Chapter Eight
A Bargain for Peace
ANNA
I should have guessed. Anna stared at Hans as he strolled into the ballroom, escorted by numerous Exonian soldiers in their muddy red uniforms. Eleanor obviously would have sent her most intelligent ally on her behalf to attend the peace summit. Now, Anna was realising to her dismay, we might not have as good a chance as we thought we had in attaining peace.
Anna glared at Hans, who caught her eye. Subtly, he winked at her, cunning green eyes twinkling as he strode across the remaining stretch of the ballroom. The thudding of his formal court shoes echoed throughout the silent ballroom. It was as if the atmosphere had changed the moment he had stepped into the room. Everyone could somehow sense the air of danger this man carried with him.
His hair was different from when Anna last saw him eight months ago during the Battle of Arendelle. He had shaved his sideburns and his thick, auburn hair had been pulled back and waxed neatly, most likely for this occasion.
Hans was dressed in a black suit jacket and trousers, with a crisp maroon shirt and purple tie. He wore white gloves on his hands, which he removed upon arriving at the table where an empty seat waited.
"I apologise for the tardiness." Hans smiled pleasantly, and a chill ran down Anna's spine. "Traffic was absolutely ghastly."
Uxzas cleared his throat again. Before, there was no question where the power of the conversation lay, but now that Hans had entered the ballroom, the shift in control was quite evident.
"Chancellor Westergaard." Uxzas said. "We were…ummn…expecting-"
"Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Tal Yin, of Exon offers her apologies." Hans cut him off. "She is unable to attend this summit in person. She's not feeling well."
"I see." Uxzas said, stumped.
"I will be representing her here today." Hans sat down at the table and leaned forward passionately. "I hope there aren't any objections to my presence here."
"No, no, of course not."
"Good," Hans' smile still lingered on his face, making everyone at the table unconsciously uncomfortable. "Then shall we begin?"
Uxzas adjusted his collar and swallowed. He glanced round at the rest of the Confederation members, who were all too happy to stay silent. No one wanted to have to deal with Hans, for everyone could sense that the Chancellor held all the cards in this game.
Anna looked at Melody again, who returned her gaze and mouthed the word "wait". She gave a tiny nod. They would hold off chipping into the negotiation for now, and hear what Uxzas had to propose. If things spiralled out of control - as Anna was prepared that they might - then she would potentially have to step in to help salvage the situation.
"I believe," Uxzas began uneasily. "You are aware of our intentions today."
"Please remind me, Your Majesty."
Uxzas swallowed again. "Very well. I'm sure that as the Chancellor of Exon, you are privy to the war situation that our continent faces. Empress Tal Yin withdrew Exon from the Confederation of Kingdoms and established her own empire, attempting to colonise the larger part of this continent. I'm afraid the Confederation cannot allow that to happen."
"And why is that?"
"Because," Uxzas was slightly taken aback. "Because it's…"
"Because it's wrong? Because colonialism is a crime?" Hans asked, leaning forward and placing his forearms on the round table. "Tell me, what is the difference between the Confederation and the Empire?"
"The Empire believes in absolute, tyrannical monarchy, placing its trust in a mad empress, and has been expanding its borders illegally without trade agreements or prior diplomatic arrangements. On the other hand, we are made up of a many membered body of representatives from various kingdoms who all believe in freedom, and we seek to stop this war."
"You're wrong."
"Pardon me?"
"The Confederation is no better than the Empire." Hans said calmly. "You claim to have equal say amongst all Confederation members, but that's not really true is it? There is no such thing as democracy in the real world, Sir."
"I-"
"And with all due respect, no one asked the Confederation to enter the war." Hans went on. "Ask yourself. How many more lives have been lost since your little Coalition began attacking cities to liberate them from the Empire's grasp? Have you ever stopped to consider that perhaps these people living under the Empire's reign have come to accept their new lives? That they are now better off and prospering under our guiding hand? Many of them have begun to adapt and thrive, and yet you swooped in with heroic delusions that you were saving the day.
"Did you ask these people if they wanted their city to be attacked a second time? To be 'liberated' by an authority that's no better than the Empire? To have their lives upset and thrown into chaos again? Because of your little intervention, how much destruction has been wrought upon infrastructure? How does your war effort affect the economy of these cities? Not to mention your own families back home who are suffering because of the war draining the resources and economy."
