by penny watson
Boris refused to laugh. “You’re hurt bad, O. You gotta get to a healer.”
Oskar tugged on the hoodie and grimaced. “Nice job with the tourniquet, Boris. I promise I’ll see the healer after I’m done here. But first we gotta take care of these little devils.”
Boris nodded. “All right. Let’s get to it, then.”
Oskar, his brothers, and the elves fought side-by-side, plowing through the room and swatting demons to the ground. Having the Klaus brothers join in the battle bolstered the attack against the Teufelchen, but Oskar realized his initial plan of corralling the devils into the back of the bar wasn’t going to pan out. The elves were bloodied and exhausted, and the demons seemed to grow stronger with the violence. He whistled to catch Ingo’s attention at the bar.
“Getting close, Mr. Hertz?” A roundhouse kick took out a devil sneaking up on him, and he ducked just as one lunged toward his back.
Ingo’s head popped up from behind the bar. “Ready, O. This isn’t going to work with them all so antsy. Any way to stun them for a second?”
Oskar looked at the rows of bottles over the bar. “I got an idea. Hey guys, remember the week before Christmas when you decided to all do peppermint schnapps jello shots?” He shouted over the noise and heard grunts in response.
“Yeah, still feeling that headache!”
“Those things were tasty.”
“My wife was pissed.”
“I’ll bet the demons would love a drink,” Oskar said. “They’re hard-headed, but the bottles pack a wallop, as we all know.”
Dag smiled. “I like the way you think, young man.” He vaulted over the countertop and started grabbing bottles from the shelves, then hurling them to elves around the room. They spun through the bar like glass bombs. Elfin hands reached up to pluck them from the air, grasping them by the bottlenecks.
Bam! Boris smashed a demon who was chewing on his ankle. The bottle cracked over his scaly head, exploded, and amber colored Jack Daniels sprayed around the room. The little devil stilled instantly. “Works like a charm, Boss.”
Soon the bar was filled with the sound of smashing glass and the scent of spirits. Demons screamed and fell to the floor, over the backs of chairs, draped inelegantly over the stained pool table. For one brief moment, the deafening noise stopped and the elves stooped to catch their breath. Shards of glass littered the ground. The Teufelchen shook their heads, only temporarily dazed.
Oskar yelled, “Do it now, Ingo! Hurry!”
A magical net drifted over the bar, as delicate as a spider web. Silvery and slippery, it floated over the tables until it covered the entire room. Without warning, it dropped onto the floor covering everyone. Oskar’s hand pushed right through the net, which opened for him then sealed itself back up. He noticed it stuck to the demons like sticky flypaper. The whole web cinched at the top and a silver thread tied it off like a sack. It flew up to the ceiling and suspended itself from Dag’s deer antler chandelier. Every devil was caught, but the humans and elves were left standing on the floor.
“Whoa. That was incredible,” Wolfie stared at the ceiling in awe.
“Well done, Ingo.” Oskar nodded to the satisfied elf, who was getting back slaps from his friends.
Nicholas stared at the sack of demons and shook his head in disbelief. “No matter how many times I see this crazy stuff, it still amazes me. The Bändigers are astounding.”
Ingo walked over to the Teufelchen and gazed up at the squirming devils. He uttered a few nonsensical words and the entire web and all of its inhabitants turned to black dust, which drifted slowly to the ground. A few elves cautiously approached the remains, poking the dust with their makeshift weapons. Loki kicked the pile, and one long talon tumbled out.
“That’s it?” he asked Ingo.
“That’s it,” Ingo replied. “Believe it or not, those demons are nothing more than dust. It’s the Dark Magik that forms them into something vile.”
“We did it!” All of the elves shouted and fist pumped into the air. They rushed Oskar and his brothers, hailing them for their help, shaking their hands. Everyone looked a bit worse for the wear, but the healers would quickly cure them.
Oskar rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he gazed around the room. His arm was throbbing with pain, but he felt a huge sense of relief that there were no causalities after the skirmish. Aside from some bumps and bruises, his brothers and the elves were okay. Unfortunately, he couldn’t shake his unsettled feeling about Wiebe. It didn’t make any sense that he wasn’t here gloating over his accomplishment, taunting them with his creations. The weaselly little elf was up to something, but damned if he knew what it was.
