That's what you people never understand," said Renewing, wearily. "You think magic is just something you can pick up and use like a, a -""Parsnip?" said Nigel." Wine Bottle?" said the Serif." Something like that," said Renewing cautiously, but rallied somewhat and went on, "But the truth is, is -""Not like that?"" More like a wine bottle?" said the Serif, hopefully." Magic uses people," said Renewing hurriedly. "It affects you as much as you affect it, sort of thing. You can't mess around with magical things without it affecting you. I just thought I'd better warn you."" Like a wine bottle," said Creosote, "that -""- drinks you back," said Renewing.

Sourcery