Chapter Two:

As Anna finally left, Elsa gave a small sigh. She slouched in her seat, and looked over all the scrolls and documents that laid before her. A headache was forming, and she rubbed her temple wishing for the day to be over.

"You can stop hiding?" Elsa grumbled. No one responded, which had her give a another sigh as she looked up from her desk to see standing before her a man dressed in the long greyish blue cloak of the elite Arendelle Scouts. With a small smile, at the sight of one of her most trusted friends, Elsa nodded her head in acknowledgement. "Master Dragna."

Giving a deep bow, Dragna responded, "Your Majesty." Raising from his bow, the slightly older man placed his arms behind his back and watched as Elsa rested her chin on her palm. "It isn't a bad idea."

"Which part?" Elsa scuffed. "Sending my naïve sister on a diplomatic mission that will most likely end in failure, or sending my naïve sister to a possible war."

After a moments pause, Dragna replied. "You didn't tell her about the two ships Glowerhaven already seized, or the fact that half of the Old Kingdoms wants nothing to do with us."

After a long release of her breath, Elsa looked to her covered desk. "Superstitious nonsense, of legends from the dark times."

"I wouldn't call it superstition when the very reason there was an Era of Darkness, was because of an evil sorceress," Dragna said. For the years Dragna had known Elsa, she was never found of his corrections, even when they were justified. Yet she would always respect it. Will to change the topic, Dragna said, "I am a servant of the present and your will, your Majesty. It is the present that concerns me more."

Clearing off the front of her desk to reveal a detailed map of the region around her kingdom Elsa looked to the many notations made in wax. Dragna took a seat as he said, "Reports are back from our spies in Glowerhaven. As we feared, both the Thyra, and the Svanen have left port. Also as of three days ago, the Havfruen, Najaden, Nymfen, and the Rota were all reading to make sail. This makes up nearly all of the Glowerhaven's Man-of-wars."

Looking back to her piles of paperwork she pulled out a scroll and looked it over. "The Oksoy just returned to port, and said that the Glowerhaven fishing traffic had decreased by almost half."

"I fear they will be using them as supplemented troop transport." Dragna stated.

Staring at her map, Elsa studied it carefully. "They did the same thing two years ago; after I accidentally froze everything."

Dragna remembered this, but there was on difference that he hadn't mentioned yet. "That is not all your majesty. Three days ago in the Kingdom of Corona; the Princess was given a hand delivered note from a formal member of the mercenary guild, The Raven's Eye. She immediately had her father, King Frederic summon an emergency meeting of his court. It lasted all of ten minutes, and afterwards, the King ordered the closing of his borders, dispatched his cavalry units to the northern coast, and ordered his fleet to ready for sail."

"Corona has been one of our most supportive allies since what happened two years ago." Elsa stared at the kingdom on her map. "There is no way they would betray us like this?

Dragna wished he could simply sweep away all of his Queen's worries, he is able to at least squash one. The air was growing cold and he knew Elsa's fear was growing. "I don't think Corona is planning to betray us. Preparing for war, yes, but not to attack, but from it. I wish not to give you miss information my Majesty. We've been having issues with our agent inside the kingdom, but there is one possibility."

"That is?"

"I know you are well versed, in the history of Corona." Dragna stated.

"Of course." Elsa nodded her head as she held a long fixation on the Kingdom, since it was the destination her parents were going to when they died.

The tips of Dragna's fingers were stinging from the cold, but he would never dare waver before his queen. "I believe they might have inside knowledge on what is really going on in Glowerhaven. At the very least, they know why there is this sudden shift in posturing from them."

Holding on to a more positive outcome, Elsa countered. "This isn't that uncommon for Glowerhaven, we wouldn't be the first kingdom they bullied into bad trade deals."

Dragna frowned, he knew Elsa was trying to be positive, but it wasn't helping the facts before them. "I still think it would be worth opening communications with the Kingdom of Corona. Glowerhaven might be known to force trade deals, with gunboat diplomacy, but there is a darkness to their actions I can not place."

