Fred the Elf

Characters from the Dragon Earl Universe are used with permission of The Story Lover (sort of). Characters of the Fred The Elf story are used without Neal's permission to avoid a time paradox, but with special permission of Str8mayb. A special thanks to the United States Navy for its help in the production of this story.

Author's Note:

Please do not tell Neal about this, since it hasn't happened to him... Yet. I was researching some things on the Intergalactic-net and have been able to put this all together, with the help of 'Quest' and 'Philip'.

From the end of Fred The Elf 3...

The doctor told Fred, "Congratulations! It's a nice healthy..."

Fred fainted before the doctor finished, "set of twins... Oh my! TRIPLETS!" Now, Elves may be magical, but, even so, twins were, and for that matter, still are, extremely rare, and these were the very first triplets in Elf history. Two boys and a girl. The girl, and one of the boys, were perfect little elfin babies, complete with cute pointed ears and lots of glitter. The other boy, though, the last born, was just like Fred: Round ears, and no sparkle at all.

They had just barely revived Fred, and he had held the three babies, when the Council Of Christmas alarm was sounded. It was the first time Fred could remember it being sounded, other than near Christmas, when some crisis would arise, like a missing Mama Doll, or a rocking horse being broken as it was being packed into Santa's sleigh, and everyone would go into panic mode. But this was mid April, just two weeks after sunrise. He couldn't help wondering what the emergency could possibly be. Bea and his older boys took charge of the babies and sent him off to the meeting.

The Elfin Council was in chaos. Panic might actually have been a better term. It seemed that Santa was gone; he had just dissolved into a whirl of sparkles and then he was gone, right in the middle of a discussion with the video game department heads. It had happened before, about six hundred years ago. Very few of the Elves even remembered it. Fred knew that Santa had wanted to go, and his time had run out. Fred went to 'The Book,' kept in the Council Chamber, opened it to the index; Santa, Replacing. As he turned to the page, sparkles and brilliant flashes of rainbow colours arose and circled the room three times, touching each Elf, in turn as it passed, and getting silence, as it worked its own magic. Then it expanded until it covered the entire ceiling of the room and stayed there, while it continued its colourful display.

The Head of the Council said, "Fred, you had no authority to open the book!"

The magic hovering at the ceiling glittered, flashed what seemed an angry red, and then darkened perceptibly. 

Fred simply smiled. "I believe, sir, that if you check the rule book, that on page 942 you will find the statement that any member of The Council, in time of crisis, may, without prejudice, reference 'The Book'. Judging by the chaos in here, when I arrived, and the fact that the alarm had, in fact, sounded, I think my actions fell well within those guidelines. Just one little question, though, what is happening?"

"That is the thing, Fred. 'The Book' has the answer, but it is now a part of the ceiling, and we must now select one of us to receive the information, then go on a quest, in search of the new Santa. Who among us is best able to move about with the Humans, without causing panic among them, and discern the one who will be our next Santa?" Fred tried to keep a low profile; after all, he had been searching for almost a year, with no useful results.

The chaos in the chamber returned, as several different Elves bragged that they were obviously the best choice for the job. Fred sat and listened, and wished it were as simple a thing as it was in those movies about the new Santa. He knew that the next Santa had to have the Christmas Spirit deep in his soul. He had searched all over the world for a year or so, and just by a fluke, he had found Jesse Lincoln, who still had the spirit. As he sat daydreaming, Fred was glad that The Council would never pick him, the youngest, and most inexperienced, member of The Council, for this, now vital, mission.

Suddenly, there was total silence in the room, and Fred came out of his daydream to notice that everyone was looking at him. "What?"

Several Elves pointed at the ceiling. He gazed up. The shimmering magic had all gathered above Fred. It was pulsating and it looked as if it was actually pointing at him.

The Council Head cleared his throat. "I suppose it might be a good choice. After all, Fred was the one to find the Spirit Of Christmas, still alive. Remember how happy it made Santa? He was whistling In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida for weeks."

One of the other council members commented under his breath, "Only slightly better than Louie-Louie, the time before that."

Another member added, "The year before, he found his sons, and now so many more good, but lost, kids."

Yet another, "Twice before he has been in this modern world. He knows how to blend in; besides, he is the only one of us that looks like them."

"All in favor of Fred?" An elfin roar of approval arose, and the Magic on the ceiling fell and surrounded Fred, then merged with him, becoming part of him. Fred felt the tingle; then a surge of magic power filled him. 

