The Apprentice & the Lost City

Chapter Five

Chickens flew frantically around the yard. They shrieked as the intruder and the enchanted cage slammed against the ground. Fuming, the charmed object filled the air with a thick, green smog. Its wooden door creaked in defiance while the glass walls cracked in pain. Through olive-colored clouds, Emma caught a glimpse of the person who disturbed the hens so late that night.

Emma had pictured a fat raccoon sneaking out of her family's chicken coop with its sticky paws full of eggs. However, the real bandit didn't have paws at all. Instead, the mischievous thief who had caused her parents so much worry was nothing more than a young boy. Wearing a ratty brown blanket over his head, the egg thief struggled to free himself from the cage's metal jaws.

The boy did everything he could to rescue his hand and the tart he so desperately wanted from the enchantment. With every slap he received from the wooden door, the boy was sure to give one in return. As the cage's metal teeth gnawed on his elbow, the thief nipped back. He even spat on the cage when emerald sparks flew into his eyes.

From the safety of her room, Emma gaped at the clumsy battle taking place in her backyard. She rubbed her eyes to make sure that her sleepy mind hadn't conjured up a strange dream. Even as she blinked not once but twice in shock, she found that the awkward war still raged on.

When the boy came back into focus, a soft, silver light radiated from inside the magical dust. It swirled and danced around the Egg Thief's silhouette. It was a pattern - a rune, of sorts. Though, not one Emma had ever seen.

The silver luster grew brighter as the boy's silhouette raised a mighty fist in the air. Slamming it down on the top glass for a final time, the cage began to shatter. Painful cracks ran along the entire surface while its steel teeth began to age with rust.

When the cage broke into a fit of hideous grays and stomach turning blues, Emma recognized its luminous finish and quickly shielded her eyes.

With an enormous boom, the house stirred to life. Blu awoke with a scream as the quake threw him from the bed. White light beamed through the window, illuminating the walnut-colored walls of Emma's room. The witches and wizards hanging on her walls startled awake while tiny figurines struggled to stay standing.

Once the light faded, Blu was quick to check on Emma who still crouched down at her windowsill. He ran to her and was surprised to find the thrilling expression on her face.

With wide, cheerful eyes, Emma jumped up to see who had won the fight.

Outside, a dark patch stained the green grass. Both sides laid there, withered and defeated. Alas, the cage seemed to bear the worst injuries, it seemed. The cage no longer wore armor made of glass but, instead, crumbled with rusty hinges and broken bars. Meanwhile, the Egg Thief fought to catch his breath.

The Grand Mage's spell had been shattered. Something Emma believed to be impossible. Now, nothing was keeping him from taking not only the tart but her family's eggs as well.

The mere thought of the boy stealing from her family once more made Emma's cheeks burn. At that moment, her gaze fell upon Merlin's wand that had been resting next to her.

Though the replica didn't hold any magic of its own, the metal rod charmed the girl to recall the miraculous tales she thrived on. From ending century-long wars to mapping out the stars, there was nothing the Miraculous Merlin couldn't do. He bested every dangerous beast and defeated every vengeful challenger. Trapping a simple egg thief would be mere child's play compared to the horrendous encounters Merlin faced.

Emma knew exactly how the great wizard would trap the boy, too. She could picture the brave mage facing the boy head-on and immobilizing him with a simple wave of his wand.