Many moons ago when the world was new the snow came. It made the whole world white and it sparkled splendidly in the winter sun.

Yadir the king of the reindeer was not cold as his thick coat kept him warm. However he and the other reindeer were very hungry. With the world being covered in snow they could not see their food. He had searched long and hard but had found nothing. Presently he came upon a hut. Now Yadir did not trust the hut animals, for a start they walked on two legs and they ate meat! But Yadir was hungry, his people were hungry and as king he must do something. With much trepidation he came closer to the hut. He was very scared in case the animals in the hut were hungry too and decide to eat him!

Malo was tired, his young son Tanis had not slept well and so Malo had spent much of the night walking up and down trying to rock his son to sleep. Now he needed fire wood, it was getting cold again and Malo and his family only had clothes spun from summer breezes and spring leafs. As Malo opened the door of his hut he was confronted by the sight of the King of the Reindeer. Now you may ask how he knew it was king of the reindeer, but to Malo it was simple. The reindeer that stood before him was vast. His horns alone that sprung majestically from his head were as tall as Malo! Malo also noticed that even though it was very cold Yadir radiated heat. For several minutes neither said or did anything, just stared at each other. Both Proud, both the heads of their people. Slowly Malo stepped forward, he was terrified but he was the only thing between his helpless people and this mighty animal. 

Yadir snorted, hot air crystallised from his nostrils. The little hut creature had moved toward him. Yadir prepared to charge; as he lowered his horns he made eye contact for the first time. In that instant Yadir understood. He saw fear in the little mans eyes, and he saw pride. He understood  now. He understood that although this little man would not stand a chance against his mighty horns he would stand tall and proud and not let him pass. He would protect his family.

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Malo was terrified, stuck where he was, the king off the reindeer looked as if he was going to charge! The air was cold; snow started floating silently down on the strange scene. Just then a ball of colour bounced past Malo. It was Tanis, Malo’s son come to see what his daddy was doing.

Tanis stopped. Before him was a big fluffy doggy thing with funny things on his head. The big doggy looked hungry. Tanis held up his breakfast bowl of honey and milk to the doggy. 

Yadir was brought to his knees, the smell of milk and honey was too much and he was so hungry. He drank. Malo understood. This mighty beast had been brought to his knees by his son’s breakfast. He saw now that the king of the reindeer had not come to attack his people but he had come for help. Malo realised then that if the king was hungry then his people must be starving! Malo left his son with the king and rushed inside, found the biggest bowl he had and filled it with oats and honey. Within second he was back outside again. Tanis was giggling; the big fluffy doggy thing had licked him and his tongue rough and tickly. Malo stepped forward and placed the bowl of oats and honey in front of the king. 

Yadir ate again. For the first time in days he was not hungry. He felt strong again; when he had finished the last of the food he bowed at the hut people, for now the whole family had come to see. The smallest of them reached up and touched his mighty horns. Yadir turned and bolted now strong enough to carry on his search for food.