The trip to the Land of Fire took a week, but Hans and Ludwig could see the port in the distance. The Land of Fire was a fairly large country, when compared to Arendelle, Weselton or the Southern Isles. The Southern Isles may cover about the same area, but that includes the water between the islands; this was all solid land!
Within two hours, the ship docked at the port. The ship's Captain disembarked with Hans and Ludwig.
"I will talk to the Harbor Master, so you two can move around freely, and I'll then find the Prime Minister to arrange your audience with Her Majesty!" stated the Captain.
"Thank you," replied Hans, "Ludwig and I will stay in the Market area while you're away."
With that, the Captain went off on his errands
Hans and Ludwig were amazed at the number of different products available for trade or purchase in the Land of Fire Market. They saw fruits, vegetables, meats and fish they had never seen before! There was also furniture in styles that were completely new to them. There also were various machines available, which they didn't know of, or what their purpose was. It was all very fascinating! They spent a good three hours at the market, when the Captain found them.
"Well sire, what do you thing of the Land of Fire's market?"
"It is wonderful, Captain. I've seen things I never knew existed before! I am highly impressed!"
The Captain smiled, and then continued, "I have arranged an audience for you both with Empress Freya within the hour. Please follow me and I'll take you to her castle."
The threesome set off straight for the dormant volcano. Soon they were at a door in the base.
"State your business!" barked a guard.
But the guard heard a voice from behind him, "They are guests, Private! They have permission from Freya herself for an audience," the Prime Minister concluded.
The Private quickly moved out of the way, allowing the honored guests to pass.
"Greetings! I am Prime Minister Alvis. I will escort you to your audience with the Empress! You may go Captain."
"At once!" replied the ship Captain as he left to rejoin his ship.
"And who will I be introducing?"
"I am Hans, King of Notos, and this is Ludwig, my faithful friend," replied Hans.
"Very good, King Hans. The Captain mentioned that you had information about some countries that would be ideal candidates for annexation."
"That's right, Alvis! We knew a good deal about these countries, including their defenses. Freya could easily annex them and increase her wealth and power!"
"I see, please wait here while I announce you," said Alvis as he went through two large doors into an inner chamber.
Hans and Ludwig waiting patiently in silence until his return.
The doors soon opened and Alvis ushered Hans and Ludwig into a Throne Room. Alvis then left, closing the doors behind him.
Hans and Ludwig glanced about the Throne Room, when all of the sudden a huge fireball appeared before the Throne. As it died down, a warrior princess remained and sat down. Obviously this was Freya. She held a wand with a fire crystal in its base, the source of her power.
"I am Freya, Empress of the Land of Fire and possessor of the power of fire! Who are you?"
Hans stepped forward and bowed, "Your Majesty! I am Hans, King of Notos and this is my friend Ludwig!"
"I have been told you have some potentially important information for me."
"Yes, Your Majesty! Ludwig and I have information about three kingdoms, all rich, that would be valuable assets and additions to your Empire! We know their unique defenses as well, which would make their take over that much easier."
"Go on."
Ludwig started, "The first kingdom is Weselton, a land much like your own. They have grown rich through trade, and also have natural resources such as gold, silver, copper, and iron. Their port is actually quite small, situated in a natural cove. If you are interested, I can provide details on weak spots and defenses."
"I am interested, Ludwig! Please continue."
"The entire kingdom is defended by 100 guards. A swamp, making attacks from the rear improbable, surrounds the country. If there were a way for you to dry out the swamps, you could march an army unnoticed right up to the castle wall in the rear. Once broached, if you were to coordinate an attack first from the harbor, about 60-75 guards would rush to the port, and then you could take over the castle and capture the reigning king, Gabriel. By blockading the harbor, they could not get word to their trade partners to prepare for an attack."
"That IS valuable information, Ludwig! And what do you want as a reward for it?"
"I would like to be installed as King of Weselton, Your Grace," concluded Ludwig with a bow.
"Granted! When we take over Weselton, I will install you as king the very next day!"
Then looking at Hans, Freya said, "You mentioned two other kingdoms?"
Hans answered, "Yes Your Majesty. The second kingdom is the Kingdom of the Southern Isles. Lukens reigns as king. It is made up of 27 islands, every 2 ruled by a minor king, and one ruled by a king. That one is my kingdom of Notos, Your Grace. I gladly surrender it to you, although my entire kingdom has only fish to offer. The prize is control of the other 26 islands. Every month on the last Thursday, the minor kings meet with Lukens in Council. There are approximately 1100 soldiers throughout the islands, but only 100 on Lukens Island. Should you coordinate an attack on the harbor and on land, you could easily defeat the 100 man army, and capture all 12 kings as well, giving you control of the Southern Isles."
"And you want to be king there?"
"Actually, Your Majesty, I would like Ludwig to be king of the Southern Isles as well. My prize would be the kingship of the third nation; the richest of them all, Arendelle."
"Granted, Hans. But tell me about this Arendelle."
Ludwig answered, however. "Your Majesty, I can provide more details about Arendelle than Hans. Arendelle is a very wealthy country, wealthier than the other two, thanks to the numerous trade routes that pass through their markets. The markets of Arendelle can actually rival your own here in the Land of Fire. Arendelle also has become rich in gold, through their trading as well. Arendelle has abundant natural resources, along with valuable timber. It has a standing army of 300 Imperial Guards, but their real defense is their Queen."
"Oh?" asked Freya as she became even more interested.
"The country is ruled by Elsa, and she has the power of winter. That power can instantly freeze an army, a ship, or an enemy. The way to capture Arendelle is on a Friday. Elsa always visits the peons on Friday, and is out of the castle. There is a secret entrance to the castle, via catacombs beneath it. They probably have only one guard at the entrance, and maybe five more at various entrance points into the castle. You could take control of the castle, and if you could knock Elsa unconscious, you could slip wrist and ankle bracelets made of asbestos on her, thereby preventing her from using her power. Once she is powerless, and the castle taken, you would control the country."
"I see! So this Elsa has the power opposite my own, and it appears that it may be just as strong! I look forward to defeating Elsa and taking over her country!"
Turning to Hans, she said, "I will then install you as king!"
"It is time for me to plan my attacks! You two will be granted the rewards you seek! This will be a red letter day in the history of the Land of Fire!"
Hans and Ludwig smiled evilly, as they nodded in agreement.