At noon I tuck some warm mutton and fresh bread drizzled with honey into a bundle, being sure to grab a flask of ale on the way out the door. I know Herger is working on clearing a place for his hut. It's an unusually warm day and he'll welcome some refreshments, and perhaps something more if he isn't too tired from his labors.

As I hurry along the path, I think of how he'll kiss me when he greets me. I can almost taste those kisses now, a little salty but oh how sweet. Smiling to myself, I slow a little and move quietly so I can surprise him.

When I come to the little pond near the fork in the path between my hut and where his will be, a strange sight meets my eyes. Herger is sprawled naked on the grass, a golden sheen over him from the sunshine setting his hair aglow. And beside him, a white falcon perches on a rock preening her feathers.

Something is not right. The sun is in my eyes. I tiptoe closer, squinting to make out exactly what it is that I see here. I've never seen a white falcon around here before. It's too large and oddly shaped. And Herger is lying so still. This is wrong.

The closer I get, the worse it looks. The bird keeps changing from a falcon to a woman and back again. An enchantment! My love is in danger!

Silently I drop the bundle of food and pick up a rock. In my other hand is my dagger. I swing back my arm and take aim. The stone whizzes through the air straight for the mark. If the witch doesn't fly off, I have my knife ready. I'm not afraid of a fight!