Chapter Seven

/

/

Stepping out of her tent, Queen Elsa looked out to her army and felt slightly sorry for them. Overnight at the request of her Generals, she had it snow three inches, to prepare them for entering the warzone that was currently under three feet of snow. They seemed to be coping well, after all they were Nordic, cold and snow was a part of life. She took in a deep breath and looked to her side to see Dragna was walking up to her.

"Morning report?"

Nodding his head, Dragna gave a small bow and said, "Your Majesty." After his bow, Dragna placed his hands behind his back. "There has been some developments. The Glowerhaven's main force has slowed to a crawl after taking Likness. You knocked out every bridge along the Kvina River, effectively you doubled their march distance and put them through narrower roads and rougher terrain. Adding the fact, we've been burning any chance they could resupply from our own food stores, they are most likely running out of food."

Tilting her head, Elsa wanted to reach out and at least touch Dragna, but knew she couldn't. Looking to the south for a moment, Elsa said, "At the expense of destroying our food reserves for winter."

"Luckily we have a Queen that can insure a mild winter," Dragna said with a small smile.

Shrugging her shoulders, Elsa couldn't argue with the statement. "So I guess we are going to totally ignore what happened."

Giving a small sigh, Dragna did his best not to show any emotions. "At least until the war is over, My Queen." With that out of the way, Dragna cleared his throat before continuing. "Back to the matter at hand, my Queen. Though Glowerhaven has stopped its advance, the Raven's Eye has not. They have gathered their forces, and will be moving on to Torhild by midday."

Tilting her head and placing her hand on her chin. "That doesn't make any sense. Why are they rushing? They should now we've mobilized and are on the march. Have we captured any Glowerhaven scouts?"

"None," Dragna replied. "Every one we've encountered has been Raven's Eye. And we still haven't been able to capture one of them."

"Did you try asking nicely."

Smiling, Dragna looked in the direction Elsa was to see something was flying towards them. "No."

Holding out her arm, the giant eagle-owl made of ice landed on it with a scroll in his mouth. Spitting the scroll out, Elsa caught it and smiled. "Thank you Snowflake." Dragna raised an eye brow as the eagle-owl smiled proudly and flew off Elsa's arm and landed on the top of her tent. Elsa broke the Seal of Glowerhaven, and opened up the scroll. After reading the scroll, Elsa frowned. Looking to Dragna, Elsa handed him the scroll. "Short version. Thanks, but no thanks."

"It was worth a shot." Dragna replied.

Walking over to a table that had a map of the region on it, Elsa leaned on it, and looked down to the map staring at Torhild. "It's a trap." Pushing off the table, Elsa looked to her conjured mount and it started to come to her. Turning to the hundreds of tents of her army, Elsa said, "Find General Dabria, Farrin, and Geir. We march to Torhild."

Looking about, Dragna took Elsa's hand and whispered, "If it's a trap why would we do that?"

Elsa realized how hard it was for Dragna to show even a little emotion in public. She pulled her arm back, touching where he touched and smiled. "It's okay Dragna. The trap is for me."

Raising his finger, Dragna replied, "Wait, how does that make it any better? These people are crazy they fight to the death. They are full of hate, and malice. Black magic is the only explanation. It is simply too dangerous, what could we hope to accomplish by walking into a trap."

Mounting her deer made of ice, Elsa looked down to Dragna, "It will give me a chance to ask them nicely."

Giving a small bow Dragna went off to do the bidding of the Queen. Elsa spent the few hours it took for her forces to break camp on her ice and snow mount meeting with her soldiers and using her magic to help. The march to Torhild for Elsa didn't feel like the four hours it actually took to get to the outskirts.

Anger was Elsa's first expression, as she looked down to the small town of Torhild. It was already under attack, and the light haze of smoke coming from the town drifted towards Elsa. The smell of burnt wood had her narrow her eyes. When her generals came to her side she glanced to them as they drew out their swords.

"No." Elsa said as she rose her arm.

"The Scouts said there is little more than a hundred, we can easily crush them."

Looking to her General, Elsa shook her head. "No. That's what makes it a trap. I will handle this. Move archers to the front, just in case of stragglers. Please, have our scouts move in closer for support."

Coming up to Elsa's side Dragna had a sheer look of panic in his eyes, despite his calm demeanor. "My Queen that's crazy."

"I said the Scouts can support." Elsa replied. "No Arendellian blood will be spilled this day!"

Looking away from Elsa, Dragna was doing his best to remain calm. "You can't go in there alone."

She did her best not to laugh but with a large smile on her face, she looked back to Dragna. "Who said I am going in there alone?"

Without a second thought, Elsa kicked her heels against her summoned mount, and it charged forward. The two Generals, looked to Dragna and called out. "Go support Master Dragna."

"Scouts on me!"

Elsa had a large lead and only increased with the speed as she rose her hand into the air. A thunderous roar ripped through valley and off the mountains. Dragna and the Generals looked about as did the army behind them. An archer that stood ready with his bow pointed out to the northwest tree line. The trees were swaying and the fresh snow on their branches were falling.

The ground began to rumble as the trees shook more violently when suddenly bursting through the tree line came the massive twenty-four-foot-tall tiara wearing Marshmallow along with a hundred other giant snowmen. Elsa looked into the town to see that blacked cloaked figures of the Raven's Eyes were franticly running to defensive positions.

