Marcus realized that the wolves were not yet desperate enough to attack them if Jenny and he stood their ground, so he put on his magnificent metal crested helmet, held his shield in front and told Jenny to shelter behind it while he drew his sword. As the wolves cautiously approached, Marcus lunged forward with his shining sword and let out a series of such powerful roars that the wolves ran away.

"What was that?" asked Jenny, in awe, as the pack disappeared into the steadily falling snow.

"Oh, that was the voice of Mars; it's powerful enough to scare not only the bravest of enemies but our legionaries, too!" Marcus laughed.

Jenny was very impressed with the centurion's bravery and strength and felt safe with him by her side. Marcus confidently led the way as they continued their journey, still wearing his magnificent metal helmet. Jenny, following closely behind, asked Marcus about his helmet. He explained that it was a galea, a vital piece of protective gear on the battlefield.



"My galea is one of the finest armour pieces of our times. They are typically crafted from metal, bronze, or iron, covering the head's top, sides, and back while exposing the face for better visibility and communication. The helmet is often decorated with plumes or crests. The crest of my centurion's helmet runs across from side to side, symbolising leadership, authority, and command within the legions. Its comb of horsehair is dyed red to make it visible from afar so that a legionary of any centuria, of any legion, can recognize his commander at once, even during the fiercest battle."

As they walked, Marcus and Jenny encountered many obstacles. They had to cross frozen streams, climb steep hills, and pass through dense thickets. The centurion was strong and skilled in reading the land, and he helped Jenny every step of the way. He encouraged her when she was tired, lifted her up when she stumbled, and even carried her when she needed a rest. The tawny owl flew ahead, guiding them on their way. They walked through the snow-covered landscape for hours, but neither the Roman nor the owl ever faltered.

Finally, they arrived at the entrance to Trevelver Castle, and the owl flew away, disappearing into the snowy landscape. Jenny was overjoyed but was also sad to say goodbye to Marcus. She thanked him for guiding her back to safety, and Marcus smiled and told her that he was proud of her and that she was a brave girl. Jenny thanked him for his guidance and protection and hoped that they would meet again.

"Princess Gwenhwyfar, that is in the hands of the Fates."

Marcus then saluted and bid farewell to Jenny before disappearing into the night. Jenny waved goodbye to him, knowing that she would never forget the Roman centurion who had saved her life and the tawny owl who had tirelessly guided them.

And so, Jenny Davies returned to Trevelver Castle safe and sound, with a heart full of joy and a mind full of wonderful memories, but totally exhausted to find her worried friends gathered in the entrance hall, about to launch a search party for her. She knew that she had found something more precious than the magical mailbox. She had found true friendship and not only in Cardinham Woods.

As soon as Jenny had staggered into Trevelver Castle, shivering with cold and exhaustion, the Housekeeper, Gwendolyn Jenkins, wife of the Castle's resourceful Head Butler, Huw Jenkins, immediately insisted that she take her to soak in a warm bath. Gwendolyn left a thick, warm dressing gown along with Jenny's flannel pyjamas, bed socks, and warm slippers as Jenny soaked in the bath. Once Jenny had towelled herself dry with the biggest, softest, warmest towel she had ever seen, Gwendolyn, after asking if Jenny was decent, returned to the bathroom to carefully examine Jenny's feet, toes, hands, fingers and thumbs, ears and nose for any signs of frostbite. At length, satisfied, Gwendolyn told Jenny that she would suffer some pink tingling soreness on the tips of her ears and nose and her cheeks, but, otherwise, she would be fine after a good long sleep. But, first, Jenny insisted on having a big mug of hot cocoa with her friends in the Castle's Great Kitchen so that she could share her story with everyone. Gwendolyn smiled and said, "Of course, dear. You go ahead. I'll make sure you have a well-warmed bed to sleep in as soon as you're ready."

