~Chapter 18~

Anna

I wish I knew what woke him up. Was it a timing thing? Was it connected to Elsa's memories? I had many speculations flood my mind, but in the end it didn't matter. Marcus was awake. Dangerously weakened and underweight due to these past months, but unfortunately there was war on our doorstep. Hans had his brothers imprisoned for the time being and I'd have to figure out a way for them to pay off their debts to society later. Rapunzel and Eugene had scouts sent to Corona to help back up Arendelle in this threat. Ships from Corona were sent, but Rapunzel was unsure if help would come before an official first attack was made. This was new territory for me. Sure I could help rebuild Arendelle bringing it back to its former glory, though now in a new location. However, I knew nothing of wartime strategies. Save for those I had read in stories. Though those were works of fiction. It scared me, but I wasn't certain what to do. Should we wait for a legitimate attack to mount and hold our defenses or go on the offensive? All in all, I trusted my sister, she'd bring back up and soon. With the elemental spirits on our side, how did the Southern Isles stand a chance?

Olaf held Marcus's hand as he walked around the room trying to build up more of his strength. Kristoff and I regaled Marcus on everything that he had missed during his coma. It was during this discussion that the three of us pondered questions about what took place at Ahtohallan.

"All I remember thinking before I blacked out was that I wanted my wife back…" Marcus stopped his walking trying to recall his memories, "I'm not sure what I did exactly."

"You stopped her for destroying Ahtohallan for one." I replied.

"We both did." He corrected me,

"You did the work though purging Elsa of her corruption." I added.

"What you've been doing these past months in trying to restore her memories, that was work too."

"Okay guys, it was a team effort." Kristoff chimed in holding back a laugh.

"I like teams, are we going to play a game?" Olaf added excitedly.

Marcus immediately started to laugh. It was like music to my ears hearing it again.

"I've missed you, Olaf." Marcus smiled.

Moments later, there was a knock at the door and Kristoff quickly opened it. There we found Grand Pabbie staring at us with a book in his hands. He held a very perplexing gaze and it immediately concerned me.

"Queen Anna, I have some urgent business to discuss it is of the gravest importance."

What else could go wrong today? Wasn't war against the Southern Isles enough?

"What is it Pabbie?" I urged.

He ran up right next to me opening the book he had with him, but stopped upon seeing Marcus.

"Your highness, you're awake!" He beamed, "I'm so relieved, you should listen to this as it involves you."

"Uh, okay." Marcus muttered.

"I've had a vision…" Pabbie began, "A dark presence has fixed its eyes on Arendelle. An ancient creature known as Kuva the Tyrant."

"Who?" I asked.

"A creature of darkness and corruption, who destroys anything of the light."

"So that's what happened to Elsa, she made that deal with him to save my life." Marcus interrupted, "But where does my uncle fit in?"

"During the last reign of Kalde, the Terryn princes opened the way to release Kuva's spirit. He enveloped the older brother, James, and has been playing host to him ever since." Pabbie explained.

"How can he be stopped?" Marcus asked.

"What about your uncle?" I added.

Marcus regarded me with a stoic gaze and it was safe to say his mind was made up.

"Clearly my uncle has been lost for years. He's not my uncle, but an enemy." Marcus replied.

"This text describes a weapon that can be forged with the combination of the elements that can pierce the soul of Kuva. Banishing his terror of darkness for good."

"That sounds too easy." Kristoff commented.

"And it's really vague." Marcus grumbled, "Which elements combined? I would have to find Elsa first, but fire and ice doesn't make anything, but water. It makes no sense."

"I'm sorry, lad." Pabbie muttered, "I wish I could be more help."

Soon Hans knocked outside the room frantically looking on high alert.

"My father has made blockades stopping all ships from coming or going anywhere. He means business."

"Well I mean business too when it comes to defending those I care about." I replied.

"What do you want to do, Anna?" Kristoff asked.

"I want to help my sister, but right now, the kingdom needs protecting. Elsa can handle herself and she'll bring backup."

"But until then, we need to defend this place." Hans added.

"Anna, ask Reuben about it." Marcus suggested, "This is Arendelle's new home, but it's still the ruins of Kalde. He might know a few things."

"Great idea." I replied, "But why does it sound like you're leaving."

"I have to go after my uncle." Marcus replied.

He really had been in a coma too long, what was he thinking?

"Are you insane? He nearly killed you once, but I have to stop him from reaching the volcano. The remains of Kuva are inside."

I couldn't argue with him on this because I knew time was of the essence.

Kristoff and I walked Marcus out to the stables as Marcus hopped into a saddle. I couldn't help, but feel a sense of loss at his leaving. He just came back to us, but it couldn't be helped.

"You know where you're going?" I asked nervously.

"I'll be fine, Anna." He reassured me.

"We'll take care of things here." Kristoff nodded.

"I know you will." Marcus replied.

"Be safe." I muttered.

Marcus smiled reassuringly at me, but I couldn't help but feel it was a false sense of security. Rearing the horse up, Marcus took off leaving Arendelle behind. I had no time to feel nervous. The defense of the kingdom was in my hands and people were counting on me.

'So Anna," Kristoff said, putting his arm around the small of my back, "Where do we start?"

"We need to find Reuben."