North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Page 34

  Donner let out an indelicate snort. “Hardly.” The music picked up, and Donner was pleasantly surprised at how well Calder kept up. The elf certainly did know how to dance. Donner was picked up again. Calder turned and placed him on his feet. Donner supposed he wasn’t having a terrible time.

  “I’m curious. What happened to your brother Gunne?” Donner asked as they followed Rudy and Jack’s lead, returning to their positions for more waltzing.

  “He broke many laws when he decided to carry out his petty vengeance. It was foolish of him to believe he could meddle in the affairs of the Frost monarchy and not face the repercussions. What he did to Cupid was unforgiveable.” Calder shook his head, his frown deep. “He caused so much pain.”

  “What will happen to him?”

  “He’s awaiting trial by the Council. My father and the other council members will decide how he’s to be punished.”

  “I thought Dockalfar hated the Frost Kingdom.”

  “There’s no love lost between the Frost Kingdom and the Dockalfar, but the Council is as eager to remain at peace as the King of Frost. War brings only pain and death. The Docklafar regret what happened to the Queen of Frost. It’s haunted our kingdom for centuries.”

  Donner nodded sadly. “It’s haunted the King of Frost as well. The poor king. Locked away in his palace, all alone. I can’t imagine how lonely he must be.”

  “I can,” Calder replied quietly.

  Before Donner could ask what he meant, a toy soldier ran into the ballroom. He spotted Jack and hurried over, then spoke quietly. Rudy let out a low gasp, his words quiet, but Donner and Calder were close enough to hear.

  “Jack, we have to do something.” Rudy looked up at Jack, his expression concerned.

  “We’ll take care of it, darling. I promise.” He kissed Rudy’s cheek before turning to Vale. “Notify Hollis. We need as many toy soldiers as possible to head to the Rock Candy Mountains.”

  “Jack, what’s going on?” Blitzen asked. “We’ve been relocating elves from there to newly built gingerbread houses for months.”

  Jack’s determined gaze melted into concern. It had to be serious to worry Jack Frost. “The Rock Candy Mountain’s highest peak has melted enough to crumble. There could be an avalanche at any moment.”

  Donner gasped. “But… we’ve not finished the houses. We still have a dozen or more families to build houses for. They’re at the base of the mountain near the mine.”

  “They’ll be crushed in their homes if there’s an avalanche,” Dasher said. He looked as stricken as the rest of them.

  “That’s why we’re going to gather up everyone we can, relocate those families, and get those homes built,” Jack replied, his expression determined.

  Donner looked up at Calder. He was bigger than any of them. He could carry twice the gingerbread even Blitzen could carry, and Blitzen was the biggest of the Rein Dear.

  “You should come.”

  Calder looked surprised. “You want me to help?”

  “You’re stronger than any of us, and you have magic. There must be something you can do.”

  “Absolutely not,” Jack growled. “No Dockalfar is going near that village. Those elves are terrified enough.”

  “They won’t be scared once they see Calder is there to help,” Cupid chipped in. “Donner’s right. Calder is stronger than most of us. And he knows how to use his magic to do good. We could get so much more done if he were there.”

  “No,” Jack snapped. “I forbid it. He can’t be trusted.”

  Calder stepped forward, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “Get off your high sleigh, Frost. Elves are in danger. Elflings too. You would put your pride before their safety?”

  “It’s exactly their safety I’m thinking of,” Jack bellowed, the room dropping in temperature.

  “If that were true, then you would let me help. You know Donner and Cupid are right. I can help. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it. Have one of your soldiers watch me if it makes you feel better, but we’re wasting time arguing.”

  “Jack, please.” Rudy took hold of Jack’s hand.

  With a frustrated growl, Jack put up a hand. “Fine. But I swear to you, if you—”

  “Yes, yes. Hurt someone you care about and your wrath will be unyielding. I heard you the first time. Now let’s go.” Calder turned and headed for the door. Cupid quickly followed with Blitzen right behind him. Donner joined them, telling himself he had no idea where that sudden burst of faith in Calder had come from. He hoped he hadn’t just made a terrible mistake.