Though she felt bad about having it snow on soldiers, she had another purpose. She could feel all the snow in the town, and with it every living thing within it. This made her realize that those figures in the black cloaks where simply that, figures, barely life. Volley of arrows were being let loose towards Elsa, which she easily dismissed by freezing them to the point of shattering them into dust.

Just as she approached the first houses of the town, she leapt off her mount just as the snow gave way underneath. These Raven's Eyes clearly had no idea how far Elsa's powers had advanced. A simple pitfall covered in snow was easily detectable and laughable. She landed onto a pillar of ice, and leapt off that and froze the incoming arrows with ease. With one hand she summoned an elevated platform of ice, just as she landed on a fresh pair blades for skating. Once on it she began a continuous creation of a slick track.

With the increase speed of sliding down an ice track, Elsa saw the first of the black cloaked figures and fired ice shared at them pinning them to the wall of a building. As her ice track reached the street level, she was forced to turn it right into an another attacker. This knocked the man into the air, and she projected ice around him pinning him in midair. She rose her track to be eye level with the figure. When she placed her hand on the man's heart, she came to the realization that these weren't people, not any more.

Leaping from her stationary position she began to generate more track and the next group of attacker, she shot ice lances directly into their hearts. When struck their bodies shrieked in pain before crumbling into ash and soot. She spun quickly to see an attacker was leaping off a roof towards her, but didn't come close as Marshmallow body slammed him to the ground.

Lunging, to dodge an arrow, Elsa snapped back and preformed a flip spin while striking three targets at once with ice lances. Before she landed onto the ground she generated more ice track and began to hydroblade. This had her gliding across the ice as it angled sharply with her body stretched in a very low position, almost horizontal to the ice. As she pulled the one eighty she leapt into a sequence of jumps striking down every enemy she saw. She landed onto the ground and rolled to dodge a sword swing.

She kept her movement forward by coating the ground in front of her in ice, and rolling into a small sled made of ice. As she stood she looked to four men charging her with swords. She entered some of her already made track, and began to turn to face them. As she reached the right angle she watched two drop from arrows to the heart. The final two she simply took down with ice lances. Looking back, she saw that Dragna and the Scouts were doing their part.

Jumping off the sled she began to generate new track as she swept through the town seeing that most of the Raven's Eye were being over whelmed by the hundred snow monsters she summoned. Pleased by this she swung by Marshmallow as he tossed up two of the attackers into the air. After two successful ice lance strikes by Elsa as she spiraled around Marshmallow, they exchanged a fist bump and a high five as she leapt between to segments of track.

When she felt her cape get clipped by an arrow she couldn't see the attack, but with a flick of her wrist, Snowflake came screeching down and snatched the would be sniper from his perch in the church bell tower and flung it into the air for Elsa to lance.

She found herself looping back where she started and saw that the first five Raven's Eye thugs she captured had escaped she looked about and saw they were engaging the Arendelle Scouts. A woman of her word, Elsa turned towards them and after a wave of her hand generated a wall of ice between them and her scouts. She then had the wall shoot out dozens of spikes turning the would be murderers into ash. Closing her fist and pointing to the wall it shattered into dozens of tiny humanoid figures made of ice standing only a foot tall. They all began to charge into the town to assist Marshmallow and his company.

Sweeping back into town, she found she was running out of targets as the Ice-lings were dragging out those who were hiding out to be crushed by her snow monsters. She looked north to see many were fleeing, and with a smirk she saw that her Scouts where already picking them off. She gave a whistle and stopped generating her track, she fell right onto her Ice mount and began charging towards the north. Only needing to dispatch a handful with ice lances along the way.

Reaching the other side of Torhild, Elsa saw that Dragna and his fellow Scouts were about to strike down the final Raven's Eye follower and called out. "Wait!"

Casting her magic, she encased the black cloaked man's arms and legs in ice. He fell to the ground as Elsa came riding up. Leaping off of her mount she landed in front of him and generated ice around the foe, immobilizing him and lifting him into a standing position. "Will you be so kind enough to surrender."

/

/

Running through the woods as fast as he could, Flynn Rider was forced to leap to the ground as two arrows flew over his head. Rolling to his back, he looked back to the two Glowerhaven soldiers closing in on horseback. Scurrying to his feet, Flynn was feeling very nostalgic even if he was running for his life. When he finally reached a clearing, at the base of a mountainside. He gave a sigh of release until he tripped and fell into a creek. As he stood to get up an arrow struck right next to his hand.

Turning Flynn looked to see the men with arrows at the ready. "Well guys it looks like you got me. I surrender."

"Surrender." One of the soldiers bellowed. "You are going to die."

Wincing, Flynn shrugged his shoulders and said, "Bye."

Just as the two men realized Flynn wasn't scared a crossbow bolt struck one right in the chest. As the other rose his bow to look for the attack, a bolt struck him in the chest knocking him off his horse. Standing up and, ringing out his cloak, Flynn hissed, "Seriously!"

"Sorry Flynn." Airi said, as she came out from her hiding spot.

Getting out of the creek, Flynn began to go through the soldier's bags. "You could have warned me about the creek."