"Chancellor-"
"So I believe the real question here," Hans' eyes gleamed. "Is not whether we will stop. Exon is merely defending what belongs to us. The question is, will you pull out of the war and go home?"
There was an eerie silence as Hans sat back, adjusting his tie calmly with a slight smile on his face. The Confederation members at the table, as well as the diplomats and military escorts in attendance, were all dumbstruck. Certainly, no one had anticipated a move like this.
"So," Hans began again in a pleasant tone. "With the power vested in me by Her Imperial Majesty, I'm feeling generous enough to make you an offer."
No, no, no. Anna glanced around desperately. We've lost the power here. We can't let Hans end this summit on his terms.
"What do you propose?" Uxzas asked.
"I am aware that your Coalition is camped a day's march away from Turnsheim. Our Exonian forces there have been reinforced in preparation for battle. Field Marshal Kane's second in command, General Hydrech, has just arrived to assume command."
Anna felt her blood grow cold. Hydrech. Marshal Kane's second in command. The Exonian commander had a notorious reputation on the battlefield, as proven during the past few months. The battles fought against the Imperial Horde when commanded by Hydrech were bloody affairs. We can't afford to get into yet another slugging match with him.
"So here's my offer. Pull out now." Hans whispered, and his voice echoed throughout the silent room. "Before it is too late."
Marquess Horatio, who had been silent up till now finally decided it was his time to speak. "Your Excellency, surely you can't be suggesting-"
"It isn't a suggestion, my Lord." Hans' eyes fixed Horatio with the full force of his cunning gaze which proved too much even for the arrogant marquess. "It's a warning. If you set foot on Empire territory, blood will be shed on an unprecedented scale. There will be hell to pay. Withdraw from the war and leave our colonies alone. And we in turn, will not push our campaign north. I give my word that the Empire will leave you all alone. All trespasses shall be forgiven if you turn back now."
There was a silence again that lingered longer this time, and Hans broke it with a chuckle. "I would consider the offer if I were you. I for one wouldn't enjoy losing thousands, or tens of thousands of my own troops. Would you?"
"Of course not." Uxzas said quickly.
Anna glanced round. None of the Confederation members seemed to want to object, even though she could see it on a few faces.
"Very well," Hans stood up and buttoned up his jacket. "Then we have reached an accord. I'm glad that we could come to an unders-"
"This is absurd." Anna stood up, slamming her hands on the table. The sound reverberated throughout the quiet ballroom.
Hans looked at her. "Ah, Your Majesty. I'm so glad that you decided to voice your concerns."
"You can't be seriously be thinking of accepting his terms." Anna jabbed her finger at Hans as she stared round at her fellow constituents.
The chancellor cocked his head curiously, but remained quiet.
"For starters, he's a wolf." Anna said loudly, throwing all decorum out the window. "I should know. He tried to kill me. Twice."
A few hushed whispers went up among the crowd of diplomats.
"And we can't give up now!" Anna went on. "My friends, we formed the Coalition for one purpose, and one purpose only. To end the reign of terror of the Empire. We've come so far, and we're in too deep to back out now. For all we know, the chancellor could be bluffing! Their forces could be depleted and they're just one more battle away from being destroyed once and for all!"
"Are you willing to call my bluff on that one?" Hans said pleasantly.
"My fellow constituents," Anna ignored him. "Please, I implore you. We are winning this war. Do not pull out now or give in to this madman. We may lose good men and women along the way, but there will always be casualties in war. What's important now is that we not give up till we have attained peace for our continent. And that can never happen while the Empire still exists. The chancellor has refused to surrender and sue for peace, and we can't give in to his demands either."
Low chatter began to rise, first among the diplomats and the escorts, and then among the Confederation members at the table. Anna could feel the tide turning again in their favour.
"Please." Anna said. "Stand with me. Let's not compromise to the likes of this man."
Melody stood up by Anna's side. For a while, it seemed that no one else would. The Prince of Vjor rose, standing tall and confident. Next, even the repulsive Marquess Horatio stood with them. The only two that didn't stand were Duke Helmsley and King Uxzas.
"Hmmn." Hans looked amused. "It looks like it's four against two."
"Looks like." Anna glanced at Uxzas and Helmsley, who had seemingly admitted defeat. It was apparent that there was no way the Confederation was going to walk out with the victory they had hoped for, but at least this would have to do for now. We can't let the Empire win.