  Chapter 4

  The call for help had been carried on the wind by Jack Frost, and everyone was eager to offer their services. The King of Frost sent dozens of toy soldiers to lend a hand, and Donner was pleased to see all his Rein Dear brethren in attendance. The elves from the village at the base of the Rock Candy Mountains came out to greet them. Over the last several months, Donner and the rest of the Rein Dear had been constructing sturdy new homes away from the mountain near Cinnamon Square, where the surrounding villages went for their food and shopping. It was a bit of a trek from the old village near the Rock Candy Mountain mine to the new village, but the villagers knew it was necessary to keep their families safe. The mine was the village’s only source of income, which meant if it was destroyed by an avalanche, the villagers would have to search elsewhere for work.

  Donner helped Cupid out of their sleigh, and when Calder stepped out of his, the villagers broke into a panic. They fled into their homes, slamming their doors and shutting their windows. Well, that was new.

  Jack arched an eyebrow at Calder. “You’ll have to teach me how you do that.”

  Calder chuckled. “Why? Planning on scaring away some wedding planners?”

  Rudy turned to Jack with an amused smile. “Something you want to share, darling?”

  “Um, no.” Jack cleared his throat before pointing toward the barricaded homes. “You should probably go speak to them. They’re less likely to cower.”

  “Of course,” Rudy replied sweetly. He turned to the rest of the Rein Dears. “Vixen, Cupid, will you accompany me, please?”

  The three headed off, and Donner discreetly glanced over at Calder. He didn’t seem the least bit concerned about the runaway villagers. Donner couldn’t help his frown. How awful it must be to incite such a reaction wherever one went. How did it not hurt Calder’s feelings? He supposed Calder was accustomed to it but still. Donner couldn’t imagine living his life being feared in such a manner. Many magical creatures feared Jack, but mostly they feared his temper. They never truly feared for their lives, especially lately, thanks to Rudy’s influence. With Calder it was different. Those who encountered him truly believed he would harm them. You were one of them. Donner promptly told his thoughts to go fly a kite. Perhaps he had been, but not anymore.

  It didn’t take long before the villagers emerged with Rudy, Vixen, and Cupid. They kept their distance from Calder, but thanked Jack for coming to help. Soon everyone had a task to perform.

  The snow at the base of the mountain had hoarfrost, the crystals sparkling like diamonds. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining in the sky. The perfect setting for an avalanche. They went to work quickly. Everyone pitched in, whether carrying slabs of gingerbread from the sleighs over to the foundations, like Calder had been doing or helping the elves move their belongings out of their old homes, as Donner and Cupid were doing.

  In the afternoon, Donner and Cupid volunteered to go to Cinnamon Square to bring back lunch for everyone. They brought plenty of tasty treats, along with hot drinks, which they distributed. Donner left Calder for last. As he suspected, everyone had split off into little groups to eat, none of which included Calder. Not that Calder seemed put off. He sat on a large fallen tree, a smile on his face as he watched a couple of foxes frolicking in the snow nearby. Donner felt his cheeks warm as he handed Calder a large paper bag.

  “Your lunch.”

  Calder’s smile reached his eye
s. “Thank you.” He took the bag from Donner.

  “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so it’s mostly savory.” He imagined Dockalfar were less likely to eat as much sugar and sweets as Christmas elves did, but he also remembered the box of cakes and cupcakes Calder had brought him and Cupid. “But there’s a cake too.” He made certain Calder’s lunch was properly portioned. The elf was quite strapping, to say the least.

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Donner stood there dumbly, his own lunch in a smaller bag in his hand. Should he ask to join Calder? Should he merely invite himself to sit?

  Calder lifted his head and cocked it. “Would you like to join me? I won’t feel offended if you would rather sit with your brethren.”

  With a smile, Donner handed his lunch to Calder. “Would you hold this for me? Some of us aren’t so tall,” he teased.

  Calder placed both lunches on the tree beside him, then stood. Before Donner could ask what he was doing, Calder took hold of his waist. He easily lifted Donner and placed him gently on the tree.

  “There you go.” Calder took a seat beside him, then handed Donner his lunch.

