“A Sorceress Comes to Call” is a short story by T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon)

“A Sorceress Comes to Call” is a short story by T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon) that reimagines traditional fairy-tale motifs — particularly the trope of the wicked stepmother or witch — from a fresh and darkly humorous feminist perspective.

Summary

The story follows Margaret, a quiet and observant young woman who lives with her mother and her younger sister, Rosie, in a small rural community. Their lives are ordinary until Auntie Hester, a mysterious and elegant woman, arrives at their home. She claims to be a distant relative, but there’s something unsettling about her presence. The townsfolk whisper that she might be a sorceress.

At first, Auntie Hester is charming — she helps around the house, brings gifts, and seems to take special interest in Rosie. However, Margaret begins to notice strange occurrences: the animals act oddly around Auntie Hester, mirrors seem to shimmer when she walks by, and her mother becomes increasingly weak and submissive to Hester’s will.

Gradually, Margaret realizes the truth — Auntie Hester is indeed a witch who feeds off the vitality and youth of others, particularly young girls. She has cast a spell over their mother and intends to use Rosie as her next vessel, stealing her youth to maintain her own power and beauty.

Margaret, though not magical herself, possesses strong will and practical intelligence. She observes carefully, learns how the sorceress works, and devises a plan to resist her control. She discovers that Auntie Hester’s magic depends on naming and invitation — she must be welcomed or recognized to gain influence over a household.

With courage and cunning, Margaret tricks Auntie Hester into breaking her own spell. She forces the witch to speak her true name, thereby undoing her enchantments. In the climactic confrontation, the sorceress loses her power, and the illusion of youth and beauty crumbles, revealing her as an ancient, decaying figure. Margaret ensures her destruction and frees her family from Hester’s control.