Chapter 34

~ Mercy Kill ~

The mist gave way as the Eternity cleaved through the green water. Anna could hear gulls cry out high above as they struggled to keep up, and she had to clamp her hair down against the strong wind.

Too slow.

She had stood sentry on the deck since the ship set off, watching as the land shrunk into a line, then a dot, then it was gone – the most beautiful kingdom in the world, along with everyone she'd ever know growing up. Relentless, the ocean swallowed the sun, shrouding her world in darkness.

"Good night, Arendelle," Anna whispered.

Her only company were the creaking of old wood and the roar of the waves. Even the gulls soon abandoned her. The sailors manning the deck spoke in hushed whispers as if afraid of rousing her. Anna couldn't care less; so long as the sterns of Vigard's ships were out of sight, then nothing mattered at all.

Nothing except you.

For the first time in many hours, her eyes burnt again. Wait for me. I will find you. I swear I will find you no matter where Freya takes you.

Anna wondered if she would ever feel Elsa's embrace again. The three months they had together was like a dream, and it was altogether too short. There was so much, so much she had to tell her sister. When Anna could no longer hold back tears, she distracted herself with the spyglass – so glued to her hand by now that it felt like a part of her body – but there was nothing but water and small ships too scattered to be Arendelle's frigates.

"Dammit." This was her second voyage to Weselton, with the same ship and less weight even. Yet, the trip felt a thousand times slower. "Dammit. Dammit." She drummed the wood with her knuckles, till she was keenly aware of the din she was making. Her thighs ached from the exertion of yesterday's ride, and the chill bit through her cape.

I should be sleeping, Anna thought. Everyone else had retreated to the warmth of the cabins. When her eyelids dropped however, she only saw the faces of men and women screaming as a blizzard took them. Rest then. I should be resting for what is to come. But she didn't feel like it either.

What she really wanted was to scream her frustration to the sea.

Kristoff would know what to say. 'Woah there, Feisty-Pants! You trying to wake everyone on the ship?' Anna palmed her face, sighing. She missed his voice, she missed seeing him roll his eyes as he dissected her plans, laying bare the flaws she was blind to. She scorned Kristoff's advice too often, but in truth, she knew his instinct and judgement were equal to none.

Which was precisely why she was forced to leave him behind. This path she was on had no room for doubt. If he heard even half of what she'd planned, he would chain her up and turn the ship around.

She pondered what he was doing now, held in the castle. No doubt he'd shout and thrash, and maybe even beg them to let him come. But Louis was unyielding when it counted. Or failing that, Kai at least would ensure her last orders were met. She prayed Kristoff wouldn't hold grudges against either man.

All Anna knew for certain was that he would never forgive her.

Hours passed while the moon crawled across the sky. Anna squinted but could see no fish, only endless waves. Light snow fell on her skin. From time to time, a guard would emerge to check on her. For this journey, she permitted a dozen to join her, on the condition they obey her orders unquestioningly. Even if it meant leaving her to confront Elsa alone.

Over half of the Eternity's original crew were back too, more than Anna had dared hope for. Words alone could not convey her gratitude at seeing so many familiar faces. They were prepared to sacrifice themselves if that was what it took to save their queen.

At Kai's advice, she had revealed Elsa's possession to the ship. However, that was both a boon and a death sentence; Freya would never pardon them now. If she was willing to bury Kristoff in the dungeons for knowing the truth, what would she do to strangers?

We will save you, Elsa. Or we will die trying.

Light stole back to the sky. For an absurd moment, Anna expected a rooster to crow. Her mornings in Weselton were always greeted by their calls, one after another till the entire inn jerked awake. Somewhere many miles ahead, did children sleep soundly in bed while their mothers prepare breakfast? Or were they were fleeing for their lives right now?

Anna stared at her palm, so pink and soft. She shuddered. It wasn't so long ago when her very own flesh had turned to ice. A mere touch of Elsa's gift had brought her to death's door. And to think, the attack was accidental.

Freya would have no qualms unleashing the full might of her magic.

