Chapter 7: A Glimmer of Hope

The days passed slowly as Lars waited anxiously for a response from Arendelle. He had sent a messenger with a letter explaining Hans's condition and his hopes that Anna would come to help her former love. Lars knew that Anna had every reason to hate Hans, but he also knew that she was a kind and compassionate person who would not turn her back on someone in need. As he waited, Lars couldn't help but think about the state of the Southern Isles. The once vibrant streets were now filled with poverty and despair, the people living in constant fear of King Westergard's men. The sound of hammering on metal and the smell of freshly baked bread had given way to the stench of rotting garbage and the cries of the downtrodden. The castle, once a symbol of hope and prosperity, now stood as a reminder of the kingdom's darkness. Lars's brothers, all of them, were cut from the same cloth as their father. They were cruel and arrogant, with no regard for the welfare of their subjects. Caleb, the crown prince, was just as ruthless as their father, using violence to get what he wanted, and feared by all who knew him. Rudi and Runo, who were fifth in line, were just as bad, spoiled and arrogant, with no regard for anyone but themselves. In contrast, Arendelle was a beacon of hope and happiness. Elsa, the queen, had brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom, and her sister Anna was a shining example of her kindness and compassion. The thought of Arendelle's snow-covered mountains and bustling streets, filled with laughter and warmth, only highlighted the stark contrast between the two kingdoms. Finally, after several days, the messenger returned with a response from Anna. Lars's heart sank as he read the letter. Anna had agreed to come to the Southern Isles, but it was clear that she was only doing so out of a sense of duty and loyalty to Elsa. Lars knew that he couldn't blame Anna for her reluctance. Hans had hurt her deeply, and it was only natural that she would feel wary of him. With a heavy heart, Lars set out to make arrangements for Anna's visit. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to try anything to save his brother from himself. As he made his way to the room where Hans was being held, Lars couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would Anna think of Hans's condition? Would she be able to help him, or would she turn her back on him? When he arrived at the room, Lars found Hans lying on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. He looked up as Lars entered, and for a moment, Lars saw a glimmer of the old Hans. But it was just a fleeting moment, and soon Hans's eyes clouded over again. Lars sighed, his heart heavy with worry. The room was dimly lit, with only a single candle casting a faint glow. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and despair, the stench of Hans's unwashed body hanging heavy over the bed. Lars approached the bed, his footsteps quiet on the stone floor. Hans's wrists were bound to the bedpost with thick leather straps, and his ankles were similarly restrained. "Anna will be here soon, Hans," Lars said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "She's coming to help you." But Hans just stared at him, his eyes empty and unresponsive. Lars knew that he had to stay positive, to hold on to the hope that Anna could save Hans from himself. As he looked at Hans, Lars felt a pang of guilt. He had always been the responsible one, the one who had tried to steer Hans onto a better path. But in the end, it had been Lars who had failed to save his brother from himself. Now, he could only hope that Anna would be able to do what he had not been able to do. Lars gently touched Hans's shoulder, trying to reassure him. "It will be okay, Hans. Anna will help you. You just have to hang on." Hans's eyes flickered, and for a moment, Lars thought he saw a glimmer of recognition. But it was just a fleeting moment, and soon Hans's eyes clouded over again. Lars sighed, his heart heavy with worry. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to help his brother, no matter what it took. As he turned to leave, Lars couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Anna could save Hans from himself. And maybe, just maybe, the Southern Isles could one day be a place of light and joy, rather than darkness and despair.