The great hall's doors were old and mighty.
Never had they moved so quick.
Through them came an icy blast,
The King at them an eye he cast,
As a giant man they did admit.
The Northmost King was not a man to have a lot of guests.
Not least because to cross his land was something of a test.
He sat close by a brazier.
The hall was lit by flame.
He beckoned forth the stranger,
And asked of him his name.
'My name is Nick the Hero; it usually precedes me.
But in your land of bitter frost,
Where nighttime seems to rule eternal,
And chill winds howl like beasts infernal,
My name must have got lost.'
At this the Northmost King did smile.
This 'Hero' might amuse a while.
'Do sit, and tell me of your fames.'
News from the world was rare to hear.
The King moved closer to the flames,
And lent to Nick his ear.
'I've journeyed far and wide and long.
There are no monsters left unslain.
I've stood on every mountain crest,
And shown my worth in every quest.
I laugh at danger, fear and pain.'
But for all that, the King thought wryly, you haven't found humility.
'So what then brings you to my hall? What do you need from me?'
'I came to find adventure.
I crave another quest.
I ask that you would I indenture.
Give to me your toughest test.'
The King sat back and mused a while.
What could he ask this Nick to do?
Wearied by his work of late,
He saw a chance to delegate,
His nights off had been less than few.
'I have a gift for every child who knows how to behave.
You must deliver every one, on my reindeer driven sleigh.'
'You have some boxes to dispatch?
There are no armies I must fight?
It sounds too easy, what's the catch?'
'You must do it in a single night.'
The task it didn't faze him. Nick got to his feet.
'There is no time to waste' he said.
'I'm sorry I so soon am leaving,
But if I'm to cross the world this evening,
Would you show me to your sled.'
The King supplied the proper clothes, and sent him on his way.
He was glad to see him back again, the same time the next day.
He had been on one amazing ride,
His happiness was clear.
'I want to go again!' he cried.
So now he does it every year.