Chapter XII: Set In Motion
"Coordinates to where?" Elsa asked.
Kai kneeled down, holding the paper with coordinates while Elsa stood behind him, looking over his shoulder. They didn't understand why Cade would go so far to kidnap those people and then just give away their location. How could they know Cade was telling the truth? They didn't. But, what Cade gave them is something to start with, even if he was lying to them.
"I don't know exactly." Kai answered. "But I recognize the area to which some of these numbers point to. It points to somewhere in the country."
"So... out of the city?" Elsa asked.
Kai nodded. They assumed that Cade and his partner, Lilith, had taken the monarchs far away from the city, but neither Kai or Elsa would've thought it was somewhere close. Kai studied the numbers more carefully. He didn't know the exact location to where the coordinates were, but if he was just given a bit more time and a map, he would know where to go. As Kai grew up with the Bandits, he was taught how to read coordinates, and though Kai never found it to be useful, it was useful now.
"I don't get it." Elsa said. "Why is Cade helping us? He tried to kill us last night, tried to fuel the war, and now he's giving us freebees. What does he gain from this?"
Elsa was more confused than she was ever before in her life. She couldn't understand the mentality of their villain. Never before had she seen or heard of anyone considered bad give away this kind of information.
"I don't know if I can answer that." Kai said. "But, I'm sure it's a trap."
"Obviously." Elsa said. "Why else would he give away that kind of information?"
"This guy is cunning." Kai said. "He's too smart to not know that we'll assume it's a trap."
"Are you saying he's telling the truth?"
Kai shrugged. He didn't know what to think of it right now. They didn't know what was going on in Cade's mind or whatever nasty thing he was plotting. All they knew was that they got some coordinates that may or may not lead them to a trap. It was true that Cade was too smart to not know what Kai and Elsa will assume. That's what threw Kai off. Kai believed that it was a possibilty Cade was telling the truth, but even if he was, Kai still wouldn't trust Cade.
"I'm not saying that, yet." Kai said. "But, it's possible that he may be telling us the truth."
"Why would he do that?" Elsa asked.
"I can't answer that. But, I suspect that he doesn't believe we'll trust him." Kai said.
"So, that means he'll think that we think it's a trap."
"Therefore, he could've given us the correct area since he might believe we won't go."
"Reverse psychology." Elsa said.
Kai nodded. Reverse psychology was something Kai expected a man like Cade would do. Both Kai and Elsa were impressed with each other's deduction skills.
"But," Elsa said, "he still could be lying."
"I know, but we have to try don't we. This is all we have so far, and it's better than nothing." Kai said.
"Also, if this was the right place, I don't think he'll just let us take them back."
"We'll be prepared." Kai said. "We can take him down."
Elsa gave Kai a saddened look. She didn't want Kai to take him down. It never ended well for Kai whenever he tried. Elsa couldn't bear seeing Kai being tortured a few minutes earlier. She couldn't even begin to imagine the pain Kai must've felt. For Kai, he had never felt so much pain before in his life. Cade stepping on his wound was more painful for Kai than when he got shot. Kai's shoulder was throbbing and stinging, but he didn't want to show it to Elsa since he didn't want her to worry about him. Kai should've known better since Elsa would've worried about him either way.
Cade was bad news for Kai. It seems as though Kai met his match. For Kai, it seemed that he would never win a battle with Cade. Their battles would only end in one of two ways; a stalemate, or Cade having the upper hand. Around them, unconscious guards ay on the floor, and that was Cade's doing. It angered Kai not being able to stand up against Cade when Kai was down. As a Bandit, he was always told that pain should not bother him, but now for some reason, pain bothered him more than ever. I should have never gotten shot, Kai thought to himself.
"Kai..." Elsa said. "I think it's best you settle down for a bit."
"What?" Kai asked, confused.
"I think it's best you and Cade never share a room together again." Elsa answered.
"What do you mean by that?"
"This guy is bad news for us, Kai. Especially you."
"I can fight him!"
"He almost killed you! It never ended well for your body whenever you face off against him."
"He didn't do much to me the first time we fought." Kai countered.
"If I wasn't there with you, he would've shot you!"
