It’s #BookQW and Cor has no idea this conversation will get him ‘ahead’!
More from Chapter 4:
The other girl, however, gestured him ahead of her.
“Don’t you want to get your question in?” he asked her.
“Oh, no. Please go ahead.” Her name tag read Fern, Heir to the Witch of the Meadows, the Isle of Giuthas.
Giuthas, the island where the pines were. What the heck did the rest mean? Didn’t matter, he’d take the bump in line.
“…we take a measurement,” Lady Pina was saying, “but we haven’t had one fall in decades, and we certainly don’t risk introducing disease by taking a core sample of a healthy tree just to figure out an age. It’s rather a human thing to determine the value of a tree by age. I prefer to think of them in terms of connections. Connections to the macroorganisms they host, down to the micro. All contribute to their energy production, which is the main concern of Windborne when it comes to a tree of any age. You cannot discount the value of each tree to our livelihood.”
Brilliant. This lady had her priorities so straight. He had to talk to—
“I’m afraid we must set up for the next speaker,” Dr. Linford interrupted Lady Pina. “Could you continue this enlightening conversation in the corridor?” He flashed a smile and tilted his head to Cor. “Cor can show you out.”
“Yes,” he said a little too enthusiastically and swung into his usher wave.
Lady Pina followed his direction, but the wizard in the baggy tweed jacket, pushing up his glasses, kept pace with her. “I’m quite keen on seeing these unique specimens for myself.”
“I’m sure it’d be of value to your research,” Lady Pina said. “Send me your questions, and I’ll try to answer.”
The man bobbed his head. “Thank you. Thank you very much for your consideration.”
They’d reached the door, and the bloke walked off, apparently not realizing she hadn’t actually said he could come see the trees. That gives me the chance to get that invite.
“Lady Pina? I’m Cor.” He stuck out his hand. “Impressive species you’re managing over on Giuthas. It must be a delicate balance to support the big trees and yet still harvest the energy for the island’s shielding.”
She placed her delicate hand in his and shook firmly. “Thank you, young man. I do my best. I hope you’re enjoying your time at academy?”
Shoot, should he say he wasn’t a student there…or just move on? “It’s a grand place.”
“What are you studying?” She began walking down the corridor, but this was an invitation to talk, even though the tall witch was still waiting. She followed a step behind them.
“I have a, um, project researching the difference in species capacity to hold magic. The most promising is a study group of rowans I’ve saturated. They’ll hold my spells, including a self-energizing protective barrier I developed. The trees have maintained it for a month now against anything I throw at it. Insects, sticks, dogs that want to use the trunk as a fire hydrant, a kid I paid to try to climb it. I’d like to test a lightning strike, but I can’t in the city.”
“You’ve sealed off the tree?” she asked, like she’d heard wrong.
“No, no, not sealed it against wildlife. Just harm. Creatures that would naturally use the tree can breach the barrier. Fourteen species, so far, including fungus and lichens. I am continuing my observations.”
She paused and lifted a brow. “Oh? Who is your mentor?”
If he said Master Harold, the truth of this project would come out. “I-I’m looking for one. Would you consider taking me on for an internship?”
She shook her head and resumed walking.
Damn, wrong answer.
~~~
Pick up Guardian of the Pines to enjoy a sweet gay romance with a tree-crazy wizard teen!
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