The War of Gods

Chapter 6 - Part 2

Cousin?

"You know each other?" Nerith asked.

"We do not." Mavar said — calmly, but Joel could feel a hint of confusion.

"Oh, we do." The old hag said. "Sit down, children. Let's talk. I made tea!" She snapped her fingers and the small flame in the counter was snuffed out as she began preparing a small tea service.

They all looked at each other, confused on what to do. Something felt off but, well, the wolf had brought them here, right? Joel felt like that should be a good enough reason to listen to what this creepy grandma had to say. He pulled a chair and sat down, so his companions soon followed. Tiny cups of tea floated across the room and settled in front of them. The kettle then hovered around the table, pouring tea for every person in the room before landing at the centre of the table. Creepy grandma sat in front of them and took a sip of her tea before looking back at Mavar.

"So, this is your Bond, aye?" She said. "Intimidating, creepy, boring. Suits you!"

"I... what?" Mavar said.

"Oh, sorry, kid." The old lady said. "Not talking to you right now."

Mavar blinked at her.

"Oh, c'mon, Numus!" She continued. "Stop being such a child. Come out and talk to me."

She waved her hand and murmured a spell Joel did not recognize. Mavar began shaking uncontrollably. Nerith and Joel stood up immediately, toppling their chair.

"Hey!" Nerith yelled. "Stop! What are you doing to him?!"

Joel began casting his own offense. In response, the old witch waved her other hand, locking Joel and Nerith in place.

"Oh, calm down." The old hag said. "Sit and watch. I think you'll thank me later."

Joel's body moved on his own and he sat as his chair was magically put back in place as well. He could only watch as Mavar seemed to be possessed. The shakes got more and more violent and Mavar groaned and twisted in his seat. His skin began shedding and melting, as feathers replaced parts of it. His robes began twisting and rising, as if something wanted to grow out of it. Talons soon appeared in his hands, replacing his fingers, and a giant black beak grew out of his face as his pupils melted across his eyes, giving them this pure black look. This transformation culminated at the wings that sprung out of his back and, finally, the shakes stopped. Mavar stood up right in his chair.

He looks... like a crow. Joel realized.

"Are you so embarrassed to meet your family in public?" The old witch said. "Ever the older cousin, I see."