The Curse of The Bletherwytch

The Curse of The Bletherwytch by Anne Wall. Chapter 4 – The Vanishing “SHE,” The Bletherwytch screeched pointing at Persephone, “doesn’t leave Bletherwytch Hall until you’ve returned with the object of my desire; The Witch’s Blood. I have to have it and I need it now. Besides, I can’t carry on without it. Is that clearly imbedded in your stupid little brains?” she screamed as she took hold of the girl, shaking her with such roughness, the poor girl’s head looked as if it would topple from her shoulders at any moment. Horrified by this latest revelation, the three could hardly believe just how barbaric and twisted the old crone could be. Already aghast at what they were being forced to do, imprisoning Persephone was a step too far. It had always been obvious to the boys that their friend was never going to be the strongest among them. But as for leaving her in the clutches of this evil being, well, that was something they weren’t prepared to even contemplate. “We’re not leaving without her,” Alfie bellowed in defiance, his voice cracking under the strain. “There has to be another way. If she stays, then we won’t go and that’s it.” “My, my, that’s quite a temper you have young man. Can’t be having that,” the old witch tutted. “I can see I will have to change your minds, won’t I?” she countered as her steely eyes bore deep into theirs as they squirmed in their bonds. The Bletherwytch already knew it was imperative that Alfie was compliant. Her plan depended upon his full co-operation. Ludo on the other hand wouldn’t be a problem. His character was weak. He was easily led and would be putty in her hands. It was Alfie who would be the challenge. “Since you boys have chosen to be difficult then you leave me no choice. This is how it will be. Listen carefully and heed every word I say,” The Bletherwytch warned, her rasping tones growing hoarser by the minute as she continued doing what she relished most – blethering. The room went quiet, the atmosphere electric as the old witch prepared to deliver her final devastating blow. “There is a space deep within this great house. The girl will be placed there. And trust me, she will never be found,” she said with threatening finality as she glanced down at the petrified girl. “Alfie, Ludo, you’ve got to help me,” Persephone sobbed in desperation as she begged The Bletherwytch to change her mind. But the mind of the witch was made up. As far as she was concerned, there would be no going back. “Your young friend here will be kept within a ‘nothingness’, or… suspended animation…. or whatever you like to call it,” the witch continued almost as if Persephone wasn’t in the room. “And in case you might have any bright ideas about trying to find her, let me tell you that this particular hiding place has remained undiscovered for centuries. There have been many attempts to find it of course. So if you have any thoughts of success, I would forget them if I were you.” The Bletherwytch watched Alfie as she uttered the carefully chosen words. She was convinced that the mention of ‘the nothingness’ would bring about some sort of reaction from him. She wasn’t wrong. “Ah yes, young Alfie. I see you know of the ‘nothingness’,” she wheezed; his sharp intake of breath instantly giving him away. It was obvious that her reference to ‘the nothingness’ had touched a memory. But it was one that had remained trapped so deep within him and for so long, that any recollection of it was at best hazy. “But unlike your experience, if you can remember anything about it that is, young Persephone here won’t be freed from its confines until I am ready to release her. Also, unlike you, she won’t be aware of where she is. She will be suspended in space and time until I am ready to let her go. And that event, my dear boy, depends on you and your friend Ludo here, doing as I ask. Is that understood?” she threatened, raising her voice to make herself heard above Persephone’s frantic cries. “Oh do shut up, child. You’ll have me weeping next,” The Bletherwytch admonished, irritated by the incessant wailing. “Please, you have to stop this!” Alfie yelled in despair as he turned to Persephone to try and comfort her. But his efforts were in vain. It was too late. There would be no stopping of a witch already hell bent on doing her worst. With a rasping cackle and a sweep of stubby arms, The Bletherwytch uttered a load of what can only be described as mumbo jumbo. More unintelligible mutterings followed as poor Persephone disappeared amidst a wave of blood curdling screams. Alfie and Ludo watched in horror as their friend slipped through her bonds and evaporated into thin air until all that was left were the empty tethers forlornly trailing to the floor. An air of shock and disbelief descended over the room. “What gives you the right to do that to her. You’re wicked, do you know that, you despicable old cow? Now you’ve taken Persephone away, how can you be sure we’ll do you what you want or for that matter, even return? Have you thought about that, eh? What’s more, right at this minute Persephone may be dead for all we know. How can we be sure you haven’t killed her already,” Alfie screamed, full of hate. “Is this all a trick to get Persephone into your clutches for some other reason? Is that it?” the traumatised boy yelled........