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

receive.
    “Remember, there’s plenty for everyone, and you’ll all get the same amount, so no squabbling.”
    Vale helped Vixen distribute all the treats, the room filled with cheerful laughter and teasing between the excited elflings who gobbled up their food. Vale couldn’t help but notice how worn out their clothes were and how some were barefoot. Their rosy cheeks were smudged with dirt. Vale leaned into Vixen, speaking quietly.
    “Where are their parents?”
    Vixen’s smile faded, and he led Vale away from the table, leaving the elflings to their treats. “They toil away down at the Rock Candy Mountains, mostly the mines. It’s the only source of income this town has. The older elflings work in the shops along with their elders.”
    “And who looks after these elflings?” They were all so tiny, the tallest just about reaching Vixen’s waist.
    “They look after themselves. Until now, this house has been the only thing keeping them warm. The town has very little, and the elves haven’t been able to afford new housing after last month’s blizzard knocked most of the aging structures down. So we’re here to help.” Vixen smiled and kissed Vale’s cheek. “Thank you for bringing the treats. I told them you would.”
    Vale felt a tug at his pant leg and looked down at a tiny elf with big gray eyes and dark hair. “Are you Jack Frost?”
    At the mention of his cousin’s name, all the elfings froze. Some of them hid under the table. Well, his cousin’s reputation certainly preceded him. Vale kneeled down and smiled warmly at the elfling.
    “No. My name is Vale. Jack is my cousin.”
    “Vale is a brave lieutenant. He commands the Toy Soldier army,” Vixen stated proudly, winking at Vale and making him blush. “He’s very kind.”
    “Is Jack truly as scary as they say?” the elfling whispered, his little hands clasped together and his stance tense, as if the mere mention of Jack’s name might conjure him up.
    “Only when he’s defending our kingdom against those who wish to do us harm. But sleep soundly, little one.” He ran a hand over the elfling’s head. “We would never let anything happen to any of you.”
    “Nick’s just a scaredy cat,” one elfling piped up from the table. “He’s scared of everything.”
    “Because his parents dropped him off here and never came back,” another elfling added.
    “Don’t be unkind,” Vixen said sternly, his hands going to his hips. “What were we discussing just this morning?”
    The older elflings lowered their heads in shame, their bottom lips jutting out as they replied in unison, “We’re sorry, Vixen.”
    “It’s not me you should be apologizing to.”
    “We’re sorry, Nick.”
    “Now that’s more like it,” Vixen said, lifting Nick into his arms. “You must all remember to be kind to one another. Take care of one another. Treat others as you would like them to treat you.” He gave them all a wink and a dazzling smile. “Having friends is always much more fun.”
    The elflings cheered and ran around, playing and sharing their treats with one another. Vale watched Vixen turn his attention to the elfling in his arms. The poor thing looked disheartened.
    “Don’t be sad, little one. You have a new family. They may not be perfect, but they’ll look after you. But you must look after yourself as well. You’re much braver than you believe. You know how I know?”
    “How?” Nick asked, petting the fur collar of Vixen’s flight jacket.
    “Because only truly brave elves can wear Rein Dear goggles.” Vixen removed his flight goggles and placed them on Nick’s head, adjusting the straps so they fit him. Nick gasped and touched them reverently. “See.”
    “I can keep them?”
    “Like I said. They’re for the very bravest of elves.” Vixen put Nick on his feet, smiling warmly as Nick dashed off to show his friends his new goggles, everyone excited and in awe of him. With a laugh, Vixen opened the door and told them to go out