Santa IV

John emerged from the opening this time at a leisurely walk. Stopping a moment he looked out past the blurriness of the edge of the time bubble they were all in. Well he thought so far so good, feeling a slight vibration he looked in the bag he was carrying. 
 
John’s mouth dropped open, was it his imagination or was the crystal growing? Funny he thought it wasn’t any heavier, shaking his head he knew he was going to have to get used to it that was all. After everyone was settled John decided to find out how far they were from this count that Mercy had mentioned. Reaching out at first he didn’t feel anything, and then suddenly he could feel another magical presence!
 
John’s mouth hung open so that was how he’d followed them so quickly! From what John could feel the one that was helping the count had quite a bit of power. Crap John thought, I swear I can never catch a break! 
 
“I need everyone to gather together again, we have to move again! It appears that this count also has a magic user. Please everyone hurry!” John told them as they all grouped up. Opening the opening again they were all gone within seconds.
 
The count and his men appeared a few minutes later. Reaching out the count cuffed a small elfin man’s head. 
 
“I thought you said that they were here!” The Count growled as the Elfin man picked himself off the ground at the man’s feet.
 
“They were here Sire,” the small man said a look of hatred in his eyes. “The one who took them, his power has increased. It is twice as strong as it was when I felt him the last time. He is almost as strong as I am!”
 
“For your sake and those of the children I have in the mines, you had better catch them. I know not what it was that he used but I could not break through it. You had best hope that you can or I will work the children ’til they fall. Then I might have the men have a hunt for a few of them. Now worm find them!”
 
The Elfin man nodded and stretched his hands out looking for the others and the woman. I have to warn the man the elf thought if he can free the others then I can end this. A small smile lit up the elf’s face, yes end it for good.
 
John and the others appeared again this time they were a lot further north than they had been. Again John felt the crystal vibrate then grow again. Everyone sat to rest as did John. A moment later, Olaf walked up.
 
“That is a very handy spell you’ve woven,” Olaf told him waving his hand around at the blurry edge of the barrier.
 
John shook his head, “Not I, it is something a friend gave me to aid in the rescue of all of you. I believe he called it a Tid stopp krystall.”
 
Olaf’s eyes went wide a moment then he nodded, “May I see it, sir?”
 
John nodded then opened the bag the crystal was in. “Ummm yes, it is indeed a Tid stopp krystall, extremely good quality. Your friend is obviously a fine craftsman, almost as good as I am!”
 
John could only nod as he tried to not laugh at Olaf’s words. Watching the others John hoped that they could rest for a bit. John was almost asleep when he felt a nudge, only this was more in his mind.
 
<I am sorry to disturb you. I am Tylon; I am informing you while I have a chance. The Count will not stop pursuing you. I am unable to hold him off for long; I am just hoping that your power is growing as fast as I can feel it is. For now I am a prisoner of the Count and cannot go against him.> The thoughts told John.
 
<Is he holding your family? Can I help? You are obviously not a bad Alfheim as I had at first thought.> John thought back to him.
 
<No I am afraid that it is too late for me. I have abused my magic far more than I should have. I haven’t much longer before the magic will turn to destroying me. No, the Count holds hundreds perhaps thousands of Alfheim children in his mines. I am afraid that he intends to work them ’til they are all dead. Please friend if you can free them, then I can end this once and for all. The Count is the only one that knows of us, I can end that also.> Tylon thought to John.
 
<I am sure I could help you Tylon I…> John started.
 
<No! As I said I have abused the magic far too greatly, I am surprised I haven’t died yet. Please save the children, please sir, let me know that what I do will be to save them and you.> John could almost feel the other smile. <I know who you are sir, thank you! I thought it was you. I will delay them as long as I can. Hurry now sir!>
 
John sighed as he shook his head, then sat up to think through all that Tylon had said. Sorting through the images John started to formulate a plan. He just hoped he could keep the element of surprise.
 
Standing, John addressed all those with him. “I am going after the Alfheim children that the Count is holding in his mines. I am going to need several of you to help them into the walk through. The Count has been cruel and worked many to the point exhaustion. I cannot allow this to continue. I do not ask lightly for your help but I understand if you aren’t able. Now then volunteers?”
 
Immediately every hand rose into the air. With grateful tears John nodded as he opened an opening and they stepped through.