Chapter 19
The North Pole Epic
More in this series: Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 11, Ch. 12, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 15, Ch. 16, Ch. 17, Ch. 18, Ch. 19, Ch. 20, Ch. 21, Ch.22, Ch. 23
Bears and yetis guarded doors. Troll sympathizers formed patrols North Star flags were raised on poles, On top of buildings and more. Goblins looked around, astonished at the audacity. Then, Snihurońka stepped out on the Capitol balcony. She sang the North Star song like an anthem for all to hear. Goblins began to gather around from both far and near. Stranger still, some goblins began to sing along “What in the frozen shelves is going on,” Goblins mumbled among themselves. “We’re being manipulated by the thaw forsaken elves.” When the song was finished The goblins seemed diminished.
Then, Snihurońka announced, “It is time to negotiate for peace Choose your representatives and send them to the Capitol now. We’ve hidden your wealth as collateral which we will keep Until we reach a deal which we can submit for a vote to the crowd. Your riches were never yours but you might have them back in exchange for equality. We will see. Choose representatives to negotiate peace. We will not move until we reach terms on which all polar peoples agree.” Snihurońka turned, and went back inside Where Nic grinned at her with pride.
“Who do they think they are?” A goblin shouted in disgust. “We don’t need to negotiate with this snow dust!” Another exclaimed with a haughty air. Moroz slowly walked to the front bank door. He turned around to address the goblin hoard. “You heard the invitation to end this before The mess we’re in becomes a full-scale war.” His voice wasn’t as strong as his granddaughter’s. It was old and quavery, but confident and sure. Goblins grumbled in hushed tones. Moroz was one of the most important goblins in the North Pole. It was his granddaughter who put forth the offer. It was a goblin, not an elf, who had proffered. Maybe they could deal with a goblin. . . Another goblin piped up among them, “Now’s the time to formulate a proposal We have to decide between investment reorganization and asset disposal.” Another suggested, “Our markets have become irreconcilably volatile Our trade relationships will suffer or possibly grow hostile. We must jump on this opportunity to restructure and reconcile.” Goblins nodded and several attested To the validity of evaluating their collective investments. Nicholas and Tomten breathed sighs of relief As they saw their scheme successfully unfolding. The two seasoned organizers had applied their skills Working with the other side When the moment was just right To persuade the public without use of force or frills. They had secretly met with influential goblins connected to elves And explained how making a deal with the Guild could benefit themselves. No one knows exactly what was said But it must have been enough to melt the goblins’ heads Possibly appealing to their warmer nature, Or to their preferred cultural nomenclature. Whatever it was, they were able to plant goblin speakers Who would favor negotiation in a way which flattered goblin ears. So, as the goblins deliberated. The workers prepared and waited For the meeting highly anticipated.