Throwing her hands in the air, Elsa was growing frustrated. "The two ships Glowerhaven were diplomatic envoys. They are deliberately preventing us from seeking communications with our allies."

"I am not suggesting we send a diplomat, envoy, or an ambassador." Dragna stated calmly. "Whoever we send, they would have to be unassuming, yet without a shadow of a doubt Corona would have to be able to trust them as representatives of Arendelle."

A devilish smirk grew on Elsa's face. "Why do I have a feeling that you already have people picked to to go on this secret mission. Also, how do I already know I am not going to like it."

Giving a small smile, Dragna replied, "That is because I already have picked out the perfect team to go on this secret mission, and I know for an absolute fact you are not going to like it."

Rolling her eyes, Elsa took a long breath before she looked back down at the map. "Until then, we cannot simply ignore their request to reopen trade. It was sent through all the proper channels; the entire world knows Glowerhaven wants to negotiate reopening trade. We have to respond, and respond in a way to show we are serious about maintaining peace. I will not let it come to war." Elsa declared. "I must find a peaceful solution. I know my father would have found it by now."

"Princess Anna," Dragna stated softly. Elsa looked up and Dragna repeated himself. "Princess Anna." Folding his hands in front of him, Dragna continued, "She isn't as naïve as you think, nor is she as helpless as you think. While you hid your grief behind your doors, after your parent's death, she spent it venting her frustrations training among the Scouts. You already know how I feel about her my Queen. She is kind, honest, and will do anything for the sister she loves. She might just be able to save our kingdom from invasion."

Glancing to the windows of the room to see them covered in frost, Elsa forgot on how controlled Dragna was around her when she had little control over her powers. She looked back to Dragna and said, "You know what you are asking me to do. You are asking me to place Anna in harm's way. I can't do that to my sister, not willingly."

"Though Glowerhaven is posturing for war, we have nothing to confirm if they are serious or not. Even if they are, the trade talks are set for Slavahelm, far from any strategic targets for our kingdom. The only chance of avoiding war is if you or Princess Anna sat at that negotiations table." Dragna gave it a moment before he spoke with blunt honesty. "Princess Anna can take that risk, but not her Queen."

Rubbing her head as her headache blurred her vision, Elsa winced in pain. She felt as if she was betraying her sister when she said, "Because she is only a spare."

/

/

It just started to rain heavily as the Piorun, a square-rigged ketch, the fastest light frigate of the Arendelle Royal Navy pulled into the port of Corona. She however flew the flags of the Kingdom of the Southern Isles, with all markings of her being from Arendelle were stripped. The crew wore no uniforms, and worked quickly. It was late at night, and only two people were on the docks at the time to help bring in the ship. The island kingdom towered over the ship, and for one passenger, he looked out the brightly lit city in awe.

Stepping up beside the man was another he held out a small pouch. "Inside is enough gold to get you around town. Also a forged writ stating you are a trader from Scania." When the man kept on staring at the city, this prompted the other to slap him in the back of the head. "For the love of God Kristoff, pay attention."

"Ouch." Rubbing the back of his head, Kristoff took the pouch. "Got it, trader from Scania."

"How good is your Germanic?" The man questioned.

Switching to the native tongue of the Kingdom he had sailed into, Kristoff said, "Who do you think I sell the most ice too? The ships that come into port are the majority of my customers."

Nodding his head, the man crossed his arms and said, "I hope you know how important this mission is? I question why we are sending our Official Ice Master and Deliver."

With narrowed eyes, Kristoff placed the pouch inside of his tunic. "Queen Elsa made it very clear. Now excuse me, I need to go retrieve my package."

It wasn't long before, Kristoff walked down the boarding plank with a small cart with a tarp covering it. The port guards cold and wet, didn't question Kristoff's paperwork especially when there were a few gold coins thrown in. Past the docks Kristoff entered into the city, with a heavy downpour soaking him. Going into his pocket, he pulled out a map of the city and looked at it, to gain his bearings. He navigated his way through the streets until he finally found the building he was looking for. He knocked on the door and waited. It wasn't until his third set of knocks did he hear the door unlock.

