“We’re not quite sure.” Said Ignatius as he too eyed the others cautiously. “We were separated from the rest of our group and hoped to find them by heading north to Oldvale.”

  “Oldvale?” asked Vickiri with some confusion. “I’ve never heard of such a place. You’re within the boundaries of Spellvale to be sure.”

  “I thought I knew every witch in the community. I don’t recognize you or your companions.” Said Ignatius “Nor do I know any witch who doesn’t wear the customary leather.”

  “The same could be same for you, Ignatius. It’s odd to be wearing mourning clothes while travelling, don’t you think? For whom do you mourn?”

  “Mourn? I don’t understand.” Ignatius offered. “Perhaps I’m confused. We’re seeking our friends; a pair of boys, one with pale skin and ginger hair and one with dark skin, and old soldier with grey hair and a filthy pirate with a tongue as fast as his sword, and a beautiful faun with curved horns atop a head of hair as white as fresh snow. Have you seen such people?” The witches exchanged glances amongst one another before nodding to the negative.

  “We have not seen the ones you describe, and we are the ones who patrol the boundaries of our witchly lands. Perhaps they are nearby and seeking you, yes?”

  “We hope so. We’d be happy to find one another.”

  “I see,” said the tallest witch as he turned his head and looked to the smallest witch in blue. “Valeron, signal the northern flight and tell them to keep a persistent eye out for those Ignatius Hex just described. Should they be discovered, they are to be detained and I am to be notified immediately. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, father.” Nodded the boy.

  “Go.” The boy winked again at Siouxsie before launching himself straight up through the trees and vanishing.

  “Well then.” Said Vickiri “While the others are having a search, why don’t we get to know one another a little better? Have you eaten?” he asked

  “Not since last night.” Said Ignatius. “We would be grateful for bread and water if you can spare it.”

  “I believe we can do better than that.” said Vickiri with a wide friendly smile. “Come, have a seat in this shadowy spot. We can chew fruit and honeycomb while we get acquainted.”

  “Thank you.” Nodded Ignatius. The group sat down in a circle and the other witches turned their bags inside out to create a small pile of deliciousness in the center which the three were encouraged to take. Robert wasted no time in snatching an apple in each hand and swapping hands as he piggily shoved them into his mouth. The skins and fruit cronched and crunched beneath the low hanging bill of the hat.

  “Such a ravenous appetite.” Remarked the tallest witch. “Why does your sister not wear a cloak and hat?”

  “It was lost while battling a large gelatinous monster made of acid.” Ignatius said casually. “Its destruction took her cloak and hat with it when it expired. We will make her a new one as soon as we can.”

  “A gel monster made of acid?” Vickiri asked with some interest. “We’ve never heard of such a thing.” He said looking to the others who appeared as surprised as him. “Where did it come from?”

  “We know not. It had been lying in wait for the boy with the red hair I named. It was by Siouxsie’s courage that she intervened and destroyed it.”

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  “Battling a large monster at such a young age?” asked Vickiri as he looked to Siouxsie. “You must be quite the magic user. Excuse me for prying but I have to ask; why does your brother hide his face beneath a scarf and low hat?”

  “He enjoys the shadows.” Answered Ignatius.

  “Yes, I do.” munched Robert.

  “I see. And if I may ask, what kind of spell did you use to vanquish such a foul thing that hunts little boys, dear Siouxsie?”

  “I used my lightning.” She said in between nibbles of tasty honeycomb. Upon her saying this, each of the other witches immediately lost their warm friendly expressions.

  “Did you say lightning?” asked Vickiri

  “I did.” she answered.

  “This is the truth?” the tallest witch asked with a great deal of interest. “Are all of you lightning casters?”

  “No, only my sister can wield it.” said Robert in between more slurps and bites. “I can cast fire and my brother is a bi-caster with fire and wind. Its uncommon, but not as rare as Siouxsie’s ability.”

  “Would it be too much to ask to see a demonstration of such an ability?” asked Vickiri. “Lightning casting such a rarity in these lands. And our stories say there is only one lightning caster.”

  “That’s entirely up to her.” Said Ignatius. “She still looks tired from her bout with the gel fiend.”

