Free Too Many Curses by A. Lee Martinez

clutched the tooth that protected her, pulling it close.
    "What do you want?" Nessy asked.
    "Oh no. That is not how it works. First make your request. Then I tell you the price. Then we negotiate until we find an agreement suitable to both of us. Or, if this is not possible, I simply consume your soul."
    Nessy backed away.
    The firefly chuckled. "I jest, Nessy. You are always free to walk away, free to leave me behind and never enter The Purple Room again. Why would I harm you, leaving me to my loneliness? How could I harm you, such a sweet, lovely, tasty girl? The advantage is all yours, as anyone can plainly tell."
    "You're trying to trick me." Nessy didn't know why she said it, other than that she had a tendency to say things she thought.

    "I'm not trying to trick you. Not yet. I will when the bargain is being struck. Both of us know that, and I'll not insult you by denying it. But the bargain has yet to be struck, and it won't be until you let me know what you need." The demon flew close to Nessy's eyes, and though it was difficult to read a bug's face, Nessy thought she detected a dangerous smile across her mandibles. "Then we can begin the trickery."
    Nessy stepped back. "There's a hellhound in the castle."
    The firefly flitted about. "The hellhound is free, set loose to devour all the improperly deceased things roaming about."
    "You knew?"
    "I know many things. Haven't we discussed this? Secrets are my calling, as tending this castle is yours. I brought the hound here. By Margle's command, despite my advice against it. They are very difficult to contain."
    "Can you send it back?"
    "If only it were that easy, Nessy. If only. But my control over the beast requires it be in my presence. If you could bring it to me, I could banish it back whence it came. If I were free of my own prison, I could easily track it down for you and dispatch it. But neither seems a likely possibility."
    "No."
    The firefly blazed an innocent white. "Oh, no. Of coursenot. Even if you knew the proper magic to undo my binding, which you obviously don't, you would be a fool to release me. And you are certainly no fool. So what is it you want of me then? Information, I suppose. One of my secrets that I do cherish so."
    "How do I stop the hound?"
    "I must admit a small surprise that you would bother. It isn't a danger to you so long as you leave it to its business. Would you be willing to risk your life for these half-living creatures which by all rights don't belong in this world?" The demon whipped high into the air until she was a mere yellow point. "Don't answer. I see it evident in your soul. You honestly care for them. I'm touched by this. I truly am. And if any demon possessed an ounce of charity, I would be tempted to answer your question for free. Alas, I am deprived of such grace. But I will help you. And as for payment . . ." She paused as if distracted and flew gently lower. "All I ask for is a single lump of coal."
    "Agreed." Nessy didn't even think about it.
    "What?" The firefly landed at Nessy's feet. "My first request? My dear girl, I don't know if anyone's ever taken the time to instruct you on the finer points of demonic negotiations, but you are never to give a demon the first thing she asks for."
    "I know, but I also know that you are far more cunning and manipulative than I could ever hope to be. Trying to outwit you would be a waste of both our time. Whateveryou ask will most certainly be trouble later, but I will deal with that when I must."
    The demon laughed long and heartily. "Oh, how wonderful. How delightful. You are a marvelous rarity. Two kinds of idiots barter with demons. Desperate fools who think they've nothing to lose, and arrogant imbeciles who think they can somehow best us at our own game. How adorable to meet someone who is neither. Then it is my secrets for your coal." She took to the air, glowing with a dazzling red fire. Her voice boomed. "The bargain is struck."
    "Shall I fetch the coal?"
    The demon's voice