Sweet Inspiration (14 page)

"Yes, that's the one. Supposedly, the red sphere refused to touch him. Later, they found out about his violent nature."

Johan joined in. "Yes, I remember that incident. And another one, too. It was the Schiffer's baby..."

"The one who was choking on magik pebbles? She almost died," added Achim.

"What happened with the babe?"

"I think the baby was choking, unbeknownst to the parents. The red sphere jumped from the cabinet and saved her before anyone realized what was happening." Johan looked at Hector for confirmation.

"Yes, this story is indeed true. Little Elsa was apprenticed to me a while ago. She has blossomed into quite a talented healer."

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Tobias looked thoughtfully at Hector. "Is it possible that the red sphere was privy to a future that must be fulfilled?

That it directed you onto the path you must take?"

"He brings up an interesting point, Hector." Otto tapped his fingers on the polished table in front of him. "You are not one to defy our rules. If your heart led you to this choice, then you must trust that it was the right thing to do."

Johan nodded in agreement. "At some point Nicholas Junior must take a bride and continue the line to fulfill the duty of the Klaus family. It appears that fate simply hurried the process along a bit."

Hector answered slowly. "It does seem possible...I must say, I was somewhat surprised by the healing. The red sphere appeared to recognize the union of these two, Nicholas and Lucy Anne."

"Fascinating. How exactly did this occur?" Tobias asked.

"She touched the spot above both of their hearts, one after another. She knew they were already linked, and I had the distinct impression...well, that she was blessing their future together. I have never seen her react in such a way."

"See, this is exactly what I am talking about." Tobias' eyes lit up as he looked at Hector. "Our magic has a way of working things out, regardless of our laws. It sees a bigger picture than we are privy to. We must not question the ways of fate."

Hector smiled. "Perhaps you are correct, Tobias. Perhaps these things were simply meant to be."

Ebbe coughed. "I, for one, am not so eager to let young Nicholas off the hook. He should be held accountable for his 128

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actions." He turned to Hector. "And you, Hector, well...I think you simply need a vacation."

Gerd looked sternly at Nicholas. "You are next in line to be Weihnachtsmann. You have a duty to uphold the laws of Glasdorf and set yourself as an example for everyone in this village. If indeed it is true that elfin magic has played a part in this scenario, then I feel you are somewhat exonerated.

But the council still needs your reassurance that you will promise to obey the laws of this realm in the future. And to accept all of the responsibilities of the role of Santa. Are you willing to do this, young man?'

Nicholas realized at that moment the price he would pay for saving Lucy's life. It would soon be time to give up Klaus Kuche and accept the position of Weihnachtsmann. "I apologize to the council for failing to uphold our laws. And, yes, Gerd, I have every intention of fulfilling my destiny as the oldest Klaus son in our family. However, I will not apologize for saving Lucy's life."

Otto smiled indulgently at Nicholas. "Tell us about Lucy, Nicholas. Is she trustworthy? Will she reveal our existence to the world or protect our secrets? Is she loyal to you?"

"Lucy is the most loyal, loving and trustworthy woman I have ever met. I have every confidence that she will guard our secrets. She has already captured the hearts of elves all over Glasdorf."

Tobias laughed. "That is certainly true. Many of the workers at Klaus Kuche are singing her praises."

Johan raised an eyebrow. "And at Dag's, too. We have a petition here signed by over a hundred elves."

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Nicholas blanched. "Uhh, yes, she may have played a couple of rounds of darts at the bar. Lucy has a way about her. She truly cares about everyone she meets."

Otto placed a pair of reading glasses on the tip of his nose and removed several sheets of paper from his pocket. "I also have a letter of support from Nicholas' parents, as well as his brothers. I would like to read them if you don't mind..."

"Well, I do mind!" shouted Ebbe. "Of course Nicky Sr. and Alena will stand behind their eldest son. Their love for him and all of the boys has never been questioned. However, a letter from the rest of that gang of hooligans is not exactly a ringing endorsement..."

Gerd snorted. "Oh, yes, let's hear what the reformed juvenile delinquents have to say. Should be fascinating."

