Chapter 1

It had been two months since the Battle of Arendelle, the day the Duke of Weselton attacked Arendelle with a stolen naval force. But if one looked around Arendelle today, they wouldn't know it. All damage had been skillfully repaired. And throughout the kingdom, life had returned to normal. Queen Elsa had even instituted a new open gate policy, allowing the townspeople to mingle with the royals openly within the courtyard walls. This allowed Elsa to keep informed of the concerns of her subjects. And this policy had been a great success.

The courtyard was buzzing with activity. All around townspeople and royals talked, sharing stories, ideas and concerns. Princess Anna sat on a grass patch with a group of children, using her powers to create any fire sprite they asked for. With each new sprite the children cheered with delight. But none of the children enjoyed the time as much as Anna. She loved kids. As did Olaf, who was busy chasing butterflies with 3 toddlers. Elsa was sitting on a bench, engaged in pleasant conversation with the parents of the children Anna and Olaf were playing with. And like her sister, she couldn't have been happier. All seemed perfect in Arendelle.

As Elsa chatted with the parents, she noted that much of the conversation stemmed around an apparent shortage of supplies in local stores. With winter on its way, such a shortage could become a very serious issue for the kingdom but she assured the parents that she would look into it personally. There was no way she'd allow her people to suffer needlessly. Grateful for her assurances, the parents thanked Elsa for her time, gathered up their children and made their way out.

"I just love days like this." Anna said to Elsa, a big smile on her face.

"Me too." Elsa replied. "You certainly have a way with children. You'll make a great mother one day."

"Thanks. I hope you're right."

Elsa's eyes lit up. "Anna! You're not..."

"Oh Gosh No!" Anna replied, "But Kristoff and I have been discussing the idea. After we're married of course."

"Speaking of which," Elsa inquired, "You've been engaged for a month now. Have you two set any plans yet?"

But Anna didn't get to respond.

"Forgive my intrusion, your majesty," Kristoff announced, bowing as he approached, "but I must speak with you."

Elsa knew by Kristoffs tone that, whatever the problem, it had to be big for him to follow protocol so strictly. "Of course, Director. What's the problem?"

"The trade convoy from Aldera just arrived," he stated, "Or, more accurately, what's left of it."

Elsa's demeanor became serious. "Please explain."

Kristoff obeyed her order. "One Alderan ship came in about an hour ago, heavily damaged. The remaining crew report that the convoy was attacked and the crews slaughtered by a massive fleet of viking ships. This one ship managed to escape, but only just so."

Elsa and Anna stood shocked. They had never met a viking, despite Anna having made a trade contract with one viking colony. But they had heard stories of the vikings brutality in battle. Stories that were the stuff of nightmares.

Kristoff continued. "I've also been going over the incoming ship register. This week 5 other trade ships have failed to arrive as expected."

"Why was I not informed of this earlier?" Elsa snapped.

Kristoff bowed his head. "Forgive me, your majesty. But I had no explanation. I did not wish to report to you until I had all the facts."

Elsa calmed down. "Of course, Kristoff. You made the right choice. Sorry about snapping at you."

Kristoff smiled. "No harm done."

"We can't just let the vikings steal everything that floats!" Anna said aggressively. "We have to put a stop to this!"

Kristoff put his hand on Annas shoulder, "Easy there, Feistypants! We don't know anything about them. We can't just go charging into the north sea blindly."

"Kristoff's right, Anna." Elsa noted. "We need to know everything we can find out about who is attacking the convoys before we can do anything about it. Anna. Don't you have a contact with the viking colony on Berk?"

Anna perked up. "That's right! Trader Johann goes up there all the time!"

Kristoff piped, "He's in port now!"

"Then the pier is where we need to be right now!" Elsa commanded. With that, the three of them took off running.

They arrived at the pier just in time. Trader Johann was preparing to get underway when Kristoff hollered "JOHANN! HOLD ON A MOMENT!". Trader Johann resecured his mooring lines and climbed back onto the pier.

"Ah! Princess Anna! Such an honor to be in your presence again." He chimed, kissing her hand.

"And this must be Queen Elsa!" he continued, also kissing her hand, "The princess has told me of your beauty, but she clearly has a gift for understatement."

Elsa blushed.

"Director!" he asked, "How may I be of service?"

Anna answered for him. "I need you to take this message to the Hooligan Tribe. It's a royal request from the Queen of Arendelle for any information they may have regarding the viking attacks on trade ships in the north sea. We're hoping the Hooligans aren't involved."

"Oh! I can assure you they ain't a part of that nastiness!" he stated. "But even with such information, what could a peaceful kingdom like Arendelle do?"

Kristoff had that answer. "Lets just say we have some very...COOL...FIRE...POWER!"

Kristoffs quip made Elsa and Anna snicker, but went over Johanns head.

"It would be my pleasure to carry out this task for you,Princess." He stated. "I'm heading to Berk now and should be there in a few days."

"Thank you, Johann." Elsa replied. "Arendelle is indebted to you."

"Think nothing of it, your majesty." He smiled. Hoping back onto his tiny ship, he cast off the lines and sailed off.

"Will he make it to Berk in that tiny boat?" Elsa asked Kristoff.

"Really. I have bathtub toys bigger than that." Anna added

Kristoff laughed. "Johann is a skilled sailor. He's had that same boat for 20 years and it's never failed him. He'll not only make it, but I'm sure he'll be back with all the information we need."

Elsa silently prayed he was right.