Dear readers, this chapter was originally two but I merge it into one in order to get this part done with, so this may be a bit longer then my other chapters. But for now, what will happen in the meeting this time?
CHAPTER 4-Who Is To Go
"Nice," complemented Eugene, admiring the pin.
Anna was feeling the excitement, and could hardly keep herself still. "So how are we going to fight Hans? I don't know about anyone else, but I'm ready to land another blow to his face."
"You are going to have to get in line for that one your Highness," said Lipso, though composed as he was, he held the biggest smile in the room, alongside with his brothers. Even Kristoff was finally smiling, and Arendelle's council men were getting excited themselves.
It was only Elsa and Rapunzel who were maintaining a serious expression, in which surprises Elsa. She would have thought Rapunzel would be just as edgy as Anna, possibly even more. "I'm assuming you have some sort of plan, or rather, you have brought the other weapon with you?" Elsa said, eyeing Lukas' satchel bag. He's been keeping it close to him ever since they met.
"Indeed you're Majesty," Lukas answers. He lifted up his satchel and removed the content within it. It was a thick book but sizable, and it looked ordinary enough; its leather was quite worn out making the title unreadable, and most of its colors are lost.
From the corner of his eyes, Eugene didn't miss the intense focus Rapunzel was giving towards the book. She was more focus than he could ever remember, and it bothers him that she was so fixated with it, but he will have to ask her about that later.
"As Grill mentioned earlier, we have two valuable treasures within our keep. The first is the book Hans took, and the second item as you can see is also a book. It possesses the same power as Han's copy to open portals leading to other worlds, and everything we need to know about those worlds and the Beings that dwells in them are in here as well."
"So how are we to make use of this book if it only opens portals?" Ask a council man, not seeing much significant it can do. "It's not like it's a spell book that can offer magical power to the user."
"Not directly you are correct. But what you don't understand is that the Beings and the worlds in this book are completely different from that to Hans'. You can say that Hans' copy contains every foul creature imaginable; his book only leads to dark worlds where these wicked Beings dwell. But our book here contains all that is light. We can use the Beings in this book to fight against Hans, and if we make a Pact with them, we may gain powers equal to Hans'."
This idea sparked an outburst of doubts from Arendelle council men, 'ridiculous!' some of them cried. 'It's too dangerous' they voiced, 'we can't trust these Beings,' 'why would they bother to help us?' the men challenge.
"Now hold on, I think this is our best option here." Kristoff said over the council men, in which he was received with many glares. "You all saw the result of tonight's resistant, even Elsa couldn't match Han's new power. It can't hurt to ask for help from these Beings, and a Pact with one, hopefully a powerful one, can only help us beat Hans."
'But we are asking them to lend their magic to us; there must be a heavy price to pay for that,' voice another skeptic. 'What will the Beings gain from helping us anyhow?' ask another. 'What makes you think that any of them will even help us?!' came the challenge again.
"Because," Grill stresses, getting tired of the skepticism that is rising, "some of the Beings in this book lives to fight those in Hans' book."
That response quiet most of the men, but didn't stop the few that are left from questioning. "But then we must open the portals and travel to these unknown worlds to, Pact, with these Beings. Not unless we can summon them here instead."
"Unfortunately we can't," Lukas stated. "We are the ones who have to go to them, we have no choice but to go, and unless we do, at the moment this book is useless to us. No more than a fantasy book with a collection of interesting creatures!"
"The reasons for going are clear enough," interrupted Elsa, with a hint of irritation in her voiced. She knew they mean well to be thorough, but it was getting out of hand. "If we must go then we go. My concern though is who will go and make the Pack." The room was quiet again till Elsa spoke her thoughts. "In honesty, I don't believe it will be that easy to find a Being willing to fight for us, let alone willing to lend us its power…I'm also concern with entering into these other worlds. Though the book is essentially supposed to lead us to good Beings, it doesn't mean they will be welcoming."
"….Originally," said Lukas, "My brothers and I were supposed to depart immediately if you were to have refused our aid. But now that we are allies, only I am required to go. Among my brothers, I have the most knowledge of the world as far as the book can tell me. And I know how to use the book's magic to open portals, whether it works or not depends on luck mostly."
"Hans was sure lucky then." commented Anna. "I guess I'm the one who should go-"
"No, you are not." Elsa spoke firmly, looking intensely at her sister.
However, Anna wasn't going to back down easily. "But clearly you can't go! You have to stay and make preparations, console the people-"
"And you can do that with me. Kristoff will go in our place, I trust him well to serve in our stead."
"Elsa I can handle myself fine, and of course Kristoff will be going with me. I wasn't planning on going alone-"
"Actually Anna, I agree with Elsa," said Kristoff. "There's no telling what sort of danger is in this other world. And I can't guarantee your safety if the both of us are to go."