"But-"
"Please, Kai. You can help in whatever way you can. I won't stop you from that. Just... promise me you won't seek a fight with this guy. He will kill you, and it'll be easier for him in your current state. I just want you to wake up every morning." Elsa looked down at the floor. "I lost you once already." She whispered. "I won't lose you again."
Kai took Elsa's hands and she looked up at him. Kai realized that Elsa was more concerned for him than he was. He hadn't realized that for every fight he's been in, he was too cocky and was basically throwing his life around like a ball, never once considering the consequences. His belief in his ability to fight made him cocky, and that wasn't a good habit. Kai's will to fight came from the prize of victory. He always won, never thinking about losing. Kai was never willing to lost, not to anyone. When Kai was fighting Deren back in Teranhall all those months ago, even though he knew he was going to turn into solid ice, Kai still fought Deren, intent on victory. Kai didn't plan to lost to Cade, and that might be his downfall.
"So, what's the plan?" Kai asked Elsa.
"I don't know if I trust Cade. I don't think we should just blindly walk into what could be a trap." Elsa answered.
"We can't just sit around and do nothing." Kai said.
"So, what do you want me to do? Send a bunch of soldiers to these coordinates and then realize that they're never returning?! We need to play it safe."
"We need to know what's there! There's got to be a clue down there or something."
"Or, there's nothing there but death!"
They hated arguing with each other. Very few times have they had different views on something, and wheneverthey did, they would have a heated debate. There were flaws abd upsides to both of their plans. If it went Elsa's way, they wouldn't be risking the trap, but they would not progress at all in finding those who were taken. If it went Kai's way, it could be a trap and they would lose something, or it could not be a trap, and Cade would be telling the truth.
They heard groans coming from all around the room. Some of the knocked out guards were starting to wake up and rub the parts of their body where they have been hit. Others were still sleeping though they would eventually get up.
Elsa sighed. "I don't think it should just be up to us to decide." Elsa said. "Other people have to know."
Kai nodded. "I'll go call some guards. Anna and Kristoff also need to be informed of this. I also believe that Rapunzel and Eugene deserve to know."
Elsa nodded in agreement. "I'll call everyone over. You can stay here and make sure everyone gets up okay." Kai looked around the chapel at the guards. They were either dazed or sleeping.
When Kai turned back to look at Elsa, she was already jogging to the door out. "I love you, sweetheart!" Elsa said before she left the chapel. It was as if their entire argument never occured which was fine with Kai. He couldn't be bitter at her for something like this.
Kai smiled. "I love you too..." He said. "Alright men, get up!" He yelled. "Yes, you were knocked out, but nap time is over! Get up and stop sleeping on the job!"
"I'm glad you took the time to meet up with me."
"It's really hard to have a private conversation now with guards all over the city."
"But, we managed."
"Yeah... What is this about?"
"I just wanted to remind you about the plan."
"What do you think I am? An idiot? I don't need to be reminded about it."
"Well, great. I just wanted to make sure."
"You should trust me more. We won't get anywhere if we don't cooperate as one mind."
"Do you really believe that?"
"Of course I don't."
"As I'd expect from you."
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"I just thought of you as the lone wolf type of person."
"To be honest, I can get from A to Z with or without help, so it doesn't really matter."
"Okay, I trust you to get the job done."
"Don't worry about it. Don't worry about them."
"Them?"
"Our little hostages. Lilith is keeping them company."
"I won't worry. But, at least try to be gentle with them."
"I'll ask her to try, but she may or may not listen."
"Well, I guess it doesn't matter as long as they're alive."
"They've never been better."
"Is that suppose to be funny?"
"Lighten up, will 'ya. So, when does the ship leave?"
"Right now they're stocking the ship with supplies and repairing some things."
"What was broken?"
"I don't know. I'm not a ship expert, but whatever their doing is apparently critical for our safety. The ship leaves sometime between the afternoon and night, which means it'll arrive at it's destination in the morning tomorrow."
"Okay, now I know where to be and when. Nice talking to you."
"Was that sarcasm I heard in your voice?"
"Does it matter?"
"No. What does matter though is you getting the job done."
"It'll get done."
"Remember, you only do your job if things don't go my way."
"What's the probability of that?"
"Likely."
"This is some dark business you're getting involved in."
"I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. Dark business is how you make a living."
"It's just that I wouldn't expect it from you, although I've seen your work before."
