Christmas collection

Summary:  A Christmas Fantasy

Rated: K+ (2,885 words)

In The Bleak Midwinter

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

 Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,

 The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

 In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there’ *

 

The lines of the poem ran through Joe Cartwright’s mind as he descended the stairs that Christmas Eve morning. He inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of pine that permeated the house from the magnificent tree at the bottom of the stairs. Underlying the pine he could detect the equally fine smell of fresh coffee, and sizzling bacon, which emanated from Hop Sing’s kitchen.

 

“Pa not up yet?” he asked, surprised to see his father’s chair, at the head of the table, was empty.

 

“Up and out,” Adam told him, looking up from his breakfast as Joe sat down. “He wanted to make an early start this morning, remember?”

 

“Oh that’s right. He’s gone up to visit old Jake.”

 

Old Jake Benson lived in an isolated cabin up in the mountains and Ben made a point of visiting the man each winter. Usually he made the trip earlier in the season than this, but bad weather had made travelling hazardous the past few weeks. Jake had been a great help to Ben during his early years on the Ponderosa, but the old man was a virtual recluse these days.

 

“Should be home by early evening,” Hoss said, helping himself to more bacon from the serving dish in the middle of the table. “Told us to get that tree decorated before he got back,”

 

“There’s chores to do first,” Adam said, pouring himself coffee. “I reckon we could get them all finished by midday though, then have the afternoon to get the tree trimmed up and ready for tomorrow.”

 

****

 

 

Heading back to the house for lunch, chores completed, Hoss glanced anxiously up at the leaden grey sky.

 

“Looks like we might be in for some more snow,” he said to Joe, who was riding alongside him.

 

Following his brother’s gaze skywards Joe frowned. It was certainly cold enough for snow, an icy chill to the wind. He just hoped that his father would get home before the bad weather set in.

 

****

 

 

Hoss and Joe had just started lunch when Adam arrived to join them. “Beginning to snow out there,” he said, taking his place at the table. “And that wind is getting up a bit.”

 

“I hope Pa’s on his way home,” Hoss said, concern in his tone

 

“I’m sure he is,” Adam reassured him. “He knows those mountains as well as anyone. He’ll have realized there was snow coming.”

 

The three turned their attention to lunch. But, even as they ate, they could hear the wind begin to howl around the house and anxiety for their father began to rise.

 

****

 

Ben hunched forward in the saddle, head down to stop the snow blowing into his eyes.

 

Perhaps he should have remained at Jake’s after all, he mused. The old man had tried to persuade him to stay, but he had thought that there would be enough time to get out of the mountains before the storm struck and he really wanted to be at home for Christmas.

 

Once the storm began there was no telling how long it might be before it abated. It was slippery underfoot and, more than once, his horse stumbled, jolting Ben forward in the saddle. He thought of his sons. They should be finished with the day’s chores by now, and making a start on preparing the house for Christmas.

 

Ben was looking forward to the following day. After attending the Church service in Virginia City he was intending to spend a quiet Christmas with his sons. He remembered past years, how excited the boys used to get at the approach of the ‘big day’ They were all grown up now, even Joe, his youngest, was eighteen, but Christmas was still special to Ben, a time for family to be together.

 

****

 

 

“I don’t like the look of it out there,” Joe turned from the window, where he had been observing the storm. “It’s turning into a blizzard, and it must be even worse up in the mountains.”

 

Adam looked up from the box of tree baubles he was sorting through. “If it’s that bad I’m sure Pa will stay at Jake’s. He’ll be all right,” he kept his tone positive, not wishing to alarm his brothers. Privately, he couldn’t help but feel concerned, the storm was increasing in intensity by the minute.

 

“Come help me with this tree Joe,” Hoss called, trying to distract his younger brother. “Ain’t no use frettin’. Adam’s right, Pa’ll be fine.”

 

Joe took a last look at the driving snow outside the window before going over to join his brothers. He hoped they were right, but he knew he wouldn’t stop worrying till his father walked safely through the door.

 

****

 

Ben wasn’t sure exactly how it happened, whether the horse put its foot in a hole, invisible under the snow, or just slipped on the icy surface, but the animal suddenly fell heavily. Ben was unable to stop himself falling from the saddle. Luckily, the soft snow cushioned the impact, but he wasn’t able to get clear before the horse rolled, trying to right itself, and he bore the full weight of the animal on his right leg.  Crying out in agony, as the pain shot through him, Ben passed out.

 

Returning to full consciousness minutes later, he found himself alone, his horse gone.  Pulling himself to his feet, and trying to ignore the intense pain in his leg, Ben squinted through the white flakes that swirled around him. He knew he wouldn’t make it far on foot in this blizzard, and with an injured leg. But, if he remained out in the open like this he knew he wouldn’t last long. He remembered passing some large rocks minutes before his fall. If he could just get back to them, at least they might offer some protection from the bitter cold of the wind.

