The First Witch Chapter 3

Chapter Three.

 

The Witch’s Cottage.

 

The Witch’s cottage would have taken Jasmine all day to reach on horseback, but it was only a short flight for Das. The Dark Forest spread beneath them like a great green sea, and soon the clearing came into view, a neat circle of sunlight surrounded by tall, watchful trees.

Das landed in a small field nearby. Even so, the rooks began screeching at once, swooping and circling overhead to warn the Witch that visitors had arrived.

A narrow path led from the field to the garden gate, but it was far too small for Das to squeeze along. Jasmine slid down from his back and flung her arms around his neck.

“That was wonderful!” she said breathlessly. “I love flying!”

“I’m glad,” said Das. “That was the first time I’ve ever carried anyone. In fact, it might be the first time any dragon has ever carried a human like that.” He hesitated. “I don’t suppose you feel brave enough to go and talk to the Witch, do you? I can’t fit on her path, or I’d go myself.”

Jasmine took a deep breath. She had been warned many times about how dangerous the Witch could be. Still, she nodded. “I hope she’s in a good mood.”

It was only a short walk to the cottage door, but the rooks screeched and swooped around her the whole way, as if trying to turn her back. Jasmine knocked. She half‑expected the door to creak ominously, but it swung open silently on well‑oiled hinges.

A tall, elegant woman stood in the doorway.

Jasmine blinked. She had imagined the Witch as old, bent, ugly, and dressed in black. This woman was none of those things.

“Yes?” said the Witch.

Jasmine swallowed. “The dragon you called for is in the little field over there. He can’t fit down the path.” The words tumbled out in a rush.

The Witch sniffed. “About time too. And who might you be?”

Jasmine remembered her manners and curtsied. “Princess Jasmine of Sealand, ma’am.”

The Witch nodded. “I know the place. Damp little castle by the sea.” She reached out, took Jasmine gently by the chin, and peered closely at her face. “You’re not a Witch, are you?”

Jasmine stepped back quickly. “No. Not at all.”

“Hm.” The Witch sniffed the air. “I smell magic on you. You must have used a spell at some time.”

Jasmine nodded and explained about the memory spell she and Thomas had cast.

“Interesting,” said the Witch. “You have the power. If you ever wish to learn, come to me and I will show you how to become a Witch.” She paused. “But remember, there can only be one Witch of the Dark Forest. If you choose that path, you will have to deal with me, Calizone.”

Jasmine shook her head hurriedly. “I don’t want to be a Witch, thank you. I just want to help Das.”

“Good,” said Calizone briskly. “Now let’s go and talk to this dragon of yours.”

“He’s a little worried about meeting you,” Jasmine admitted. “He’s not a fire‑breathing Royal Dragon. He’s a Sea Dragon.”

“I know that,” said Calizone. “His scale and claw are the wrong colour for a Royal Dragon. Not to worry, I need a dragon, nothing more or less. Even a Sea Dragon will do.”

Jasmine led her to the field. Das lowered his head politely when they approached.

“You took your time answering the summons,” said Calizone.

“Sorry,” said Das. “The Snore Cure worked beautifully on Uncle Cyril.”

Calizone sniffed. “All potions work, even if they are delivered a hundred years late and paid for wrongly.”

“Sorry about that,” said Das. “But if the Witch of a hundred years ago had received a Royal Dragon’s claw and scale, you and your cottage would now be burnt to a crisp. They don’t like being ordered about.”

Calizone nodded. “Then it has worked out for the best. You cannot harm me.”

“And you cannot harm me,” Das said quickly. “Magic doesn’t work on dragons.”

“I know,” snapped Calizone. “Even so, since I have one of your claws and a scale, you must do as I ask.”

Das nodded. “But I won’t hurt anyone. I don’t believe in that sort of thing.”

“I’m not going to ask you to hurt anyone,” said Calizone. “I have an errand only a dragon can carry out. Far to the north is a mountain no one has ever climbed. On its summit is a tower. The only way to reach it is by flying. In that tower is a box made of dragon skin. I want that box brought to me, unopened.”

“What’s in it?” asked Das suspiciously.

“You don’t need to know that,” snapped Calizone.

“And if I bring it to you, I get my claw and scale back?” Das asked.

“Yes,” said Calizone.

“How do I know you’ll keep your word?” Das asked, bravely, Jasmine thought.

Calizone looked annoyed, but said, “I always keep my word. One way or another.”

Jasmine stepped forward. “Why don’t you go with Das and fetch the box?”

Calizone frowned. “You used magic. What happened when you sat on the dragon?”

“It was like sitting on a pin‑cushion,” said Jasmine.

“It would be even worse for me,” said Calizone. “Promise me you will fetch the box. And to show you I will keep my word, I will give you your claw now. I will keep the scale, just in case.”

“Dragons also keep their word,” said Das, blowing down his nose.

“I still think you ought to go yourself,” said Jasmine. “You could sit on a thick blanket like I did.”

Calizone’s eyes flashed. Jasmine took a step back.

“I don’t like flying!” Calizone snarled. “And that is the end of it.” She strode up and down the field, then returned to stand beside Das. “You can take this girl with you. She might come in useful. The box will give her some pain, and serve her right too. Now go!”

“The claw?” asked Das. Jasmine thought that was very brave.

“Wait here,” ordered Calizone.

She returned moments later wearing black gloves. She handed the claw to Das, who placed it carefully in a satchel and fastened the lid very firmly.

“Go!” Calizone commanded.

This time there was no arguing. Jasmine climbed onto Das’s back, and together they rose into the sky.