Chapter 7

The mood in the stables was festive, as Elsa and Anna just found out that they had been made Honorary Dragon Riders. A very pleasant surprise, given they had come down to apologize for their behavior the day before. Vikings were clearly a unique culture. And Elsa and Anna were finding the viking ways surprisingly appealing. So engrossed in this cultural exchange were they that they nearly forgot why the Riders were there in the first place.

Until Fishlegs commented, "Um..Not that I want to be the party-pooper, but i think we may have lost sight of the reason we're here."

Elsa looked at him for a moment.

"Fishlegs is correct. We must get focused on the current purpose of our alliance. To free the North Sea from whatever force is terrorizing it."

"But how do we do that?' Tuff asked. "It's, like, out there."

"And we're, like, here." Ruff added.

Anna spoke up. "The twins are right. The only way we're going to have a chance against this force is to go find them."

"YEAH!" Snotlout hollered.

"Um..Guys," Hiccup commented, "It looks like Elsa's already working on a plan."

Sure enough, that's exactly what Elsa was doing. She paced slowly back and forth, her hand on her chin. Her father had taught her everything she'd need to know to rule Arendelle one day. She searched her memories for something that she could use now. So many years of lessons on diplomacy, ethics, etiquette, strategy...

"OF COURSE!" Elsa yelled out. "I know what we have to do!"

Fishlegs quipped, "We're all ears!".

Elsa explained her plan.

"This force that's pillaging the North Sea depends on surprise to overtake its targets. No-one knows just how many ships or men they have, or where they base, or even what they want. What do they look for when they choose a target? Where do they prefer to strike? These are things we need to know. And the only way we can find that info is to search for it ourselves."

"Which means sending out spies." Hiccup added

"I prefer scouts, but yes." Elsa replied

Fishlegs said, "I see where you're going here. The scouts patrol the North Sea, looking for a massive fleet of ships. Then report back whatever they find."

"Exactly!" Elsa confirmed.

Hiccup turned to the Riders. "Ok. Here's the plan. We'll ride out in different directions, covering as much ocean as we can. It'll be a 5 day patrol. If you see something, return to Arendelle immediately. If not, return to Arendelle in 5 days."

"And Anna and I will be going with you." Elsa added

Anna chimed, "OH YA!"

Hiccup tried to object. "Um..Your majesty, I don't think.."

"I know you disagree Hiccup," Elsa commanded, "And I appreciate your concern. But I'm not about to sit back and put others in harm's way while Anna and I hide here in Arendelle. Not when we have so much power to bring to the fight."

Hiccup tried to object again but Elsa cut him off, grinning.

"Also, as Queen of Arendelle, I'm not giving you a choice."

With that, Hiccup knew he wasn't going to win this argument. The Riders stifled giggles all around.

"Very well," Hiccup smiled, "Then may I suggest that Princess Anna ride with Astrid and you ride with me?"

"Is that acceptable, Astrid?" Elsa asked.

"Totally cool with me." Astrid grinned.

"Excuse me, your majesty," Kristoff came over, a concerned look on his face. "I think I know what's on your mind. May I just say that, as queen of Arendelle that technically your place is here in this situation."

"Not this time Kristoff." she smiled, "I need you to take care of Arendelle while we're gone. I also need you to send word to the Allied Kingdoms to meet here in 7 days. Inform them of our plan in full detail. We'll share everything we learn at that time."

"As you wish your majesty." He replied. As he walked away, Anna ran after him. Catching up, she wrapped her arms around him.

"Honey, please don't be upset. Elsa knows what she's doing." She told him.

"Look, Anna," he pleaded, "I just don't like the idea of the two of you running off into danger. Defending Arendelle at the gates is one thing. But going hunting for enemies when the kingdom is in crisis?"

"We're going to find the enemies that are the cause of Arendelles crisis." She replied. "With our powers we may even be able to stop them on sight. Isn't that chance worth a little risk?"

"Not for my fiancé, it isn't!"

That struck a nerve with Anna.

"Now you listen to me," she barked, "Yes, I am your fiancé and I don't plan on changing that. But there is one big thing you're gonna have to accept if we're going to make it work. Elsa and I are The Sisters of Arendelle. That means that ANYTHING that threatens Arendelle, wether it be here or out there somewhere, is our concern. And it's up to us to do something about it. That's what we believe is the purpose for us having our powers. This is our purpose, MY purpose, in life."

"So what are you saying?" he demanded, "That I'll always be second to Arendelle in your life?"

"You're marrying a princess with incredible powers." She replied sadly, "What did you expect?"

Kristoff bowed and left, saying nothing more. Anna wiped a tear from her cheek, then turned to the others.

"All right. Let's do this!"

"Um..No offence, but neither of you are dressed to fly." Astrid commented.

She had a good point. The formal dresses they were wearing now simply wouldn't do. Elsa and Anna looked at each other and smiled. "Time for that new trick." Elsa stated.

Both women stamped their foot to the ground. From around Elsas foot shimmering crystals rose, And from Annas came 3 small comet-like fireballs. The crystals and comet balls swirled around them. As they did, their apparel changed. When the crystals and comet balls finally dissipated, both women were now dressed in viking style outfits. Each was sporting fur boots; leather like pants; skirts similar to Astrids and sleeveless shirts. Both also had headbands bearing the royal crest of Arendelle. The only difference between both outfits were colors, with Elsas being more blue accented and Annas being more red.

"Will this do?" Anna asked?

It took a moment for anyone to answer. Tuffnut was first. "Can you teach me that trick?"

Anna chuckled, "That might be difficult."

Hiccup finally spoke. "Ok. Elsa, you're with me. Anna with Astrid. We'll fan out to cover as much ocean as we can. Report back here if you find something or in 5 days, whichever comes first. If you do find something, gather as much info as you can but avoid contact. ARE YOU READY?!"

"LETS DO IT!" cheered the group.

"MOUNT UP AND MOVE OUT!" Hiccup barked.

At that, the Riders, along with Elsa and Anna, climbed onto their dragons and flew off into the unknown. But as they left, Anna questioned if she had made the right choice in dismissing her fiancés concerns so quickly. She wished she hadn't left things the way she did. But now was not the time to worry about such things.

There were bigger worries ahead.