Conway's Curse by Patric Michael Page B

from the narrow gap between two of the oldest stone buildings, calling for the villagers to bring weapons. The woof whirled and charged, but the figure slipped back into the gap, apparently relying on the beast’s size and the narrow gap to keep him safe.
     
    “We’ve got to help him,” Tion said, scrambling into his clothes.
     
    “What in the hell can we do, Tion? Look at us!” Kail pulled on his breeches and boots and grabbed a shirt.
     
    “I don’t know, damn it! We’re little, aren’t we? Maybe we can distract the thing and hide, like he did.” Tion pulled his shirt over his head. “All I know is we can't let anyone else get killed by that thing.”
     
    “But why, Tion? They’re just humans.”
     
    Tion froze. “Conway is human, you bastard.” He spoke coldly as he cinched his belt. “I don’t know you right now.”
     
    “Conway’s different!” Kail shouted at Tion’s back as his partner left the room with the human in tow.
     
    “He’s right, you know. This isn’t your fight.”
     
    “It’s not yours, either. You don’t even live here, and yet here we are.” Tion pounded on doors as he ran for the stairs. Conway stopped long enough to beat on the door to his old room. He ran after Tion without waiting for a response.
     
    Marvin was already stoking the big fireplace as Em lit the lamps. He was still in his nightshirt but had managed to get his boots on, at least. Outside, the woof howled again.
     
    “The damn thing has never come into the village before,” Marvin said. He turned to Conway, who was taking the skillet from its peg. “What do you think you’re doing?”
     
    “There’s a man outside that needs help,” Conway said simply. “We’re going to help him.”
     
    “Wait for me.”
     
    Tion paused at the door and turned to look. Wylde descended the stairs as he spoke. “I don’t think I’ll be much use, but I’ll try.”
     
    Conway nodded and stood beside Tion. Kail followed the wizard down the stairs. “Me too, but I’m already gonna need a clean pair of pants.”
     
    “Marvin, how much lamp oil do you have?” Wylde asked. He lifted the lamp hanging beside the door.
     
    “A half case of small barrels or so, why? What are you thinking?”
     
    “That I have no intention of dying in the dark. We need light, and if I have something to hand that will burn, I can give us some.” Marvin scurried toward the kitchen, and Wylde turned to Conway. “Come here, lad.” He put one hand on Conway’s head and the other on the huge frying pan. “Hold still.” The wizard muttered something strange and stepped back. Bright blue light flashed, blinding Tion for a moment. When he could see again, Conway held a large shield nearly as long as he was tall.
     
    “It’ll take its strength from you, Conway, and it probably won’t hold its shape for long, but hopefully it will help.” Wylde motioned to the sprites. “You two, grab a stick of firewood. Hurry!”
     
    Outside, Tion heard men yelling and the woof snarling. Someone screamed beyond the window as he ran to the wood crib and snatched two lengths of wood. He tossed one to Kail and stood before the wizard. “Wylde, I….”
     
    “Hush now.” The wizard spoke gruffly. “You were right, and no matter what happens, I’m in your debt.” He grasped the firewood in the sprites’ hands and closed his eyes.
     
    Blue light flared and swirled as the wizard muttered. It died away slowly this time, and instead of firewood, Tion held a gleaming pike in both hands. Kail held its twin.
     
    “They won’t break,” Wylde said, gasping a little, “but they’re no good if there is no one to use them. Stay close to each other.”
     
    Tion and Kail looked at each other sheepishly. Mute apology nevertheless sang out, and Kail nodded, smiling fiercely. Both sprites glowed as soft red light surrounded them and deepened to the bright orange of molten metal.
     
    Marvin came back with a cask under each arm. “What’re you