Raising the Horseman by Serena Valentino

Author:Serena Valentino [Valentino, Serena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Disney Enterprises, Inc
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The air had a bone-chilling quality as they all stood on the front porch of the Van Tassel home, saying their good-byes to Brom and Ichabod. The oak grove was particularly dark that night with the moon hiding behind dark clouds, and Katrina felt a surge of panic spread through her as she imagined Ichabod making his way through the dark grove, and then along Sleepy Hollow Road alone.

“Good night, my boy!” Baltus called out to Brom, who was already making his way through the grove. Brom turned around and waved, with a wide grin on his face.

“Good night, Baltus! See you bright and early tomorrow!” He walked backward as he waved and added, “And good night, my dear Katrina and Miss Regina.” He blew Katrina a kiss, which made her and her mother cringe.

Ichabod was still standing on the dirt path that led to the oak grove, shuffling his feet and fidgeting nervously. “Farewell, Van Tassels. You are fine and gracious hosts. I am truly honored to have been invited into your lovely home. Katrina, my fond memories of this evening shall sustain me until I have the good fortune of being in your exquisite company once again,” he said before starting down the path that would take him to Sleepy Hollow Road.

“Good night, Ichabod. I, too, look forward to seeing you again.” Katrina didn’t dare say more with her father standing there. She wanted to run to Ichabod and implore him to take the carriage. And in an even more secret place in her heart, she wanted to kiss him. A deep and penetrating fear was mounting within her, as she saw poor Ichabod looking over his shoulder, hesitating before he set off into the dark oak grove. The Van Tassels shivered on the porch as Crane slowly made his way down the path, trailing behind Brom, who was about twenty feet or so ahead of him. And just as they were about to turn around and head back inside the house, they heard Brom’s voice booming in the distance.

“BEWARE OF THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN!” he bellowed, and Katrina could hear Brom laughing as he disappeared into the darkness.

“We can get you a carriage, Ichabod,” Katrina shouted.

But Baltus answered for him. “You don’t need a carriage, do you, Crow? Not a strapping young lad such as yourself.” Baltus gave Katrina the side-eye. “Just make sure to stay to the path, and if you hear the clatter of horse hooves behind you, run like the wind to the covered bridge!”

Poor Mr. Crane looked terrified. Then Baltus took Katrina and Regina by the arms to lead them back inside. “Come on, my dears, it’s much too cold and late. Mr. Crow will be just fine,” he said, with an impish twinkle in his eye, making both Katrina and Regina glare at him.

“Katrina, you go inside, I want to have words with your father,” said Regina, giving Baltus a seething look, and Katrina felt happy to have her mother on her side.

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