As they sat in the Castle kitchen, sipping steaming mugs of hot cocoa and listening to Jenny's tales, Huw Jenkins, Trevelver Castle's Head Butler, entered with a special letter for Jenny on a small round silver tray. The envelope was addressed to Miss Jenny Davies, Trevelver Castle, Cant Cove, Wadebridge, Cornwall, England. The name and address on the envelope were written in beautiful silver italic script. Above the name and address, "SPECIAL DELIVERY" was written in bold letters. It was a reply from Father Christmas himself, which had just arrived in the Castle's mailbox! Jenny's heart filled with excitement as she opened the beautiful red and green envelope.

Jenny told everyone that Father Christmas had read her letter and was very happy to help. He invited her to visit his workshop at the North Pole the very next morning, where she could see the elves at work and help load the presents into the special railway goods van. The van would be attached to the 'North Pole Express', and after being brought to Cant Cove station, the van would be loaded onto a special sleigh and delivered directly to Trevelver Castle! Jenny was overjoyed! Everyone congratulated her, especially her friends who had doubted Widow Curnow's tale about the magic mailbox in Cardinham Woods.

The next day was Monday, December 24th, 1962. To everyone's surprise, another of the 'Chelsea Girls', Susan Foreman, had miraculously arrived at Cant Cove station at 7:19 am on the Quarter past Midnight overnight train from London Waterloo station. Trevelver Castle's Head Butler had collected her and her overnight case in the heated cab of one of the snowplough-fitted tractors. The 'Chelsea Girls' and Sylvia's parents were all seated in the Small Breakfast Room, enjoying a hearty, warm meal. Everyone was eager to hear Susan's news.

"My grandfather suddenly returned to London in the TARDIS and then went off to explore a leak in the space-time continuum in an adjoining dimension that had brought Willoughby Chase and its wolves to our England. As a side-effect, it enables criminals to, somehow, pass into an adjoining and, normally, very peaceable place, Poppyshire and Sillyshire. Grandfather is convinced that this is a symptom of something far more serious. The Prime Minister is very concerned, too; wolves suddenly running wild in England is not popular with the voters!

So, with my grandfather in charge, as the government's Special Scientific Advisor, and off in the TARDIS investigating", she shrugged her slim shoulders, "I had to catch the overnight train to join you for what will be a very unusual Christmas. Amazingly, the line was clear all the way. However, the snowdrifts were piled high on each side of the railway tracks. Fortunately, the steam heating in the train was working very well", she smiled.

"We had two powerful engines – I asked the train guards, as I knew you'd want to know, Silvie – a former Southern Railway 'Merchant Navy' locomotive took the train from Waterloo to Exeter Central, and then a former Southern Railway 'Light Pacific' locomotive from Exeter Central, both in excellent form! I saw plenty of snowploughs at work on the lines. But don't ask me about the locos.!" she laughed.

During breakfast, Sylvia and Eli briefed Susan on Jenny's adventures. After Jenny left to feed her animal and bird friends in the Castle grounds, Susan nodded and explained that Jenny had special and unique powers. "Jenny is far more than the shy, young waitress we befriended in our favourite Chelsea café, 'Café Bohème'. She is the only one of us who can achieve what needs to be done this Christmas. I'm not surprised we didn't consciously recognize her unique abilities; she's so quiet and shy. Believe in her, trust her, and support her. That's all I will say for now. Now, pass me the toast, please, and that thick-cut marmalade, too."

Awaking from a long, deep, refreshing sleep after joining her friends for a hearty breakfast, Jenny packed her travel bag and Teddy before embarking on her journey to the North Pole. In her best winter outfit, Jenny stepped out of Trevelver Castle and saw the 'North Pole Express' waiting for her outside. The train was a magnificent sight, with its combination of gleaming umber and cream and red and green carriages behind its long, bright red and gold steam locomotive billowing white smoke and clouds of steam into the icy cold winter air. Jenny was curious to see that just like the centurion's footsteps had left no mark on the snow, neither did the wheels of the train waiting there.

The train's guard, a jolly man with a twinkle in his eye, called out, "Next stop: The North Pole!" before helping Jenny climb up and into one of the train's luxurious gleaming umber and cream 'Pullman' coaches. The coach was very warm and cosy, with plush armchair seats and soft lighting. Jenny felt excited as she looked around the beautiful interior. She was given her red and green printed cardboard return train ticket with her seat reservation and shown to her armchair seat.

