Saint Nick a legend

 SAINT NICK.
A legend.


In the cold of winter, a baby was born. It was in the confinements of a tiny log cabin in the forests of the Far North. The baby was named Nicholas.
That night, a pack of Polar bears had invaded the tiny home and killed the family, all except for the father, and Nicholas. The father had escaped; with the thought in mind that his entire family was killed, left the destroyed home and headed south. The Polar bears never found the infant, and soon left with some of the packaged meat from the cellar. Left alone, Nicholas was helpless.
Soon, just after the raid, some Pandas came and found him. Being gentle, they took him to where their group was. For the next few months, Nicholas was under the care of these strangely placed Panda bears. No one has ever heard of pandas living so far north, but these ones in particular must have had a purpose for being where they were.
When Nicolas was about five months old, a young couple came to talk with the Panda bears and learnt of their finding. The two beings, who were Elvish folk, suggested they take the infant to where they could care for him a little farther north, but in a warm environment.
The two were about 5"0 in height, and had characteristic pointy ears. The male carried a small harp, while the female had a piccolo in her left hand. The Pandas knew they were minstrels of the Far North, and were in disguise for their ears were covered by barrette type hats. They
wore strange clothes as well.
“It was the strangest site when we picked him up in that tiny home, Roland.” The Panda said, “Is it an elf?” The Panda’s face was blank, with no expression, but at the same time, sitting like it was pondering about the words coming out of it’s mouth.
Roland, the male elf, put his hand to his head and removed his hat. He gently hit the Panda over the head with it. “Come now, John, it’s been five months and you couldn’t tell it was a human?” He stroked his goatee, his left hand under his elbow, supporting his right hand. “Now do you think it would be a good idea for us to take him, as I suggested?”
John looked to his family and also to Nicholas whom he had grown so attached too. His wife nodded who was holding her little son under her arm. Nicholas was barely moving around, he was bundled up in a blanket of fur the Pandas had made for him.
Veronica, Roland’s lady friend, was playing her piccolo while waiting for the conversation to be over. It had put little Nicholas asleep as well as a few other Panda cubs. Veronica used music and sign language to communicate, for she was mute.
“There is word of the Polar bears coming back this way,” Roland started, “You might as well all come with us and stay in our quarters.” The he stopped for a moment. “In return for the infant of course.” For the next few moments, he chatted with the Pandas about how they could eat all they wanted and have comfortable beds to sleep in. They also had the opportunity to tell
them of their son, Jack, to whom they were raising. After much consideration, the Pandas agreed and handed the baby over to Roland and Veronica. They also accepted their offer to stay with them in their quarters.
****
Soon, they were on the trail to the giant stone castle known as the “Ice Castle” for its odd location so far into the north. It was many, many feet in height, and more round, than it was square. Its stain glass windows were a marvelous sight, and were set on several floors; too many
to count. Many oddly shaped designs were carved into the doors of the great structure, but were pleasing to the eye.
The elvin couple, along with their Panda friends, stepped up to the gate enclosing the entrance to the great Ice Castle. One simple knocker was placed on the gigantic doors, which Roland didn’t hesitate to move a few times, and a tiny slip opened up to view the strangers outside.
“Who might you be?” Came a rough voice on the inside of the doors, one, big eye moving about from behind the slip.
“It is us, Roland and Veronica, with a few friends on escaping the Polar bears from a little south of here. We come unarmed and peaceful, willing to play a few tunes to earn our stay.” Roland replied, holding Nicholas close to his chest from the gushing wind of outside.
The one eye scanned the visitors and shut the slip quickly. Then, from inside, was heard a loud stomping sound, and the doors began to open.....