Hexed

incorrectly, then I get the sword? «
    » No, the sword makes sure you answer correctly. It’s kind of special that way. «
    Malina narrowed her eyes. » What sort of questions? «
    » Nothing about your coven’s secrets, nothing personal. They regard my immediate safety only. «
    » Do I get a quid pro quo? «
    I sighed. Everything with this witch was a negotiation. » I freely tell you I have no intention of attacking you without being attacked first. «
    » I already knew that. I want to know about your magic. «
    » No, that is not a quid pro quo. « I shook my head. » The value is not the same. «
    Malina raised her eyebrows. » You are suggesting that innocent questions about your magical abilities are more important than questions of your immediate safety? «
    » Of course, for the answer to the latter will do me no good past this evening, and the former will inform you forever. «
    » I am too upset to enjoy fencing with you about this. Ask your questions about personal safety. «
    I raised Fragarach slowly, deliberately, and pointed it at Malina’s throat. » Freagróidh tú, « I said in Irish, and Fragarach turned cold in my hand, its blade gleaming blue and enveloping Malina’s head in a soft cloud of cyan light. The witch blinked.
    » The sword can cast a spell? « she said. » Most unusual. Was this the reason Aenghus Óg wanted the sword so much? « I was sure it was one of the reasons, but the true answer had more to do with Fae politics and a personal vendetta against me. I had not come to discuss my sword’s magical capabilities.
    » I’ll ask the questions, « I replied. » Did you have anything to do with the attempt on my life tonight, or do you have any knowledge of who might have been involved? «
    » I personally had nothing to do with it, nor did any from my coven, but I do have knowledge of who might have been involved. «
    The temptation to ask » Who? « was nearly overwhelming, but I bit it back; it could wait, and I only had one question left. I carefully composed it, then asked, » Do you, or any other person, creature, or spirit within your home, intend to cast any spell on me while in the building, or are there enchantments that I may unknowingly trigger during my visit? «
    » Neither I nor any other person, creature, or spirit in my home intends to cast a spell on you. I do not wish to tell you about our enchantments, for I feel that intrudes uncomfortably into the area of coven secrets, which you promised not to explore.… « Malina frowned for a moment and then continued, her eyes widening as she realized she could not stop herself. » But of course you tripped an enchantment the moment you walked into the building, as all nonresidents do—a simple low-level alert. And another that identified you as carrying a magical item. And then another in the hallway that— Zorya Vechernyaya, zamknij mi usta! «
    I really needed to pick up some Polish if I was going to continue dealing with Malina, though I did catch that she invoked one of the Zoryas, the star goddesses from whom her coven derived its power. » Whatever you’re trying, it won’t work, « I said. » You must answer the question fully before you are released. You were speaking of an enchantment in the hallway. «
    Malina decided to try a physical response: She attempted to slam the door in my face, or at least made an abortive movement as if she wanted to do so; that was when she discovered Fragarach wouldn’t let her move more than a couple of inches. Since the sword’s enchantment had been originally intended to interrogate highly hostile enemies, it was a defensive measure more than anything else—can’t have people stabbing you when you’re pumping them for information. I smiled gently and said nothing. The only way she could be free now was to answer the question, and the spell would compel her to speak soon enough if she insisted on being silent.
    She insisted.
    Fifteen seconds later—a decent holdout—she was telling me everything about the hallway and glowering at me for it as her volubility waxed.
    » The hallway has an enchantment that removes a few hairs from your head if you do not live on this floor. Crossing the threshold of my door will do the same thing. There is a knife in my kitchen that will slice into your fingers if you try to use it, thereby producing blood we may seize upon. And if you use our bathroom, your waste will be stored for later use. «
    » Eww, gross, « I said. First