When things finally settled down, Fred was given a list of the top three candidates to become the new Santa. Basically, these were the only people in the database to fit the criteria: they had always been on the good list, and were never involved in any bad things that the elves had detected. They may have faults, or other things that might disqualify them, and that was why Fred had to go and investigate each one.

News spread throughout the North Pole complex, faster than a speeding reindeer. And everyone was giving Fred 'helpful' hints. By the time he made it to the reindeer compound, Bartholomew was packing his saddlebags. Fred looked and commented, "That's a lot of sugar cubes." Bart gave Fred 'that look.' "Jeez©, Bart." Fred went on home. John, and Fred's other boys, were very proud that their Dad had this very important job. They all assured him that they would be good and help their Mom, Beatrice, with the triplets. Fred took Beatrice some flowers and asked her to pray for him. He was uncertain about his success. He had a funny feeling that the list wasn't going to be a lot of help. Beatrice hugged her husband. "You are certainly the right Elf for the job. The old Santa saw what I see in you. Fred, you are a very special Elf. Even the magic from 'The Book' could tell that. I know down deep in my heart that you will return with the best Santa ever. Hopefully, a Santa that will last for at least a thousand years. Now, here is a special watch to help you know exactly when you are. Remember we love you and hurry to return."

Fred stopped and held each of his new babies, the two perfect little Elves looked up at their daddy and the sparkle was there, when he looked at little Fredrick, he whispered, "Don't worry, little one, I'm your Papa, and I will always love and protect you. You are a special one." Fred felt the magic in him stir in agreement. Wow!

Soon Fred and Bart were soaring away from the Pole. Fred took out the list and looked in amazement at the names that were printed at the top of the list. "Bart, Jeez©, where is Erehwon?" As soon as he said the words, the magic enveloped both of them, and suddenly, they were crashing to the ground. Bart cried out in pain, as his front leg twisted in the landing. Fred helped Bart stand up, but Bart couldn't put any weight on that leg. "Jeez©!"

Just then, a War Eagle swooped down on them, and Bart was afraid of the VERY LARGE bird of prey. Fred tingled with the magic, held out his arm and said, "Hello, Paladin."

With a screech of surprise, the fierce war bird back winged and changed his attack to a gentle landing on Fred's outstretched arm. "I don't know how I knew you, either." Paladin cocked his head. "Magic? Well, of course! I'm just not used to having strong magic." The eagle looked at Bartholomew. "Hurt, yes. Can't fly."

A loud screech and Paladin was winging off to the mountain in the distance. Fred removed the heavy, sugar laden saddlebags from Bart's back. "Jeez©! These weigh a ton! No wonder you crashed, silly!"

A shadow fell over them, and Fred looked up. A huge orange Dragon was descending towards them. Bart was truly alarmed by this. 'I am Gustavo, King of the Royal Dragons of Venezel. Who might you be?'

"I am Fred, the Elf, and this is my reindeer, Bartholomew."

'You are no Elf, yet, somehow, I sense that you tell the truth.'

"Ah, long story. I'm actually a Christmas Elf."

'Goos' nodded. 'It has been a very long time since we have had a visit from one of your kind. What service can I provide for you?'

"My reindeer is injured, and I must travel to a place called Erehwon and observe some candidates for the position of new Santa."

'Paladin speaks on your behalf, and I do too. Come, we will go.' 'Goos' nudged Fred to climb on, and then he very gently picked up a very worried Bartholomew in his jaws, and took off, flying them to the castle.

'Goos' landed, just as Just' and Joth came running out of the castle into the courtyard. Soon Jonah came out, almost dragging Doktor Bazaar.

'Goos' gingerly set Bart down in front of the Doktor. "I'm a Doktor, not a Veterinarian! Oh, wait! That is someone else's line." He laughed and examined his patient. "Interesting. A magical being, how is it you did this, crash landing like that!?!"

Fred held out the saddlebags. "He insisted on bringing these, and me."

The Doktor lifted the bags then looked inside. "First sprained ankle from a sweet tooth I've ever seen. Well, young one, you will have to stay off it for at least a week, and absolutely NO flying for two weeks, and I'm sure by then, everything will be just fine." The Doktor finished wrapping Bart's leg.

Jonah gave the Doktor a big hug. "Thank you, Dr. Tickle Fingers."

Joth stepped forward to meet Fred. "Hello, I am Crown Prince Joth and this is my Prince Consort, Just'."

"I am Fred. I have come here looking for a new Santa."

