Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 33

“Please allow me to answer that question,” he offered. When Rian saw him his face went white. Is this a ghost? He questioned himself. Could it be? It looked like Erlenkönig but he was sure he was dead. In fact, when his spy had arrived back in the Village to let him know the deed had been completed, he immediately turned him over to the council and he was put to death as well. He always remembered a saying that he heard from one of the humans back in Erin. Dead men don't speak. Yet this elf was different, with as much human in his features as elfin. He was much taller than anyone present with only the Forest Elf even approaching his height. “It was I who used the magic in DynDoeth's house. I was unaware that elfin magic would need the Council's permission. My friend DynDoeth did not know of my misdeed and I would like to apologize right now for causing him such grief.” Always stoic, Seileach, stood looking up at him, no expression apparent on his face. After a few moments of silence Rian jumped from the throne and demanded, “Who is this!” “Let me introduce you,” DynDoeth said with a mordant look on his face. “This is our new King, Joulupukki, son of Erlenkönig and Aisling.” As he said his name a small snicker could be heard from around the room. “Joulupukki!” Rian started, "isn't that the name of a Goat?” Joulupukki twirled with astonishing speed to face Rian who took a step back, “Yes! It is ...Little King.” As he spat the last two words from his mouth, he left no doubt as to the feelings he felt for Rian and made clear that it was both warning and promise rolled in one. Since he met Joulupukki, DynDoeth had not seen the human side of him so boldly displayed. He started to fear that he might attack Rian right then. He did not fear for Joulupukki. He had seen the strength in him. He worried more about their plan and saving the kingdom. The Lead Council Guard hesitated before calling for reinforcements. He glanced at DynDoeth with a sheepish look upon his face. As the additional guards arrived Joulupukki turned from Rian facing the lead guard, he laid a large hand slowly on his shoulder and gave him the most warming smile he could muster. “Please forgive my impudence, do not worry, I have no intention of starting trouble here,” he said, “I'm afraid I was unaware of the strength of my own reaction when I finally met my father's killer face to face.” A loud murmur started around the chamber. “Who do you think you are,” yelled Rian! The Forest Councilman started to speak, but simply by raising his index finger in a non-threatening way, Joulupukki quieted the assemblage. “Alleged murderer, that will await another day. Again, to the Councilman, please accept my humble apology. He could feel the defensive magic being deployed by the guards standing around him. His own he weaved in and out of theirs and found it very simple to strip it from them if he had need. “I would like to declare to the Council that I intend to pursue my right as son to the powerful and great King of all Elves, Erlenkönig, to regain the thrown in his name and to defend it against all others” He paused for a moment looking at Rian, then leaned forward and whispered in the ear of the Northern Clan Councilman, “including Little Kings.” The Councilman could not help but to allow a slight snicker to slip from his lips hiding his face in his hand. “In the light of this new turn of events, I will call a recess to further explore the evidence and ramifications of the petitioner, Joulupukki, for verification of his claim as to be the heir to the King of all Elves, Erlenkönig, and if proven correct, whether he himself has the right to become King. As for the reason for DynDoeth's presence here. It has been explained as to have been perpetrated on his property but not by him. I must admonish you to be more careful in controlling the action of your guests in the future.” “Indeed I will,” DynDoeth supplicated to the Forest Elf. “I am satisfied that there has been no intentional harm done. How say each of you?” Rian, full of anger, began to scream of the injustice, but the Northern Clan Councilman cut him off, “I agree with Seileach, this is nothing more than a simple misunderstanding.” The Southern Clan also weighed in on the side of Seileach and went further, “Please accept our apology for interrupting your day for such a trivial matter.” DynDoeth nodded. Rian broke in calmly, his emotions back in check, “Apologizing,” he asked the Councilman? “Now we are apologizing to those who are brought forth before this council?” He looked at each of the Councilman, “It is of my opinion that this,” he waived his hands in the air before returning to the throne, “this farce be treated as such. How do we know this is even the son of Erlenkönig, and if he is, what gives him the right to claim the throne. He is half human, an abomination.”