Pip and the Wood Witch Curse by Chris Mould

Author:Chris Mould [Mould, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4804-2839-3
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Published: 2013-04-08T19:00:00+00:00

The biggest problem was Toad’s father, Sam. He wouldn’t approve of them leaving the tavern. But that didn’t suit Toad, he was far too adventurous. Pip had come to notice that Toad wasn’t one for staying still. He was always on the go, always had a plan or a tale to tell. If he was upstairs he would find a reason to go down. Never in the same place for long, despite being cooped up in the house.

Pip was the opposite: much more laid back, but happy to tow along. In a short time Pip felt himself growing close to Toad. He had never had a brother or a sister and he soon began to enjoy the companionship that came with his newfound friend.

“We go at night,” said Toad. “I know it’s dangerous, but that’s when my father is busy. He won’t miss us.”

“I’m with you,” said Pip, biting his lip, and they shook hands as he drummed up the bravery from deep inside himself.

They said good night to Sam as they had become accustomed to doing. They took food and drink to the annex and left fluffed-up cushions in their beds so it looked like they were curled up asleep, in case Sam should check on them in the early hours. Then they put on warm clothes and crept into the cellar when they knew Sam was up to his eyes in customers.

Going down was easy to start with. There was a circular wooden drain cover in the cellar of the inn. Toad stood by the opening with the lid pulled back, inviting Pip to step down onto the ladder.

Pip disappeared into the abyss, bringing life to the depths with his torch. Toad followed him in, taking a last look around the cellar to make sure he hadn’t left any clues. He balanced the drain cover on his head, hatlike, and let it lower into place as he descended. The shaft of torchlight disappeared from the cellar.

The drains were deep and dark and long. The ceiling above was neatly vaulted and below the ladder was a short walkway. Cold drafts sent shivers through their bodies.

Just ahead was a length of rope attached to a loose fitting on the wall.

“Pull on it,” said Toad, “and keep on pulling.”

Pip tugged away and something heavy resisted at the other end.

“Keep going,” said Toad.

Eventually a small wooden boat appeared through the darkness. Two oars lay neatly inside.

Toad smiled. “It’s mine,” he said. “You didn’t think

I stayed up there all the time, did you?”

“Does your father know?”

“Of course. It’s my best chance of escape should the need arise. But he doesn’t know that sometimes I sail around the city when he’s not around. In the past, lost children have moved through the city this way.”

“What if they come down here, you know, the authorities or the forest things?” asked Pip.

“Neither the forest nor the city folk know that children move through these catacombs. If they did, this place would be swarming! Anyhow, the forest folk don’t like the water.

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