it did just that, the frozen wonder growing and expanding. This time, the ice didn’t form sharp, jagged daggers. She created ornate columns and archways more exquisite than even those found in Arendelle Castle. Elsa filled in every detail she could think of for her home, until she created the peaks that would be her roof. For a final touch, Elsa made a giant snowflake that burst into the most intricate chandelier she could imagine.
Standing inside her creation, Elsa knew there was still something missing. She had created a new look for her life, but hadn’t done a thing to change her own appearance. Pulling at her uncomfortable hairstyle, she let several loose tendrils frame her face. Next, she took out the tight bun, and her braided hair hung down her back. Elsa didn’t stop there. This gown had weighed her down for too long. It was time for it to go as well. With a wave of her hands, she imagined a new dress that suited her personality and style. Something light and freeing. Ice crystallized over the bottom of her teal dress, forming a new one that was a shimmering pale blue. Gone were the itchy high collar and the annoying long sleeves that restricted her movements. Her new gown was strapless, her neck was open, and her arms were loosely wrapped in silk. A light sheer cape was made up of a pattern of snowflakes as unique as she was.
By the time she was finished creating her fortress and a new look, the sun was beginning to rise over the mountains. Elsa stepped out onto one of her balconies and reveled at the majesty of her new kingdom.
Anna would like it here, Elsa thought with satisfaction.
She just had to find her.
Looking out over the snow and the ice, Elsa tried to imagine where Grand Pabbie and the trolls might be. If they weren’t hidden at the top of the North Mountain, where were they? She drummed her fingers on the icy railing of the balcony and thought again of her vison. The night Papa and Mama had taken them up into the mountains to find the trolls, Papa had held on to a map.
Think, Elsa. What was he looking for? Where did we go? It was some sort of valley.
The Valley of the Living Rock! She’d spotted that name in the letter. That had to be where Grand Pabbie was hidden. Based on how long it had taken to reach the North Mountain, Elsa had to guess the Valley of the Living Rock was at least a day’s walk from there, and she would have to go back down the mountain to find it. She yawned despite herself. It had been days since she’d rested. She needed sleep, but when she woke, she’d begin another journey—one that would lead her to her sister.
“This is really nice!” Anna exclaimed as she climbed onto the bench next to Kristoff and admired his sleigh.
The sled was far superior to the one her papa had. The upper half of Kristoff’s sleigh was shiny dark wood, while the lower part was hand-painted black and red, with beige triangles outlining the rim. The pattern reminded her of teeth. It was clear this sleigh was not to be messed with. Anna threw her sack in the back, and it landed next to Kristoff’s reddish lute, his sack, and some mountaineering equipment.
“Careful!” Kristoff barked. “You almost broke my lute.”
“Sorry!” Anna winced. “Didn’t know you were bringing your lute with you on this trip. I’m not sure you’ll really have time to play the next few days.”
Kristoff gave her a look. “I only have it in the sleigh because I carry all of Sven’s and my belongings in here. We just paid the sled off, so I don’t need you breaking anything.”
“Got it, sorry.” Anna folded her hands in her lap, thankful she had found her mittens before she ran out of the house. She was only trying to make conversation. How could she know Kristoff didn’t live in a house like she did? And here she was running away from her home without permission to try to save Arendelle. Her parents would understand—she hoped.
Although they might not be thrilled when they learned she had left Harmon with the ice deliverer, who was practically a total stranger.
What was she thinking?
How was a girl who had never left her village before going to save the entire kingdom from a freak summer snowstorm?