Chapter Thirty Six: The Bark of the Messimittus Tree

Kind words do not cost much.

They never blister the tongue or lips.

They make other people good-natured.

They also produce their own image

on men's souls, and a beautiful image it is.

Blaise Pascal

"I have seen it very clearly, Xeno," the old man has said. "He had blisters in his hands."

Xeno was taken aback by this unlikely, unforced confession. Clearly, the danger is on its way despite the enacted statutes that were designed to prevent this kind of unfortunate situation from actually happening.

"Who could have infiltrated the mines of the See of Color? It was my understanding that there were enchantments made in that place to fortify it against any form entry and do all kinds of exploitation from there. How can the chants have failed?"

The old man cleared his throat, as if trying to grasp the internal meaning of his words himself. He is quite aware that his declarations could mean some spell of doom, a dangerous rhetoric, that tje situation must be taken in all seriousness.

"I am not really certain myself, but I definitely saw the blisters. His hands were full of it. But my instincts have told me the truth long before my own consciousness ever did. The curse of the Tree of Willow has now come to beset upon us. It will naturally descend, and peril it has begun."

Xeno still could not believe it. His voice was full of confusion as he asked more questions to clarify his own biases and thinking.

"And what would happen to the sticky poles?"

The old man smiled.

"The sticky poles are just fine. The Tree of Messimittus will keep its appointed purpose, consistent to the principles of predestination as we know it. While our common destiny is very much capable of deceiving us into choosing the wrong path from the many decisions we make, blinded as we are, our appointed destination has always been about arriving at the goodness of the love we ought to deserve."

Xeno understood the hidden interpretation of this theory, but he still entertain some doubts about the safety and security of all concerned, after this supposed event in the future had finally arrived unannounced into the present.

"And how about the powers of Magical Forestry? The sticky poles may now be studied when the Steel of Willows have taken its place in the utility of things. We cannot allow this to happen. The bark of this tree is the most effective material in defeating the unwated forces of the darkness."

The old man nodded his assent.

"Yes, you are very right Xeno," he said. "The sticky poles are the only remaining tools that has been proven effective against the Devil and all of his demons. The times are now crucial for a concrete action to take. We must preserve the bark of the tree. His blisters represent the phtsical evidence that the Willow had finally arrived."

"The forbidden tree," he finally realized.

Xeno clutched his great icicle as if ready to battle an unseen enemy. The old man quickly noticed and completely abhorred the gesture.

"You must know how to remain calm if you want to outwit Satan, Xeno. His powers had become more potent during the winter after he have stolen the Glass Enclosure, the very object that has always been our greatest treasure. We have no other recourse but to deal with our remaining cards and make most out of it. Now, rest your weapon well. Do not waste any more impetus from hatred. It is not worth it."

"The winter is not the enemy, Your Excellency," Xeno finally said, defiant. "But those blisters in his hands only intensify the passion inside of us. We will not back down from defending our remaining political state. There is no other option but to rise up in arms!"

The old man considered him, and the wisdom he is offering, for a moment. All of the words that have been said are absolutely true. He also knew of it too well, having been experienced most of the effects of bite of this horrible winter; although he is quite accustomed to it, by now.

The old man speaking was Father Chrustmas, the alter ego of Santa Claus.

x----------x

The Chapter is sponsored by Christian Dior.