The boys looked at each other. "You don't know Santa?" Fred asked, in near disbelief.

'Goos' answered, 'We are of a different universe, youngling."

Fred squeaked, "Different universe. Jeez©. Bart, what have you done?" Fred looked at his watch and the face was actually blank. Jeez©.

Bart looked at Fred as if he had lost his mind.

'Goos' read the thoughts between them. 'Did you not ask to come to Erehwon?'

Fred looked around carefully, "Oh my, I suppose I did, didn't I. At least, I asked where it was, and suddenly we were landing where Paladin found us. Oh yes, would you possibly know a Rafaelo and Angelina Forte?"

"Joth's pawents? Duh, yeah!" Jonah said, before giggles broke out.

"Oh Jeez©, The King and Queen? Jeez©. They have way too many important things to do. Now we have to wait around here for two weeks..."

'I could, possibly, help.' 'Goos' said.

"There are two more people on the list to check out, before I have to search for Santa on my own," said Fred.

The large dragon nodded. 'Come, then. Let us begin.'

The dragon lowered himself so that the small elf could climb up onto him. Once Fred was settled comfortably, 'Goos' leaped into the air and flapped his wings. 'Where to, my little friend?'

"I just have the name, or initials, GX, and the word, Grexatilly."

'Ah yes a very good choice, indeed, but does your Santa not need to be at least humanoid?' 'Goos', asked.

"Yes, of course he does. Jeez©!"

'Well so much for GX then. Who is next on your list?'

"Dr. and Dr. Miller. Doctor Anthony Miller, an Orthopedist, specializing in Pediatrics, and Adolescents, and his wife, Dr. Tina Miller, a Juvenile Psychologist, and Physical Therapist. It says here on my list that they are being held in the county jail," Fred said, as he read the information for the first time. "Jeez©! I guess that means they are disqualified."

'Jail? That is certainly not right! They should definitely not be in jail.'

Suddenly 'Goos' took them through the dimensional barriers, and they were above a forbidding looking building. 'Goos' back winged and settled on the roof. 'Go, quickly, my little friend, and rescue Tony and Tina.'

Fred climbed down off the magic dragon with a bit of a puff, as his feet hit the roof. He crossed the roof and found the door locked, but his new magic had it open in the blink of an eye. He quietly went down the stairs and found that the fifth floor contained only two occupied cells. He walked up to the first one, where a woman sat, crying. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Tina Miller."

The woman looked up, surprised, wiped her tears and responded, "I am Tina. What are you doing here? There aren't supposed to be children here in jail."

"I'm not exactly a child, although I do look like one. Why are you in jail?" Fred asked.

"Well, we have been accused of kidnapping our son's boyfriend. We are actually trying to adopt him, since his parents and our son were all killed in an accident. He has now disappeared, and they think we took him," Tina explained.

'Goos' sent to Fred, 'Hurry, you have been seen on their viewing device, and they are sending soldiers to capture you.'

Fred wielded his new magic and fused the doors of the elevator closed, as well as the stairwell door from the fourth floor. Then he caused the cell doors to disappear. He ran to the other end of the floor and woke up the sleeping man by shaking his shoulder. "Dr. Miller! Wake up. We have to leave. NOW!"

Anthony opened his eyes and saw a cute ten-year-old. He was about to ask questions when his wife entered the cell. 

"Tony, dear, I don't know what is going on, but you'd better move it, before the cops get back. We can't help John, if we are being held here in jail."

"Right!" He got up and then asked, "Where are we going?"

"The North Pole," the boy said, without a trace of humor.

They heard pounding on the door and decided that this was not the time to argue. Fred led the way out through the emergency exit to the roof. 'Goos' was kneeling, so they could climb aboard. Of course, they both froze in place, having never seen such a huge and fearsome creature before. 

Fred quickly read their terror. "Jeez©, he's a friendly dragon. Please hurry."

Anthony laughed, "Sure, why not? Crazy dream."

Tina mumbled, "First time we dreamed the same thing."

Once the three passengers were aboard, Fred yelled, "Hang on!"

'Goos' took three steps, leaped off the roof and was airborne. 

"To the North Pole, please, 'Goos'," Fred yelled, over the sound of rushing wind. He looked at his watch and was appalled to see it read December 15.

'Sorry, but we are not in your universe, and the North Pole here is just ice.'

With that, 'Goos' crossed the dimensional barriers once again, and they were now over a huge manor house in the country. He descended into a clearing in the woods, about two miles from the Manor. His passengers climbed down and turned to face the large, beautiful dragon.