"Excuse me, Mr. Guard, but are you sure this is my seat?" She shyly asked, gazing about her in wonder. The carriage was in immaculate condition with wonderful art deco inlaid decoration, art nouveau lamps, polished brass fittings, mosaic floors, and plush upholstery.

"Miss Davies, everyone on board this train is special", smiled the guard. "However, only the kindest and bravest guests are chosen to travel in one of our 'Pullman' cars, as these special coaches are called. These cars are reserved for those who are the most deserving—those who have shown exceptional kindness and bravery throughout the years. Our 'Pullman' cars symbolise honour and prestige, and those invited to travel in them are treated like royalty. You, Jenny, are one of this train's kindest and bravest passengers. You have shown exceptional kindness and bravery throughout your young life, especially to your wild animal and bird friends, many of whom, without your love and care, would not be alive, and that's why you have been chosen to travel in one of our 'Pullman' cars. You will be given a special gift from Santa Claus himself, on behalf of your friends, as a reward for all your good deeds. I hope that you and Teddy enjoy your journey on the 'North Pole Express', Miss Davies!"

Teddy leaned close, his button eyes reflecting starlight.

"Where are we going, Jenny?" he asked.

"To the heart of wonder," she replied.

The seating was open, with elegant white linen-covered tables in between the seats where the travellers could enjoy food and drink. Jenny sank into the soft seat and placed Teddy so that he could also look out of the window as the train pulled up and away. She could see the snow-covered landscape passing by below and felt a sense of wonder and joy. She knew that she was in for the adventure of a lifetime. The 'North Pole Express' was a train that was specially designed to take children and others to see Father Christmas. Along the way, Jenny would meet many brave, selfless children who were also going to the North Pole with stories of achievement to tell.

Mrs. Santa Claus, the kind-hearted stewardess of the 'North Pole Express', regularly pushed a silver trolley laden with every passenger's favourite food and drink along the train. She always stopped at the right passenger, making sure that everyone got their favourite seasonal treats. The trolley was filled with delicious goodies such as hot cocoa, chocolate cookies, candy canes, and more. In addition to these treats, her trolley also carried a variety of British and European Christmas desserts. Some of the British Christmas treats included Christmas cake, mince pies, and Scottish shortbread. Some of the European Christmas specialities included Christstollen from Germany, panettone from Italy, and Bolo Rei, or King's Cake, from Portugal. But what delighted Jenny the most was the silver plate of Taffy, a traditional Welsh sweet made from sugar, butter, and black treacle. The passengers eagerly awaited Mrs. Santa Claus's arrival and were never disappointed. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone.

The guard followed her, his silver pocket watch swinging like a pendulum. "Ladies and gentlemen", he announced, "we approach the Midnight Bell. When it tolls, we'll cross into the land of magic and wonder."

Jenny's heart skipped. The train slowed, and the air hummed with anticipation. Then, from the snow-covered forest below came the chime – a single, resonant note that echoed through the air. The landscape was transformed, the everyday giving way to enchantment. Snowflakes danced, and the trees whispered ancient tales.

The 'North Pole Express' was a magical train that flew up through and above the snow-filled clouds. It was decorated with twinkling coloured lights inside and out, and the interior of its coaches was adorned with colourful Christmas decorations, including bright red holly and shiny green ivy. As Jenny and Teddy gazed out the window, they saw a breathtaking view of the snow-covered landscape passing below under a now clear starlit sky. They saw snowmen, reindeer, and even some polar bears as the train neared its destination. It was a magical journey that Jenny and Teddy would never forget. As the train began to descend gently, they saw the glittering lights of the North Pole appear in the distance.

The train had arrived in a realm untouched by ordinary clocks. Here, the snow sparkled like crushed diamonds. After the train halted, billowing clouds of steam, the guard helped Jenny climb down from the 'Pullman' onto the platform. The North Pole stood before them; a glittering spire of ice crowned with auroras. Elves scurried about their tasks. Their laughter tinkled like icicles. Jenny caught snippets of their conversations:

"The children at Trevelver Castle will be delighted!"

