When they reached the Reception Hall of Moroz’s palace, they were informed that the main venue has been changed to the Great Hall of the palace. The Reception Hall was decorated with balloons and paper ribbons. Jack watched the mountains of gifts piled on the glazed marble floor on three corners of the hall. Jack glanced at Barbarossa and his own priest, and found that they were amazed too. Jack was wondering whether Moroz’s mention of ‘closed family affair’ was an elaborate joke. Even the waitresses were dressed like angels with extravagantly costly dresses.
Jack called aside one waitress and asked in a whispering tone “The party was supposed to be a small & closed family affair, wasn’t it?”
“Well, every year since I joined here, it was celebrated as a simple family affair” the waitress replied “I suppose Ded Moroz changed his mind at the last moment. Many of the ‘very important persons’ were invited at the eleventh hour”.
As Jack proceeded towards the Great Hall, he started feeling ashamed. He had initially thought of bringing some large gift pack, just as Barbarossa was carrying. Even his priest was carrying a fairly large gift under his arm.
But then his mind changed again, and he started feeling proud. This is my most valuable possession. My dead sister’s necklace! I value it most; hold most dearly to my heart. To me it is everything.
* * *
Snegurochka was standing along with Ded Moroz at one end of the Great Hall. The roof was an enormous dome with Byzantine artworks. There were several important guests around.
Snegurochka was looking stunningly beautiful in her white gown.
Barbarossa and Jack’s priest handed over their presents to Snegurochka and wished her ‘Happy Birthday’ and a long life.
Jack took out the silver necklace from his pocket. It was so old and blackened with age that it hardly looked like silver at all. Jack placed the necklace around Snegurochka’s neck and said, “This is my present. I wish to adopt you as my sister on this auspicious occasion”.
Snegurochka was too astonished to speak anything. Ded Moroz placed his hand gently on her shoulder. Jack watched a drop of tear appear at the corner of Moroz’s eye.
“She has never known what brotherly love means, since her childhood” Ded Moroz said, wiping his tear “what better present might she have got on her birthday?”
Jack smiled and pointed to his priest “It was so difficult to find an Irish priest here”. He glanced at Snegurochka gently and said, “It is my desire to solemnize the adoption not in Russian style, but in our traditional Irish fashion”.
* * *
Jack felt terribly guilty after the adoption ceremony. What have I done! How could I have allowed Moroz to sign in Devil’s ink to avail loans?
Jack was in such a state of dilemma that he did not fully enjoy the majestic banquet at the grand dining hall. He hardly touched anything from the mountains of roasted turkey, off-season and exotic fruits, and piles of delicious edibles lying on exquisitely decorated silver and golden plates. Neither did he feel like watching the Arabic ‘raqs sharqi’ belly dance accompanying the banquet. Most beautiful dancers befitting the royal court of the ‘Shah of Persia’ or ‘Caliph of Baghdad’ had been handpicked for this exclusive show to honored guests. The more lavishness Jack saw, the more remorseful and less impressed he became.
After dinner, Jack strolled out in the lawn, hoping to find out the mysterious man with the whip. He was surprised to see that the crowd had not dispersed yet. Swarms were still pouring in.
A musical concert has been arranged inside a huge wooden stage in the lawn. Some of the most renowned pianists, violinist and flutists were present. Jack returned back inside the palace and proceeded towards the ballroom.
Jack’s mind was so overburdened that he fell out of steps and danced clumsily at the ball.
Moroz is Snegurochka’s grandfather and therefore like my grandfather now. How can I continue pulling the strings for Devil to let Moroz clash against Santa? Jack was so much disturbed that he slipped and fell twice on the skating rink, causing the gathered nobilities to laugh.
Ded Moroz is walking towards a dead end; towards his certain ruin. Jack shook his head in deep despair. It’s my duty to warn him. But I must carefully watch my steps; I am under constant watch.
Jack decided that he must warn Moroz of the impending disaster. I must take this enormous risk whatever may be the consequence.
