5 A Rainy Mission

CHAPTER 5

A Rainy Mission Lucas saddled his horse, Ivan, and raced through the rushing water to Clara's. Ruskin clung tightly to Ivan's mane. Rain spattered their faces as they galloped along. Clara's family lived above her father's bakery, the Daily Bread. Lucas pulled back the reins in front of the bakery. Rainwater had almost reached the top of the first step. Lucas hitched Ivan to a post under the eaves. Then he jangled the bells on the door. Clara's father, Owen Gills, thumped down the stairs and answered the door.

"Lucas!" he cried. "What on earth are you doing out in this weather?" "I came to see Clara," Lucas said. "Come in," said Owen.

Clara's family had stayed safe and well in the storm, but they, too, had grown worried. "If this rain keeps up, the bakery will soon be filled with water," said Anna.

"And if the crops are destroyed, there will be no wheat for our bread," added Owen. Lucas assured Clara's parents that the king was working on the problem. Then Lucas, Clara, and Ruskin went to Clara's room. Lucas told Clara about the witch's visit, the curse, and the price his parents agreed to pay to undo the curse. He also told Clara that he thought Grom was the one behind it all. "How can we prove it?" asked Clara.

"We need to talk to the Witch of Bogburp," Lucas said. "She seems to know the most about the curse." "So what are we waiting for?" said Clara. Then she asked for permission to go out for a quick ride with Lucas. "Okay, but be back before dark," said Clara's father. "We will!" promised Clara.