The Witch of Mount Buttock. Chapter 14

Far, far away from the swamp, rose the twin peaks of Mount Buttock. It was an unfriendly place, and members of the brigade hardly ever went there, especially because it was the home of a witch. This evil creature lived in a cave near the top of the highest peak. She hated every one and was very likely to put a nasty spell on any one who crossed her path. It was said that she stole children away, and made them work for her, fetching wood for the fire and cooking her food, until they died of cold, or if she was in a bad mood, she talked them to death. 

Mount Buttock was so high that the top was always covered in snow, and on a clear day it could be seen sparkling from as far away as the Pteranodon's cliffs. Sophie sat and watched it. She thought about the holiday she had with Pringle in Siberia, and how she had enjoyed the snow. 

“I am going, just to look,” she told Suzy, “I won't land and I will fly high. They say the witch is too fat to fly high, and she spends most of the time in her cave, watching swamp telly.” 

“Be sure to be back for tea.” Suzy said. Sophie promised that she would, and flew off to Mount Buttock. She soared high above the mountain and gazed down on the smooth snow. Then her sharp eyes noticed a most unusual thing. On the side of the deep valley that ran down into the crack of Mount Buttock was written the word “HELP.” Cautiously, Sophie circled lower, and saw a figure standing by the word. She flew lower still, until she could see that it was a small Pterodactyl standing there, and waving to her. Down she flew, and landed besides the poor little thing, who was blue with cold and pulling a small toboggan, piled with fire wood. 

“Hello, do you need help?” asked Sophie. 

“Yes.” answered the Pterodactyl, “My name is Rebecca. When I was very small, I fell out of my nest, and before my Mum and Dad could pick me up, I was carried away by the witch of Mount Buttock. I have to work for her and she has put a spell on me so that I can not spread my wings until I leave Mount Buttock. Every day I stamp the letters “HELP” in the snow, but you are the only person who has come near to rescue me.” As she spoke, they both heard a distant shrieking. It was coming nearer. 

“The witch!” they both said. Quickly, Sophie pushed the firewood off the toboggan.

“Jump on behind me, and hold tight.” she said. She steered the toboggan down the valley. following the frozen river. She had learned how to race a toboggan in Siberia, and guided it expertly round bends, avoiding the many sharp rocks that stuck through the ice. The valley became even steeper and more narrow and they saw ahead of them the entrance to a cave. Hanging on tightly, they shot into it. It was dark, and behind them they could hear the shrieks of the witch echoing as she came after them. Faster and faster the little toboggan whizzed along, then ahead of them they saw a gleam of light. As it grew larger Sophie said,

“Hang onto me Rebecca,” and suddenly they hurtled out into the sunshine. The cave opened onto the face of a steep cliff, and as the toboggan fell into the depths below, Sophie spread her wings. 

“I can fly too!” shouted Rebecca, “Now I am not on Mount Buttock any more.” 

The witch was too fat to follow them and got stuck in the cave entrance where she had to stay for three weeks until she had lost some weight. She did miss her swamp telly.

Sophie and Rebecca made their way back to the Pteranodon's cliffs. They often had to stop for rests because Rebecca was not used to flying, and by the time they arrived back it was very late.

Boy and Lady were looking very pale and anxious, surrounded by their friends, and Mr. Moonlight was there too. 

“Thank heavens you're back.” Boy said, “We were getting a search party together to come and look for you, and Mr. Moonlight was coming in case the witch of Mount Buttock tried any of her dirty tricks. When Suzy told us where you had gone we were very worried.” 

“I'm sorry.” Sophie said, and then she told them all that had happened, and introduced Rebecca.

“You poor child,” said Lady as she made cups of tea for every one, and passed round the crunchy beetle and banana balls,

“You must come and live with us.” Then Mr. Moonlight said, “Mrs. Moonlight and I would love to have our own little Pterodactyl, we have always wanted one, Mrs. Moonlight often feels lonely and I would love to teach magic to a child of our own.” Rebecca was delighted. She went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Moonlight and began to learn magic. She said that she was going to be a witch when she grew up, but a good one, not like the witch of Mount Buttock.