Chapter 6: Arrival in the Southern Isles

As the carriage rumbled along the worn cobblestone streets, Anna gazed out the window at the bleak landscape of the southern Isles. The air was heavy with the scent of damp stone and mold, and the sound of distant drums echoed through the halls, a constant reminder of the kingdom's militaristic fervor. She had arrived at the kingdom's capital, and her heart sank as she took in the imposing structure of the castle, its stone walls seeming to absorb the light around it. The carriage came to a stop, and Anna stepped down, her eyes meeting those of Lars, Hans's brother. He was a tall, imposing figure, with a stern expression that softened slightly as he greeted her. "Anna, thank you for coming," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "Hans's condition has taken a turn for the worse. I'm afraid he's not in a good state." Anna nodded, her heart heavy with concern. She had expected as much, given the letter she had received from Elsa. "Let's go," she said, her voice firm. Lars led her through the winding corridors of the castle, past guards who eyed her with suspicion and hostility. Anna ignored them, her focus fixed on Lars and the destination they were heading towards. As they walked, Anna couldn't help but notice the oppressive atmosphere of the castle. The walls seemed to press in on her, and the air was thick with the scent of fear and despair. She could feel the weight of the kingdom's troubled history bearing down on her, and she steeled herself for what lay ahead. They arrived at a door that was guarded by two burly men. Lars nodded to them, and they stepped aside, allowing Anna to enter. The room was small and dimly lit, with a single window that let in a sliver of light. Anna's eyes adjusted slowly, and she saw Hans lying on a bed, his wrists and ankles restrained by thick leather straps. He was pale and gaunt, his eyes sunken into his skull. "Hans," Anna whispered, her heart aching with sorrow. She had never seen him like this before, so broken and vulnerable. Lars nodded, his expression grim. "He's been like this for days," he said. "I've tried to get him to talk, but he just...he just stares. I've had to restrain him, for his own safety and the safety of others." Anna nodded, her eyes never leaving Hans's face. She could see the pain and fear etched into his features, and she knew that she had to help him. "What's happened to him?" she asked Lars, her voice low. Lars hesitated, his eyes clouding over. "I'm not sure," he said. "He was sent back to us from the French dignitary's ship, and at first, he seemed...fine. But then, over the course of a few days, he just...he deteriorated. He became paranoid and agitated, and we had to sedate him just to keep him calm." Anna nodded, her heart heavy with concern. She knew that Hans had always been a bit of a wild card, but she had never seen him like this before. "I'm glad you're here, Anna," Lars said, his voice sincere. "I don't know what to do with him. He's...he's not the same person anymore." Anna nodded, her eyes never leaving Hans's face. She was determined to help him, no matter what it took. She would face whatever lay ahead, for Hans's sake and for her own. The southern Isles might be a place of darkness and despair, but Anna was determined to bring a little light into the shadows.