Chapter 13: Christmas Gifts

Anna leaned over Hans as he read the document Holford gave him. She skimmed over the page, taking in just the important details. It was indeed a royal pardon signed by King Caleb of the Southern Isles barely two weeks ago. Anna's elation rose once more. Hans was free and can come with her, perhaps even live with her and Elsa in Arendelle.

Oh this is going to be so much fun! I'll show him everything he had missed out. Maybe I can get Elsa to adopt him as a brother. Wait, is that even possible? Oh well, I'll leave that up to Elsa. She'll think of something.

Her thoughts were interrupted, however, when she noticed Hans' baffled expression.

"I've only served five years of my sentence, Holford. I still have five more to go. Why would Caleb grant this to me now?"

Anna elbowed him to hint he should just shut up. It's a gift he should just take it.

Holford smiled generously at him. "Hans, you may think Caleb and the rest of us have forgotten you, but we didn't. In fact, Caleb had regular reports sent to him from the French war office about your progress. He's rather impressed that you've done well over the last five years. He's only heard good things about you and a commendation from the Emperor himself is quite an impressive feat. Caleb decided you've learned enough from your mistakes and it's time to give you an opportunity to prove yourself a reformed man that can do well for our country and the family."

"Hans this is wonderful!" Anna exclaimed before she turned to Holford. "Well Caleb is right. Hans is sorry for everything in the past and we've already sorted out our differences. He's a good man underneath and I'm proud to call him a friend."

"I am so glad to hear that from you. I had hoped our families can be truly united with such continued amiable relations that can only grow closer with affection," Holford said as he offered his hand. "Will you accept dear sister this humble offer of friendship?"

Anna no longer hesitated and shook his hand gratefully. Maybe, Hans' brothers are sorry for how they treated him before and this is their way of making up to him. "Of course, Holford. It would be my pleasure," she replied.

"Holford, can I speak to you alone?" Hans asked evenly before a knock came from the door. Anna let Fria. She brought in a steaming teapot and three cups. Anna decided it would best to make a graceful exit to give the brothers some privacy.

"I think I should go," Anna said. "I'm eager to read Elsa's news."

"Of course, of course," Holford said cheerfully. "She also sent several gifts, I'm sure you would like to see them too."

"Well thank you for bringing them," Anna replied. She formally curtsied and exited the room.

She wasn't lying when she said she was eager to read Elsa's letter. She itched to tear open the envelope but Fria started gushing excitedly as soon as they were in the hall.

"Oh Anna, come see the supplies your sister sent! There are crates loaded with morphine and laudanum, linen bandages, and dozens of woolen blankets. It's truly a Christmas miracle!"

Anna couldn't help but be infected by Fria's excitement. She followed her friend to the lobby where the overjoyed staff was busy checking the new deliveries.

"Anna you must thank your sister, she is truly God-sent to have given us this much!" Sister Agatha cried out to her.

Anna blushed at the praise and said their appreciation will be acknowledged. Anna did not have the heart to tell her nursing superior yet that she will be leaving soon. For now, she just wanted her to enjoy this little pleasure of having new supplies.

The nurses who helped out in unloading discovered that the crates contained more than medical supplies. One of the boxes held knitted scarves labeled with the thoughtful words in Elsa's elegant script: "For the tireless Nursing Staff who help heal our men." Another box contained bottles of jam and pickled herring that delighted the kitchen staff.

Anna thought Elsa really outdid herself in sending so many gifts. She must have gotten the entire village in Arendelle to contribute in making all of these.

"Here's another crate and there's a note!" Sophie exclaimed and the rest of the staff looked up to her. She held out a piece of paper and read aloud: "These gifts were made by the orphans and widows of Arendelle. Their menfolk will not be home with them this Christmas but they wish for the men who fought alongside their loved ones to have something to keep them warm."

The box contained dozens of pairs of hand-woven socks, gloves and hats. Anna felt herself choke with tears and she wasn't alone. All the other nurses began crying as they realized what the gifts meant. One by one they began approaching Anna, hugging her and telling her how touched they were by her people's generosity. Even Sophie who had been outright cold since Hans started ignoring her, came up to tell Anna to send her thanks to her sister.

Anna treasured each grateful word and realized soon she will be leaving these wonderful women who had been like her sisters in these troubling times.

