DIM LIGHT seeped through the curtain as his eyes narrowed on the streets outside. Huffing in relief, he sat back on his creaking chair, turning to Balder, Kristoff and Ben who sat around the table. Clearing his throat, he leaned forward, distracting his mind from the irritation of the unwanted visit and focused on the situation at hand.
"So, what's the plan now?" Bjarke frowned, raising his hands before him in a balled fist.
"I know that someone in the council works for the Order and we need to find out who it is." Balder sat back.
"That makes no sense," Bjarke chuckled. "You think they'd have someone in their ranks who's not even allowed to attend the Table?"
"You know that Princess Anna was accused of killing the former monarchs of the Table, right?" Balder turned to him.
"Yeah, I'm not buying that she'd up and do that." Bjarke sat back, "She may've been a pathetic queen, but she was too nice to be a murderer."
"Exactly and I found that someone spiked her drink with Silver Leaf the night before their bodies were found." Balder leaned on the table.
"Well, did you find out who put it in her drink?" Bjarke cocked his neck.
"Unfortunately, I did not." Balder sat back. "What makes this more confusing is that I had my men keep watch on Anna day and night and she was not approached by anyone suspicious."
"Doesn't Silver Leaf leave someone susceptible to hypnotic suggestion? If that's the case, then we should rule it out entirely." Ben lifted up a piece of parchment, dipping a quill in a bowl of ink.
"What're you doing? We agreed that we would not write anything down." Balder turned to him.
"Oh, sorry." Ben ripped the paper in half and breathed in. "I forgot."
"I don't think we should rule out Silver Leaf just yet." Kristoff turned to Balder.
"Why?" Bjarke frowned.
"I dunno, it's just that I think it's still an important clue." Kristoff folded his arms. "The Order's definitely behind it, I mean, it was the murder of the monarchs that allowed them to kick Elsa and Anna off the Table."
"They could've easily kicked them off before the accident that took the lives of the monarchs." Ben turned to him.
"You don't believe the monarchs were killed?" Bjarke raised his brow.
"You and I both disbelieve Anna was responsible and I don't think they were murdered either," Ben shut his eyes and sat back, "It's the only reasonable explanation. I mean, even if they were murdered, who could've done it? We've already ruled out Anna, so who would've done it?"
"Finding out who put the Silver Leaf in Anna's drink is the key to solving this mystery and exposing the Order. If the Order is guilty, then we can get Arendelle back and if they aren't, we can clear Elsa and Anna's names and Elsa can rule the kingdom again." Balder smiled slightly.
"Well, I guess it's back to the councilmen again." Kristoff sat back, "You've got any idea who might've done it?"
"Excluding the three of us, there is Bard, Diethelm and Adalstan, so it has to be one of them." Balder stroked his chin.
"Yeah, but we don't have the time to investigate the three of 'em. Even if we sent each of our men, it would take more than a day and we do not know how long the Order will be out of Arendelle." Bjarke folded his arms.
"We need a much faster method of doing this." Ben turned to Balder. "We can't just walk up and ask 'em straight up; we'd get ourselves killed."
"Are the monarchs of the Table still present in Arendelle?" Balder turned to him.
"Three of them. We could've asked Queen Rapunzel for her help since she's fond of them, but she's returned to Corona already." Ben sat back.
"Perfect." Balder smirked, "We'll go and ask 'em straight up."
"What?" Bjarke raised his brow.
RAYS OF sunlight seeped through the windows, creating a pattern on the floor of the throne room. Soldiers of the Nine Stars manned the entrance, some filing along the carpet leading up to the cathedra. A man sat in it, clad in a thick cloak with a hood over his head as he crossed his legs, leaning against the armrest.
The doors swung open, tensing up the soldiers who drew out their swords. Balder, Bjarke, Kristoff and Ben entered, walking calmly and ignoring the men, moving up to the throne at the end of the room. The soldiers stepped back, glancing at Ben who turned away from them. The man on the throne flicked his fingers, instructing the guards to give way for them.
"What brings you here, Sir Balder?" The man leaned forward. "Have you finally realized the folly of consorting with those creatures that masquerade as humans?"
