When Spicata, Taraxa and Inula are swept into a hole in the ice, they are captured underwater by one of the Cretins in service to the Pirandelves.

 

Taraxa convinces Gelf Commander, Spicata to rescue them by helping them to escape to Santopolis. Spicata thinks that if he can return with the parents of the supposedly dead baby, the Baroness will reward him handsomely.

 

Turis, one of the Cretins, is a cousin of Spicata’s, and is persuaded to take them as far the Volcanic Palace, knowing the White Sage will get them the rest of the way.

 

Turis can help them no more than that, however, because he fears the wrath of Gelagoo, master of the Pirandelves.

 

Meanwhile, aboard the Grand Sleigh, Blue Elf Duncan, sent to accompany Henry and Noelle, slips into a Gold Elf uniform so he will blend in with the crew, just as the Sleigh approaches London to begin delivering presents. Duncan plans to jump ship when Henry leaves the Sleigh.