It’s #BookQW and sometimes people ‘need’ more magic than they have.
More from Chapter 2:
Fern gasped, her mind blank for a moment as she tried to keep up. “You are on… What do you mean my trial?”
“Aye. You asked me to stop keeping secrets from you and the time has come for that.” Gran’s brow creased, her bony fingers crushing Fern’s. “Your work on the Meadows is a test to see if you can restore the land despite having no magic yourself. However, I didna tell them you have no magic. Nor that you are Heather’s child. Keep it secret you are my granddaughter until you pass. Then we shall fix that, best we can. But your mother’s blessing—do you have it?”
“Geez, Gran! I thought we’d tell her together.” Fern’s voice rose. Stressed out much? She clenched Gran’s hand, although what she really wanted to do was throw someone to the ground. “And just how will I do these things? A magical place needs magic.”
“Shh. I have but a minute, dear. I know you’re up to taking charge. ’Tis clear you’ve inherited the touch and tha’ is enough. Because I lifted the barrier that kept others out of the Meadows, they are seeing the lovely flowers you have grown and know it is all your doing. But with the barrier gone”—Gran raised a finger—“take care if you see flickering along our boundaries.”
That was why she wasn’t allowed off the property? And never saw anyone else here either? “No nasty neighbors, then?”
“None,” Gran said cheerily. “In fact”—she dropped her voice as the screen door creaked—“I’ve arranged some help for you, though I have no doubt you can complete our work. Stick to the rules.”
At the doorway, Sir Humus poked in his white-haired head at a height that matched Fern’s. “Lark Fields, you know very well a minute is up. Come along now.” He waved a small, tan globe—glass—attached to his watch chain. “Good day, Mistress Fern.” With a nod, he retreated.
Gran pulled Fern down, as if to kiss her cheek, but instead whispered, “I wish you hadn’t been late, lass. Finish your list as best you can. Get your mother’s blessing. And please feed Hilda,” she added louder. Then she pointed at the guinea pig, said, “You be good!” and went outside, the birds with her.
~~~
A green thumb only gets a girl so far. Will Fern be able to prove managing the Meadows is her birthright and save her grandmother’s land?
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