It opened to the sight of an elderly woman dressed in a gray nightgown and night cap. She held a lantern up to Kristoff's face and squinted her eyes. "I was expecting you four hours ago."

"The North Sea wasn't very cooperative." Kristoff replied.

Looking back to the cart, for a moment before returning her gaze to Kristoff the woman responded, "It rarely does. Come, come."

Going back to his cart, Kristoff removed a large box from under the covers, and as the woman held the door open, Kristoff brought it inside. As he set it down on the floor, he looked back as the woman. She gave a quick look at the street before closing and locking the door. Going to his belt, Kristoff pulled out a knife and pried open the lid to the box. As soon as it popped open, a rush of cold air filled the room.

"Finally!" A voice from within the box yelled out. The woman stepped back in fear as a white cloud rose from the box.

"Is it a spirit?" She wondered in fear of what was within.

Leaping into the air, Olaf waved with his wooden arm and with a huge smile yelled, "Hello!"

The woman stared at the talking snowman in shock before she passed out. Kristoff frowned as he looked to Olaf. "What have we told you about meeting new people Olaf?"

"To not jump out and scare them." Olaf said as he lowered his head in remorse.

Going to the old woman, Kristoff easily lifted her and placed her on a sofa that was in the adjoining room. After some stretching, Olaf hopped out of the box, his personal flurry following him from above. He went to the window and looked out to the rain covered streets.

"So this is Corona? It is so wet. I love it!"

Smiling, Kristoff walked over to the window and closed the curtain. "What don't you love?"

"Yellow snow." Olaf quickly replied with confidence. "And Prince Hans of the Southern Isle."

"You and me both, buddy," Kristoff stated in reply.

Both turned when they heard the woman stir in the other room. Kristoff looked to see Olaf was about to run in and greet her once again but grabbed him, by the twigs in his head to stop him. "Olaf. Give me a minute."

With a heavy sigh, Olaf frowned and took a seat. "One, two, three…"

Smiling, Kristoff walked into the room and saw the woman was rubbing her head. "Sorry about that, he can be a bit eccentric."

Slowly sitting up, the woman rubbed her head. "I've heard of him, but I just, wasn't expecting how creepy he is."

"He will grow on you." Kristoff replied as he leaned against the wall.

Peering into the other room, to see the snowman counting the woman saw what he meant. "Well I am Maryla, how about some nice warm tea?"

"Kirstoff," he replied. "Hot chocolate if you have any."

With introductions and the shock of the sentient snowman subsided, Maryla served her drinks and took a seat and watched as Kristoff finished stoking the fire. "Will he be okay?"

Looking to Olaf sitting in the furthest chair, and was cheerfully swinging his feet and holding his cup of hot chocolate, Kristoff replied. "He will be fine; he knows not to get to close."

"I don't have a stomach!" Olaf declared.

Used to Olaf's antics, Kristoff leaned back and sipped from his drink. "So how goes things in the Kingdom of Corona?"

"Not good." Maryla stated as she looked to the fire. "The King has conscripted another five hundred men for service, that put nearly five thousand in the kingdom proper, and another thirty thousand in the surrounding fiefdoms. The Princess has also rallied a mercenary force of almost two thousand."

"They are preparing for war." Kristoff said with concerned.

Nodding her head, Maryla leaned back and held her drink tightly. "I can't speak for the Kingdom. I am only a servant to the princess."

"But, you are first a servant to your Queen." Kristoff added before he sipped his drink. "Queen Elsa is concerned that Corona is preparing to ally with Glowerhaven. Or at least have inside knowledge they are not telling us."

Maryla scowled as she felt insulted by the comment. She had been a spy for the Kingdom of Arendelle for twenty years. A simple servant in a small kingdom, however upon the return of the lost princess, she was swept up into the ranks as to one of her servants. In the past five years she had grown to love and respect the woman she was sworn to serve, despite her loyalty to Arendelle.

