15. A Visit to St. Nicholas

Chapter 15

A Visit to St. Nicholas

T he smell of cinnamon, pine, and berries wafted through the opening as Alice pulled the door open. A bright light spilled into Ez's library. Festive Christmas music followed. The sounds of fiddles, whistles, guitars, horns, banjos, and an accordion permeated throughout the great hall on the other side of the door. The sound and instruments seemed more fitting for a St. Patrick's Day Irish band than Christmas carols.

Alice couldn't help but smile. Her meetings with the Clauses were always in the more professional setting of Ez's club. They had visited and struck up a great relationship, but she never received an official invite to their sacred place—the workshop at the North Pole. Alice was never slighted by the lack of such a gesture. She considered it the same as her inviting the Clauses to her wine cellar. They were private places not meant for prying eyes.

Still, finally being able to see into Santa's workshop put goosebumps on her arms.

"I want everyone to be on their best behavior," Ez said. "We're guests and I would like the Clauses to continue to visit in their offseason. Unannounced visits through magical doorways tend to be frowned upon. Catch them in the wrong mood, and the doorway could be closed off forever."

"I'll mind my Ps and Qs," Oliver said.

"I wasn't talking about you," Ez said as she tapped Alice on the shoulder.

Alice didn't glance back to the crowd following her. Her eyes focused on the light before her. A festive scene came into focus. The crack in the door only revealed curved beams inlaid into tan colored walls. Mint green baseboards and crown molding framed the wall. An intricate red design weaved its way through the boards. Garland dropped down the walls. She wanted more, needed more, but she waited until the coast was clear to enter the other side.

"I think it's clear," she said.

"Alright, let's go," Ez said. "I'll do the talking. The elves don't exactly like unannounced guests here at the North Pole."

Alice pushed the door opened and stepped forward.

For being in such an isolated, desolate location, Santa's workshop was rather warm. Not too hot. Not too cold. It was cozy, warm, and peaceful. They entered a hallway leading down to the commotion.

Max worked her way forward and rubbed her head against Alice's legs. Oliver agreed to take her leash, but she still managed to find her way to the front. Alice reached down and scratched her ears, but she never took her eyes off the end of the hallway.

"So, what if they find us lurking around?" Oliver said in a low whisper.

"What would you do if someone showed up in the store's back inventory without being announced?" Carol replied.

"Fair enough," Oliver said.

"They will eventually know we're here. I don't want to cause a scene beforehand. They get very . . . defensive. Ever since the Krampus incident, they're always on guard and tend to not ask questions first," Ez said. "Wait here, and I'll go introduce us."

Alice forged ahead, not wanting to wait for Ez's pleasantries.

"Alice, wait for me," Ez whispered.

Alice carefully stepped so her thick soled black boots didn't make too much noise against the hardwood floors. Max let out a small whine as Alice journeyed down the hall, but she was quickly shushed by Oliver. She reached the end of the hall and peeked around the corner.

The hallway led into a greater room, but she couldn't see anything beyond the bright light. Two figures emerged in the light, one taller than her and the other much shorter. She pulled back behind the corner.

"Someone's coming," Alice whispered.

"Now, Legs, make certain the reindeer have fresh straw and are fully fed," a higher-pitched voice said.

"I'll take good care of the reindeer, I promise. Me and Mr. Whiskers. We promises," a deeper voice said from around the corner.

Alice pulled back and peered around the hallway. Besides the door they entered through and the other side of the hallway, there wasn't exactly a good place to hide. A highly detailed and carved wood sign on the wall read "To reindeer paddock" in multiple languages with an arrow pointing down the hallway.

Alice couldn't contain her glee as she smiled with her mouth gaping open. She pointed down the hallway. Ez raised her hands in confusion as the rest of the group waited for instructions on what to do next. Alice scuttled back down the hallway, her boots echoing off the floorboards.

"The reindeer are that way," Alice said in a gleefully hushed voice. "And someone's coming."

"Should we hide?" Carol asked.

"Back through the door," Oliver said.

The Raskins retreated through the door. Max, wagging her tail, resisted Oliver pulling her away from an oncoming Alice.

"Max, let's go," Oliver said, trying to pull Max along with him. She wouldn't relent.

"Come on, Max," Carol said as she helped tug on the leash.

Max dug in, getting low to the ground and hunching her back. Her feet never wavered, and the collar pulled taut against her neck. She wouldn't let anything stop her from waiting for Alice to return.

