It was cold. The winter wind forced me to wear a cap and I hate wearing caps. They make my head sweat if they are on too long and mess up the hair. I trudged along looking for shelter and there were not to many spots that looked likely places to spend the night. But I had to do something, because I could not go much further without rest and a fire or the equivalent.

Light could be seen passing through the snow flurries up ahead through the trees. My near frozen nose could still smell the smoke mixing in the air from a distant chimney. Salvation might be at hand. I moved forward through the trees and branches and the light grew. It grew steadily larger and I could see it was emerging through a small window in a cabin.

Finally I could see a small clearing and the smoke smell became stronger. The light beckoned me and I approached without hesitation. Like some moth, I threw caution to abandon. Who knew what strange psychopath might be living out here in the middle of nowhere? What bizarre unsocial outcast has chosen to live away from others to do lord knows what in this deserted wasteland of snow and trees?

But it did not matter. I knocked at the thick oak door anyway. I could barely feel my hand knock but my eyes see them move so I must be knocking.

The door opens.

An old, grizzled man, with a beard and a belly that has feasted on too much venison appeared.

"Stranger, you look half-froze to death. Come in and sit by the fire I have going."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

My wits were already dull. I walk past the man and head towards the fire I see in the corner.

"You lost? Or you breakdown near the highway? Do you need to use a phone?"

"What? Oh, no I'm just tracking someone."

"Oh a tracker? You seem awfully unequipped for a professional."

"My camp was attacked by a small pack of wolves. I had to flee with what I had on me."

The old man looks familiar but I can not place him. The heat is bringing my wits back and I start to look around the room. It is spartan. Wood floors, fur rugs and wood handmade furniture. I could swear I hear some squeaking or giggling too, but I assume it is this handmade chair.

"You're pretty far from civilization, who you tracking?"

"A thief. Bigshot corporate accountant. Got off with 150 million, embezzled from IBM and Exxon several decades ago, and fled up north. Had a tip and checked it out."

I notice he's looking at me more grimly. I spot a red cap on a hat rack near the door. Suddenly I realize I have entered the fugitive's lair. I rise to get up and get out but five elves have come out of nowhere and block my way. Some are clawing at my eyes.

"Get him boys" Mr. Klaus gets up, takes off his big jacket and I now see the trademark red suit he has been spotted wearing when seen by informants and good samaritans. Another six dwarves no taller than a two year old, come running out a doorway to my left.

"I fling some of them off and make a break for the window. I cover my eyes with my jacket and hear the crash of the glass, but don't feel much.

I get to my feet and run like heck and kick off one fast dwarf who's clinging to my left leg. I hear the fat man shouting after me.

"You've got nowhere to go! Boys prepare my sleigh!"

He's right. Klaus has the advantage. I have no weapons, no vehicle and some wolf is probably trying to digest or at least chew on my cell phone fifteen miles from here. I hear sleigh bells ringing. They are getting louder and my terror increases proportionately which each ring.

The sound of his laugh is growing nearer.

"Ho, Ho, Ho! You've got nowhere to go!"

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I wake up in a cold sweat. It is December 24th and I have not yet finished my Christmas shopping. That's the last time I try out a place called 'Panda Express' and tempt fate consuming something named 'Orange Chicken'.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE & ALL!

;-)

SDAI-Tech1