Christmas Jack-o'-Lantern

Prologue

Chapter 1: Seeds of Christmas rivalry

Chapter 2: The Prophecy

Chapter 3: Jack’s legendary story-the genesis of Halloween

Chapter 4: Tick-tock; time flies so fast

Chapter 5: The Conference

Chapter 6: Devil’s Plans

Chapter 7: Devilish Blackmail

Chapter 8: Jack joins service

Chapter 9: The unbreakable vow

Chapter 10: The Second Vow

Chapter 11: Special Training

Chapter 12: Punishment

Chapter 13: Life is a rough journey

Chapter 14: Vagaries of fate

Chapter 15: Prisoners

Chapter 16: Restricted Tours

Chapter 17: Jack’s Plans

Chapter 18: Startling Revelations

Chapter 19: Baba Yaga

Chapter 20: Horns of Dilemma

Chapter 21: The Christmas Parole

Chapter 22: Appointment of Koschei and Belsnickel

Chapter 23: Operation ‘La Befana’

Chapter 24: The secret deal

Chapter 25: Witch’s Sabbath

Chapter 26: Rise and fall of ‘United State of elf-land’

Chapter 27: From bad to worse

Chapter 28: The Trial

Chapter 29: Look east policy

Chapter 30: Adventures in China

Chapter 31: Swayambhara in India

Chapter 32: Baba Yaga’s demand

Chapter 33: Devil’s loans

Chapter 34: Birthday Party

Chapter 35: Money matters

Chapter 36: Caribbean Plot

Chapter 37: Mousetrap

Chapter 38: Winds of change

Chapter 39: The End…Or…The Beginning?

Chapter 40: Coup Attempt

Chapter 41: Devil’s scheme

Chapter 42: The hunting party

Chapter 43: The ransom letter

Chapter 44: Crisis Hours

Chapter 45: Deadly Dilemma

Chapter 46: Gearing for confrontation

Chapter 47: The final clash

Chapter 48: Turning point

Chapter 49: Devil’s demands

Chapter 50: The betrayal

Chapter 51: The handshake

Chapter 52: Surprise

Chapter 53: Coronation

Chapter 54: Hallowmas

About the Author

* * *

Prologue

Jack offered his hand for a handshake. Devil glanced at his hand with deep contempt and ignored it. Never even dare to think of shaking hand with me Devil said. His pockmarked face had turned grim. We aren’t equals, Jack. Shall I have to remind you of our master-slave relation?

He gave Jack a hardened look and said We have rules here. Obey them, and your life will be tolerable. And, I demand blind obedience!

Devil scratched his own neck with the handle of the whip he was holding and continued I will not…I repeat…I will not tolerate disobedience. He shook his index finger at Jack as he spoke. Is that clear?

I shall obey all your orders Jack nodded helplessly in meek submission.

Is it so? a naughty smile broke out on Devil’s face. Well then! Let’s see- Devil pointed his finger at a spade lying on one corner of the stable. Now Jack, pick up the spade and start cleaning up the mound of horse-dung over there.

Jack looked around him to find Devil’s henchmen grinning at him. Jack’s face and ears had flushed red at this deep insult. He stood there, hesitating and adamant.

Devil was speaking to his pet horse in a low voice and rubbing it gently on the neck. It seems, Jack require some training Devil spoke softly as he patted his horse. He offered a carrot to his horse. The horse munched the carrot and neighed loudly. This is my favorite horse Devil announced with a proud look and rubbed the horse’s neck with great affection. When I met this horse for the first time, it was so wild that it won’t even allow a saddle or a bridle-it was so wild! Now look…how tame and obedient it has become.

Devil continued caressing his horse I love this horse. But first one has to break the horse Devil turned his head slowly; looking at everyone’s faces in turns, and then focussed back at his horse. I know how to break a horse! Devil screamed with eardrum bursting loudness. He lifted his whip and struck the horse with such ferocity that flesh tore out of its body and blood squirted out. The horse neighed violently and sprang forward, leaping in the air. As it was tethered to the ground, it lost its balance and fell down. Devil kicked it mercilessly with his iron-spiked boot. Twice! Thrice!