"I think it's been decided then." Uxzas finally spoke, though still seated.
"We will not be agreeing to your terms." Anna said definitively, locking eyes with Hans. "This war will end on ours."
"Chancellor," Melody said calmly. "We all know that nothing good will come of this war if we all decide to proceed. This is your chance to prevent more deaths. All you have to do is withdraw from all occupied kingdoms and cities and return to Exon. No more Exonians have to die."
Hans didn't flinch or seemed fazed at all, though Anna knew he was a master at masking his emotions and intentions. She really wondered what was running through his mind at this very instant. But she guessed she would never know.
Finally, he laughed ruefully and glanced round. "Very well then. Sadly, I suppose the war will have to go on. I will relay the outcome to Her Imperial Majesty, though I suspect she will be most displeased." Regarding her again with his cunning eyes, Anna could almost see him laughing at her.
The summit was then officially concluded and the guests mingled in the ballroom, chatting and consuming refreshments and drinks as they had before. There was however, a different atmosphere now. One that screamed that the nightmare wasn't over.
Anna and Melody made an extra effort to avoid Uxzas and Helmsley at present time. It wouldn't do to have an internal argument when Hans was still around somewhere. The Chancellor of Exon, though unsuccessful in his attempt to scare the Confederation into retreating, still stuck around to enjoy a couple glasses of wine at his own leisurely pace. The last Anna had seen, Hans had been speaking at length with Marquess Horatio. Birds of a feather.
"Well that went well." Melody said.
Anna snorted. "Honestly, I have to give it to Hans. He really knows how to manipulate his opponents on a political stage."
"If it wasn't for your intervention, this war would have been lost. The Empire would have won, and the continent would remain in chaos. You did the right thing."
Anna sighed. "I hope so."
"Well, well." The familiar voice of her enemy sparked something in Anna, and caused her to whirl round quickly. Hans, smiling like the Cheshire Cat, walked up to her with two glasses in his hand. "Drink?" He held out a full glass.
Anna glowered at him.
"I suppose not." Hans put down the full glass on a nearby table, and sipped from his own. "What a shame. Surprised to see me?"
When she didn't respond, he continued. "Ah yes. You're probably surprised by my new appointment." He dusted off his left epaulette casually. "Being Chancellor certainly has its perks. Far more than being consul, anyway."
"You have some nerve." Anna finally managed to blurt out.
"What did I do wrong?" Hans tilted his head and frowned. "Oh, if you're referring to that incident in the Arendellian library, then I apologise. I didn't want to have to kill you. It was purely…professional." He gestured at her right foot. "Though I see your foot's all healed. I'm so glad."
"You tried to kill my sister, and then you tried to kill me." Anna snapped, blood boiling. "And then you almost burnt down my kingdom's heritage and fanned the flames of war."
"It wasn't my fault that the war isn't over yet." Hans pointed out. "I did offer you lot an out, didn't I?"
"We both know you're a liar and a backstabbing wolf." Anna said acidly. "So you can stop pretending like you were going to hold up your end of the bargain."
"The continent would have known peace, but instead more lives are going to be lost because of your hatred for me." Hans sounded almost regretful. "Well, what's done is done."
"Son of a-" Anna stepped forward, but Melody put a restraining hand on her shoulder.
"What do you gain out of all this?" Melody said. She was far more composed and level headed than Anna was.
"Ah, finally. Someone who's asking the right questions." Hans nodded at her. "Anna, you should take a page out of your friend's book."
"Answer the question, my Lord." Melody fixed him with a calm but steely gaze.
"Well," Hans said. "It is my duty as Chancellor of Exon to see things through. It's my job to make the right calls for Exon on behalf of the Empress."
"Yeah, we know you're in love with Eleanor." Anna spat. "But you can't just be doing this for love. I know you better than that. You still think that Eleanor will give you your own country to rule when the war is over."
Hans laughed amicably. "Perhaps. Here's hoping. Oh, and on another note, I do have a legitimate question for you." He dipped his head at Anna.
"What more do you want? You already cost us the end of the war."
"I am curious," Hans said. "Where's your sister and her friends? Are they still hunted fugitives, running from the Confederation?"
"What's that to you?" Anna glared at him. He certainly knew how to push her buttons.
"Nothing. Just curious." Hans shrugged. "Well then, I should get going. Have to inform the Empress on the disappointing developments here today. It was nice seeing you both." He smiled broadly at both girls, and then turned his attention to Anna. "I hope the next time we meet, I won't be trying to kill you."
