After Krampus was allowed to limp away, the girls grabbed Lukas and Wilda by the hand. The guests followed as they ran from the church. The feasted in celebration, and the girls kept them dancing until the night turned to day.
Lukas and Wilda lived happily together, though Lukas sometimes missed his sister’s lively presence. Sometimes Wilda left and joined her friends; Lukas never knew where she went when she disappeared.
The wicked girls traveled the world. All year long they made mischief where it was badly needed, pulled tricks on those who deserved it, and found celebrations to enliven or destroy- often both at the same time. The girls slept, worked and played, and did as they pleased.
Every year on Krampus’ Night, Krampus finds the girls and whips them with bundles of twigs, but on St. Nicholas Day, the girls take the sticks and beat him back.
And every year come Christmas time, parents warn naughty children that if they don’t behave, St. Nicholas may leave them coal or switches in their stockings, or worse, Krampus may come to beat them and take them to his lair.
They don’t tell their children of the wicked girls, who come to punish the adults who don’t play fair or have favorites.
The children put out milk and cookies for Santa Claus, and after they’re in bed, their parents may put out a bit of chocolate. Just in case the wicked girls decide it’s the parents who deserve a good whipping.