"Remove the cloak, so that we may see your face, Lord Erhard." Balder stepped forward.
"Hmm, seems my guise was a failure, huh, Balder?" The man on the throne removed his hood, revealing himself to be Diethelm. "I did not expect it to fool you anyway."
Kristoff's eyes dilated in surprise, the revelation raising a point of concern as thoughts raced in his mind. If the Order had indeed left, why would they have left a councilman of Arendelle in their stead? Would it not have been wiser to leave one of their own to pose as Erhard? Why was he revealing himself so easily?
"Where is Erhard?" Kristoff frowned.
"He is Lord Erhard, to you." Diethelm smirked.
"His location doesn't matter." Bjarke stepped forward. "All that does is that he's not here and that he left Diethelm to pose as him, which proves that he is untrustworthy."
"What would be so important to the Order who wanted Arendelle so badly that they would leave one of its councilmen to rule it instead of their own?" Balder's eyes trailed around the room. Diethelm remained silent and sat back on the throne.
"Does something amuse you, Diethelm?" Ben raised his brow.
"… Where are Elsa and Anna?" A sly smile crossed Diethelm's face.
"That is a matter that does not concern you." Balder frowned.
"Oh, but it does." Diethelm chuckled. "It still surprises me that they managed to escape Arendelle with their lives and judging that you are with him." He pointed at Kristoff. "I can tell that you are working with them, probably on a more personal level than the rest of us." He smirked. ''It does not matter anyway since they followed that map.''
"What have you done to them?" Balder frowned.
"It does not matter because the Order is hunting for them, just like all the rest."
"There are others?" Ben glanced around the room.
"The Order has hunted magical creatures for centuries, of course there are others." Diethelm chuckled. "They worked this hard to get Elsa and Anna out of Arendelle so that they could dispose of them the way they always did."
"It was you who put the Silver Leaf in Princess Anna's drink, wasn't it?" Balder stepped forward.
"You're quite the perceptive one, aren't you?" Diethelm raised his brow with a smirk.
"Why'd you do it?" Kristoff stepped forward.
"Who else would be blamed if the monarchs were mysteriously burned without any trace of a fire? Better she do it herself so that we would not be found out." Diethelm sat back.
"So, you were working for the Order this whole time? Spying for them right under our noses." Bjarke folded his arms.
"Think of me as a new recruit. I will gladly be a pawn in Lord Erhard's scheme to rule the entire realm." Diethelm chuckled. "I would be rich beyond my wildest dreams if I followed him, rather be at the beck and call of a foolish woman who does not have her emotions under control or her sister who can't make tough decisions."
"This is treason." Ben gritted his teeth.
"It isn't because your pretty queen is nowhere to be seen." Diethelm crossed his legs. "Like the coward we believed she was, she did not even show her face to retake her kingdom. Now that you're here, we can finally dispose of anyone who aligns themselves with her."
The Order's soldiers drew their swords, encircling Balder, Bjarke, Kristoff and Ben who backed into the centre of the throne room. Feeling around for his axe, Kristoff cursed, frowning deeply as he realized that he left it in his shop. Balder shifted his gaze around, turning to Diethelm who chuckled as he sat back.
"Kill these fools." He flicked his hand.
"That is quite enough." A man's voice came.
The pattering of feet met their ears, grabbing the attention of the room's occupants as the monarchs of the Table entered. Among them were their soldiers who looked at the Order's tensely, holding the hilts of their blades readily. A king stepped forth, his gleaming shoes matching his white suit that consisted of a four quarter blazer, trousers and red ascot that matched epaulettes with gold fringe. He pulled the sleeve of his jacket as he treaded the hall, a confident smirk on his face.
"I knew Anna would not have killed my brother." King Hans frowned.
"What? Who let them in here?" Diethelm's eyes dilated in surprise.
"We needed permission to enter the throne room?" Princess Cinderella raised her brow. "I thought royals were allowed to freely roam the palace."
"Who did this?" Diethelm frowned as he looked around, his gaze falling on Ben whom he shot a glare at. "You."
"This madness ends here, Diethelm." Ben walked toward him.
