Helen Speaks

Olive Framley Entry 3, 29th April.

Dear Talia,

It’s been a difficult few days for poor Firenze. I think Hatty must’ve disturbed the enclosure while she was cleaning – or snooping! – or else the new surroundings have confused him, as he ended up climbing out and I ended up with him curled up next to me as I tried to plan a tarot reading.

It’s possible he’s been alone too long. Just like me. A familiar can be sensitive to their witch’s feelings, can’t they? I did a little reading, which seemed to suggest I needed to essentially set up a whole new house for Firenze, and then when I was holding him, I received a future flash. Much more useful! I didn’t know animals could have them but Firenze is no ordinary dragon.

I had a flash of him in a pool, enjoying himself! Of course I leave out water for him, but in my vision he was splashing and swimming, and very happy.

I walked down to town and discovered a little pet shop, where I picked up a litter tray to use, and some food for him.

While I was out it started to rain – but strangely. The town was covered in rain, and over the sea it was bright and sunny. I went to the edge of the storm, and sure enough, it ended in a strange and abrupt fashion, just outside Dune House, where sun shone brightly into the garden, oblivious to the storm inches away.

Of course I had my silver coat on, but the woman I’d met there came out and saw me dripping on her garden path. “You poor dear,” she said, “You’d best come inside. I’m afraid Lucy’s gone out… it must be something with you witches, insisting on walking into the storm!”

She insisted I come in, and she hung up my coat and made me a cup of tea. I sat down in her tidy dining room. Something about the place seemed familiar, Talia. Not just because it was obviously where the little witch Lucy lives. There were various cutesy knickknacks and paintings, but nothing really caught my eye. It just felt… like I’d seen it before. But I’ve never been to Barkmouth before.

“Ermingarde,” she said, as she came back, “Ermingarde Webfoot.” She smiled at me. “Have a slice of cake.”

I ate a slice of cake.

“This is very kind of you, Miss…”

“Mrs.”

“Mrs Webfoot,” I said. “There is something very strange about this storm…”

“Oh, Barkmouth has been an odd place for centuries, we just pay it no mind,” she said. “Tell me about yourself, Olive. Where are you from?”

“Oh… Tre… Trechester,” I said. “My family are… accountants.”

“Very interesting,” she said.

And I realised that she knew I was lying. Why did it bother me so much?

The rain suddenly stopped – like it had before – and I excused myself with comments about errands to run. Do you think I was just drawn there because another witch lives there? It feels like Mrs Webfoot can see through all my disguises.

What could it mean? I don’t know if I want to find out. I’ll steer clear of Dune House in future.

If you know anything, Talia, let me know!

One good thing to report – Firenze is delighted with his new pool, as I saw in my vision! I do wish I had some proper friends here, but I’m grateful to have Firenze. At least my future flashes can do him some good, even if they’re just an attraction to others.

Yours sincerely,

Olive.