~Chapter 15~

Anna

The Southern Isles was in our view in a matter of hours and I shuddered as I gazed upon its shores. I had never been there, but knowing what transpired between them and Kalde, not to mention Hans, it was enough to make me sick to my stomach. There were thick mists hovering above the water, which made visuals difficult. As we approached, another ship passed us by going in the opposite direction. It held the Southern Isles flag. I glanced at Kristoff nervously as the ship passed us by, but didn't engage us. Something in my gut told me to investigate this further. Olaf waved at the ship as it passed by.

"I've never seen a ship with so many cannons before," Olaf commented.

"Cannons? Olaf are you sure?" I asked.

"Sure, I'm sure." He replied.

"Kristoff, I don't like this." I muttered.

"Let's ask Rolf about it."

Rolf was found looking content on the top deck steering our ship toward the Southern Isles port.

"Morning, your highness." Rolf greeted.

"Rolf, have we passed by many ships during the night?" I asked.

He looked confused by my question.

"These are busy waters. It's not uncommon." Rolf shrugged.

"Did you notice many boats with the flag of the Southern Isles?" Kristoff asked.

"Yes, I saw them." Rolf replied.

"How many have we passed?" I pressed.

"Staggered throughout the night? Many?" Rolf shrugged again.

Immediately a pang of nausea hit the depths of my stomach. Though I really had no reason to suspect the worst yet, something in my gut said I needed to investigate this further.

"Rolf, turn around and we're going to follow that ship." I ordered.

"What?" He asked in disbelief, almost angry.

"Anna, what about Elsa?" Kristoff asked.

"Isn't she important?" Olaf said glumly.

Guilt hit me hard, but I had a new concern on the forefront of my mind.

"I trust my sister and I know she can take care of herself. For now, I have to do this." I said determinedly.

"Well, I'm with you Anna, always."

"Let's go play with the ship." Olaf clapped excitedly.

"Rolf, hard to starboard," I instructed him and he seemed hesitant, but in the end, did as I asked.

We followed the Southern Isles ship at a safe distance not wanting to bring suspicion toward us. Though the mist helped mask our presence. Rolf reasoned it was a lone trade ship even though he confirmed sighting many of the same ships throughout the night. The winds were with us picking up speed. Then we came upon a lone small cove that lay right between the Southern Isles and the former Arendelle port. I know father had mentioned such a cove in his journals as a midpoint for resupplying goods during long journeys across the sea. Though this cove was filled with ships and their flags were all that of the Southern Isles.

"It's an armada." Kristoff commented.

"But for what purpose?" I questioned, "We should-"

"No!" Kristoff cut me off quickly.

"But I didn't even say anything yet." I whined.

"Right, but I know what you want to do." Kristoff smirked, crossing his arms.

"All I need is a rowboat and paddle over there and figure out what this armada is doing here."

"It's not safe." Kristoff argued.

Feeling frustrated, I grabbed Kristoff by the shoulders.

"Listen to me, if this armada is up to something and I didn't do anything to stop it, what kind of queen would that make me? I have to protect my people."

My tone was harsh, but I was insistent on an investigation. Kristoff gazed out toward the docked armada of ships and then glanced back at me sighing heavily.

"Well, consider me Arendelle's envoy." Kristoff nodded.

"I don't want you to be seen!" I corrected, "Just spy and see what they're doing here. With luck, it is just merchant trade ships from the Southern Isles."

"Ooo can I be a spy? I'm quite stealthy especially when my three snowballs hide in separate places." Olaf laughed.

Kristoff grabbed my shoulders pulling me in toward him for a quick hug.

"I'll be right back."

He pulled away moving toward the bow of the ship and found the rowboat. Rolf and I adjusted the ropes and pulleys lowering Kristoff down to the water. The mists gradually surrounded us getting thicker and it wasn't long before it was hard to see Kristoff at all. I could barely hear his oars hit the water either. Several minutes went by and I hated the ominous silence. Olaf climbed up on the railing beside me keeping an eye out for Kristoff like I was.

"Too bad Elsa isn't here. An icicle scope would come in handy right now." Olaf shrugged.

The curiosity of the armada had been a nice distraction, but I really hoped Elsa was okay. I know she could take care of herself, but I hated being in the dark. One of my biggest insecurities from growing up in insolation. Though Marcus kept me going back then and thinking of him stung. I wish he could be here now. As I stared out at the foggy cove, Sven nudged my arm as I patted his head as we waited. Rolf was pacing by the steering wheel looking unnerved. I knew he had a rough history with the Southern Isles just like I had. It was probably hard for him being so close.

"What's your take on this armada, Rolf?" I asked.

"Honestly?"

"Of course." I replied, raising a curious brow.

"Disaster." He frowned.

His response was blunt, but all I could do was hope for the best.

An hour passed before Kristoff returned and my ears perked up at the sound of oars hitting the water's surface. Kristoff attached the boat to the pulleys again and Rolf and I quickly hoisted him back up on deck. As he stepped out from the boat, I hugged him and quickly kissed his cheek.

"What kept you?" I asked when I pulled away.

"Sorry, I lingered because it was hard to find a safe place to survey people."

"So is it good news or bad?" Rolf asked.

"I overheard one of the captains says they're waiting for the go ahead from King Magnus to invade Arendelle."

My heart sank and I felt a knot in the pit of my stomach.

"Invade?" I muttered in disbelief.

"One of the men mentioned something about the ice queen being out of the way, so Arendelle's defenses would be negated."

I stared blankly at Kristoff and I think my head was delayed in processing what my fiance just said. He snapped me back to attention grabbing my arms.

"Anna, the Southern Isles are preparing to declare war!"

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