The quiet acorn 3/9

Ermintrude was quite happy to be left minding the shop on her own. She may not have known very much about magic yet, but she had learned where every finished spell was kept, what it did, and how much to sell it for.

Several of the villagers popped in during the day. Many of them were still more interested in having a look at the new shop, rather than buying a spell, but even so, she managed to take quite a lot of money. Most of the customers that came to the shop only wanted simple remedies; cures for toothache were one of the best sellers.

Then just before lunchtime there was a knock on the counter and Ermintrude looked up to see a man and a woman waiting to be served. They were both strangers to her, but then she didn’t know everyone in the village yet, and indeed for all she knew, they might have come from even further afield.

“Yes Sir, how can I help you?” asked Ermintrude politely, as she had been taught.

The man didn’t answer immediately, but turned to his companion with a puzzled frown on his face. “What was it we wanted?” he asked.

“Do you know I can’t remember either,” she replied, “I know we agreed it would be a good idea to come over here in our lunch break, but be blowed if I can remember what for!”

Ermintrude laughed. “It sounds to me as if you need something to improve your memories. It just so happens that the latest spell we’ve produced will do just that. It’s an improved version of the old recipe, you’ll also be pleased to hear that it tastes very nice now, as well as being a cure for your problem.”

She reached up to one the shelves and lifted down two small dark green bottles, took their money and watched curiously as the couple wandered off towards the Witches’ Home.

“I hope they remember to drink it,” she giggled, as she watched them cross the drawbridge and disappear into the building.

By the time her partners had returned from their shopping trip she’d forgotten all about the last customers. She was very excited at owning her very own broom and was ever so proud when Esme let her glitter it for herself.

Then of course she had to have flying lessons. Esmerelda was very patient with her, but Dulcibella spent most of the time with a big grin on her face, when she wasn’t actually laughing out loud. However at last Esme pronounced herself satisfied.

“Still a lot to do,” she said, “but you should be able to get home alright by yourself.”

“I’ll fly behind her and pick up the bits as they fall off,” laughed Dulce, which was quite the longest speech Ermintrude had ever heard her make.