He turned to his henchmen and shouted, Jack needs some training. Drag him to the underground dungeon, and bind him in chains. Not a morsel of food or a drop of water for two days!

The henchmen sprang upon Jack and started dragging him away. Devil threw his whip at one of his drunken attendant and shouted take this with you. And use it well!

* * *

Two days later, Jack’s head hung down from his shoulder in extreme exhaustion. He moaned feebly with excruciating pain; his voice was dried with thirst. His hands were chained from the top of two pillars, about six feet apart. His toes barely touched the ground.

Jack's back was scarred with whip marks, with black clots of bloods. Occasionally, a few drops of blood oozed out from his wounds. Jack was so weak that he could barely stand. He fainted repeatedly, murmuring water…water almost inaudibly.

Two dungeon guards entered the torture chamber and started removing the chains from Jack’s hands. Looks too bad, buddy one of them addressed to the other guard seems like he can't even drag himself, leave alone walking. Let’s carry him outside to his waiting friend.

You are right, chum. If we had arrived here another hour late, we might have wrapped him in shroud, and delivered him to his friend as a nicely packed gift the other guard replied with a brutal laughter.

Back to top

Chapter 1

Seeds of Christmas rivalry

What is your intention in delaying? Mrs. Santa Claus protested Are we not getting too old?

Has my lady grown old? Mr. Santa Claus said. He looked over his eyeglasses and smiled at her.

Stop teasing me! Mrs. Santa reacted harshly Just look at the mirror and see for yourself, how old you have become!

Well, five centuries is already an unnaturally long span for someone to start ageing... Santa Claus said. "Mary dear, when I migrated to this continent, I had hoped to discover ‘the fountain of eternal youth’ here at Warm Springs in Georgia. I learnt later that it lies somewhere in Florida or maybe in the Bahamas. I never found it! Santa sighed with deep disappointment. So, we are doomed to grow old".

Now don't change the topic! Mrs. Santa snapped in a caustic tone, trying to bring her husband on track You must create the ‘Santa and Mary Claus Trust’ at the earliest to take care of our Christmas empire.

My worker Elves are going on frequent strikes and closing down my toy factories and workshops Mr. Santa replied They are demanding better pay, less working hours, job security, retirement benefits….Hell! The list is endless. They have started whispering ‘Santa is growing plump at our sweat and blood’. I already have lots of headache to deal with! Mr. Santa sighed. Don't you think it is not a suitable time to discuss about ‘Memorial Trust’?

That only argues in favor of forming the Trust, to transfer your headache.

We have come here on vacation, to escape tensions Mr. Santa Claus said with a decisive tone So, I really don't want to consider all these things now. Remember what the doctor said, when I had a heart stroke last week? He glanced at her and continued, "The doctor said ‘no tension and complete rest’. Yes, those were his exact words".

Mrs. Santa kept her mouth tight shut and grinded her teeth in rage. She was not at all prepared to hear ‘no’ for an answer from her husband. She was breathing heavily and seething with anger.

Santa Claus ignored his raging wife, looked outside through the window and said calmly "look, how beautiful the pine trees on the mountain look! This ‘Santa Lodge’ here in ‘warm springs’ captures my heart. Ah, I believe this place is really good for my heart. All I want is to relax".

Mr. Santa Claus reclined himself on the soft-cushioned easy chair, and took out a Havana cigar from his cloak.

Mrs. Santa pounced on him instantly, snatched away the cigar, threw it on the floor, squashed and crushed it under her shoes, and spit on it. Then she pulled Mr. Santa’s white hair really hard, as if to verify it wasn’t a wig.

Oouuchhh…! Mr. Santa screamed. What was that for? he demanded in a protesting tone.

Don’t you remember what the doctor said? He said ‘no smoking!’ It is absolutely forbidden for a heart patient! She waved her finger threateningly at Santa and reminded, It is time for your daily dose.

Mr. Santa's face became pale; he nauseated as if he was about to vomit.

Oh honey, can't you pour it through a funnel directly into my throat? Santa pleaded, The medicine tastes so horrible!

* * *

It was midnight, when an unidentified person appeared at the gate of the building adjacent to ‘Santa Lodge’. On the massive Iron Gate, a nameplate was hanging: Knecht Ruprecht, Personal Secretary-cum-Manager of Santa Claus.