After long look into the fire, Maryla countered Kristoff's accusation. "The Princess would never allow that. She is in crisis, but not because of Arendelle, but because her husband." Maryla paused, for the first time she questioned her loyalty to Arendelle by giving away the secrets of who she severed. She looked to Kristoff, and didn't see a harden soldier, or a jaded spy, but a man who looked concern for not just the wellbeing of his kingdom, but for that of Corona. Setting down her drink, Maryla took a deep breath and said, "The Prince, has disappeared. He left in the middle of the night leaving a single note addressed to the Princess.

Than a month later the message came from a formal member of the Raven's Eye, it was after that, Corona began to mobilize its forces. From what I have gathered, the Prince is in danger, and by a dark and evil force. The Princess has gathered all the books and ancient scrolls, that could be found from the Old Kingdom's from the Era of Darkness."

"Is there any idea on where the Prince went?" Kristoff asked with concern.

Still hesitant, Maryla rubbed the edge of her cup with her finger. "From what I have gathered he is trying to save a friend from certain death. He owed this friend his life. His last correspondence to the princess was that he was traveling to a port city in the eastern province of Arendelle. There is dark magic involved, and any attempt to help his friend would be very dangerous."

"Why haven't you told us this before?!" Kristoff leapt to his feet. Olaf mimicked Kristoff and also stood up onto his chair. "We have to see the Princess now!"

Standing, Maryla was confused by Kristoff's alarming change in behavior. "What is wrong?"

"Elsa was right; you were holding information back." Kristoff said to himself. He looked to Maryla. "Just before I set sail, Princess Anna left for the treaty negotiations in Slavahelm!"

It took a moment but Maryla realized what she had done. Slavahelm was the largest town in the far eastern province of Arendelle. "Dear God. The Prince wasn't just saving a friend; he was saving a friend from the invasion of Arendelle!"

Anger and sadness swarmed Kristoff's thoughts. "You fool! If you knew there was any clear danger within any part of Arendelle you should have told us! We just sent Anna to get killed!"

Placing her hand over her heart, Maryla didn't even realize how fractured her integrity between the kingdom she worked for and the kingdom she was loyal to was. Shacking as she walked, Maryla began to walk to her bed room. "Let me get ready, I will take you to her at once."

As the woman entered her room, Kristoff fell back into his seat covering his face in his hands. Olaf, shuffled over to Kristoff and placed his hand onto his knee. "Anna is the strongest, bravest, princess in the entire world. She will be okay."

Placing his hand on Olaf's shoulder, Kristoff was happy to have him at his side at this moment of strife. "I hope so. I also hope that this princess is willing to help."

Wearing her servant uniform for what would most likely be the last time. Maryla escorted Kristoff and Olaf through the servant tunnels and halls of the kingdom. The late hours had them dark and empty, perfect to escort to foreign agents to the princess. Pausing at one of the many secret doorways, Maryla took a moment to compose herself.

She felt the chill of snow at her feet and looked down to see Olaf at her side. "If she is like any of the princess's I know, she will forgive you."

It was just the right boost of confidence she needed. Opening the door, she walked across to the grand entranceway to the Princess's bed room. Opening the door, she walked inside, and she smiled to see the young woman she served sleeping at a desk surrounded by books. Gently placing her hand on her shoulder, Maryla whispered, "My lady." With a gentle squeeze, Maryla spoke a little louder. "My Lady."

With a smile and a yawn, the fair maiden stretched and looked to her servant. She never looked at anyone of the house staff as a servant. She treated the elders with respect and looked to them for wisdom, those her age as friends, and younger as little sisters. "Maryla. Is it morning already?"

Shaking her head, Maryla stepped back and bowed her head. "No my princess, it is not. I am here to turn myself in."

After rubbing her eyes, the Princess sat up and turned in her chair to look to Maryla. "Whatever do you mean."

Trembling with nerves, Maryla mind went from her betrayal to Queen Elsa and that of the Princess. The memory that her action sent Princess Anna to her death reminded her of her true duty. "I am not from Cammin. Though my mother was, I am Arendellian by birth. I have worked as an agent, a spy for, the Kingdom of Arendele for twenty years."