"Impressed?"
"You're too sloppy; leaving too many holes in your plan."
"It was sort of a last minute plan."
"And now?"
"Now, it's anything but last minute."
Elsa, Kai, Anna, Rapunzel, and Eugene were all sitting around a small table. Kristoff and a few guards were standing around the room. Kai had the coordinates in his hands, studying it very carefully. He figured out where it led to a few minutes ago. It led to a spot in Arendelle's untamed forest, a fair distance away. Elsa and Kai previously explained their entire encounter with Cade to the others.
"So, what's the plan?" Anna asked Kai.
"Right now, the way I see it, we only have two options." Kai said. "Option number one. We assume that it may not be a trap, and we go to this place."
"Option number two." Elsa said. "We play it safe and forget about this place."
"Then what?" Kristoff asked Elsa. "We just sit around, waiting for their next move?"
"That's all we can do for that option." Elsa answered.
Kristoff was having the same mentality as Kai. He wanted to strike first before they do. He was willing to take the risk that it was a trap if it meant they would progress.
"Okay, even if it was a trap." Eugene said. "Don't you think there will be at least a clue there telling us where the right place is?"
Rapunzel nodded. "There's got to be at least something useful over there."
"Or, it could just be a ditch that you can never get out of." Elsa countered.
Right now, Elsa didn't like her odds. Kai, Kristoff, Eugene, and Rapunzel were all against her on this argument. Were they too blind to see the trap if there was one? No, they knew very well of risking a trap, but to them, it was worth it. They would do anything they could if it meant they might get the kidnapped back.
"Anna? What do you think?" Elsa asked.
Anna looked at Elsa with a guilty look on her face. "I'm sorry Elsa, but I have to agree with them on this."
"What?" Elsa asked surprised.
"You know that I'm with you on everything." Anna continued. "But, what they say is true. If it means getting the taken back, I'll be willing to take a risk like this."
Elsa couldn't believe her sister. Anna had sided with Elsa with so many decisions ever since Elsa stopped isolating herself from everyone, but now since serious matters were at hand, Anna had to do what she thought was right. To all except Elsa, the risk was worth it. Then, Elsa realized that some of her guards also have a say in the discussion.
"Guards!" Elsa said. The guards snapped their feet together and hit the ground with the butt of their spear. "What do you think we should do?"
"Queen Elsa," one guard said, "though we are forever loyal to you, our military tactics, strategies, and thoughts all mirror that of our Captain. I'm sorry my Queen."
Now, Elsa was officially alone in the matter. Though she had the executive decision, she couldn't just ignore the say of those she invited. Maybe they're right, Elsa thought. There was a reason why they thought the way they did, and maybe Elsa failed to see the truth behind that reason. The only reason Elsa didn't want to risk it was because she didn't want to waste any men. She's already lost a lot.
Elsa took a deep breath, and then sighed. "Fine." She said. "I'll send troops to these coordinates."
"We still can't ignore the probability of this being a trap. They'll need some time to prepare and train. They'll have to be ready for anything."
"Are any of us going?" Eugene asked.
"I'll go." Anna volunteered.
There was a silence in the room. No one could believe that Anna was this willing to throw herself into a could-be trap. Anna was always adventurous, but she wasn't this stupid. She was stupid enough to marry a guy she just met, but she was smart enough to know she would be facing threats far over what she had faced.
"I want to help." Anna elaborated. "I want to be useful to end this."
"Anna, you're not going." Elsa said.
"What?"
"It's too dangerous. You'll get yourself killed out there."
"I survived just fine the last time I went on an adventure." Anna pointed out.
"This isn't an adventure." Elsa said. "This is an official Arendelle mission, and only the best of the best qualify for this mission."
"So, what you're going to send Kai with them?" Anna asked. Anna felt as though, recently, Elsa has been showing more affection to Kai. Anna wouldn't use the word jealous, but she was getting annoyed by it the time Elsa had for Kai and not her.
"I'm sitting this one out." Kai said.
"He's in no condition to fight right now, Anna." Elsa said.
"But-" Anna was interrupted.
"I don't want you getting hurt!" Elsa said. That's all it took to end the argument. Anna knew that Elsa wouldn't change her mind about this. Elsa did whatever she could to protect her family, even if it meant breaking their hearts. All Anna wanted was to help, and Elsa had taken that away from her so many times recently. Elsa was just sheltering her.
