A Christmas Quest by C. H. Crane

Author:C. H. Crane [Crane, C. H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781490708065
Publisher: Trafford
Published: 2013-09-25T00:00:00+00:00

As they continued their journey back home and just before making the left turn at the intersection of Main and Grove, the three approached Oliver’s Pharmacy. The pharmacy was noted for having the best storefront display in town. For as long as he could remember, the Christmas wonderland created behind the window was one of his favorite Christmas attractions. Tired from lugging the wagon behind him, Tim thought that there would be as good a place as any to stop for a short break.

Pointing to the sleeping Stretch following them home, Tim said, “He’s getting heavy. I need to rest for just a minute before we start up Grove Street.”

Dropping the handle to the sidewalk and walking closer to the window, Tim called back to Natalie, “Come on over here and take a look. I’ll bet you never saw anything like this before.”

For the first time that evening, Tim was feeling a little better as he pointed out to Natalie the many details of the world in miniature. They both pressed their foreheads firmly to the glass and looked down, watching the tiny town as the Christmas Express, in all its splendor, emerged from out of the tunnel to circle the town only to once again disappear into the snow-covered mountain.

Reminded of his train set advertised throughout the town as first prize in the snowman-building contest, a saddened Tim left the window, grabbed the handle of the wagon, and continued the quiet trip home. The short rest was over.

Up Grove Street, they continued their solemn journey until finally arriving at Stretch’s house. Glad to be at their destination, Tim turned around and said, “Come on, Stretch. Sit up. We’re home. We need to get an early start tomorrow. Could you meet me in the garage by seven?”

A very sleepy Stretch yawned, nodded his head to say yes, and mumbled, “Seven o’clock.”

Leaving Stretch behind, Tim and Natalie crossed the street with wagon in tow. Tim opened the gate and once again meandered down the snowdrift-filled sidewalk with Natalie following right behind him.

As they drew closer to the front porch though, Tim looked over at the snowman standing guard along the sidewalk and noticed a strange glimmer in the eyes of Alex.

Not sure what to make of it, he stopped and whispered to Natalie, “Hey, Natalie. Take a look at Alex. Do his eyes look a little odd to you?”

“It almost looks like they are starting to glow,” responded Natalie.

“Come on. Walk slowly and stay right behind me,” instructed Tim in a calm and quiet voice.

With every step closer, the once-soft, faint glow of Alex’s eyes increased in intensity.

Remembering the instructions of Excelsior to speak to Alex only in secret, Tim treaded closer to the snowman, stopped, and looked around to see if anyone else other than Natalie was near and whispered, “Alex?”

At once Alex responded in a slow and deliberate voice, “Tim. Natalie. Remember the Scroll of Secrets. The Jester must be lured outside. We will be waiting.”

With that said, his illuminated eyes faded back to black chunks of coal.

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