The Island of Six Witches

The colonel then said, "I can understand your confusion. And as geography will be an important part of Violet's education, I suggest that you make a point of reading on the subject. Feel free to take a few books from the library on the subject to your quarters."

The colonel beckoned her to another room that was the library. There was a large globe. The colonel continued, "Now the position of the island lies approximately here, south of the Great Circle route between Durban and Perth."

The colonel pointed to a wind rose on the globe.

"And why is it called the island of Six Witches?"

"Ah, if you can find a definite answer to that, please let me know. I will send it on the Royal Society, which has had scholars engaged in a lively debate on that for some time. The official name, of course, is "Saint Anselm's Island", but nobody calls it that here. It is about the size of Sicily. There are some that say that the Six Witches is a reference to six volcanoes on the island. There are actually only two active ones at present, but who is to say what happened in the past? The natives, of course, have their own traditions."

Colonel West continued, "But on to more practical matters. I assume that you have not learned to shoot a gun?"

Astra shook her head.

"That is fine, Astra. I was not expecting it. Most young ladies should not trouble themselves with firearms, but here on the Island, it is prudent that you become familiar with them quickly....

1. I will train you myself."
2. You will need to be trained of course. The person who will train you is ..."

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