"Chirp?" the bird uttered, confused.
"We keep this here," he explained quietly. "If the magic works as you have said, she had planted this here so that it accumulates the terror of the bad weather. If it went missing, she might go suspicious."
"What should we do?" the bird asked.
"Simple," he said, serious. "You will go back and follow her to find other places. And when the duel comes, we will take all the connecting strains and leave her powerless."
"Oh, will you have enough time to find them all?"
"Why yes," Aidan turned to him and winked. He stood up and immediately transformed into a werewolf.
"Chirp!" The bird flew up, startled.
"Nice trick, is it not?" the humanoid creature smiled. Then he sniffed the dirty hairs. "Now I know her scent. I will be ready," Aidan declared, returning to his original form.
Chirp flapped his wing, still affected. As the man buried the hair and opened the portal, the bird continued: "A good plan, indeed. I must say I am impressed."
"Well, what can I say. I am learning to embrace my new talents. Animal instincts are nothing to scoff at," Aidan said proud.
"Chirp! That is correct. From what am I seeing, it even made your brain work better."
Aidan laughed wholeheartedly, as the two went through the hoop.
And so the plan was put into action. The bird quietly returned to the enchanted forest with witch Margo being none the wiser. Stretching her arms, she would magically lift herself and fly where she pleased. Chip's keen eyes following her underneath the tree crowns. He hid well; however, at one point she did grow suspicious. Seeing the same type of bird in far parts of the world was highly unusual. Once, while placing special treats at the edge of a jungle, she did look up to inspect the bird closer. Chirp, feeling anxious, made his neck look shorter. Not only that, he stretched his somewhat small tail to make him look like a small peacock. He even squawked like one. The witch nodded, shrugging it off as paranoia. After all, no familiar magic was felt in the area. Chirp let out air relieved. During that time, Aidan was informed of everything.
Three days quickly passed. The townsmen have hastily prepared a flat arena, with wooden benches on both sides. Colorful triangular flags made the area more festive, despite the growing concern among the people. Still, none were more nervous than king Arogan himself. He was getting ready for the fight, when there was a knock on the door.
"You summoned me, your Majesty," Zora bowed.
"Yes," he said turning around, an action that caused a lot of clanging from all the little bottles attached to his outfit. "So what do you think? I've got more potions on me than an alchemists' lab. The best money can buy. And with the shield of my ancestors and some easy spells, I'm ready to tackle my destiny!" he said with confidence.
"I admire your preparation skills," Zora said honestly.
"Glad you think so. Any news?"
She shrugged, looking down. "My friend knew nothing. And Aidan hasn't returned yet."
"I see. Do you know when he will be back?"
She took in a big breath. "I do not know, but I am certain he will fulfill his promise."
"You must trust him a lot to say so. But then he does seem resourceful."
"Yes," she pressed her lips.
"Well, I prepared as best as I could, but I do not know if it's enough. It took several of my family members to trap that bitch the first time. You do not know how in tune with their emotions they had to be."
Zora looked down, guilty. "If I may. I did bring something of value. It may not harm her, but it will keep you safe," she said timidly, taking a handful of tiny golden apples out of her pocket. He took them, squinting suspiciously.
Back at the bleachers, Zora joined her child, after the meeting was over. She sat on the reasonably soft bench, located in the middle of the bleachers. The space, which was right above the royal seats, was seemingly not as soft for the nanny, since she brought a few extra cushions with her.
"Are those truly necessary?" the mother asked.
The nanny turned to her and tittered. "They are for the baby, your Majesty."
"But you are holding him?" Zora said slowly.
The nanny shrugged, turning her attention to the bouncy boy.
Aiden popped out of the portal, just in time to see the announcements. "Where were you?" Zora complained.
Aidan, still in his werewolf form, sat next to his wife. "Doing my duty, dear. Did you bring it?"
She looked around, anxious and sneakily gave him something.
"Perhaps you should not appear like that in front of the locals. I am a nervous wreck already. The last thing we need is for them to mistake you for an enemy," she whispered.
Aidan puffed the thought, noticing a man staring at him.
"That is an amazing costume!" the man exclaimed, with his face painted in the colors of the kingdom. "Did you skin that wolf yourself?"
Aidan waved with a proud grin. He turned to his wife smug, to which she looked away annoyed.
"Do not let your feelings absorb you. You do know what is at stake," he said calmly.
"I realize," she said and took in a deep breath. "You are right, my love. From now on, I will be as tranquil as a stream," Zora replied.
"Good, because I will need to leave soon."
"You what?"
"Do not threat. I will return for the finale."
Zora sighed. "Fine. But please, please inform me if something goes wrong."
"Will do," he smiled.
The king took his place, with witch Margo flying to the other side. Her attire was now much more appropriate for a witch of her stature, but her hair remained as ragged as ever. The two duelists approached the center, with everyone cheering. The bleachers were packed full, but only a few men were allowed within the arena. They all strategically placed themselves outside the white circle. With their pointy hats and heavy robes, they tapped their staffs in unison. "We the judges of this magic duel are here to witness the rules. What say you?" one of them exclaimed.
The king, looked at his opponent. "The last one standing wins," he declared.
The witch chuckled. "Fine by me," she said with a smirk.
"Very well. As you all know, the wizard's guild was hired to keep the spectators safe. Our staffs will create a magical barrier that will protect the common people. But per rules, we cannot shelter any of the duelists. I encourage fair –"
"Can we get on with this!" witch Margo yelled.
The wizard was taken aback. "Very well," he mumbled. "Begin!"
The witch made her hands glow. The wizard king prepared his shield with one hand, readying his potions with another. He threw two, none of which hit their mark.
Margo laughed loudly. "Is that the best you can do?" she yelled, blasting a blue ray from her hand. The king tucked behind his shield. The people booed, and cussed her out.
"Pesky humans. I'll deal with them later," she muttered, glaring at the crowd.
Suddenly, her dress caught fire. She slapped the flame from her chest and glanced at the king. He looked up proud, with his finger still pointing at her. The spectators cheered, thrilled.
The enraged witch cast a fire spell. The sea of fire rushed his way, making the entire arena bright. The surrounding earth was scorched, but he emerged from behind his shield, perfectly safe.
"You did not expect this, did you?" he added smug.
His opponent hummed. "Maybe. Maybe not. However, I do I have some more surprises for you," she teased, pointing.
As she started to cackle, her hand went up. The king prepared for another one of her spells. Instead, the witch snatched the straw-like strains from her head, revealing she was completely bold underneath. The king made a disgusted face. The crowd grew a little worried.
Her laughter became maniacal. She arched her head back, as if, in her head, she had already won.