Middle East country

An oracle and a sorceress both lived in a Middle East country.

While the sorceress claimed great powers, she was never able to demonstrate them. Because of this, the soothsayer constantly ridiculed her in public.

This caused her reputation to suffer and she lived in poverty because she could make no money from her unique talent.

Then, one day, the seer ridiculed her in a particularly vicious way. Thoroughly incensed, the sorceress hurled a curse at him. Instantly, he became a large seagull.

Remarked a bystander, "That's the first time she's ever been able to tern a prophet!"