The Storm Rages On

Chapter Seven

Commencement

"No. I'm not staying here. That's out of the question."

Anna's arms were folded across her chest, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Well, you're not coming, and that's final." Kristoff looked at his wife, silently pleading. "Please, Anna. It's not safe for you . . . for the babies . . ."

"If you go, I go," Anna said, her voice soft, yet full of fire. "I'm not waiting around here helplessly for the invaders to arrive."

"You won't," Alúvelin said. "You are leaving with our people tomorrow morning. They will travel to our ancient refuge across the plains. They will stay there until we return with the Tritastónende. That way, even if the invaders arrive before we get back, they . . . you will be safe."

Anna turned to her sister. "Elsa . . ."

The blonde woman moved to her, holding her hand. "Anna, you know I can't let you come with us. It's too dangerous."

"I'm pregnant, not useless!" Anna retorted. "We've always done this together!"

"Not this time," Elsa said. She ran her hand over Anna's abdomen. "I can't be responsible if something happened to my niece and nephew. I . . . I would never forgive myself. Please, Anna."

Anna stared at Elsa, thinking, contemplating, Finally, she nodded. "At least . . . At least, let me ride out with you. Just for a while. Then . . . Then, I'll come back and travel to the refuge with the others."

Elsa sighed. "All right. You may ride with us just long enough to see us off. Then, Arberish will bring you back." She turned to the minister. "Is that acceptable?"

Arberish nodded. "Yes. I will look after her, Elsa . . . Kristoff. Do not worry."

Kristoff looked Arberish in the eye. "On your honor?"

The former mercenary bowed slightly. "On my honor, I swear I will keep Anna and your unborn children safe. You have my word."

Elsa turned back to Anna. "I thought . . . I thought you hated riding horses."

"That's only if I'm using a saddle that doesn't fit." Anna paused, looking at Alúvelin. "Please tell me you have one my size."

Her older sister smiled. "I think we can manage."

Valanda, silent to this point, now spoke. "So . . . Are we all agreed on the plan?"

Elsa nodded. "Yes. I believe we are."

"Well, then," Alúvelin said. "Let's go find some Jewels."

They rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, their own concerns. The trail was winding, but their horses' footing was sure, unhesitating, fully confident in their ability to navigate the path. These animals are much better at this than Arendelle's, Elsa thought. Their training has prepared them well for this.

Finally, Kristoff spoke. "How far do we have to travel, again?"

Arberish opened his mouth to speak, but Valanda cut him off. "It will take us four days to reach the Vindervallen. That should give us just enough time to make it before Erthbrännen Eve is upon us, with some time to spare in case of any unforeseen delays."

The minister nodded. "I've forgotten just how well you know your history, Highness."

Valanda blushed slightly. "I . . . I'm afraid that's about all I am good for, Minister. You . . . All of you are the ones with the real experience handling crises, going on quests. I . . . I don't want to hold you back."

Alúvelin smiled. "Just follow Elsa's lead, Mother. She is the real expert here." She laughed. "In fact, I've heard she once defeated an entire legion of drømm weavers singlehandedly."

"Really?" Valanda was truly impressed. "I've read so many myths about the drømm weavers. What they do to those they capture, the mental torture they inflict . . ." She looked at Elsa. "How did you do it, then?"

"It was only three of them," Elsa murmured. "I was lucky. I caught them by surprise."

"How?" Valanda looked at her, eagerly.

Elsa shrugged her shoulders. "I died. Then I came back. They weren't expecting that."

Valanda stared at Elsa, uncertain if she was joking or if she was serious. The young woman slowed her horse, allowing herself to fall in line with Anna. "What is with your sister?" she asked quietly. "I . . . I can't tell much about her. She's so . . . mysterious."

Anna smiled. "That's Elsa for you. She . . . She's been through so much."

"I think we all have," Valanda said.

"You don't understand," Anna said, shaking her head. "She's spent most of her life alone, terrified of who she is, of what her powers can do. It's only been during the past few years that she's opened up, that she's finally let people into her heart. But make no mistake. Elsa cares more for other people than anyone else I know. She would gladly give her life to protect any of us without a second thought." She paused. "That's why I . . . That's why I love her so much. Because, deep down inside, I want to be like her. Unselfish. Self-sacrificing."

Valanda nodded. "I . . . I can tell there is something very special about her. Just like I can tell there is something special about you . . . and Alúvelin." She looked Anna in the eyes. "I hope you can accept me, if not as your stepmother, than as a sister. I . . . I never had a family when I was a child. It's what I've always desired more than anything. To belong to someone else. To be wanted."

"But you are wanted." Alúvelin had fallen back, silently joining Anna's and Valanda's line. "You are part of our family now, Mother. You never have to worry about being alone again."