Weselton's mercenary army stood no chance against the force of nature that was the snow queen, and the thought ripped a bitter chuckle out of Anna. Her sister was as much a hostage as she was a weapon. But the world wouldn't care. The ships of countless nations plied Weselton's harbour, and they would all see it together – Elsa at the helm of an invading fleet.

Anna whipped the spyglass up, wary all at once. The Arendelle crocus was likely treated as an enemy now; it wouldn't do to have the Eternity intercepted by a coast guard.

"Your Majesty."

Anna turned. Initially, she failed to recognize the new captain of the ship. Sorby looked even skinnier than yesterday, if such a thing were possible. One look at his dishevelled hair and bloodshot eyes, and she knew he haven't slept either. Coarse stubble covered his jaw. The only thing fresh about him was his oversized coat; Anna realized with a start it belonged to Lars.

"Don't call me that," Anna said. "Elsa is still our queen." She'd been wondering when they would have a chance to talk.

"Your Majesty." Sorby seemed not to hear. "Will you eat?" He propped a tray on his hand, looking ridiculously like a waiter. On it were chunks of bread glistening with honey.

"Are you alright?" Anna said, and immediately felt stupid for even asking.

He smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'll be better if you eat. Take one. Capt always said it's better to sea gaze on a full stomach than an empty one, you know?"

Breakfast was as fine as any Anna had ever had. Granted, rye bread and salted fish wasn't usually a savoury combo, but with so much sweetness drizzled over it, anything would taste good. The honey came from Lars' personal store, but Sorby was captain now, so there's that.

Besides, this could well be her final meal.

As she chewed, she let her eyes drift. The sun rose triumphant once more, but Weselton was nowhere in sight. A million gems shimmered on the sea, each dispersing into foam before melding into a different pattern each time she blinked. The sky was clear overhead, but far ahead loomed dark clouds – A hint of the madness which awaited them.

"Something on your mind?" the former first mate said.

That was an understatement. Anna's mind was plagued by so many questions it drove fatigue away like fire on skin. What if she had never went to Weselton? What if she had realized Elsa was possessed sooner? Anna held tight to the railing, her knuckles white.

What if I had helped Freya from the very start? Could I have prevented this tragedy?

But Sorby had no answers to those, so Anna said nothing as she scanned the sea. Yesterday, there were merely a handful of ships within shouting distance. Now, at least thirty were headed away from Weselton. She scoured their masts but could see neither purple nor green.

"Why haven't we spotted Vigard's ships?" she said.

"Frigates. We can't match their speed." Sorby glared at the sails as if looks alone could set them pushing harder. "The wind's not favourable. I– I'm not the seaman Capt was, you know?"

Anna chewed her lips. In truth, she had half-expected their chase to be futile, given the admiral's head start. But to hear Sorby say so only made her hope trickle away like sand through fingers. "It's not your fault. You're doing your best. Go rest, you need it." She forced herself to smile.

Sorby studied her. "You've not slept since we set out."

I don't think I will ever sleep again. Or is this the dream? Maybe I'm still in bed with Elsa lying beside me. Maybe this is nothing more than some crazy adventure in my head.

Anna slapped herself.

Her world lurched to the side and her ears rang a shrill cry. Quick as lightning, Sorby grabbed her wrist. Her cheek burnt, but it was nothing compared to the reminder that this nightmare was reality.

"It's okay." She fought down the lump in her throat. "I'm alright." Leave me.

Sorby narrowed his eyes. "Your Majesty, just what are we going to do when we reach Weselton? How are we going to stop them?"

"Freya left in haste. A third of Arendelle's navy stayed behind." Anna wasn't sure why she said that. It didn't make even an ounce of difference; even if there weren't a single soldier by Freya's side, she'd still bring the mightiest army to its knees.

"Freya." Sorby spat. "That fucking bitch. If only we knew her weakness. Rasmus would know, wouldn't he?"

"He could tell us, if only she didn't torture him," Anna said with a bite in her tone.

The mayor of Belking had fallen into a coma-like slumber soon after rescue, and they simply couldn't delay the trip for his recovery. Not for the first time, Anna regretted his absence. He'd been something of a father figure to Freya once; his knowledge of her far surpassed the other Weseltoners.