Gregor examined Oskar’s arm. “What’s this?” he asked, pointing to the bloody shirt.
“One of the demons got lucky and stabbed me. It’s nothing.”
“It doesn’t look like nothing to me,” added Nicholas. “You should see Hector right away and get that healed. It’s still bleeding, O.”
Oskar nodded, staring down at his wound. “All right. I’ll check in at Dad’s and see the healer, too.” He turned to Boris. “Let’s get the elves rounded up and assess injuries, then start organizing a clean-up crew for Dag.”
Boris lit a cigar. “Got it covered.”
Ingo walked out the front door with Oskar. “I’ll come with you to your father’s place. I need to talk with Eugen.”
Oskar sighed. “Thanks, Ingo. You saved the day in there. Eugen would be proud.”
Ingo shook his head. “You’re the one who saved the day, Oskar. The elves would follow you to hell and back. You must know that. They trust you with their lives.”
Oskar was stunned speechless. “Really? I always thought… well, they just see me as this big, irritating guy who tells them what to do.”
Ingo smiled. “They might grumble about it, but the truth is, they’d be lost without your guidance. You help to keep them on the straight and narrow. They might not always show it, but they appreciate all the time and energy you devote to making their lives run smoothly.” He clasped Oskar’s wrist. “You’re a good man, Oskar Klaus.”
Before Oskar could respond, an elf ran around the corner and smacked into him.
“Whoa. Slow down, buddy. What’s going on?”
“We found Wiebe! We found him!” The elf leaned over trying to catch his breath.
“Thank God. Where is he?” Oskar grabbed the elf by his shoulders, steadying him.
“So sorry to tell you this, O. You’re not gonna like it.”
Oskar and Ingo exchanged a worried glance.
“Out with it! Tell me where he is!” Oskar shouted, a knot of anxiety gnawing at his stomach.
The elf swallowed. “At your dad’s place. He invaded the Weihnachtsmann’s house.”
Ingo blanched. “Lys,” he whispered.
Oskar blew out a long, frustrated breath. “Hell. I was afraid you were going to say that. Let’s go, Ingo.” They climbed quickly into the sleigh and raced toward Santa’s castle.
Kiana sat on a couch with Lucy, Alena and Lys looking at honeymoon brochures. They were all nervous about the Teufelchen, so Mrs. Klaus suggested they try to keep their minds occupied on something else.
Lucy spread the brochures on the coffee table. “First, we’re starting out in Paris. Since I’ve never been anywhere except New York State, Nicholas is treating me to a European honeymoon.”
“Well, technically, that’s not entirely true. You’ve been to the North Pole,” Mrs. Klaus answered cheekily. “Not too many people can say that, dear.”
Lucy smiled. “I guess you’re right. But I’m still excited about seeing the Eiffel Tower. And riding a gondola in Venice. And tasting antipasti in Rome, and…”
Alena patted her hand. “You and Nicholas will have a thrilling time.” She turned to Kiana. “Do you enjoy traveling, too?”
Kiana was distracted by Gabi, who was staring intently out the window, gazing at the snowflakes that were just starting to fall. “Um, I enjoy traveling around New Engl
and for weekend trips. That sort of thing.” She turned back to Lucy. “Your honeymoon sounds wonderful.”
“Try not to be too nervous about Oskar and the other boys. They’re a scrappy bunch, Kiana,” Alena said reassuringly.
Lucy nodded. “They’ll be home in no time, I’m sure.” Her eyes flickered to the windows, obviously hoping for a sign.
As the women continued their conversation, Kiana stood up and walked over to Gabi. She put a protective arm around her frail shoulders. “What’s up, sweet pea? You look so worried.”
Gabi shook her head, never once taking her eyes from the window. “He’s out there, Kiana. I can feel it.”
Kiana searched outside for any hint of Wiebe, but all she saw were the guards Santa had posted. “We’re safe here, honey. Try not to worry.” The tiny girl shivered. “How about we get a cup of hot cocoa?”
Gabi looked forlornly at Kiana and nodded. “Okay. I just have a bad feeling, that’s all.”
“Hot chocolate with some yummy whipped cream will perk you right up. Come on.” Kiana took Gabi’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Alena, do you mind if Gabi and I make some hot chocolate?”
