Open day at the Witches' Home 8/10

Once again, she nearly fell off the broom in shock, as they flew straight through the huge open doorway and landed on a large flat wooden area just inside.

She suddenly realised that the surface was a gigantic table, for sitting beside it was what could only be described as a real fairy tale giant.

The table in front of him was covered with sacks of flour, various dead animals such as rabbits and chickens and many other food items that she couldn’t recognise at first glance.

“Meet Arthur,” said Esmerelda with a large grin.

“No need to pay ladies,” boomed the giant, “after all the favours young Jennifer Jane has done for me, witches can always look round for nothing.”

Just then a lady giant appeared through a doorway. “Off you go Arthur, time to go and get another load, this lot have nearly finished and they’ll be here in a minute to be taken back to the village.”

She waved at the two witches and Eve, before going back into her kitchen carrying some of the items from the table with her. Eve just managed to find the strength to stagger after Esme and Dulce, as they lead the way round the walkway provided to allow the visitors to admire the castle furnishings.

The day had completely overwhelmed her, not the least thing being the obvious high regard that everyone seemed to have for her next door neighbours’ daughter. She was hoping that they could go back to the Witches’ Home and return to her own home as quickly as possible. Fortunately that was exactly what the witches had in mind.

“You look as if you’ve had enough sightseeing for one day,” said Esmerelda.

“Yers,” grinned Dulcibella.

Eve just managed to screw up her courage for one last flight on the broom, shutting her eyes tightly as they hurtled back the way they’d come. Once they’d landed, she thanked the two for ‘the experience’, then hurried along the corridors, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw the lugger still moored at the end of the lawn.

A witch flying a broomstick landed near the boat and gave her rather a puzzled look as they passed. Eve didn’t care who saw her now, as she hurried into the cabin and shut the door tightly behind her.