  “Thank you.” Donner smiled, though he was somewhat annoyed at himself for blushing all the blasted time. When he looked up, his Rein Dear brothers were all gaping at him. Honestly, sometimes they behaved like elflings. Donner stuck out his tongue at them, and Cupid giggled. Beside Donner, Calder laughed softly.

  “What about your reputation?” Calder asked.

  “Yes, well, their reputations aren’t flawless. Vixen almost singlehandedly destroyed the Frost Kingdom by revealing one of its secrets to a corrupt toy soldier. Rudy and Jack hid their relationship for centuries. Jack lost his heart to the ice and became a monster. Major Hollis almost killed Rudy. Cupid hid the truth about his Dockalfar blood, and Dasher has this silly notion that the King of Frost needs a new sweetheart, namely him. Frankly, I think my decision to eat lunch with a Dockalfar pales in comparison to my brethren’s past indiscretions.”

  Calder blinked at him before he threw his head back and laughed. The sound was rich and warm, and Donner couldn’t help but join in. He didn’t care that everyone looked at him as if he’d lost his marbles. He was enjoying himself.

  The two of them talked and teased as they ate lunch. Soon it was time to get back to work, and Donner was in good spirits. He returned to one of the homes to retrieve the last of the family’s belongings when he overheard a group of toy soldiers talking.

  “The audacity. How can Jack not see that elf is merely pretending, waiting for the right moment to strike? After what his brother did? How could Jack allow him to even go near his home?”

  Another toy soldier joined in. “He’ll betray Jack the moment his back is turned. That creature is vile and sinister, capable of terrible destruction. We should do something.”

  Donner’s anger boiled over, and he marched up to the toy soldiers. “You’ll do no such thing. You should be ashamed of yourselves. The king’s great army plotting against an elf who has done nothing but show kindness. Yes, he may be a Dockalfar, but he’s not like his brother or his kind. He’s good.”

  One of the toy soldiers scoffed. “There’s no such thing.”

  “Cupid is good, and he’s of Dockalfar blood,” Donner reminded them.

  “Cupid is part winter faery,” another toy soldier argued. “He chose the light. Calder chose the dark. He’s a monster and needs to be shown that his place is with his own kind.”

  Donner balled his hands into fists at his side. “How dare you! You so much as lift a finger against Calder, and you’ll regret it.”

  The toy soldiers laughed, their leader speaking up. “You’re a Rein Dear. Nothing but a pretty little puppet for Mayor Kringle. You think we’re afraid of you?”

  “How about me?” Calder stepped up beside Donner, giving him a start. Where the holly berries had he come from? Had he heard everything they’d said? “Apologize to him,” Calder ordered, his tone icy.

  “We don’t answer to you, Dockalfar,” the leader growled, his hand going to the baton on his belt.

  “No, but you answer to me.”

  The fierce growl took them all by surprise, and the toy soldiers scrambled to stand in formation, their gazes stern and straight ahead. Jack stopped before them, his eyes narrowed. “If I hear such talk again, know that I will not hesitate to put you in your place. You bring shame to your position and my family’s name. Now get to work.”

  The toy soldiers nodded and took off, leaving nothing but a flurry of snow behind. Jack didn’t so much as look at Calder as he walked by, but his tone softened. “Get back to work. We still have a lot to do.”

  Calder nodded. He turned to Donner and gave him a bow. “Thank you.”

  With that, he walked away, and Donner continued on his previous path to one of the homes, his heart beating wildly. Had he just defended a Dockalfar? He had no idea what was the matter with him. Yet all he could think about was Calder’s smile and wonderful laughter. He hadn’t intended to leap to Calder’s defense, but hearing those toy soldiers saying such things about Calder had infuriated him.

  “Hello.”

  Donner came to a halt and looked down to find the source of the soft voice. He smiled at the tiny elfling standing in front of the door to the house. She was sweet, with a shy smile, big brown eyes, and unruly brown hair, dressed in a plum-colored dress with white-and-purple-striped stockings and pink boots.

  “Hello, little one.” Donner knelt before her. “What’s your name?”