Mrs. Klaus smiled. “Not at all, dear. I think that’s a grand idea.”
“I’ll help, too,” Lys added. She hopped off the sofa and joined them as they headed into the kitchen.
Lys assembled cookies on platters while Kiana heated hot chocolate on the stovetop. Gabi was glued to the picture window, anxiously peering outside.
As Kiana lined up mugs on the counter, gusts of wind began to rattle the windows.
Gabi glanced over her shoulder, shooting Kiana a nervous look.
“Boy, it sounds like a big storm is coming.” Kiana smiled reassuringly at Gabi, although she was also starting to feel uneasy. “It will be nice to snuggle up in front of the fire with our drinks.”
Lys leaned close to Kiana and whispered. “I wish we’d hear something from Oskar and Ingo. I’m so worried for them.” She pushed back her hair with a trembling hand. “Ingo was still weak from Wiebe’s attack. I don’t think he should have gone to battle the Teufelchen.”
“Don’t worry, Lys. Oskar and his brothers will protect the elves,” Kiana answered. At least I hope they will. She didn’t want to voice her concerns, but she was scared to death for Oskar. “Gabi, ready for your hot cocoa?”
“Uh huh,” Gabi answered quietly. A low rumble sounded throughout the house. “What was that?” Gabi ran across the room and flattened herself against Kiana’s side.
Kiana shook her head. “I have no idea.” Cups and saucers clattered in the cabinets. “I guess it’s the storm.”
The temperature in the kitchen dropped abruptly, and everything was instantly covered with a thick layer of frost. The door to the great room slammed shut. Kiana’s eyes widened as the walls began to moan and creak, and the floor buckled. The stained glass windows buzzed, shooting blood red sternschnuppen around the room.
Lys grasped the edge of the table as the mugs of cocoa tipped and spilled all over the floor. “Is this an earthquake? Whatever could be happening?”
Gabi clutched Kiana. “He’s coming, and the Weihnachtsmann’s house is angry. It’s warning us.”
The gentle snowfall had turned deadly. Outside, the storm ravaged the house, ripping off shutters and smashing against the windows. Kiana could hear voices coming from the other room.
Lys ran to the kitchen door and grasped the handle, pulling with all of her strength. “I can’t open it. It’s sealed tight!”
Santa’s voice boomed across the barrier. “What’s going on in there? We can’t open this door!”
“I don’t know. It feels like an earthquake in here!” Kiana shouted back. The three girls huddled together for support, clasping hands.
Suddenly, all of the lights blinked out, plunging the house into darkness. Kiana could no longer hear the hum of the sternschnuppen, nor see any lights in the stained glass. She felt Gabi’s hand trembling in hers. A loud explosion rocked the room and all of the windows blew out, sending shards of glass flying into the storm outside. Something hard knocked into Gabi. Kiana screamed.
“Gabi! Where are you?” She fell to her knees, patting the ground until she found the little girl’s limp body. “Oh my God, what’s happening?”
Lys shifted behind her. “Don’t move, Kiana.”
Her eyes lifted as a single match was lit in the center of the kitchen, illuminating the room with just a trickle of light. Perched on top of the kitchen island was an elf. His face was pasty, his hair hung in clumps. A foul smell radiated from his tattered clothes. He shot Kiana a wicked smile, and she felt her heart pounding in fear.
So, this is Wiebe. The bastard. No wonder Gabi was afraid of him.
“What did you do to her?” Kiana could hear the tremor in her voice.
Gabi appeared to be unconscious. Her face was pale, her breathing shallow.
Wiebe chuckled as he lit a candle stub in his hand. “Oh, just kast a spell I learned to incapacitate the little Bändiger. I can’t have her interfering with my plans now, can I?” He jumped down from the counter top and sauntered over to the women. When he reached them, he kicked Gabi’s prone body. Kiana slapped his leg as hard as she could.
“Don’t touch her, you bastard. Never again!” A flare of fire shot from Wiebe and sizzled on Kiana’s skin. She screamed and tucked her burned hand under her arm.
“Kiana, are you all right?” Lys scraped ice from the floor and packed it onto the injury.
Wiebe clucked and cocked his head. “Never wise to interfere with Dark Magik, you ignorant Suddie. Who the hell are you anyway? I know you’re not Nicholas’ new bride.”
