The Rally 10/11

At the end of the first day of the rally, practically every cottage still in working order built by the Merlin Homes company had found a place in the open space outside the Witches’ home. Many villagers had taken advantage of the free rides being offered by Arthur and nearly every one concerned was having a wonderful time. Those who were the exceptions were having a meeting in the refectory of the Witches’ Home.

“The problem as I see it,” said Abigail, “is that there is nobody who can be absolutely sure of identifying Morwenna, even if she has turned up. The drawing we’ve made of her is obviously not accurate enough for any one who hasn’t met her already. We’ve had reports of sightings from several places around the field but none of them have turned out to be positive. There are far too many witches here who fit her description, in fact now we think about it there’s good reason to suppose that she has changed her appearance in any case. I can’t think of a way to make sure of any suspect, just going around taking away witches magic powers hoping to get the right person eventually, isn’t practical. Unless anyone can think of a better idea I suggest we give up the search and just enjoy ourselves to morrow!”

Half of the witches turned in their seats and looked expectantly at Jennifer Jane.

She blushed bright red. “I don’t know what you expect me to do about it,” she mumbled, “you’d have to have a bloodhound or something to see through any disguise, no human could possibly... of course Moggy!”

All those who heard her cheered in relief, although one or two were asking who Moggy was in rather puzzled voices, until at last one of them stood up and asked the question directly.

“Who or what on earth is Moggy and however is he, she or it, going to be able to find the real Morwenna?”

“Moggy is the cat living at my dad’s house who used to belong to Morwenna’s mother. He recognised a spell I was practising at home and told me it was one of Morwenna’s favourite attacking spells. I’m sure he’d know her anywhere.”

“So all you have to do when you get home tonight is find the cat, persuade him to come here tomorrow, then walk round all the cottages until he finds his old owner’s daughter! Off you go and while you’re away we’ll try and decide what to do when he’s pointed her out.”