"I'll take care of this," Ez said as she moved to greet the voices. "Stay back, and don't cause a commotion."

Alice tapped the sides of her hips. "Come on, girl," she whispered, trying to coax the pup to follow.

Max followed the group. One by one, they reentered Ez's library with Alice bringing up the rear. She reached for the door, pulling it closed when a voice called out.

"Hello, pretty lady," the deep voice said.

"Intruder," the high-pitched voice yelled. "Intruder!" He pulled out a whistle and blew. The high-pitched sound echoed off the walls.

Alice froze. They were caught. If the elves attacked first and asked questions later, then the situation would escalate into ruin. She thought about going through the door and shutting it behind her, waiting for tempers to calm down. If she did, then Ez might want to keep it closed forever. No. She didn't come this far to have it fall apart before they could speak with Santa. Alice popped back out from behind the door and greeted the two elves.

"Hello. My name is Alice Primrose, and I'm no intruder. I'm a friend of Nick and Holly, seeking their help."

Two elves stood in the hallway. One was no taller than Alice's knee. The other was a hulking body of an elf, over six and a half feet tall and massive in weight and size. They wore green vests, trimmed in gold, over white shirts. Their pointed ears protruded from under their matching green, pointed hats. Red pants and black leather shoes tied their uniforms together.

"Hello, Alice Primrose. My name is Legs, on account of I'm so tall. In my pocket is Mr. Whiskers. Say hello, Mr. Whiskers." The elf withdrew a diminutive mouse and held it aloft for Alice to see. Its nose twitched as the mouse peeked out from his massive hand.

Alice waved back.

More elves spilled down the hallway. "Intruders. Intruders," they murmured. "Get the boss. Intruders."

"How do we know you're telling the truth?" the smaller elf asked.

A crowd gathered in the hallway, some armed with their toy making instruments.

"See. This is what I wanted to avoid," Ez said in an exasperated voice as she threw her arms into the air.

Max emerged from the door, barking at her newfound friends.

"Hi, doggy," Legs said.

"Max, get back in here," Oliver said as he and Carol emerged back into the hallway.

Alice dropped down to a knee and scratched Max's head. The golden retriever sat down at Alice's feet. She glanced at the tall elf. "Legs, this is Maxine, but we call her Max. Would you like to pet Max?"

Legs shook his head in agreement. "I won't hurts her," he said.

"Oh, I don't think you will. She likes to be petted," Alice replied. "She really likes to be scratched under the chin. Come on, give her a scratching."

Legs placed Mr. Whiskers back into his vest pocket. He strode down the hallway; his massive shoes pounded against the hardwood floor. Max wagged her tail in anticipation. Legs then took a knee and glanced at Alice for approval. She nodded, and he took a finger and scratched under Max's chin.

Max closed her eyes and wagged her tail back and forth across the hardwood flooring. He stopped. Max opened her eyes and scooted forward, nudging him to continue with the scratching. He gave a few more scratches, and Max blissfully closed her eyes once more.

"See," Alice said. "She likes you."

"She's a good doggy," Legs said.

"Max is the best," Alice said.

The murmurs stopped from the crowd gathered in the hallway.

"What is happening here?" a voice yelled from down the hall. "Make way, make way."

The elves parted to allow someone through.

Around the corner emerged a man dressed in a white shirt and red vest trimmed in gold. He wore red pants with black boots trimmed in white. A snow-colored beard and white hair to match. An older gentleman with rosy red cheeks and a joyous smile on his face. A round belly. This was the one and only Nicholas "Santa" Claus.

"Esmerelda Honeydew," Santa said. "You're no intruder."

"Hello, Nick," Ez replied. "I would have sent word, but time is of the essence."

Santa turned to the elves crowded into the hallway. "Nothing to see here," he said in a bellowing voice. "These are my friends. Please go about your work. Remember, Christmas is only a few days away."

The crowd dispersed back down the hallway.

"I need to go. It was nice to meet you, Alice Primrose," Legs said.

"It was nice to meet you too, Legs," Alice replied.

The massive elf stood and followed the diminutive elf down the hall toward the reindeer.

"See, I'm good with animals," Legs said to his companion as they disappeared down the hall.

Alice turned her attention back to Santa. "Nick, thank you for allowing us into your home," Alice said. "These are my friends?—"

"Carol and Oliver Raskin of Newbury Grove," Santa said.

"Santa knows who we are?" Oliver asked.