His opportunity came when he momentarily found Moroz standing alone in one corner. He glanced around to look for the masked person or any suspicious person. Then he quickly approached Moroz and said, “This is the most magnificent birthday party I have ever seen”.
“Thank you for the compliments” Moroz said, looking proud.
“I wished to say something…” Jack hesitated.
“Yes?”
“…I meant to say…I mean...” Jack stammered. His face was turning red. However hard he tried, words didn’t come to his mouth. He hung his head low, staring at the ground.
“Tell. I am listening” Moroz said gently.
“Err…you see…It is always advisable to…cut your coat according to your cloth”.
Moroz seemed astonished. He tried to speak something twice, but failed each time.
“Is that all you wish to say?” Moroz asked.
“Well…something else…quick money often comes from dirty source. You have to be extra careful about possible consequences of accepting any-“
“Rubbish!” Moroz snapped, “You are just being paranoid”.
He gave an assuring smile and patted Jack’s shoulder lightly, clearly giving Jack a cold shoulder. He ignored Jack and walked towards the dimly candlelit special lounge, where the most important guests had gathered.
Jack followed a few steps, then hesitated and stood still. It’s no use Jack thought. If you ask a child to avoid the fire, he becomes more curious about the colorful flames. Besides, he may refuse to believe the true source of all this money. He thinks that I am just paranoid.
Ded Moroz turned back and called Jack.
“He is ‘Gwaizdor’, the Christmas gift distributor of Poland and my friend” Ded Moroz said, “He is ‘Mos Cracium’, the gift distributor of Romania…” Moroz introduced them one by one to Jack “…and finally he is our most esteemed guest-‘Shengdan Laoren’ of China. He has visited us for the first time”.
“Would you like to join us for some drinks?” one of them asked.
“No, thanks” Jack replied politely but firmly. He had no wish to disclose that he was strictly sober to a drinking party. He had faced embarrassing consequences before. Besides, he feared that mingling openly with Moroz’s friendly circle would arouse suspicion and anger of the Devil’s men, who might be observing him keenly right now. Neither did Jack wish to hang around in the company of Moroz’s friends to find out what they were going to discuss. He knew instinctively what subject might interest them, and he also guessed what was coming next.
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Chapter 35
Money Matters
Money started accumulating in Moroz’s account faster than he could spend them. Gold piled up in his locker sooner than any golden investment plan hatched in his head.
Ded Moroz turned into a spendthrift of the first order. His opportunity-seeking friends started following him like ducklings following a duck. They praised lavishly of him on his face, and their insincere flattery seemed like music to Moroz’s ears. Within days, Ded Moroz turned into a haughty and excessively proud snob.
Rapid accumulation of wealth gave a fresh lease of life to Moroz’s dormant ambitions.
Jack’s fear was not baseless, and his instinctive guess proved correct. Very soon, Moroz called a meeting of all his friendly ‘Christmas gift distributors’ of Eastern Europe and adjoining provinces.
The names and country names of the attending members were mentioned on the nameplates placed on the conference table. Members present included: Swiety Mikolaj and Gwaizdor of Poland, Mos Cracium of Romania, Mikul
as and Telapo of Hungary, Dyado Koleda of Bulgaria, Kaledu Senelis of Lithuania, Jultomten of Sweden, Kaghand Papik of Armenia, Shakhta Baba of Azerbaijan, Jolupukki of Finland and several others.
Ded Moroz of Russia presided over the meeting and made the opening speech.
“Each of us must jealously guard our territories” Ded Moroz bellowed “Greedy ‘American’ Santa Claus covets the whole world. His worker elves are flowing into our territories in droves as illegal immigrants. Santa won’t spare any of our territories”.
There was a resounding and unanimous angry outburst against Mr. Santa from the members.
Gwaizdor stood up and shouted, “We must challenge Santa. Openly contest against him! Snatch away his crown of the Christmas world from him”.
Telapo stood up too and shouted “Yes, my friend Moroz. Santa Claus has used unfair means to occupy the post of president of the ‘World Association of Christmas gift-distributors’ for too long. It’s high time to challenge him and pull him down”.
