During the night, the reindeer are heard nervously snorting. Before anyone has time to react to this, a startling noise of GUNFIRE breaks out, accompanied by horrid roars.
By the time the party is on its feet and realizes which way to look, the action is winding down. Three figures are seated on three horses, facing away from Vanessa's party but easily recognizable: the brothers Emmett and Jake, plus the blue-kirtled Lady Inkling. Inkling is holding her Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, Emmett his Winchester 1873 rifle, and Jake his twin Colt .45's. All four weapons are smoking; and all four have contributed to the slaying of a dozen or more frightful creatures.
The slain monsters--and some others like them which are beating a retreat--look much like the furry beast which tried to devour Luke Skywalker in "The Empire Strikes Back."
Lady Inkling wheels her horse toward the party and says, "I used a bit of good magic to call Emmett and Jake to my assistance. The Snow Queen, though not right nearby, has become aware that one of her traps was activated. She sent those antisocial types to collect whoever had been caught. But as of now, you have a good lead on any further attempts to pursue you. Use your time well, friends."
With that, Inkling and the two gunslingers ride off, as the main theme from "Silverado" is heard in the air.
