Chapter 30 A pinch of luck
Gretel followed Hansel’s real trail ignoring all his bread crumbs. He had certain signs built in to dissuade her. She was not adept at such things and the hunter would soon be following her haphazard path. Relief swept over her when she met up with him. They were always stronger together. The moon began to rise and the sign of the Gemini was bright.
Hansel’s own face was grim. “Take that cloak off.” He demanded, tale alert and aggressive. When he sat back down on his haunches he changed back into a boy.
“It’s a protective cloak so what harm?” Gretel twirled, hugging to herself the fabric. “Besides it is pretty. I like it.”
“It was not made for you. I am sure it has additional enchantments on it if another wears it for too long.” As he warned Gretel sighed and shrugged out of it, together they draped it over its new owner.
She then knelt down for a closer look, “When did you catch that?”
“Not long before you arrived.” Hansel trimmed off a bit of her hair using his nails then he sprinkled it over the beast.
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“Its snoring reminds me of our current resident. Really Hansel, the pets you collect.” Gretel rolled her eyes.
“I think it has a certain likeness.” Hansel smiled and pinched Gretel’s nose.
“Ouch what was that for!” Gretel slapped his hand down; at least she could match his reflexes when aware.
“Never gets old.” He chuckled, “I stole a sense of direction off of the girl. It is only a simple spell that she didn’t even know she had.”
“Will it lead us to the lake?” Gretel asked anxiously, she was uncomfortable with her brother risking himself with the little apprentice but perhaps she did have her uses.
“No I could only get a general bearing on where that might be. This will certainly show the way to her house. And make her other enchantments easier to sniff out.” They connected hands and chanted, afterwards Gretel handed him a bag.
“What’s this?” Hansel raised a brow.
“My little gift to you brother, I’m sure you will find some use for it.” Gretel untied the animal while he opened the bag eagerly. He closed it again and tied it around his neck with a huge smile. “Ah sis this is perfect! My thanks!” he hugged her.
“I had to give you something Hansel.” Gretel twisted the rope in her hands a little guiltily, “I know you're only doing this for me.”
“Together then,” Hansel said enthusiastically to Gretel holding her hand once more, “One, two, and three!” Gretel shouted and they both kicked the animal’s rump sending it screaming into the night.