"Oh, but it's just getting started." He turned to the soldiers. "Kill them all; this is rebellion against the Order!"
A fight quickly ensued as the Order's soldiers collided with the soldiers of Arendelle, Bjarke, Ben, Balder and Kristoff backing away from the centre of the room as they fought. Watching from the corner of the room, Ben shifted his gaze, looking at the rooms occupants as he frowned. Folding their arms, Princess Cinderella and Queen Snow White watched the battle, frowning at the occurrence.
"Do men need violence to solve all their problems?" Queen Snow White raised her brow.
"Some of them I guess." Cinderella sighed. "And I'm sure it won't end here."
"Let's just hope our side wins cuz I don't wanna become a slave for the Order." Queen Snow White frowned.
"Yup." Cinderella nodded.
Kristoff stepped back from the fight, confusion stitching his brow as he turned to Ben. Though the occurrence was quick and the lighting of the room could be a contributing factor, the councilman's eyes appeared to glow purple for a moment. Shrugging it off, the mountain man turned to Balder who stood to his right, his gaze shifting as he watched the scuffle; the clanging of metal echoing through the room.
"Does this mean that we're declaring war on the Order?" Kristoff furrowed his brow, his voice hushed to a whisper.
"There is no other recourse if we get out of here alive." Balder frowned.
"You know this idea is dumb as hell, right?" Kristoff folded his arms.
"It is the only choice we have." Balder sighed. "Let us hope that what Arnljot said was not true and the Order does not have dragons with them."
"And if they do?"
Balder turned away from Kristoff, an appropriate answer failing to come to mind as he turned to the fight that was dying down. With the last Order soldier down on the floor, the monarchs stepped forward, Hans standing in the forefront, his angered gaze moving to Diethelm. Chuckling, the councilman stood and walked up to the royals, his hands raised nonchalantly.
"Alright, you've got me." Diethelm lowered his hands. "I give up; I know when I'm beaten."
"Where is Lord Erhard?" Hans frowned.
"Do you think I would tell you that?" Diethelm raised his brow.
"Take him to the dungeons." Balder interrupted Hans, turning to the king with an apologetic look. "Forgive me, King Hans, but he will not be of any aid to us in our search for Lord Erhard."
"Then how will we find him?" Hans turned to him.
"I acquired a map that leads us to what I believe to the Order's fortress; in fact, I am completely certain of it."
"What is going on with the Order? Why was he on the throne instead of Lord Erhard?"
"Lord Erhard has been lying to us all. The Order has not been slaying dragons as they had claimed, but has been keeping them in their fortress." Balder frowned.
"You expect us to believe that?" Cinderella raised her brow, crossing her arms before her. "I believed that Anna didn't kill the monarchs, but there's no way dragons are still alive."
"You do understand the ramifications of what you're saying, Sir Balder?" Hans furrowed his brow.
"I am well aware of that and there is more the Order has done." Balder exhaled slightly before he continued. "The Order were behind the deaths of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna's parents."
"What?" A princess squeaked, her voice soon followed by murmuring that spread amongst the monarchs.
"King Adgar and Queen Idun died when their ship capsized." Hans frowned. "My brother attended the burial."
"The royal sisters' real parents had powers just like them and the Order murdered them. King Adgar and Queen Idun came across them in the forest soon after and they killed them." Balder huffed slightly. "It was hard for me to believe when I first heard it, but it's true."
"Your story is too farfetched." Hans shook his head. "So, you're telling me all of this happened and the Order kept it a secret?"
"There is no other conclusion to draw here." Balder shifted his gaze, a frown stitching as he looked at the others' disbelieving faces. "Queen Elsa and Princess Anna are different from the rest of us; we all know it. There is no other way to explain why King Adgar and Queen Idun did not have their powers other than this."
"I …" Hans sighed and frowned.
The King shut his eyes, exhaling deeply as he looked around, thoughts fuzzed by a silence that assaulted his ears. A soothing calm rushed through the atmosphere, minds hushed by an ominous feeling that filled the room. Shifting his gaze to Ben, Bjarke frowned slightly as he saw a small flicker in his eyes. Shrugging it off, the old man huffed and turned to the monarchs.
