The Six Stones of Karabraxos
By MySoapBox
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Ismund
The courtyard was bustling with activity as the horses were being readied. Stable hands checked the hooves and tack; castle servants packed bags full of food, bed rolls, and tools.
Ismund stood by, talking earnestly to Niclas, his second in command. "Add some extra men to the night guard, and check with the blacksmith, see if he can increases the production of crossbow bolts. It doesn't kill them but it sure slows them down."
"Of course," replied Niclas.
"And keep a close eye on Prince Kristoff and the Princess. If we don't make it back from this, they are all that Arendelle's got. Keep them in the castle if you can."
"Yes sir."
"The Queen is strengthening the walls now. They should last for several weeks before you have any problems, longer if you're vigilant and keep those dogs at a safe distance."
"Yes sir."
"I'm taking Anders and Moris with me, that still leave you twenty six good men, and the new trainees are coming nicely, you should be able to add them to the rotation in good time."
"Captain," Niclas answered, "I know. Things will be fine here."
Ismund nodded his head. "I know they will." He patted the other man on the shoulder. "I wouldn't consider leaving if I didn't believe in you, Niclas, and the men." He shook his head. "The whole thing, it's just… it's just nasty business."
"And how's your wrist? Are you good to travel?" Niclas asked.
Ismund rolled the wrapped wrist a few times, trying it. "It's stiff, but getting better. Honestly, I would rather she was taking you on this journey than me. I'm afraid I'm more burden than advantage."
"Ismund," Niclas said, "You know that's not true. Besides, Her Majesty would never consider taking anyone but you."
Before Ismund could answer he saw the Queen rush around the corner into the courtyard.
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Elsa
Elsa turned the corner into the courtyard, Gerta at her side. She hadn't put on her mourning cloths this morning. To be honest, it had felt weird conjuring the blue doublet and black pants with tall back riding boots; so different from the black and grey dresses she'd been wearing since Anna's death, but this was a time for action, so Elsa dressed the part. She did indulge her melancholy by choosing a black cloak trimmed in grey fur, the same cloak that now billowed behind her as she walked toward where the horses were being readied.
"…and be sure that the boys keep at their studies," she was saying to Gerta who was scribbling her instructions on pad. "Without Anna here to nag them, they've been slacking off. I'm not sure they'll get anything done. I've already talked to Kai and the council, and the master steward; everything should run smoothly until my return."
She approached Ismund. "The walls are done," she told him. "Are the horses ready?"
Ismund nodded. "We are ready to depart when you are, My Queen, but are you sure you will not allow me to bring more men?"
The Queen shook her head. "We already have so few, and I will not leave this castle and this land undefended. We'll travel faster with fewer numbers anyway."
There was a shuffling in the crowd; Kristoff pushed through with Elisabet trailing behind.
"Elsa," he said with a raised voice, "What is this I hear about you leaving?"
For the first time in over a week Elsa laid eyes her brother-in-law and he didn't look well. His eyes were sunken, he was unshaven and looked as if he were in need of a both a bath and a good meal. She saw Kristoff look over her shoulder at the loaded horses.
"So it's true? You're abandoning us too?"
"Kristoff, can we talk about this privately?"
Kristoff opened his mouth but then shut it again, rather, he put out his hand indicating a quitter place in the courtyard. Elsa led the way.
Upon reaching the spot, Elsa turned and addressed him in hushed tones. "I've tried to tell you Kristoff, but you haven't answered your door."
"How can you go, Elsa? How can you go now and leave Arendelle defenseless against… against those things?"
"I'm not leaving Arendelle defenseless." Elsa said, hating that a little of the hurt was showing through. "I'm leaving the guard and I've refreshed the walls. The palace will be safe."
"How can you say that? How can you know? This is your responsibility."
"I know it is, that's why I have to go. I'm doing this for Arendelle."
"And how about you, hu? How about you? It's not safe out there," Kristoff said, pointing toward the front gate.
"I know it isn't; I don't have a choice."
Kristoff crossed his arms. "You always have a choice, Elsa."
"The dogs are attacking Kristoff, almost every day now. At this rate we may not make it through the winter." Her voice was bordering on pleading now.
"And how is this adventure of yours going to be any different than all the others?"
"Because this time we're not going to fight the dogs. We're going to find the Trolls."
"What?" Kristoff asked. "You know the Trolls probably went into hiding as soon as the dogs appeared."
"I know, but I've been studying the ancient books in the library and if they aren't there I think I've an idea of where they'd go."
"Elsa, I know more about the Trolls than anyone. Why didn't you come to me?"
"I tried…" Elsa started but Kristoff kept talking.
"They raised me. But you think you can find them on your own, just you and some old dusty books. You don't need anyone, right? That's pretty arrogant Elsa, even for you."
Elsa's voice was rising now. "That isn't fair. I've needed your insight. I've wanted it. I've sought for it. And maybe if someone hadn't locked himself in his room for days and days I would've actually gotten it."
"Says the queen of hiding behind locked doors."
