Joe left the cave, heading back to where he’d last seen his grandfather and the others. Looking around, he saw no signs of them. Then he remembered what Santa said about Levi and Wyatt.

Focusing his thoughts on the two elves, he closed his eyes.

“Are you napping or just inspecting the inside of your eyelids?” a familiar voice said.

Opening his eyes, he saw the sleigh and all his companions. “Nice of you to show up.”

“What happened?” his grandfather said. “Did you find him?”

“I did indeed,” Joe answered. “And I must say he is not a very likeable guy.”

“What’d you expect from a guy who steals from Santa Claus?” Spero said.

“Good point,” Joe said. “Anyway, I have somethings I need to do. Let me fill you in.”

*****

When the story was over, Joe’s grandfather exchanged a look with Spero. Joe caught the slight nod between them.

“Listen, Joe,” his grandfather said “this is way beyond what we thought it would be. These aren’t challenges he’s given you; they’re impossibilities. It’s too risky. We’ll have to find another way.”

“Grandfather, there’s a reason why I am the way I am and a lot of that is because of you. How many times, when I thought I couldn’t do something, did you say try? Just try. And if I argued that it was impossible, what did you always say?”

“That’s different,” his grandfather said. “I was just encouraging you.”

“What did he say, Joe” Spero asked.

“You stay out of this, Spero,” Joe’s grandfather said, a bit of an edge to his voice.

“I don’t think so, Liam,” Spero said. “Tell me, Joe. What did he say?”

“He said, the difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer.” Joe turned to face his grandfather. “Santa asked for your help, and you believed I would be the one to do it. And I am going to, with or without your help.

“What’s it gonna be?”

Joe’s grandfather stayed silent for a long moment, then a smile broke out on his face. “See, Spero, I told you he was the right one for this.”

“Arrrgh,” Joe said, “everything with you is a test.”

It was Spero’s turn to talk. “Look, Joe, this is a serious matter. We had doubts when your grandfather first told us about you. He was right to prove your courage and determination to us. Because we can only help so much. The rest will all depend on you.

“This first task will be just a minor test. I fear what follows will be the real challenge. You ready for this? Once we start there’s no going back.”

Joe had to smile at these two old friends. “I get it, the old generation is losing out to us young guys. It’s understandable.”

“Ouch,” his grandfather said. “Okay, let’s get going. We’ve a long ride ahead of us to the area of this Cave of Lost Hope. If the nowhere man isn’t just sending us on a wild goose chase.”

They all piled into the sleigh and Wyatt took it straight up into the clouds. Several hours later, they began a gentle descent.

“I know it’s probably too late to ask,” Joe said, breaking the silence, “but do any of you have an idea what the Cave of Lost Hope is? It might help me find it.”

“I do,” Levi David said.

“Please tell me everything,” Joe said.

“It began centuries ago, even before Santa Claus and Christmas existed. It was a difficult time on earth. There was magic but little control over it, and it was used for personal gain rather than good.

“People were afraid and didn’t know where to turn. Many decided to flee their home.  Entire cities disappeared. Soon, a rumor started that there was a cave where these people entered and never returned.

“It came to be known as the Cave of Lost Hope.”

“Why do you think the nowhere man wants me to find it?” Joe said.

Levi David shrugged. “I have no idea.”

Joe looked at his grandfather and Spero, neither offered anything.

Joe watched as Wyatt brought the sleigh in for a smooth landing. He sat thinking, trying to puzzle out the mystery.

Then, an idea sprung to his mind and Joe sat up.

“Think of something?” his grandfather said.

“Maybe,” Joe answered. “This nowhere man left me a clue. Some of it said, ‘he’s as blind as he can be, just sees what he wants to see.’ I wonder if it has to do with not just seeing but looking for something you’re not even sure is there.

“He says he doesn’t believe in possibilities. If that’s so, why send me out on these challenges? I don’t think he lied about the cave, but if he thinks I can find it he believes it’s possible.

“Somehow, this cave is hidden from him. The question is why?”

His grandfather perked up. “Joe, what is the hardest thing to bear?”

“This isn’t another test, is it?” Joe said.

“No, seriously. What is the hardest thing to bear?”

“I don’t know, ah…”

“Think, Joe, think,” his grandfather said. “We’ve shared this experience.”

Joe struggled to think, what could be so hard to bear? Then he remembered his grandmother. “Wait, I know. Losing someone you love. Nothing is harder than that, right?”

“Exactly,” his grandfather said. “The nowhere man lost someone and he thinks they’re in the Cave of Lost Hope. And he knows only someone full of hope can see through the magic that hides the cave.”

Another light went on in Joe’s head. “And I know where and how to look for it.” Jumping from the sleigh, he grabbed the edge, pulling himself up to look at the others.

“Stay here,” Joe said, “if I am right, this won’t take but a few minutes,” then ran off into the woods.

Making his way up a short hill, Joe looked for a sign. He saw nothing at first then a thought came to him. Closing his eyes and clearing his mind, he took several deep breaths then reopened them. Right in front of him a cave entrance now appeared.

Making his way inside, he followed a narrow corridor until it came into a wide-open area filled with people. If the midst of the crowd stood a solitary person, a woman, who looked much like the nowhere man.

Joe made his way closer, he approached the young woman.

“I knew you would come someday. He sent you, didn’t he?”

“Santa sent me,” Joe said. “But there’s another creature that wanted me to come here. I don’t trust him.”

“The nowhere man?” the girl said.

“How did you know?” Joe asked.

“Because I came here to hide because he wants the star. He imprisoned my grandfather trying to force us to give it to him.”

“Well, we aren’t gonna let that happen,” Joe said. “Come on, I have friends with me and we can save your grandfather.”

Day 11: The Last Challenge