Rowan of Rin Rowan and The Travellers by Emily Rodda Paperback 2005 GD

The secret enemy is here. It bides in darkness, fools beware!

The witch Sheba is tormented by strange visions and terrifying riddles. No one can help her except perhaps the boy Rowan, the "skinny weakling" whose face appears mysteriously in her dreams.

Life in the village of Rin goes on day by day, unchanging. And then, unexpectedly, the Travellers arrive. Like the other children, Rowan enjoys their visits. They bring games and music, toys and tricks. But not everyone trusts them. Why have they come again so soon to Rin? Are they the "secret enemy" of Sheba's warning?

Rowan is caught up in a web of intrigue and danger as he races against time to solve the witch's riddle.