Sorcerer's Secret by Scott Mebus Read Free Book Online Page B

first light, though not everyone would be making the journey to the lighthouse. Wampage had gathered up his dogs, sadly informing Rory that he could put it off no longer—he had to return to his people in the park. Both Rory and Bridget were frantic at the idea of leaving their mother unprotected, but Wampage suggested they ask Tucket to stand guard. The large dog now happily sat at Mrs. Hennessy’s feet, ready to fight off anyone who might try to hurt his masters’ mother.
    So it was without Tucket that Rory, Bridget, Fritz, and the Rattle Watchers made their way south along the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge, in whose shadow lay the Little Red Lighthouse. The morning sun shone brightly over their heads, peeking through the trees that lined the path. The beauty of the day, along with the hope that they were about to find a cure for his mom’s illness, lifted Rory’s spirits. Bridget skipped along at his side, throwing leaves at her brother when he wasn’t looking. Alexa laughed, taking the opportunity to tickle Simon’s ear with a twig, almost forcing the newly minted god to drop his tea set. Lincoln practiced his boxing moves on the arm of a patient Nicholas while Fritz rode at their feet, a serene look on his face. Even Soka, who still had not shaken her ill look, seemed peaceful as they walked beneath the tall trees.
    They reached the top of the hill near the bridge, and finally caught sight of their destination below. The Little Red Lighthouse seemed almost doll-like—a tiny, fire-engine-red tower nestled beneath the soaring steel girders of the giant George Washington Bridge. The lighthouse had a long history on Manhattan. The brightly painted tower had been built in 1880 on Sandy Hook, a small piece of New Jersey that “hooked” out between the ocean and New York Bay. Moved in 1921 to the spot where the majestic GW Bridge would soon be erected, the valiant little light warned ships away from the shore until it was decommissioned after World War II. Rory and Bridget, like many kids, had been introduced to the lighthouse by the children’s book written about it, and their mother had taken them to visit the old building when they were younger. Rory would never have dreamed that such a beloved, whimsical structure could house someone like the Fortune Teller. Even now, part of him doubted it. A small green park nearby led right up to the river’s edge, and the path that cut through it branched off, leading past the lighthouse door like a circular driveway. They stood atop the hill for a moment, making certain there were no nasty surprises waiting for them.
    â€œLooks all clear,” Nicholas announced. But as they made their descent, Rory felt his good mood begin to melt away. Even though the lighthouse was so bright and cheery, something about it made him uneasy. Glancing at his friends, he noticed the same worry on their faces.
    â€œWhy do I feel like running away?” Bridget asked nervously. “It’s just a silly little red building!”
    â€œIt is a place of power,” Soka replied, her face solemn. “This is no tower of whimsy.”
    They were closer now, and the shadow of the bridge fell upon them, blocking out the sun. Rory shivered, though he wasn’t cold. A cast-iron fence surrounded the lighthouse, as if it needed to be contained. The air grew dense and oppressive as they drew near, as if someone or something were trying to warn them away. The bright red lighthouse now seemed less like a toy and more like a trap—a gingerbread house in the forest with a witch inside waiting to gobble them up.
    They stopped in the shadow of the lighthouse, pulling in close to decide what to do.
    â€œI don’t think we should all go,” Alexa said. “Some of us need to keep watch for enemies, in case Kieft discovers where we are. I’ll stay out here.”
    â€œMe, too!” Simon jumped in. “That fat lady