Spooky Buddies Junior Novel Read Online Free Page A

out. He waited until the kids left, then knocked on the door himself.
    Mr. Carroll looked surprised when he answered. “Aren’t you a little old to be trick-or-treating?”
    â€œNo,” Warwick said. “Now give me what rightfully belongs to me!”
    Just then Hoot arrived. He flew down and landed on Warwick’s arm.
    â€œMaster,” the owl said, “I have good news.”
    Frankendude stared at the talking owl. “Oh, I get it!” he said. “You’re a ventriloquist. Very impressive.”
    He gave Warwick a candy bar, then shut the door. Warwick stared at the candy. The sorcerer had said it was a treat, so he decided to take a bite. He didn’t realize it was still in the wrapper.
    Yuck! He spit it out.
    â€œThis is what they call food these days?” Warwick complained. “Now what’s this good news, Hoot? Have you found my staff?”
    â€œYes. A young warlock has it,” Hoot replied.
    Warwick frowned. “I leave for seventy-five measly years and someone tries to replace me! Where’s the respect?” With a grunt, he followed Hoot.

“T his way, Master,” Hoot said, leading the way.
    The owl flapped along the street. Warwick looked ahead and spotted Billy holding his staff. And Billy wasn’t alone.
    â€œHe’s got all sorts of terrifying creatures following him,” Warwick commented with disgust. “How will we get to him?”
    The warlock couldn’t waste any more time. He needed to get his staff back and then move on with his plan. He walked up to Billy.
    â€œYoung warlock,” he addressed the boy, “do you know who I am?”
    Billy and his friends looked confused. “Uh, I’m not sure,” Billy said.
    â€œI am Warwick the Warlock!” Warwick declared. “The most evil warlock known to man! All you ghouls will be my slaves! Now give me my staff.”
    Billy’s eyes widened. Now he knew why this guy looked familiar. He’d seen his picture in that police file!
    Warwick lunged for the staff. Billy did the only thing he could think of—he pointed the staff at Warwick.
    â€œProtect us!” he commanded in his best wizard voice.
    The staff lit up. Warwick gasped. “Oh, no!” he cried.
    A second later a bolt of magical energy shot out of the staff. It hit Warwick, sending him flying back. He landed in a fake coffin on someone’s lawn, and the coffin’s lid slammed shut.
    â€œWhoa,” Billy said, completely shocked.
    â€œHow did you do that?” Sam asked, equally shocked.
    Billy shook his head. “I have no idea. But look at this!” He pulled the police sketch out of his backpack and showed it to the others.
    â€œDudes!” Pete exclaimed, “he really is the warlock!”
    â€œLet’s go find Sheriff Dan,” Alice added. “Now!”
    They all took off. A moment later, the coffin’s lid flipped open. Hoot landed on a nearby fake tombstone and peered down into the coffin.
    â€œAre you okay, Master?” he asked.
    Warwick sat up. He didn’t look okay. The magical bolt had frizzed his hair. His robe was smoldering.
    â€œI clearly underestimated that warlock,” he muttered, glaring down the street after the kids.
    Warwick picked himself up. He smoothed down his hair and shook the ashes from his robe. Determined to make things right, he returned to Mrs. Carroll’s door with Hoot perched on his arm. Once again, Mr. Carroll answered.
    â€œOh, hey,” Mr. Carroll said. “Loved your bit. But everyone only gets one piece of candy per trick.”
    â€œI need your help, monster,” Warwick said with narrowed eyes. “You’re big and scary and the perfect henchman for the job.” Then, without warning, Warlock pulled out a potion and splashed it on Mr. Carroll.
    â€œServis mentus!” Warwick chanted.
    Mr. Carroll’s eyes suddenly turned green.
    â€œYou will now do exactly as I say,”