The others stood up and shouted excitedly “True”, “well said”, “Down with Santa” etc.
Ded Moroz surveyed the outpouring anger with revengeful pleasure and a wicked smile. Then he gestured them to silence. “Yes I will contest!” Ded Moroz announced, “I’ll call an emergency meeting of the ‘World Association of Christmas gift-distributors’ and demand an immediate re-election”.
The oldest member stood up and said, “We can challenge Santa economically, if we can arrange sufficiently more money. I request all members present to generously contribute to a common pool”.
The mere mention of ‘generous contribution’ caused a hushed silence in the hall. The excitement of the members died out instantly like a punctured tire. The situation seemed like the proverbial one: “who will tie the bell around the cat’s neck?”
After a long silence, another senior member admitted reluctantly in a gloomy voice, “In this tough time, money is the difficult part”.
They looked at each other’s face, but none wanted to take the initiative of breaking the ice. They started discussing absurd and impractical ways of raising ‘more money’.
Meanwhile, Ded Moroz hesitated and remained silent. The inner conflict brewing in his mind was clear from the look on his face.
Then meeting seemed to be over.
All of a sudden Ded Moroz announced “I shall provide huge economic packages to all our members to confront evil Santa and extend our sphere of influence”.
The entire hall vibrated with “Bravo” “Well done!” “We support you!” followed by another round of cheering and clapping.
“But there is one condition…” Ded Moroz continued with a determined tone”…All members shall be strictly prohibited from accepting any economic packages from Santa’s bloc, or forming any alliance with them. They must maintain farthest distance. Those who agree, please raise their hands”
All members raised their hands in unanimous consent, raising the possibility of a split in the Christmas world on a global scale.
* * *
The ‘World Association of gift distributors’ split into two blocs, amidst heated debate, angry accusations and violent uproar. Santa led one and Ded Moroz the other one. Even Mr. Santa didn’t escape unhurt in the turmoil; someone pulled his beard, tearing off a handful of white stuff.
Next day, Belsnickel, the head of Santa’s secret unit, met Mr. Santa Claus.
“A terrible thing has happened, Sir” Belsnickel said.
“Once again!” Santa Claus frowned “What is it this time?”
“Shengdan Laoren, the ‘Christmas gift-distributor’ of China has joined your arch-rival Moroz’s camp” Belsnickel said.
“Oh my God!” Santa exclaimed.
“Ded Moroz recognized Shengdan Laoren as the sole authorized gift distributor of China” Belsnickel said, “Shengdan Laoren in return declared Ded Moroz as ‘natural and undisputed leader’. Shengdan and Moroz signed pact of mutual friendship”.
“It’s horrible news,” Santa said.
“Of course it is. Shengdan Laoren has influence over a quarter of world’s population. We simply can’t afford to lose him to Ded Moroz”.
“I am already distressed and yet to recover from the shock of yesterday’s split” Santa said “I can’t even think clearly now what to do next”.
“I’ll issue a secret decree” Belsnickel said “A decree declaring that containment of Ded Moroz in China is our primary foreign policy. And besides...I strongly urge you to join hand with Shengdan Laoren and follow ‘look east policy’.
* * *
After leaving Santa, Belsnickel issued secret orders to create rift through propaganda between Shengdan Laoren and Ded Moroz. “Shengdan Laoren listens to his Chinese concubine, who calls herself the ‘Divine Christmas Empress’…” Belsnickel explained to his subordinates “Take her help to poison Shengdan Laoren’s ears that he is being treated scornfully as a junior partner by Ded Moroz” Belsnickel ordered his subordinates.
Santa Claus took Belsnickel’s advice about ‘look east’ seriously and invited Shengdan Laoren to America. They discussed investment and formation of ‘Trans-Pacific Union’. The meeting was successful. Shengdan invited Mr. Santa to build manufacturing units high demand ‘military toys’ in ‘Guangdong’ province in China, assuring Mr. Santa of cheap skilled labors. Mr. Santa was fed up with strikes and other labor conflicts with Elf workers in America. He readily accepted the investment offer.
