The wind and rain battered the small shed in the woods. The thunder roared overhead and the lightning streaked through the trees, crackling as it went. Through the cracked window covered with cobwebs Sheila and Ben could see menacing shadows. Was someone out there? So many weird noises. Were there really witches who lived in these woods? They guessed they would soon find out.

They hid under a sack they had found to hide away as they were frightened and all alone. It had been sunny and warm when they had decided to play truant from school and play in the woods. School was so boring and they could not wait to leave. Why did they have to go every day? What a drag.. The woods were exciting and every time they came it was different.

Pippa Alderton lived in the big house on the edge of the village of Bardale, in the Surrey commuter belt. She was an only child and never wanted for anything. She was so spoiled she expected what she wanted when she wanted it and had no time for anything or anyone else.

She went to the most expensive private School in the area in the nearby town of Trussell Marston. Apart from one or two girls who she tolerated so that she could order them about, she had no real friends. Pippa ruled the roost and was happy in her own spoiled little world.

Written By Lenard W. Eccles