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7. The Great Battle Between Good and Evil
Ak listened gravely to the recital of Claus, stroking his beard the while with
the slow, graceful motion that betokened deep thought. He nodded
approvingly when Claus told how the Knooks and Fairies had saved him from
death, and frowned when he heard how the Awgwas had stolen the children's
toys. At last he said:
"
From the beginning I have approved the work you are doing among the
children of men, and it annoys me that your good deeds should be thwarted
by the Awgwas. We immortals have no connection whatever with the evil
creatures who have attacked you. Always have we avoided them, and they, in
turn, have hitherto taken care not to cross our pathway. But in this matter I
find they have interfered with one of our friends, and I will ask them to
abandon their persecutions, as you are under our protection."
Claus thanked the Master Woodsman most gratefully and returned to his
Valley, while Ak, who never delayed carrying out his promises, at once
traveled to the mountains of the Awgwas.
There, standing on the bare rocks, he called on the King and his people to
appear.
Instantly the place was filled with throngs of the scowling Awgwas, and their
King, perching himself on a point of rock, demanded fiercely:
"
"
"
Who dares call on us?"
It is I, the Master Woodsman of the World," responded Ak.
Here are no forests for you to claim," cried the King, angrily. "We owe no
allegiance to you, nor to any immortal!"
"
That is true," replied Ak, calmly. "Yet you have ventured to interfere with the
actions of Claus, who dwells in the Laughing Valley, and is under our
protection."
Many of the Awgwas began muttering at this speech, and their King turned
threateningly on the Master Woodsman.
"
You are set to rule the forests, but the plains and the valleys are ours!" he
shouted. "Keep to your own dark woods! We will do as we please with Claus."
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