“I got it!” one of them said, laughing while a broken creature beat frantic circles on the ground.

When they came closer, Anna grabbed a goatskin pouch and leapt to her feet. She dashed about collecting as many of the stunning creatures as she could, hoping to spare them from attack.

Before she knew it, the boys were upon her.

“Hey, funny goat! What do you have in that pouch?” Ben called out.

Anna took a step back. “Nothing,” she said.

“Oh no? Then show me,” he demanded.

The rest of the boys trotted over to their ringleader.

“No,” Anna said, clutching the pouch. “It is not for you.” She glanced behind her. Knowing she would have to run.

Anticipating her flight, a few boys broke from the group and circled behind her.

Ben waved his stick threateningly. Daniel glared with menace.

“Give me that,” Ben said. “Or I will swat you like an insect.”

Anna’s eyes darted around the circle. But she could find no opening. Her mouth went dry.

Ben raised the stick above his head. “I said—”

“Greetings, children!” a voice rang out.

Anna turned around to see Zahra hobbling toward them.

Lifting her walking stick, the old woman parted the boys’ circle.

“What have you got there?” she asked.

Anna lifted her pouch.

The boys snickered but drew back. Though they had little respect for the old woman, they feared her ability to cast spells, as some villagers insisted she could.

Zahra stepped forward and glanced inside the pouch. “Ah, the shape shifters!” she cried.

Anna kept still as the sound of fluttering rose from the goatskin.

The old woman turned to the boys. “Tell me, have any of you learned yet how to grow wings?” she asked, referring to the butterflies’ recent transformation.

Not wanting to engage the strange woman, the boys kept silent. One swept the dust with his sandals.

“Of course not!” Zahra said. “But these little creatures have. That is what makes them so magical.” She leaned toward the children. “Such miracles as these must be worthy of our respect, would you not agree?”

The boys mumbled.

Zahra smiled. “Perhaps, then, you would like to help us find them some food?” she asked.

The boys shook their heads and drifted back, uncertain where to go.

Thinking quickly, Ben rallied his comrades. “Come! My mother will make us stuffed dates!” he told them.

Cheered by this idea, the boys trotted off, their sticks waving limply at their sides.

When they were gone, Anna sagged with relief. Zahra sighed and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I was coming to look in on your mother. How is she this morning?”

Anna shrugged. “She seems well.”

Zahra frowned. “We shall see,” she said, as though she had expected a different answer.

Flutters sounded again from within the goatskin.

Zahra glanced down. “You can release your little friends now,” she said. “They will be safe.”