 

****

 

 

“Did you hear something?” Joe paused in his task and stood still, listening.

 

“All I can hear is the wind,” Adam said after a moment, turning back to the tree.

 

“No, listen,” Joe insisted. “There it is again. It’s a horse!” he cried, heading for the door.

 

Adam and Hoss followed quickly behind him. They too had heard the noise that time, a sharp whinny from the yard, only just audible above the roaring of the wind.

 

Throwing open the door, Joe dashed out into the storm, the icy blast of the gale causing him to catch his breath. Through the thick veil of snow he could just make out the barn, and standing beside it, his father’s horse. For an instant, Joe’s heart leaped but then he realised that the animal was alone, there was no sign of Ben.

 

Brushing past Joe, Adam reached the horse first, and quickly examined the animal for any sign of injury. “Looks like he may have had a fall,” he said worriedly to his brothers as they joined him.

 

“We have to go look for Pa. He may have been thrown. He may be hurt.” Joe shivered in the biting wind, but the cold he was feeling deep inside himself wasn’t caused by the weather.

 

Adam’s voice shook his head firmly. “We can’t go anywhere in this. It’s snowing so hard the trail is already covered, and visibility is so poor we could ride right by Pa and not see him. We’re going to have to wait till this storm blows itself out.”

 

“I’m not sitting here waiting till then,” Joe declared angrily. “You do that if you want brother, but I’m going to find Pa.”

 

“No,” the word was an order. “You could end up in trouble as well and what good would that do? The weather is just too bad Joe, we have to wait.”

 

Seeing the troubled look on his young brother’s face Adam put a comforting hand on the boy’s arm. “I know how you feel,” he said softly, “I want to ride straight out too, but it would be foolhardy Joe.”

 

“Adam’s right,” Hoss said, “We just have to hope Pa manages to find shelter somewhere. As soon as the storm breaks we’ll go find him.”

 

****

 

 

Huddled beneath an outcrop of rock, alone in the snowstorm, Ben tried to stop himself falling asleep. He was chilled through, and desperately tired, but knew that if he gave in to the lethargy he was feeling there was every possibility that he wouldn’t wake up again.

 

He tried to occupy his mind with thoughts of home and family, imagining his sons’ pleasure at the gifts he had chosen for them this year. But, try as he might. He found himself unable to fight the deep tiredness that settled over him and, as the short winter day passed into night, he found himself falling into a deep sleep.

 

****

 

 

Full darkness had descended and still the storm blew ferociously. Driven by the high wind, snow was beginning to form drifts against the house and barn. Inside the ranchhouse the three brothers each tried to cope with their anxiety in their own way.

 

Adam had a book open on his lap, though he had not glanced at the pages in many minutes. Hoss had fetched a plate of his favourite cookies from the kitchen, but was finding them no comfort tonight. Joe, restless as always, was pacing the floor, stopping occasionally to gaze out of the window at the relentless snow.

 

Each of the three had only one thing occupying their thoughts as Christmas Eve drew to a close.

 

****

 

 

Awaking suddenly, Ben wondered how long he had slept. He was so cold, hardly any sensation left in his hands and feet, but a faint glimmer of hope rose in him as he realised that the storm seemed to be abating, the snow definitely less heavy.

 

He became aware of a sound, a faint tinkling, like bells. Unsure if he was imagining it, Ben strained to listen. It was bells, and, as they grew louder, he heard singing, a deep melodious voice raised in the old Christmas song. ‘O Come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.’^

 

Amazed that there would be someone up here in this storm, Ben called out, hoping he would be heard above the sound of the wind and the singing. “Over here. Help!”

 

Immediately the singing stopped, and a voice answered him. “Hey there, where are you?”

 

“Over here!” Ben called again and, following the sound of his voice, the singer soon reached the outcrop of rocks that had been Ben’s shelter these past few hours.

 

Looking up as the stranger reached him, Ben saw a rotund, bearded little man, wearing a coat made of fur which offered some protection from the bitter cold.

 

“You look in need of some help,” the man said, reaching out a gloved hand to Ben, who grasped it gratefully, easing himself out from his refuge.

 

“My horse fell and injured my leg,” he explained. “Then he ran off. I was on my way home to the Ponderosa, near Virginia City.”

 

“Then you must be Ben Cartwright.”

 

Ben looked at him in surprise, wondering how he knew his name and the man smiled, his eyes twinkling.

 

“Most people round here have heard of the Cartwrights,” he said.