"We must return to our kingdoms, gather our soldiers and ready ourselves for battle." Hans turned to the royals. "The Order's tyrannical rule ends now and we have all the proof we need to advance."
"Isn't this a lil rash?" Queen Snow White raised her brow. "Doesn't the Order have a dragon slaying army that can take all of ours out easily?"
"Their legends have already been disproven and we have all seen their treachery." Hans frowned, the others' reactions urging him to continue speaking. "Since my brothers conquered other kingdoms and left me to rule the Southern Isles, I have learned one thing; if you wait for your enemy to strike first, you will lose indefinitely. By attacking these men, we have already declared war on them with our attack on their men, so let us use the element of surprise and attack the Order first."
The royals cheered in agreement, some hesitant while others were elated; a contented smile crossing Han's face. Taking their leave, the monarchs exited the hall, their soldiers pushing those of the Order and Diethelm along with Balder, Bjarke, Ben and Kristoff following. The mountain man shifted slightly as he moved, his eyes darting around suspiciously.
"Is something bothering you, my prince?" Balder walked up to him.
"No, nothing." Kristoff smirked slightly. "Just waiting for the right moment to punch Hans in the nose." He frowned.
A WHITE cloud escaped her as she rubbed her shoulders, the cold moving tremulously up her arms as her fingers shook. A contented sigh met her ears, turning her gaze to see her sister sleeping on a rock with her head hanging lazily. Her face reddened as she saw her lay back, crimson flooding her face as she gasped in anger.
"I'm shivering here and you're gonna sleep there?" Anna frowned.
"Huh … what?" Elsa roused slowly.
"Hmm." Anna folded her arms, pouting. "And I thought you cared about me." She shut her eyes. "I'm cold and you're falling asleep."
"No, Anna." Elsa sat up, stretching her arms. "That's not true." She yawned.
"You're even yawning!" Anna gasped. "Ooh, I'm not friends with you anymore." She turned away, whining.
"We're sisters, Anna." Elsa chuckled. "Do I need to show you the similarities again? You forgot your surname again?"
"I'm not dumb." Her voice grew high, coming off like that of a young girl.
"Come on." Elsa embraced her, rubbing her cheek against hers. "You feel better now?" She smiled.
"No, I'm not talking to you again." Anna looked away.
"Anna, come o …" Elsa's voice trailed off, her eyes shutting slowly.
"You're doing it again!" Anna frowned, her face bright red in childish anger.
"I'm sorry." Elsa chuckled, rubbing her eye as a yawn escaped her. "I dunno why I'm so sleepy all of a sudden."
Anna pouted, turning away from Elsa who chuckled as she watched her younger sister throw a tantrum. Feeling sleep weigh on her, she rose to her feet, her arms spread out as she took in her surroundings. The trickling of the stream to her right tickled her ears, the lush flora livening her as she turned to her sibling.
"Hey, you got any idea where we are now?" Anna turned to Elsa.
"Nope." She looked around, the dawning night inhibiting her vision. "Been following the campus on the chest, but it feels like we've been walking for weeks."
"I know, right?" Anna stood up. "It's only been two days, but I can swear that we've been walking for way longer than that."
"Yeah, I know." Elsa stretched back, fighting a yawn. "It's totally weird and I feel so sleepy."
Looking at her sister, Anna stitched her brow slightly as she watched, her eyes trailing down to her chest as she studied her. Lowering her head, she looked at herself, a huff escaping her as she folded her arms. Cocking her neck, she frowned as she hugged Elsa from behind, making her jerk back in surprise.
"You know, just 'cuz you offered for yourself as a pillow doesn't mean you're bigger than me." Anna smirked. "We're the same size and you know it."
"What're you talking about?" Elsa raised her brow.
"Oh, you know what I'm talking about." Anna chuckled. "You're not gonna fool me."
"Well, I didn't offer; I clearly told you not to sleep 'cuz I'd have to drag you around." Elsa frowned.
"Mm-hmm, but you mentioned your boobs when I didn't. You can't show off when we're the same."
"But I wasn't showing off." Elsa darted her eyes around.
