HEARTHWANE · INFORMANT
a cat of the old wood, older than he looks, 40
Was brought to the witch's yard as a kitten in a sack, and has been cross about it ever since.
THEIR STORY
Sootkin is the witch's cat, and has been for forty years. He keeps the yard free of mice and the witch's secrets badly. He has never been fed properly, and he tells every guest so. For a dish of butter he will talk, and for a second dish he will say something true.
FROM
the witch's yard in the Blackwood
HOW THEY LOOK
A lean grey cat with a torn ear and very long whiskers. He sits like a judge and looks at butter like a lover.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“Butter first. Talk after. That is how it is done.”
“I am only a cat. Ask the dog, if you want a fool.”
BEFORE THE TALE
40 years ago · the witch's yard in the Blackwood
Was brought to the witch's yard as a kitten in a sack, and has been cross about it ever since.
a year ago · the witch's yard in the Blackwood
Stole the witch's whole butter-crock and blamed the dog, who has not forgiven him.
this year · the bone fence
Watched a woman in pattens ask the skulls about girls sent for fire, and watched her go away smiling.