Meanwhile, before the storming of the port of Arendelle, before the first attack, in the north walking back to his home Ryder, a young man in gray robes with the ornaments of his Northuldra culture, a black-haired, brave, naive youth, walked quickly north to the agreed meeting place, but this time he was not alone, because as Ressa wanted him, Ryder led his sister Honeymaren and the elder of the Yelena tribe, who, walking Ryder, watched everything that surrounded them, trees, meadows, everything in natural tension before danger, after all, the possibility of encountering troops Wild barbarians were always something terrible for them, yet neither Yelena nor Honeymaren, nervously pulling the cap over black hair, did not leave Ryder because today he believed most strongly that he had found an ally.
As a matter of fact, Ryder, going to the four Menhir, thought of nothing else than meeting another warrior woman from the eastern south, he wanted to see her again, to hear her voice, and above all to show that not all easterners are evil, ruthless, that among them there are trustworthy people, people who want to find peace between quarreling nations, but Honeymaren and Yelena, following her brother, weren't entirely sure about that, there was something else that bothered the young girl today, as her eyes and brown eyes carefully watched the surroundings in her there was something in her mind that could only be called overprotective, and everything was centered between her brother and Ressa.
- Ryder, tell me how it happened that my little brother, my poor little brother, fell into the hands of such a person, how did it happen, what did she do, how did I see her once when she attacked the woods and wanted to capture Elsa, she's a ruthless person, I don't I see. Honeymaren said looking straight into her brother's blue eyes and Ryder smiled genuinely.
- not everything is what it seems at first glance, and don't judge a book by its cover, Ressa is really special, you have my word, she's not only beautiful, she's special, and she proved it to me. Ryder said, blushing slightly at the memory of the second meeting that took place at the destroyed dam.
- well, well, that's how you see it, but what did she do, she said that my poor brother lost his head for her, well what. Honeymaren asked, and her brother smiled again as he walked across the paved ground, crossing a large meadow.
- one gesture, one look of her blue eyes, one smile, one kiss was enough, I will never forget it. Ryder said in a slightly shaky voice.
- so it happened, my brother fell into the trap of true love, there is really no way out for you, I will not be able to save or cure you, I guess. Honeymaren said.
- only Ressa can cure your brother if he betrays us what will you do then, what will you do?. Yelena asked as she twirled a curl on the right side of her gray hair.
The question made Ryder pause for a moment, but his mind or heart, whatever, had made up his mind, and he was absolutely sure of it, and even now his smile didn't leave his face, quite the opposite.
- whatever she does, I'll forgive her, but she won't cheat, she won't, I know it. Ryder said confidently, speaking in a full and strong voice, his sister and the elder of the tribe shook their heads because they knew too well, Ryder was beyond saving, he was doomed to what was waiting for him and waiting, but everything began to tremble as from behind the bushes behind them There was a rustling noise behind everyone.
Both Honeymaren and Yelena backed away from a possible attack from the barbarians, Honeymaren was even sure that they were barbarians under the command of the treacherous Ressa, but instead of feeling fear or uncertainty, Ryder took a few steps forward to meet his beloved, he believed it, but everything was left behind suddenly broken together with a bursting branch, then a white snowman fell from the brushwood, Olaf made a connection between his head and legs.
- Um, help me. Olaf asked, twirling his legs and arms where the head found itself in the middle.
- Olaf, what are you doing here, it's dangerous. Honeymaren said, lifting her head.
- apparently our friend was curious, you know that curiosity can be a big mistake sometimes. Ryder said as he and his sister put the little snowman back in place from head to toe.
- don't blame me, I wanted to see what you want to do, is it true, you want to meet the leader of the barbarians. Olaf asked, waving his wooden hands.
- yes, with our new friend, the ally, and believe me, not only with her, more of them will come, because they are tired of war, they want to rebel. Ryder said and the naive and delighted state was also shared by the little snowman, Olaf heard that you can stop the conflict and all the worst of it with happiness until he started jumping.
- two naives. Honeymaren said to herself.
- there's nothing wrong with that, it's so naively cute in its own way, look at their happiness. Yelena said while staring at Olaf walking around.
- all right, all right, all right, hey brother how are you going, shouldn't you let the lady wait, lady?, me too. Honeymaren said ending in a soft whisper heard only by the spooky village and Ryder nodded, took Olaf under his arm and started walking quickly without wasting any more time.