The security personnel informed Ruprecht that the person was absolutely adamant to meet him, to deliver an urgent message to him, personally.

Ruprecht ordered the security to search him thoroughly for any hidden weapons, and then send him to his door.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. On opening the door, Ruprecht found a man wearing white hood. The man requested that he should be allowed to come inside immediately, and the doors be locked.

Ruprecht asked him to take a seat and offered him drinks, which he politely refused. Equally politely, yet firmly, he refused to remove his hood.

The man began Under the guise of a clerk, I worked as a spy for Santa’s supposed Russian ally ‘Ded Moroz’. I have defected from comrade Moroz’s camp with many valuable documents. The man pointed at his briefcase, but held it tightly, as if someone would snatch it.

So you worked as a spy for Moroz! Ruprecht said like a lawyer cross-examining a witness. Tell me truly Ruprecht said Did you pass on any valuable documents of Mr. Santa to Ded Moroz as well? From Ruprecht’s voice, it appeared that he was not only determined to trace any leaked secrets, but also confirm that the person’s claim of being Moroz’s spy was true. You must tell me! Ruprecht persisted in a firm tone.

I didn’t pass any important secrets to Russia the man replied.

Ruprecht didn’t seem to be satisfied with the answer, but didn’t grill him further.

These documents will prove beyond doubt that Ded Moroz is carrying out spying activities on Mr. Santa Claus the man continued he is hatching secret plots against Father Christmas, the British ally of Mr. Santa. In fact ‘Ded Moroz’ is Mr. Santa’s worst enemy under the guise of a friend.

Judging by your voice, you seem to be very frightened Ruprecht said.

My life is in great danger. the man replied Moroz’s agents must be searching madly for me. I seek refuge here, and I am ready to disclose all my secrets.

Now calm down Ruprecht assured him You need not be afraid anymore. I assure you full protection. Ruprecht paused and corrected his own words but only if you spill all the beans. You must sing the full song; not in parts to suit your own interest, whatever it is.

Ruprecht sipped his soft drink, softened a bit himself, took a deep breath, and said, You have indeed done a praiseworthy and heroic job, by trying to expose what you believe is wrong. You need not feel guilty of betraying your camp. Now tell me what you want to tell.

The hooded man began Ded Moroz has been placing spies among Santa’s elves for spreading dissatisfaction and rumors and creating rift among dark and light elves. He has been bribing union leaders and high ranking elves of Santa’s toy factories to slow down production.

Ruprecht stared at him with his eyes widening, as if he had just been awakened from a deep sleep with a rude surprise. The man observed Ruprecht’s reaction keenly through the opening of his hood.

Besides, Moroz has been stealing other corporate information of your master’s factories. He paused for some time and spoke hesitatingly Ded Moroz plans to steal vast amount of money from Santa’s secret vaults and Swiss bank accounts. He has already bribed top level gnome bankers for this purpose.

Ruprecht listened with keen interest, till the man took a long pause.

Is that all? Ruprecht said.

Ded Moroz plans to finance many of the dissatisfied elves, who are on the verge of revolting, with those Santa’s own money.

Is there anything else left which you should disclose? Ruprecht said or do you want me to keep interrogating you incessantly?

The hooded man came very close to Ruprecht and whispered something in Ruprecht’s ear.

God! These are serious issues Ruprecht said needs immediate action. Ruprecht said excitedly in fragmented sentences. Then he spoke firmly I shall inform my boss, Mr. Santa, immediately. But I shall require all your documents in original.

The hooded man bowed down his head and silently handed Ruprecht his briefcase.

* * *

Next morning, Ruprecht pushed the door and stormed into Santa’s room excitedly, without even knocking. Without any greetings or compliments, he exclaimed, Sir, a ‘terrible thing’ has happened.

Santa put aside his newspaper, glanced at his face calmly and asked, What’s it?

Sir, these documents! Just have a look at these!

Santa glanced through those documents, and to Ruprecht’s great disappointment, he showed no excitement. Not even a frown!

Ruprecht pressed on that Ded Moroz has placed spies in Santa’s ally, Father Christmas’s office. Besides, Ded Moroz has also bugged Santa’s cousin Sinterklaas’s castle in Southern Spain.

