Meanwhile, the last of the inhabitants made their way into the castle. Nina, Tingler, Rudolph, and Hermey pushed against the heavy door until it shut. Nina said, "Stay away from any windows. We might have to go to the dungeon, just in case."
When everyone was in the dungeon, the only thing left to do was wait.
Dolly sniffled. "We were almost blown away. Who knows what would have happened to us."
Tingler gently patted her shoulder. "Everything will be alright."
"That no-good, rotten North Wind tricked us!" Hermey frowned. "He was going to sweep us all up and drop us into the sea!"
"I am so sorry," King Moonracer apologized, remorsefully. "This is my fault for trusting him and believing he had our best interests at heart."
Nina approached him. "It's not your fault. North tricked you. The important thing is everyone is safe."
"Everyone except Snow Miser," Rudolph mentioned.
Nina tried to smile. "He'll be okay. He's pretty good at fighting; he had a lot of practice. And we'll do what we have to if we have to. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
They all huddled together as the battle raged on outside.
"Give up, Snow Miser!" North shouted. "You'll never win!" He had made a vortex and was trying to suck Snow into it. Snow struggled against the pull, hurling ice at his half-brother.
"No chance!" Snow exclaimed. "I'm not letting you get away with what you did!"
He shot a stream of ice out of his hands, targeting North's hands, then pulled him toward him. North struggled to free himself from the ice while inching closer to the vortex. With a final tug of the ice, Snow managed to get North close enough to it that he got sucked in. Snow let go of the ice, and most of it went in with North. The remainder of the stream broke off and fell to the ground.
When Snow made sure his brother was gone, he headed to the castle. He was met with a group of scared individuals in the dungeon, but a wave of relief came over everyone once they saw him. Nina and Tingler rushed to him, hugging him and asking if he was alright. "I'm fine," he answered, tiredly. "Is everyone safe?"
"Everyone is accounted for," replied Rudolph.
"What happened to North Wind?" Nina asked.
"Don't know, don't care."
"At least you're okay," Tingler said, kissing Snow's cheek.
"Can you all ever forgive me?" King Moonracer asked. "I misjudged you, and for that, I am very sorry."
Nina gave him a warm smile. "We forgive you. Everyone makes mistakes. Your heart was in the right place."
"I have learned that I have also judged others too hastily," the king stated. "Ambassador Rudolph, you were right; perhaps the outside world is not as cruel as I believed. From this day forward, let us be known and open. We will travel freely to and from the island."
Rudolph looked overjoyed. "That's wonderful, your majesty! And I know where we should go first!" He smiled at Nina, Snow Miser, and Tingler. "I hope you don't mind if some of us drop by for a visit sometime."
Nina chuckled. "We don't mind at all. And you're welcome to join my flights around the world. We deliver care packages as a charity."
"I'd love to! Just say when."
"Let us continue the celebration," King Moonracer stated. "However, this time, with open minds and honest hearts."
Everyone made their way out of the dungeon. Luckily, the castle suffered no damage from the fight, and the party resumed under different and more pleasant circumstances.