"A pity those two know nothing more than stories," Sorby said. "As if children's tales of the terrible demon could help them now."

Anna peeked behind. Li Hua and Thomas stood by the prow of the ship, gazes fixed ahead. "It's not their fault the elders kept the truth from them."

"Why did you let them come then?"

"They fought to join us. I'm not gonna deny them a chance to go home."

The captain frowned. "Are you sure there's a home for them to return to?"

Suddenly, Anna's eyes were wet. Sorby had the right of it. But she couldn't bear this bluntness; it was too much like Kristoff's. Leave me, please.

But Sorby couldn't read her mind. He stood still as statue, knotting his fingers till she heard his knuckles crack. Something hung in the air between them. She was struck by the absurdity of seeing him standing before her. Just days ago, everyone had thought Sorby a part of the Weselton conspiracy, a young fool led astray by his captain. Could Lars be alive too? Anna perished the thought as quickly as it came. She'd seen his coffin. Had heard Jakob and Roy regale their tale too many times of how they slew the traitorous captain.

Oh, what fools we were.

Anna gave Sorby a sideway glance. "You have something to tell me, don't you?"

"I am the reason Queen Elsa died."

Anna whipped around. "What are you talking about?"

He told her. Of everything which transpired when Freya hijacked the ship, of her holding Lars and him as hostages, of how she forced him to lure Elsa into the ambush. Anna had guessed as much, but to hear Sorby confirm it…

"You should never have looked for the demon," he said.

Anna couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes. "Captain Lars was a good man. His death will not be in vain."

"She used me as bait. She… she gave her word. Capt was innocent. He just wanted to help. To do right by you and everyone else." Sorby paced around, ruffling his hair, looking very much the first mate once again. Just as Anna was about to call out, he twisted around. "Did Capt ever tell you why he named this ship Eternity?"

Anna shook her head. She remembered Lars, with streaks of white in his hair, pockmarked cheeks, and eyes that were as kind as ever she'd ever seen, gifting his stories to Kristoff and she. But he never touched on his ship's name.

"It's more than just a title, you know? It's an oath to God, to always sail in the name of Arendelle. For the kindness King Agdar showed him."

"He died for Arendelle. My father would be proud of him." Even as Anna reached out to squeeze his trembling hand, she couldn't help but wonder if she did him a disservice naming him as captain.

"No." Sorby glared at her, his breath steaming. "He died because of a vile trick. It wasn't his time yet. Capt should have lived to seventy. Eighty. Ninety. To live a good, long life. He always told me he was a man of the sea through and through. I agree. He was the greatest seaman of all, you know? But the demon cheated him of his destiny."

"Freya played us all."

"You must avenge him." When Anna didn't reply, Sorby said, "You will avenge Capt, won't you?"

So strong was his gaze that Anna had to look away. "I can't."

"Capt would have died in vain then."

"No! Don't you get it? We are here because he sacrificed himself."

"Then you can't let his death go unanswered, Your Majesty."

"Sorby, I am not your majesty," Anna said, harsher than she intended.

"Then I am not your captain."

Anna had heard of the stubbornness of sailors, but Sorby's impudence was something else entirely. She fought to keep her voice steady. "Elsa is your queen, not me."

He slammed a fist onto the railing. "My queen? The demon killed her, just as she killed Capt. Still, you tell me you wouldn't avenge them."

A pair of her guards drew close, hands on their sheaths. Anna halted them with a palm. "My sister is alive." She matched his stare. "And I will save her."

"Permission to speak freely? Your Majesty."

"Only if you stop calling me that," Anna said.

"Forgive me for saying this, but do you really believe there's any part of Queen Elsa left?" Anna forgot to breathe. Sorby took a step closer. "I spoke to her after everything. One moment, I was in the cabin with Capt and the demon. The next, I woke up alone in a cell, and everyone was gone. Except her, standing outside my cell, looking at me like I was a caged beast. Maybe I am. I would have killed her if I could, you know? Because I just knew somehow the thing there wasn't Elsa anymore. Would she have betrayed us? Or locked me in that dungeon? No. Queen Elsa wouldn't.