How can you believe an anonymous person? Mr. Santa said dismissively Huh Ruprecht! It is just a hoax by some trickster. Mr. Santa almost tried to get rid of Ruprecht and continue with his newspaper. Ruprecht dear, he might have just taken advantage of your child-like gullibility and narrated a cock and bull story.

But Ruprecht was adamant. Moroz has already made detailed plans to disrupt toy supply from your workshops and factories to your cousin Sinterklaas Ruprecht said.

Leave me alone Mr. Santa said, trying to focus on the paper.

Sir, we must take immediate action Ruprecht said, Needless for me to tell you that your cousin Sinterklaas is immensely rich but lack production facility. He depends solely on you for supplying toys and gifts to Netherlands and adjacent countries. And once he gets ousted, Ded Moroz can easily gain monopoly in all those regional markets.

Mr. Santa looked deeply irritated and remained silent.

Ruprecht pulled out an envelope, and said Sir, just have a look at these photos……….

Quite unwillingly, Mr. Santa Claus pulled out a black and white photo and glanced at it casually.

He stared at it for a long time, as if trying to recollect something. Moments later, he blurted rather excitedly Ruprecht..............Oh my God! This seems to be-

Before he could complete, Ruprecht sighed, and continued, Yes Sir, you are right! Sir, this photo was developed from microfilm provided to me. It clearly shows the interior of your cousin’s steamboat ‘Tjesboot12’. I am so worried to think what Ded Moroz’s plans can be: to place an explosive or to hijack the steamboat or God knows what!

Are you sure?

Sir, I have an earnest request Ruprecht ignored Santa’s question and continued, The spy who has defected from Ded Moroz and provided all these proofs, should be provided immediate protection.

I don’t think so. I shall talk with Ded Moroz and try to find out a diplomatic solution Mr. Santa replied. After all, Ded Moroz is my Russian counterpart and my ally. I don’t want to strain my relation with him. If we should provide shelter to that spy, it will certainly spoil my good relation with Ded Moroz.

Excuse me Sir! Ruprecht snapped But, don’t you suppose, you are making a grave mistake in believing Ded Moroz is still your friend?

Ruprecht stared hard at Santa’s face and said with a grave tone Sir, the spy who asked for shelter is threatening suicide if you refuse asylum. Ruprecht’s tone grew more apprehensive as he continued I came to know that he attempted to chew his cyanide capsule yesterday night in a state of mental depression.

But providing him shelter will only irritate Ded Moroz Mr. Santa said I really don’t want to get into bitter relation with Ded Moroz. I am too old now to desire trouble; so old that, I have even stopped counting my age long ago Santa Claus said, while rubbing his hand lazily on his fat belly, So let the spy find shelter somewhere else. However, I shall meet Father Christmas and my cousin Sinterklaas, and show them all these documents.

There is something more Ruprecht hesitated as he spoke Moroz had a secret affair with your wife in the distant past. He always had a deep grudge in his heart for losing her hand in marriage to you Ruprecht’s hesitation was turning into a stammer Now Ded Moroz eyes her with deeper interest and wants her in his harem to make up for his past loss.

What nonsense! Santa shouted, losing his temper abruptly Leave my room instantly!

Oh yes, I will! Ruprecht shot back angrily, unable to hold back his frustration any longer. Sir, I wish you had showed this same bold attitude while dealing with Moroz as well Ruprecht’s voice rang with adamancy.

Mr. Santa stood dumbstruck and stunned by the attitude of his normally submissive secretary.

Ruprecht left Mr. Santa’s room with a heavy heart, sighing disappointedly. When he reached his own office, he immediately issued orders to his subordinates to search and arrest as many spies and agents of Ded Moroz as possible. He ignored Mr. Santa’s decision and granted refuge to that anonymous spy. Ruprecht felt proud of himself for acting tough and completely disregarding the possible consequences.

Back to top

Chapter 2

The Prophecy

Before surrendering to his horrific twist of fate, adolescent Jack desperately wanted to consult the village oracle. She lived in an abandoned forest-cave, on the village outskirts.

