Bloodied Wings

Part 1

In a Cave somewhere...

A small group was hiding in the darkness as they were stealthily hiding behind rocks.

Among them was someone in snow owl attire with duel artificial staffs. She signaled the Coven scouts as the biggest one sat close to her. Everyone was preparing for the attack as they heard cackling from the firelit cave.

"Okay, Garlog the Giant is inside. Be prepared for anything. You got this." Guard Captain advised the young woman, who nodded.

They crept into the cave as they saw the shadow of Garlog. His shadow was massive, and his teeth were giant! The girl steadied herself and then pounced with the rest of the scouts!

"Foolish Covens, groveling at the feet of that old coot, Belos! Leave this place or suffer the wrath of-!"

They were prepared with staffs ready as Garlog the Giant appeared as a tiny thing with a potion in his hand.

"That's... Garlog?" She questioned as the other Coven Scouts laughed at the tiny creature.

"Do not mock the Great Garlog the Giant! For I can grow before your very-!"

The girl grabbed him as she took away the bottle and handed it to the captain.

"Well, that was easy. How can a little guy rob twenty-seven village treasuries?" One of the scouts questioned then handed a bottle to the girl.

The captain sniffed the potion.

"Contraband Growth Potion, no wonder you hit it big with that look you stole." The captain answered as the demon chuckled nervously.

"Officer, I think there has been some sort of misunderstanding... If you could give that back..." He chuckled nervously.

"You might wanna check this out." One of the scouts informed then everyone gathered around to see the stolen snails and treasures.

"Every last stolen cent." The captain uttered, "Alright, your highness, let's complete the arrest. Bottle him."

She nodded and then stuffed Garlog into a bottle.

"Garlog the Giant, you are under arrest for illegal use of Contraband Growth Potions, Larceny, and damage to government property." She announced to the sealed-up demon.

"I got caught by one of the emperor's brats?" He whined but then faced an angered captain.

"You will refer to her as Princess Luzura of the Boiling Isles." He snarled then smiled at the girl, "Alright, your highness, one last thing."

The princess smiled behind her mask as she removed it so her face could be seen, then held the jar up high with a smile.

The captain then pulled out a flying camera.

"Alright, your highness, say cheese!"

"Cheese!"

Screech!

CLICK!

"Perfect." The captain grinned as he took the picture, "You know how sentimental your father gets and this is the best picture so far."

"And that makes that what? Twenty-seven criminals collected... ready for his scrapbook."

"Well, we got our required quota, let's head back to the Boiling Isles and get some rest. The emperor and the Owl Lady will kill us if you are late for bedtime."

"Sounds good. I hope we get enough." Luz grinned as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Money? But you don't need more money. You're a princess. I'm sure he can give you some."