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The Society of Jacks, A Cozy Urban Fantasy Adventure
Claudia and the Christmas Cowl Chapter 7

Claudia and the Christmas Cowl Chapter 7

“What was it?” Mrs. Claus asked.

“A trickster spirit, as I suspected. They don’t really have names, but some people refer to them as mischief-makers. Not particularly powerful, but they are clever and can be very focused when they find something they want, which is usually something shiny or a source of power. I think it caught the scent of the Pole and the power within while it was wandering and decided to find a way to take a piece for itself. They can be quite impressive when they are focused, but most of the time they just seek their own entertainment.”

“And you were able to keep it from getting anything in the vault,” Maguire said.

“It didn’t get close. Threw a bit of a fit when it realized what I did and tried to steal some of my things, but it failed there too. I made sure all of the protections were adjusted accordingly and told the guards what to look out for if it tries to come back,” I explained.

“And will it come back?”

“Not for a while, but there is always a chance it may try again with a friend. Or it might be dumber than I gave it credit for. I plan to stick around until after Christmas just in case, but I think we are safe for now.”

“Ho-ho-how wonderful!” Santa exclaimed. “You did such a good job. Here, have a cookie.” He pushed one of the many plates of cookies across the table, and I accepted one gratefully.

It had taken longer than expected to calm Mrs. Claus from her baking frenzy due to the fact she had already been indulging in a little stress baking when the story reacted to the glitter bomb that went off in the square. That had been the trickster's distraction that I felt, but thankfully the elves were well-versed in dealing with glitter. We started by coaxing her to switch from cookies to other desserts and pastries until she finally reached the point where it was no longer a compulsion. By then we had enough cookies to feed an army, a few batches of brownies, and several cakes of various sizes.

She still had a few things left to finish, but she seemed far more relaxed than when I first came in. By the time I finished the rest of my debriefing, all of the baking was done and some of the elves had started filtering in to help distribute the wealth of pastries. They only took the treats from the green plates, though. The red plates were for the four of us to share and share we did.

I regaled them with stories of other tricksters I had dealt with in the past, and Maguire was surprised to find not all of them had been adversaries.

“Tricksters are not in and of themselves evil or bad,” I said. “Many of them came into being to right wrongs and correct injustices. Sure, sometimes their plans get out of hand, but they are still the embodiment of wit and stubbornness and guile. I know far more tricksters who seek only to make people laugh than tricksters who wish to create mischief. Now, that isn’t to say all tricksters are to be trusted implicitly. You have to learn to spot the difference and sift the truth from the jokes. Some of my best friends are full of crap 95% of the time, but when push comes to shove, I know they have my back.”

“I am willing to admit that my lack of exposure to such things has colored my understanding,” Maguire said sheepishly.

“It is easy to misjudge what you do not know, but it takes courage to admit fault and seek to learn more.”

He perked up a bit at this, and the conversation continued with him asking me questions about other things I had encountered out in the wide world. Santa could not stay long, and eventually even Mrs. Claus had to take her leave, though she returned after her tasks were done, and we were still talking. She cleared her throat to draw our attention.

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“All of the protections have been improved according to your recommendations and I have arranged for any unexpected occurrences to be reported to the head of our guard first, so they can learn to handle it on their own while you are still here to provide backup,” she explained.

“I am happy to help, and if I need to stay a few extra days, I will do so and I will make myself useful.”

“I do not believe that will be necessary, but the thought is appreciated. My hope is that the rest of your stay will be much more like a vacation.”

“I am certain it will be, and you know I always enjoy getting to spend time up here.”

“And we always appreciate your company. Now, have you considered what you wish your favor to be?” she asked. I looked pointedly at Maguire, then back at her. “I thought that might be the case.”

“Only if he is willing,” I clarified.

“Only if I am willing to do what?” Maguire asked, finally catching on to the conversation.

“You have skill, Maguire, skill with a lot of things and talent for many more. Add that to your natural curiosity and your willingness to learn, you would make a most excellent Jack. That is if you are willing to take that leap into the unknown,” I explained. His eyes widened as I spoke.

“And what does becoming a Jack look like?”

“It's different for every person, but it usually looks like an apprenticeship. You will come with me, and I will become your mentor, helping you learn the things you are curious to learn and hone any innate skills you wish to hone. It won’t be easy, and it won’t always be safe, but it will be a life of adventure, and you will not be facing it alone. Plus, the Jacks have plenty of resources and once your initial training is done, you will be free to journey about as you wish,” I explained. Maguire glanced nervously at Mrs. Claus, looking more uncomfortable than I had ever seen him.

“I am flattered, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted. I don’t know if I can abandon my post like that, even if we leave after Christmas. The North Pole is all I have ever known.”

“There is no expectation that you will completely forsake your life and connections here at the North Pole, and I will more than likely be returning here next Christmas as well, for one reason or another. I also don’t expect you to decide today. Take your time, think it through. Talk to whoever you need to talk to. I will answer any questions you have, but the day after Christmas, I will be leaving. If you aren’t ready by then, then no worries. I can make the same offer next year if you change your mind.”

“I…let me think about it. I am honored by your consideration. Just…let me think about it.”

“Take your time, Maguire.”

The remaining days of Christmas passed exactly as eventfully as they were supposed to. The elves were able to catch up with their work with a little bit of time to spare and the trickster made no further attempts to break back into the North Pole, so I could focus my efforts on being helpful and enjoying myself. Maguire found me at least once a day with a series of questions, mostly about my own experience and indirect attempts to figure out why I would invite him of all people to join the Society. I just kept reiterating that he had promised and he was the best assistant I ever had the pleasure of working with, but it was his choice if he thought he had what it took to be a Jack.

The day after Christmas, I shouldered my bag and made my way out of town early in the morning. Most of the elves would be sleeping in, but Maguire knew when and where I would be meeting him, should he choose to join me. So, I went there, and I waited, pulling out a little candle so I could keep better track of how much time had passed.

It had nearly burnt out when I finally caught sight of Maguire sprinting through the snow, a pack flung over his shoulder. I waved to let him know I had seen him, and he slowed, only slightly out of breath when he finally reached me.

“I worried I would not get here in time,” he explained. “It took me longer than I expected to get out of the village.”

“No worries, Maguire. You made it and I am still here. Are you ready to leave?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Are you ready to begin your journey to becoming a Jack?”

He took a deep breath, eyes flashing with resolve. “Yes.”

“Let’s go, then.”