Back in the center of the forest, the Lions were evenly spread out in a line facing this new threat. Before them, backed by a large company of hyenas, stood an older female bear, whose appearance hid her vivacity and strength. She wore a dark red velvet gown that hung down to her hind feet, and fastened around her waist by a velvety black silk sash, with the knot above her left hip. In her right paw she gracefully held a polished mahogany staff which matched her height and was capped by a ruby shard, the same color as her gown. Her eyes were completely black. She wore a set of round silver medallion earrings.
The hyenas behind her stood upright, and all were dressed in a similar fashion. They wore thin and broad leather belts, upon which hung curved steel daggers, whose handles were decorated with assorted red slashes. Their belts also served to keep their ragged, dirty loincloths in place. The only other visible clothing the hyenas wore cloth straps crossed over their torso in a x. These straps were so covered with dirt and grass stains that it was impossible to discern what their original color might be. There were a handful of hyenas who stood a head above the rest; their left ears were punctuated by a golden hoop. There were some who had both ears pierced with a gold hoop (this denoted the hyenas served in a higher rank). It was the Great Lion who broke the silence.
"You apparently did not comprehend your banishment from this forest. Leave at once, while my temper is yet at bay."
"Now, now... be patient. Is this how you welcome all of your guests?" She replied. "I have come to discuss a proposition... a trade, if you will."
"We do not suffer the desires of witches," said the Lion of Earth. The other Lions growled in agreement.
"You would do well to suffer me," countered the Witch.
"We have not forgotten your role during the war. You were and remain banished from the forest because of it. You would do well to leave now," the Great Lion sternly warned. With a sigh, the Witch sadly replied, "Very well. It will be a shame to tell your lost brethren that you have no desire to seek them any further."
At this, the Lions' ears perked up as their eyes widened. Their brethren... still alive? The Great Lion asked, "How can we be certain this is not yet another of your tricks?"
"Behold my face, O Great One, and see how haggard I have become. I am weary from my years in the wilderness. My failing magic can no longer hide my age. With one swipe of your mighty paw you could end me once and for all. What have I to gain from attempting to deceive you?"
The Great Lion stood silently, deep in thought. The Lions behind him began pacing back and forth, hungrily staring at the hyenas, who were visibly shaken from this perceived threat. At length the Lion spoke.
"What, then, is your proposition?"
At this, the slightest smile spread across the Witch's face.
"I have come seeking only one thing... a trifle, really."
She reached up and removed the ruby shard from her staff.
"This ruby I now hold was separated from its other half about eight years ago. Since my exile, I have been searching far and wide for it. Their division gradually weakened me, imperceptibly at first, then more pronounced as the months and years passed. In my desperation I cast a location spell, which led me back here. So my simple request is to make the ruby whole once more, as it should be. Once this occurs, I will gladly and peacefully be on my way, and you shall never hear of me or my army again. It shall be as if I have never come."
The Witch spoke this last sentence while giving a polite curtsy.
"We cannot give you what you seek, for the ruby is no longer here."
"My location spell does not lie. I only seek the completion of this small transaction."
"Be gone, evil one. I shall not warn you again."
"As you have refused to give me what I have sought, you have left me with no other choice."
At this, the Witch released the ruby, which floated up and back to its resting place on her staff. She lifted her staff into the air. The Great Lion growled and made ready to pounce. The six Lions charged forward as the hyenas cowered in fear, despite their numbers. Despite this sudden attack, the Witch deftly dodged two Lions and waved her staff in a circle while speaking in a strange language. Suddenly, a blinding white light exploded from the ruby, quickly spreading throughout the forest.
The Lions found themselves unable to move, then lost consciousness as they collapsed to the ground. The hyenas nervously laughed as they saw the Lions fall. A pair of the braver hyenas cautiously approached the Lions, then realizing they were no longer a threat, laughed with joy.
———
While this was happening, Plucky held his mother as tight as he could. She guided him back into their kitchen, the room furthest away from the front door and danger. Plucky had his eyes tightly shut, so he didn't see a strange white light creep under the front door and through the windows, filling every corner and room in his house. Then, Plucky felt a light tingle and the slightest warmth on his fur, both of which left nearly as quickly as it came. His instinct told him to open his eyes, which he did. His mother had vanished without a trace.