Her life was already in utter chaos, why was one of her most respected servants doing this to her now. The look in the woman's eyes had the Princess realize she was in great emotional pain. Standing, the Princess walked over to the woman she respected, and took her hand. "Maryla. Why would you tell me this? What has happened to upset you so?"

Staring down to the hands of her princess she looked to the wedding ring. "My Lady, I bring news about you husband."

Looking up at the sound of people entering her room, her eyes grew wide at the sight of Olaf. Maryla stepped to the side and held out her arm. "May I present to you, Kristoff, fiancé to Princess Anna of Arendelle." Looking down to Olaf, Maryla said, "And Olaf, the Snowman."

"I prefer Olaf, the Love Expert." Olaf corrected.

Kristoff gave a deep bow, which had Olaf quickly mimic him. He looked up to the Princess and said, "It is an honor to meet you, Grand Princess Rapunzel of the Holy Kingdom of Corona."

Giving a small curtsy, Rapunzel eyed at the two with suspicion, but that snowman could of only of come from Queen Elsa herself. "You have news of Prince Eugene?"

A grim look came over, Kristoff's face. "Between the knowledge of our kingdom and what we have just learned, I believe that Prince Eugene was trying to save a friend from the invasion of Arendelle by Glowerhaven." A Dark aura fell between those in the room, Kristoff calmed himself and said, "In all likely hood, the invasion occurred yesterday."

A worried looked comes over Rapunzel's face. "How would you know this?"

"Yesterday, Anna…" Kristoff paused to correct himself. "Princess Anna arrived at Slavahelm to reopen trade talks with Weselton."

Rapunzel saw the grief in Kristoff's eyes, and felt horrible for him. She looked to her desk before walking over to it. Picking up a book, Rapunzel paused knowing it always made her feel better to hear something good before bad news. "Princess Anna is a strong woman; she did save us all from an eternal winter. If anyone can take care of herself, she can." Slowly she began to walk over to her guests from Arendelle. "Eugene however discovered something while tracking down his friend."

Olaf looked to Kristoff and whispered, "Why does no one remember that we helped Anna."

Holding out a large thick violet colored book, Rapunzel watched as Kristoff looked at it puzzlingly. "There is far more at stake, than Arendelle." Rapunzel placed her hands behind her back and said, "How versed are you in tales from the Old Kingdoms?"

"Didn't really have a normal childhood." Kristoff stated. "What does this have to do with my kingdom being invaded?"

Rapunzel frowned knowing she had a lot to explain. "Queen Elsa represents a significant change to the world. We…"

Pausing, Rapunzel found herself reaching for her hair that was no longer there. A sad smile came over her face as she returned her gaze to Kristoff. "Both Elsa and I were born in the same year. Both of us were born of magic."

"You can build snowmen too!" Olaf squealed barely able to contain himself.

A gentle smile came to Rapunzel as she looked to Olaf, "No, I am sorry. My power was quiet different, and I lost them over five years ago." Olaf bowed his head in sadness, and Rapunzel looked back to Kristoff. "Since our births magic has been making a return. However, after Elsa accidentally froze summer, something changed. Magic has been growing exponentially, the fey have been returning, we are returning to an age of magic. Something that hasn't been around since the Folly of Prydain."

"But why?" Kristoff asked, "Did something happen the year of your birth to cause this?"

Rapunzel, nodded her head, she looked down to the book in Kristoff's hands and said, "Have you ever heard of the Mistress of All Evil?"

Kristoff looked down to Olaf, and both shared the fear of what there were just about to here.

/

/

It was painful to even open her eyes, but Anna did so moaning as she did. She reached up to the back of her head to feel a large tender bump. She was disoriented and her vision was cloudy, as she saw a figure in the corner of the room. She tried to focus on who it was, but that only made her head hurt more. She lifted herself up off her side and slowly sat up.