Anna narrowed her eyes as he turned on his heels and strolled off. There was just something he was hiding…but she couldn't put her finger on it. Instinctively, she knew. But what are you hiding?
###
"I take it things didn't go as hoped?" Hayley asked. Anna's personal assistant had been present with her on the campaign thus far, and had been a great help both in administration and as a companion.
"How did you guess?"
"Well, Your Majesty, for starters you look like someone threw out your unfinished cake."
Anna sighed.
"And second, the news got here pretty quickly, even before you arrived. The war isn't over, is it?"
"No, it isn't." Anna was still rather upset about how things had gone. The Confederation hadn't managed to secure the peace that they had been hoping for, and now they were about to enter the next phase of the war. Apparently news had travelled fast. "Where's Kristoff and Frederick?"
"They're still in the Command Tent in the Arendellian side of the camp." Hayley said. "Right where you left them."
"Thanks." Anna said. She had just gotten back to where the Coalition had made their camp a day's march away from Turnsheim, where they would be doing battle very soon.
The rest of the Confederation members were also making their way back to the camp at their own pace. Throughout the campaign, they rarely interacted apart from official Confederation meetings, and Anna had a feeling that was about to change.
In any case, the unfortunate news had somehow managed to make its way back to the Coalition camp long before Anna and the rest had arrived. The atmosphere in the air was glum. The soldiers were very well aware that the negative results of the peace summit could only mean one thing now: that many more lives would be lost before it was all over.
Anna felt guilt to a certain extent that she and the others hadn't managed to end the war today. Shortly, the soldiers of the Coalition would be forced to continue the arduous marches only to find fierce battles waiting for them and likely a musket ball or a cavalry sabre. But then again, that was what these men had signed up for.
After arriving back at the camp, Melody had gone back to the Danish division in search of her own army's commander, Division General Ivon, one of the allies from her days in the Danish Insurgency. There was still a great deal Anna didn't know about them, but she figured that if the ever cautious Melody trusted them, then they were alright.
Waving away her own escorts, Anna cautiously made her way through the seemingly endless rows and columns of Arendellian tents. They were arranged in companies, battalions, brigades and divisions to maintain some semblance of order and discipline. The tents were only broken by a few large gaps, which helped with flow of traffic for the heavier items such as wagons and supply carts.
As she navigated through the camp, the soldiers who weren't asleep or resting noticed their monarch walking in their midst, and offered hasty salutes as she passed them by. Many of them were cooking over small fires, sitting around in circles while playing cards, discussing the latest development regarding the Confederation, or simply cleaning their weapons kit and equipment pack.
All in all, one thing was for certain. The soldiers weren't happy, and Anna honestly couldn't blame them. She tried to offer her usual cheery smiles and waves and words of gratitude and acknowledgement, even though she didn't feel like it. Still, she tried her best to raise the morale of her troops, though she didn't know how much good that would do now.
Anna found the Command Tent, a structure almost as large as her own, separated from the rest of the tents in the Arendellians' side of the camp. Outside, two sentries stood guard with muskets shouldered. Upon seeing the queen arrive, they saluted in tandem.
"Your Majesty, shall I inform the general and His Royal Highness that you are here?"
She nodded. "Yes please."
Scratching at the tent flap, one of the sentries slipped into the command tent to announce her arrival. Within seconds, he ducked back out. "They're ready for you, Ma'am."
Thanking the two sentries, Anna walked into the command tent. The interior of the tent was something she had grown familiar to over the course of the past few months of living in one herself.
Spacious tents were only given to the highest ranking officers or the diplomats and representatives who travelled with them. Anna and Kristoff had one to themselves, while Frederick and a couple of his own staff officers throughout the division had smaller tents, though larger than those belonging to the average soldier. The same could be said for the other armies of the Coalition.
The Arendellian Command Tent was rather spartan in nature, probably partially due to the fact that General Frederick Valquerson never felt comfortable living in luxury. Apart from a single bedroll, a trunk of books and a box of belongings, all that stood in the tent was a portable writing desk and a couple of chairs.
Kristoff and Frederick stood at the table, poring over a map and referring to a couple of papers with all sorts of administrative notes for planning. They both looked up when Anna entered the tent, and Frederick saluted smartly.
