The Queen's Admiral

Chapter 12: A Celebration for Heroes

Chapter 12: A Celebration for Heroes

A chill crept at the back of my neck that had nothing to do with my abilities.  Captain Aksel's harrowing story on the fate of the Weselton court left me speechless for a long time.  What did Aunt Elsa feel when she saw those bodies? What pain she must have received at the words of that defiant king?  It was clear she never meant to hurt anyone and would have saved his life if she could. 

When I finally cleared my head, I realized something that puzzled me about the king's last words. 

You and that cursed captain of yours—the spawn of the Southern Isles.  They’re all the same. One day he will betray you like his brother betrayed me.

A sudden suspicion hit me:  He had the bearing and confidence of a royal, the discipline of a soldier and a brilliant mind that could have only been formed through education and experience of one with a privileged background. Was it possible?  But then it all makes sense...

"Captain, who is Admiral Westergard? I mean who was he before when he was in the Southern Isles?"

Captain Aksel didn't respond though I knew he heard me.

"He was a prince, wasn't he?" I dared to guess.  "He was the captain the King of Weselton was referring to—the brother to King Sigurd of the Southern Isles."

My companion gave a defeated sigh. "I think it's pointless to hide it your highness.  You'll find out soon enough.  Yes, Admiral Westergard was once the thirteenth prince of the Southern Isles.  But he was disowned by his own brother and wandered for years as a pirate until he found a home here."

"What did he do that made his brother disown him?"

The Captain again gave me that same uncomfortable look but he was saved from answering by Oaken who popped his head on the door.

"Hoohoo! Marshmallows are here."

"We'll be right out, Oaken," I replied.   I looked at my companion.  "Admiral Westergard's past is a thing I need to ask my mother, isn't it?"

He nodded.

"Okay, I understand.  Come on, let's go."

We got dressed and I paid up for my purchases. 

Outside, a dozen giant ice men sat around watching two of their members playing a game of noughts and crosses on the thinly frosted ground.  The ice men were cheering the two players like it was the most exciting boxing match.  They all stopped and looked up when we emerged from the trading post.

"Fredrik?" one of them mumbled.  I recognized him as the oldest of the Marshmallows created by my aunt. "Mummy Elsa home?"

"Yes, Aunt Elsa's home.  And you're all coming with me down to the castle to help her celebrate.

He scratched his head. "Too hot.  Not enough snow."

"Don't worry. I'm going to make you personal flurries just for tonight so you can come down."

His lips formed a smile.  "Just like Olaf?" he asked.

"Yes, just like Olaf." I waved my hands and conjured up a cloud for each one of them.  I made sure they were extra fluffy so they could withstand the heat longer.  All the Marshmallows looked pleased to have their own little snow cloud.  They began running around excitedly saying "Gonna see summer!  Gonna see summer!" over and over again.  I guess Olaf told them about the seasons.  They were even more delighted when I presented each one of them with an Arendelle victory hat and taught them how to wave a colored flag.