There is more to the legend of Santa Claus than you could possibly imagine… Barnabas Hollyheath is an elf, and the Bell-Keeper at the North Palace, one of the most important and sacred duties in the world. Though he appears young, the centuries of his life weigh heavy upon him – especially when sudden tragedy strikes and Santa Claus must be replaced, forcing Barnabas out of the ancient and magic-filled world he knows and into the stark, dangerous world of Men… And face to face with frightening truths and feelings he would rather leave buried forever.