Disclaimer - I do not own anything to do with Frozen nor Spice and Wolf. Now on with our tale.

Chapter 17

The 2 Wulfen strode down the docks, the massive form of the trading vessel rising over them. Thorin and Reisha walked up the gangplank, stopping as a big burly sailor blocked their path.

"Scuse me? It's considered rude to just storm aboard a ship without permission."

Reisha scowled at the man, "We are here on urgent business on behalf of our ally, Queen Elsa. She ordered the harbor cleared of civilian shipping earlier today. Why are you still here?"

The burly sailor returned the Wulfen's scowl. "I don't think I like your tone, little lady. So why don't you and your boyfriend just shove off!"

"What's going on, Kaleb?"

A new figure joined the sailor, his face distinguished by a carefully trimmed beard, his jacket marking him out as one of the ship's officers. The man he'd called Kaleb nodded to the Wulfen. "These 2 lubbers Capt'n. Came barging up the gangplank, sayin' their representatives of the Queen, and demanding our business."

The Captain approached, smiling. "Well Kaleb, since the Queen is the one who owns this pier, I'd suggest you get back to your duties and let me handle this." He offered his hand to the two Wulfen. "My sincerest apologies for this. I am Captain Cristian, welcome aboard the Windraker. Now, how may I help you?"

"Why did you not leave with the others, Captain?" asked Reisha firmly.

The Captain furrowed his brow and tsked, "Oh dear, I thought that I had already gone over this with the Harbor Master. Our rudder was severely damaged in a storm 4 days ago. We barely managed to limp in here and we are still waiting for the repairs to be completed."

The two Wulfen shared a glance, "Is that your only reason, Captain?"

Cristian's eyes darkened briefly, "Well, actually, I was hoping to deliver my cargo. However, apparently there has not been much demand for it."

Thorin spoke up, "What cargo is that?"

The Captain walked over to a barrel and opened the lid, a faint popping sound marking the seal being broken. Reisha and Thorin both gasped and covered their mouth and noses as they were assaulted by a stench perceptible to them alone.

"Wolf's Bane," stated the Captain. "Are you two alright?" he asked calmly.

The two Wulfen retreated off the ship and bowed. "Yes, quite," choked out Reisha. "We thank you for your time, Captain. We will verify your situation with the Harbor Master and report back to the Queen. Good Evening."

As the two Wulfen departed, Cristian looked over at Kaleb, letting a sly smile cross his face.

"What?!" growled Naeil.

The two Wulfen stood before the Snow Queen and the Wolf Prince in the throne room.

"The Harbor Master verified the Captain's story, but both myself and Thorin sensed that was a lie from the Captain."

Elsa frowned, "What about the Harbor Master?"

Reisha bowed, "Unfortunately due to our 'exposure' we could not make a determination with him your Majesty."

Naeil frowned, "How are you two feeling?"

Reisha grimaced, "Nothing a good ale and large steak won't cure."

Elsa looked confused, but Naeil shook his head in mirth. "Sorry, but I don't need two of my best warriors hung over in battle. Just make sure you stop by Raehn before turning in tonight."

As the two Wulfen left, Elsa saw Naeil deep in thought. "Wolf's Bane is deadly to you isn't it?"

Naeil shrugged, "Well, yes, but no more so than it would be to you. It is a poisonous plant, after all."

Elsa looked at him and he sighed. "The primary effect on my kind is, well to us, it stinks horribly. It's such a pungent odor that it can disrupt our other senses as well."

Elsa nodded, not quite understanding, and Naeil continued. "Our sense of smell is just as acute, no matter our form. Wolf's Bane is the equivalent of taking a bath in rotten eggs, and then powdering ourselves in sulfur."

The Queen wrinkled her nose in disgust, "Uhhhggg!"

Naeil nodded, "What worries me is that ship arrived the day after we did. We've kept our existence pretty well hidden. This is either an extraordinary coincidence, or someone figured out who we were and sent word out almost immediately."

Suddenly a bell started tolling and Elsa and Naeil raced to the window. Looking out to sea, Naeil had no trouble spotting was Elsa was struggling to make out. Lights on the horizon.

"They'll be here before daybreak," he muttered.

Elsa gripped the window sill, ice flowing from her hands. Naeil felt the chill run over his own hand, and calmly placed it over Elsa's.

"It's going to be alright."

She looked at him, "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to..."

He nodded, "The cold has never bothered me."

Naeil walked along the halls, and found Kristoff pacing. "Can't sleep?" he asked.

Kristoff nodded. "We're about to get invaded...not really easy sleeping thoughts."

Naeil nodded, and looked at the mountain man. "You've been attacked by wolves, haven't you?"

Kristoff paused, "Several times, actually."

Naeil nodded, "Well, I can understand the attraction...you are strong, fairly smart. Wolves only attack humans that are either weak...or superior. You are definitely not weak." Naeil smiled, "You've shown yourself to be more than you appear...I sensed it that day you asked me about the portrait. It earned my respect...and then at the dinner, I couldn't help but get riled up, two Alpha males...in front of the females they desire..."

Kristoff paused, "What are you trying to say?"

Naeil paused, and then handed the Mountain Man a sheathed blade, wrapped in a gray/white cloak, "I'm making you a member of the Wulfen Guard, and charging you to protect the Queen's sister...with your life if need be."

Kristoff's mouth dropped open as he took the blade and cloak. "I don't..."

Naeil smiled, "I'm not asking you to do anything I know you weren't going to do already."

Kristoff bowed, "But, I'm not really a fighter..."

Naeil laughed, "If the time comes, you'll find yourself more than capable."

Naeil reentered Elsa's bedchamber and found her standing with a scowl on her face, her arms crossed.

"So much for not leaving my side."

Naeil looked at her, "You were sleeping, I wasn't. I didn't want to deny you rest because I was restless."

She looked at him sternly, "I think your 'wolf' senses are easily fooled."

Naeil sighed, "With you, that is very likely true."

Elsa took a deep breath and strode towards the prince. "You told Reisha and Thorin they needed to rest, correct?"

Naeil nodded and suddenly realized Elsa was standing tantalizing close to him. "Then follow your own orders, and get some rest yourself."

Naeil felt his breath catch. "Elsa..."

She placed a finger on his lips, "No more excuses. You know exactly where you belong."