With the world coming into better focus she saw Ranger whispering to someone or something behind him. He stopped when he realized Anna was sitting up, he turned to her and walked over with concern. "How are you feeling?"

As her memories returned, Anna began to tremble, just as her arm supporting her gave out, Ranger was at her side to catch her. Resting her back onto her side, Anna was as pale as a ghost when she stuttered, "I killed someone. What have I done. What happened to me?"

"It's okay." Ranger said in a soft caring voice. "You had no choice, it isn't your fault."

Looking around frantically, Anna was beginning to cry when her eyes fell onto the teenage girl who laid lifeless on a pile of hay. "Oh, please no! I didn't kill her too!"

Brushing one of Anna's braids from her face, Ranger shook his head. "She is only sleeping."

"I don't know what happened." Anna said between sobs. "I wanted to stop, but I couldn't! I, I, almost killed her in cold blood."

"But you didn't," Ranger whispered. Pulling out his purple cloth, he broke off a chunk of chocolate. "Here it will help."

Taking the chocolate, Anna felt sick, she stared at the teenager and whispered, "How did you stop me?"

A smirk came over his face, he walked back to his pack and pulled out a frying pan. "You would never know how versatile these things are."

Rubbing her head, Anna tried to smile but couldn't. "Thanks. I think."

Sitting back down, Ranger stared at Anna intently. Anna looked off, as if something was wrong. As she nibbled at her chocolate, Ranger glanced over to Airi who began to stir.

Anna looked up, feeling slightly better and said, "Who is she."

"A promise." Ranger said, as he leaned over and looked over the girl to see she was still sleeping but was restless.

With her head feeling better, Anna sat up and finished off her chocolate. Looking about Anna realized she was in a barn. "Where are we?"

Looking about the barn, Ranger thought for a moment and said, "A barn."

Leaning back Anna gave a heavy sigh, realizing getting a straight answer out of Ranger was next to impossible. "Do all your, 'promises,' run around with notorious mercenary murderers?"

Crossing his arms, Ranger didn't appreciate the air quotes. He looked back to Anna and said, "I was in the same orphanage as her brother Allister back in the day. We both escaped together, worked for the same pickpocket crew. We were good, Allister and I were as thick as thieves."

"You do know that being a pickpocket makes you thieves." Anna interrupted.

Pointing to Anna, Ranger glared at her, "Who's back story is this? This is the reason I don't do back stories."

Anna, smiled and winced at the same time. "Sorry."

Leaning on to his knees, Ranger continued. "Where was I?"

"Allister, and you pick-pocketing, "Anna said as she stared at Ranger swearing she had met him before, but couldn't place it.

Nodding, Ranger snapped his fingers. "Ah yes, thieving, burgling, it was some good times. We were too good, caught the eye of the Raven's Eye, if you know what I mean." Pausing to laugh at his own joke, Ranger continued, "At first it was just odd jobs, steal this, swoon that girl over there. That's where I perfected my smolder."

Anna saw Ranger was reflecting deeply on his memories, it made him happy but also sad. When the smile on his face left, Anna grew worried that this story was about to climax with a sad ending. "What happened."

"One day, everything changed. They order us kill someone." Ranger said softly, as he looked down to his hands. "When we didn't do it, they found and kidnapped Airi and threatened her life."

"So you did it. You killed who they wanted you to." Anna whispered.

It was a horrible memory; it didn't matter if the man was a horrible leader of a gang of thugs. It was a part of this life he would never wish on anyone. "It didn't end with just one, soon that was all they demanded of us, while holding Airi hostage. So we worked for the Raven's Eye, until we couldn't take it anymore. We attempted to rescue, Airi, and it didn't go as well as we hoped. Allister was mortally wounded. Before he died in my arms, he made me promise him that I would try to rescue her if I ever had a chance. Though I searched, I could never find where they took her. I assumed she was dead.

That was like two life time's ago. A few months ago I ran into an old comrade from my Raven's Eye days, I asked for him to look into Airi, and a few weeks later he wrote to me that not only Airi was alive but working for the Raven's Eye. Even though I was happily married, I learned that a man should always honor his promises. When I finally tracked her down, I wasn't expecting that she would be under a magic spell trying to kill a Princess. So I rescued said princess in hopes I would happen to run into her and free her."

