Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
“Iwonder how these weather conditions are going to affect my field studies,” Aurielle said as the four of us sat down in the teahouse for dinner two days later. “The whole northern half of the state has been having an abnormally wet winter.”
I swirled the spoon in my bowl, trying not to let my eyes wander to Feathergrass.
Unlike Professor East, who had a relaxed mentoring style of leadership, Feathergrass was proving to be a micromanager.
It was only the first week of the new term, and already, he was traipsing from class to class, assessing the curriculum.
“When will your field study start back up, B? Didn’t you say your mentor went to Italy for winter break?” Yasmin asked, redrawing my attention.
“That’s a good question,” I said. Petra hadn’t given me a firm date on when she would return from Italy. With the replacement of Professor East, I was more eager than ever to regain access to my powers. The sooner my studies with her resumed, the better.
“Probably classified, like the rest of your assignment,” Yasmin said playfully.
“Speaking of field study assignments,” Coral said, “I got word that my project is going to be expanding. We’re joining forces with another group and broadening our focus.”
“Does that mean the location will change?” I asked.
“Not sure. But it will be nice to absorb another person. My advisor is an excellent scientist, but they’re not the best conversationalist to be stuck in the woods with all day.”
“Do you know who is joining you yet?” Yasmin asked.
“I should find out tomorrow,” Coral said brightly.
“So, B, is everything in order for… you know?” Aurielle raised her eyebrows.
It was a huge weight off my shoulders to bring my friends into the loop on the Root and Vine Society’s work, but they weren’t as used to keeping things quiet as I was.
I lowered my voice to barely above a mumbled breath.
“Callan reached out to Nevah yesterday. She’s working on a formal invite for Nalin to do some research next week.
I’ll be a bit of a stowaway.” I had planned to go under the premise of research as well, but since Feathergrass was here and the board was keeping such a close eye on the school—and me in particular—it would be suspicious for me to go there openly.
If anyone was tracking my movements, then leading them right to the aquatics conservatory, where we thought the Vanished Compendium was stored, would be a disastrous outcome.
“How are you going to manage that?” Aurielle asked.
“I’m going to poison myself.”
Coral laughed then frowned when she saw the look on my face. “Wait. You’re not serious, are you?”
I nodded. Callan and I had concocted the plan the previous day. “I need to be legitimately sick to call out of classes for a few days. Which means we need something Professor Sage can’t easily cure.”
“But, B, how can you go on the mission if you’re in a sickbed?” Yasmin asked, her face full of concern.
“Once I get off campus, I’ll have access to my defensive powers and can dispel the poison.
” No one knew how far my powers had advanced in that affinity because of my classified field studies assignment, and I was banking on Feathergrass assuming my defensive skills were still quite weak.
“We’ll make it seem like I’m going to my aunt’s house to recover, then I’ll meet up with Nalin and travel to…
you-know-where.” I still didn’t want to say the words Florida or aquatics conservatory out loud, just in case.
Callan’s regular sweeps for scouting vines were still in place, but perhaps Feathergrass had some botanical magic up his sleeve that none of us knew about.
“I don’t know, B. That seems unnecessarily risky,” Yasmin said, worrying her lip.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve built up a bit of a tolerance in my field studies.” I didn’t say more, and my friends nodded tightly.
“Ahoy, fellow ferns.”
A deep voice caught all our attention, and we looked up to see Hollis appearing behind Coral, who barely hid her scowl.
“Looks like you and I are about to be partners,” Hollis said, settling his gaze on Coral.
“You?” she asked, the shock evident on her face. “You’re my new field studies partner?”
“You seem thrilled,” Hollis said, a touch of amusement oozing through his confident tone.
“You’d better be ready to go by eight sharp. And no antics when we’re traveling. Or when we’re researching. Just no antics generally. Got it?”
Hollis put up his hands. “I’ll be on my best behavior. Any other requests?”
Coral scowled. “Pack your own equipment. I won’t be carrying supplies for both of us.”
Hollis saluted. “Yes, ma’am.” Then he winked at the rest of us and walked away.
Coral’s shoulders slumped forward. “So much for promising. Could my luck be any worse? I doubt founders’ descendants have ever had to carry their own packs.”
I let out a soft laugh. “He’s not as bad as you think, Coral. Give him a chance. And Callan always carries his weight on projects.”
“Rhodes and Hollis cannot be compared. One has proven himself, and the other… Well, you all had better be prepared for lots of complaining when I get back.”
“Sorry, Coral,” Yasmin said sympathetically. “I’ll brew you a tea for good temper tomorrow to help you put up with him.” She turned to me. “And apparently, we’re going to brew you some poison.”