Shouldering her crossbow, Airi began to help Flynn loot the bodies she frowned when she looked at the horses. "Wish we could take the horses."

Pulling off the saddle bag, Flynn felt the same, but replied. "I now, but these horses would make us stick out way too much." Pulling out a pouch from one of the men's belt, Flynn smiled, "Yes."

"You go it?"

Holding up the bottle, Flynn smiled. "Only took us four tries." Slapping the horses on the side, they began to run off back into the woods.

It was over a three hour walk before they reached a cabin on the other side on the mountain range. Upon entering, Flynn pulled off his cloak and looked to the fire place to see the fire that was lit is long sense gone. He peered to Airi to see she was already going to the side of Anna who laid peacefully on a quilt.

Putting more wood into the fireplace, and with a splash of oil, Flynn easily got the fire started again. He then went to the second patient, Karina who was as white as a ghost. Bending down he felt her head to see she was still running a fever. Her pulled back her blanket to check on her wound. It was healing, but it was seeping a yellow puss.

Pulling out the vile he looted from the soldiers, he opened it and it had an ointment dropper attached to its top. He held it over the wound and when the brownish colored liquid struck the wound it foamed white, and Karina winced in pain.

"How is she doing?" Anna groaned as she slowly came to a sitting position with Airi's help.

Dropping more ointment on the wound, Flynn didn't want to give too much hope. "This should stop the infection."

Rubbing her eyes, Anna smiled at Airi who was once again eager to help her in anyway. Looking to her shoulder, Anna was pleased that the swelling was down. "How long have I've been out?"

Coving Karina back up with the blanket, Flynn looked down to Karina's side to see Pascal was turning red. "A few days."

"Who wants military rations for dinner!" Airi said as she held up to bag.

Doing her best to feel optimistic, Anna rose her good arm, "Hooray hardtack!"

After handed a square of hardtack, a cheap, hard, thick, cracker made of flower, water, and salt, Flynn leaned back against a support beam as he sat on the floor next to Karina. After taking out a water skin to soften the tasteless hardtack, Flynn looked to Anna who was whispering and giggling with Airi. "It's good to see you feeling better."

Nibbling on her own square of hardtack, Anna blushed slightly. "That is the second time you have saved myself from myself. I am sorry I keep on putting myself in positions where you need to save me. I should know better, I am a Princess, I shouldn't be doing dangerous, stupid or reckless things. Not now, not when my kingdom is going through the hardships of war."

"You care too much." Flynn replied, and when he got glares from both Airi and Anna, he quickly rephrased. "It's good that you care too much. Princess, you see innocent people suffer, and your first instinct was to help, it didn't even matter if it meant getting yourself killed. You only took a life when you had absolutely no other choice. Those are the qualities of nobility that are hard to find in this world."

Thinking about what Flynn said, Anna picked at her hardtack. "Keeping a promise one gave to a dying friend, and risking his life and limb to not only fulfill that promise, but to keep a Princess from a kingdom they hold no allegiance too alive and trying to get her to home are qualities of chivalry that are hard to find in this world."

"I was consumed by a darkness I never thought would leave me." Airi said as she felt an emotion of bonding with her friends. "I feel that both of you helped free me of that dark magic. Even now, even though things look bleak, I can still feel the light of goodness in the world."

Finishing off his hardtack, Flynn saw Karina stir and he bent over and saw that a bit of color was returning to her cheeks. Placing his hand on her shoulder he said, "There will always be light in the world. I've seen the purity of light in all of its glory. I've touched its magnificence and have been blessed." His eyes raised to that of Anna's. "We should always remember that even in life's darkest moments, light will always prevail."

After a hiss of pain, Karina eyes slowly opened and she whispered, "Nice speech."

Anna, and Airi quickly came to Karina's side, and Flynn held out his water skin for her to drink it. After a sip of water, she looked about to everyone and her eyes locked on Anna. "Princess Anna, I am Visekorpora Karina of the Arendelle Scouts, Daughter of Oaken Tennfjord. I am on orders given by Queen Elsa of Arendelle to locate you, and return you safely to the palace."

After grunting a small laugh, Flynn replied, "Well Vicekorpora Karina you are in no real position to go anywhere."

When Anna reached out and touched Karina's shoulder, she winced in pain and Flynn slapped her hand away. The mood in the room quickly shifted and Anna held up her redden hand. "Hey!"

Flynn showed no emotion, everything happened so fast he didn't realize he even reacted until it was too late. He looked to Karina who stared at Anna in confusion and fear. Airi was finally fed up with Flynn's suspicions of the Princess. "What is wrong with you Flynn!"

"Airi!" Flynn shouted, giving out his not so real name.

Leaning back, Anna had a look of betrayal. "Flynn?"

Not willing to let Flynn lie his way out of the conversation Airi spoke up. "Anna, his name isn't Ranger, it is Flynn Rider. At this point it is getting really stupid to keep any more secrets, he didn't want to give his name because I am sure he is wanted by your kingdom of something. But I think after saving your life, like three times that shouldn't be an issue."

"It wasn't your right to give." Flynn countered with a look of anger.