"Did you polish the silver bells?"

"Remember to sprinkle extra stardust on the presents!"

And there stood Santa Claus himself, a figure of joy and ancient wisdom who warmly greeted each of the passengers. Santa approached, his eyes kind. "Jenny", he said, "you've journeyed well. For your unwavering belief, I grant you the First Gift of Christmas."

He placed a silver bell in her gloved hand – a bell that chimed with memories, hopes, and the promise of wonder. Teddy's stuffing quivered, and Jenny's eyes filled with tears.

Jenny had a wonderful time helping prepare for Christmas. First, she helped decorate the Christmas tree before Mrs. Claus took her into the enormous kitchen, where some elves were busy making Christmas treats. Jenny helped them make gingerbread houses and then helped Mrs. Claus and the elves make hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies for all the passengers. The home was filled with the sweet aroma of baking gingerbread and steaming hot cocoa.

As Jenny enjoyed her refreshments, she learnt that Mrs. Santa Claus was a busy woman who helped Santa Claus in many ways and was someone he frequently turned to for advice. Mrs. Santa Claus fed the reindeer, read the notes from girls and boys, turned in the order for their toys, helped wrap the gifts and pack the sleigh, and kept Santa's red suit looking nice. She also gave the brownies that the elves made in the kitchen their delicious spices and filled every heart with wondrous joys.

Jenny's hot cocoa and delicious gingerbread cookies finished; it was time, Mrs. Claus said, with a broad smile, for her to meet Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his eight friends: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. Standing in their warm, comfortable stable, Mrs. Santa Claus explained to Jenny how each of Santa's reindeer was named according to their unique personalities and abilities.

"Rudolph, the most famous reindeer of all, is named for his shiny red nose, which helps guide Santa's sleigh through foggy weather. While Rudolph is known for his nose and for leading the other reindeer, Dasher is named for her acceleration, Dancer for her grace, and Prancer for her elegance, Vixen is named for her beauty, Comet for his speed, Cupid for his affectionate nature, Donner for his strength, and Blitzen for his lightning-fast reflexes; Donner and Blitzen's names come from the Dutch words for 'thunder' and 'lightning'.

"As you can see, Jenny, both male and female reindeer have antlers, which are the largest and heaviest antlers of all living deer species. A male's antlers can be up to 51 inches long, while a female's antlers can reach 20 inches. This is different from most other deer species, where only the males have antlers."

After greeting each of the friendly reindeer, Jenny's guide stated that it was now time to take her to Santa's toy workshop, where the other passengers were being shown around in groups.

Jenny with Rudolph and Santa

Santa Claus was waiting to show Jenny around. The vast workshop was filled with hardworking elves, all busily making toys and wrapping presents. It was a magical place filled with the sounds of hammering, sawing, and finishing. Its walls were lined with shelves stacked high with toys of all shapes and sizes. The elves worked tirelessly to create the perfect toys for children all around the world. They used their magical powers to make sure that every toy was made with love and care. Now they were making teddy bears, and they looked just like her Teddy!

Jenny then remembered how, when she was a little girl, after the death of her father in a mining accident and her young mother was very depressed, Santa Claus had visited her one Christmas Eve. She loved her teddy bear more than anything in the world, took him everywhere she went in her little rucksack, and told him all her secrets. Santa Claus saw how much Jenny loved her teddy and knew that he was special. So, that wonderful Christmas, he gave him a magical gift.

Santa Claus told Jenny that although her Teddy had been made with love and care by the elves and given to her when she was too young to remember, now he would come alive whenever Jenny needed him. The magic was a secret that only Jenny and her teddy knew about. Whenever Jenny was feeling sad or lonely, she should hold her teddy close and whisper the magic words that Santa had given her. And just like that, her teddy would come alive and keep her company.

Jenny's teddy was no longer a beloved toy but a true friend who would always be there for her. Together, they went on magical adventures and had the most wonderful times. And every Christmas Eve, when Santa Claus visited her again, he saw how happy Jenny was with her teddy. Santa would smile, knowing that he had given her the greatest gift of all – a friend for life.