"But the demon would."

Anna's hands were shaking. "I was blind, okay? I should've seen through Freya's deception. Should've seen that Elsa wasn't herself. I should have freed you sooner."

Sorby's voice was raw with pain. "So what? Capt would still be dead."

"But we can stop more people from dying! Pabbie told me that Elsa's soul fights on even now. We can still save her."

"I wish I could believe that. I really do. Let's just… say you are right. And Queen Elsa is alive. What then? How would you even free her from the demon's possession?"

Anna had no good answer. Too many people were watching them, listening to her every word. She felt as though she was back in the troll's valley, with Pabbie's words branded into her mind. 'You know what you must do.'

"I… need some time alone to think," Anna said, seeking escape.

"This is my ship. My sailors. If we are to die for your cause, then we deserve an answer."

It won't come to that! Anna ached to say, but she couldn't bring herself to do so.

Sorby's face softened. "You can tell us when you are ready. You really should rest now." He dipped his head and walked off.

How can I save Elsa?

The same question burnt in everyone's eyes. In Kai. Gerda. Eirik. Sven. And most of all, her own. Only Sorby dared to speak his mind. Gone was the eager first mate, now he was every bit a leader who put his men at the forefront. It was little wonder why Lars held him in such high regard.

You've had the whole damn night alone, Anna. This man has lost someone dear as a father to him. He deserves an answer. They all do.

"Wait," she called out. The captain turned, his eyebrows raised. "First, I will order Vigard to pull back his fleet."

"A sound plan. But what if he refuses?" Sorby said.

"Then we will appeal to the soldiers loyal to us. I am still their princess, and if need be, I will command them as their queen."

"Weselton wouldn't just take this act of conflict lying down, you know? What if the war's already started?"

"That's what Li Hua and Thomas are here for. They are to be escorted to the capital city."

Sorby nodded his approval. "To explain everything to the Weselton crown, and all the other delegates."

"If Arendelle is to weather the storm, the world must know the truth."

"The demon is Weselton's sin, not ours. They better." Sorby directed a look at her. "You have a plan to deal with her?"

Anna hesitated a moment before she answered, "Yes. I don't know if she's gonna be alone, but if I can just find her–"

"She will kill you."

"She won't."

"You don't know that."

"If Freya wanted to, she could've killed me a long time ago." And maybe she already did, the day she stole Elsa from me.

"You really think you can reach out to Queen Elsa."

Anna closed her eyes. "…Yes."

Sorby leaned out over the side. For a long time, he searched the vast sea as if their answers rode on the waves. The murmurings of the sailors gathering behind were like an itch down Anna's spine. Were they losing faith in her as well?

"Then all the more you should do what's necessary." Li Hua cut between them. "You said you wanted to save my countrymen? The only way is to kill Elsa."

"Haven't I said already? Freya's taken over Elsa's body. I won't hurt her," Anna said. Voices of agreement rose behind them.

"Hurt? You are saving Elsa. You're easing her pain." Li Hua raised her bandaged hands. "I saw what she can do. I also saw how she lets you get close where no one else can. You are the only one who can kill her. I can give you a dagger if you like."

Something must've shown on Anna's face because Thomas grabbed the smaller girl's shoulders. "Li! There's no need to–"

She flung his hands aside. "My family lives by the harbour! Yours lives in Belking! You want everyone to die? Huh?! Yes, it's terrible that Elsa is possessed, and yes, I know it isn't her fault. But if Anna's the only one who can end her, then she damn well should step up to the plate. You know the queen's powers. You think arrows or cannons will stop her?" Li Hua huffed a white breath. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of one. A leader should know better."

It took every ounce of self-restraint not to hit her, but Anna stayed her hand, controlling her breathing to ebb away the rage. She could not afford to lose control now. Thomas steered Li Hua away, his immense bulk keeping them from each other's sight.

When the moment passed, guilt washed over Anna in waves. Li Hua was only trying to protect her loved ones. Just six days ago, the younger girl and her were cracking jokes and snacking together; now, there was nothing but spite between them.

