Damon, John and Chris were now frogs, in three seperate jars, awaiting their fate. The witch had gone off to tell her friends that two frogs were meant to be sold by her. Special frogs, as they used to be human. Nasty humans indeed, thieves that deserved their punishment. She sent a message widely through her crystal ball, making sure many witches, wizards and warlocks might get notified and answer said call. As for the three former men, they were adjusting to being frogs. So quite small, much smaller than before at any rate, slimy, clammy and with no ability to speak whatsoever. Any attempt resulted in croaks. Pitiful croaks at that. All were surprised by their new leg muscles, though and jumping so high and in such a dexterous manner was quite confounding and extraordinary. Alas, they also realized how helpless they were in their new amphibian bodies, how clumsy they were and how useless their front digits were. Moreover, their skin felt unpleasantly weird. They weren't aware that it was merely getting a bit too dry for them and that splashing around in a pond would make things better. Of course, for those three, wallowing in muck or mud was still a big thing to admit, let alone do. Eating would end up the same, as the prospect of flies, worms, slugs and mosquitoes held no appeal to them. Yet.
"Ha! I found a good buyer for you! An excellent buyer, even!" the witch exclaimed happily as she entered her living-room again.
She picked up Chris and John's jars and set them on a little table.
"You two are going to go with a very, very powerful warlock who is the boss of diabolical circus. It's very entertaining though. He loves granting people's wishes by twisting they words and recruiting them for his shows. He's just called the Circus Master and he'd like to purchase my frogs."
Chris and John jumped frantically and croaked pitifully. To no avail, of course. The witch told them that she'd told specifically in her message for the frogs to be treated well but they had serious doubts on what it meant for them exactly. As for Damon, he wondered if staying with the witch was any better. Then a knock came on the door and the witch went to open. A man with a little beard, longish hair, top hat, suit and cane entered and discussed with the witch the matter at hand. The showman eyed the two frogs with a frown, but then nodded and said they'd do. That he required new playthings and attractions for his spectacles and that two stupid thieves would alleviate any remorse if they took time getting used to their new lives. The witch smiled a toothless grin, or nearly so, and accepted the gold coins proposed by the Circus Master. She fancied him, really, and all three frogs found the situation quite grotesque. Unfortunately, too soon the showman seized the two jars and stepped into the night, leaving Damon unhappy and alone, as well as still wondering what would happen to his two accomplices and to himself. Who would get the better deal?