The workshop was, Jenny was, Santa Claus explained, divided into different sections, each dedicated to a specific type of toy. For example, there was a section for dolls, one for toy cars, and another for board games. The elves worked together in teams to create the toys, and they took great pride in their work. They were, Santa Claus explained, always looking for ways to improve their designs and make the toys even better.

In the centre of the workshop, raised on a wooden platform, high off the ground so that he could oversee the whole area, stood Santa's beautifully decorated desk, where he kept track of all the toys that needed to be made. He checked his naughty or nice list twice to make sure that every good child got the perfect gift. Santa was always available to answer questions and offer advice to the elves. Jenny saw that he was a kind and patient boss who loved his work and his employees. Truly, she thought, Santa's workshop was a magical place where dreams come true, where hard work and creativity are celebrated, and the spirit of Christmas is alive all year round.

Father Christmas and his elves worked tirelessly to ensure that every present was wrapped and ready for delivery. The elves sang Christmas carols, and Father Christmas told them entertaining stories of Christmases past. Jenny was very happy as, with the help of the elves, she helped wrap and organise the presents for Trevelver Castle before they loaded them into the specially decorated red and green railway goods van, ready for the train to set off on its magical journey back to North Cornwall.

All too soon, it was time to leave the North Pole. Santa was very impressed with Jenny's cheerful hard work and thanked her for all her help. Before the visitors left to board the waiting train, Santa gave Jenny and Teddy a special gift to remember their magical journey on the 'North Pole Express'. It was a beautiful snow globe that contained a miniature replica of the train they had travelled on. The snow globe sparkled with glittering snow and shimmered with the colours of the rainbow. Every time Jenny shook the snow globe, they were transported back to the magical journey they had taken to the North Pole. They could see the twinkling lights of the train, Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus, the friendly elves, and the breathtaking view of the snow-covered landscape below. It was a gift that they would treasure forever.

Santa's eyes crinkled as he bid Jenny and Teddy farewell.

"Remember," he said, "you're no longer just a girl with her beloved teddy bear. You're growing up, but you'll never outgrow Teddy. Keep the magic in your heart. Growing older doesn't mean leaving behind childhood enchantment. My gift to you both is silent communication, which goes beyond words and reminds you that the magic of Christmas is real."

[As I have to leave VERY early tomorrow, I'm posting tomorrow morning's episode now.]

In her reserved seat in the 'Pullman' car, Jenny, again, felt a sense of wonder and excitement as the 'North Pole Express' rose into the crystal-clear night sky. She knew that she had experienced something truly magical. Looking down at the twinkling lights below, she knew she would never forget her journey to the North Pole and back. The locomotive's wheels sang of homecoming. Jenny clutched the silver bell Santa had given her, its chime still echoing in her heart. Teddy nestled beside her, his threadbare fur warmed by the magic of Christmas.

The North Pole, with its spire of ice and crowning auroras, faded away. Now, their journey led them southward toward familiar landscapes. Jenny hummed the 'Song of the Earth' as the train steamed over enchanted forests. The locomotive's wheels joined her, a chorus of steam and steel. Teddy sent happy thoughts, and the silver bell gently chimed in harmony.

When the train's guard arrived to check Jenny's return ticket and seat reservation card, she asked him: "What powers the train's engine?"

"It's no ordinary steam locomotive, Miss Davies. It is not fuelled by coal or wood but by something far more wondrous, fire elementals – ancient beings born from the heart of fire. They dance within the locomotive's firebox, their fiery forms casting shadows on its walls. They are bound to the train by ancient pacts, drawn to its purpose – the delivery of dreams and wonder. Like all steam engines, it has a boiler, but not just any boiler. Oh no, my dear. It is full of magical water collected from hidden springs at the heart of the world."

"Magic water?"

"Yes, Miss Davies", the guard said, his voice hushed. "When the fire elementals stir, they change this water with their magic. It becomes living steam, tireless and determined. It drives the pistons that propel the locomotive's wheels, carrying its passengers to places where reality and imagination connect."