- Ryder, this Ressa, from what I overheard.
- Olaf you really need to eavesdrop on everything, what are you going to ask me?. Ryder asked.
- Is she really as beautiful as you say?. Olaf asked, looking around as Ryder, walking fast, waved him under his arm.
- She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Ryder said.
- And how old is she, from what I've seen, she's probably a bit older than you. Honeymaren said maliciously.
- well, she's only seven years older, is that a lot. Ryder asked looking at his sister from under his eye.
- seven years is a little?, oh boy, your sister is right, you fell like a plum in compote, and you are terminally ill today, really. Yelena said, turning her nose up at everything.
- it's not a problem for me, the most important thing is who he is, he is for me. said Ryder, speeding up his march.
- no, bro. It depends who he is to us. Honeymaren said.
Ryder waved his hand at everything again and his step quickened with each meter until finally his eyes appeared to the four Menhirs, great rocks showing the four elements now kidnapped by the cruel barbarian tribes, and the other two stone giants of the three, this was the meeting place, it was here that Ryder finally caught his breath, stopped in front of the four stones and, panting, laid Olaf to his feet and watched the countryside, eager for the warrior woman from the east and south to arrive, eager to introduce his sister to a special girl, his mate hearts and no matter that minutes or even an hour passed, Ryder faithfully stood by the four rocks waiting for his beloved of the heart.
Waiting, however, was not very pleasant for the little snowman, his sister and the elder of the tribe, while Honeymaren and Yelena were afraid of trickery, ambush or traps, and in the worst case of encountering barbarian scouts, Olaf alone did not feel fear, but great and excruciating boredom, Olaf walking between the rocks, sitting between them, tossing stones from his clothes, also tossing carrots and walking around saying incoherent words, probably more annoying than the silence that reigned around the four rocks.
- so how, did this Ressa of yours expose you to the world. Honeymaren asked maliciously.
- maybe it's a test. Yelena said, folding her arms in front of her and staring at the horizon of the dense forest called the Enchanted Forest, her home, and now a place devastated by the barbarian attack.
- Yes, I know what a test for stupidity and naivety is, brother. Honeymaren said, sounding malicious again, come on, her attack was more heavily directed not at her brother but at the lady of his heart.
- Come on, sister, please. Ryder said without taking his eyes off the forest that was once his home.
- and yet, besides, I'm not mad at you, but at her, after all, that woman made you a moron, you probably don't think carefully and logically anymore, see for yourself, if she told you to jump off a bridge, you would certainly do it. Honeymaren said teasingly again, but Ryder wasn't listening to her anymore because something else had his full attention.
- hey can you hear me, what!, hey Ryder, don't pretend you don't hear me, don't ignore your sister!. Honeymaren screamed as her brother suddenly got up and looked very intensely towards the densest part of the forest.
- wait, he's not ignoring you, I think someone's really coming here, look. Yelena said as she stood up and looked at Ryder at the same place where the shadow had separated from the others and was now heading towards them.
- What is this. Olaf asked, glancing from Ryder to the forest.
- I think it's her, I knew Ressa didn't deceive me. Ryder said.
Finally, as Ryder said, a golden-haired girl emerged from the forest, staring at everyone with her blue eyes and her smile and everything was directed at the approaching young man, Ressa stood on the edge of the forest in front of four stones, dressed in black and red plate armor.
- but it was her, it was she who had my brother wrapped around her toe, the dirty toe. Honeymaren whispered to herself.
- Honeymaren, please, we can't be mean. Yelena said.
- wow, she's really cute. Olaf said and suddenly overtook Ryder, greeting the surprised girl from far away in his own way.
- hello, hello, gosh girl, Ryder was right, you're really cute, no wonder he fell head over heels in love with you. Olaf said, and a shocked Ryder immediately grabbed him by the mouth and pulled him aside, blushing sharply and nervously scratching his head.
- what was it, is it an ice spirit. Ressa asked with wide eyes.
- no, it's just Elsa's creation, she created it, sometimes it's problematic, it says too much. Ryder said flustered.
- well, I didn't tell you, my poor brother dances as she plays for him, look how he behaves. Honeymaren said maliciously again.
- he's in love, don't be surprised, when he takes you, you'll behave similarly, you'll see. Yelena said then followed Ryder to greet Ressa.
- Well, I understand, and you?. Ressa asked, looking at Honeymaren and Yelena who came a little closer and stopped to the right of their brother.