"Of course," he replied. "I know everyone."

"Oliver, watch yourself," Carol said. "We're guests."

"I'm behaving," he replied.

Santa's round belly shook as he laughed. "Friends of Esmerelda are friends of mine. Come. Join me for some hot cocoa and cookies."

"How might I help you?" Santa asked as he sat down in an illustrious, wooden chair padded in red leather cushions on the seat and chair back. Its wood was stained a dark brown. It was crafted by an expert woodworker, no doubt holding the craftsman himself. A throne perfect for the King of Winter.

He sat at the end of a rectangular table filled with all the trimmings of Christmas. A red table runner spanned the entire length. A gingerbread house center piece. Candles surrounded by pine wreaths. Cinnamon, orange peels, and pine filled the air. Bowls of candy sat out, tempting the guests. Oliver, Carol, and Ez sat around the table. Oliver reached for a piece of candy, but he was quietly scolded by his wife. Max stood with her head on Oliver's lap, her tail wagging and hoping for a taste of whatever he was eating.

Alice stood. Her eyes wandered. The abundance of decorative items overwhelmed her, as her sense of wonder and love of Christmas demanded her full attention. Christmas trees were nestled in the four corners of the room. Seven feet tall, their toppers nearly touching the ceiling. They glittered with gold, silver, red, and green bulbs. Wreathes hung from the walls, connected by red ribbon interwoven from one wreath to the next. A hearth, blazing with a log, provided warmth and a sense of coziness on this dark December night. Its mantel decorated with every inch of the trimmings of Christmas.

Alice's maximalist senses were ablaze with stimulation and tantalization. The North Pole was everything she had hoped it would be and more.

Alice turned her attention back to Santa and removed her witch's hat. She held it with both hands in front of her, like a beggar asking for permission or forgiveness or both. She gulped and took a few steps forward. "Nick, we need help. Help only someone like you could offer."

"Well, it's Christmas. How could I not offer to help?" he asked.

A woman entered carrying a tray of cookies and mugs of hot cocoa. She wore a red dress and a white apron. Her hair was dark brown with streaks of gray. She had a cheery disposition and a smile on her face. She was middle-aged, but she still retained her youthful beauty. This was the one and only Holly Claus.

"Freshly baked," Holly said as she placed the tray on the table in front of her guests. She snapped her fingers, and the mugs rose to distribute amongst everyone.

Santa reached for his mug and took a sip. "Thank you, Holly dear," he said. "Holly is the secret of this place. Without her, this place would fall apart. She deserves all the praise I receive and so much more."

"You're welcome. It's not often we get guests here," she said, turning to Alice. She gave her a hug. "I made a batch of my special cookies, just for you."

She produced a small box, and with a wink, handed it to Alice.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Holly said.

"Thank you," Alice replied as she placed the box into her coat pocket.

Holly sat down and joined in on the refreshments.

"Nick, I need your help getting to the spirit realm," Alice said.

Santa nearly choked on his hot cocoa, coughing twice to clear his throat. He sat forward, his eyes intently focused on Alice. "You want to go to the spirit realm?"

"Yes. I need to rescue Hugo. He's in trouble," she replied.

Santa sat back, stroking his beard with his free hand. "I see. I don't know how much I can be of help."

"I tried to pull him through, but something?—"

"You made contact with him?" Santa asked.

"Yes. He's in trouble. He's trapped in some place . . . a dark place. He said there was a banshee, and she was trying to turn him into something. I don't know what. I can't pull him through. I need help either getting him out or going to get him." Alice's voice cracked, and tears filled her eyes. "Please. You're the only hope I have left."

Santa took another sip before his eyes settled on the dancing flames of the crackling fire. He pursed his lips and stroked his beard, no doubt in deep thought. After a moment, he took another sip of his cocoa.

"Do you know what my number one Christmas gift request is?" he asked.

"I don't," Alice said as she shook her head.

"It's not the latest toy craze or something elaborate or expensive. It's asking for a loved one to be brought back to life. Seeing them one more time or hugging them. Something as simple as a touch. It breaks my heart. If I could do it, I would. I would answer every one of those Christmas requests. Young. Old. Doesn't matter. It's . . . heartbreaking," Santa said.

He placed his mug on the table and leaned forward. "I can't bring them back, but I do what I can to help them keep their memories alive. Maybe it's an old picture they ‘happen' to rediscover, or a special scent fills the air, and they recall a memory of their loved one. A wooden box to hold a wedding ring. I can't let them forget, and I do what I can to help them. But trying to bring someone back . . . I'm sorry. I can't help you."