Before Anna could argue any further, Rapunzel intervenes. "I think it would be best for Elsa to go instead." All attentions were turn towards Rapunzel as she explains her suggestion. "This is another world-a world of magic. If something goes wrong over there, then it would be best to defend with magic. Elsa can protect not only herself but Lukas as well if she has to. Also, nether I or Eugene can go anyway. We still need to relay tonight's incident to my parents, and prepare support for the upcoming war, along with any supplies we can spare. It will take the both of us to manage these tasks within the given time limit. Anna and Kristoff can make the preparations needed for Arendelle with the council's help, and we'll be there to help them as well. You should go Elsa."
There was a confused expression on Eugene's face, though he didn't elaborate on it. He instead agreed with his wife, followed by the Southern Isles brothers. Kristoff looks concern with her safety, but was conflicted with Rapunzel argument. Now they were waiting for Elsa's response.
"Elsa, if you do go I'm going with you." Anna said firmly. "I'm not goanna let you go alone!"
"Anna please!" Elsa snaps. In all honesty she doesn't want to go. But the fear for the safety of her people, and of her kingdom, outweighs her fear of the other world. She would prefer to stay and be ready just in case Hans decides to pay an early visit. And Anna, Elsa doesn't want her to get hurt. Elsa wanted to make sure that her sister will be safe no matter what and live a life of happiness. The more she thought of her duty as queen, and her love for her sister, the more they collide violently.
"…Anna, I need you to listen carefully-really listen." Elsa said, speaking loud enough for the others to hear, but giving all her attention to Anna. "I love you Anna, you know I do. But we have a duty to our kingdom; Arendelle's survival must be secure, meaning there must always be someone to take care of the people. To govern them with right justice, compassion…or give them hope. Hope that Arendelle will strive, and will rise again if it falls…I know I said Kristoff should go in both of our place, but Anna, you and Kristoff are now married. The only people who will take over Arendelle if anything happen to me. I want the two of you to be safe for Arendelle-for me. Anna, you and Kristoff will see forth the preparations needed here, I will go. And that is final."
XxXxXx
Elsa was having a hard time falling asleep as she keeps reflecting over the night's event. Anna had not taken her decision so well. There was more Anna wanted to say but couldn't argue against Elsa's reasoning. Tears were threatening to fall from her eyes, her was lips quavering, and there was such a hurtful expression. It broke Elsa's heart to have seen her sister like that, and once more she was the one who was hurting her. Anna had left the meeting abruptly, knocking over her seat in the process of running out of the room. Kristoff ran after her but Eugene encouraged the meeting to continue, promising that he will update the couple later.
Everything was happening so fast, she could feel the pressure, the stress of everything coming at her all at once, but it amazes her how empty her mind is. It wasn't panicking like during the Frozen Incident, or maybe it was, and that her mind is so overwhelm at this point that its can't processes things at the moment. Eventually her eyes got too heavy to stay open, forcing her into a restless sleep.
XxXxXx
By early sunrise Elsa had wasted no time getting up. She quickly calls for a public meeting, gathering as many citizens into the palace's courtyard as possible. Words have already spread about the shadow intruder, so the people were eager to hear what their queen has to say, and if this intruder will return.
It was all planned out during their meeting. Elsa was careful in how she presents the situation, the alliance, and the plan in fighting Hans. She told them about Hans being the shadow intruder, his threat of war and demand, though left out the knowledge of how he has gotten his power. When she told them about the newly formed alliances, the citizens didn't like the idea of having the Southern Isles as an ally because of Hans, but this was expected. So to help ease them into accepting the Southern Isles' aid, Elsa had the three brothers make a speech. First Lukas expressed the reason why they wanted to help Arendelle. Next, Grill and Lipso expressed their regret for what Hans had done and is planning on doing to Arendelle, emphasizing their disappointment in their brother's actions, promising to make him pay for shaming his family's name and kingdom. Lastly, they each made a public vowel personally to Queen Elsa, swearing to continue fighting even with their last breaths, guaranteeing that their alliance with Arendelle will hold until Hans is no longer a threat to either kingdom.
From there Lukas explained their strategy to the citizens. Still leaving out the knowledge of the magic books, Lukas explains that his brothers Lipso and Grill will be staying in order to coordinate some of their military force to be move to Arendelle; chances are it will most likely be the first kingdom to be attack. Princess Rapunzel and her husband will also be staying for the same reason, and is at the moment busy making contact with Corona, asking their parents to send some soldiers along with supplies over. Anna and Kristoff will oversee Arendelle's own war preparations, while he and Elsa will be going in search for some more allies. The citizens didn't agree with having her go, so many pleas to have an Arendelle ambassador instead, for their only source of a magic welder is leaving them, and she's their queen of all people.