- This is my sister Honeymaren. Ryder said and his sister bowed her head but continued to watch her brother's chosen one from under the eye, also vigilantly watching the forests.
- and here is our village elder, Yelena. Ryder said.
- It is a great moment for me to be able to talk to you. Yelena said as she bowed her head until everyone was shaken by Ressa's sudden and derisive laugh.
Suddenly, Ressa slapped Ryder's face and knocked him to the ground, and as many as thirty barbarians, led by a black-haired general in plate armor with two new axes, ran out of the forest, both Yelena and Honeymaren looked around, knowing that any chance of escape was now impossible, and the standing next to him, Olaf watched everything that was happening with his wooden hands down, not believing what he was seeing.
- but what's going on. Olaf asked.
- can't you see it, it's a betrayal, she always wanted to betray us, you're not worthy of my brother's love, you larva!. Honeymaren screamed but shivered even more as Ressa put her right foot on his brother's chest and drew her long steel sword ready to strike.
- you are all just as naive and stupid, blind as the whole world, you are weak!, today I showed it to you!. Ressa shouted contentedly, crushing a half-conscious Ryder under her boot.
- why are you like this, why, what are you striving for, what are you trying to achieve?. Yelena asked in horror, looking around as the thirty barbarians surrounded them and with swords, axes and massive shields they were ready to strike.
Everyone laughed aloud, the loudest Hatos, the general wielding two axes, then looked at his leader and, smiling from under his black beard, laughed again at the voice that was rumbling in everyone's ears, and horror, fear was shared by everyone, seeing real evil, laughter and an unknown threat, Olaf shuddered because he had never been so evil in his life.
- why, why are you doing this, what have we done to you. Olaf asked when the carrot fell from the vibrations.
- keep quiet piece of icicle, Ressa or what I'm thinking, ice spirit. Hatos asked, gripping his twin axes tightly.
- no, he's not a fifth spirit, he's her creation, and from what I can see, part of them, if something goes wrong in Arendelle, he'll be another hostage, ha ha ha. She said Ressa, laughing out loud, which finally caused Rydel to suddenly wake up and see his mate above him, who was now pinning him down with her right foot, her steel boot holding her greatsword close.
- like, in Arendelle, what are you talking about. Honeymaren asked terrified.
- you don't know, right, because from where, know one thing, our man will certainly now, when the battle at sea has begun, our man storms the castle, strikes treacherously in the back, they must have already captured both sisters, but if he didn't succeed here today we have another foothold, we always think ahead, always!. Ressa screamed and Honeymaren, listening to her, suddenly stopped trembling and her brown eyes blazed with pure anger.
- oooo, I see that you are not afraid of me today, so go ahead and tell me what you have to say to me. Ressa said defiantly.
- so you've always planned how to take advantage of my brother's naivety, how to take advantage of everything! down, yes, yes, yes!. Honeymaren screamed, tearing up words in a fit of her anger.
- you will understand that there are many like us. Hatos said with satisfaction, spreading his axes to the sides, eager for battle and fight.
- Ressa, we really need them, because my new axes are hungry, hungry. Hatos said but quickly returned to line when Ressa measured him with her brutal gaze.
- Hatos!, give yourself a break today, today we need them, and I would love to hear the opinion of some stupid man, go ahead, Ryder, tell me what you have to say to me today, I betrayed you, I used you, so what!. Ressa shouted, trying her hardest to be as loud and angry as possible, trying hard to be just that.
- Ressa. Ryder said, shedding tears, and the sight made Ressa hesitate for a moment, but her mouth showed fury, indescribable fury.
- Ressa, I forgive you, even if you kill me now, I can't fight it because I love you!. Ryder shouted, releasing all the anger directed at himself, and when he looked the dream warrior in the eyes, his own eyes, apart from tears, were full of hope, faith, something that Ressa was unable to understand.
- you?. Ressa asked as her right hand withdrew.
- Ryder, nooooo!. Honeymaren screamed, watching as Ressa sharply raised her hand ready to strike a blow to the delight of the barbarians, but everything was stopped by none other than Ryder himself smiling at the furious female warrior.
Suddenly Ressa dropped her hand and screamed again full of unintelligible anger and rage, her mouth and jaw were bitten here, her right hand was pushing the handle of the stirrer to the limit and she was even trembling, and her eyes widened uncontrollably until the same question was asked again .
