DeFrosted

Chapter 3

(Anna)

1014 AD

The castle had eventually fallen under siege. I had the towns people evacuate to Isenbrok 3 days ago. The Royal family's summer castle, a place I had recently learned the existence of.
According to Helen, my former childhood nursemaid, it was a place my father and mother use to take Elsa and I every year. I have no recollection of it though, as it must have been wiped from my memory Along with the knowledge of my sisters powerful gift.

"Your Majesty, we must get you to safety." Commander Frerik, head of my guard insisted, snapping me out of my daze.

The city now fully taken by the enemy, the vile Vikings now tried to ram down the gates to the castle using the stump of an giant ancient pine tree.

My requests for aid from the neighboring country's had been fruitless. All of my messengers, save one had returned, bringing back the same sad reply.

The other kingdoms to afraid of the barbaric Vikings themselves to help me. Needing there army's to remain home, incase the beasts should attack them next.

The only messenger not to return yet was the one sent to King Charles of the Southern Isles, but my heart already knew his answer.

"Indeed commander." I replied climbing onto the back of Sven. With all the palace horses being used by my guards and soldiers, we didn't have an equine to spare, so I must ride the reindeer.

I seated myself onto the converted pony saddle, as the horse saddles were much to big for him, and I didn't have the balance of Kristoff to ride without one.

With a crack in the distance I heard the gates give way.

"Onward!" I commanded. Moving out as fast as our animals could carry us. Hopefully it would be a few minutes before the dumb warriors realized that the castle was empty.

We had held out as long as we could, giving the peasants, and the few remaining officers enough time to find and hopefully fortify the summer castle.

I closed my eyes and prayed that the walls would hold, the castle hasn't been lived in in nearly 15 years. Because when the enemy finds us, and they will find us, they will be coming for me.

Either my head or my hand in marriage, and I prayed it be the first one, as marriage to one of those disgusting creatures seemed like the worst fate imaginable.

20 remaining soldiers and I, We rode till the castle was far behind us, and the sun had nearly disappeared from the sky.

Though I argued, my men made a tent out of their own blankets and insisted I sleep inside.

Exhausted from the days events and weak from hunger, to tired to argue further, I climbed Inside.

The siege had made it impossible for farmers to till outside the once protected city walls, so with the food rationed, I had lost a significant amount of weight.

Minutes later The Commander asked for permission to enter. Once inside he unfolded a rag with a small wedge of cheese inside.

My stomach grumbled at the sight.

But the thought of my guard outside, cold and hungry made me shake my head in refusal.

"Give it to the men." I ordered.

"Queen Anna you must eat, the men have already had their rations." He insisted, holding the food out in front of me.

"Tell me then commander is that not double the amount my soldiers have not just eaten?"

He looked away.

"You must eat your highness, the men refuse it. It is their desire to sacrifice for their queen." The stern looking, battle tested, grey haired but kind man informed me.

There was no arguing with this man.

I accepted the food, and smiled sadly up at him.

He turned and bent over to exit my tent.

"I do not deserve such loyalty."

He turned his head back to look at me.

"I believe it's quite the contrary your highness, your father would be proud."

With my hunger quieted somewhat I fell into a deep sleep.

I was awoken by an ear piercing, blood curdling scream.

They found us, we are under attack!

"Stay inside your highness!" Commander Freric cried out over the clanking metal sound of blade against blade.

I covered my ears and tried to drown out the dying cries of my own men...

With a loud rip, my tent was torn off of me. The cold winter air stung at my skin. A giant burly man, wearing a helmet mounted with horns stared down at me with eyes that glowed with pure evil.

The battle raged on around me, my solders no match for the larger more battle hardened Vikings.

He laughed menacingly at me, and muttered words in a language I couldn't understand.

I was to scared to even scream. I rose to my knees and tried to scramble away, only to be grabbed by my neck and forced back down.

The monster was on his knees, his strength to much for me to even wriggle under his grasp. His eyes trailing over my body with a savage hunger.

This time I did try to scream, but his grip on my neck allowed no sound to escape my lungs.

One of his rough hands slid under my dress, trailing from my ankle and going up. Tears streaming down my face by the time he reached my thigh.

I closed my eyes...

There was a quiet thwack, and something warm splattered against my cheek.

Blood....

I opened my eyes in time to see my attackers head roll away, and standing above me was a face I'd never hoped to see ever again.

Hans.

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-Geekpower1