Disclaimer - I do not own anything related to Frozen or Spice and Wolf

Chapter 18

The sun rose to show the people of Arendelle a fleet of 30 warships flying foreign flags sitting at anchor around the entrance of the fjord. The 10 ships of Arendelle's own fleet sat at alert. As Arendelle's flags rose, a second flag raised beneath them. A white wolf's head with a crescent moon in it's mouth on a black field. The enemy fleet was confused. No known ally of Arendelle bore such a banner.

"Who are they?" demanded Arik.

His father shook his head. "The only answer I have is in tales of fantasy."

Arik looked to his father for an explanation. "Well?"

The Duke stared at the flag, "There is an old tale, speaking of a land in the northern mountains, beyond Arendelle's borders. A land populated by Wolf-Men.

Arik scoffed, "And you are telling me this banner is of that land?"

The Duke shook his head, "I don't recognize that exact heraldry, but the tales speak of similar charges and devices amongst the Wolf Nobles of Yoitsu."

Arik sneered, "Well, if the Snow Witch has sought the help of these Demon Wolves, then it only proves her collusion with the powers of Darkness." Arik looked out over the fleet, "I see the Countess's ships have yet to take their assigned positions in the line."

The Duke looked over at the five vessels, and then at the various banners flying in the breeze. "Apparently, their flagship is having difficulties...and the smaller vessels are not leaving their escort stations to aid our blockade." The Duke shrugged, "It's a small matter, Arik, even if the Countess's vessels don't take part, we still outnumber Arendelle's fleet 2 to 1, with ships to spare."

Arik looked at his father, his eyes narrowed, "What about the port's land based defenses?"

The Duke scoffed, "Arendelle has always relied on it's navy and the fjord to defend the harbor. When I was here 3 months ago, there was nothing in the way of cannons or even catapults to defend the castle. After all, Arendelle is a peace loving kingdom."

Arik frowned, and then straightened himself, "Then I say we ask the Queen to surrender herself and her sister. After all, I am loathed to put the innocents who are trapped by her sorcery to the blade unless it is necessary."

Elsa and Naeil stood on the parapets, looking at the banners flying from the ships. "They're signaling for a parley," stated Elsa.

Naeil raised an eyebrow. "Probably going to ask for you to surrender yourself."

Elsa paused, "Maybe I should...if it would advert a battle..."

Naeil shook his head, "You know they won't let Anna stay on the throne either...they will demand both of you, install some puppet they can control, and do it all in the name of God's will."

Elsa sighed, "Well, I guess it does no harm to be polite. Signal the Weselton fleet that we will accept their request for a parley."

The launch came from the Weselton flagship and approached an outcropping near one of the two lighthouses at the entrance to the fjord. Elsa and Naeil stood waiting under their banners, alongside a white streamer, surrounded by 3 of Elsa's Royal Guard, and 4 of Naeil's Wulfen Guard. As the skiff landed, a party of men, including the Duke and his son approached. Ragnar spoke up when they were 25 feet away. "That's close enough, Gentlemen. We agreed to a parley, not a dance."

The Duke harrumphed loudly, "How dare you order us about!?"

His son rolled his eyes and then bowed, "Queen Elsa, I presume. And who is the one who apparently has the pleasure of being your escort?"

Naeil bowed, his hat concealing his ears flickering in annoyance. "I am Captain Naeil Lawrence, a friend of Arenedelle's, and while we're making introductions?"

"I am Lord Arik, the Duke's son."

Elsa nodded in greeting. "Duke Weselton, why are you attacking us? We broke off our trade accords. That hardly seems something worthy of invasion. You're more likely to get further with a simple apology and a team of diplomats." She smiled and spread her arms in an open gesture. "We can stop this foolishness right now, Weselton. Return to your port, and I will be more than happy to welcome a delegation from you to consider negotiating a new trade pact...provided you acknowledge your part in supporting Prince Han's attempted Coup and apologize, if not to me, then at least to Princess Anna."

