The 12 Tales of Christmas season 2 - A Holiday Delivery
Welcome everyone to another story in the 12 tales of Christmas. For this story Peach Wookiee was the one who gave out the prompts, and she chose 8 and Goose. To be fair this has been one of the hardest stories to do so far. For the simple reason that the first idea I had in mind didn’t pan out as it should. So, I had to scrap it but, in its place, has come a new and better idea.
In this story a couple of delivery drivers are bringing something special to a little girl. Yet they are unaware that this fateful meeting will change their lives for the better. Get ready for, a holiday delivery. As the 12 Tales of Christmas continue.
The Wayfarer Inc truck chugged along up the icy hill. The chains on the tires biting deep into the icy road. In the truck two men sat many things on their minds. The first was a brown-haired half-elf who was at the wheel of the vehicle. The other was a black-haired human male.
The half-elf was Jander Marshan. The human was Wilson Craig, and at that moment both were on a mission as snow fell covering the ground. “I’m amazed you can still get traction in this weather.” Wilson noted.
Jander had his eyes set on the road a look of grim determination on his face. “Good thing my family owned a ski lodge up on Mount Hooden.” He pointed out.
Wilson nodded and tried to remain calm. This despite the nerves and trouble floating in his head. Here I am on the Eve of First Star fest, and my life is in a world of suck, he thought hating his life.
He remembered that moment two years ago. The moment when she the one person who he’d cherished had told him she was leaving him, and he was nothing to her. What did I do wrong? Wilson thought to himself.
“Hey boss and shardrev,” the Half-Elf said using the elvish word for friend. “Keep your thoughts focused.”
Wilson grimaced as he remembered that Jander had the ability to read minds. “Sorry dude.” the human responded.
“You were thinking about her again, weren’t you?” The half-elf surmised.
The human nodded shame faced. “I know-I know I shouldn’t be this way, but I can't help it,” he growled.
“I would’ve given Dana everything, and yet for all that I gave it wasn’t enough.”
“Boss you shouldn’t worry about her. Truth told in the times I saw her I sensed there was a disinterest in you growing in her. Fickle hearts are a thing like that.”
“I know-I know,” He snapped then caught himself. “Sorry, I’m still rattled over everything that’s happened.”
“I get it boss,” Wilson's co-worker said.
“But I’ve got problems too what with my mom’s heart issue.”
“If it hadn’t been for those health issues I know you could’ve finished that business degree at Veros University.” The human deliveryman observed.
“I know but I can’t desert my mom now. She’s been the most important person in my life ever since my dad died in that accident when I was twelve.”
The truck continued its slow journey up the hill the chains biting deep into the ice. “Those are some damn good chains you have on the vehicle Jander.” Wilson noted.
“They are boss, the design was something my dad came up with for icy roads. They saved him on more than one occasion.”
“Well, they’re doing a good job here,” the human observed.
The truck reached the top of the hill. Up ahead they saw a large house with a tall stone wall covered with snow. Yet the driveway looked like someone had given it a proper shoveling. “I see the path boss,” Jander observed and kept the truck moving towards it.
Wilson wasn’t sure how much time passed when the two reached the path. They noticed a speakerphone in front of a pair of large gates. Then the half-elf and human finally got a look at the house. They looked at all the First Star festival decorations, and the human couldn’t help but whistle. “Look at that place.” he said in awe.
“Yeah, whoever lives here must make some serious cash to afford this kind of house.”
The human deliveryman looked over himself and said, “Good thing we’re wearing our snow boots.”
He got out of the truck and made his way over to the gate entrance. He pressed a red button on the controller and then the green button. A female voice on the other side of the line answered, “Yes?”
Wilson Craig pressed the green button and responded. “This is 15988 Northwest Maple Hill, right?”
“It is,” the woman answered.
“Wayfarer delivery service ma’am. We’re here because we have a delivery for Ria NorthStar.”
“Oh, thank the Gods the Magic Goose we ordered has come! One moment while I contact security. We’ll buzz you in.”
After a moment there was a buzzing noise and the gates slid open. A couple of motor sleds approached the entrance. On them were a couple of intimidating people dressed in heavy winter gear. The men looked like they were ready in case there was trouble. One of the men came to a stop and asked, “Are you Wilson Craig and is Jander Marshan with you?”
The half-elf poked his head out while Wilson looked surprised. “Um...how do you know who we are?”
The built man who approached said, “Our employer has been expecting you. We'd wanted you to come after they sent that request to your facility.”
He then waved them in and said, “Follow us gentleman, Mister and Mrs. NorthStar are expecting you.”
Wilson and Jander looked a little unsure. The built man who’d spoken to them noticed and winced. “You two have seen that crazy horror movie An Invitation, haven’t you?”
The deliverymen looked surprised. “How did you guess?” Jander asked.