Crossing her arms, Airi wasn't buying the argument. "Oh, please Flynn what's wrong with you? You've been growing more and more distrusting of Anna, and I would like to know why."

Sitting in silence, Flynn wouldn't answer. His silence only hurt Anna more, she stood and grabbed her cloak. "It's okay Airi, if, Flynn Rider, or Ranger, or whatever his name is, doesn't trust me, then so be it."

Narrowing his eyes, Flynn glared at Anna as she walked to the door. "Where the hell do you think you are going?"

Turning, Anna wanted to shout, but she also didn't want to show her full emotion so pouted and pointed to the fire. "I am going to get more firewood. Is that okay Flynn Rider?"

Airi stood as well and went for her cloak. "Wait up for me Anna."

Waiting until both Anna and Airi left the cabin, Flynn looked to Karina who was staring at the do. He placed his hand where Anna touched her to find the location cold to the touch. "You felt it, didn't you?"

Still weak from her wounds, Karina closed her eyes and replied, "She felt cold, like a Raven's Eye Mercenary." Flynn nodded his head and sat back feeling relieved he now had someone other than a Chameleon to confide in. Holding her abdomen Karina winced in pain. When the pain subsided enough to speak, Karina whispered, "Flynn Rider… You wouldn't happen to be the notorious thief, wanted in ten kingdoms? Many people think you were dead."

"Tried that, didn't stick." Flynn replied.

Looking back to the door, Karina said, "What happened to the princess."

Standing, Flynn walked over and retrieved his cloak and looked back to Karina. "If I knew, I would tell you. But something is happening, and I don't know how to stop it."

Stepping outside, Flynn walked over to the woodpile where Anna and Airi were gathering wood. Flynn called out just as Anna was about to pick up a log. "Stop! Do you want to pull out your stiches?" Standing back up, Anna crossed her arms. Airi went to say something but Flynn gave her a long look of not to cross him. "Airi, me and Princess Streaky need to talk." For a second time Airi went to argue but Flynn pointed to the cabin and yelled. "Now Airi!"

She took what wood she gathered and marched back inside. Alone with the Princess, Flynn motioned for her to take a seat at the woodpile. She did so, but looked up at Flynn with anger and suspicion. "Your blackouts, your moments of missing time. The return of your streak. All these things concern me Princess. It makes me think you are not yourself, that maybe something was done to you, possibly magically."

Taking hold of her now singular ponytail, Anna looked to her white hair. She took a long and deep breath before she looked back to Flynn. "I haven't had a blackout or anything since the afternoon before we crossed through Likness. Whatever was happening to me has stopped, and I've been honest about these things, yet you wouldn't even tell me your real name."

Taking a seat on the woodpile, Flynn folded his hands in front of him, and thought for a moment before a reply. "A name is a powerful thing Princess. And that name holds to many consequences for everyone who know it, especially here."

A ruffle of branches in the tree above Flynn had him sit up slightly, he glanced to Anna to see her smiling at him. "Maybe you are just scared of getting close to people." Flynn felt a chill up his spine as if he was being watched. Anna continued to speak as she leaned on the wood pile. "I mean we've been through so much together, I've learned to trust you, even care for you. Maybe you are just afraid of caring for me."

"I care for you Princess."

Nudging Flynn with her shoulder, Anna blushed, "Come on. You really think I am to believe you are married, it seems like you live for saving cute damsels in distress. I wouldn't be mad if you felt more than just caring."

Flynn gut felt danger, he couldn't explain it, but if he didn't answer the Princess correctly he would bring about his own death. After a long breath, Flynn stared at his hands debating if he should go for his knife in his boot, or sword at his side. A quick glance to Anna, and she too had a knife in her boot, and what looked like a hidden knife in her cloak.

Covering his wedding ring with his hand, Flynn wished he could explain his distrust for Anna beyond the feeling of darkness he felt around her. "Princess, this isn't something we should be talking about. I am married, you are engaged."

"Kristoff isn't here risking his life to save mine." Anna replied, "He isn't even in Arendelle fighting to defend my kingdom. He is safe, and I am sure living it up in the Kingdom of Corona."

The mention of his own kingdom had Flynn look to Anna to see a look of confusion and pain on her face. She peered up to Flynn and did her best to hid her emotions. "I get why you don't want to get close to me Flynn. You don't want to feel it, or think it, something that isn't noble or chivalrous. Betrayal."

Anna slowly rose her hand, and touched Flynn's scruffy chin. She slowly moved closer to his face, and he simply stared at her. Gently and deliberately, Anna placed her lips upon Flynn's. He did not return the affection, but did pull Anna into a hug, letting her head rest on his shoulder. This gave him a chance to glance upwards to the tree, and though it was trying to conceal itself, it was there.

The Raven perched upon a branch deep within a tree. Staring down at him with hate. Holding Anna tightly as she cried, He closed his eyes and tried to feel if there was any warmth left within the Princess. He felt nothing, and slowly and silently reached down for his knife. Just as he was about to pull it out, he felt a burst of warmth radiate through Anna's body. The Raven above squawked and the trees rustled again as it flew off.

Flynn stopped going for his weapon, and pulled away from the Princess. She was shaking as she cleared her eyes. "Stupid, that was incredibly stupid. Just forget that even happened. I don't even know why it happened."