"So what exactly is going on here?" Anthony asked.

Fred answered, "I am a Christmas Elf, and I have been sent to find the new Santa."

Tina knelt down so she could be on the boy's level. "I'm sure you believe that, and we are here to help."

Fred rolled his eyes. "I know I don't look like an elf. But I was born before Christoper Columbus and actually have just been blessed with triplets from my wife. I am NOT a ten-year-old human."

"Of course, you're not," Anthony agreed, sarcastically.

"So how do you explain your escape, and... the dragon?"

The two human adults looked at each other. Tina said, "He has a point."

'Goos' sent to Fred, 'They cannot hear me. Tell them that the boy they seek will be arriving in five cycles of this planet's moon.'

"Five months? Okay, 'Goos'." Fred turned back to face the Millers. "'Goos' says the boy you are looking for will be here in about five months." Fred checked his watch; it was working now, only it read July 9th. "That would be sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas."

"So, what are we supposed to do until then?" Tony asked.

'Goos' sent an answer to Fred. Fred relayed it. "In the morning, go to the manor and ask to talk to Dr. Turnman. He will be very pleased to have people with your qualifications here. Then just wait until John arrives." Fred turned back to 'Goos'. "Are we at Haven? That is really cool! But it sounds like these two people have a destiny of their own, that we can't simply abandon." Fred sighed.

He searched the doctors' minds with his magic and he soon arranged it so that all their credentials were properly in place, in this universe, and then he saw to it that their car was parked on the shoulder of the nearby road. "If you two will walk through the woods, that way," he pointed in the direction that their car was parked, "you will find your car. The keys are in it. In the trunk, you will find clothes. Your identification is in the glove box."

The two Doctors slowly moved off in the direction Fred indicated. Fred turned to 'Goos'. "You are a very smart dragon. Now, could you take me to see an old friend, Then bring Bart back here, once he can fly again. Oh, and I'd really appreciate it if you didn't let him have all that sugar. Jeez©. At least, now I know who the next Santa will be."

Author's notes:

It has been a pleasure to transcribe this story. 'Quest' and 'Philip' will not give me any more information. It is very frustrating. I'm glad GX was disqualified, I'd have really missed him. He is an excellent Captain, and I still have a lot to learn. I wonder if I could talk GX into a short trip into the future, so I can find out Just' what is going on. As Fred would say, "Jeez©."

John E. Quest, First Officer

Editor's Notes: Thank you, John. You certainly told the story very well. 'Goos' is a very special dragon, and I love him dearly. We had a nice long talk, and he has promised not to spoil the surprise for TSL. I, too, am glad that we didn't have to wait till Christmas to find out what made Fred faint. 

Things are starting to look very interesting. Is Fred going to go talk to 'Philip'? Who could he possibly know that lives at Haven? Could it be Doctor Turnman? Oh my goodness, you don't suppose he intends to talk to Neal, do you? He did seem a bit excited, once he found out he was near Haven. Oh my, maybe he is thinking of Eddie. I guess I should stop speculating, it is only going to make things more confusing. That means that I have done my job.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Associate Editor's Notes: I'm almost ashamed to accept my paycheck for this chapter, since I did almost no associate editoring; I added a few commas, took out a couple of extra words and changed one misspelled word. Darryl, did you get the extra 'and's? I didn't find any in this chapter. We've really got to keep the 'and' box locked, and just give Str8mayb the exact number he needs for each chapter! Oh, yes, and we've got to keep a closer eye on Bart's sugar intake. We don't need a diabetic reindeer!

And so, in the words of the great Greek philosopher, Plato: "If I can't have a proper cup of coffee from a proper copper coffee pot, I'll have a cup of tea."

Arli J

Fort Chief Editor's Notes:

Not Allowed.

(Hehehehehehe)

Universe Editor's Notes:

Very nice job, John. You and Neal do very well with Fred's story. I also want to thank you for not making us wait until Christmas to find out why Fred fainted. I did notice one thing that 'Goos' had to clear up for me, and I want to pass it along so all of you will understand, maybe.

The Millers (Tina and Tony NOT David) have been brought to the Haven universe ahead of, in time, John Peters. 'Goos' did this, so that they will have a chance to become established, and have everything in place with Linda Harris when he is brought to Neal. If you are now completely confused, I have done my job. (Try reading, THERE REALLY IS A SANTA CLAUSE, JOHN PETERS, by 'Goos' found onwww.storylover.us)

Str8mayb