villains, do your thing

[marycatelli]

The story is feeling a little weak.

I have ripped off a skeleton with pinch points, and realized that the villains have to act at some point so as to precipitate our heroine's decision to act boldly despite the danger she will bring upon herself.

Since I have already had them burn a man out of house and home, it's going to probably have to be at least beatings and possibly murder.  Not more than I have seen in some other children's books, to be sure. . . .