The statue 8/15

Jennifer Jane went through the gate and walked slowly towards the pony. “Here boy have a lovely fresh carrot.”

“I hate carrots,” said the pony, “I’d much rather have an apple, but I suppose it’s too much to expect you to understand, let alone go and get me one!”

“Wrong! I’ll get you two apples if you agree to take me up to the castle on the hill near the Gate.” She laughed at the expression on the pony’s face. “I’m an apprentice witch, so of course I can understand what you’re saying!”

“Well you’re the only one round here who does,” replied the pony as he trotted across the field after her. “None of the witches I’ve met, or their apprentices either come to that, have any idea what I’m talking about.”

The way in which magic had remained in some ways and not others, began puzzling Jennifer Jane as she lead the pony back to an amazed blacksmith.

“Do you know, I was joking when I said he sometimes went out to do some work. He’s never done a days work since he’s been here, the lazy little devil! The squire bought him for his daughter, but she couldn’t get on with him either and I only keep him for them because she didn’t want him put down. If you can ride him out of here I’ll pay you ten shillings a day, provided he’s carries on working when I get him back!”

“That’s charming that is,” said the pony. “How would you like to be sat on by a great fat lump with no idea of riding, except for trying to make you run round in circles and hurt your fetlocks jumping over a load of old poles?”

Jennifer Jane giggled as the smith went to find a small saddle suitable for the pony. “Do you have a name,” she asked “and please don’t tell me she called you Dobbin!”

“She used to call me ‘Major’, but don’t ask me why. I was only too glad that it didn’t sound sissy.”

Half an hour later, Jennifer Jane and Major were trotting over the bridge on their way back towards Tasmin’s cave and the giant’s castle.

Major was covering the ground quite quickly for his size. He explained that he was only too glad of a chance to get out for a change of scenery. He didn’t really mind working at all, but he did expect some sort of respect for his small stature. Until now he hadn’t met anyone who didn’t want to beat him, expecting him to work harder as a result.

For the last mile before reaching the castle, Jennifer Jane again had the feeling that something was wrong. At last they reached a point when she was sure that the castle should be in sight, but there was nothing to be seen at all. Ten minutes later she found out why. The castle lay in ruins!

She got down from Major and climbed carefully over the rubble trying to see if she could find out what had happened. Part of the outer wall was still standing on one side, but the rest of the building appeared to have collapsed into a huge pit. Well it was certainly no use expecting any help from Arthur or Fundin, even supposing either of them was still alive.

“Let’s go back to the Witches’ Home and see if we can find you some shelter for the night. The smith put some oats for you in a saddle bag, so you won’t go hungry and I daresay the witches may even have some apples for you!”