Nick: A Winter's Tale

Chapter Six: The Witch in the Woods

Nick emerged from Ar'gin's cabin into the now dark sky. It was a clear night; the sky was alive with stars and the drifting blues and purples of a mesmerising aurora. It was a far cry from the great blizzard that Nick still remembered so vividly. It wasn't as cold, either, but the frost still seemed to cling to Nick's exposed face.

"How do we find this witch?" Nick asked.

"We don't," Ar'gin replied sternly, "She will find us. We just need to be in the right place."

Nick didn't ask any more questions. If he'd learned one thing from the elves, it was that he simply would never understand them. Lu'cian was already preparing a sled made from twisting, woven vines; the leaves giving the appearance of a painted green exterior frame. Stood in front of the sled, which caused Nick to stop in awe and fear, was a magnificent white wolf, which eyed him up with an expression of contentment.

"Don't be afraid, Nick," said Lu'cian, "As long as you respect the creatures of the land, they will show you respect in turn."

Lu'cian bowed before the wolf, who, to Nick's surprise, bent its forelegs and bowed in return. When both returned to their height, Lu'cian approached the beast and began attaching its harness to the sled.

Nick followed Lu'cian's lead and bowed before the wolf. It seemed to hesitate for a second, before it bowed to him. Nick then approached, and held out a hand. It obliged, and gently nuzzled against Nick's hand, its smooth fur warming his hands.

"Will there be room for us all on the sled?" Nick asked as he gently patted the wolf's head.

"That is precisely what I was concerned about," Lu'cian said. He analysed the sled closely, but seemed more doubtful the more he looked.

As Nick watched, he felt something pushing him from behind, and turned to see Donner nuzzling against him.

"Do you have a second sled, perhaps?" Nick asked, "Donner has always pulled through for me, I'd be more than comfortable taking him along."

"Unfortunately not, however..." said Lu'cian. He trailed off, and walked away toward what seemed to be a stable built under a hollowed hill. He returned with a large saddle, and offered it to Nick.

"Is that possible?" Nick asked, "He's not a horse..."

"Ask him," said Lu'cian, "As said, respect the creature and it shall too in turn."

Nick took the saddle from Lu'cian and approached the deer. Uncertainly, he asked Donner if he could ride him. Donner grunted and bowed his head, moving to the side to allow the saddle to be attached.

"You've got a loyal beast, there," said Lu'cian with a smile. With help, the saddle was attached to the mighty reindeer, and Nick was soon mounted upon his back. When Lu'cian and Ar'gin were ready, the journey was finally to begin. The wolf drawn sled left quickly.

"On, Donner!" Nick shouted. At his command, the deer began to run. He was fast, but graceful, as he travelled the untamed forest grounds. Nick found it was far easier than he had been expecting. Whatever he thought, Donner seemed to know, gliding left and right to avoid the thick brush.

Unlike the night before, the cold was not painful or biting. It felt invigorating as the chill blew through Nick's hair. He became lost in the sensation of flying through the woods. Something about it simply felt natural, in a way that Nick could never truly explain or understand.

Soon enough, Nick found himself shortly behind the elves' sled, which seemed to glide just as effortlessly as Donner. Nick knew not how long they rode for, and his mind was opened to just how large the forest truly was.