The St. Nicholas Eve Excerpt
The Shapeshifters' Library
Released (Book 1)
Gregory and
Liberty paraded back into the rotunda and on to the entrance to the Children’s
Room. Children in pinafores and breeches clustered around Bliss in her
shimmering princess dress. The children turned, saw Gregory, and little voices
called, “St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas.”
Gregory
placed his hand on Liberty’s waist and escorted her to the middle of the room.
“Children, this is Lady Liberty.”
Children
cheered and tiny hands clapped. “Lady. Lady.”
Gregory
whispered to Liberty, “Say something.”
“Welcome
children. To the library. On St. Nicholas Eve.”
The
quartet’s violin player fiddled a merry tune, as a huge Newfoundland in a
silver-studded harness pulled a cart to the doorway.
Gregory
smiled. “And now, it’s time for presents.”
The children
cheered. The dog lumbered in and small hands reached out to pat the gentle
giant who, compared to the toddlers, appeared as large as a draft horse.
Gregory stepped to the cart. “Stand back.” The children obeyed. “Now, one at a
time.” He reached into the cart and took out a small toy horse and beckoned to
a little girl in a crisp petticoat. She skipped forward to receive her painted
wooden horse and a large orange. Liberty selected a book from the cart for the
girl, who skipped off to show her friends.
Bouncing in
stiff, shiny shoes, children waited their turns. Next a boy was given a
miniature dog and cart. He held it high for all to see, then accepted his book.
One by one, each child received a small toy, an orange, and a book. Every child
seemed more thrilled with simple wood animals than if they’d received the
latest electronic wonders. The entire scene was reminiscent of another more
charming century.
When all the
children had received gifts, the fiddler announced, “Time for St. Nicholas to
leave,” and the children let out a collective, “Ah.”
Gregory
reached one more time into the cart and presented a wrapped gift to Bliss.
“Dear lady, for your kind ministrations to the children.” Bliss curtsied.
As children
raced past to show toys to parents and grandparents, Gregory took Liberty’s
arm. No longer the center of attention, the couple walked to the rotunda.
Sparkling lights reflected like stars on the glass dome above.
“I cannot stay,”
Gregory said softly. “I’m tired.”
Liberty
nodded. “Thank you for making this night so beautiful.”
“Shipsfeather
always celebrated St. Nicholas Eve like this. I am grateful your library made
it possible once again. Now you see why this town and people are so special.”
“Where did
the children’s gifts come from?” She looked around. “And where is the dog cart
… and the music? This was the most magical night of the year.”
He laughed.
“Ah, now you want magic explained. Tonight is only the beginning of the Season.
The true magic will happen on the night of the Winter Solstice.”
“What could
be more beautiful and amazing than tonight?”
“Nothing
could be as amazing and beautiful as you. You are a most good and wonderful
woman, Liberty Cutter, my Mistress of the Fete.” He leaned down and kissed her
lips. A tender kiss tasting of cinnamon and warmed cider. Straightening, his
eyes held her gaze.
“Tonight,”
she whispered, “I feel like a princess.”
“You are a
princess. My princess, dear one.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “Sweet
Liberty.” He slid his hand into his jacket pocket. Holding her left hand, he
slipped a ring onto her finger. “Forever, my princess, my love.”
She gasped
as warm gold encircled her finger. She looked down at the intricately carved band.
When she looked up, he was gone. Over the music and laughter, she heard the
sound of boots descending the stairs.
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