  “I don’t mind, brother.” She said between bites of honeycomb. Siouxsie stood up, brushed off some crumbs from her skirt and stood with her hands raised in a “V”. Robert scooted away from her but didn’t stop eating. But unlike all the times before, clouds that twist and roil did not appear overhead. The witches in blue cowered and even Ignatius plugged his ears with his fingers. Siouxsie continued and picked out a bare space in the clearing and set her sights upon it. With a twinkle in her eye and a mighty shout she called the sky fire to rain down:

  “Furious cumulus!”

  But nothing happened… There were no wild cracks of thunder, no violent bolts from above. Vickiri raised an eyebrow and glanced skyward.

  “Furious cumulus!”

  She yelled a second time. Again, nothing.

  “Are your pranks well received where you come from?” Vickiri asked Ignatius. “Because I don’t find this whole act to be amusing.”

  “It’s a mystery to me.” He said. “I’ve witnessed my sister call lightning numerous times. Perhaps she’s still tired from her bout with the gel fiend. The lightning she cast to kill it was bigger than anything I’ve ever seen before.”

  “Perhaps.” Said Vickiri skeptically. “You should know however, that we in Spellvale take matters concerning spellcasting very serious. Making false claims could disturb the residents there.”

  “I assure you, my claims of her abilities are not exaggerations.” Said Ignatius. “Siouxsie, sit down.” A bit confused herself, Siouxsie clapped her hands twice and took her place in the grass.

  “Your arrival is most strange…” Vickiri pondered aloud. “You look and act like witches, your garments are witchly, yet you are not of our tribe. Where did you say you come from?”

  “From Spellvale, like you. But now, in this conversation I believe we may have very different opinions of what or where exactly Spellvale is.”

  “And if you came from the same Spellvale you claim, how did you come to be here?”

  “Through powerful magick.” Said Ignatius as he bit into a pear. “I used this artifact.” With his free hand, Ignatius dug into his shirt and with his thumb dangled the talisman of Lenfris. Upon seeing it, each of the eyes of the other witches grew wide like they’d seen a walking spirit and quickly backed away Vickiri himself jumped to his feet and pulled his sword.

  “Thief!” he shouted. “How dare you steal that from us?!” Ignatius didn’t react but instead merely stopped chewing.

  “I’ve stolen nothing.” He said calmly. “My siblings found it in the ruined temple. I judged it to be too powerful for them, so I took hold of it.”

  “Impossible!” continued Vickiri’s rage. “I saw that very talisman on display in th Spellvale archive not two days ago!”

  “Then I suggest you go back and look at it again.” Ignatius took another bite of the sweet pear. “Send one of your witches to where you think it is. We’re not going anywhere.”

  “Do you think you can make me look like a fool?” asked the tall witch

  “I don’t think you need my brother’s help with that task.” Grumbled Robert which made Vickiri’s nose wrinkle with anger.

  “Gather your things.” beckoned the lean witch. “You’re coming with us.”

  “Where?” asked Siouxsie.

  “To Spellvale. If you can’t conjure lightning, then maybe you can conjure the truth on where your brother got that talisman. On your feet.” The twins looked to Ignatius who motioned for them to follow. They got to their feet, Robert snatching up another apple and a pair and two honeycombs as he did. Vickiri eyed the bundled witch suspiciously for which Robert only glared back and continued eating.

  “Are we going to fly there?” Ignatius asked.

  “Why bother?” asked Vickiri. “It’s just over the next rise. Come.” The other witches fanned out and flanked the trio as they followed the tallest witch. Robert and Siouxsie walked side by side.

  “I hope Hoxley and the others are safe, wherever they are.” said Siouxsie

  “What could be worse than being taken hostage by your own kind?” said Robert. “Wherever they are they’re likely laughing and joking and lounging comfortably while they wait for us to catch up.”

  The second portal opened into a grey twilight, pitching Loxo, Morell and Atticus into a wet puddle of wet muck before vanishing in a hiss of fire and smoke. As disgusting as it was, it might’ve been a soft landing for everyone if not for Atticus’ girthy mass landing squarely upon Morell’s already ailing ankle.