Anna stood up and walked away from the table. She stormed out of the room, trying to hide her tears.
"I'll bring her back." Kristoff said.
"No." Elsa said. "It's okay. Just... Go out an make sure she's alright."
Kristoff nodded and walked towards the door. Before he left, Kristoff looked back at the table. "I'll trust you decision, guys." With that, Kristoff walked out of the room and after his wife.
"I'll have them prepare. How many shall go?" Kai asked.
"If it's not a trap, I suspect Cade will be expecting us there and many more."
"So... A small army?" Kai asked.
Elsa nodded. "Sufficient enough."
"What if that's not enough?" Rapunzel asked.
"It's enough." Kai assured.
"What if it's not?" Rapunzel asked again. "The way you described Cade. I think he's too much for this army to handle."
"They'll be ready for him." Eugene assured.
"He'll be ready for them!" Rapunzel said. "I just want to assure my parents' safety.
"I want to assure my guards' safety!" Elsa said. "If we send more people, and it turns out to be a trap, do you have any idea what we'll lose. We'll be defenseless, and they could attack again."
"But-"
"You aren't the Queen, Rapunzel! Stop making demands!" Elsa said.
Rapunzel knew she wasn't getting anywhere with Elsa. She now knew how Anna felt. It was obvious that the discussion was over, and a choice had been made. Rapunzel didn't feel like staying in the room any longer.
"Excuse me." Rapunzel said. She got up and so did Eugene. Together, they walked out of the room.
Elsa hated arguing. It annoyed her so much. But, she could never avoid arguments. They were always inevitable and she always had to deal with them. That came with being Queen; there were always those who disagreed with you, even friends and family.
"We should brief those who are being sent." Kai said.
"Yeah..." Elsa whispered.
Together, they stood up and walked out of the room.
The next morning in the Southern Isles...
Hans stood in front of his father who was sitting on his throne, ready to listen to what needed to be said. Ander stood next to his father's throne with his arms crossed, giving Hans an angry look. Both Ander and the King were confused to what was going on. They wondered why it was only Hans in front of them and not the other brothers.
The captain of the ship that Hans was on stood next to Hans. He was sent to accompany Hans for this little meeting to make sure the things Hans said were accurate, otherwise, the captain was not allowed to talk.
"What happened, my son?" The King asked Hans.
"We were at the meeting, all twelve of us. Things were going smoothly until we were attacked."
"Attacked?!" Ander asked.
Hans nodded. "A man intruded the meeting and Queen Elsa and her Captain of the Guard, Kai, chased and fought the man in the castle. Christian told us to stay put, but then a woman and more thugs walked into the room. They knocked us out and took everyone."
"Why were you spared?" Ander asked.
Hans shrugged. "I don't know."
"Let me guess." Ander said. "They put the blame on you."
Hans nodded. Hans wasn't surprised that Ander would assume that, nor was he not surprised that anybody blamed him. Hans understood his reputation wasn't the best, but he didn't think it was fair that fingers would always be pointed to him. Sometimes, though, those fingers would point rightfully so.
"I was not involved with the kidnapping." Hans said.
"I believe him, Ander. Hans wouldn't kidnap his own brothers." The King said, siding with Hans.
"Oh really? Then isn't it funny how the only one who wanted war was spared? With them out of the picture, Hans can now run around, preaching about his beloved bloodshed."
"Leave him be, Ander." The King said.
"My brothers, your sons are gone now! Hans could be involved, and it seems to me you're not caring about it at all!" Ander said angrily. Ander's anger nowadays always associated itself with Hans. Hans was the source of Ander's anger, and Ander would do whatever he could to keep this anger at bay.
Of course the King cared about his missing children. They were more important to him than the Southern Isles itself. Sure, he may have ignored many of them as they grew up, but he still loved them. They were all he had after the Queen died. It hurt him knowing the were in danger, and it hurt him seeing his sons fight. He hated seeing Ander bully Hans, so he needed to put a stop to that.
"Leave him alone!" The King told Ander. Ander gave Hans an angry look, but then closed his eyes, and sighed.
Hans smiled because once again, his father sided with him.