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Chapter 36
Caribbean Plot
Belsnickel met Mr.Santa Claus.
Mr. Santa Claus appeared to be in a jolly mood-an unusual state of mind for Mr. Santa Claus lately.
“So, Mr. Director” Santa Claus said humorously “how is things going on in your ‘Children’s International Association’?”
“Ah, address me as your helper, Sir” Belsnickel rebuked. He sighed and continued, “I am afraid Sir, things are not so good” he sighed again “I am afraid, I have some disturbing news to deliver”.
“But you were supposed to take away all my worries, rather than add to the piling heap” Santa Claus snapped and frowned “that was what you assured me, when you demanded financial assistance to set up you organization”.
“Don’t blame my organization, Sir” Belsnickel said, “I didn’t come here as your headache, but rather as your eyes and ears. My organization is acting as an early warning system, fully committed to protect your interests from ruthlessly ambitious Ded Moroz”.
“Let’s come directly to the point” Santa blurted “what the bad news?”
Belsnickel didn’t reply, but took out a pack of ‘black and white’ photographs from his leather briefcase. He placed them one by one like a pack of cards on the table for Mr. Santa to see.
“These photos were taken from several of your flying reindeer sledges, which you had generously lent for worldwide reconnaissance activities. These photos clearly show that Moroz is setting up military toy factories, warehouses and a permanent base in the Caribbean islands”.
“But that’s his personal affair” Santa said, “why should we bother?”
“Are you joking Sir?” Belsnickel shot back “Considering the proximity to the mainland, Caribbean is the backyard of American continent. Ded Moroz is trying to extend his sphere of influence right inside your stronghold. He is eyeing the American market, Sir. He is clearly violating territorial demarcations”.
“You are overreacting; just over-concerned” Mr. Santa Claus calmed down from his initial excitement “You are behaving like an aggressive hippopotamus, which always fears territorial violation and attacks head on at the least provocation”.
“Ded Moroz is rapidly growing in popularity in the Caribbean” Belsnickel said “We intercepted a letter from a fourteen year old Jamaican child. Please note that it isn’t addressed to you anymore, but to Ded Moroz. It reads:
Dear Comrade Moroz,
Last Christmas, I demanded a revolver, but I received a pa
ir of socks, and trousers instead!
I think you messed up with somebody else’s demands. This year I want a dozen hand grenades and some long-range fireworks.
I have been good all the year round.
Yours,
F. Castoor.
Belsnickel folded the letter, and tucked it into his pocket and continued “Ded Moroz has made a secret pact with Shengdan Laoren, the ‘gift-distributor’of China for supplying cheap toys. It is indeed a matter of grave concern: They will flood the American market with cheap toys”.
Having failed to excite Mr. Santa, Belsnickel looked at him with disgust and continued “One more piece of information from a very reliable source: Moroz’s agents are buying all available stocks of Cuban and Havana cigars from the local markets. Prices here have already skyrocketed. He plans to rename the ‘Figurado cigar’ brands after his name and completely stop all supplies of Cuban cigars to America”.
Belsnickel grinned, and looking at Mr. Santa’s face he added “Of course that will be good for you. Comrade Moroz appears to care about your health, and cure your bad habit. You have picked up heavy smoking lately”.
Santa snapped back angrily “What!? You know very well that I can’t afford without Cuban ‘Figurado cigar’-no other brand suits me. This particular act of his is really sinister. You must find some solution”.
“There can be only one solution” Belsnickel said “and that is forcing Ded Moroz to wind up his base from Caribbean”.
“But how?”
Belsnickel didn’t answer. Instead he took out a letter from his pocket and unfolded it to Mr. Santa “We intercepted this fresh love letter from Ded Moroz to your wife. He has urged for elopement”. Belsnickel looked at Mr. Santa’s angry face and said, “I apologize for taking the liberty of reading the letter. But tell me; are you willing to take the risk of finding your wife missing one night?”