Up ahead, Arberish stopped his horse. The others followed suit. The minister gestured before them. "Ahead is the Vandróshenspann: the Pass of Vandrosh. This is where the great King of that name led our people to victory against the Three Armies so many centuries ago. It was into this bottomless chasm that our men drove the invaders that dared to attempt to usurp our lands." His brow furrowed, the corners of his eyes watering with tears. "If only we had men of such courage among us today."

The minister turned to Anna. "We take our leave now, Princess. We must return to the fortress to prepare for tomorrow's journey."

"Can't we stay just a bit longer?" Anna pleaded. "Just a few more minutes. I . . . I don't want to say goodbye. What if . . . if . . .?"

Elsa stepped down from her horse, taking Anna's hand. "I promise, Anna, we will return. Please don't worry. Stay with Arberish. Keep yourself and your babies safe." She embraced her younger sister, her mouth next to Anna's ear. "Do whatever it takes to protect them," she whispered. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes," Anna replied. "I will. I promise."

Alúvelin and Valanda each held Anna tightly. "Please, be careful, little sister," Alúvelin said. "Take good care of the little ones."

Anna nodded, unable to speak.

Kristoff took Anna in his arms, holding her tightly. No words were spoken between the two, for there was nothing that could be said that would make this any less painful.

"Come back to me," Anna finally whispered. "Come back to me . . . to us in one piece."

Kristoff flashed a grin, teeth shimmering in the sunlight. "Of course!"

Arberish turned to Elsa, Alúvelin, and Valanda. "The bridge here will take you safely across the chasm. Once you reach the other side, follow the map into the mountains. Remember, you will find the Vidnervallen at the lowest point in these lands, where the wind howls amongst the tall rocks and the lake flows into the river."

Alúvelin took Arberish's hand. "Take good care of our people, Minister. Lead them to safety. Watch over them until we return."

Arberish was just about to take Anna's hand, to lead her back to her horse, to take her back to the fortress when something caught his eye. "What is this?" he wondered out loud. His gaze quickly grew concerned as he studied what his eyes beheld. "Majesties!" he called out softly. "Look!"

"What is it?" Elsa asked. "What is wrong?"

Arberish pointed. "Look up ahead. At the edge of the chasm."

The party squinted in the noonday sun. Through the bright daylight they could see tents at the edge of the chasm, blocking their access to the bridge.

"Oh, no!" Alúvelin's heart sank. "It's the invaders, isn't it? We're too late. They're here already."

Arberish studied the men, analyzing their clothing, their behavior. "No. It is not the treasure seekers. They are not organized. They appear to be . . . freemen, wandering the lands alone, without allegiance to any land or sovereign."

Elsa looked at them. "What . . . What should we do?"

Arberish thought for a moment. "We approach them straight on. We politely engage them, then the rest of you cross the bridge. Princess Anna and I will then turn around and return to the fortress."

Alúvelin nodded. "Heads high! Here we go."

The party moved toward the bridge, looking directly ahead, moving forward with all the confidence they could muster. Their presence was not unnoticed by the freemen, however. The closer they came to the bridge, the more they were surrounded, until, at last, they were enclosed within a large circle of men.

The leader turned to them, his face devoid of emotion. "So . . . Who dares to venture into our settlement?"

Alúvelin bowed before him. "Sir, I am Empress Alúvelin of the brann wielders."

At that statement, murmurs spread among the men, each of them turning toward each other, discussing, talking.

The leader smiled, his crooked teeth visible for all to see. "So . . . What brings the Empress of the flame bearers out this far from her kingdom? Surely, she must be aware that there are others within the mountains now. Surely, she must realize that it is presumptuous of her to just walk through our settlement without a second thought, as though she and her people were . . . better than us."

Murmurs flew once more, interspersed among cries of "How dare she!" and "Really!" Alúvelin and Elsa glanced at each other, their hands slowly yet deliberately curling into fists.

"Forgive me if we have slighted you," Alúvelin said. "We meant no harm. We are merely passing through on our way to complete an important task. If you would just permit us to cross, we will leave now and not disturb you again."

The leader's eyes darkened. "Oh, it is far too late for that, I'm afraid. You see, it has been quite some time since my people have had . . . guests of your valiant nature. We have been so starved for company, you see. And I believe . . ." He paused, looking them over, licking his lips in anticipation. "I believe you will do quite nicely."

Elsa did not like the tone of the leader's voice, nor did she feel comfortable with the man's choice of words. "I'm afraid . . . I'm afraid we must decline," she said. "We are on a tight schedule, unfortunately. Perhaps some other time . . ."

Anna noticed something out of the corner of her eye, something that filled her entire being with dread. "Elsa," she whispered. "Look over there!"

The party glanced toward their right. A large pile of white objects glistened in the sunlight. Something about their shape was disturbingly familiar. Realization slowly dawned upon the party. No! It cannot be! It's not possible!

