"Blake L Wilfong - The Good Witch" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wilfong Blake L)

The Good WitchThe Good Witch
by Blake Linton Wilfong



Editor's Notes by Blake Linton Wilfong
"The Good Witch" appeared in the Winter 1998 issue (#38) of Marion
Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine. Readers voted this story a winner in
the Cauldron competition, ranking it among the magazine's top 12 that
year.
Featuring both Satan and spellcasting, "The Good Witch" is clearly
fantasy. But it also qualifies as borderline SF in the scientific
description of the way one of the witch's spells is used. Regardless of
your preference, it is fun to read.
I wish to thank Marion Zimmer Bradley for accepting works by unknown
authors, and Barb Armata for the beautiful illustration that accompanied
my story in print.


"Get real."
Sheila Marsh was reviewing patient records in her office when the intercom
buzzed. It was the receptionist:
"Dr. Marsh, there's a Mr. Lucifer here to see you."
Sheila sighed. "Send him in and hold all calls."
A tall, red figure in a business suit entered. He removed his hat and sunglasses
to reveal small horns and glowing eyes.
The Prince of Darkness leaned over Sheila's desk menacingly. "What the blazes do
you think you're doing?" he bellowed.
"I'm the president and CEO of Marsh Rehabilitation, Inc.," Sheila answered
calmly. "I use the 'spell of hatred' you gave me to make addicts hate the drugs
to which they're addicted. The profits go to charity."
"You can't do that!" the devil cried. "You're a witch. You're supposed to wear a
pointy hat, fly around on a broomstick, and be evil!"
"Get real. This is the 20th century. Besides, our contract doesn't stipulate any
of those things," Sheila retorted.
The Devil grunted and pulled a document from his breast pocket. "The contract we
signed does clearly state that in exchange for the continuing use of one spell,
you agree to wreak unhappiness and discontent!"
Sheila removed a file folder from a desk drawer and waved it before Satan's
nose. "Here are the names and phone numbers of all the physicians and clinics
that cared for my patients before they came to Marsh Rehabilitation. I can
assure you, I am making everyone on this list unhappy! They've lost a fortune.
And the drug lords and pushers are becoming more discontented by the minute."
Satan turned a darker shade of red and returned the contract to his pocket. His
next words were ominously quiet and controlled: "You think you're clever, don't
you? I can't go back on my contract, but I can change which spell I let you use.
I hereby retract the 'spell of hatred' and give you the 'spell of sickness'. The
words of the spell are illaroth avagore." He smiled fiendishly. "Just try
thinking of a way to use that for good deeds!"
The Devil donned his sunglasses and hat. He left, whistling a melody from Faust.