Clasping Anna's hand with his own, Flynn smiled. "Maybe you are right. Maybe I am scared of getting to close to you."

There was a slight twitch of a smile hidden behind Anna's sadness. She nodded her head and said, "Can I just have a minute." Flynn stood and smiled to the Princess before walking back to the cabin. Anna called out. "This never happened! I mean, me being dumb, saying dumb things doing dumb things. It never happened okay."

Shrugging his shoulders, Flynn replied candidly. "It might be hard to forget, but I will try."

When Flynn disappeared back into the cabin, Anna's began to hit herself in the head. "He is lying he is lying." Standing Anna paced in frustration, however she was forced to stop when a sharp pain struck her in her chest. "He is protected by some kind of magic. I can't pull any darkness out of him, and he annoyingly keeps the light within me lit."

Twitching her head, Anna looked to her feet. "Light will always be within me."

Hissing in frustration Anna hit herself in the head again. "I have no choice. I am going to have to kill this Flynn Rider. The scout has to go as well. She will know me to well to fool for long. Looks like that hemlock is going to come in handy after all."

/

/

Racing through the crowded market streets of port city of Hundervan, a lone rider on horseback did his best to maneuver through all the midday traffic that comes when the fishing boats return with their fresh catches. It didn't matter he and his horse were marked with the royal seal of the Southern Isles. The king himself with a full company of knights wouldn't be given clear passage during such a busy time.

Finally breaking clear of the market, the rider made his way to the docks, after a final leap over a merchant's cart blocking the main entrance, he heard the clatter of his horse's hooves on wood, which made him feel relieved. Riding down the main dock, there was no mistake of his final destination as flying high on its fore and main mast were giant flags of the Kingdom of Corona. His horse slid to a stop as he reached the wall of citizens that have crowded around the foreign ship. He called out in his deep voice, "Make way!"

When people realized who was on the horse, they began to part. Breaking through the crowd, the man paused as he stared at the sight of seven of his father's soldiers blocking the path of one of the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Dismounting from his horse, he called out to the guards. "Stand down men! By order of King Garrin!"

The guards looked back and quickly stood at attention. The man walked up to the young short brown haired girl in an elegant light pink dress and bowed. "Grand Princess Rapunzel of the Kingdom of Corona, I am Prince Alban of the Southern Isles. On behalf of the King, I extend our deepest regrets for this miss understanding. We were given no notice or warning of your visit to our kingdom."

With a gracious smile and bow, Rapunzel replied, "There is no need for apologies, for I have come unannounced or invited. I do however come to seek an urgent audience with His Majesty, King Garrin."

Raising from his bow, the dashing prince was grateful the princess wasn't angry. The Southern Isles was a tiny splinter fiefdom of the old Kalmar Union. It was less than one fifth the size of Corona, with very little geopolitical pull in the world like that of Corona.

"Of course my lady," Alban said. When he began to look at her company, he started to realize why the port guards were so confused. She was surrounded by some fiendish looking men. The shock of the guards didn't match that of his father when they first heard of Rapunzel's arrival. "Grand Princess, King Garrin has been very sick for many months now, but upon hearing your arrival, he rose out of bed for the first time in weeks." When he caught the eye of a man with shaggy blond hair, then to what he was wearing, he realized quickly that he was not Coronan.

Rapunzel caught on to who the Prince was staring at and said, "I have in my company two representatives of the Kingdom of Arendelle. I hope that will not be a problem."

Snapped back to looking at Rapunzel, Alban hesitantly shock his head, remembering how his father reacted to her arrival. He would do nothing to jeopardize it. "Any friend of the Grand Princess of Corona is welcome to the Southern Isles."

Relaxing, Rapunzel gave a small sigh breaking her royal posturing. "Thank goodness, I was afraid you were going to try and attack them or something."

"Why would I-" Alban leaped back as did his men as they saw Olaf stepping out from behind the princess waving at them. "Hi, I am Olaf; and I like warm hugs!"

Looking back to Hook-hand, Rapunzel asked, "Please get Max, I am sure he can't wait to get off that boat."

With a simple salute, Hook-hand did his princess's bidding. Alban felt intimidated by who he was escorting and wished he had at least a dozen soldiers with him. Yet he was alone as he escorted, Princess Rapunzel, Handmaiden Cassandra, Kristoff, Olaf, and two mercenaries that he swore he saw on wanted posters before, Hook-hand, Lance Strongbow.

When they finally cleared the crowded city streets and were on the main road to the King's castle, Alban built up the courage to speak. "So my Lady, may I ask what this urgent matter pertains too?"

"The war," Rapunzel replied.

The comment had Alban look to Kristoff. "Despite great political pressure we have remained neutral in the conflict between Glowerhaven and Arendelle. I hope Queen Elsa does not suspect we are at all involved?"

Kristoff gave a look of distrust. "I don't know? Where is your brother Hans?"

At first Alban wanted to correct the Arendellian on not using his younger brother's title, but that would be a futile argument. The man had a sentient snowman on the back of his horse so why would he really care about titles. After rethinking his response, Alban said, "Prince Hans remains bared from leaving the kingdom, his peerage remains revoked from the court. What happened two years ago, unjustly hurt my kingdom and her people a hundred times over, Sir Kristoff. What more does your Queen demand in penance for what my brother has done?"