"Is that so?" Anna stepped back, squinting at her as she furrowed her brow. "Lemme guess, he couldn't keep his hands off you; could he?"
"I am not talking to you about that!" Elsa glared at her, pink dusting her cheeks.
"Huh, guess I was right." Anna folded her arms. "You finally get some and now you're the 'Queen of Rack Country'." She gestured.
"Anna." Elsa gasped.
"It didn't take Kristoff as long as it took Balder." Anna chuckled. "Compare a month to a year; I'm pretty sure Balder's nickname doesn't do him justice at all."
"Wha …" Elsa stuttered. "Shut up, Anna." She folded her arms.
"Relax, I'm kidding." Anna chuckled.
"Uh-uh, you offended me." She pouted.
"Come on." Anna walked up to her.
"No, I'm not talking to you anymore." Elsa shook her head. "I'm letting you go."
"Elsa, come on." Anna stretched her arms. "Hug?"
"It was a bad pun, but I stand by it." Elsa shut her eyes, raising her nose to her.
A rustling met their ears, drawing their attention as they turned to see a deer moving out of the forest up to the riverbank. Lowering its head, it lapped up some water, peaking Anna's interest as she watched the animal. An arrow flew into the creature's neck, downing it instantly as it collapsed on the ground. Stepping out of the forest, Torgeir looked around, a bow clutched at his side; his eyes widened in surprise as he saw the sisters.
"Queen Elsa, Princess Anna!" He walked toward them, placing the arrow on his back.
"Torgeir, you're alive!" Elsa smiled at him.
"I thought you all died." Anna hugged him.
"Y-yes, I was lucky enough to escape." He cleared his throat, taken aback by the princess's actions. "I jumped off my horse before it fell, but I was unable to help you." He held the strap of his arrow. "I would have shot that monster, but it blew me away when it jumped in front of you. I regained consciousness and you were already gone."
"So, you haven't seen it again?" Elsa's brows stitched.
"Thankfully, I did not." Torgeir sighed.
"I'm sorry about your friends." Anna furrowed your brow. "It happened so quickly."
"Well, we were prepared to lose our friends in battle; it was bound to happen." Torgeir frowned. "I did not expect it to happen so quickly though." He sighed. "Arian was so young too, but I suppose it was his time."
"What're you gonna do now?" Elsa rubbed her arm.
"Follow my Orders; I must help you with your journey."
"You shouldn't; it's too dangerous for you." Anna furrowed her brow.
"I cannot disobey my orders." Torgeir frowned.
"It's okay; we can handle ourselves, Torgeir." Elsa chuckled slightly. "You should find a way off the island."
"I'm afraid I cannot." Torgeir cocked his neck.
"Why? You don't need to risk your lives for us." Anna frowned.
"I need to come with you to Arendelle after this; there is something important I must do." Torgeir frowned. "There is someone I must see."
"Who?" Elsa raised her brow.
"One of your councilmen, Sir Balder; he is my younger brother."
"How?" Anna stepped back.
"My father was a Lord at Winterfell and he was good friends with King Adgar. He died in war and my mother fell ill, so the King and Queen of Arendelle took Balder in. I only learned of this when I returned home and I have been searching for him ever since." Torgeir continued. "I heard that he had been raised in the courts of the kingdom and had become a Lord. I was unable to find means of coming there until now, so I must help you in order to see him again."
"Well, okay, I guess." Anna's voice vibrated uneasily. "But I'm not sure this is such a good idea."
"I must do this; I have no other recourse." Torgeir frowned.
"Okay, welcome aboard." Elsa smiled at him.
"Thank you, your highness." Torgeir nodded and looked around. "We must find a place to set up camp before night falls."
"Yeah, but did you have to kill the deer?" Worry stitched her brow. "Poor thing; it just wanted a cup of water."
"Uh, Anna, you know it can't –," Anna interrupted Elsa.
"You do think I'm dumb." She gasped, folding her arms.