A realization just struck Anna, she stared at Ranger in disgust. "You used me as bait! This whole time you used me to get to her! You don't care about me, do you."

"Hold on." Ranger stood up. "I can multitask, Princess Gingerbread. I wouldn't let any harm to come to you."

"I was forced to kill someone because of you!" Anna shouted as she stood.

Just when he was about to defend his actions once more Ranger paused. Giving a sigh he lessened his posture and rubbed the back of his head. "That is a regret I will have to bare, and I am sorry for putting you in that position. But you would be dead if it wasn't for me." Ranger paused for a moment and stared at Anna's head. "Umm Princess."

"What!" Anna demanded as she stood with violent thoughts in her eyes.

Ranger saw the hatred in Anna and slowly moved his hand to his sword. "Anna, I had no intention of hurting you or letting you get hurt. On my honor, I would never…"

"On your honor." Anna eyes narrowed as those woods stung deep into her heart.

Biting his lip, Ranger thought for a moment and suddenly remembered something and said under his breath. "I shouldn't have said that."

Rubbing her head, Anna's head began to sting, she fell down to her knee and winced.

"Anna." Ranger whispered as he slowly approached her. "Princess, you need to calm down."
"Why!" Anna hissed.

With one hand on the hilt of his sword, and the other held up to Anna's Ranger said, "Your hair."

Glancing to her right ponytail, Anna eyes widen to see her white hair streak she lost two years ago after saving her sister had returned. "No! That isn't possible! What happened? No this can't be right!"

Placing her hand on Anna's shoulder, Ranger tried to calm Anna, but she quickly slapped him away and glared at him. "What did you do to me Ranger?"

"I didn't do anything to you Anna!" Ranger declared as he stepped back from her. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Clenching her heart, Anna began to cry she stared up to Ranger and couldn't stand the sight of him any more so ran out of the barn. Giving a sigh, Ranger turned back to see Airi was sitting up.

"Flynn Rider?" Airi rubbed her eyes as she looked to the familiar face and smiled. "Everyone said were dead." After a yawn she continued, "Why did that woman just call you Ranger?"

With his hand still on his hilt, the more accurate but technically incorrect named Flynn Rider eyed, the teenager closely. "She miss heard you calling out my name when I stopped you from killing her in the town. That you also happened to of been burning down at the time."

Rubbing her head, Airi looked about the barn in confusion. She paused as her memories began to flash before her. "I… I remember."

"Don't rush it.?" Flynn said softy as he released the grip from his sword. "The spell that was on you appears to have been broken. Thank God it wasn't a curse."

Watching as she slowly stood, he saw a pain in her eyes. Airi shook her head as looked to her feet. "The spell?"

"I found you two weeks ago." Grabbing the purple cloth, Flynn walked over to Airi and handed it to her. "You were, well not the Airi I remember." Watching as Airi ate the rest of the chocolate, Flynn moaned, "Great, now I don't know how I am going to keep the princess calm."

Looking down to her feet, Airi whispered, "It's true, Raven's Eyes has turned to magic. I didn't want to do it at first. They made us, but then…"

"You couldn't help yourself." Flynn said softly. Sitting down next to Airi, Flynn looked down to his left hand. "I've had my run in with magic. My experience was rather pleasant. However, I still remember the high I felt from it like it happened yesterday."

Looking up to Flynn, Airi couldn't believe the man who sat next to her. She felt a bit of guilt wishing it was her brother before her. "Thanks for understanding."

When Flynn saw relief on Airi's face he frowned. Looking to the barn door, Flynn was reminded of his beloved wife Rapunzel in Anna. "I've also seen what it is like when those who have been using magic for a very long period of time are stripped of it."

"It was only for the past two years." Airi said with concern. "They started it after the Snow Queen froze summer."