Rapunzel eyed, Cassandra who was riding next to Kristoff. Nodding, Cassandra kicked Kristoff in the leg. Looking to Alban, Rapunzel stated, "Nothing. She seeks nothing from you, and she is totally gracious that you haven't teamed up with Glowerhaven."

"Oh." Alban said with hesitation. "Well that is good."

As the company began to go up the long hillside road to the main castle, Kristoff looked to Cassandra and whispered, "Why does she get to speak for my kingdom?"

"She is of equal caste as the Prince," she said while adding, "and you totally suck at it."

In his own defense, Kristoff replied, "No I don't."

Unable to hide his snickering, Olaf couldn't stop himself. "He totally sucks at it."

Glaring back at Olaf, Kristoff points to him. "Just whose side are you on?"

"I like Cass." Olaf said in pure innocent honesty. "Maybe Anna can higher you a handmaiden to teach you what to say."

Both Cassandra, and Olaf began to snort and snicker at the comment. Kristoff frowned and once again wished he never agreed to go on this trip. "I hate you all."

Kristoff remained quiet for the rest of the ride to the main castle that rested on the tall hill. From the castle, one could look out in all directions to see the six islands that make up the Kingdom of the Southern Isles. Once dismounted, Alban escorted them into the main keep and into the grand hall. Upon their entry a herald began to announce the entering of Rapunzel, and her title. At the end of the hall placed in a crescent shape were thirteen ornate and finely crafted chairs, with all but two filled. In the center sat King Garrin, he looked sickly and was well over eighty. The burden of the crown weighed heavily on him. With the assistance of two of his sons, he stood out of respect to the Grand Princess.

Cassandra assured that Kristoff and the others did not approach to far, as Rapunzel walked up to stand in front of the King and his sons. She waited for Alban to take his seat before she gave a bow, which prompted Cassandra to have everyone else bow as well.

"It is a great honor to stand among the great and wise king of the Southern Isles." Rapunzel declared. "May my arrival without privilege or request be forgiven, however I come to seek your aid in stopping a dark threat to not only Corona, but that of the Southern Isles."

With the help of his two oldest sons, Garrin bowed, and slowly he sat back down. His voice was crackly and weak when he spoke. "Grand Princess of Corona, the stories of your beauty do you not justice. Oh fair Lady blessed are my eyes to look upon you this day. I welcome you to my kingdom."

Blushing at the complement, Rapunzel could feel the light within King Garrin and knew he was a kind and gentle man. "My good King, as you are aware war has come upon the realm. What you might not know is that the Kingdom of Glowerhaven, war upon Arendelle has been ministered by dark and mysterious forces."

One of the elder Princes scoffed at the notion. "You are young and naïve Princess, Arendelle is merely paying the price for insulting the Duke of Weselton, breaking their trade alliance, and threating the region with their Queen and her magic."

Kristoff was about to shout in defense of his Queen, but couldn't get the air in his lungs to speak after elbowed in the gut by Cassandra.

Looking over to the elder Prince, Rapunzel showed little care for what he had to say. "With all due respect, I find your ignorance disturbing."

"How dare you!" The Prince said as he stood.

King Garrin lifted his unsteady hand to silence his son, he lowered it and peered thoughtfully at Rapunzel. Looking back to her company, she nodded, and this was the que for Hook-hands to hand Olaf the ancient book. He happily came up to Rapunzel's side. "Our spies within the conflict had discovered that the true architects of this conflict is the rouge mercenary guild known as the Raven's Eye.

The magic we should be fearing is not that of Queen Elsa, but that being wielded by the Raven's Eye. They are not just seeking power, land, or treasure, they seek out the return of Era of Darkness, a time where dreams die, and there are no happy endings."

After placing her hand on Olaf's shoulder, he smiled, and hobbled his way to the king. He held out the book and stared in amazement at the man's face. One of his sons took the book from Olaf wearily, but for the king the sight of Olaf brought back a memory from a time long sense forgotten. The snowman became giddy when he saw a small sparkle in the old man's eyes. Garrin for just a moment, remembered what it was like to be a child, its warmth, its innocence, and its joy.

As Olaf walked back he glanced to Rapunzel as she continued, "I beg for your permission to search through your royal library to find the final volumes of that book, so I may discover how the Raven's Eye plans on bringing back the Era of Darkness, and put a stop to it."

Finally, being handed the book, Garrin found its texture rough and cool to the touch. As he opened it, he placed his hand on the pages. He did not know why, but he could feel the evil and hate the words within said. It was if he could feel the very soul of the book and felt nothing but darkness. With a trembling hand, Garrin dropped the book and leaned back in his seat realizing who it reminded him of.

Picking up the book the Arch Prince said, "Why would you think we would have such books in our library."

"That book is from your library." Rapunzel said in a soft simple voice.

Looking to the back of the book to the seal, the Arch Prince sat back in his seat astonished. Prince Alban, the eighth eldest brother who didn't like the accusation said, "What makes you think we would still allow such books in our library?"

Everyone looked to Rapunzel, but she simply looked back to Kristoff and motioned for him to approach. "This is Sir Kristoff of Arendelle, fiancé to Princess Anna of Arendelle."