"Anna, I don't." Elsa chuckled. "I'm just –,"
A dark shadow swept over them, its size encompassing them all as it moved past, grabbing their attention. Raising their heads, their eyes dilated in shock as they backed away slowly; faces whitened by fear. A black dragon flew over them, its wings outstretched to its side as it swerved through the air and soared above the trees. Backtracking, the trio rushed back into the forest, Elsa quickly picking the chest and holding it in the crook of her arm as she moved.
Manoeuvring through the trees, the three ran onward, tossing away a second thought as they evaded the creature that was long gone. Torgeir leapt over a bush and hid behind, pressing his back against the wood as he listened closely. With a sigh of relief, he rose to his feet, scanning the area as he looked for the sisters.
"Queen Elsa." Torgeir stitched his brow.
"Help!" Her voice came sharply.
Following the source, he ran to his right and moved past a tree, seeing Elsa and Anna a few feet away from him. Approaching them, he stopped, raising his brow as he came to a halt and suppressed a laugh at the sight. Elsa tugged at Anna's arm, warring with a small wolf that bit at the leg of her trousers, growling fiercely.
"Arrgh! Pay back the money, arrgh!" The wolf growled.
"Get off me!" Anna shook her leg. "Torgeir, help me!"
"That's not my problem, heh, heh, heh, heh." Torgeir laughed, wiggling his finger mockingly.
"Quit laughing and help us!" Anna frowned at him.
"It humours me that with your powers, you cannot handle a small dog like that." Torgeir bent down, picking up a stone.
"Just hurry!" Elsa pulled Anna's arm.
Chuckling, Torgeir chucked the rock at the wolf's head, scaring the canine and causing it to retreat. Looking at her leg, Anna lifted her trouser and searched for bite marks, aided by her sister who looked at her leg closely. Walking up to the women, he adjusted strap of his arrow sheath, his gaze shifting around as he approached.
"Hmm." Anna watched the wolf scurry off. "I think I'd like a wolf pup, like maybe take that one in."
"No, Anna." Elsa frowned.
"I can take care of him." Anna smiled. "I could call him Seier."
"Anna, no." Elsa enunciated.
"What the hell was that thing?" Anna furrowed her brow.
"It was a black dragon." Torgeir folded his arms. "Were any of the Order's legends true?"
"It seems they weren't, but why would they lie about it?" Elsa frowned.
"Whatever their reasons may be, we need to keep moving." Torgeir walked past them. "We would surely be attacked by these creatures if we stay in one place."
"Right." Elsa nodded.
Following the man, the sisters looked around anxiously, the older of the two clutching to the chest gingerly as they proceeded. The glow emanating from it increased in intensity, her eyes glinting softly in its luminescence as it shone brightly. Torgeir and Anna turned to her, gripped at attention as they looked at the box.
"What is it?" Torgeir furrowed his brow.
Elsa did not respond, the life in her eyes quietened as she stared at the compass ardently. Without a word, she ran to her left, her step quicker than the two as they tailed her. Though their calls met her ears, she kept going, the world around her paling in comparison to her resolve to follow what she believed to be her mother's voice. Hearing it as well, Anna sprinted catching up to Elsa and leaving Torgeir behind.
"Your Highness, where're you going?" Torgeir panted.
A sudden rush of wind enveloped them, the cold stinging their eyes as they shielded their faces with their arms. Taking in their surroundings, they stood in awe as they were suddenly surrounded by snow. Looking forward, they saw the top of a small hill that ascended higher than the rocky mountainous area around them.
"What the hell?" Torgeir furrowed her brow.
"Uh, what just happened?" Anna looked around then turned to her sister who remained silent. "Elsa?"
Elsa's head hung low, her eyes fixed on the chest as the glow enamoured her and left her mouth slightly agape. Walking slowly, she followed the direction the campus led and walked up the hill, tailed by Anna and Torgeir. Reaching the acme, the trio stood, awed and terrified by what was before them.
A massive fortress stood in the middle of the mountainous area, frost visibly moving up the grey walls and its conical roofs piercing the skies above. Four black dragons swerved around the edifice, their sizes sending chills up their spines as the flew like guards on patrol.
As always, Follow, Favourite and Review and Await the Awesomeness as we dive deeper into the universe. Thanks for reading.