"Anna," Kristoff gave her a hug. "I heard the news."
"Sorry," Anna said. "We weren't expecting Hans to be there, but he was."
"It's not your fault." Kristoff said firmly. "If Hans was there, then he would have been able to manipulate the situation any way he pleased."
"At least in your defence," Frederick added. "You managed to salvage the situation. Well done, Your Majesty."
"Thanks, but it's not like we're going to be able to avoid the war." Anna exhaled sharply. "Hans made it clear the Empire was ready for us. We'll have no choice but to fight at Turnsheim."
"Not to worry, Ma'am." Frederick said. "Marshal Cicero had already prepared for an outcome such as this one. Judging by the meeting he called with the general staff, he was rather eager to fight, if I may be so blunt."
Anna pursed her lips. All things considered, Frederick had been very patient under Marshal Cicero's command. The past few months of the Coalition's campaign had been a rather nasty affair, with Cicero in charge. By default, Cicero would have had to be in command since he was the most senior in rank throughout the Coalition's armies. Frederick had been respectful and a faithful subordinate, even though he clearly disagreed with Cicero's methods.
To put things simply, Marshal Cicero was a thug. His methods were straightforward, solving most of his problems with brute force by taking advantage of the Coalition's overwhelming numbers. So far, his strategy had worked in most battles, but quite a number of the Coalition had lost their lives as a result of his methods. Cicero had no qualms about sacrificing a sizeable number of his own soldiers as long as he attained the victory. In Anna's eyes, he was no better than Marshal Kane or General Hydrech at the other end of the battlefield.
"What's his play going to be this time?" Anna asked. She wagered it was going to be the same as always.
Frederick glanced at Kristoff, who looked equally grim.
"Marshal Cicero warned us that General Hydrech was spotted arriving at the city of Turnsheim with a sizeable force in tow. The Molcorran scouts were unable to determine the enemy's new numbers because of Exonians screening their reconnaissance." Frederick explained. "Whenever Hydrech is around, it's going to end up being a drawn out battle, much like how Marshal Kane conducts his sieges. Meanwhile," he tapped the map on the table, which had a few markings in pencil on it. "Cicero is adamant on following through with his trademark techniques which means he'll match Hydrech's pace and throw as many men at the Exonians as he can before Hydrech is forced to retreat."
"Damn it." Anna swore. "How did the rest of the Coalition generals take it?"
"Suffice to say we're all accustomed to Cicero's methods by now." Frederick's face was blank. "But that doesn't mean we're happy about it."
Anna sighed. "I wish you were in charge. Things would be so much more efficient."
"That is debatable." Frederick said. "But thank you for the vote of confidence, Ma'am."
Eight months ago, Frederick had been officially promoted to division general shortly after the Battle of Arendelle. Now, four silver stars gleamed on each of his shoulders, gleaming and polished in stark contrast to the dark green Arendellian uniform.
His efficiency and prowess during battle had seen him promoted yet again to a full general during the early part of the campaign, but even then he didn't outrank the five stars which a Field Marshal possessed. He had come a long way since being the Senior Captain of the Queen's Guard, but he still served with the same faithfulness and loyalty that Anna had known since she was a child.
"At this rate the Coalition will probably receive orders to break camp at dawn tomorrow." Kristoff turned to the table and picked up a stack of pre-written orders. "We should prepare in advance."
"I'll leave you two to it then." Anna said, and turned to Kristoff. "Will you be going up to Juliusson tonight? You know, to…"
He smiled and kissed her. "Of course."
Anna stepped out of the Command Tent and received a gust of dry and chilly wind in her face. The gloomy atmosphere still hung heavy in the cold air, and Anna could already see soldiers here and there packing up their items in anticipation of the next day's march. Even they knew that a battle at Turnsheim was coming, and how right they were.
Exhaling sharply, Anna went off in search of her own tent. Even though she knew Hans was a madman, his words had stuck with her. And the worst part was, she was beginning to wonder if he was right. By refusing to give in to his terms, Anna and the rest had essentially signed up for another few rounds of battle and bloodshed. Thousands more lives were about to be lost, and she felt powerless to stop it.
Are we really doing the continent a favour by fighting this war? All in the name of peace? Are we liberating them or plunging their lives in chaos by trapping them in the middle of the largest war the continent has ever seen? Anna shook her head. She couldn't afford to start going down that train of thought. Just…do the next right thing.