Chapter 5: Kristiansand, lillesand village

"So...here we are." Anna sighed as her feet touched the land. It didn't take them as long as she thought it would to get to the village; and they got there a day earlier than King Hans and his men. Their mission was simple. First they'd take out anyone within the village that was associated with the templars. If Hans was going to take over the towns and kingdoms, there'd need to be men here that could loosen things up a bit. Then, they will make their presence known to the king of Kristiansand and inform him of the dangers that await. The worst part was that they only had one day to do so...so they had to move fast.

"Right then, let's get at it lads!" Merida suggested, "We have work to do!"

"And who exactly will do this work? Specifically." It was Alanna who spoke this time.

Kristoff jumped off the ship behind her and joined into the discussion, "I volunteer to stay here and take care of any snakes hiding out in the village."

"You'll need help Kris, so I'll stay with ya!" Merida assured

"I'd prefer to locate our own kind," Alanna spoke up, "So I'll search both here and the kingdom for anyone who supports our cause, and hopefully I'll find other assassins. The kingdom will need all the help they can get, and we won't be there to help them."

"Alright, Then I'll handle the king. We must finish by morning. It is imperative that we stay at least a day ahead of King Hans and his men." Anna turned to take her leave towards Kristiansand. The others followed her example and went about their duties. It would be a busy day, and none of them wanted to waste a moment of it.

~~000~~

Elsa sat before her advisor, thoughts running around in her head as she struggled to come up with a decision about the news he had brought her, "When do they want to hold this meeting?"

"The King of Porsgrunn has requested that you meet him within two days, your majesty."

"And why?"

"Because Arendelle is without heir, and you are without a husband. He is planning for you to meet his three sons and possibly take one of their hands for marriage."

"I won't do it."

"You're majesty, this would be a wise opportunity to take-"

"I said no, and I'll here nothing else of it!"

"Just a chance! You can deny them after meeting them but at least go! It could be beneficial for you!"

Elsa would've had him sent out for speaking when she told him not to...but he had a point. It would be very beneficial to her. She didn't know specifically how, but she did know that the fact that she will even show up will cause him to owe her. Not as much as he would have to if she married one of his sons, but still enough. She sighed in defeat and nodded her head, allowing her advisor to write the letter to the king of Porsgrunn. The advisor bowed before leaving the room. Elsa would have to tell a servant to prepare her for the journey. It would be a long one.

~~000~~

"So who do we have to target?" Merida asked her partner. They were sitting at the docks discussing their mission. Alanna and Anna had already left and when they all finished their jobs they'd meet back there, at the docks.

"Laniar O'deckam," Kristoff answered, "He is the captain of the guards here in the village, and he lives with the jarl in the long house."

"Ooooh, a big one eh? Sounds fun."

"Fun indeed, and i'm afraid we don't have time to make a plan that is secure."

"So how'll we go about it?"

"We get him tonight, as he sleeps."

"Will it really be that easy?"

"...I sure hope so."

"So what'll we do in the meantime?"

"Kill his accomplice."

"And who is that?"

"Do you know anything?" Kristoff growled. The unrelenting questioning was beginning to bother him and he rather get through this night quickly and quietly.

"I know enough, just thought you ought to remind me." Merida taunted.

A sigh. "Iziquel Mangoua." (E-Z-key-el Man-gow-uh)

"Ah. He's the sellsword at the Blue Babe Inn."

"Yes." Kristoff answered, "wait...how do you know all that?"

"I knew the lad. Long story."

"Well, he's here at the docks now. He's coming back from a job. So you deal with him, and I'll deal with Laniar."

Before Merida could rebuttal, Kristoff was off. She knew why he volunteered her. It would take no more than a second to take out the sellsword with her bow and arrow. His job was way more risky and exciting. They would be done within no time. After that they'd leave the next report to the king of Kristiansand. He'd give word to the Grimstad and They'd go to porsgrund. Simple as that. Nothing could go wrong in the plan. Nothing could go wrong today.

~~000~~

Alanna knocked three times on the door, awaiting the answer of her target. She wasn't left waiting for too long. The door opened and a small old man blinked up at her.

"Yes?" He questioned, "What do you want."

"Charles magnum? I would like to talk to you, she smiled.

"And why is that?"

"You're very important...to my cause."

"Yeah? And what cause is that?"

Alanna smiled. She leaned down to his height and whispered, "Nothing is true…"

The man's eyes widened after a small delay, "Everything is permitted…"

He opened the door wider and waved for her to come in. She entered and sat at a small table in the back of the room. The old man sat across from her.

:"It's been a long time since i've seen someone from the brotherhood."

"I've come for your help." She informed him, "Do you know of anyone within the village that understands the creed, and is willing to put of a fight with what is soon to come?"

He was quiet for a moment. "What's to come?"

"There are templar men sailing across the seas to take over the kingdoms. This place is the first on their list."

The man nodded. Alanna knew her mission was over as soon as it started. For the rest of that day, Alanna searched for the names she was given by him. When the night comes, she'd have to meet the team back at the docks. So she didn't have much time. She'd have to get this done, and get it done quickly.

~~000~~

"You're majesty, please!"

"I will not trust in the word of some random woman with hundreds of men's blood on her hands!"

"No disrespect, my king; but those men were bad people. You'd be wise to heed my warning."

King Daniel swirled around, rage flaring in his eyes, "you'd be wise to mind your tongue, child!"

"I'm sorry, my king. But-"

"But nothing! I will hear no more of these false claims! I have soldiers all over the kingdom! I'm no fool! No one will simply come into my lands and take over just like that!"

