Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 59

“I must say, Rian,” Joulupukki addressed the Dark Elf. “I find you a bit disappointing. From all of the stories I've heard, I expected so much more from you.” “I killed your father didn't I.” Rian quipped. The crystal on Joulupukki's staff began to glow, although his face gave away no emotions. The glow subsided as he responded to Rian's challenge. “Yes, you had him killed, if I remember correctly, out of fear, it was the humans who did it for you. You had no direct hand in it. You coward.” He was prepared for an attack from the Dark One. "All of this after my father let you live.” “He was the weak one!” Rian lashed out. “Was he?” Joulupukki questioned. “He seemed to know everything that would unfold in the Village. He knew about you still being here. He knew about your attempt to become king again, he knew that you had not yet succeeded in that quest. I think, perhaps, after intermingling his magic with Bréagán's, he became a Seer and he knew how everything would unfold. Then again, he knew how arrogant you are, he likely could have guessed most of this.” “A Seer, hah, everyone knows that's just a parlor trick. There is no such thing.” Dyndoeth and Lumi remained in their place of safety, ready to back up the king if he needed it. Lumi spoke up, “Have you heard the true version of the prophecy about your return, my King." Joulupukki raised his voice a bit louder than he intended. “Don't call me that,” he said to Lumi, hearing Dyndoeth's quick laugh, then, “please, go on.” “'An elf of old will arise as the son of the true King and re-unite the elves under his own son who will never be King.' Is how most elves know it, but according to the writings that were left by Erlenkönig, at the time of Rian's return he was approached by an Elder Erin Seer who's prophecy actually went as follows: 'Vernal Elf and Harvest Human will arise as the son of the true King and re-unite the elves under his own son who will never be King.' You are the Vernal Elf (young elf) and Harvest Human (wise older human) son of Erlenkönig who will unite the elves under your own son.” “What complete foolishness,” Rian burst out laughing. Joulupukki, surprisingly laughed along with him. “That does seem to be a bit of a stretch.” He looked at Rian. “I think it is time to end this. Rian, I will be my father's son for just a moment. He was a much kinder man than I. If you surrender I will allow the Council to determine your fate.” “Yes, I think you are right. It is time to end this.” He stretched his arms out in supplication, then without a hint of warning blasted a ball of energy directly at Ceridfen. Then immediately followed it with the same at Joulupukki. The King reached out without hesitation and plucked the magic destined for Ceridfen from the air and dropping his staff he did the same with the second one. As the the Dark Elves stood amazed at this feat he played with Rian's magic, stretching it and squeezing it until he finally combined the two balls into one. Even Rian stood watching with slack jaw and mouth hanging open. “So, you have made your decision.” He looked at Rian and gently tossed the magic ball back to its creator. Seeing it coming, Rian grabbed both of the confused elves beside him by their sleeves and pulled them in front of him. As the energy touched each of them they dissolved into nothingness, as if they had never existed at all. Joulupukki bent down and retrieved his staff tipping the crystal in Rian's direction. Out of desperation Rian started to cast magic in all directions trying to find a way to escape. Dyndoeth and Lumi rushed to Ceridfen creating a protective screen between them and Rian. Joulupukki gathered his magic and guiding it carefully through the crystal created a bubble around Rian effectively containing the Dark Elf's power. Letting go of the barrier the three elves watched as Rian struggled and screamed as the bubble grew smaller and smaller until he stopped moving and was drawn into the crystal. The dark magic causing it to become opaque, a muddy reddish, orange, garnet color with a faint view of Rian's image frozen in the center of the crystal. “Is it over,” asked Ceridfen? “We must still be careful,” Joulupukki replied, “Their are, yet, many Dark Ones fighting in the streets. Lumi, how do you feel?” “I am well thanks to you.” “Do you think you can make it to the Council and inform them as to what has happened here?” “Without question, my, uhh, Joulupukki.” He responded. “Be very careful. Tell them we will gather those who have been captured and bring them to the Keep until they decide what to do with them. Along your way, inform as many Elves as you can that Rian is no more. Hopefully it will spread and perhaps help to end the fighting.”