
"Don't touch me!" I grumbled,
"Cold little thing, are we? Corona might be good for you to melt that temper."
"The Stabbington Brothers, I presume. Or to your family, Breken and Barek?"
The two exchanged curious looks and pulled out their weapons. One of them had a long sword and the other an ax.
"Hans has loose lips." The one with the eye patch spat.
"First, I'm not his woman and second I'm here to bring you both home."
"And why would we do that?"
"Because I'm not one to mess with. You'll obey me and do as I say!"
Clearly the twins didn't like being ordered around, I wondered if they got plenty of that from Magnus over the years. As they raised their swords, Hans shouted my name pulling his sword from his sheathe on his belt.
"Elsa, step back!" He yelled coming towards us.
I could handle my own.
"You foolish woman." One of the twins growled.
He raised his ax and with minimal effort threw ice spikes between us and both men stared at me in shock and disbelief. Hans caught up to us and kept his sword drawn, but let me take the lead on this.
"Get the picture?" I said, "So you'll come with Hans and I immediately."
Han's brothers didn't answer me right away and instead they whispered among themselves.
"Elsa, we can't trust them." Hans insisted glaring at his brothers.
The twins quickly ceased their whispering and grinned at me.
"We'll go quietly so long as our runt of a brother doesn't tag along."
They were adamant on their demand and there was no negotiating with them, so I quickly agreed.
"Elsa, no!" Hans demanded.
I walked toward him feigning a hug, but quickly whispered in his ear.
"I don't trust your father. I'm not bringing them to the Isles. I'll see that they repay their crimes back in Arendelle. Meet me there."
As I pulled away, Hans nodded his understanding and his brother without the eye patch hit him over the head with the hilt of his sword. Hans crumbled to the ground unconscious.
"Was that necessary?" I growled, "He's your brother."
"Come lets get on with it." They urged.
They put away their weapons and led me just to the east through the trees where there was a small gravelly beach. A small boat was perched there ready to ship out.
"So which one is which?" I inquired as they led me to the boat.
"I'm Breken." The brother with the eyepatch said.
"Barek." The other replied.
"I'm Elsa." I answered politely.
Criminals sure, but I detested the way they called me 'woman'. I could at least disclose my name. I wasn't threatened by them. Sure they were brutish and cold, but like Hans, they had been dealt a cruel hand in the form of an unloving, contemptible father. So when it came to it, I'd give them a choice of where they'd like to spend their time. I hated leaving Hans like that, but his brothers gave me no choice. I told him my plan and I knew he'd catch up at some point. As Barek messed with the ropes for the sail as Breken pushed us away from shore, my thoughts went to that man in the comatose state back in Arendelle. I thought of Marcus and it immediately hit me and I don't know why, but I felt pain at the thought of him.