Jenny imagined those hidden springs – their silver waters shimmering with moonlight, touched by ancient magic.

"Listen", the guard said with a broad grin. "Can you hear it? The locomotive's heartbeat – the rhythm of fire and water."
And indeed, Jenny and Teddy did. The locomotive was singing as its wheels turned. It was more than a train; it was a promise—a promise that every journey carried wonder, every whistle sang of adventure.

"Remember, Miss Davies", the guard said, "when you board the 'North Pole Express', you're not just a passenger. You're part of the enchantment. The fire elementals watch, their fiery eyes full of age-old stories. They've seen kingdoms rise and fall, wishes take flight, and hearts ignite."

"When you arrive at your destination, don't forget to thank the fire elementals. They thrive on gratitude."

"Thank you, Mr. Guard. I will."

"But before you go. Please tell me something about the fire elementals."

The guard sighed. "I'll do my best, Miss Davies. The Emberborn defy simple description. They shift between states – a flicker of flame, a wisp of smoke, or a searing ember. Their forms are fleeting, yet their presence burns with intensity. But now, if you'll excuse me, I've other passengers' tickets to check."

"Of course. Thank you!"

As the train's wheels turned, Jenny whispered her gratitude to the Emberborn, who danced within the fiery heart of its locomotive. In the locomotive's song, Jenny discovered her own melody of wonder, woven by magic and fuelled by elemental fire. She resolved to sing it in her high, clear voice to Enka Lou-Lou, a close friend of the 'Chelsea Girls'. Enka would be performing her No. 1 hit, "The Good Times To Come", at the Christmas Eve Party in Trevelver Castle.

Jenny would never forget the night she met Enka Lou Lou, the 'Queen of Hearts', at Trevelver Castle. Enka was a very striking, very tall Catalan-Finnish teenage singer-songwriter. Her charisma, blonde hair, calm brown eyes and, above all, her amazing voice meant that everyone remembered her.

Enka's voice echoed in the ancient hall of the castle. "Tonight, we sing the 'Song of the Earth'. It connects us to this land and to each other." She looked at her fellow singer-musicians and said, "Welcome, Sofi de La Vega, welcome Susan Foreman." They all bowed to each other. Enka sat down and held her beloved Spanish acoustic guitar. Sofi had a similar one, while Susan played a big, clear flute with many shining buttons.

On the little round stage in the Great Hall sat three very young women who were very different from each other: Enka, with her mysterious power; Sofi, who tapped her heels with the rhythm of flamenco; and Susan, who was the granddaughter of the Doctor. They were supported by a group of singers who stood below them in a half-circle.

It was Jenny and her friends: Sylvia Trevelver, Belinda Anderson, Suzi Williams, Monique Gournay, Amanda Morgan, and Angela Evans, who stood in that semi-circle. They joined their voices in the words of the chorus, a beautiful blend of sounds from different places and times. Their harmonies added to the majestic melody of the 'Song of the Earth', a song that remembered all the living things on the planet and the bond that united them.

Enka and Sofi played their guitars with grace and skill. Their notes mixed and matched, creating a lively contrast. Susan added her own tunes with her clear, flute-like device. She pressed the buttons with amazing speed, making complex melodies that wove in, around, above, and below the guitarists' melodies.

Jenny could never forget how her friend, Angela Evans, had risked her life for her friends that night so that the 'Song of the Earth' could be completed. Jenny would always remember how Angela's eyes had opened wide as if seeing something beyond this world. Jenny had acted on impulse, grabbing Angela's hand, holding her steady, and willing her back to them.

"Angela", she had called to her, "stay with us".

Long afterwards, Angela told them how she had felt the power rising to a climax as they sang the final part of the 'Song of the Earth'. Enabling that power was the only thing that could protect them from the evil that threatened them. She sang with all her heart. She felt a sharp pain in her chest, but she kept going. She gave everything she had so that her friends could finish the song until there was nothing left.

When Angela returned to consciousness, it was, her friends declared, truly a Christmas miracle.