"Father, there is an ancient rule stating that because of these events, war must be declared in Arendelle." Hans said.
The King closed his eyes and sighed. He was sick of the war talk, and he was sick of Hans always promoting it. It was time for the King to have a little chat with his son, and it was time to show Hans the negative effects that will happen. The King would not declare war on Arendelle for something that was not their fault.
"Leave us." The King said.
"Father..." Ander said.
"Everyone must leave the throne room immediately, except for Hans." The King continued.
All of the guards in the throne room bowed and walked toward the exits. Hans just stood at his spot staring at his father while others passed him. Ander was reluctant to leave his fathers side, not liking the words that will come out of his brother's mouth. But, if the King ordered it, Ander was forced to follow. Ander walked to the nearest door out and took one last look at Hans before he left. The look on Ander's face told Hans one thing; he didn't trust him.
Now, Hans and the King were alone in the long, grand throne room. Nothing could be heard except for the quite breathing of both men. The King wanted privacy, and he got it. He called for privacy because he didn't want to create tension between anybody.
"What was that for?" Hans asked.
"I just wanted this conversation to be private. I hope you don't mind." The King answered.
"Well, it depends on where this conversation is headed." Hans said. "What about this war, father?"
The King reminded himself of his old policy; if a majority of other kingdoms supported the war, then so would he. But, many things could have changed during the trip, and he believed that many things did change.
"Did other countries decide on a war?" The King asked.
"Does it matter?" Hans asked.
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Father, the ancient rules can not be broken. We must have this war."
"Answer the question, Hans!"
Hans looked down at his feet. He tried his best to keep away from that topic, but his father was persistent. Lying to his father now would mean treason, and that added with a of the other crimes Hans has committed would mean horrible things for Hans. Lying wasn't an option.
Hans sighed. "No, father. All of the other countries decided against it. A majority of those who were taken agreed against it and so did all of those who did not attend the meeting. In the end, I was the only one who wanted this war."
The King thought as much. He assumed that only Hans would speak out against Arendelle even though other countries reluctantly agreed to a war. The King didn't know why all of those countries agreed to support Hans in the first place, but at least now Hans had no more followers.
"If I were King, I would do whatever I could to do what is right." Hans said.
"You're not a king, and you never will be!" The King said. "Kings don't have bloodshed in their minds. Hans, I will do as they are doing. I won't declare war, not for you. I'm sorry."
Hans clenched his fist, and anger grew inside him. The King was Han's greatest political ally in his revenge, and now Hans had lost lost because of some bandwagon. he couldn't believe his father would go back on his word. Every ounce of love and respect Hans had for his father died, and now only bitterness and hatred remained. Bitterness and hatred was what fueled Hans the most now. Not a single moral was on Hans' mind.
Time for plan B, Hans thought to himself. Hans was going to try to have his way without resorting to plan B, but it seemed that wasn't going to happen. It was really a shame that violence and deception would be the only way Hans would take his revenge, but if that's what it took, to him, it was worth it. Nothing was going to stop Hans now and he wouldn't let anyone get in his way... not even his father.
"It's such a shame." Hans said. "I really thought it could have ended well for both of us." Hans smiled.
"What are you talking about?" asked the King.
From the ceiling and as if out of nowhere, Cade landed in front the King, between Hans and his father. Cade was wearing the same thing he wore in Arendelle and equipped with the same weapons. A maniac smirk was on Cade's face. He was going to enjoy what was about to come. Cade looked back at Hans, waiting for a signal. Hans nodded at Cade, approving action.
"Any last words?" Cade asked the King as he took out his sword.
Author's Note: Yes, I'm going to end this chapter with another cliffhanger. As a lot of you know, I love my cliffhangers. For the next week or two, as I said before, don't expect an update for a chapter. If it were up to me, I would be writing my heart out on new chapters, but I can't due to vacation. During the period where I won't be posting, I'll ask for a review (Yes, I know some of you will be annoyed). I'm going to ask a bunch of questions as well so you have something to do during this short break.
1. What do you think will happen to the King?
2. Do you believe the coordinates Cade gave away are legit?
3. How do you think Kai will hold up with his injuries?
Keep answers short if you are going to answer. Thank you for all of the support so far in this story, it really means a lot to me. See you guys in a week or two when I post the next chapter. Ciao.