Page 49 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

Thea grins. “Then we’ll go out there.”

She breezes by before the encounter can escalate. Past the rosy heat of the kitchen, the inside of Toad in the Hole is dark and cool. In the common room, tables and chairs, stools and stumps are arranged haphazardly all around the space, furniture suitable to accommodate guests in all shapes and forms.

The bar is an enormous tree, carved to suit the shape of the space. An artisan used magic to preserve the surface, enhancing it to a glorious sheen that highlights the pattern of the grain. Based on the char marring the sides, I suspect it suffered a mishap in a sudden storm. We try not to kill trees, but sometimes they expire, and we make use of the remains. Some find fae woodwork grisly; others won’t even work in stone for similar reasons, though true stone spirits are few and far between. And those that do remain are ancient, rarely stirring from their deep and ageless dreams.

A young hobgoblin with dark-green skin, light-brown hair, and radiant yellow eyes breaks into the widest smile imaginable when she spots Thea. “Is it really you?”

Thea yelps as they slam together in a vigorous embrace, but she holds on, beaming. “It is! I finally found you.”

“Didn’t even know you were searching,” the hobgoblin I presume is Taragon says. “Let me look at you.” She pauses. “I’d love to say you’re better than ever, but really, you could use a good washing up. Whatever have you been doing?”

“It’s a long story,” Thea tells her.

Taragon smiles, showing all her teeth. “An interesting one, I hope.”

“Definitely that.” She turns to me with a gesture. “This is Kerboros. He…” She hesitates, seeming unsure what to say.

I take solace in the fact that she’s not introducing me as Winter’s hound. “I am tasked with helping Thea,” I say simply.

“Taragon Toadpearl.” The hobgoblin greets me politely, adding, “It’s a pleasure.”

“I’m hoping to interest you in the quest as well. It’s juicy,” Thea adds.

“You have my attention. I gather you foresee needing my silver tongue?”

“That’s part of it,” Thea allows. “I do imagine we’ll need your talents before the journey is through. Are you in or are you in?”

Taragon laughs. “Have you forgotten that I was raised in a public house? Even from you, I would never accept the first offer. But let me get you both a drink while we talk. Negotiation is thirsty work.”

“Negotiation or reminiscence?” Thea asks with a smile.

A rather cunning look crosses Taragon’s face. “Can’t it be both?”

“It can! Of course it can.” Thea’s shoulders lower, tension releasing at Tara’s answer.

It seems that she might not have been certain that Taragon would be delighted about their reunion. Since they were childhood friends, she might feel awkward about showing up suddenly and asking for a favor. I’ve become rather experienced at gauging her moods, and right now, I believe she’s smiling with relief.

Thea adds, “Then I could use a drink. Do you have any cider?”

“Coming right up.” Taragon turns to me. “And what would you like?”

People rarely ask me this. “Honey wine, white blossom if you have it.”

“We certainly do,” Taragon replies. “Settle yourselves over there. I’ll join you in a jiffy.” She indicates a table at the back of the tavern.

23

A Spell for Concessions and Compromises

Betimes you’ll need people willing to hear what you have to say, mayhap with a favorable bent. Now, I would never use this handy charm to swindle someone, but the details, my gem—the details! You can gain a great deal of ground with a word, a nod, a smile or a wink, or a promise to find common ground.

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Once, I tried. And once, I failed. I used this one to try and make someone stay. It didn’t work. Of course it didn’t. Because that wasn’t a compromise that could be made. I just didn’t know it at the time. But if you choose wiser than I did, you’ll find it most helpful indeed. I’ve kept it simple so you can do it swiftly—without attracting undue attention.

This one is best cast in the shadows, done quick and quiet. You’ll need:

A pinch of cinnamon for your drink

A spark of magic to charge your charm