 

Leaning heavily on the little man, Ben was led through the snow. Soon, he could just see the outline of the man’s wagon through the swirling flakes. As they drew closer he realised that it was, in fact, a horse-drawn sleigh, not a wagon.

 

“Wheels aren’t much use in this depth of snow,” the stranger explained, seeing Ben’s surprised look. “I’ll just help you up in the back here and we’ll have you home with your sons in no time.”

 

Gratefully, Ben accepted his rescuer’s assistance to climb into the sleigh. Leaning back, he let tiredness claim him as they started for home.

 

****

 

 

Joe woke suddenly, uncomfortable from sleeping upright in the blue chair by the fireplace. He glanced at his brothers. Hoss was stretched out on the couch snoring, and Adam dozed in the leather chair. It seemed that, despite their anxiety, weariness had overcome them all. Joe looked over at the clock, 3 a.m. Christmas morning and all around him, except for the sound of Hoss’ snores, the house was silent.

 

Silent!  Abruptly realising what that meant, Joe sprang from the chair, and rushed across to the window. Outside, all was still. The storm had blown itself out and the scene that met his eyes was a tranquil one. Thick snow blanketed the yard, glistening where the light from the moon touched it.

 

Grabbing his thick winter jacket, Joe slipped quietly out the door. He headed for the barn, intending to get the horses saddled and ready before he woke his brothers.

 

Joe had just tightened the girth on Sport’s saddle, when he heard the faint sound of bells. Unsure if he had really heard the sound, he paused in his task, listening intently. The sound came again.

 

Curious as to the source of the noise, Joe went over to the open barn door and looked out. Walking toward him through the snow he saw two figures. A tall, silver haired man leaning heavily on a chubby, bearded little fellow.

 

“Pa!” Joe yelled, running forward to meet the pair, hugely relieved to see his father safe.

 

“Take him into the house quickly Joseph,” said the little man as Joe reached the two. “He’s been out in this cold for far too long and needs to get warm.”

 

“You’re limping,” Joe said in concern, reaching out to help his father. “Are you hurt?”

 

“I’m fine, Joe,” Ben reassured him. “Just bruised and very cold. But it could have been much worse if it hadn’t have been for this gentleman,” he turned to the little man. “Please come inside with us. I must repay you for your help.”

 

“Thank you Mr Cartwright, but I have a lot of work to do tonight,” The man smiled widely. “Take care of yourself and have a Happy Christmas,” and, with that, he turned and began to walk away.

 

Joe watched him for a moment, puzzled at what he saw. He started to speak but, seeing the exhaustion etched on Ben’s face, concern chased the puzzlement from his mind and he hurriedly helped his father into the house.

 

****

 

 

Settled in his chair by the fire, with a hot cup of coffee in his hand, Ben was very glad to be home. Adam had taken a quick look at his injured leg and agreed with his father that it was just badly bruised, so a visit from the doctor could wait until daylight. Ben had told his sons about the accident, and the timely rescue by the bearded little man.

 

“But how did he get a wagon through all this snow?” Hoss asked curiously.

 

“It wasn’t a wagon,” Joe said. “It was a sleigh, I saw him get in it to leave.”

 

“That’s right,” Ben agreed. “A horse-drawn sleigh.”

 

“Strange looking horses though,” Joe said thoughtfully. “I only saw them from a distance but…” he stood quietly for a moment, lost in thought, then reached over and grabbed his coat. “I’m just going out to the barn for a moment,” he said, heading for the door.

 

Outside, Joe followed the tracks he and his father had made when they headed back to the house. Coming to the place where he had met Ben and his rescuer he halted, staring at the ground in amazement. He could see his father’s footprints in the snow, leading away to where the sleigh had been, but they were the only marks visible. Following them, Joe found no sign of any sleigh tracks, just pristine white snow with his father’s footprints ending abruptly by the place he had seen the sleigh.

 

Shaking his head in bewilderment, Joe considered the scene before him. He wondered for a moment if he should tell his father and brothers what he thought he had seen as the little man walked away from him earlier. He decided against it, after all they’d never believe him, and perhaps it had been some trick of the light. But, for just a moment, Joe could have sworn that the horses pulling the little man’s sleigh had sported antlers.

 

As for the footprints, well, no doubt Adam would have some logical explanation for it. Joe shrugged resignedly and turned towards the house.

 

As he opened the door of the Ponderosa and headed into the warmth and light, looking forward to a Happy Christmas with his family, there came a sudden gust of wind. It blew the powdery snow before it and obliterated the footprints he had left. Faintly, far away, quite clearly, came the sound of tinkling sleigh bells.

 

‘I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight

 Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night’

.

*Clement Clark Moore circa 1823

^J. Wade c. 1711-86