all your days, may the spirits of Yule watch over you.”

Her blessing given, the woman in the red dress climbed onto the stallion’s saddle. 

“Tell your tale to those who would listen, Gunter Frieden. Let it serve as inspiration to the virtuous, and as a warning to the wicked.” 

I raised my hand in farewell as she urged her mount into motion and vanished into the distance. When I arrived at the village later that day, as the winter sun set, the folk watched me curiously. But I did not stop until I arrived at Father Wilhelm’s church. He was the first soul to which I related the events of that day. 

In all the years that have passed, I have never seen the woman named Helga again. But I continue to tell my tale, as a gift to the virtuous and the wicked. In honor of my father and his sacrifice, I offer my strength and the wisdom of my simple mind to the people who have embraced me. To this day, the folk and I have lived in peace. This, I know, is the true blessing of the one I called the fay of Yuletide.