Conway's Curse by Patric Michael

with a snack,” Kail said, sagging. Conway caught him smoothly and settled the already sleeping sprite in the crook of his arm.
     
    “I’ll be right back.”
     
    Tion watched for a moment as Conway carried Kail up the stairs, and then he turned back to the table. He took Kail’s seat and faced the wizard.
     
    “Can I ask you a question?”
     
    The softness in Wylde’s face as he followed Conway’s progress hardened as he turned back to the table. “Sure.”
     
    “Will you help us with the woof?”
     
    Wylde’s face knotted, and he looked away. Em was murmuring to Tildie, who was shaking her head and weeping. He stared at the scene for a long time before turning back to Tion. “Like I was telling your… friend, I’m not sure I can. I’ve never seen one that big, and certainly not one strong enough to attack in sunlight.”
     
    Tion nodded, and Marvin groaned. The innkeeper had given up greeting new arrivals and let the serving wench handle the ale pitcher. “Can we drive it away, maybe?”
     
    Wylde shook his head. “I doubt it. At least, not until it runs out of food.”
     
    “‘ Food’ , he says.” Marvin scowled. “I can’t say as I like that.”
     
    Wylde shrugged. “What else would a woof want?”
     
    Tion spoke up. “Wylde, isn’t there anything we can do?”
     
    “If there is, it’s nothing I have magic for.”
     
    Conway sat down beside Tion. “He’s out like a lamp,” he murmured. Louder, he said, “Can I ask you a question, Mr. Wizard?”
     
    “If you’ll agree to call me Wylde.”
     
    Conway blinked. “Okay. I was told humans can’t do magic.” He glanced at Tion, who shrugged.
     
    Wylde shook his head. “That’s a myth. Humans can do magic. They just aren’t magic, so they, we, have to study it. All it takes is a willingness to learn and a natural ability.”
     
    “Oh. Okay.” Conway slumped in his chair. “Thank you.”
     
    “I could teach you a few things,” Wylde said. “If you were interested, I mean.”
     
    “That doesn’t exactly help us with the woof problem,” Marvin muttered. He dug a match from the pocket of his apron and lit the table lamp.
     
    “No, it doesn’t,” Wylde replied angrily. “I’m sorry. I wish I could help.”
     
    “So d’ I,” Marvin said tightly. “I’ve work t’ do,” he said, moving from table to table to light the rest of the lamps against the coming night.
     
    “Looks like I made a new friend,” Wylde said, draining his mug before reaching for the pitcher.
     
    “He’s only worried about his village,” Conway said stiffly. “We all are.”
     
    “Naturally.” Wylde hefted the ale pitcher and poured the dregs into his mug. He grimaced as he swallowed. “What?” he asked.
     
    Conway scowled. “You make it sound like a bad thing.”
     
    “Maybe. But only because worrying about something you can’t control is pointless.”
     
    “Are you saying it’s pointless to be concerned about your family and friends being eaten?” Blue fire smoldered in Tion’s eyes.
     
    “Don’t flash your eyes at me, sprite,” Wylde snapped. “I’ve been glowered at by better men than you, and for a lot less.”
     
    “Mr. Wylde,” Conway began. “Tion is my friend. I will thank you very much to remember that.”
     
    Wylde studied Conway for a long moment. Then he sighed and sat back in his chair. “Look. All I’m saying is that simply worrying is useless if you don’t do something about the problem.”
     
    “They did do something!” Tion cried, exasperated by the wizard’s callousness. “They hired you.”
     
    “No,” Wylde said tightly. “They summoned me. They didn’t bother to check if I was right for the job, and they didn’t bother to ask if I were willing, they just yanked me out of my life to save their asses while they sat back and watched from the window.” Vehemence rose from the wizard’s voice as he spoke, until Conway touched his arm.
     
    “Don’t you think desperation is