Kiana gasped for air, trying to ignore the pain. “None of your damned business.”
Wiebe’s eyes narrowed dangerously. He set the candle on a counter and turned to Lys. “Look who it is. The object of Ingo’s long-suffering affections.” He grabbed her by her arm and hauled her to her feet. “Who’s the Suddie? Out with it, or I’ll fry the whole lot of you right here!”
Kiana stood up on wobbly legs, holding Gabi’s body in her arms. “Let go of Lys. I’m Kiana Grant, a friend of Oskar’s.”
Wiebe started to cackle and slapped his thigh. “Well, well, well. How lucky can I get? Not only is my ill-behaved stepdaughter here, so is Ingo’s ladylove, and one of Oskar’s gals. This is better than I could have ever imagined.” He rubbed his hands together vigorously. “I can’t wait to see the look on the Klaus’ faces when my spell takes effect. They’ll finally know the true extent of my powers. This has been a long time coming. I’m going to relish their suffering.”
Lys shuddered. “My God, Wiebe. What has happened to you? What are you planning to do?”
He turned serious. “You’ll see soon enough. Let’s go, ladies.” He waved a hand and a chain fashioned from ice wrapped around Lys and Kiana’s necks. He tugged on the end and they both staggered forward. Kiana’s breath caught in her throat.
“You’ll never get away with this. The Klaus family will stop you. Oskar will stop you,” she said.
Lys grabbed futilely at the restraint around her neck. “Ingo’s magik will stop this nonsense.”
Wiebe’s face darkened with anger. “Ingo’s out of his league this time. He’s no match for me. Let’s go.” He pulled the three captives out the kitchen door and stretched both arms towards the castle. Kiana watched in astonishment as an icy wall appeared around Santa’s house, effectively sealing it off from the outside. She saw half a dozen elves lying still on the ground.
Lys cried out. “Did you kill them, Wiebe?”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re such a damned bleeding heart, Lys. They’re just stunned until I’m done here. Quit yer crying.” He tugged on the chain, and practically dragged Lys and Kiana up a snowy hill behind the Weihnachtsmann’s house. Kiana clutched Gabi’s slight body tightly against her chest and tried to ignore the throbbing pain on her hand. Her feet slipped on the treacherous ground, but she con
centrated on staying upright. The chain around her neck was already limiting her airflow and she was afraid to pass out.
For the first time since arriving in Glasdorf, she was truly afraid. There was nothing charming or sweet about Wiebe’s tricks. His hatred had transformed the magik into something threatening and dreadful. Kiana tightened her hold on Gabi’s tiny body, praying she would be all right.
Oskar, where are you? We need you!
It was difficult to see through the snowstorm, but as they climbed the hill, Kiana saw a familiar face popping up from behind the snowy knolls. Mr. Frosty was shadowing them up the slope. He waved discreetly at Kiana, then disappeared as Wiebe turned around.
“What are you going to do with us?” Kiana asked. “Please let Gabi go, she’s just a child.”
“She’s much, much more than a child, Miss Grant, which I’m sure you know. Her power is immense. I just have to figure out how to tap into it to strengthen my own.”
“I’m sure if you ask the Council for forgiveness, they will be merciful.” Lys panted as they finished their climb up the steep slope.
“Ha! You know as well as I do, the Council would banish me. The Klaus family will have no mercy either. I plan to torture them all.”
“How are you planning to do that, Wiebe?” Kiana asked, dreading the answer.
The smile he shot her was full of venom. “I’m going to take away the ones they love.” He raked his eyes over her, and Lys, and finally Gabi. “Unfortunately for you girls, you’re going to be my guinea pigs. To send a message of death and destruction to all of Glasdorf.” He paused and turned toward the top of the hill. “Look at this. I made it myself. I could’ve been an architect.” He pointed to a strange structure. It looked like a dome constructed entirely of ice bricks.
Lys shook her head. “You’re mad, Wiebe.” She hiccupped and glanced at the dome. “Just what is that thing anyway?”
Wiebe smiled again and Kiana felt all the hairs rise up on the back of her neck. “Your tomb.”
Even from a distance, Ingo could tell the Weihnachtsmann’s house was under siege by Dark Magik. The lights that usually protected the castle had disappeared. A towering wall of ice surrounded the dark structure.