Stepping up beside Rapunzel, Kristoff went to speak, but wasn't expecting a very stealthy kick to the back of his knee forcing him to bow on one knee. Kristoff saw the playful grin on Rapunzel and realized he must have done something wrong. Remaining on his knee, Kristof decided if it was better if he just let the Princess speak.

"We believe…" Rapunzel paused, as her intuitive nature picked up on the storm of emotion she saw behind the withered and aged face of the king. "Your majesty?"

All of his sons turned to him, to see their father rise to his feet on his own strength alone. He grimaced at how crippled he looked and felt, but he felt renewed by the young princess that stood before him. "I know of who, and what you seek, Lady of the Nova Rampion."

The title the King used for her took Rapunzel by surprise. Only one other had ever called her by that name, and only one person other than her has ever heard it. She instinctively reached up and placed her hand over the vile of the suntear that rested around her neck.

Rapunzel's reaction wasn't unexpected by the King, as he knew what she hide on the end of her necklace. "I am dying my dear Princess. My long life has cursed me with wisdom. Wisdom of things that are dark and terrifying, and should never be cast into the light of day." With his legs trembling his two eldest sons were quick to his side to support him. He sighed at his own failings, but felt relief in the support of his sons. "Are you sure you are ready to gain such a terrible burden Princess, are you prepared to make such a sacrifice for the light?"

For the first time in a long time, Rapunzel was hesitant of the path ahead. She was spooked by the Kings knowledge of a title no one should possibly know. Finally, after a moment of calm, Rapunzel replied, "I am, your Majesty."

"Alban." The King whispered, and as if he spoke in a commanding voice, his eighth son rushed to his father and knelt before him. "Take the Lady of the Nova Rampion, and her Arendellian guests to your brother Hans. He knows of what they seek. The rest shall be taken to our guest chambers, tonight we shall dine in honor of the Princess."

"Father," Alban softly spoke in a questioning tone?

"Your King has spoken." Looking to his sons, the King felt tired, but he knew he must hold on to what strength he had. "This order might be one of the greatest deeds I have ever given to the light.

After a final bow, Alban retrieved Rapunzel's book and walked over giving it back. He looked to her, Olaf, and Kristoff. "Come with me."

Cassandra felt a bit left out as Rapunzel walked by her but there was nothing either could do. Exiting the Great Hall, Rapunzel and Kristoff walked together, with Olaf behind them and Alban in the lead.

Still seeing that Rapunzel looked a little spooked and with his own curiosity getting the better of him, Kristoff had to ask, "So what's with this Lady of the Nova Rampion?"

The vile on her chest warmed, and Rapunzel was hesitant to give Kristoff a straight answer. "It nothing really I hope. I mean it's something, but it shouldn't be anything. I mean I don't even know how the King knew it was something."

"You mean if this something, that should mean nothing, meant something?" Olaf declared.

Confused by her own words, Rapunzel simply said, "Yeah."

Raising a hand, Olaf shouts, "It makes perfect sense!"

With the entire conversation making no sense Kristoff shook his head. "No it doesn't."

Leaning forward, Rapunzel looked to Alban. "You wouldn't happen to know where your father heard that name before have you?"

"No," Alban replied. "I figured he just forgot your name so made one up."

Only if it was that simple Rapunzel thought. They final reached a cold damp basement, and after going through a few halls they entered a chamber that appeared to be some kind of storage location for barrels. Fresh water could be heard flowing from running water as well.

"Hans!" Alban called out. "Father has ordered that you help guests of his!"

"He has to make up his mind." A voice that sent a chill up Kristoff and Olaf's back was heard. Stepping out from around a corner, Prince Hans wearing just trousers and a sleeveless shirt came into view. He threw a towel over his shoulder, and smiled charmingly to the beautiful princess.

"Why hello, I must say I am honored to have such an elegant and-" Prince Hans was cut off by a snowball smacking him directly in his face. Wiping the snow off his face he stared with a mix of anger and disbelief at Olaf.

Olaf looked about not sure throwing the snowball was a great idea so he pointed to Alban and said, "He did it."

This shock of seeing Elsa's sentient snowman had him scan the room to see Kristoff staring at him with disgust. Looking to his brother, Hans pointed at the Arendellians. "Is this some kind of sick joke! There is no way I am helping them!"

Alban had no time for his younger brother's issues. "Help them or its back to cleaning up horse shit."

Staring down his brother, Hans spoke with no emotion. "I want to kill you."

Crossing his arms, Alban was at least happy to see his brother be truthful. "That's nice. Now cooperate with Princess Rapunzel and the Arendellians or I beat you senseless. Why, because for the hell of it, and I put you on shit detail."

Han's eyes lit up at the mentioning of the word Princess, and just as he returned to leering at Repunzel again, he was struck yet again by a snowball to the face. When everyone looked to Olaf he rose his hand. "I totally threw that one."

Holding out her book, Rapunzel saw darkness within Hans heart, though he hid it well. "We believe you have seen books like this before. We need you to take us to them."

Holding the book gently, Hans had a look of amazement and joy. "Volume One? That's impossible, it was stolen from our library decades ago."