  “Tulip.” She looked him up and down. “You’re a Rein Dear.”

  “I am,” he stated proudly. He loved being a Rein Dear and loved the way her eyes filled with wonder because of it. She studied him before seeming to come to some kind of conclusion. “Is he your friend?”

  “Who?” Donner asked.

  She pointed behind him, and he craned his neck to see Calder lifting a hefty slab of gingerbread onto his shoulder. Donner turned back to Tulip, unsure how to respond.

  She leaned in close and whispered hoarsely, “Mama says Dockalfar are evil.”

  “Well, to be honest, I thought so too, but then I met Calder, and he’s not evil at all.”

  “He’s not?”

  Donner shook his head. “He’s very kind and gentle. He’s been very good to me.”

  Her little face lit up, and she clapped her hands before whispering loudly again. “Is he your sweetheart?”

  Donner gaped at her. Of all the things to say! Where did these elflings learn these things? Perhaps if he pretended he hadn’t heard her…

  “Well?” She planted her tiny fists on her hips, her brows drawn together. Insistent little thing.

  “We’re friends,” Donner said, standing. He held out his hand, and she took it, her small fingers curling around his. Together they walked inside. “Why don’t you help me?”

  “Okay!” She skipped alongside him as he headed into the bedroom, which had only a small chest and several knickknacks. He handed her a bright yellow candle.

  “Here you go. You can light our way in case it gets dark. Now stay close to me.” He headed for the front door with Tulip cheerfully accompanying him. “Where are your parents?”

  “My mommy’s in the garden. She’s taking her special flowers that Grandma left her.”

  “All right. Why don’t we go tell her you’re going to help me?”

  Tulip nodded and carried the candle very dutifully. Outside they found Tulip’s mother, who thanked Donner for his help. She was incredibly grateful for everything they were doing. It was just her and her daughter, and Tulip couldn’t wait for them to move into their new home. As they chatted outside in the snow, Donner caught movement from the corner of his eye. He turned, his heart leaping into his throat when he spotted the gray rabbit bounding off toward the mine’s entrance with Tulip running after him.

  Oh, no. No.

  “Tulip!” Donner dropped everything and took off after her. “Stop! Tulip, stop!” Behind him,
he heard Tulip’s mother calling out to her, but the elfling didn’t acknowledge them. She ran gleefully at full speed after the rabbit. The rabbit, and soon after, Tulip, disappeared into the darkness of the mine. Donner stopped just inside the mine’s entrance, the floor rumbling beneath him.

  “Tulip!” Oh, goddess. Only darkness stretched ahead of him. Pitch blackness. His brow beaded with sweat, and his heart pounded in his ears. He was paralyzed with fear, thinking back to that awful day. Tulip… She needed him, and he couldn’t move. He had to do something. Taking a deep breath, he called out as loud as he could.

  “Calder, help!”

  In seconds, Calder was at his side, his eyes filled with concern. He took hold of Donner’s shoulders. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  “Tulip! She’s a tiny elfling. She ran into the mine after a rabbit. You have to find her!”

  Calder didn’t hesitate. He sped off into the blackness. Donner could hear him calling for Tulip, and he hoped Calder found her quickly. He stood pressed against the stone wall, feeling helpless and useless. Where the holly had that elfling gone? She couldn’t have wandered too far. Dust snowed down from the ceiling, falling on Donner’s head. He looked up, puzzled. Was it snowing inside the mine? That couldn’t be right. It happened again, and Donner’s eyes widened before the ground vibrated beneath his feet once more. He ran outside and looked past the mine at the mountain just as he heard Blitzen shout.

  “Avalanche!”

  Donner shook his head. Oh no. It couldn’t be. “Calder!” Donner tried to run for the mine, but Blitzen caught hold of his arm, and Dasher came up beside him.

  “Are you mad? You can’t go in there.”

  “Calder and Tulip are still in there!” Donner tried to get away from his brethren who held him. He didn’t know what he could do, but he knew he had to do something. He couldn’t just leave them in there. Calder had run in because of him, because he’d asked him to. The snow was tumbling down the mountain, and tears welled in Donner’s eyes.