Cheating Warlock.
The prompt was "You're a damned fine warlock, McGullity, but you're a loose cannon!" I wasn’t sure what to do with it but I hope you like it nevertheless.
The full short story is under the cut.
"You're a damned fine warlock, McGullity, but you're a loose cannon!"
"What do you mean?"
McGullity looked at Eadgar. He looked at him thoughtfully. The magic sparked around him with an intensity that had other patrons in the tavern backing away. Amelina watched the exchange from a distance. Part of her still couldn't believe Eadgar had somehow roped the infamous warlock into their schemes. He would be a great help to them, no doubt about it; she simply had never expected him to agree.
Before McGullity could reply, a rowdy group kicked open the door and ambled in. Amelina recognized them instantly; the group who had been making fools of themselves on the square. They had been daring each other to do one stupid thing or another, they had been calling out to the women who hurried past, they had been laughing and stumbling across the cobbles until one of them had falling into the fountain, which had only made them laugh more.
Now, they walked into the tavern like they owned the place.
One look around and they zeroed in on the warlock. Amelina and Eadgar exchanged a look. How long before one would gather the courage to approach him. Apparently, it didn't take long. The brave man had brown hair pulled back with a leather band, a messy beard, and was flushed with wine.
"You, warlock," he called out. Amelina all but face-palmed herself. The idiot. "They say you have never won a game of cards fair and square." By that point, all patrons held their breath. While everyone knew it to be true, everyone also knew better than to mention it out loud. The drunkard stumbled forward, clumsily maneuvering between the tables until he reached McGullity's side. With one of his fingers, he poked the warlock in the chest. "I dare you to play me fair and square. No magic. No cheating. Winner takes all."
McGullity looked down at the man impassively. He appeared to be considering the offer.
"I refuse."
"I am not giving you the possibility to refuse," the drunkard insisted. By then, his friends had gathered behind him, eager to see how this would play out. In fact, everyone was eager to see how this would play out.
"I still refuse."
"Listen here, warlock," the man started, jabbing his finger once more at McGullity's chest.
Before he could finish whatever he had been about to say, the warlock snapped his finger. Once the smoke cleared, the man had disappeared. Instead, there was a horse. The animal stumbled clumsily on its legs. The warlock turned to Eadgar, "I appear to have solved my transportation issue. Although the horse will need a few hours to sober up. We can leave in the morning as you wished."
With another snap of his fingers, a bridle appeared on the horse. The warlock casually took the reins and led the animal outside. Amelina cast Eadgar a horrified look. He shrugged, as if to say, "Warlocks. What can you do?"