The group was expecting this reaction as well, so Elsa took over once again. It was agreed ahead of time that she shouldn't, nor did she wanted to, elaborate on their journey. She only told the citizens that there may be others who will be willing to fight with Arendelle, but it will take some convincing to do. The two will only be gone for two nights and two days and return by morning of the fourth day to answer Hans' declaration. Leaving out the fact that Hans is now stronger then she is, Elsa explains it's necessary for her to go. If anything she will be his first target, for so long as she is alive and is able to use her ice power, Arendelle will stand a better chance against Hans. He won't be able to break his promise and attack Arendelle early while she's gone, nor kill Anna and Kristoff. Not if he wish to face her with unstable emotions and in another land of eternal winter, where she will be the one to have the upper hand. With that argument, and the reminder of the Frozen Incident, the citizens felt slightly reassured.
XxXxXx
It was Anna and Kristoff's turn. They immediately have the citizens' return home to pack their essential belongings, to bring as much food as they can, especially warm clothing, and wagons and horses will be spare to help them during the move. There was no doubt that the capital will become a battle ground, so the group decided that the citizens must be temporarily relocated for their safety.
Meanwhile, Elsa went on ahead alone into the mountains where she last met the tolls. She was confused when she came to the home, Elsa had followed the map her parents once used when they were trying to save Anna, and the directions Kristoff has given her, but she only came upon an open field of steams. There were no stones, no signs of the tolls. "Hello?" she called, but there was no answer. "Hello?!" she calls louder. She was about to retrace her steps to see if she has taken a wrong turn somewhere, when the sound of stone rolling was herd.
She turns around to find Pabbie, the Toll King giving her a grave smile. "Hello Queen Elsa, I thought you might come."
"Pabbie!" She was happy as well as glad to see him. Rushing over, she kneels down to be as close to him as possible. "I know this is sudden but, I need to ask you for a favor. Can you and the other trolls temporally share your home with the citizens of Arendelle? I need to move them to a safe place for now-but it would be too cold for them up where my ice palace is, I'll have them move there as a last result if have to. But please-"
"Elsa," said Pabbie cutting her off, "I understand and we will cooperate. I have already told the trolls to spread themselves to keep watch over the area, but to keep themselves hidden from the citizens."
Elsa was taken aback by Pabbie's answer and action, "How did you know we were in a war?"
"I didn't," he admits, "but last night I felt something wicked coming into the land. I know not what it was, not even now. But I felt that it was dark and dangerous. Perhaps you can enlighten me on what it is."
Elsa did a brief explanation of everything up to this point. Pabbie listens still with a grave expression, but gleamed with hope with the mention of them having the magic book. "Ah-yes!" he exclaims, "The brothers are telling the truth you're Majesty. Those books are ancient charms and are called Promise Books, once used to connect this realm to others. It was said that our world were once one with the other worlds. We had lived in harmony, but what caused the rift and the need for the Beings to separate themselves from us, I don't know. The story is long lost." Squeezing Elsa's hands tightly, the Troll King said to her, "You're Majesty, I advise you to take precaution when entering into the Brings' worlds. They are quite powerful, even the weakest among them can easily do damage to this world. But I have a feeling that the Beings can help us."
"If, they will help us," Elsa states.
"If they help us," Pabbie repeated, while nodding his head in agreement. "You should go now you're Majesty. You have much to prepare, and a long journey ahead of you."
XxXxXx
It was already night by the time Elsa and Lukas was getting ready to setoff. Kristoff was busy leading the people up the mountain, but Anna had disappeared sometime after Elsa returned to the castle. She was still upset about her sister not letting her go, and have been avoiding her since morning, leaving Lukas's brothers, Rapunzel and Eugene to send the two off
It was decided that they were going to be traveling by ship, for most of the lands they'll be visiting are surrounded by vast waters, not daring to try visiting lands that were shown floating in the air. Also, Elsa is bringing with her seven soldiers, claiming they are for further protections, but not against the Beings so much, but Lukas. She still can't trust the Southern brothers yet.
They were waiting by the docks for the small ship they'll be sailing on to be ready. If Lukas does the ceremony right, then a portal will open within the moon's reflection upon the water. Luckily there is a full moon tonight. The fuller the moon is, the bigger the portal will be, and the better chance Lukas has at opening a portal. Or so it said in the Book of Promise.
Elsa looks around but there were still no signs of Anna. "Cheer-up Elsa," comforted Rapunzel, "Anna will get over it soon."
"I know but, I don't want to leave with Anna being bitter towards me."
"Come now Elsa; Anna won't hold it towards you for long. Even if she doesn't come tonight, you'll know she'll come running to hug you the very second she sees you returning."
Elsa didn't say anymore, she was still looking for Anna. Expecting, hoping, to see her sister come running down the dock now, so they can forgive one another, say their good-byes, wish each other safety, and that they may be reunite soon.
"Elsa!" called Lukas from the deck, "It's time, we have to set sail now."
Elsa released a soft deep breath, walks up the steps followed by her soldiers, and onto the ship. On deck she kept her eyes looking towards the dock, still hoping that Anna will appear any second. But all she saw was Rapunzel and Eugene waving good-bye.