The Hagstone

By: David Oakden

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Synopsis: Historical fiction set in 1575. A rollicking, pacey story of mugging and magic in Tudor times. Tom is the son of a rick merchant and he persuades his mother to let him go to the annual fair in town, accompanied by two servants. Just as they are leaving, Tom snatches the hagstone which hangs over the front door of the house. He doesn't really believe it will protect him - but you never know! At the fair, Tom and his companions meet the Great Saltimbanco, a so-called magician who is tricking the townsfolk into parting with their money. Tom wanders off behind Saltimbanco's back, to try and see how the 'magic' is done, but he's grabbed by a band of thugs who strip him of his fine clothes, tie him up, gag him and dump him in Saltimbanco's donkeycart. The magician is well on his way to deceive the folk of the next town before he discovers Tom. He dumps him with a poor shepherd and his daughter, saying Tom has escaped from the madhouse, and pays them money to return him. Tom needs all his persausive powers to escape this dire situation, but it is the hagstone and the kindness of the sherpherd's daughter that really save the day!