Arik spoke up, "Queen Elsa, you have demonstrated abilities beyond the range of normal. It is clear you have made a pact with Satan and are holding dominion for him over Arendelle. Surrender yourself, and your sister to our custody, and we shall send our fleet home, while holding a trial to determine how deep your corruption has spread. If it is shown that your sister has not been, tainted, you have my word that I will place her in a convent for her protection."

Naeil snarled, "A trial with a forgone conclusion. And the next royal heir in line also removed, that would put Weselton as the next in line, correct?"

The Duke tried to puff himself up, "We are offering you a way of avoiding letting your people suffer, Queen Elsa. Surely they already have had enough of that under your reign already?"

Elsa narrowed her eyes, and straightened, as her parents had constantly taught her and later Kai and her other aides had reinforced. "I do not deny that I have caused suffering to my people. However I do not see how submitting myself or my sister to cruel torture in the name of "justice" will actually change anything. Duke Weselton, you knew my parents. Do you really believe they would have harbored a demon? I have been blessed by a gift of wind and snow, and both they and I only ever sought to use it for good. My parents placed me in years of isolation hoping to contain my power, to get my emotions under control. The deep freeze was caused by my lack of control, and a heightened emotional state, brought on by fear. I have control now, I know how to reverse the effects of my powers. End this war before it begins, Weselton. No one need suffer on either side."

The Duke actually seemed to be pondering, so Arik spoke up, "You are a WITCH! And Captain Naeil, I believe there is more to you than you have so proclaimed. Elsa of Arendelle, if you will not surrender, then our fleet will take you by force. We have the Lord on our side."

Naeil gritted his teeth, his tail stiffened, his ears flared beneath his cap. He also felt a darker urge, one soaring through his very blood. His eyes flashed from blue to red briefly. "I could kill all of them within seconds...just let my mother's gift flow through me for the time I..."

He felt a cool hand on his and looked as Elsa slightly shook her head. "Lord Arik, you have given me much to think about. Might I have some time to consider your offer?"

Arik looked at the assembled party before bowing graciously. "Twenty four hours. If you choose to accept, then you will be standing here, with your sister at dawn tomorrow, and your 'friends', will be out of Arendelle. If not, then I will walk over your cold corpses."

"You can't seriously be considering surrender?" Naeil gasped.

Elsa smiled, "Of course not, but now we've gained 24 hours to figure out the mystery of Captain Cristian's vessel."

Naeil paced, "Or, you've given them 24 hours to put whatever plan they have into action." He sighed, "You do realize that the best thing to do now is to break the truce ourselves...attack them by surprise."

Elsa's eyes widened, "Naeil, I will not violate a cease-fire given in good faith."

Naeil spun, "Honor is great in tournaments, and in friendly sparring matches, but it has no place in genuine warfare."

Elsa stood up herself, "If we break this cease-fire, then I AM an evil witch...no matter what the truth is, that is what will be perceived."

Naeil growled and stormed to the window. Elsa sighed and walked up to the prince, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her head against his shoulder blades. "I appreciate what you're saying, Naeil. But this fight is not just a straight forward brawl. At this moment, this fight is being waged in the political arena...when the cannons start firing, I'll follow your advice all the way, but right now, it's actually somewhere I understand myself...let me fight it here as long as possible."

Naeil sighed, "Very well, then will you let me tackle the other problem?"

Elsa backed away, "That depends, are you planning on assaulting the ship?"

Naeil smiled and bowed, "No, I promise to be totally discrete."

Thorin sat on the lighthouse balcony, watching the comings and goings from the Windraker. He turned as he sensed a figure approaching from below, and resumed his watch as he recognized his Prince's scent.

"How's our mystery, Thorin?"

Thorin grunted, "They've been offloading the casks all morning. Apparently Cristian found a buyer for his noxious weed."

Naeil frowned, "That's not a comforting thought."

Thorin shrugged, "Now now, you remember what Raehn has often said, "Every plant has it's uses," he said, imitating the Doctor's often seemingly irritated manner.

Naeil chuckled, "Well, he was one of Hippocrates' better students...or so he says."

Thorin nodded, then pointed down. "They've also been unloading crates. Not sure what's in them, though."

Naeil clapped the Wulfen on the shoulder, "Well, why don't I go and find out."