Otto looked perturbed. "Cut the sarcasm, Gerd. The brothers have written a very eloquent letter of support for their brother."

Nicholas was astounded. "My brothers did that, for me?"

Gerd laughed. "Probably while consuming several gallons of Schwarz biers at Dag's, no doubt."

Otto ignored Gerd's comment and began to read. "To the members of the Council of Seven. We are concerned about the recent events involving our brother, Nicholas. We hope that the council does not overlook all of his past accomplishments and loyalty when determining his fate at the Tag der Rache. Although he may have broken a few rules, he has shown undying devotion to his family and all of Glasdorf over the years, and we do not believe that the acts of a single night should cancel out all of the good things he has done in 130

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his life. He has worked tirelessly at Klaus Kuche, bringing much pride to the elves who work there. We could not have asked for a better brother. Nicholas looked out for us regardless of our short-comings. He protected us, taught us even though we often exasperated him, and stood loyally behind us, regardless of our antics. He put up with a lot of trouble from us over the years, but never once let us down when we needed his help for any reason. We have the utmost faith in his abilities and realize that any defiant acts on his part were purely unintentional and not done with any malicious intent. Our brother is a good and loyal man, and deserves the respect of all of the members of Glasdorf, including the Council. Respectfully yours, Sven, Gregor, Wolfgang and Oskar Klaus."

"My God, I can't believe my brothers did that..." Nicholas took a deep breath and looked at Otto who was nodding in agreement.

"I can't believe it, either. The hoodlums are literate," Gerd said.

Johan addressed the council. "The brothers make a good point. Nicholas has accomplished much in his young life, and has shown unwavering loyalty to his family and Glasdorf prior to this incident. We must take that into consideration when judging him."

"Yes, I agree," added Otto. "One instance of ill behavior cannot negate all of the good he has done."

"Fine, fine. I think it is reasonable to consider his past exemplary behavior when determining our ruling. Let's move on." Gerd waved his hand dismissively.

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Ebbe grunted. "Yes, this is a complete waste of time. I would like to discuss Hector's culpability in this matter.

Nicholas, do you believe Hector is at fault in any way?"

"Absolutely not. Contrary to what Hector may believe, he is not at fault here. I forcefully insisted that he save Lucy's life. And I am in his debt always for his act of compassion."

"Hector has served as the head of the council for many years, displaying excellent leadership and sound judgment on all matters. If the red sphere willingly saved this woman's life, then I think that Hector's actions should be forgiven," said Johan.

Achim nodded. "I agree. Hector was put in a difficult situation by young Nicholas. It is not easy to refuse the son of Weihnachtsmann, for any reason."

Ebbe turned to look at Hector, and the old man's wrinkled face softened a bit. "Yes, our relationship with the Klaus family is a bit thorny, is it not? Difficult to refuse the saviors of our race regardless of our position in Glasdorf. Hector, do not look so forlorn."

Tobias turned to the other elves. "I think we are agreed that Hector deserves some latitude in regard to his actions.

And young Nicholas seems determined to uphold our laws in the future. Lucy appears to be a wonderful candidate for the wife of Weihnachtsmann. I, for one, think that Nicholas should be absolved of these crimes and allowed to continue as heir. It seems the time has come for Uberholen, the passing of the torch."

Johan nodded forcefully. "I fully agree with Tobias. Hector could not have healed this woman unless the red sphere 132

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deemed it. The magic has spoken to us...we must listen carefully."

Achim nodded. "The council will discuss your fate, young man. Please wait in the hallway until we call you for the judgment."

Nicholas bowed to the council. "Thank you for allowing me to be heard this evening. I will willingly abide by any decision the council metes out."

Hector stood and shuffled to Nicholas' side. "I, too, will await your judgment. Come along, Nicholas." The two of them entered the long hallway. They leaned against the cold walls as the small arched doorway closed, enveloping them in darkness.

"Hector, I am so sorry. I never meant to get you into trouble. You saved Lucy's life..."

The old elf shook his head and laughed gently. "Do not worry, Nicholas. I believe the council is right about magic interfering in this process. These things were meant to be. All will be well."

