Over the next few months, Hans and Ludwig become quite close. Both wanted revenge against Arendelle, and that common goal consumed them.
About one week after the Acropeligos trade ship had left, the Harbor Master alerted Hans to three ships on the horizon, sailing straight for Notos. Hans and Ludwig hurried down to the dock.
"Can you make out their country of origin?" asked Hans.
"I can see their standard, but I have never seen that one before! It looks like an erupting volcano, against a black background, with a large red 'F' outline by yellow etched in the side of the volcano!"
"What type of ships are they?"
"They are man-o-wars, sire! Looks like they may carry between 30 to 50 cannon on board!"
"What do we do, Hans?" asked Ludwig with alarm.
"There is not much we can do, Ludwig!" answered Hans. "We have only small arms available on this island, and all of the ships are fishing vessels! We'll just have to see what they want, and hope for the best!"
Soon the three warships dropped anchor in the harbor, and the Captain took a dingy ashore. The Harbor Master met him.
"Greetings, sir! What do we owe this visit to our peaceful island to?" asked the Harbor Master. Hans and Ludwig stood close by.
"We are from the Empire of Fire, due west from here, and we came to procure food!" answered the Captain.
Hans then stepped forward, "I am Hans, the ruler of this land. We have fish to offer as food."
The Captain made a courteous bow and said, "My Liege! We come in peace. Fish would be fine. We have gold to pay for it."
"You are welcome here to the land of Notos, Captain! I'll instruct the Harbor Master to provide all the fish you need, at the current market price! Carr (the Harbor Master)! See to it at once!"
"Yes, sire!" replied Carr, as he proceeded to provide the provisions requested.
"Now Captain," Hans stated, "I have never heard of your home country. Could you fill in my friend Ludwig and I on it over a brew?"
"It would be an honor, sire!" stated the Captain, as he again bowed.
The Captain then told Hans and Ludwig about the Empire of Fire.
"The Empire of Fire is ruled by Freya, the Empress of Fire. Her empire consists of ten kingdoms, and she is always interested in adding new kingdoms that would increase her wealth and power."
"Why is the empire called the Empire of Fire? Do you have an active volcano on it?" asked Ludwig.
"No. It's called the Empire of Fire because Freya has the power to control fire. She can toss fireballs, set forests on fire with a gesture, and sink 20 ships at a time with but a gesture of her wand!"
"Your Empress sounds very powerful," Hans remarked. "And you say she is always looking to add new kingdoms to increase her wealth and power?"
"That's right, sire!"
Hans and Ludwig both cracked evil smiles. Their opportunity for revenge just fell into their lap! Lukens couldn't stop Freya, nor could Weselton. And Arendelle would be easy pickings. Time to plant that seed of revenge.
"Captain, my friend Ludwig and I know of three kingdoms that would be great additions to your Empress' empire. Let us accompany you to your land, and we will fill her in on the who, what and where," Hans mentioned with glee.
"Freya would reward you both handsomely for that information, if true. Please, join us on our return cruise home. I'll see that you both get an audience with Freya herself!" exclaimed the Captain. "But now I must see how our re-provisioning is going. If you would be so kind as to grant me leave, your grace?"
"Certainly, Captain. Send word to my home as to when we sail. Ludwig and I will be ready."
As the Captain hurried off, Ludwig had some misgivings.
"I agree that Arendelle should be a target, but why Weselton and the Southern Isles?" asked Ludwig.
"Why not? You're going to provide information on Arendelle," stated Hans.
"Well, I want a strong ruler in Arendelle."
"And I want to teach my 12 brothers a lesson. Don't humiliate me, or you will pay dearly!"
"And why Weselton?"
"The Southern Isles and Weselton have been rivals for years. Here is a chance to finally eliminate them as a rival for good!"
And so the next day, at the break of dawn the three-ship armada set sail for the Empire of Fire, with two guests on board.