“My employers and I have also seen that movie. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good horror movie. But don’t worry this isn’t like the delivery drivers and that cannibal family in that movie.”
Wilson sighed and said, “All right, we’ll take your word for it.”
But he flashed a look at Jander that said, “Be ready for anything dude.”
The human got into the truck, and they followed security up to the door. The large manor house had lights and ornaments decorating it despite the snow and ice. The two parked their truck in front of the house. As Jander and Wilson got out, they saw a flake of snow drop from the sky then another. “Looks like there’s another round of snow coming in,” Wilson observed.
“No, you don't say boss!” Jander quipped his voice dripping sarcasm.
The black-haired man glared at his subordinate before he let out a breath. “All right get the package out.”
Jander opened up the truck and did so. The two men approached the house. Before they could reach the stairway to the porch the door opened. A woman with long blonde hair and pale skin dressed in jeans, slippers and a blouse shirt looked on them. What set the woman apart were the pointy ears that protruded from her hair.
Wilson’s face furrowed as he asked, "Are you Ria NorthStar?”
The woman chuckled and answered, “No, Ria’s my daughter. I take it you are Wilson Craig and Jander Marshan?”
The two men looked at each other unsure then at the woman. “Um yes,” Jander stated.
“My husband and I have been expecting you, please come in,” she said in a warm tone.
Wilson said, “Um, ma’am we appreciate the offer but we…"
And then more flakes began to fall. “You might want to get out of that cold weather at least for a bit,” she pointed out.
Jander felt the heat from within the house and said, “Boss, considering how cold it is out here we could use a bit of a rest. And that snow looks like it’s getting ready to pour down on us.”
Wilson Craig realized the half-elf had a valid point. “All right, all right we’ll step in, but only for a few minutes."
The woman stepped aside and said, “Come right in gentleman.”
The two entered the house as the woman said, “You can go back to work Rogan. But you and your men feel free to come in if you get cold.”
“Thank you, your highness.” The first security man said.
On hearing that title the human’s mind began to work. The name NorthStar ran through his mind. As the woman closed the door the name struck him head on. “Wait, NorthStar…” he thought out loud.
The deliverymen turned to the woman and Wilson's eyes almost popped out of his head. “Holy…” he sputtered out in a hoarse whisper.
He looked at Jander who had a pale face that showed he’d also figured it out. “Wait, you're Lamika NorthStar! Also known as Princess Lamika Glacius sister to the King of the Elf nation of Vilarius.”
“And that means your husband is…" Wilson started to say.
“Darius NorthStar billionaire businessman,” came a new voice from a nearby room.
An elf with maple brown hair walked in dressed in denim jeans and a denim button-up shirt of a dirt brown color. He also wore casual walking shoes. “Um... sir and your highness forgive us we didn’t know. " Wilson said in a sheepish tone.
Lamika walked around to join her husband. “It’s quite all right formality is for public events not here.”
“Sir if you don’t mind my asking...how does a billionaire businessman know about us lowly workers?” The half-elf inquired.
“No valuable worker in the investments of myself and my wife is too low.” the executive answered. "We know all about your reputation as the most reliable delivery people in the company."
The woman then flashed a wry smile. "Meanwhile," she began.
She turned and called out, “Ria, could you come down here sweetie/”
An adorable 8-year-old elf girl descended the stairs. Jander and Wilson looked surprised. Lamika explained, “We wanted to surprise our daughter with this gift. And tonight, it’s worked out in a wonderful way.”
Wilson remembering his nieces squatted down to the little girl’s level. “Miss Ria NorthStar,” he said flashing a gentle smile. “I’m with Wayfarer Delivery Service and I have a package here for you.”
Jander set down the package before Lamika was at the girl’s side. She helped the little girl open the package. Little Ria squealed when they pulled it out. “A Magic Goose, A Magic Goose!” the girl cheered causing the men’s hearts to swell with joy.
Ria hugged her mother then ran to hug her father. “You kept your promise. Thank you, Daddy and Momma. "
Then she turned to the driver and said, "Thank you sir. "
The father squatted down to hug the elf girl. “You're welcome, and good job Ria showing good manners.” he said.
Jander and Wilson wanted to leave but a pleading look from Lamika told them to wait. The family talked for a few minutes. Then Darius said to the child, “Now Ria, if you’ll excuse us these fine men and I have some things we’d like to discuss. But don’t worry we’ll be with you soon.”
The little girl nodded and hugged the stuffed toy goose. “See you daddy.”
The girl turned and skipped out an entrance towards a set of stairs. As soon as she was gone the couple turned back to the delivery people. Wilson asked the question that had been building up in the back of his mind. “No disrespect intended but how do you two know about us?”
The princess explained, “My husband and I have been taking a closer look at some of the companies he’s invested in.”
