The pirate cannon 1/7

Abigail had left the Bell family to try and think of a way to find the persons responsible for supplying the pirates with their cannon.

Jennifer Jane was quite sure it would have to be someone in the alternate world, since the fairy folk in her own world were too honest. But she had absolutely no idea about where she should start looking.

After a long discussion, Dave had decided to go to the goblin boatyard, have a good look at the guns and see if there were any clues as to where they might have been made.

Mary thought that the gun carriages might be traced through the carpenter who'd made them. As she always enjoyed a chat with Abigail, she decided to start by going through the Witches' Home to the wood yard at Timber Creek.

Jennifer Jane was feeling a bit fed up since her parents had chosen all the interesting places to search. The only investigations left to her were the origins of the gunpowder and cannon balls and that didn't seem very exciting. However she made up her mind to go with her Mother and have a quiet word with Abigail by herself.

She had another reason for wanting to visit the Witches' Home. The week before, she had taken the preliminary exam in her apprenticeship. 'The theory of magic and basic regulations for Apprentices.' A panel of senior witches had given each of the candidates an oral examination and then there was a short written paper.

All the other apprentices had been witches' children and had thought the examination easy. Jennifer Jane hadn't been so sure. Still, she'd done her best and was hoping that the results might be posted by now on the notice board.

The whole family walked into the wood as far as the magic clearing. Dave said goodbye and went on to the giant's pool, while Mary and Jennifer Jane asked for the Witches' Home. Without too much delay Frosty appeared on his cloud and picked them both up.

"I see you get special treatment," said Jennifer Jane, "I usually have to get a lift with Barnacle Bill and go round the long way."

"I think Lieutenant Moonshine makes allowances for my age and dignity," laughed Mary, "even though I did break the cloud controls once."

"Everything's fine now it's been mended," said Frosty turning round to speak to them, "not quite so fast perhaps but more reliable."

When they arrived on the Witches' Home lawn, Jennifer Jane asked if she could have a quick word with Abigail before she and Mary started gossiping.

"Of course you can dear," said Mary, "I'll go to the Timber Yard first and have my chat when I get back."

Mary went off towards the door into the Home just as Abigail came out to meet them. She had a few words as she met her and then went on into the building.

Abigail came over to Jennifer Jane. "Have you seen the notice board?"

"Have I passed?" asked Jennifer Jane excitedly.

"Go and see for yourself," said Abigail with a smile as Jennifer Jane rushed off.

Abigail followed more slowly. Jennifer Jane had started reading from the bottom of the list and was working her way up to the top.

"I've come fifth," she exclaimed happily.

"Better than that," said Abigail, "do you know what the line drawn under the tenth place means?"

"It says 'Any name above this line has passed with credit'"

"True, but did you know that any apprentice obtaining a credit for their preliminary exams is allowed to have a flying broom of their own."

"Really!" said Jennifer Jane, "a real broom of my very own?"

"Well, there will be restrictions in your case because you don't live here, but you may fly anywhere in the alternate world. Your broom will be kept in the guardhouse and not the broom shed with the others. You'll have to have a quick lesson to make sure you're reasonably competent, but as you've flown before I don't see any problems. Come along and I'll check you out right now."