The Devil's Cursed Witch

Thala put her pinky finger in her ear, showing how annoyed she was at being nagged. "You two are really noisy. I am going back to my room if you don't stop being annoying as well."

Seeing her still refusing to see Morpheus, Glinda and Maria looked at each other. As if having made a silent agreement, Maria spoke, "If you agree to see the Commander, we two will do all your chores for an entire month."

Thala still didn't react.

"I will cook your favorite meal for a whole month, every day," Glinda added.

"Every morning, I will brew your favorite tea for you," Maria further remarked.

The two women continued to curry favor with Thala until she could no longer stand it. She finally turned her head to look at them.

Glinda and Maria met her stare with anticipation, waiting for her words of  agreement.

"You two," she started, and her eyes narrowed, "don't go back on your words."

Seeing that their stubborn-as-mule  sister was finally persuaded, the witches  immediately nodded.

"Then go away. Let me see what he wants to talk about." As an afterthought, she said in warning, "Don't you two dare eavesdrop."

"Of course not, Thala."

"We will be leaving now. Talk comfortably."

The two witches smiled and gathered their things before leaving the drawing room.

Once two were gone, Thala turned towards the door and watched it open on its own.

The pair of shapeshifters watched the isolation spell disappear, and together with it, the door of the cottage opened, a silent gesture that meant Thala Grimsbane was allowing them entrance.

'Took them long enough. I already guessed it would be tough to get a hold of that unsociable witch, and only with the help of those two could I have a chance. Luckily, they are tempted by my offer.' Morpheus was somewhat relieved. 'I wonder how those ladies finally convinced the Witch of Destruction.

Morpheus then looked at Aureus. "Let's go before she changes her mind."

"Will she be fine to see me..an outsider?"

"I am no better than an outsider as well," Morpheus said as he walked towards the cottage.

Aureus followed him without a word. He could not help but feel concerned as his intuition was telling him his uncle was up to no good. Maybe he was being overly worried but he could not shake that feeling off.

As such, he hoped this visit would give him more clues about what Morpheus was up to. He wished to stop his uncle if he was really going to something which he should not.

When they entered the cottage, they found an old plump woman with silvery blond hair sitting on the couch and reading a book. She did not even raise her head when they came in.

The moment both of them stepped towards her, the door behind them slammed close.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me, Lady Thala," Morpheus said, sounding well-mannered, as if he hadn't been rudely shouting mere moments ago.

"You should say that to my sisters," the old witch countered as she finally raised her head to look at the guests. From Morpheus, her gaze moved to the young shapeshifter next to him.

Aureus bowed to greet her. "Divine Eagle Aureus greets Lady Grimsbane. I apologize for our arrival causing a disturbance in your home."

"Pure divine energy, a heart as white as the first snowfall of winter," Thala mumbled.

"You read him right, that means your powers are still working," Morpheus commented.

"I was just stating he is not like his uncle," she countered.

"My lady, you sure are harsh. I brought my nephew with me to broaden his horizons, hoping a wise witch such as you can teach him a thing or two. It's not everyday one gets the honor of entering the Spirit Circle."

Thala understood the underlying meaning of his statement; Morpheus wished to talk to her alone. She looked at the young golden eagle.

"Young one, I believe you would like to see something interesting behind that door," she said as she signaled towards one of the doors attached to the drawing room. "My fellow sisters are curious to meet the new lord of the feathered races and have prepared tea for you."

Aureus was also smart enough to understand what was going on and nodded. "Thank you, Lady Grimsbane. I shall enjoy your hospitality."

The young eagle walked towards the door which opened for him on its own. Once the door closed behind him, Thala looked at Morpheus who was staring at the closed door. "Don't worry about your nephew. He is in good hands. Have a seat, Commander."

Morpheus sat in the chair opposite hers and heard Thala continue, her tone jeering, "What brought you to honor this old lady's humble residence, esteemed Commander of our great kingdom's warriors? If you are preparing for another war, I plead that you let this lady enjoy her pitiful time left in peace. She is disabled and of no use now."

"Not war, but for something equally important," he replied, not bothering to respond to her scorn. "Do not belittle yourself, Lady Thala. Even without your combat ability, the knowledge and abilities of the Witch of Destruction is a treasure admired by those who remember your contributions."

Thala merely scoffed, unflattered.

Morpheus continued, "And exactly because I know of your noble character, I believe you will listen to my offer."

"Commander, this level of flattery makes me cringe. Enough, enough. No need for sweet talk. Out with it. What did you come here for?"

"I ask that you use the remaining of your power for something good."

"Good?" she offered him a doubtful look.

His trademark lopsided smirk graced his face.  "Something you might find good."

"Good? What good is there when you come on the King's orders? Let me clear you that I…"

"...hate him?" Morpheus completed her sentence. "You misunderstand, witch. I came here as an individual."

Seeing her raise a brow, Morpheus continued, "After you hear my offer, I am sure you won't say no to me."

"Go ahead."