"I know." Flynn stated, he leaned over and went into his pack pulling out a waterskin and handed it to Airi. "You need to drink; it will help with the headaches."

"What headaches?" Airi asked.

Standing, Flynn brushed hay off of his pants. "I hope with only two years of exposure the trimmers, will not be that bad. We have a lot of walking ahead of us. Can't do much about the night terrors." Going back to his pack, Flynn pulled out a handkerchief and tossed it to Airi. "Or the nose bleeds."

Touching her nose, Airi looked to her hand and saw blood. Picking up the tissue she placed it against her nose. "Thank you Flynn. Thank you for keeping your promise."

Walking to the door, Flynn looked back to Airi. "I am sorry it took so long. It took me a long time to find myself." Pointing to the door, Flynn gave a sympathetic look to Airi and pointed to the door. "Mind if I take care of something?"

Blushing slightly, Airi asked bashfully, "Is she your true love?"

Giving his best smolder, Flynn replied, "Please. I would never date a ginger. She is just a friend. Oh, and if you don't mind, it would be in our best interest we stick to the Ranger thing."

Clearing her nose, Airi looked to the blood on the handkerchief. "Last I heard Flynn Rider was dead. So, okay Ranger, but please be careful." Rubbing her stomach Airi winced. "I think there is something wrong with her."

Stepping outside, Flynn cleared his throat and walked over to Anna who was sitting against a stack of hay not far from the entrance. She had her head was buried in her hands as she cried. Flynn looked out to the endless farmland. Taking a seat a few feet from Anna, Flynn picked up a straw of hay and played with it in his hands. "I am sorry about everything Princess. I wanted to help you, not hurt you."

Clearing her eyes of years Anna looked over to the man she knew as Ranger. "I am sorry to." Pulling on her braid, Anna continued, "I don't know why this returned, but I know it wasn't you. You are also right about what I did, it's just that I never thought it would affect me so."

"I am glad you are upset." Flynn said, "It means you care for life above all else. It means you are an excellent princess."

A small smile came across Anna's face, she played with the edge of her dress. "Don't suppose you know many princesses?"

"I don't get to meet a wide range." Flynn said sarcastically. "We should be moving. We need to get you to Queen Elsa."

"You are right." Anna replied. "I will join you shortly, you should make sure your 'promise' is ready."

Standing, Flynn smiled feeling better about Anna before he returned to the barn he gave one last look back, and it bothered him that a feeling of distrust of her was growing in his thoughts. When Flynn entered the barn, Anna stood and brushed off her dress of hay. She paused when she saw a mouse scurry across the ground.

"Why hello there." Anna said gently. She knelt down and smiled at the creature as it found safety in the haystack. "It's okay." A twitch of her neck and Anna found her mouth become dry. "Kill it," Anna blurted out. Quickly she covered her mouth with her hands and stood. She lowered her hands and whispered, "Did I just say that." Her head involuntarily jerked. "Of course I did. I should kill them all?"

Anna began to tremble, she stepped back from the haystack, and just as she turned to run for Ranger she jerked again. Anna looked about in confusion, she turned back to the haystack unsure of why she was just feeling so scared. Taking a moment to think about it, she shrugged her shoulders believing it was just nerves.

When she entered the barn, she saw Ranger standing next to the young teenage girl. Anna timidly stepped forward and bowed. "I would like to apologize for trying to kill you."

Giving a curtsy, Airi replied, "I would like to apologize trying to kill the beautiful Princess Anna of Arendelle." She looked to Flynn and gave a small smirk, "Ranger here was just telling me everything. And I want you to know that I wasn't myself. I was under the influence of dark magic."

Going over to Airi, Anna gave her a warm and loving embrace. "I am just glad you are okay."

Flynn looked surprised by Anna's sudden change, but happy she was willing to trust Airi. Parting from her hug, Anna looked down to the young girl and said, "What is important now is that we get you to safety. Ranger promised your brother he would save you, and I will do what I can to make sure this happens."

"Are we ready to go?" Flynn asked with his pack slung on his back.

Nodding her head, Anna smiled and said, "Yes."