The circle of freemen grew increasingly smaller as they slowly advanced upon the travelers. The leader smiled. "I see you've discovered our leftovers," he said, gesturing toward the pile of white, spotless bones. "Why don't you stay a while, dear visitors? We would so love to have you join us for dinner." He inhaled. "It has been so long since my people have tasted fresh meat of this sort. Now, we shall feast indeed!"

Before they could move upon the party, the circle of freemen was blown backwards as a furious wave of frigid wind and ice erupted outward. Screams of surprise, of pain rang across the chasm as the freemen struggled to recover from the surprise assault.

"RUN!" Elsa cried. "On your horses! Across the bridge! NOW!"

Elsa's surprise attack had spurred a second wave of freemen into action. Leaping over their stunned comrades, they rushed toward the party, weapons drawn, mad with rage and hunger.

Arberish unleashed a wave of flame from his fingertips, forcing the initial onslaught to slow down to avoid being consumed by the wall of fire moving toward them. "Hurry!" he ordered. "Your Highness! You must go! Now!"

Alúvelin helped Valanda mount her horse, ordering it to gallop at full speed. "Don't look back!" Alúvelin cried from behind her. "Whatever you do, Mother, do not look back!" Valanda rushed across the bridge, her horses's steps echoing across the chasm.

"Anna! Kristoff!" Elsa cried, ducking to avoid a blow from a sword. "Go! Now!"

"But what about the plan?" Anna cried. "I thought I was—"

"Just go!" Elsa unleashed another wave of ice and snow, forcing the advancing freemen back. "Across the bridge!"

"Come on!" Kristoff cried, pulling Anna back onto her horse. "Let's go!"

Husband and wife flew across the bridge, not daring to stop until they were safe on the other side.

Arberish, Alúvelin, and Elsa drew backwards toward the bridge, their horses whinnying in terror, their own faces grim. "There's too many of them!" Alúvelin cried, sending forth a wave of flame from her right hand and a stream of ice from her left. "We can't hold them back forever!"

"Then let us go now while we still have an opportunity!" Arberish said. "Quickly, Majesties! Follow me!"

Arberish led his horse across the bridge, Alúvelin and Elsa close behind. The freemen rushed after them, moving over the bridge like rainwater streaming down a tall building.

"Go! Go! Go!" Alúvelin cried to the others as she and Arberish reached the other side. "We'll lose them in the mountain range! Elsa, stay behind me and lay down a sheet of ice as we move!" She paused. Her sister was not behind her as she had expected. "Elsa? Elsa!"

Elsa had dismounted from her horse. Silently, she walked toward the center of the bridge, staring down the mob of freemen. "I cannot allow you to cross," she said, her voice calm yet powerful, echoing across the chasm. "Turn back now. Please!"

"Step aside, woman!" one of the freemen ordered. He brought his sword down upon Elsa, prepared to kill the queen of Arendelle once and for all.

His blade disintegrated as it came into contact with a bright blue dome that encased Elsa, surrounding her, protecting her. Stunned, he stepped backward in astonishment.

"I cannot let you cross," Elsa repeated. "Turn around. Now!"

"What is she doing?" Valanda whispered, watching the scene in fascination.

Anna could feel dread rising in her stomach. She turned to Alúvelin, panic upon her face. "She's going to—"

Marshalling all of her strength, with a loud cry Elsa brought her foot down upon the bridge. Wood and rope were instantly coated in a thick, heavy coat of ice. The freemen cried out in shock as the ice flowed beneath their feet, not stopping until the entire bridge glistened and shone in the noonday sun.

A loud creaking sound echoed across the chasm. The leader of the freemen's confident look crumbled, replaced instead by abject terror. "Turn back!" he cried. "Quickly! Do it now!"

Panicking, the freemen turned, tripping over the ice as they tried to gain enough traction to return to the side of the bridge from whence they came. Cursing and screaming, they fought with one another, desperately trying to get off of the bridge before—

The weight of the ice was too much for the ancient rope to withstand. Like a twig under too much pressure, the rope snapped in half, splitting the bridge perfectly in two. Each side of the bridge swung toward one of the chasm walls. Freemen screamed in terror as they were hurled into the depths, their voices echoing until they finally faded into nothingness. The few that managed to still cling to the bridge vainly struggled to climb to safety, but the ice was too thick, they could not maintain their hold, and they, too, fell into the endless void.

"ELSA!" Anna screamed, watching in horror as her sister disappeared from her sight as the bridge swung back toward their side of the chasm. "ELSA!"

In the distance, Elsa could hear her sister screaming her name, terrified. She grunted in pain as the bridge slammed into the rock wall, nearly losing her grip in the process. Muscles screaming in protest, she forced herself to climb up the bridge, desperately hoping to maintain her grip on the icy rope. Just as she neared the top, her strength gave out. She felt her body falling, beginning its inexorable fall into the unfathomable depths of the chasm. She thought she saw a hand reaching for her. She may have grabbed hold of it, she may not have, she couldn't tell anymore as her eyes closed and the darkness sent her once more into oblivion.

AN: More to come!