"Everyone is divided into groups, right?" Davao surveyed the gathered wizards, his voice carrying authority. "Now, assign yourselves tasks. Two of you will carry the iron cage, while the other two will keep watch. Shift every hour."
David barely had time to speak before the two wizards opposite him exchanged glances and volunteered. "We'll take first watch."
"Fine by me." David nodded slightly and picked up a broomstick from the ground.
"Ron, how's your flying?" Tariq, the short and round wizard beside him, grabbed his own broom. "I was the ace of my Quidditch team back in school. Try not to slow me down."
David ignored the boastful remark and turned to Davao. "Where are we headed?"
"Just follow me," Davao instructed. "Don't overthink it. I've got everything arranged."
David gave a short nod, deciding not to press further.
"They're being cautious," Tariq murmured beside him. "What do you think is inside those cages?"
David merely glanced at him, offering no response.
"Come on, we should check. What if we're being tricked? What if they claim we're transporting a sphinx, but when we get there, it's just a bag of flesh-eating slugs? We'd be fools not to take a peek."
The murmurs of doubt spread quickly. Wizards shifted, their hands itching toward the black cloth covering the cages.
Davao's voice cracked through the air like a whip. "I advise against it. We've been in business for years and built our reputation on trust. If you don't believe us, you're free to leave now."
The hesitant hands froze mid-motion. Tariq raised his palms in a placating gesture. "Alright, alright, no need to be so tense. Just being cautious. Can't be too careful, right?"
Davao stepped closer, his voice dropping into a low, firm tone. "If you lift that cloth, the scent will spread, and someone will track us. If that happens, and we're caught, you'll be the one to answer for it."
Tariq gulped, nodding rapidly. "Got it. No touching."
With the matter settled, Davao turned away to finalize preparations. Tariq, however, wasn't done talking.
"Seriously, Ron, don't you think he's overreacting? Like the Ministry of Magic can really track us that easily."
David barely held back a sigh and withdrew his wand, letting the action speak for itself.
Tariq instantly straightened. "Uh, never mind. Let's just get moving."
Finally, Davao gave the signal, and they took off into the sky, dragging the massive iron cages behind them.
After an hour of flying, Davao led them to a dense forest, signaling for a shift change. As soon as he set down the cage, Tariq became lively again.
"This job is too easy! If I had known, I'd have joined sooner. Think of all the money I missed!"
David took a step away, but Tariq quickly matched his pace, determined to chat.
Thankfully, Davao called for them to take off again, giving David an excuse to focus on flying. The strong winds drowned out most of Tariq's chatter, providing some much-needed relief.
The journey continued after a brief lunch break, their flight path twisting unpredictably as if evading detection. David noted the strange route but couldn't determine why they were taking such odd detours.
Then, something shifted in the air. Davao, flying ahead, tensed visibly. His wand was in his hand in an instant, and he motioned for everyone to slow down.
David tightened his grip on his own wand. He had just finished his shift and was now on watch duty.
"Our luck can't be this bad, right?" Tariq whispered nervously. "I've never been in a real fight. You'll protect me, won't you?"
David rolled his eyes. "Protect yourself."
Without warning, nine wizards materialized around them, wands at the ready. One of them called out, "Drop your wands immediately! We are with the United States Ministry of Magic. Cooperate, and no harm will come to you."
"Like hell we will!" Davao barked. "Vigilance team, take them down! The rest of you, move!"
Sparks of magic erupted through the sky. Spells flew in all directions as both sides clashed. David twisted his broomstick, dodging an incoming hex while countering with a stunning spell. The targeted wizard yelped as his broom shattered, sending him plummeting toward the trees below.
Another Ministry wizard shot David a murderous glare and swooped down to assist his fallen ally.
With two of their attackers occupied, the battle tipped in their favor.
"Nice one, bro!" Tariq cheered, waving his wand uselessly. "You're a beast!"
A streak of light suddenly shot toward him, unnoticed.
David reacted on instinct, casting a shielding charm just in time. The spell deflected harmlessly off Tariq's protective armor.
Davao, who had been fighting his own battle, cast a brief glance in David's direction before returning his focus to the enemy.
David, however, had no time to dwell on it. Another spell was already coming his way, and the fight was far from over.