It’s #BookQW and Cor learns an ‘important’ lesson.
More of the excerpt from Chapter 14:
“I’m not leaving.” Cor pounded a fist. “This is the most amazing forest I’ve been to. You promised you’d get me an intern—apprenticeship here.” He stepped closer, trying despite his shorter height to glare down at Fern. “Have you tried? You weren’t even here today.”
Beri came close behind her shoulder. “Don’t push it, mate.”
“I have school,” she said through clenched teeth. “And unlike some people, I have to pass. On top of studying, I have chores.” She gestured to her bee suit.
Cor didn’t back off with the two of them looming over him. “I’ll do chores for you while you butter up the old lady.’”
Beri huffed, and Fern reached back and grasped his arm. “First off,” she said to Cor, “you don’t refer to her as ‘the old lady.’”
“She is Lady Pina, the Witch of the Pines,” Beri said gruffly.
Cor’s hands flew up. “Right. I’ll try to call her Lady Pina.”
“Try? Like you’re asking Fern to try?”
Cor stuck out his chin.
Beri crossed his arms. “I ken you have an issue showing respect, after the way you tricked Fern. Yet I’d think Lady Pina’s position as an elder in this enclave and the head of the habitat you wish to work for should garner her something.”
Cor shoved his fingers into his hair and stretched several coils. “Bloody—fine, I get it. She’s important. Lady Pina. Got it. Chores. I got that, too. What do you need done? Feed the bees?” He reached for the jug.
Fern let him take it. “You know what to do?”
“Yeah. We—they keep bees at the estate.”
“I’m done for today, but…”
“What? I’ll do it.”
Cor sounded exasperated. He also sounded sincere. If he helped plant—and held her arm like he had during the pereport—she could use her magic for her fall seed planting. Fern nodded. “More sugar water needs to be made and the feeders filled again tomorrow. I have seed heads to collect from various parts of the meadow and others to put down. I’d have to show you the map and locations, but everything is labeled already. You know how to plant wildflowers from pots?”
“Never done flowers, but it can’t be too different than trees, right? Dig a hole twice the size, break up any root-bound areas, back fill to keep the root ball at the surrounding soil level, plant and water.”
Exactly what she’d been about to show him. The tightness in her shoulders eased, and she rolled them back. If he did her chores, she’d have the time to pursue his apprenticeship. “I add compost to give them an extra boost. Can you also see to the watering for the next week?”
Cor grinned. “As long as you make sure I’m around.”
* * *
Want to know more about this scheming teen? Meet Cor here.
It’s the countdown for Guardian of the Pines: In 16 days, on Arbor Day, April 26, 2019, it releases.
Be like Cor & take advantage of the .99 preorder sale.
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