Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 57

“What's this then,” he asked him as Sprinteren poked his head through the stable door. “Umm, we're guarding the back door to make sure no one tries to get in or come out. “I see, said the half elf. Why are you over here rather than at the door?” He inquired. “There is a group of elves just past the door who have strong powers. As long as they stay, umm, we keep them in there, they can't do anything. We'll just wait them out. Joulupukki noticed three of their group unconscious on the ground and one stuck to a nearby wall with a magical web. If he guessed, he would say Ceridfen was the 'group of elves' of which they spoke. “By the way, who are you,” the Dark Elf inquired as he stood as tall as he could. “Me,” Joulupukki asked? Sprinteren, meanwhile stretched his neck out and bit one of the elves hard on his hip. “I'll kill that deer,” the elf yelled! “No one special,” the Joulupukki continued, “I'm the new King,” he finished. The Dark Elves around him were stunned for a moment. He could see fear building on their faces and felt their magic begin to grow, but before they could attack him he used his own power to removed the magic from each one of them. They began to babble as he corralled them into the barn. Keep an eye on them he said to Sprinteren and all of the deer surrounded the elves. Joulupukki turned to the door, calling out lightly, “Ceridfen, it is I, Joulupukki.” He released his magic completely so she would know that he was no threat to her. “Ceridfen?” He said when out of the dark a strong blast of magic flew down the hallway. There was nothing he could do but allow it to strike him. Rather than fighting the magic he drew it into himself. Every cell in his body gathered the energy in then expelled it through his skin and he began to glow like a firefly. “My King,” Ceridfen screamed. “What have I done?” She ran to Joulupukki who just stood looking at her with a frown on his face, the glow slowly fading. “Ceridfen, this is no time for games, stop trying to tickle me,” a wide grin spread across his face. She grinned back and placed her arm around his, “I am so sorry, my King.” Joulupukki sighed and said, “Let's go find your husband. Is Lumi with him?” She felt him wobble slightly as they started to walk. “Yes, they are together.” Her magic was powerful, almost as powerful as Dyndoeth's, and she knew that if it had been any other elf he would not be standing there. She was amazed at how he managed to absorb the attack and was thankful she had done him no permanent harm, but she also knew that her attack had hurt him. They quickly but carefully traversed the corridors with Ceridfen leading the way. Joulupukki casting his magic across the cottage to touch his two friends. He could feel the strength of Dyndoeth and his attacks on the Dark Ones. He also sensed how week Lumi had become. “Dyndoeth, I'm sorry but I can't hold out much longer. I hate let you down.” Lumi said exhausted. “What,” Dyndoeth returned? “You have proven yourself a hundred times over. I am proud of you and I could not have chosen a better elf to have by my side. Now rest for a moment and with any luck we will have some relief shortly.” Dyndoeth redoubled his efforts sending everything he had down the corridor. He thought he saw Rian arrive a few minutes earlier. If he could just get a clear shot at him he might be able to end this. Rian knew better than to allow Dyndoeth to get too near him. He did not have the power of Erlenkönig but he was equal to himself, so he remained in the back of the pack. He could only win if he allowed his minions to wear the elf down no matter how many fell before him. Then he could do what ever he wanted with him and that pesky young ward of his. Hadn't he already killed that young elf once. Oh, that's right, another plan that Seileach had spoiled, sending him into the northern desert instead of stripping his magic. When he finished with Dyndoeth, he swore to take revenge on anyone who had stood in his way, and the first one would be the Elder Councilman. Almost as if in a dream Lumi could feel the king's presence. “Let me strengthen you my friend,” he could feel Joulupukki speaking to him in his mind, and he opened himself up to the half elf's magic. He could feel the strength of it filling him, but also feel the king regulating his magic to keep it from overwhelming him, what power he sensed! Lumi felt rejuvenated and whispered, “Thank you,” to Joulupukki. The young elf rejoined the fight at full force. Dyndoeth looked at him with surprise in his eyes, “What...” he started to ask. “Our King is near,” was Lumi's only response.