The Persuading Stick

Beth, Sarah and Katherine seem quite normal schoolkids. They take turns at ignoring each other in the tradition of 'I'm not your friend today'. One day when it is Sarah's turn to be ignored, she finds the 'persuading stick' in a clump of reeds. The power and strength of the stick immediately becomes obvious -- it soon puts Sarah's 'mardy' mates in their place. Lots of comic possibilities immediately present themselves, most of which the author ignores, choosing instead to concentrate on fantasy and symbolism. However, it's a nice idea and it makes a passable story.