When Hans opened the book and began to read it Kristoff snapped. "We didn't come here to watch you drool over that book! We came here to have you show us the other ones."

"Can it, ice boy." Hans replied as he snapped the book shut. "What is your interest in the Grand Grimoir?"

Stepping forward and snatching the book from Hans, Rapunzel simply felt dirty standing so close to him. "We seek to put an end to Raven's Eyes evil plans."

A smirk grew on Hans face. Without a comment, Hans lead everyone out of the basement and to the west wing of the castle and to a tall old oak door with two guards on either side. The approach of the two Princes had them open the doors and into the vast Royal Library. Based on the buildup of dust, Rapunzel guessed no one had entered this library in years. As they walked deeper into the library, Rapunzel stopped and everyone turned to her. She looked down to the book in her hand and winced in pain. Dropping the book, she held her hand to find her palm was sweating. However, it was sweat, but blood.

"Interesting," Hans said as he stared at the Princesses hand.

Pushing his brother away from the Princess, Alban placed his hand on his sword. "What did you do Hans?"

"He did nothing." Rapunzel quickly stated as she stared at the blood on her palm. Kneeling, Rapunzel stared at the book and thought she heard it whispering. She was taken off guard when Kritoff offered a handkerchief. As she wiped off the blood Kristoff picked up the book, she looked towards with worry, but nothing happened.

Reaching the very end of the library Hans brushed off the layers of dust caked over the books. He skimmed through the books until he found what they wanted. He pulled them out one by one, taking each to a table in order. With the final volume from the library, Kristoff walked over and placed the final book down.

Rapunzel felt the suntear vile warm as she approached the five books. She slowly reached out to the second and touched it to find it cool to the touch. With no pain she opened the book and once more nothing, so she began to flip through the pages.

Crossing his arms, Hans eyed the third book. "If you are looking for the Rock Troll Prophecy on the Snow Queen, it's in the third book."

Taking the third book, Rapunzel opened it and looked to Kristoff in help in translating the old Nordic tongue. After flipping through the book, he stopped when he found it. "Soul Toll."

Rolling his eyes Hans went to take the book, "It's sword sacrifice you idiots"

Rapunzel looked down to Olaf and he gave a serious nod before he threw a snowball right into Hans face. Falling to the ground with snow know in his eyes he calls out. "Where are you getting those things!"

Going back to the book, Kristoff, looked at the pages. "In future days of summer fails, the House of Fairhair will splinter. The realm will suffer under the darkest winter. When the blood of Fairhair turns to ice, our ruler will rise to take the land. Worlds will collide and the Mistress of Maliciousness will be released upon passage of the soul's toll."

Rubbing his chin, Hans glared at Olaf and pointed to the book. "No, No. The mistress of Maliciousess will be ended upon the soul sacrifice. If I killed Elsa, I would be the ruler who will rise to take the lands."

As Kristoff and Hans began to yell at each other, Rapunzel stared at the five books in fear. She slowly reached out and placed her trembling hand upon the fifth book. The whispering returned and her hand began to sweat blood once more. As she began to silently mouth the words spoken from the haunting books, Alban finally took notice.

He quickly grabbed, Rapunzel arm, and tried to pull it off the book but couldn't. "Princess! Princess!"

Kristoff realizing Rapunzel was in danger pushed Hans to the ground and grabbed Rapunzel's arm, and between the two men they finally pulled the Princess's hands free. All looked to the book as it absorbed the blood that pooled on the cover. Falling to the ground, Rapunzel was chilled to the bone. Kristoff was at her side, and took her hand despite the blood that covered it.

"You fool." Rapunzel found herself tearing up as she spoke. "Queen Elsa heart is pure, there is no maliciouness within her. You wouldn't become ruler of anything, there is only one ruler of maliciousness which this prophecy speaks up. The Mistress of All Evil, the Queen of the Heatless. Whose very name brought such terror it was lost to time in fear of its return."

Clenching her chest, Rapunzel tried to stand but only stumbled backwards away from everyone. When she fell down once more a burst of golden light radiated from the suntear around her neck and passed through everyone and everything but the books on the table. Upon striking the books green flames erupted around them and lashed out at Rapunzel. She rose her hands in defense, and the golden light deflected the green fire. The books flew off the table, and the green flames swirled upon it until they were finally smothered by the golden light. As quickly as the light came, it returned back to the suntear vile.

Everyone slowly stood after the brilliant light show, and stared at the burn marks that were left on the table. After being helped to her feet by Kristoff, Rapunzel walked to the table and stared at the ancient runes that were scorched into the wood.

"Now, you deal with me, O Princess - and all the powers of hell," Rapunzel whispered.

Coming up to the princess's side, Alban saw the fear in her face and became concerned. "What does that mean?"

Running her hand over the blacked wood, Rapunzel felt the darkness and hate of who wrote it. "I am sorry Prince Alban, I have brought great danger to your kingdom. They know what I have done and are coming."

Looking to the runes, Hans felt a power, that even disturbed his cold heart. "Who, or what wrote this?"

Everyone looked to Rapunzel, and for a moment she hesitated on answering. "A name that hasn't been spoken in over three hundred years." After a few calming breathes, Rapunzel realized that the fear of a name would only give it more power. "Maleficent."

/