Darius spoke up as his face darkened. “And we noticed a year ago that I was starting to lose money in Wayfarer Delivery Service.”
Lamika put in, “The only reason we found out is my family’s accountant did some looking into things. When the accountant at the company and HR said there was no problem my husband and I realized something was off. They seemed a little too eager to brush it under the rug.”
“Do you two have any idea of what’s going on?" Darius asked giving the two a matter-of-fact look.
In that moment Wilson Craig wanted to cheer. All the issues he and Jander had seen in the company could finally get revealed tonight! “May we be candid with you Mister NorthStar?” Jander ventured.
“Praise the Gods someone is finally asking questions!” Wilson growled in relief and annoyance.
"Good grief sir, what kind of dirty shenanigans aren’t going on at Wayfarer Delivery!”
“Ever since Raymond Wayfarer got booted as CEO two years ago the company’s been going downhill fast!” Jander stated.
“Employees have been taking pay cuts and end of year bonuses aren’t getting paid out. Many employees want to quit but no one dares. It's all because Miranda Wayfarer instituted a resignation fee for that.”
The CEO and his wife’s faces darkened in outrage. “That’s illegal!” Lamika stated.
Wilson nodded his agreement before he responded. “It is, but the problem is anyone who’s tried to go to the police has withdrawn their accusations the very next day.”
The black-haired human grimaced as old memories came up. He forced the hurt down and continued. "Meanwhile Mr. Wayfarer's ex Miranda and her brat nephew are living their best lives."
Wilson Craig’s face darkened but the thought he wanted to say wouldn’t come out. Lamika proved a sharp one though. “Mister Craig there’s something personal to you about this isn't’ there.”
Darius said, “Whatever it is that’s got you tongue tied go ahead and say it. There’ll be no retaliation as I can protect you.”
Craig felt conflict rage within him. But after a moment his courage won out. “This is rather um...embarrassing. But I have reason to believe whatever is going on my ex-fiancee is in on it.”
“ What makes you say that?” The billionaire asked.
Wilson looked out a window and saw the snow falling at a much heavier rate now. He turned back and explained things. “Because about a year ago my ex called our wedding off. Then I found out from a friend in the police that Dana has been seeing Markus Wayfarer for some time.”
Jander put in, “My boss hired a PI to look into that statement. He found out she’d been seeing Markus 6 months before she called the wedding off.”
A disapproving look crossed Lamika’s face. “I detest adultery! " She snapped.
Wilson chimed in, “So do I, but it seems my ex doesn’t have the same moral compass. Markus Wayfarer at company parties likes showing Dana off. And my ex badmouths me about how I lack ambition.”
The human gave the elf couple his own matter-of-fact look. “If being ambitious means betraying loved ones, I can’t do that!”
Darius nodded and said, “I see, can you back any of this up?”
Wilson thought about it then brought out his I-Crystal. He waved a hand over it and the detective’s pictures and visions showed.
Lamika nodded her approval. “That’s a V6-40 Mobile scrying phone, top tier tech.”
Wilson snorted and said, “Well I had to save quite a few coins to buy this thing.”
“So, it seems your ex-fiance got brought into the Wayfarer’s little scene. And they’re using the Delivery Service as their own private coin card.” The elf male said a thoughtful look crossing his face.
A predatory smile spread on his lips. “Thank you, gentleman, for telling me about this. Also, would you be willing to send this information to my device?”
Wilson’s face furrowed. “I can, I’ll need your mobile device information, and I’ll send everything to you.”
Lamika added, "And mister Marshan I did a little digging on you. I understand you were very close to getting your business degree. That is until you had to drop out due to your mother's heart condition."
Jander flashed a sad look. "Yeah, I know it was disappointing, but I had to. My Mom's been the most important person in my life since I was 12."
Wilson's face furrowed as he saw wry smiles spread on the lips of the elf couple. "Your journey to a better future might not be over yet." Darius noted.
"Eh?" The half-elf asked his face wrinkling in puzzlement.
"It's nothing, but I have to thank you two for this information. You may not realize it yet, but tonight you've made some powerful friends. You two carry on as usual." The investor stated.
Wilson's face furrowed then he looked out the window. "Well on that note, we should be getting back to the station."
Jander noticed as did Wilson the snow was falling at a steady rate. "Gods getting anywhere in this weather is going to be a nightmare."
"It might not be as hard as you think gentleman." Lamika quipped.
The two looked at the Sky Elf woman. "Now what's that supposed to mean?"
"On First Star eve many miracles are possible." The elf woman noted.
The two walked out to the truck when they heard booted footsteps approach them. "Excuse me, mister Craig and mister Marshan?" Rogan called out.
The two turned to the large man as he reached them. "My employers insisted on giving you these." he explained fishing a couple of trinkets from a pocket.
