Joe the Elf, Paperback

Long, long ago, the beautiful Elfin Kingdom was a truly idyllic place to live, each creature adding to the perfect balance of life. When Joe the Elf bowed before the king and queen with his request to become a brave knight, he was sent away to complete a quest to find someone in need and serve them well.
'This alas became Joe's deepest care. What if there was not one in despair? Not one in need of saving or rescuing? Oh my, it wouldn't be fair '
How do you find 'one in despair' in such a perfect place? How could he truly become a knight unless he could save the day?