01 A Light in the Woods

Civil War on Sunday

1 A Light in the Woods Jack looked out his window. It was a dreary Sunday afternoon. There were dark clouds in the sky. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Jack stared down the street at the Frog Creek woods. When is the magic tree house coming back? he wondered. “ Hey, guess what! ” Annie said, She charged into Jack's room. “ I saw a light flash in the woods! ”

“ It was just lightning, " said Jack. “ No, it was magic! A swirl of light! ” said Annie. “ I think the tree house just came back! ” “ I'm sure it was just lightning, " Jack said. “ Didn't you hear the thunder?” “ Yeah, " said Annie. “ But let's go check anyway. She started out of Jack's room. Then she peeked back in. “ Bring your backpack, just in case! ” she said. Jack was always glad for a chance to look for the magic tree house. He grabbed his backpack and followed Annie down the stairs. “ Where are you two going?" their mom called. “ Out to play, ” said Annie.

“ Don't go far, " said their mom. “ And come in if it starts to rain. " “ We will, " said Jack. “ Don't worry. They slipped out the front door. Then they ran up the street and into the Frog Creek woods. The woods were dark under the storm clouds. A cool wind shook the leaves. Soon Jack and Annie came to the tallest oak tree. “ Oh, man, " said Jack. “ You were right! ” The magic tree house stood out against the gray sky. “ Morgan! " called Annie. There was no sign of the enchantress. “ Let's go up! " said Jack. He grabbed the rope ladder and started up. Annie followed.

They climbed into the tree house. It was hard to see in the dim light. “ Look, " said Annie. She pointed to a piece of paper and a book lying on the floor. Jack picked up the paper. Annie picked up the book. “ Listen, " said Jack. He held the paper close to the window and read aloud: Dear Jack and Annie, Camelot is in trouble. To save the kingdom, please find these four special kinds of writing for my library: Something to follow Something to send Something to learn Something to lend Thank you, Morgan