"What do you want to do?" I straightened up and fixed my eyes on the bow and arrow in Ruby's hand. The arrow aimed at me was black and glittering, like the spit of a triangular black-headed serpent.

             "I just helped you, and in return, you have to do me a favor too!" Ruby said the bow and arrow remained in her hand in a ready-to-shoot position.

            "What do you want me to do?" I asked.

            "Use your magic to help me save my sister!" Ruby said, "Only magic can defeat magic!" "

            "If you're not going to tell me the truth, I won't help you." I deliberately touched the...