The 'Song of the Earth' was no ordinary piece of music – it had vibrated through the castle stones as the air shimmered with unseen magic. Along with her friends, Jenny, her cheeks flushed, had repeatedly chanted the chorus they had carefully learned. As they sang, faces appeared in the shadows – the ghosts of long-ago lords and ladies, knights and squires, jesters, and serving folk, their smiles a silent applause.

But, when the final note of the song faded, Angela had crumpled, her life force drained. The path to recovery stretched ahead – a journey measured in weeks. She teetered on the edge of existence, her essence fragile, threads of reality slipping through her grasp.

Jenny, faithful and determined, had reached across that dangerous divide. She had tugged Angela back from the brink, bridging the gap between life and the vast unknown. And when Angela's consciousness finally returned, her first whispered words carried immense gratitude: "Thank you, Jenny, for pulling me back from the void, for allowing me to live again." Jenny's eyes sparkled with tears.

Teddy's eyes shone like stars as he leaned toward Jenny. "Yes", he exclaimed, "it was you. Your unwavering determination pulled Angela back from the edge. It was you who brought her back so that she could receive intensive care in the TARDIS Sick Bay, where the threads of life were delicately woven together. And that", he continued, chuckling, "is how you were given the extraordinary task of delivering Christmas magic – a specially decorated railway van brimming with gifts – to Trevelver Castle. And so here we are, my friend, enjoying our very own Christmas adventure!"

"What, Teddy? Now you can speak to me without me needing to do anything?"

"Yes", her teddy bear replied. "This is another special gift from Santa Claus, Jenny. You're no longer a girl who can carry her teddy bear with her wherever she goes. You're becoming a young woman and a very special one at that, even if I say so", he chuckled. "So now, we can communicate silently, no matter where we happen to be. No matter how far apart, our bond remains unbroken. In your heart, you'll always be that little girl who believes in the magic of Christmas. But now, you can carry me in your heart, too."

That autumn night in Trevelver Castle would remain in Jenny's memory forever. The 'Song of the Earth' tied the land and all that lived on it together. The seven friends had been more than voices singing in beautiful harmony; they had been a chorus singing of the love and laughter, the tears, the hopes, and fears of generations past, present, and to come. For on that special night, they had sung for all who had ever called the castle and the lands around it home.

Jenny knew that the song of the 'North Pole Express' that she now carried in her heart was no 'Song of the Earth', but it was no ordinary melody either; it was woven from Christmas magic. Enka, with her keen ear, would recognize its rhythmic power.

'North Pole Express'

(Verse 1)
"All aboard! All aboard! Tickets, please!
Welcome to the ride that will never cease,
Flying over mountains and through snow bright white,
Ride for free with us on this special night.
(Chorus)
That's the way North Pole Express progresses,
Its journey filled with its passengers' successes!
Woo woo, the whistle blows; hear the locomotive sing,
Clang clang, the bell rings; oh, the joy it brings!
(Verse 2)
Warm, comfy seats, lots to eat, my, what a treat,
A train with a view that just can't be beat,
But it's never advertised. Our secret transport of delight,
Will keep steaming until it's time for us to alight.
(Chorus)
That's the way North Pole Express progresses,
Travelling to magical addresses,
See its lights gleam through the snow, my dear,
Soon, we'll see the North Pole crystal clear.
(Bridge)
"Penguins? They waddle, slide, and bend,
In their icy world below, my little friend,
Don't worry, we're right on time, no need to stress,
On the North Pole Express, a sweet dream's caress.
(Chorus)
Woo woo, the whistle sings its tune,
Clang, clang, the bell, oh, how it booms,
Laughing all the way, join us, be our guests,
In the carriages of the North Pole Express,
Across the sky, steaming through the night,
To Santa's Wonderland, oh, what a delight,
Over snow-kissed trees, to our destination,
On the North Pole Express, arriving at Santa's station."

As before, Mrs. Santa Claus regularly pushed a silver trolley laden with every passenger's favourite food and drink along the train, stopping at each passenger and making sure that everyone got their favourite seasonal treats.

Jenny sighed with happiness as she sipped her delicious hot chocolate drink. She could not imagine anything more perfect than this very special night.