11 SNAPE COMMON, 575 AND LATER 1827 AD
The low early-April sun dazzled Jake and he was forced to shield his eyes with his hands. The discomfort was a small price for knowing that fine weather would accompany the long march to Snape Common. As the cunning woman had pointed out, a dawn departure served two purposes: to arrive at their destination before nightfall but also to leave the settlement unseen.
The latter proved to be a false hope. They had travelled less than a mile when Jake indicated three armed men in pursuit. She spoke in thought to him.
They have come for the ring, she said, her voice closer to a growl than a human one, it must not fall into Wuffa’s hands. Re-create the image of a toad in your mind.
He did as she bade, imagining the creature in all its warty horridness. To