Anna glanced around, and her heart fell. She saw no camaraderie here, only sailors eating their breakfast in silence as they eyed the two Weseltoners with suspicion, and guards who examined their weapons with hard faces. They were afraid, she realized. And every passing second erodes their faith more.

Li Hua stomped off. Thomas lingered, and in a soft voice that ill-suited his bulk said, "She's… right, I fear. I'm sorry, but I really don't see any other way out. Maybe... maybe the right thing to do, the only thing you can do, is to free her." He bowed and strode off.

Anna was wrestling for a reply when Sorby shuffled forward. "Your Majesty, please. Don't let anyone else pay for Freya's treachery." His voice broke. "Elsa was the greatest queen of all. I love her. We all do. But she deserves the mercy of death."

The strength fled Anna's body. She let herself fall against the railing. It would've been so easy to accept their words. The mercy of death. Perhaps deep down, a part of her agreed. Because the alternative was too horrifying; what if she was already too late? What if Elsa's soul had already faded, and there was no coming back? If so, then Elsa would want her to do what was right.

Anger erupted on the deck. Someone had suggested for them to turn tail for Arendelle. Another yelled that Weselton deserves its fate. And suddenly Li Hua was back, adding her voice to the mix. Despite her guards shouting for order, few paid any heed.

Can you see this, Elsa? Can you see what losing you have done to all of us?

Anna was done with crying. Instead, she raised her head to the sky, feeling snowflakes touch her skin, and only when her cheeks were wet with melted snow did she look down again.

She raised a hand.

The rabble took no notice at first, too engrossed with shouting and shoving one another as some called for Elsa's death while others called them traitors. Her guards, quick as ever, took their positions beside her. Sorby and Thomas disentangled themselves from the mob and stood to the side, peering at her. Li Hua became quiet as well, and only then did the rest calm down.

"I did not ask you to come so we could kill my sister," Anna said in her queen's voice. She let her eyes rove over every man and woman. None challenged her, save one.

"My people are in danger," Li Hua said with clenched fists. "I don't care how you do it. Just save them. Save them, please." The younger girl wept suddenly.

"When I am done, the snow queen will no longer be a danger to you." Anna clutched at her cape. If she couldn't vanquish their doubts now, then how could she face what was coming next? "I will save both our kingdoms. I will save everyone even if it's the last thing I do." She closed her eyes. "I said before we could all be headed to our deaths. Whoever wants out, step back. There are lifeboats here. I won't hold it against you."

Silence took them. Several sailors fidgeted, as if ready to leave, yet unwilling to make the first move. Anna clenched her lips, trying and failing to look nonchalant. Even one of her guard was glancing at her uneasily.

It was Sorby who stepped forward, his voice booming, "And I have said before that my ship and my life is yours. I… will trust in you, as Capt did."

Every sailor and guard stood their ground, nodding. Anna returned a nod. There was no going back now. All she could do was to reduce the number of causalities.

Even if it meant taking one more life.

"Leave Elsa to me," Anna said. She inhaled deeply, weariness overtaking her at last. Without another word, she homed in on the cabin door. She needed her rest for the next part, and she resolved to lie down in bed at the very least. Behind her came a chorus of murmurs. Then, Sorby was yelling orders.

"–fix the ropes, Yuri. I don't want sloppy knots on my mast. You. Yes, you! Make sure we have enough freshwater. Don't think I forgot what happened the last time. Come, Thomas, I've a map. We are nearly there, so you should… Oh. Oh, God in heaven, save us all."

Anna froze, fingers on the knob, feeling the chill sink into her skin, watching as the shadow spilled over the door. Someone was screaming.

Please, please no…

She spun, and a whimper escaped her throat. Li Hua had fallen to her knees, her mouth agape in a long wordless shriek. Thomas was sobbing. Sorby was crossing himself, his eyes wide as saucers.

The sea was a field of icy thorns; what few ships left were skewered on dozens of spears. Where there should have been a vibrant harbour, Anna could only see vague shadows beyond a wall of white.

Weselton had been devoured by the winter.