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continued. “As I have said many times, my queen, my powers are limited. However, during my time spent living with the Witch of Red Moon Forest, I learned that there may be a way to bring back your youth.” He stretched his whole body contentedly.
    He continued, “Performing anything as bold as this requires black magic, and black magic usually comes with a heavy price. But the Witch of Red Moon Forest is well versed in the forbidden arts. As far as I can recall, she retains in her cave a collection of spells that can lead to the creation of a confection that just might be what you’re looking for.” The words flowed from his mouth like a song.
    He shifted his position and spoke earnestly, “But I don’t know if she will even see you, much less agree to help you.” Druciah stroked his back delicately, running her long, bony fingers from his shoulders all the way to the end of his bushy, black tail.
    â€œAnd even getting to her is going to be a challenge. It will take you many days, perhaps even a week or more, just to reach Red Moon Forest. Then once you’re there, you will have to find the entrance. I would wait for nightfall before going in.”
    He waited for her to resume his massage before continuing his instructions. “Once inside the forest, you’ll see a path that has seen scant use in recent years. It’s become a little bit overgrown. If you stay on this path, you soon will learn that there are three perils, which you must endure.
    â€œFirst you must gain the respect of the Parliament of Possums, who can be a real pain in the hindquarters. They’re marsupials, you see. They think that it’s their job to make the laws of the forest, and the Witch is happy to let them go right on thinking it.
    â€œBut they’re just your typical politicians. They look all high and mighty, but get next to nothing done. Let me tell you, the only thing worse than a politician is a politician with a pouch. I never liked possums much, with their white faces and pink noses; they think they’re so important. Possums . . . rats in trees are more like it.” He realized he was going off on a tangent.
    â€œBut you can’t kill them. So you will have to make that especially clear to your guards. No matter how much they frustrate you, don’t make any hostile moves, or you might as well just come right back home. You need them. Only they can guide you to the next challenge.
    â€œNow this second peril is far more difficult. If the possums trust you, they will send you down along a trail, which will take you to an enormous, hollow oak tree. The tree is massive, so there is no way you can miss it as long as you follow the right trail.
    â€œOnce you get there you will have to be extra careful, because inside that tree lives a very large and eccentric snapping turtle named Joffrey, who is extremely dangerous. He is quite a neat freak, and he hates visitors. If you disrupt a single leaf or disturb even one stone, he will snap you in half. He fancies himself quite the decorator, so keep that in mind.” Caterwaul again started to go off on a tangent. “He’s actually very good though . . . I’ve learned a few things about décor from him myself.
    â€œFinally, you will have to deal with the poison dart frogs of Bug Stool Creek. If you can figure out a way to get by them, then you can follow the creek bed about half a kilometer, and this will lead you to the cave the Witch calls home. If she agrees to see you, you may be able to make a deal, but again I can offer you no guarantees.”
    The cat licked his paw. “There will probably be some other unanticipated dangers you will come across too. So if you are going, make sure to take at least four of your best guards with you for protection, smart ones if you can find them.
    â€œBe sure that you take that animal Warwick Vane Bezel III with you too. He just might come in handy if you find yourself in