Jack walked through the curtain of waterfall to step into the secret entrance of the cave. He was welcomed by swarms of aggressive bats, fluttering with a menacing gesture, ready to attack his face. The smell of rotting flesh mixed with pungent dampness flooded his nose. Heaps of bones, possibly from sacrificial altar, lay scattered here and there. But his mind was too clouded with the devilish blackmail, for him to focus around. He proceeded to the end of the cave, walking along the long passage, lighted with oil torches, which protruded at an angle from the walls.

Jack avoided stepping on the deadly poisonous vipers and cobras on the moss covered, slippery floor. I have to find a way out of my terrible doomed fate. I must meet her, Jack muttered to himself as a way of boosting up his courage to step forward, through the hissing and slithering snakes.

Soon, Jack found himself at the entrance of a large, dimly lit, central hall. Its walls were made of huge boulders. He couldn't fail to notice the sharp needle shaped rocks hanging from the ceiling of the cavern.

Jack entered the hall silently.

At one end of the hall, Jack saw an old wooden table, on which was placed a glowing crystal ball, a human skull, dried monkey’s paws, one Ouija (planchette) board, a pack of a tarot cards and a bloodstained dagger.

A deer was also lying on the table, with its belly slashed. Fresh drops of blood still oozed out, and occasionally its limbs trembled very slightly. A raven and an owl were pulling out the blood-covered entrails and laying them carefully on the table. The cavern smelt strongly of burning myrrh and incense sticks.

The oracle was sitting in a squatting and meditating position on a wooden board, facing the opposite wall. Jack felt guilty at the thought of interrupting her meditation. I should have taken an appointment Jack thought or intimated her beforehand. Jack hesitated and appeared in a dilemma.

Without turning her head, she addressed calmly Ah Jack! I was expecting you.

Jack’s eyes widened and his jaws fell in astonishment.

The oracle turned her head and stared at Jack What I didn’t expect though was that you would be so young-barely in your late teens, and so handsome. She kept staring at Jack’s fair skinned muscular body, his broad shoulders and shiny-black wavy hairs.

Jack quickly observed that the oracle was dressed like a hippy and partly like a gypsy. She had dirty brown plaited hairs, interlaced with tiger and crocodile teeth and was wearing a necklace of beads. On her back, there was a tattoo of ‘Grim Reaper’, the personification of death, carrying a scythe in one hand, and a coiled cobra in the other.

She got up from her squatting position. It was only then that Jack noticed she was sitting on a small wooden board with pointed iron nails, instead of cushion!

She stared piercingly at Jack’s eyes through her thick glass spectacles, as if trying to get right inside Jack’s mind. One visiting Indian Fakir had gifted this to me she said, he taught me to meditate while sitting on this. It is indeed a pleasant experience; it gives complete peace of mind.

Jack barely managed to stammer pleasant experience?!

The oracle seemed deeply resentful of Jack’s disbelief. Believe me! she said with a hurt feeling uneasy lays the butt that sits on the throne. You shall find complete peace of mind if you sit and meditate on this. Would you like to try?

No thank you Jack refused politely, eyeing it with fear. He was not dying to sit on that luxury piece of furniture! He was desperate for some advice; some urgent solution to his pressing problems.

But the oracle didn’t seem at all happy with Jack for refusing to try a recommended pleasant experience. She changed the topic and asked grumpily Would you like some herbal tea, Jack? I shall prepare you some fresh tea with herbal extracts of cocatine, gilmine and nicasone.

Poor Jack! He was wary of drinking unknown potion-laced tea. No thanks Jack replied with irritation. Jack felt that the oracle was deliberately delaying in asking Jack about the reason of his visit. She enjoyed playing with his helpless situation and with his emotions.

This time, Jack’s refusal of a ‘friendly cup of tea’ turned her from grumpy and resentful to visibly angry. Well then…there! That’s for you she said and offered Jack a toffee.

Jack felt deeply insulted. Treating me, the spiritual leader of all Halloween creatures, like a child? Jack’s ears turned red with anger, and his face flushed with blood as he tried to digest this deep insult. Does she even know about my unnaturally long experiences? Did my external adolescent look invite this treatment, or did she insult me intentionally?

