Well, here it is, the last day of this year’s BlogFestivus writing challenge. Nine stories that are supposed to take inspiration from the nine reindeer on Santa’s sleigh. Today is Day Nine – Rudolph
Thanks so much for everyone that has read along!
Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9
ohgod ohgod ohgod ohno ohno
They were coming, moving towards the hole. A multitude…
…there’s thousands…more…
…shambling forward on legs covered in matted fur. The A’rrendur were mishapen giants — vicious protruding horns that looked like iron, with eyes and noses that glowed like lava.
The sun’s disk touched the horizon. Her mother raised the hammer. Light danced like flames across her face.
“Mom, No!!” Clarice wailed.
“Shh.. shh… sweetie. Everything’s okay. It’s got to be this way. We can only change the world by giving up what we love most..,” her free hand caressed Clarice’s hair.
Clarice cringed, expecting the blow when a hulking mass bowled into Holly. The girl gaped as she saw the old woman grappling with her mother. She rolled, keeping her mom pinned.
The sun fell below the horizon and the hole began to waver, contract. Holly snarled, bit at the woman. With an anguished scream, she hurled the hammer toward Clarice. It and the hole disappeared with a small flash and Holly collapsed, her fury snapped.
The woman freed Clarice and the girl crawled to her unconscious mother, sobbing. The old woman held Clarice, her protections of the family and the world complete. “Okay…” was all she said.
The sun set and the following day dawned bright and cold. For most people it was the beginning of a new season, for some it was the beginning of a new year, and for a very few it was the beginning of a new Season.
Stevil 
Sometimes the hero is the unlikeliest person.
Good job, Steve.
Gracias — she was there the whole time. But most folks don’t think grumpy old people are heroes.. :)
Well, I didn’t see that coming. As usual…you mixed up a good one, Steve. Thanks so much for participating! This has been one hell of a party train. :)
Gracias BD — it was fun. I hope’d she was “hiding in plain sight” and that it came together okay. Hard for me to see objectively anymore! :D
Grumpy people are often heroes…wishing they didn’t have to all the time ;p Nicely done, Mr!
Thanks MT! It was fun.
Yep, you blew me away, and it finished without me knowing. So, I had no clue whatsoever. :)
Thanks sarah — I tried to “hide her in plain sight” while not giving too much away. Tough balance.
You pulled it off, because I can normally spot things like that, so well done. :)
That is one great description of scary monsters!!
Hooray for us old ladies saving the day! :)
Thanks Lauri! Old ladies rock!
This is wonderful! Love turning the odd old lady into the hero at the end. You did such a great job with this challenge, Steve!
Thanks Amy! I tried to “hide her in plain sight” throughout without tipping off the reader too much — tough balance. There was originally an alternate ending where the A’rrendur broke through and Holly is running down the street as the world ends, but hey, even I sometimes give in for a happy ending… :)
Nice! Your story was very intriguing. Thanks for being part of BF 2012!
Thanks Random, it was fun!
Well done!
Gracias, Ross!
This is fantastic!! Bravo!!
Thanks LD! I felt a little self-conscious going so “non-reindeer”, but I enjoyed it. :)