Carole kicked into a fast glide and pulled even just as the cat came to a stop outside the brew shack. "Don't tell me Mariat's in there. Her and her sneaky ways. She's supposed to be in bed." "Meeowl!" "I'm not blaming you, Cleo. I just can't believe that witchling of yours." She opened the door of the shack and the cat vanished inside. "Mariat?" There was no answer. Carole stepped into the gloom, closing the door behind her. That was a mistake. Not only were there no windows, but it was extremely hot and smelly. "Mariat?" Silence. She waited for her eyes to adjust to the dark. After a few moments she could make out glowing coals in a hearth at the opposite end of the shack. Above the coals hung a small cauldron. Carole went closer. It was still too dark to see anything, but the smell coming from the vat was putrid. Holding her nose, she quickly backed away. A movement attracted her attention.
