Dragoncrest Cliffs Angelfish

Nah, said Ray, leaning back until the joints in his arms gave a satisfying pop. Then he uncoiled the rest of his muscles and dropped down to his belly, letting his front paws dangle over the cliff's edge. He chanced a look down at the ocean, then snapped his eyes back up. The height was dizzying.

I don't want no witch's curse, he said. Da told me there was a witch living on that grungy little beach next to us. Did you know that? She stole kids and made them do her evil bidding. Stingray couldn't suppress a little shudder as he shared it, but hoped Swordfish would mistake it for a chill from the sea wind. I bet it's hers!

They bantered back and forth a little longer, occasionally speculating on the nature of the witch's objects, before making a tentative plan to spend some time in The Tangle searching for meaning. The boys would never see these plans fulfilled — their lives were about to be turned completely upside down, and this would be the last joyful and peaceful moment the brothers would have for many moons.