The Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen

Chapter 10: Aunt and Niece

If any of my dear readers have ever cut themselves on glass, then they know how badly it hurts and how dreadfully slowly it heals. Marlon had to spend almost a whole week in bed because he became dizzy whenever he tried to get up. But at last he recovered and could run and play as merrily as before.

The glass cabinet had been repaired as good as new and was again filled with trees, flowers, houses, and beautiful dolls. Marlon was thrilled to see his beloved Nutcracker standing on the second shelf smiling with all of her mouth intact.

As he looked at his favorite toy, he remembered the story Drosselmeier had told of the history of the Nutcracker and her quarrel with Lord Mouserinks and his daughter. He realized that her Nutcracker could be none other than the pleasant - but unfortunately cursed - young Drosselmeier from Nuremberg. The clockmaker from the court of Pierpont's mother could be none other than Judge Drosselmeier, which Marlon had never once doubted. "But why... why didn't your aunt help you?"

It became clear to Marlon that the battle he had seen was in fact a battle for the Nutcracker's kingdom and crown. Were not the dolls her subjects, and had he not fulfilled the astronomer's prediction by becoming their leader? As the clever Marlon pondered over this, the more he thought of the Nutcracker and the dolls as living people, and he half-expected them to start moving about. But they remained stiff and motionless in the cabinet. But Marlon, certain beyond any doubt that they really were alive, decided it was because of Lord Mouserinks's curse.

"But," he said to Nutcracker, "even if you can't move or speak, dear Mrs. Drosselmeier, I know that you can understand me - I know it very well. You can count on me to help you, if you need it. At the very least I'll ask your uncle if he can help."

Nutcracker didn't move or stir, but Marlon thought he heard a faint sigh and a gentle voice through the cabinet, just barely audible:

Little Marlon,
Guardian sweet,
I'm yours to keep
Little Marlon

A shiver ran down Marlon's spine, but he was comforted nonetheless.

Dusk fell, and her father stepped into the room with Godmother Drosselmeier. Before long Louis had arranged the tea table and the family sat down and had a merry conversation. Marlon quietly moved her little easy chair near Drosselmeier's feet and sat down. When everyone had quieted down he looked up at the judge with his big blue eyes and said, "Godmother Drosselmeier, I realize that the Nutcracker is your niece, the young Drosselmeier from Nuremberg, and that she has become princess - no, queen - as the astronomer had predicted, but you already know this - and that she is at battle with the daughter of Lord Mouserinks. Why don't you help her?" Marlon once again told everyone about the battle and how it went. Everyone except for Félicie and Drosselmeier began laughing.

"Where does the boy get such ridiculous ideas into his head?" Dr. Stahlbaum asked.

"He's always had a vivid imagination," his mother said. "These are just dreams brought about by his fever."

"It's not true, any of it," Félicie said. "My hussars aren't such cowards. If they were, I'd personally discipline them."

But Godmother Drosselmeier put Marie on his lap and with an odd smile said very quietly, "Dear Marlon, you were born a princess like Pierpont, for you rule a bright and beautiful land. But you will have to suffer much if you are to look after Nutcracker, for the Mouse Queen will pursue her in every land and across any border. I cannot help her - only you can do that. Be faithful and strong."

Neither Marlon nor anyone else knew what to say after that. The doctor took Drosselmeier's pulse and said, "You have, my esteemed friend, a severe head cold. I'll write you out a prescription."

But Mr. Stahlbaum shook his head slowly and said quietly, "I think I know what she's saying, but I can't quite explain it."