The trouble with elves 9/10

Abigail and Mary flew off to the Witches’ Home where Eroin and his mother had been sent. It took them about two hours and Mary began to complain about feeling uncomfortable.

“I would have thought there would be travel fogs between the witches’ homes,” she complained.

“There are very few of them left now,” replied Abigail, “and the home we’re going to, was deliberately built out in the wilds, so that troublesome pupils could be sent there out of the way. It’s bad enough that they can fly away if they can find a broom, but travel fogs that could be used to go to any place or world, could cause a lot more problems.”

Mary had to agree and shortly afterwards they landed outside an imposing looking mansion house, set well out in the countryside. Mary got off the broom with a sigh of relief, while Abigail rang the bell. A witch opened a slot in the door and peeped through. A moment later the door opened and they were welcomed inside.

“Hello Abigail, what can we do for you today?”

Abigail explained that she wanted to see Eroin’s mother and hopefully arrange to meet his father as a result.

Mary followed her into the building, looking round with interest as they went along. The home was built in a square shape round a central quadrangle, with cloisters running along each side.

A group of boys were being drilled by a very tough looking wizard, marching up and down in response to his loudly shouted orders.

“Giving some of the new boys a taste of discipline and obedience to orders,” said the witch showing them round, “Eroin should be out there somewhere, but we’re going to a spell class, where his mother is helping out with the teaching.”

The witch stopped outside a classroom and knocked on the door. A few moments later Abigail had made the introductions and was explaining the reason for their visit.

“You’re in luck,” said Miriam, “his dad’s coming over tonight to see how we’re settling in here, you should be able to meet him in an hour or two. I’m sure he’ll be only too pleased to help you out. He’d better be,” she added under her breath, although both Mary and Abigail heard her.

“That’s a relief,” said Mary, “I think I’ll join you in the Refectory for a quiet drink and a bite to eat.” She spoke just before Abigail was going to ask her and grinned at the expression on her face.

She was into her second cup of tea and deep in conversation with Miriam, when a voice spoke just behind them.

“Hello love, entertaining some friends then?”

Everyone looked round and there was the elf. Miriam introduced Abigail and ‘Jennifer Jane’s mum’, while Abigail once again told the story about her apprentice’s disappearance.

The elf listened until she had finished talking and then smiled. “I think I know who you mean,” he said, “she wasn’t dressed like a proper witch; she was wearing some sort of funny looking trousers with braces.”

“That’s her,” interrupted Mary, “she always wears that old boiler suit; she says it’s the only thing she feels comfortable in.”

“Come along then,” said Eroin’s dad, “we’ll have to go back to the Witches’ Home at Lurgin’s bridge before I can take you all back to see her.”