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Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 55

“You may be right, Rian.”  Joulupukki started again, “If you look at the door you will see letters that are inscribed into movable tiles.”  They all stepped closer to get a better look.  Even Rian was curious enough to lift himself from the floor and move within view of the vault.
     “When I was a child I used to play games with my mother and father.   I didn't know it at the time but each one of those games were meant to teach me something.”
     “For Oden's sake just get on with it,” Rian blurted out.  Joulupukki ignored him.
Reaching down he started to manipulate the tiles until he finally said.
     “Seileach, do you know what this game was meant to teach me?”
The question was rhetorical and he did not wait for an answer from Seileach.
“How to spell my name,” he said as he moved out of the way so everyone could see.  On the top of the vault was written 'Klaus'.  There were several gasps from the Councilman.  “If you would, Seileach, I respectfully give you the honor of opening it.”
Seileach stepped over to the vault and, bending down, he tugged gently and the door opened.  They found a thick satchel of documents inside it, on top of which were two letters.  One was addressed to Seileach or the current Elder Councilman.  The other to Klaus and under that was written Joulupukki.  
Seileach opened the letter addressed to the Elder Council Member and looked at the first few lines.  
     “Seileach, if this is you, I hope you are well.  First, please check the magic in this note and verify that it is King Erlenkönig's magic that has been infused into the ink.”  The Elder did as he was instructed and did indeed recognize the former King's magic.  He read further.  “If the last fifty years or so have progressed the way I have foreseen them, Rian is still a member of the council.  If so be very careful of him, he is devious.  I would guess that he is very upset at the events that have recently unfurled.  I am not concerned 
about Klaus.  He should have come into his power by the time he reaches the 
Village and should be more than a match for Rian.  In truth, I expect him to have magic that is second to no elf that has ever lived.  I regret that I am not there to see it.  I only hope that Dyndoeth is there to guide him.  If he arrived under the name of Joulupukki, be aware, that is a name that Aisling and I agreed upon as the last one that she would give him in their travels back to the Village.  It would also mean that she is no longer with him.  We intentionally kept his real name from him for his safety.  In the vault
you will find a satchel of papers verifying his identity as well as copies of court documents from my time as King.  There is also a personal letter to my son, please make sure he gets it.”
     “There is no reason to delay further.”   Seileach raised his voice through the din of the eating hall.  “I have been convinced that Joulupukki is indeed, Klaus, son of the King of all elves, Erlenkönig and his Queen  Aisling, and therefore will receive all of the rights here to fore given that of the son of a king and specifically the son of Erlenkönig not to exclude that of the succession to his father's throne.  How does the Council vote."
     “A resounding yes from the Southern Kingdom Councilman.”
     “The Village Councilman agrees, Yes.”
     “Stop, stop, stop this farce.  We have not even debated this issue.  Look before you, a half human, a half-ling, an abomination, a monster, and you are willing to give him the kingdom?  You are willing to let him decide the fate of your fellow elves?  You gravely disappoint me!”
     “It is your right to stop these proceedings if you have a second vote from any Councilman.  Do I hear anyone who wishes to vote with Rian.  The Erin elf slowly made his way to the back of the group trying to keep as much distance as possible between he and Rian.  Even he knew it was over and that nothing could stop this half elf from becoming King.  “It seems you are alone in this Rian,” the Elder said, “please continue.”
     “The Northern Clan would be proud to call the son of Erlenkönig, King, yes.”
     “And you,” Seileach asked the Erin Elf.  He looked at Rian and added a simple, yes, to the count.  “Rian?” Seileach asked the defiant Councilman.

Copyright © James Inman | Year Posted 2021

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