Read North Pole City Tales 03 - Vixen's Valor for Free Online

truth, Vixen did have quite a full schedule, but he always managed to squeeze in a little fun. “Tomorrow I’ll be at Cinnamon Square. I’ll be happy to have lunch with you.” He smiled sweetly and leaned in for a kiss. “Will you bring me three times as many treats as today?”
    “As you wish.” Vale smiled broadly, and Vixen could have sworn the lieutenant was all but ready to melt at his touch. Had Vale heard him or simply agreed because he was smitten?
    As they sat, drank, nibbled on goodies, and chatted, Vixen felt guilty for having brushed the lieutenant off so quickly all those months ago. Then his thoughts went to other dire matters. What was he going to wear to the king’s ball?
     
     
    V ALE ARRIVED around noon at Cinnamon Square with a sleigh containing three large baskets filled with treats. He wasn’t quite certain why Vixen had asked for so much. It was more than any one elf could indulge in. Hollis had been no help at all, stating Vixen was being selfish and wasteful, spoiling himself at Vale’s expense. Vale refused to believe it.
    Upon entering Cinnamon Square, he realized it was quite a barren town with a few meager shops and little else. Down the cobblestone road there were a few gingerbread houses and a great deal of construction going on. Was he in the right place? What would Vixen be doing in such a small town? In the distance, he spotted Vixen dressed in his pilot’s flight jacket and goggles, looking handsome as always. He was speaking to Blitzen when he noticed Vale and waved. Seeming to excuse himself, he dashed over to Vale with a smile that stole his breath away.
    “You came.”
    Vale returned Vixen’s smile and bowed. “Of course.”
    “Perfect timing.” Vixen turned and let out a whistle. Two toy soldiers materialized out of snowy nowhere, and Vale frowned as they came running with smiles that stretched from ear to ear. Vixen turned to their new guests. “Would you fellas take those baskets for me?”
    The toy soldiers hopped to it, removing the baskets from Vale’s sleigh. He watched them curiously before Vixen took hold of Vale’s arm and led him down the road toward the construction. As they neared the site, Vale spotted some of the other Rein Dears working away.
    “You’re building gingerbread houses,” Vale said as they approached one tiny house which looked about ready to crumble with the slightest breeze. Along with everyone else in North Pole City, Vale was aware of how the Rein Dears spent their time when not preparing for the Big Flight. Being a Rein Dear required more than being a darling celebrity. They worked hard year round for Mayor Kringle, spreading joy and helping those less fortunate. Vixen stopped before the closed door and turned with a broad grin.
    “Brace yourselves, fellas. And whatever you do, don’t put down those baskets until I say so.”
    Vale was about to ask what was going on when Vixen opened the door and stepped inside, calling out into what appeared to be an empty, shabby room with little furniture, “It’s here, just as I promised.”
    All at once, the room erupted into a flurry of movement and noise. Elflings of all sizes popped out of every nook and cranny, flooding out from the wardrobe and from several wooden chests. Vale stood stunned as they were rushed.
    Vixen led the terrified soldiers to a large oak table where they swiftly put down the baskets on his instruction. The elflings crowded the table, all three dozen or so. How the holly had they all fit in this tiny house?
    “Calm down. Remember what we discussed.” At Vixen’s firm but gentle words, the elflings settled down. Wide eyes watched the pilot’s every move. Vixen thanked the toy soldiers, who all but scurried from the room once they were dismissed. “Vale, will you help me?”
    Snapping himself out of his trance, Vale stepped up beside Vixen. “What would you like me to do?” Vixen gave him strict instructions on how many treats each elfling was to