One Witch at a Time Read Online Free Page B

shed. A moment later he was back, and he pressed something heavy and cold into Rudi’s palm. “A skeleton key. It will open all but the most devious lock.” Marco gave him a nudge. “Or you could always throw it. It’s solid enough to raise a welt, I’ve no doubt.”

    Rudi regarded the iron key, which was nearly as long as his hand. He couldn’t imagine needing it for either purpose. Still, he nodded his thanks and slipped the key into his pocket.
    Now Rudi came upon the tanner’s cottage. He hesitated, wishing he could go up the mountain by himself. But Oma was not someone he could easily disobey. He steeled himself and banged on the door.
    A moment later, Mistress Tanner stood in the doorway with a squalling bundle in her arms. “Good morning, Master Rudi,” she said, not quite looking him in the eye.
    This was the way of things now: a wink and a nod. A wary sort of courtesy. Being called “Master Rudi” or “my favorite thief!” All because he had met the witch. He had almost gotten used to such treatment, but he still didn’t like it.
    Just now it made him feel itchy all over, whichmeant he must be blushing. “Good day, mistress,” he said, with an awkward touch of his cap. “My grandmother has sent me with a message.”
    After several minutes of discussing, cajoling, and solemn assurances passed along from Oma, the matter was decided, and Susanna Louisa appeared on the doorstep wearing her traveling coat.
    â€œNo one but your grandmother could talk me into such a thing, after what happened up there last summer.” Mistress Tanner shuddered. “But if she says it must be done, then I suppose it must. Off you go, then, before I change my mind.” She pulled her daughter close and kissed her upon the head. Then, holding the squalling bundle tightly to her chest, she disappeared inside the cottage.
    Susanna Louisa grabbed Rudi’s hand, though he had not offered it. “Isn’t this exciting? Going up the mountain to visit that nice old woman again.”
    â€œSo you remember her?” observed Rudi.
    â€œOh, yes. That day last summer when that nasty mean fiddler sealed us up inside the mountain. She chased him away forever. After you rescued us.” Susanna squeezed Rudi’s hand in gratitude. “I wonder why she lives up there, so near the witch?”
    Rudi tugged his hand out of Susanna’s. “You know, Susanna,” he said carefully, “there are not two old women living up on the Berg.”
    Susanna frowned in thought. Finally her eyes widened, and the words spilled out in a hoarse whisper. “You mean to say the old woman is the Brixen Witch?”
    He nodded and put a finger to his lips.
    â€œNo wonder Mama was worried.” Susanna grabbed Rudi’s hand once more, and pulled him along the lane. “Let’s go!”

5
    â€œSusanna,” said Rudi as they made their way through the village, “aren’t you afraid of the witch?”
    â€œOh, no,” Susanna replied. “I know she’s fearsome when she sends storms and such, but she’s only doing her job. Like when Mama says, ‘Are you jumble-headed, Susanna Louisa? I told you to bring that washing in off the line yesterday!’ ” She stopped midstep. “Oops.”
    Rudi stopped too. “What?”
    â€œI was supposed to bring the washing in off the line yesterday. Oh well!” She tossed a braid over her shoulder and set off again down the lane. “To think I’ve already met the witch and didn’t even know it! And now I’ll have another chance. Isn’t that nice, Rudi?”
    Now it was Rudi’s turn to stop short.
    Few people ever made the acquaintance of the Brixen Witch. Oma had, sometime long before Rudi had been born. He himself had stumbled upon the witch’s doorstep, quite literally, when he had found her enchanted coin last year. But very few people