The Contest

Penny pulled up outside Vilelet’s Witchcraft Workshop, strode up the path and rang the bell.

“Yes, how can I help you?” Vilelet said, peering around the half open door.

“Good morning Vilelet,” Penny said. “Unfortunately, Princess Eemay has had an accident and has been ordered to rest for a few days. She asked me to call by to pick up the spell she had arranged to collect today.”

She handed Vilelet the letter, which she tore open and read.

“This is highly irregular,” Vilelet said tersely, clearly irritated. “It is my policy to deal only with my client in person.”

“The circumstances are very extreme, and as you can see, the Princess has given me express permission to collect the spell on her behalf.”

Vilelet re-read the letter and huffed. “Well, as it has been written on official palace notepaper and stamped with the royal seal, I suppose I will just have to make an exception in this instance.”

She waddled off heavily, huffing and puffing as she went, returning a short while later carrying a small paper bag. She hesitated for a moment, fighting her inner torment, before reluctantly handing it over.

“The instructions are printed on the front, make sure you follow them to the letter,” she said, before shutting the door firmly in Penny’s face.