Nicholas could hear murmuring in the next room, punctuated by an occasional outburst. About quarter of an hour passed, and then the door opened, revealing Tobias in his velvet robe. His hood was down, and he reached towards Nicholas and Hector with open arms.

"Please join us, my friends. We are ready."

Nicholas and Hector moved in front of the table and awaited the council's announcement.

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Johan cleared his throat. "Hear this, Nicholas Sebastian Klaus, son and heir of Nicholas, Weihnachtsmann. We, the Council of Seven, have made a decision."

Six wizened faces greeted him with somber expressions.

"The council has decided to trust in the hands of fate today. Although you have broken two sacred laws of Glasdorf, it appears that our magic may have encouraged the outcome of these events. It does seem that the Sudlander Lucy Anne Brewster will make an exceptional partner to the future Weihnachtsmann, and is trust-worthy and loyal. In addition, you have exhibited exemplary behavior in the past, and have proven yourself to be more than worthy of the position of Santa for the upcoming generation of Glasdorf. The Council will make a recommendation to Nicholas Senior that you shall take over the role of Weihnachtsmann within twelve cycles of the moon. It is time for you to fulfill your destiny, to honor the pact made centuries ago."

"In conclusion, the council forgives your transgressions, and gives our blessing to your union with Lucy Anne Brewster."

Johan turned to Hector. "Hector, our good friend, and head of the Council of Seven, we absolve you of any and all guilt pertaining to the events of the day in question. Clearly, your magic was only successful based on the merits of this case, resulting in an outcome that is critical to the welfare and future of Glasdorf." In a softer voice, Johan whispered to his friend, "Do not lose trust in yourself, Hector. You have served Glasdorf well for many years. And will continue to do so, I have no doubt."

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Nicholas swayed a bit and let out a huge breath of relief.

Hector patted him on the back and grinned. "You see, I told you all would be well. The council prides itself on being fair and just."

"I think it's time to celebrate with some Irish coffees and honey sticks for everyone. I also have a delicious platter of honey bars from Klaus Kuche," announced Tobias as he carried a tray of food to the table.

"Honey bars? Those are my favorites." Ebbe reached over to grab a handful of cookies.

Nicholas smiled. "I'm glad you like them, Ebbe. We've been using lavender honey this year and my workers assure me it's the best."

Johan nodded. "I love the texture. So soft and chewy. My granddaughters can't get enough of these."

"Will you join us, Nicholas?" Tobias asked.

"Thank you, Tobias, but I promised Lucy I would return home as soon as I could to let her know what happened.

She's very nervous."

Tobias nodded at Nicholas. "We are all looking forward to meeting your Schatzi. Perhaps we could plan a get-together soon."

Hector agreed. "Helga would enjoy planning such an event.

She loves entertaining."

Nicholas buttoned up his coat as the elves continued to discuss their plans and distribute honey sticks around the circular table.

Ebbe sauntered up to Hector, clutching a photo album in his hands. "Hector, it's clear that this entire matter has 135

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weighed heavily on you. How about planning a nice vacation after Christmas?" He smiled at his old friend. "There's a lovely island in Tahiti that is nice this time of the year. Very isolated and quiet."

Nicholas smiled to himself as Ebbe opened up the album to reveal numerous photos of himself in flip-flops, a red Speedo bathing suit, and a T-shirt that said Naked Co-Ed Elfin Lacrosse.

Hector stroked his beard thoughtfully. "What a beautiful beach. Helga always enjoys a nice swim in the tropical waters."

Nicholas laughed as the elves began a discussion about various vacation destinations. As he entered the hallway, he turned and shouted "Good night! And thank you!" to the council.

"Gute Nacht, young Nicholas!" Otto shouted back as he sipped a large mug of coffee.

Nicholas hurried out of the cottage. He felt an odd sense of relief, a touch bittersweet. He was immensely thankful the council had not expelled him from Glasdorf. But the knowledge that the Uberholen was only a year away filled him with dread. And he was still wary of Lucy's reaction to all of this. He was not certain that she would be willing to sacrifice her life in the Sudenwelt to stay here with him. He would be asking a lot...a hell of a lot.