Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 35

As they left the Keep DynDoeth questioned Joulupukki, “What did I miss back there?” Joulupukki explained everything that happened and how no one would have been able to tell where the attack originated. “Which means he could have blamed any one of us, ”stated DynDoeth. Joulupukki simply nodded. “How did you know that it was coming?” “Nothing special DynDoeth, no magic there. Living in the human world all of my life, you learn how to read body language, especially when people are constantly chasing you from one village to another. Something I've noticed about elves, subtlety in reading emotions is not your forte. Rian's intentions were written all over his face. I simply watched until the inevitable happened. He was trying to attack the Forest Elf.” “And he never even knew it, thanks to you. But the crystal?” “Rian is not one to play with. His magic is strong and he is as ruthless as any human I have seen. The breaking of the crystal was not my intent, but he sent such a strong pulse of magic into it that my response had to match it. It would surely have destroyed Seileach if it had not been contained. Come to think of it, did that destroy his crystal.” “Good question.” answered the Elder, “I have never seen it happen before.” He looked earnestly at Joulupukki. “You are an amazing elf, Joulupukki. Erlenkönig would be very proud of you.” He smiled and began to laugh as they drew closer to the cottage. “What a tale this will be. Children will learn of Joulupukki's confronting the demon Rian in the middle of the Council Chamber and no one even knew. Are you a good story teller like your mother? Wait, did Rian know who thwarted his magic,” he asked suddenly aware that he had not asked this before? “I don't think he could trace it to me but it was very different from what he is used to. I'm sure it won't take long for him to suspect me. We must keep our guard up until we see this to the end.” “You have bought us time my young friend,” slapping Joulupukki on the back. “Now, I think it's time to discuss your name,” as they walked through the doorway to the cottage.