Witches Abroad (Discworld 12)

Ella shook her head without looking up.

'No,' she said, 'I mustn't come.'

Granny's eyes narrowed. 'I suppose not,' she said. 'We all have our path to walk, or so it is said, although not by me. Come, Gytha.'

'We're just off,' said Nanny Ogg, brightly.

They turned.

Another sister appeared in the doorway.

'Ye gods,' said Nanny Ogg. 'I never saw her move!'

'We was just going out,' said Granny Weatherwax loudly. 'If it's all the same with you, m'lady?'

She met the stare head-on.

The air tingled.

Then Granny Weatherwax said, between gritted teeth, 'When I say run, Gytha - '

'I hear you,' said Nanny.

Granny groped behind her and found the teapot Magrat had just used. She weighed it in her hands, keeping the movements slow and gentle.

'Ready, Gytha?'

'Waitin', Esme.'

'Run!'

Granny hurled the teapot high into the air. The heads of both sisters snapped around.

Nanny Ogg helped the stumbling Magrat out of the door. Granny slammed it shut as the nearer sister darted forward, mouth open, too late.

'We're leaving the girl in there!' shouted Nanny, as they ran down the drive.

'They're guarding her,' said Granny. 'They're not going to harm her!'

'I ain't seen teeth like those on anyone before!' said Nanny.

'That's 'cos they ain't anyone! They're snakes!'

They reached the comparative security of the roadway and leaned against the wall.

'Snakes?' Nanny wheezed. Magrat opened her eyes.

'It's Lily's doing,' said Granny. 'She was good at that kind of thing, I remember.'

'Really snakes?'

'Yeah,' said Granny darkly. 'She made friends easily.'

'Blimey! I couldn't do that.'

'She didn't used to be able to either, for more'n a few seconds. That's what using mirrors does for you.'

'I - I -' Magrat stuttered.