7 Eggshells

CHAPTER 7

Eggshells The witch closed the tiny window and opened the door. "Oh my!" she cried. "What brings you three to Bogburp in all this wet weather? Have you come to deliver my goods?" A black cat with green eyes and a crooked tail swirled in and out of the folds of the witch's gray dress. "No," said Lucas, who found it hard not to stare at the witch's glass eye. "We've come to ask a few questions."

"Well, come in!" said the witch. "I haven't had any visitors in ages!" Lucas, Clara, and Ruskin went into the tree house and looked around. Candles flickered and cast shadows on the walls. The furniture had all been made from logs and branches. A fire burned in a small stone fireplace, and a kettle bubbled over the hearth. Dried flowers and charms hung from the beams, as well as a few cobwebs. A broom stood in the corner, along with the witch's

walking stick, which had the raven perched on top. When the raven fluffed his wings, Clara jumped.

"Don't worry about Odin," said the witch. "He's quite friendly." The raven flew from his perch and landed on the witch's shoulder. The stick wobbled back and forth and made a strange sound, like a waterfall of seeds. Both Lucas and Clara glanced at it. The raven cocked an eye toward Ruskin. Ruskin flicked his tongue.

Lucas held up his hand to Ruskin. "No!" he said firmly. Ruskin settled down. "Good boy." "Can I get you both a spot of tea?" asked the witch. "No, thank you," said Lucas. "We're here to learn more about the rain curse. We want to find out who's behind it."