"Anna, there's a package here addressed to you," Sister Agatha said before handling Anna a rectangular package wrapped in brown paper and tied neatly with a piece of string.

Anna couldn't help but feel excited. Elsa didn't forget to send her a Christmas present. She excused herself and went off to a quiet corner to open her package. Inside, there was a pink knitted sweater embroidered with the floral crests of Arendelle. The fine stitches could only have been made by Gerda who had the finest hand for embroidery Anna knew. However tucked neatly into the sweater's sleeves was something even more precious. It was a pair of miniature paintings of her twins.

Oh Elsa! You painted my babies for me! They're so beautiful, she thought as she stared at them. Elsa had a talent for painting and her portraits always looked vividly life-like. Anna spent several minutes just staring at them. They look so much older now and so much like Kristoff. Elsa, this is the best Christmas present ever!

She decided she had to read Elsa's letter now but before she could reach into her pocket she noticed there was another item underneath her sweater. She pulled it out and realized it was another sweater in navy blue accented with snowflake patterns on the collars, sleeves and hems. It was too large for her and there was a distinct masculine quality about the design. It reminded her of the sweaters her Mama used to make for Papa that he wore on nights he spent with just family when he didn't have to dress so formally in front of the court. Anna was wondering why Elsa would send her a man's sweater when she noticed a tag loosely stitched into one edge of the hem.

For Hans, the tag read in Elsa's handwriting.

Elsa sent Hans a gift? First she sends him an invitation to Arendelle, now a gift just like mine? Is Elsa a mind-reader now? How in the world did she know I wanted to treat Hans like our brother?

The answer, she realized, may lie in the letter in her pocket. She drew it out and carefully released the seal.

Dearest Anna,

I am so glad to hear you are safe and well. I want you to know that Agdar and Idunn are doing fine. They miss you so much and every night they ask me to sing to them the lullaby you and Kristoff wrote for them. I enclosed paintings I made of them so you would know how much they've changed since you've left. It was quite a challenge to paint them as they wouldn't stand still for long periods. They're now at an age where they get into much mischief. Last week Gerda caught them stealing the cookie jar from the kitchen and they even got Olaf as a lookout. Another time they woke me in the wee hours of the morning to ask me to make them a winter wonderland in the ballroom. We ended up ruining the carpets. No worries Anna, they maybe a handful at times but they're precious angels when they I need them to. We rang the yule bell to greet the season and they were perfectly gracious little co-hosts when we had some visiting dignitaries for a special ball right afterwards.

Anna had to pause and smile a little at Elsa's description of her children. She couldn't wait to see her little ones again and perhaps even join them in doing some mischief. She read on:

I was quite concerned to hear the hospital you work with had dwindling supplies. I told the Arendelle Association of War Widows (that's a support group I formed after we held a funeral mass for the latest batch of killed soldiers) about your predicament. These gracious ladies immediately set to work with their children and friends to make the gifts and supplies I sent over. I hope they tide your hospital over for the holidays.

Oh Elsa it's going to help a lot, she thought. Your medicines are a life saver and the other gifts are more precious than gold.

Anna, I must tell you though, that you must not stay there. Things are getting complicated now and I'm not sure how long our alliances can hold. I have asked Caleb through Lars to help secure letters of safe passage for all Arendellians still in Poland and Prussia. Caleb has agreed to have his brother Holford, come to you personally and facilitate the withdrawal of our citizens to Copenhagen. Please do not hesitate to leave when he asks. Uncle Frederick has agreed to host you in Denmark until after the new year. I know you prefer to go to Corona to be with Cousin Rapunzel but I would rather you remain in Danish-Norwegian territory until you can get a ship to Arendelle. Let Hans accompany you home by January. I have provided an invitation for him as well.

Be safe my dearest and I hope to see you soon.

Your loving sister,

Elsa

There was nothing in the last part of Elsa's letter that told her anything new. I guess if I want answers, I will have to wait to talk to her. But maybe Holford knows something. I might as well check on the brothers and give Hans his gift.

She carefully folded the gifts and walked back to the parlor. The door to it was still closed but Anna noticed it was slightly ajar. She raised her hand to knock but stopped midway as Hans voice floated through the crack, loud and angry:

"No, I won't do this! Caleb can find someone else! I'm through!"

Anna's first instinct was to barge in and find out what was happening, but she stopped herself in time and remained frozen in place.