While Jack burned with rage and insult, the oracle calmly watched Jack and seemed to savor and enjoy every moment of it. Her suppressed, cunning smile only added fuel to Jack’s burning anger. Does she realize that ghosts and ghouls and vampires and all other dark Halloween creatures had bowed down before my pumpkin lantern?

The oracle grew serious. You seem to have lots of powers Jack she said with a cold emotionless voice you shouldn’t need my advice. She pointed at the direction from which Jack had entered and said exit is that way!

Jack felt shocked and even deeply insulted at this harsh behavior. He felt like a fish that had swallowed the hook, and the fishing reel was in her hand. He was in deep dilemma: whether to swallow his anger and stay, or leave instantly. He started wondering whether he had come to the right place at all.

You have come to the right place, Jack! she responded telepathically, and smiled; displaying her blackened metallic teeth I can trace my ancestral roots to the ancient ‘Oracle of Delphi’. I have the blood in me. Her voice had softened a bit by now.

Jack felt some trust and confidence. He thought it wise to consult her.

Jack opened his mouth I have come to-

I know why you have come, Jack! The oracle interrupted Jack, and then she reflected wisely Anyone visiting me comes for seeking my advice! She stared at Jack’s eye and whispered, He, who can outwit the devil, ought to rule the world.

Jack’s eyes widened and he stood mesmerized. Does she really know about my encounter with the devil, or is it just a general remark or a wild guess perhaps! Jack remained dumbstruck; evidently he had not expected so much. But at the same time he was somewhat skeptical of oracles and soothsayers, and was determined to test the water first. It appeared like he had dipped both his hands in a bucket of water and felt it hot with one hand and ice cold with the other.

You know about that incident? Jack asked, unable to control his curiosity.

The oracle simply ignored Jack’s question, or maybe chose not to answer it. Instead, she took out a small silver box and a bracelet from her drawer. She took out a pinch of red vermilion powder from the silver box.

Apply this vermilion on your forehead, and wear this bracelet. It is charmed she offered them to Jack.

You know about that incident? Jack persisted.

You expected less from me? the oracle snapped, and then continued in a casual tone yes, I know it, like everything else.

She paused, and then spoke with a tone of great importance you must understand Jack- you are stepping into a deadly game, and there is no going back. Whether you like it or not, you are a part of the game now. You have to play your part bravely.

By now, Jack was fully confident that he had approached a competent oracle. She knows her trade. Jack started narrating his story very briefly: the meeting with the Devil in Public Bar; how he tricked the Devil; about his gaining of eternal youth coupled with his eternal punishment.... and about the blackmail by Devil’s assistant Beelzebub to join Devil’s servitude. Jack also mentioned how Beelzebub took out a ‘voodoo’ doll with a face resembling Jack’s and a needle and played menacingly. Jack also mentioned the embarrassing part when Beelzebub jabbed the needle in the doll’s butt, sending Jack dancing around madly and rubbing his buttock for half an hour.

Does Beelzebub really intend to carry out his threat, or is it merely a bluff? Jack asked impatiently What if I refused to join Devil's service?

Oh yeah? Really? she sneered. She looked at Jack with utter contempt. Then she turned away her face, as if Jack was too drunk to ask any sensible question.

But till now you have obeyed Devil’s command by roaming the lonely paths at night with a pumpkin lantern in your hand she said Why did you obey Devil's command so long in the first place? Why didn't your revolting spirit wake up long ago?

I had always feared being chained in the darkest circle of hell Jack answered the circle of eternal torture.

Continue Jack, I am listening.

Though roaming alone at night was an eternal punishment, at least I had my freedom. Jack looked down at the floor gloomily But now, Devil is trying to snatch away my freedom and make me an eternal slave. I shall be exploited to satisfy his whims, which I am sure will be nasty. The punishment I have already suffered is far worse than my deeds. Therefore, I must disobey to avoid more suffering!

The oracle picked up a birch rod and waved it menacingly at Jack. Never attempt that, even by mistake, till Devil has the parchment the oracle warned you had put your thumb impression with Devil’s red ink. She continued with a threatening tone, You think being chained is the worst punishment? Or do you believe jabbing the ‘voodoo’ doll with a needle is the worst thing he can do? She gave Jack a stern look you are not even aware of what harm he can do with that parchment.

What harm are you talking about? Jack asked