Alas for Rose, the captain returned before she could do anything. Jurgen looked at what was in front of him with bulging eyes and a gaping mouth. He was the very portrait of astonishment. And with reason. Where he had left the prince, there now was a donkey and a fairy hovering right next to it. It felt like he was dreaming, nay, hallucinating from consuming forbidden mushrooms. He stepped back, willing the crazy vision to go away.
"What... What is... Damon... Where?..." he spluttered incoherently.
"It's my fault," Rose said. "Let me explain."
She felt like she should admit to her mistake immediately. No point hiding it or making things worse by transforming the captain, of all people. She could sense she would make her whole mess worse. So she explained to Jurgen what she had done, who she was and what her mission was in the name of the king.
"What about Damon? Can you change him back?" asked the captain.
"Yes. But I will need to recharge my magic first, but resting or sleeping. It might take time."
"Then Damon should stay here. As long as he can keep himself discreet. Can he understand us still?"
"No," said the fairy. "Unfortunately."
Jurgen sighed. Damon started sniffing the ground and seemed interested in chomping on papers. Jurgen wanted to keep Damon's state a secret, for his own good. But how was he going to do this? Even braying would soon attract the astonished attention of the crew. And then Damon showed he was no ordinary donkey, making the situation a whole lot worse.