23
The Cruel Plague of Vanartee
Just as Smokey had predicted, the children came into view of the familiar woods surrounding their home just as the sky was turning grey. Tired but excited, they munched on apples as Smokey prepared Lucinda for docking.
“We’ll have to leave my baby here and walk the rest of the way. Can’t have the Admonishers finding her. I’d fall apart if anything ever happened to Lucinda. Lower the anchor while I go and whip up some sort of disguise. The woods are going to be thick with those creepy thugs.”
Zeb and Flip set about lowering the anchor, tying ropes and securing the boat. Shortly thereafter Smokey returned clad in a long battered cloak and a giant straw hat. His guitar was slung beneath the cloak, making it appear as though he had a strange hunchback. His f