- Tell me why, why do you do this to me. Ressa asked through clenched teeth, taking her right foot back and staring at Ryder trying to get up.
- you haven't heard, he does it because he loves you. Olaf said.
- you!. Ressa screamed, looking at Olaf in such a way that he hid behind the trembling Yelena.
- tell me if it's true, you're so naive, even when my sword hits you, you'll forgive me. Ressa asked again, raising the sword above Ryder's head, but his answer was already evident when Ryder closed his eyes and a few tears rolled down his cheeks.
- Yes, I'll forgive you. Ryder said, and Ressa, hearing this, withdrew her hand and her whole world began to spin around her, because again, this was not what she expected.
- hey Ressa, ask him if you sank your sword into his sister would he be so naive as to forgive that too. Hatos asked firmly.
- shut up, how dare you Hatos, I have a brother too and I will never do that!. Ressa screamed and Hatos stumbled backwards.
Ressa looked again at Ryder, who was trying to get up, and her own hand holding the sword began to tremble more and more, because here she was, a naive man, blinded by love, ready to endure practically anything for her, except maybe blackmail using her sister but this Ressa she didn't want to do it, and it wasn't about her brother, because she and Horgan were not family but allies until of course, but she didn't want to do that, she didn't want to use Honeymaren to create in Ryder what would break his love for him to her.
Suddenly Ressa sheathed her sword as she realized what she had seen behind the darkest mist, suddenly her eyes looked warily at the waiting barbarians clad mainly in mail and her subordinate general.
- first of all, I'm not going to kill anyone here, they're our prisoners. Ressa she said as he lifted Ryder by the right collar, his grip extraordinarily gentle.
- secondly, you have to be safe, you don't know what's going on in the south, if anything, we're going to take them to one of our camps, and I'll decide what we'll do with it. Ressa added, and the right Hatos looked to the right, avoiding the gaze of his leader, not seeing the emerging flash of weakness.
- third, we'll wait here for another hour, and then we'll go. Added Ressa, come on, this idea made up on the spot was the reason for something she had just seen in herself and what she had seen in Ryder's innocent look, his naivety, his love.
- so you want to brag about your victory, how can you be like that. Yelena asked, tucking Olaf behind her.
- how can you be such a bad lady?. Olaf asked looking from behind Yelena.
- and how it was possible to do this to my brother, how, if the thunderer comes, I will not defend you against his power, may he come, may he see it, hear me, let the thunder strike!. Honeymaren screamed, raising her voice high into the sky.
Hearing the wailing and summoning of the thundercloak, all the barbarians took a step back, for the vision of the thunderbolts and their master was something they never wanted to see again.
And the leader of all, Hatos grabbed Honeymaren's head and violently knocked it down, raising his axes.
- little sister!. Ryder shouted.
But the axes struck, sparks were created, the crack of steel hitting each other, both crossed axes were stopped on the sword which, led in front of the leader, turned and drew back the axes to the other side, depriving their owner of balance, Hatos, when he fell to the ground, saw a blade in front of him and a furious look revenge, it was Ressa, ready to strike.
- I, please forgive me, I didn't mean to. said Hatos.
- you deceive me my friend, let it not happen again, as I said, we need them, if you don't like something, tie her mouth and that's enough, you hear. Ressa said and Hatos slowly and carefully got up.
- thank you, thank you. Ryder said, and his words shook the female warrior again.
Ressa looked back again at the naive man in the gray suit and resignedly smiled sincerely at Ryder, giving him hope, but everything was shaken when powerful thunders in the south began to strike, everyone looked in shock at the black cloud on the edge of the horizon.
- is it him, why is this cloud over Arendelle, or him. Yelena asked, terrified.
- he's the lord of thunder, maybe I'll finally meet him. Olaf said looking at the black clouds and the powerful receding electrical discharges.
- Olaf, hope you never have to, really don't. Honeymaren she said terrified.
- but why Arendelle, or him, not I don't believe it. Ryder said, standing next to Ressa and the fear spread to everyone, except for the naive snowman this time, because Olaf looked at the sky with curiosity, even delight, where someone was running like a bullet, leaving streams of thunder behind him.
- it's him!. Olaf shouted, stretching his wooden hands into the sky, suddenly thunder struck.
L
It seems that some cannot be changed, on the other hand, can love, true love, born of truth, be able to change a black heart, a heart of ice and stone.