The taming of Tornak the Terrible 5/5

Jennifer Jane explained that dragons only needed to eat people to keep their fires alight, so that they could guard their treasure. "Cyril has been living in the world on the other side of the Gate and he's found that he can flame by eating coal."

"I see," said John, "so if we give old Tornak coal to eat, he won't have to bother us again. Well now, all of us villagers burn wood but the squire has coal up in the big house and the blacksmith uses it in his forge."

The blacksmith came out slowly from the smithy where he'd been hiding. He was carrying a large lump of coal but was too frightened to give it to Tornak himself, so he put it on the ground.

Esmerelda and Dulcibella picked it up and staggered back to the dragons. Tornak chewed it thoughtfully. Cyril picked up a few crumbs and had a taste as well.

"Not at all bad," said Tornak. "I think I'll try a small flame."

The small flame turned out to be about fifty yards long. Tornak looked surprised. "Powerful stuff," he said. "I think about a bushel a week would be sufficient for my wife and me."

"It's not quite as nice as best Welsh steam coal," said Cyril "but its very satisfying."

He hiccupped and produced a small blue flame.

"Well done my boy," said Tornak.

Jennifer Jane and John had been making arrangements while the dragons were trying out the coal. "One bushel every Wednesday at noon, to be collected by Tornak and no more peasant hunting."

All the villagers cheered and some of the braver ones came out of their houses and started to pat Cyril. Tornak looked on proudly.

"So you're a young witch from the world beyond the Gate," said John. "I hear that the rivers there flow with milk and honey and the streets are paved with gold."

"I'm afraid it's not true," said Jennifer Jane "and I'm just an apprentice. I've only passed on chocolate Swiss rolls and stirring potions, so far."

"Potions I know but what are chocolate Swiss rolls?"

Jennifer Jane wiggled her fingers and showed him. John was delighted. He'd never tasted anything like it before and soon Jennifer Jane was making them for everyone in the village. She had to stop in the end because her fingers became too stiff to wiggle properly.

At last, Tornak decided it was time to go back home. The villagers all waved happily as he took off from the village green, with the three witches on his back.

"Wednesday at noon remember,” he called as he flew away.

A few minutes later they landed just outside the Witches' Home. A rumble and crash made Jennifer Jane look round. The drawbridge had just been raised and several witches were watching them from the battlements.

"I suppose you want to go back through the Gate with your friend," said Tornak.

"Yes please Daddy," said Cyril, "its getting late now but I'll come and see Mummy next time I'm here."

Tornak flew off to tell his wife the good news about the coal and Cyril's return.

"Fanks kid," said Esmerelda, "you must show us how to make them choclit fings one day. See you around."

"Yers," said Dulcibella and the two witches went off to try and relight their fire.

Jennifer Jane and Cyril went towards the Gate and the drawbridge came rumbling down to let them cross. Abigail was waiting to talk to them and Jennifer Jane explained what had happened.

"You were very lucky with Lurgin," said Abigail, "although your protective spell would have worked if he had tried to eat you. I like the coal idea. We tried tooth fairies some years ago but they're not very reliable on this side."

Megan was waiting for them on the lawn by the river. "I've come to take you both home," she said. Jennifer Jane climbed up on her shoulders.

"Had a nice day, have you?" asked Megan as they flew off.

Cyril began telling her about their adventures. Megan just managed to find space to land in the wishing clearing when they arrived at Jennifer Jane's home and Jennifer Jane could hear Cyril explaining about riddles, as the dragons resumed their flight to Wales.

She turned and walked along the path to her own home and tea. There were still some chocolate Swiss rolls in her pocket and she put them on the cake dish just as her Mother came in.

"You've been to see your friend who came to the party dressed as a witch," said Mary, "you know, the one who likes chocolate Swiss rolls."

"Well, yes. I have seen her Mum but actually I made these myself."

"That's very impressive my dear, I had no idea you were learning to cook. These look really professional, will you tell me the recipe?"

"Actually, they're not made in the usual way."
"Aha, your friend's a witch and makes them by magic I suppose," said her Mother. Everybody laughed and tucked into their tea.

That night, Jennifer Jane lay in her bed, thinking over the day's events and just as she was wondering who it could be that makes up new riddles, she dropped off to sleep.