01 Shadows of the Redwood by Gillian Summers

Author:Gillian Summers
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Fairies
Publisher: Flux is an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.
Published: 2010-05-31T22:00:00+00:00

Keelie stroked the pear tree’s smooth trunk. She’d propped him against a friendly willow so that he could soak his roots in the creek that flowed through the rear of the school property. The tree was finally calming down.

Sean sat on the bank next to it and watched the kids playing on the school’s fields. “Soccer seems to be a fun game.”

“Only if you’re not forced to play it.”

Laurie and Risa had gone to the local Orchard Supply Hardware store to buy a shovel, leaving Keelie and Sean to babysit the tree.

Knot chased a butterfly over some rocks in the creek. “Don’t get wet, kitty,” Keelie warned him. “Laurie doesn’t want to drive around with a soggy cat.” There was a splash and an angry yowl. Knot never listened.

Philia, the willow, was crooning to the little tree in a sweet motherly tone. He’s barely older than an acorn.

Keelie patted the pear tree’s trunk. I think he’ll be happy here.

The little tree showed Keelie his face, snub-nose and little eyes pushing through its bark. Thank you, tree shepherdess.

You’re welcome. A dark blur whizzed by, followed by two others. Knot froze, intent on their movement. Feithid daoine. Keelie grinned at the bug fairies.

“Well, well, isn’t this a lovely little scene,” a voice said nearby.

Startled, Keelie looked up. It was the coyote, facing her from the opposite bank. His gold and brown fur almost blended with the woods.

Sean jumped up. “Is that a wolf?”

“No, just a coyote. They’re like rats, shaped like dogs.” Keelie glared at the coyote.

“I’ve never seen a talking rat. Or a talking wolf.” Sean stared at the coyote. “But that’s not a natural being. I smell fae.”

“You catch on quickly.” A breeze blew and the coyote turned to face it, laughing as the wind ruffled his fur.

“I saw you at the park,” Keelie said. “You didn’t talk then.”

“Nice park. Nice old tree. He’s been filling me in on you.” The coyote yawned, showing sharp canine teeth.

Knot bolted up beside Keelie and shook his fur off. Water droplets sprinkled her. He glared at the coyote.

“Yeah, well, that’s one reason why I’m here. I’ve been sent to keep an eye on you, too,” the coyote told Keelie.

Knot hissed.

The coyote’s ears moved forward. “He’s not happy. Competition for your affections, plus he thinks he should be your only guardian.”

Sean laughed.

Keelie looked from Knot to the coyote. “I don’t think you’re my type.”

“You’ll grow to like me. Chicks dig boys on the wild side.” The coyote wiggled his ears like he thought he was being sexy or something.

“Who sent you?”

The coyote scratched an ear with his hind foot. “Let’s just say you have friends in high places.”

“You’re a fairy, right?”

“You got it, Einstein.”

Knot hissed. “Yeow poser.”

Keelie stared down at Knot. “Wow, you must really hate him. I like him better already.”

Knot ignored her and washed his butt.

“I don’t know what you need to plant a tree,” Laurie said, as she arrived carrying a shovel, a watering can, and a bag of plant food. Her hair was disheveled and she had a smudge of dirt on her nose.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.