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Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 50

Morning came quickly and Joulupukki, Dyndoeth, Lumi and Gwaldon met with Ceridfen as she fed them a light morning meal.  None of the young ones were out of bed yet.  As the sun started peaking above the horizon everyone's internal clock had to re-adjust which meant most people slept just a bit longer waiting for the new light to shine through their windows.  On this day the sun would not rise until nearly mid-morning and the Councilman would be in the new council chamber before the sun made its appearance.  The group of elves spoke briefly about what was expected from Rian and his band of Dark Elves and decided that it would be best for Ceridfen, Lumi and Gwaldon to stay in the cottage in case the dark ones started trouble here.  DynDoeth and Joulupukki would go to the council meeting.  As soon as they proved Joulupukki was indeed the son of Erlenkönig, he would start using his real name, Klaus.  They gathered together what evidence they had found in the cottage, the amulet had already been sent to Seileach so he could examine it for identifying magic to prove it was real.  A quick kiss for Ceridfen, and Dyndoeth and Joulupukki were off.
     “Have you figured out what magic would be needed to open the vault, Joulupukki,” questioned Dyndoeth?
     “No,” was his simple answer.  The worry in the Elf's eyes evident.
     “If you can't open it, you can not claim the right to Erlenkönig's legacy.”
     “I know my friend.  I have puzzled and puzzled over this for several
days and I can't figure it out.  I must have sang that lullaby a thousand times
or more, an acerbic snicker slipped past his lips, but I find nothing else helpful in it.  I was so young when he departed us.  I assume he knew there was magic within me, but how could he know how it would assert itself as I grew older.  How could he know about the strength I now have.  I don't think the answer is in the greatness of power or magic.  I just don't know what it is.”  Joulupukki was perplexed as his thoughts concentrated on the problem.
     “Perhaps, you should release it from your mind for a while.  You must trust that Erlenkönig has left the answer you need and it will reveal itself when the time comes."  It was difficult to push from his mind but he thought DynDoeth was right and tried to follow his advice.  When his thoughts relaxed he noticed how he and his friend were being watched as they walked the village cobblestones.
     “Do you recognize any of the elves we've passed,” he asked DynDoeth in a 
hushed voice?
     “No, they started appearing out of the side streets as soon as we left the cottage.  Do you think their intent is to intimidate us?”  Joulupukki laughed out loud and took a long look around the lane.  He pointed at the one nearest to him and nodded.  The elf nodded back and smiled insincerely. 
     “I've counted at least twenty three standing on the street around us.  I would guess they are here to intimidate the elves of the Village.”
     “You are likely right.”  DynDoeth looked down the street.  “I do not see
anyone I recognize and a good deal of the shops have not opened yet.”
They proceeded to the Keep.  As they approached he saw the Lead Council Guard standing with two other guards at the entrance.  Dyndoeth stopped briefly as the doors were opened.  Apprehension was apparent on all three of their faces.
     “So you've noticed the Erin Elves gathering on the street,” he asked the guard?
     “Yes,” was his return. “ They have surrounded the Keep, but we have detected no use of magic, as yet.”
     “Stay alert, my friend.  There is bad ether in the air on this morn.  I would bring all of the Council Guard into the keep as soon as you can and secure the doors.  When this morning's meeting is complete, I suspect violence, the like of which you have never seen, will erupt and Seileach and the other Councilmen will be in need of you and the guard.”
     “Why is this happening,” the Lead Guard asked?
     “We believe that Rian will make a play to overthrow the King and Council
once again as soon as Joulupukki, here, is pronounced son of Erlenkönig
and heir to the throne.”
     “This will be the last time.”  The guard looked up into Joulupukki's eyes
He remembered what DynDoeth told him about steering clear of this half human when he was angry.  What he saw in his eyes at that moment made him want to run away from the keep as fast as he could.  Instead he said,
     “We will be here to protect the Councilmen regardless of who attacks them,” his implication toward Joulupukki apparent, as his defiance rose in his voice and his gaze passed back to DynDoeth.  Joulupukki patted the guard's back,
     “You are a good elf...,”  he did not know the guard's name.
     “Osviklig,” Dyndoeth offered.  The guard looked at him surprised that DynDoeth knew his name.
     “I will remember you, Osviklig,” Joulupukki said.

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