Chapter 56
Chapter Fifty-Six
“Hello, botanists,” Professor East said once the group had finally settled back into their seats.
Wyatt stood sentinel by the door, listening but keeping an eye on the street as if he were Professor East’s personal bodyguard.
“I’m sorry to have had to stay away all this time. I figured it was better for those at the academy to think I had gone away quietly and focus my efforts elsewhere. I knew you all would do our school and society proud, and it appears I was right.”
“Have you come to join the fight?” Kaito asked, perched on the edge of his seat.
“Of course. Though I’m sure you’re using the word ‘fight’ in a metaphorical sense,” Professor East said.
I bit back a smile. “Has Wyatt told you our plan, then?”
“Most of it. I’ve heard there have been some recent developments.”
“Then let’s get you up to speed,” I said, taking the lead. “While you’ve been away, I learned how to create new Floracantus.”
Professor East nodded as if he weren’t surprised. “Very good, Ms. Whelan.”
“We’ve also studied the enchantment that was used when the verdant shield was put in place.
Our plan is for me to override it and replace it with a new version of the Floracantus.
One that founders’ descendants alone no longer control.
We plan to implement it during the charging window on the spring equinox. ”
“We’re going to sneak extra people onto campus to help protect the area while Briar is charging,” Meadow said. “We created a few more pendants for the petal portals last night. I assume those portals are no secret to you?”
Professor East nodded, a smile gracing his lips. “I’ve been known to use them a time or two.”
Callan spoke up next. “Hollis and I scouted out the charging circle last night. Feathergrass has surrounded the area with sandhill rosemary. It was clever, actually. Those grasses use allelopathy to inhibit the growth of other plants. They have been magically enhanced, and there’s a ten-foot cleared area around the charging circle where no other plants can grow.
We couldn’t put down scouting vines or anything that might lead to our advantage.
We know Briar can get through because she won Capture the Roses, but we would like to have a few others there to support her if she needs it.
Ravenna, do you think you could undo his Floracantus to make the sandhill rosemary less potent? ”
Ravenna’s brow furrowed. “Feathergrass is famous for that sort of Floracantus. I don’t think I’ll be strong enough to overpower it. Maybe with Briar’s help?” The grasses affinity botanist turned to me.
“I can try, but I have a feeling Feathergrass has set up sensors, so he’ll know if we do it. I think we may be better off leaving his charms in place so that he has no reason to suspect his defenses are down.”
“Lull him into a false sense of security,” Hollis said. “I like it.”
Callan’s face was tight, his arms crossed, and I could tell he was contemplating the situation. “It will mean Briar is going into the charging circle alone. If anyone else goes through and his defenses are still up, he’ll know.”
I could tell by the tone of his voice he wasn’t happy about that. He had wanted to go with me to the charging circle if possible. He didn’t like any idea that potentially put me in harm’s way, but it seemed we had no other choice.
Professor East looked approvingly around the room. “You all have done good work here. The things to remember as we go into the spring equinox are to expect the unexpected, be prepared to adapt, and always have the plants on your side.”
“Good advice,” Callan said, nodding to Professor East. “Now, let’s talk about how we’re going to get you reinstated.”