One way to sniff out a true magic user, as opposed to a mere charlatan.

He changed weed-killer into water, eh? Call us back when he's changed water into wine!

Oh, Hauke, by this point I may be devolving into a fanboy, but what brilliance! I can't help but smile when I think about "liability insurance" for venomous folk or insect rights activists or commodifying mythical powers. Curious about Arthur's motives—the first thought that came to mind was guerilla environmentalism. Like he's a Rachel Carson warning about the imminent danger of pesticides.

Also, I like the little plot point about Wahl's cut muzzle. I thought it was a clever way to sneak in characterization without too much exposition.

I had imagined that it happened just because Arthur looked back and forth several times, moving his head up and down while he looked for a particular product. I wanted to write more about this organization, the Patronage, and after talking with a friend of mine,  space_salaman I found this:

“Now the animals mark well the poison and do not dare to drink, and they wait for the unicorn. It comes and immediately goes into the lake, and making with his horn the sign of the cross, renders the power of the poison harmless” (-Freeman, 1983)

And I thought maybe it could have all been accidental! Just the sort of thing you might need insurance to cover.

Where is that quote from?

Freeman, Margaret (1983). La chasse à la licorne: prestigieuse tenture française des Cloisters (in French)

You can find the translated quote on the Wikipedia entry for "Unicorn Horn".

Ah I see, thanks!

Ok, that is quite funny. A rather precarious existence to live, though: making sure you never nod after shaking your head. And you've introduced me to mythie Wikipedia; I may explore this, so thank you!

now I really enjoyed that Professor...

Vix

Thank you!

Another great piece, I really like this story-universe!

Why do I get the feeling Chris might have some surprises in store after his accidental cut with the dormant shape-shifter?

One question though, what are their intentions with the unicorn? If I read correctly the recruitment spiel was just a trick? Also is Mr Shanstar bipedal or feral?

Thanks!

I started thinking about "The Patronage" as being an organization that tries to recruit and control useful mythological creatures. I haven't sat down to really draw up an organization chart or anything like that, but they get you on the hook by making certain problems go away. If you owe them a favor, then in the same fashion as a mob Godfather, you feel obligated to step up if they lean on you.

I pictured Arthur as anthro: hooves for feet, but hands. Being in tune with nature he probably wouldn't want to live in four walls with a roof; and if he really could cure people or drive out poisons, well, there are a few wealthy individuals who could use some detoxes! If Arthur didn't want to help out, that's fine, it's his choice...but it'd be a shame if those legal troubles he thought were behind him flared up again, or that income he was dreaming of suddenly got yanked away. Such a shame.

I'd made them up as a hassle for Hauke to deal with more than someone like Arthur. Someone who can accidentally make you turn into a rock would probably have a few more problems for fixers like these to handle.

This was really cool to read. The cut nose being healed and the insurance company angle were really nice touches.

The insurance angle is how they hooked me! :>

That, and sort of making mistakes "go away".

The one and the same, though I haven't pinned down when the fox is operating. They could all be contemporaries! The Patronage has interests all over.