[Sleeping sand (legendary artifact): provided by the Sandman. Held within a small leather pouch, once applied onto an individual, they will immediately fall into a deep sleep. They will remain asleep for a minimum of four hours, but the total duration depends on the individuals physical fitness.]
[Magical silver bell (unique artifact): a bell made of pure silver. Once rung, it calls upon a steam locomotive named the Polar Express. Able to appear anywhere on the surface of the Earth and it can take you and your party to any location previously visited. Special note- only those who believe in Santa can hear the bell ring.]
1st POV
I have got to say... those two items Bernard handed to me were extremely useful. Sure I could have called to use the sleigh, but I haven't even practiced with it. Hopefully that is something that will come to me naturally.
Meanwhile riding inside this train was fascinating.
In my past life I took the BART in the bay area and several Amtrak trains across the central valley, but those were cattle cars compared to this train. This train screams luxury the leather seats, the polished wooden finishing, and the bright red carpet.
Charlie was enjoying himself, looking out the window as the world passed by. Meanwhile Laura and Neal were sound asleep in the seats behind us.
"Welcome aboard it has been a long time since we have had guest on this train, especially a VIP!"
Turning around I see a man standing in front of me. Dressed in a white shirt with black tie, blue jacket, with a gold chain connected to a pocket watch, a pair of top half-rim glasses and a conductor hat.
"Thank you sir and how are we so far?"
"Good... running right on time! Would you or the young lad like a cup of hot chocolate?"
Turning his head from the window Charlie answers the Conductor.
"Yes Please!"
"Excellent! One Second" Walking back to the door the Conductor taps it once and several waiters step out into the aisle.
Oooo I hope they do the number. {Hot Chocolate Song by Tom Hanks}
- 1 hour later-
They did and it is a lot more impressive to see in person.
"Gentleman we will be arriving shortly to the North Pole please prepare yourselves and thank you for choosing the Polar Express."
"Dad we made it!"
"Yes, we did Charlie! Grab your coat we are getting off soon."
"What about mom and Neal?"
"Don't worry I am about to wake them up."
Heading over to Laura and Neal, I pull out a peppermint stick from my jacket pocket. I then broke it in half and place a piece under Laura's nose and then Neal's nose. The scent slowly wakes them up.
Laura in a daze, looks around and then turns towards me
"Scott? ... where are we? ... how did we get here?"
Before I can answer her, Neal stands up quickly, almost falling over he walks towards the window, on the other side of the train car.
"I... I think I have been here before..."
"What?" x2
"I... Scott where did you take us?"
"Well—"
WHOO WHOO
The train pulls into the town. Outside the window you can see several buildings covered in Christmas lights and snow. Elves move from building to building and carry various presents towards a large tall building.
On top of the building, you can just make out eight reindeer being guided onto a runway.
Pushing both of them toward the exit door, I answer their question.
"Laura... Neal... welcome to the North Pole!"