The insult hit her like a slap but Elsa tamped down her anger and tried to focus on the task at hand. "Kristoff, this is the best I can do. I have to go. We can't keep sitting here; we can't. Our people are getting killed, trade is almost non-existent, no one wants to sail into Arendelle, and all the ice powers in the universe can't feed starving people."
"You think you can go out there and face the dogs and find the trolls alone, but you can't." Kristoff was nearly shouting now. " If Anna's death proved anything it's that your overconfidence has consequences. You think you're immortal and all powerful, but you're not. People believe in you Elsa. They think you're infallible. They think you're perfect. And they follow you and it just gets them killed."
Elsa should have been mad; she should have been furious, but all her anger was drowned in how much she hurt. Because he was right. Oh God, he was right. Elsa cleared her throat and blinked back the tears that were threatening. Still, her words came out in a harsh whisper. "I'm doing the best that I can. I know my actions have consequences, or have you forgotten our history? And I'm sorry that you're hurting. I'm hurting too. God knows how much." She felt a tear escape her eye and roll into the bandage that still covered her cheek. She wiped at them angrily and then lifted her chin to look Kristoff in the eye. "But I'm going. I have to go." Gathering her courage, Elsa pushed past Kristoff and headed back towards the horses.
She heard steps behind her and felt a hand on her shoulder. "Then I'm coming with you," Kristoff said.
"What?" This was the last thing that Elsa expected to hear.
"I'm coming with you. If you insist on going on some suicide mission to find the Trolls, then… I'm all in."
Elsa turned to face him. "No. Kristoff, no. Arendelle needs you here."
"No one knows those forests better than me. No one knows the Trolls better than I do. I'm coming, Elsa."
"Kristoff, I said no. I can't risk you too," Elsa protested.
"You'll have to freeze me in place to stop me. But if you're going to do that, you better do it right now. Isn't that what you're good at?" he said, a challenge in his eyes. They stood in a standoff for a beat, and when Elsa did nothing, he turned and stormed off, not even looking at Elisabet as he passed.
Elsa was still dumbfounded when Elisabet approached.
"How much of that did you hear?" Elsa asked.
"Most of it. Everyone heard most of it," she said, gesturing to all the people in the square who suddenly were very busy doing their tasks and not looking in Elsa's direction at all.
Elsa sighed. "You know the talk we had last night, about your responsibilities in the castle while I'm away?" Elisabet nodded. "Well, with your father gone, it all falls to you. Arendelle will be looking to you."
"I know," Elisabet said. She pushed her shoulders back in a show of confidence but Elsa still sensed the tremor in her voice.
Elsa reached out for her hand. "I am so sorry to put all this on you. It's the last thing I want to do. No one knows better than I do the weight of ruling, especially when you are so young. But Kia and the counsel are here. They will see to most of the day-to-day running of things."
"I know."
"And you'll have Gerta; she knows everything about everything." Elisabet nodded. "I survived ruling Arendelle and you will too. You'll do more than survive, you'll do magnificently."
"I'm not you, Aunt Elsa. I don't have your powers. I don't have your wisdom."
"No, you're better than me. You're smart, and capable, and are surrounded by people who love you. You're mother would be so proud…. I'm so proud." Elsa swallowed.
"She'll watch over you," Elisabet said. "On your journey, she'll be with you; I know she will."
"I don't think so, because if I know your mother, she'll be too busy watching over you. Come here." And Elisabet stepped into Elsa's embrace. "You'll be amazing," Elsa whispered into the girl's hair.
They stepped back, both fighting tears.
"My Queen, we need to get riding before the sun's too high," the Captain called.
"Yes, of course." Elsa walked over to the horses, and with one last hug to Gerta, she mounted.
They walked their heavy laden horses to the gates, Elsa, the Captain and his two men, followed by crowds of people. The captain shouted the command and the large gates started to swing open.
"Wait!" Kristoff came around the corner, ridding Little Sven. Little Sven wasn't little, in fact he was huge, but he had gotten the name when he was a calf and it stuck. Kristoff had always been more comfortable on the back of a reindeer than a horse. Elsa had to admit, the image of him on the large bull struck an impressive sight.
When Kristoff reached the group he jumped off and ran to his daughter and swept her up in his arms. They exchanged a few words, he kissed her on the cheek, and then remounted.
"On behalf of all of the citizens of Arendelle we wish you safe travels, Your Majesty, and Prince Kristoff," the butler Borge said. "All of the hopes and dreams of Arendelle ride with you."
"Aunt Elsa, Father," Elisabet said stepping forward. "Find whoever is responsible for this, whoever sent the dogs, find them and put a stop to this."
There was a glint in the young girl's eye that Elsa understood; bravery, after all, was not the absence of fear, but going forward in spite of your fears.
It wasn't Elsa that responded but Captain Ismund, "We will Princess. You can count on that." He looked to the others, "I'll take the lead if that is alright with you, My Queen."
Elsa assented and with a whoop to the horses, the small band started out of the gates.
a/n: Still looking for a beta for this story. All mistakes are mine. -MSB