“ACK”“HURK”“KAFF”“ACCH”

And then, with a splat, much to Lila’s disgust something shot out of the cat’s mouth and into her lap.

Lila looked down at the thing – a hairball it seemed – inside was a treasure that glittered and gleamed.

She took a deep breath and gave it a poke…

Plunging forward like a brave knight’s sword, her finger eventually reached a surprising reward.

There in her hand was a beautiful crystal, a surprise to be sure but you haven’t heard this still`

As she touched the gem the cat yowled again, but this time the sounds made words like the ink from a pen!

Said the Cat and went on to say more “I’m Merlin and you’re probably wondering what brought me to your door”.

“You’re a witch, don’t you know!” the cat went on with a purr “and I’m here to teach you how to chant, soar and stir”.

Eventually Lila let out a great yawn, and fell fast asleep and slept through the dawn.

Lila was gobsmacked and had questions of course, and the pair spoke for hours ‘til their voices were hoarse.

“The sun is up, the moon is waning – it is time I think, to begin your training.”

The next morning, when Lila awoke, she looked at the end of her bed and saw the cat, then once again it spoke!

Lila sprang up out of bed, and the cat conjured a pointy hat upon her head.

They climbed the stairs - an iron spiral and set up in the attic upon arrival.

When they were finished with potions, they moved on to a spell to protect Lila from harm.

“To make sure your spells go right” Merlin explained “you must keep focused and calm!”

She lifted her crystal and called out the words she felt the spell coming and coming and then…

At the end of the day, before leaving their new magic den, Merlin taught Lila one last useful spell.

An unfortunate accident – that didn’t go well…

Merlin hung from the ceiling like a furry church bell!

Conjuring himself back to the ground...

“That’s enough for today” he growled, and for the rest of the day was nowhere to be found!

The next day Lila and Merlin were reading a book about monsters, friends again.

Some monsters were scaly, some monsters were blue and some monsters were hairy with colourful manes.

As they looked at the pictures Lila saw someone she knew, “I’ve seen that monster” she cried “In the old school shed with the paint, and the screws!”

“No no” chuckled Merlin “now don’t be a fool…

After books they moved on to something more fun, riding on broomsticks outside in the sun.

Merlin conjured the broomsticks and Lila climbed on. She started to move but got up too much speed!