Jander gaped when he and Wilson each received a strange pendant. The items had sparkling sapphires encrusted into the four-pointed star. "Sky Elf luck stones," Jander gasped.
"Are you kidding me?" Wilson squawked. "These things are expensive and rare. But there've been reports over the years that they bring good luck to those of good heart."
"Well, I don't know if they bring luck, but this is an incredible thank you gift." Jander pointed out.
"Have a happy First Star festival gentleman." Rogan said before he turned and headed off.
The two men got into the truck and Jander turned on the engine. To the relief of Wilson and him the engine started with no issue.
"Now let's start the trip down,” Wilson began
And that's when the two felt an invisible force lift the truck off the ground. They got swept up in a wave of dizziness that threatened to overwhelm them. The two yelped in surprise Wilson grateful for the fact they'd put on their seat belts. But then after a small eternity the two men felt the truck get set down as the dizziness faded.
The men groaned and shook their heads trying to regain their senses. “Um...boss,” The half-elf ventured a moment later.
“What is it Jander,” he asked.
“You need to look out the front window.” The driver yelped.
The human looked out, and his mouth dropped open in stunned surprise. “We’re back at the warehouse,” he said in a hoarse whisper.
And then they checked their watches. “It’s eight at night.” Jander observed.
“How, how?” Wilson asked.
“The Sky Elves of Princess Lamika's country they say have strange powers.” The half-elf observed.
Wilson sighed and said, “Come on good buddy let’s get out and close up for the night.”
They got out of the truck and began to see about closing up.
Two days later Wilson and Jander headed for the Wayfarer warehouse office. "Another day," the human male said in resignation.
But as they reached the front door, they saw a gnome male running towards them dressed in baking attire. "Elliott, Elliott Bumblebrow?" Wilson asked surprised yet pleased to see the affable owner of the bakery next to the warehouse.
“Jander, Wilson...there you are. Thank the Gods...I found you.” he said as he panted.
The human put up his hands in a coaxing fashion. “Elliott whoa-whoa-whoa calm down and catch your breath. Then tell us what’s going on.”
The gnome did so and then explained things. “You need to turn on the Oracle quick.”
Jander’s face furrowed. “Um...Elliott what’s going on?”
“There’s been a shake-up in Wayfarer Inc Management.”
“Shake up?!” The half-elf and human male squawked.
They fished out their orbs and turned on YouView News. “And if you’re only now getting tuned in…” the reporter began. “Scandal has rocked Wayfarer Delivery Service management.”
The vision changed from the reporter. It became a picture of Miranda Wayfarer a woman in her mid 50’s. In the picture was her nephew, and a caramel haired woman getting led out of a mansion by Government agents. “Miranda Wayfarer, her nephew Markus, and one Dana Bennett are under arrest. The arrests are on charges of embezzlement, fraud, conspiracy, and witness intimidation.
"Word has come in that law enforcement also raided the homes of a top accountant and the HR department. A press conference is scheduled for later today. Initial reports suggest this is the conclusion of a special investigation."
The reporter in his studio reappeared. "We'll keep you up to date as more information becomes available."
The two shut off their orbs and looked at each other. The full ramifications of the NorthStar’s words sinking in. "They’ve been planning this for some time,” the warehouse head noted.
“And our testimony was the last piece of the puzzle they needed to wrap this case up.” Jander added.
Then Jander’s phone started ringing. "Hold on boss I have to take this,” He explained.
“Hello? " He said after he opened up his phone.
After a moment his face furrowed in concern. “Oh...oh it’s you Doctor Myers. Look I know I’m having…” he began then halted as confusion took over his face. "Wait what, the fee for the operation and the therapy's got paid in full?”
Hope brightened the half-elf’s face. “You want my mom and I to come in tomorrow to begin making a game plan with you for the operation?”
This surprised the warehouse head. Once again, the NorthStars’ words came to mind. You may not realize it but you’ve made some powerful friends they said. Now I understand what they meant, Wilson thought to himself.
He felt someone tugging at him and turned to the gnome. “By the way Wilson, I know you’ve been feeling down what with your ex-fiancee’s betrayal.” The gnome noted.
Then he flashed a sly wink. “But you might like to meet the newest member of my baking team. She’s quite good at what she does and she’s a very nice person. Her name is Kyra Buchanan.”
At first the human wanted to say no but then something stopped him. On a whim he said, "Yeah, sure, where is she?"
“Oh, she’s getting on the clock. Come on and I’ll introduce you.”
And so, the human let the gnome lead him towards his bakery. And for the first time in a while Wilson Craig had the feeling everything was going to be all right.
Phew, that was a hard story to write. Still, I hope you enjoyed what I put out. Well, that's the end of that story but there’ still four more to go. Get ready because there’s another story next time as the 12 Tales of Christmas continue. If you like this story please hit the like button and share this across social media.
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