Anna growled in frustration. He was purposely being difficult and she didn't have much time. The sun was setting and they needed to be at the next kingdom by morning. Anna called out to him once more, "What will you do if i'm right? What will you do if you do nothing and they come? Will you at least take precaution?"

"No precaution is needed."

"Why have I sailed all this way then?"

"That is a question you must ask yourself. Now, if you'll excuse me." Before Anna could speak again, the King was out of the room. Guards made their way to her, forcing her out of the castle. She'd have to return to her team without any success. Thankfully, she wouldn't truly need it. Alanna was in charge of gathering people to protect what they could in case the King couldn't. That in itself, was all they needed.

~~000~~

There were very few guards that were awake at this time. Most of them had already headed off to sleep. Regardless of that, Kristoff stayed as hidden and quiet as possible. He didn't want to risk being caught and wasting time trying to fix his mistake. He kept along the walls as he snuck through the barracks. His target was Laniar O'deckam. He was the captain of the guards. His room would have to be separated from the rest of the men; and Kristoff knew just where that would be. Heading toward the stairs, he stopped in a part of the part of the room that wasn't lit by the wall's candles as a squire came running down the steps. Kristoff wanted to keep as much blood off his blades as possible. He allowed the boy to pass. He continued up the stairs until he came to a small hallway with few doors. He headed straight for the door at the very end of the hall. He quietly entered, using his eagle vision to see through the dark. The body of a sleeping man could be seen. He had found his mark; his salt and pepper, shaggy hair peeked out from beneath the blankets. He stood, but continued to creep as he made his way to the Captain. He was just about to sink his hidden blade into the man's neck when a sliver of gold caught his eye. Looking up to the desk across the room, he could see a scroll. Kristoff almost made the mistake of going to it without taking care of Laniar first, risking the chance of him awakening. He shoved his blade into the man's neck without a second thought. Laniar's eyes shot open and his mouth began to gasp for breath. He grasped onto Kristoff's hand and gurgled as his own blood began to drown him. His gaze caught Kristoff's and they held it. The look of surprise, hatred, and fear swam through his iris'. Kristoff never really enjoyed that part. Seeing the face of the man you kill as he is dying is one of the worst feelings he has ever felt. However, it was over soon enough. The Captain's body grew still and his breathing stopped. Although, his grey eyes never stopped looking into Kristoff's.

The blonde man pulled his blade from Laniar's neck, retreating to the desk, grabbing the scroll and heading out of the window.

~~000~~

"The guy looked so shocked when me arrow shot through his neck!" Merida laughed. Alanna smiled at the redhead's excitement. She wasn't one that found killing to be exciting. More of the adventures that come with it. The sound of footsteps alerted the both of them. Their heads snapped towards the sound, hands on their weapons and ready for combat. It was silent for only a second when another head of red hair came onto the docks from an alleyway. Both girls sighed in relief.

"Geez Anna, you scared us." Alanna tsked.

"Good to know that you could hear me through all that noise," Anna sat down beside them, "Because I sure couldn't hear myself."

Merida blushed. She knew she could be a loud person, but being called out on it still managed to make her feel awkward.

"So," Anna continued, "Where's Kristoff?"

"He should be here any minute. He went to take care of a Templar." Merida informed her, "What about the king? Is he preparing?"

Anna scoffed. "The only thing he's preparing for is a nice bath and a good night's rest."

"I assumed as much. I've heard he's a proud man." Alanna nodded in understanding. "Don't you worry though. I've located some other assassins, and a couple of knowledgeable citizens. They should be able to hold off a couple Templars until the King can get his head out of his ass."

Anna smiled at the comment. "And you, merida?"

"I killed a guy. Same as always. Though, I'd much rather have taken on the Captain of the guards."

"Speaking of him, you won't believe what I found out!"

All the girls jumped from their spots at the sound of another voice. Kristoff stood before them at the edge of the docks, the scroll his hand held out for Anna to take. The girl reluctantly took it, looking Kristoff in the eye with an uncomfortable expression.

"Well? What's it say?" Merida questioned from the side of her other ginger companion.

Anna growled, returning the scroll to Kristoff. She walked passed all of them, looking for the nearest ship to take. Once found, she climbed aboard, gesturing for her team to follow suit. As Soon as they were all on, she began to raise the anchor. Kristoff joined her. It wasn't a big ship, and that meant the anchor wasn't so big itself; but it was still to heavy for one person to lift by themselves. Finally, once the ship slowly started to move, Anna turned to her friends.

"Drop the sails, and Alanna, you navigate the ship. After Porsgrunn, we're going straight to Arendelle." Anna commanded.

"And why's that?" Alanna responded whilst retreating to the ships wheel while Merida and Kristoff raised sails.

"Because they know. They know that we know about their plans, and they're switching their route. Arendelle is after Porsgrunn."

Merida cursed silently, "But don't that mean they'll know we know they're switching routes? We took the letter from O'deckam!"

"I returned to the building to place a fake letter on the desk. That's why I was so late." Kristoff assured her.

"But what if that letter was a decoy? Now I'm unsure if anything is true."

"Don't worry Merida, I'll send a bird to Hiccup. I'll tell him to send people to Larvik. So now if they head there, we'll still be ready."

Anna nodded in silent agreement with Kristoff's plan. She looked over the side of the ship, into the deep blue seas. The kingdom of Kristiansand was getting smaller and smaller; just like her time. The time on her own mental clock was getting smaller and smaller until it hit zero. Once that number popped up, Anna knew it would be time. This inconvenience only shortened that time. So now, the clock was ticking.

And her fear was getting stronger

There was only moments left...

Until she'd have to face her sister.