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The Wondernells
A Wondernell Christmas

by: Diane Thompson

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Chapter Thirteen








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Nick and Penny slept late the next morning. In fact, Mother Luvvins did not call them until lunchtime. Then they ran to the kitchen where on the table waited cheesy eggs, sparkle fruit juice, and hand-beaten biscuits with jewel-berry jam. The family ate heartily, then Father Luvvins pushed back his chair. He cleared his throat. "Now, my little ones," he said, "about yesterday. It's question time. Why did you disobey your mother and leave the house? Why did you go to Cold and Dank Cove?"

Penny hung her head. Nick looked at his parents. "We're sorry, Mother. It was my idea, Father. You see, Snivvely took. . . at least we thought he took our Star Clock. But when we got there, he didn't have it."

"The Star Clock? You thought Snivvely Wivvels had our Star Clock?"

"Yes, Father," Nick continued. "Mother told us the Star Clock would light on Christmas. Without it, we can't have Christmas. But Snivvely didn't have it. Or if he did, he wouldn't give it back. So I guess there won't be Christmas for us ever again."

Then Mother Luvvins spoke. "But, Nick, you misunderstood me. I said that you and Penny would know when Christmas came because the star in the clock would shine. That's because your Father lights it on Christmas Eve night. My son, my daughter, never fear losing Christmas. Its spirit lives in our great Lord."

Father Luvvins said, "Nick, going after Snivvely Wivvels may have seemed brave to you, but courage stands with intelligence. Always get the facts before you take action. You are no match for that evil creature. You placed yourself and your sister in grave danger. And Sharly risked his life to save you. Son, Daughter, remember the Patrol Troops' motto: 'Be brave when necessary, be wise at all times, be foolish never; for bravery wins praise, wisdom deserves honor, and foolishness brings destruction.'" He smiled. "Son, your mission was unnecessary. Come with me."

He led the way to the parlor, opened the door, and pointed to the mantel. The little Wondernells gasped. "The Star Clock! But where was it yesterday?"

Mother Luvvins laughed. "At Mintly's Clock Shop. Your father took it there to be cleaned. He picked it up this morning while you slept. He will light it tonight because today is Christmas Eve."

Nick shook his head. "Mintly's Clock Shop?" Then he snapped his fingers. "Oh, yes, Penny and I found Taddy Mintly's dog Kackie."

Penny nodded, "Snivvely has him. Father, can't someone rescue Kackie, too?"

Father Luvvins shook his head. "No, I'm afraid he's Snivvely's dog now. No one, not even Taddy, can undo the evil that Snivvely has worked in the animal."

Mother Luvvins hugged Nick and Penny. "I must work now," she said. "Hustle-bustle, busy-dizzy me. I expect help from all of you later. Yes, you, too, Father Luvvins." Laughing, she left the room.

Her husband drew their children onto his lap and hugged them close.

"Father," Nick asked, "what did Snivvely Wivvels do to Sharly that time long ago? The thing that so terrified Sharly?"

"I don't know, Son. The Council of Elder Wondernells knows all about it. The rest of us were told only that it was unspeakable. If Sharly wants it to remain secret, then so it shall be."

Penny snuggled closer. "Why can't we stop Snivvely Wivvels once and for all?"

Her father hugged her tighter. "Because he exists, and we cannot kill him. To do so is past our powers. But we can fight. Constant vigilance is the key. Be ever watchful, my little Wondernells. Never try to see how close you can safely go near Cold and Dank Cove. Rather stay as far away from that wretched place as you can."

"But, Father," Nick said, "must we always be afraid?"

"No, Nick. Hear me, Son; listen, Daughter. Being watchful against danger does not mean being ruled by fear. Remember, those whom Snivvely has harmed have gone to his territory. His powers are limited; he cannot harm a Wondernell in Sunrise Skies or in the Protected Forest."

"Then why do we have to watch out for him here? Why can't we go into the Protected Forest without an adult?"

"Because, Penny, there is the possibility that Snivvely might trick a little Wondernell and lure the poor child back to his murky, slimy home. That's how he got Sharly. And none of us is willing to take the risk that it will happen again. Do you understand?"

As the two nodded, Father Luvvins smiled and set them down. "Now let's go help your mother. Because of your little adventure, she now has two days' work to do in one afternoon."

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All pages ©1989 by Diane Thompson