Alice turned away from the table and bowed her head. She freed one hand from the brim of her hat and wiped away a tear. She sniffled to hold back the deluge of tears forming in her eyes. "I understand."

Carol rose from the table and moved to place an arm around Alice.

"It's okay, sweetie," she said. "We'll find another way."

Alice rested her head on Carol's shoulder. "We'll find a way," she replied.

"Nick," Holly said. "Maybe it's time to bury the hatchet and reach out for help."

Alice turned around. "Help?" She drew a breath and held it, hope renewed once more.

Santa sat back in his chair. His rosy red cheeks grew brighter as he scowled. He covered his mouth with his interlocked fingers and gave a low grumble.

"How long has it been?" Holly asked. "You two can't keep fighting."

Santa persisted with his protesting grumble.

"What is it?" Alice asked. "I'll do anything. I'll go anywhere."

Santa slid his hands up his face to hide his eyes.

"Nick," Holly commanded. "It's Christmas."

Santa slapped his hands down on the armrest. He sat upright. "Fine. For Christmas."

"Who is it?" Ez asked.

Santa cleared his throat. "I can't get you to the spirit realm, but there is someone who can. He's been called a few names throughout the ages, but many refer to him as the Oaken King. If I'm the King of Winter, he's the King of Summer."

"Sounds great. I could use some warm weather," Oliver said.

All eyes turned to him. Carol gave him a discerning glance.

"What? It's cold. It would be nice to go someplace warm." Oliver picked up a cookie and took a bite. He groaned in elation as he chewed.

Oliver turned to Holly and said, "These are fantastic. Extraordinary. Have you considered selling them? I could sell them in my store, and we could make a fortune."

"Oliver! What did I tell you?" Carol yelled.

"What? This is business," Oliver said.

Holly chuckled. "I appreciate the offer, but my cookies aren't for sale. They're special. There are limited runs every year."

Oliver pulled out a business card from inside his coat pocket and passed it across the table. "If you ever reconsider . . ."

"Will you stop?" Ez said to Oliver before turning to Santa. "How do we make contact with the Oaken King?"

"Well, you'll need a fairy tree. They're not easy to come by anymore. A lot of the old forests have been torn down, and the fairies haven't decided to create new trees," Santa said.

That is a fairy tree .

Her words to Hugo a few months back coursed through her mind. Her eyes glimmered at the thought. The brightness of hope beamed from her, fighting against any traces of despair. She smiled and betrayed her secret knowledge.

"I know where one is," Alice said.

All eyes focused on her.

"You know where a fairy tree is located?" Ez asked.

"There's one in Newbury Grove. It's in Wildgrove Park. Hugo told me it's the founder's tree," Alice said with a gleeful tone.

"The founder's tree?" Oliver asked.

"It makes sense if you said Madeline Sinclair is involved," Carol said. "The founder's tree was her tree. Newbury Grove was founded because of the tree."

"What are the odds the two are connected?" Oliver asked.

"Better than you think," Alice answered. She turned to Santa. "Can you get us an audience with the Oaken King?

Santa rose from his chair and went to the hearth. He plucked a sprig of holly intertwined with the garland decorating the mantle. He moved to Alice and took her hand. He carefully placed the sprig in her palm.

"Take this. Tell him it's an offering from me, the Winter King, and he is to grant you an audience," he said as he closed Alice's fingers around the sprig.

Alice glanced down at the offering and then to Santa. "Thank you," she said as her eyes welled. "Thank you for the hope."

With a wink, Santa replied, "It's what I do. Now, it's a rather cold night for walking in Newbury Grove. I'll take you myself."

"You don't need to—" Alice started.

"Nonsense. How often does someone say they got to ride in Santa's sleigh? Besides, the reindeer could use the warm up before the big night. We'll be there in no time."

"A ride in the sleigh? You know—" Oliver started.

"Stop it," Carol interjected. "Don't even ask."

Oliver clammed up.

"Come on, we must get going," Ez said. "Holly, thank you for the refreshments as always. I hope to see you two soon after the holidays."

"We plan on being there for the Valentine's Day party," Holly replied.

"Excellent, I'll see you then," Ez said.

"Santa, can you make a pit stop on the way back? I want to get my broomstick and a thing or two," Alice said.

"Of course," he replied. "Never hurts to practice landing."