"Hans, you didn't think your early pardon was a gift, did you?" came Holford's condescending reply. "If you won't do this, Caleb can take back your pardon just as easily."

Anna recoiled at the words. Hans' brothers were using his pardon to force him to do something for them! Something he's not willing to do. They have not changed at all. They were still the cruel men Hans described them.

"Then tell him to take it back!" Hans challenged. "I would rather spend another five years following Napoleon in his stupid wars than do what Caleb is asking."

Anna's heart pounded with dread. Whatever Caleb is asking must be horrible for Hans to prefer to go back into hellish battle.

"Now Hans, let's be reasonable," came Holford's reply in soothing tones. "You don't have to say no outright. Give it some thought over the holidays. Think about what you've always wanted. Caleb is willing to give you just that and all our brothers will back you up."

"What does Caleb know of what I want?" Hans spat.

"Hans, you may hide your true desires from most people but we know you well enough. You've wanted this since you were a child and I think you still do. Besides, what's the alternative if you don't agree? The tides are turning little brother. Napoleon's failure in this campaign is going to cost him dearly. There's already talk of forming a new coalition of nations against him with Russia in the lead. When that time comes we may have to switch sides. You should too if you know what's best for you."

Switch sides? They're talking about treason against France! Against our allies!

"I'm aware of that," Hans said and he fell silent for a moment. "Loyalties only go far if you're winning. That's always been the Westergaard way. Well if you've forgotten I'm not a Westergaard anymore. Caleb took away that name from me. So he can find another Westergaard to do his dirty work."

I knew you still have some decency in you. Don't give in, Hans. Stick to your principles.

"You can be one again if you do this," Holford offered. "In fact it's rather imperative you become one again to do this."

Hans scoffed audibly. "Not interested."

I'm so proud of you.

"Well don't say no outright. Think about it first."

There was a sound of approaching footsteps and Anna knew she should leave before she was found eavesdropping.

"Holford wait!" Hans cried out and Anna was glad she hadn't left immediately. The footsteps moved away from the door and Hans spoke:

"Look, I'm not saying I'll do it, but I will consider it... if you do something for me."

What? Hans, what are you doing?

There was a long moment of silence. Anna waited for bated breath for another sound. It was Holford who broke the silence with a mirthless laugh.

"I knew you're still a Westergaard through and through Hans. You just want to cut a deal. Now that, I can understand," Holford replied, the amusement in voice was apparent. "Well I'm listening."

There was a sound of shuffling paper then Hans spoke again. "I want you to find this file for me when you visit the administrative war offices in this region. Find that file I indicated before it reaches the regional office in Copenhagen or the main one in Paris. I want you to destroy it."

"Destroy it?" Holford asked.

"Steal it, burn it or tear it to pieces. I don't care how you do it. Just make sure it no longer exists before it gets filed in the main office or disseminated," replied Hans.

"What's so important about this file?"

Anna was glad Holford asked for she was wondering the same thing.

"You'll understand when you find it," Hans replied. "When you do, send me word with a single name. You'll know the name, once you've read the document. If you send me the right name, I'll know you've done what I ask."

"You're being mysteriously confident about this, little brother. What makes you think I would purge an official military document for you without even an assurance you're going to comply with Caleb's demand?"

There was a long pause and Anna bit her nails in anticipation until Hans spoke again:

"Let's just say if you really want me to succeed in doing Caleb's bidding that document must never be found."

Great! That didn't reveal much at all.

"Hans, you certainly know how to pique my interest. Alright, I'll see what I can do. But if you're leading me on a wild goose chase—"

"I'm not," Hans asserted. "It's important, I promise."

"Very well, I'll leave you to your convalescence and I hope to see you on the other side of this war."

Anna no longer stayed to hear Hans reply. The footsteps have started again and she hurriedly raced to the end of the corridor and out of sight before she heard the door swing open. She listened in as Holford's footsteps receded towards the opposite end of the hallway from where she stood.

It was only when there was silence once more that she breathed easily and pondered at what she just heard.

What exactly did Caleb ask Hans to do? And what document needs to be purged from the military files for Hans to succeed in accomplishing that task?

Author's Note: Yes, the cunning Westergaards are back in the game and ready to take the political spin of this story into action! I always love a mysterious ambiguous Hans to keep Anna on her toes. Any guesses what the Westergaards are planning and what Hans is trying to hide?