Spirit of the Fallen by T. J. Green

Author:T. J. Green [Green, T. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-12-10T17:13:36+00:00

***

Briar looked at Shadow’s wound. “Good. This looks so much better. Far more so than I expected, actually.”

“I’m fey,” Shadow said nonchalantly, already feeling better. “I’ve always healed quickly, and beside, you are a very good healer.”

Briar’s eyes were wide, and she looked as if she were trying to suppress a smile. “Thank you. I wish I could say you were a better patient. You shouldn’t be walking on it so much.”

“There’s too much to do!”

They were in the sunroom at the back of Briar’s house, and Shadow was lying on the low couch pushed into the corner of the room. While Briar worked Shadow looked around at the plants and herbs growing on the sills, and the eclectic mix of decor. It was very Briar. Outside the window, in her tiny courtyard, a tangle of vines and climbing plants were already sending up bright green growth.

Briar said, “I’m going to put another poultice on it and strap it up, and then I want to see you tomorrow.” Her small hands were deft and sure, and as she dressed the wound, she said another spell. Once again, Shadow felt warmth creeping up her leg and across her body.

“Your magic is strong. I feel the Green Man’s spirit in you.”

Briar looked up. “He’s never far away anymore.”

There was a ring of bright green around Briar’s dark eyes that Shadow didn’t remember seeing before. “Your eyes have changed.”

“I know.” Briar dropped her gaze, concentrating on finishing the dressing. “He’s getting stronger with the arrival of spring.”

“Not like possession?” Shadow asked, suddenly anxious.

Briar laughed. “No, not at all. He’s just—around. It’s like his sap runs through my blood.”

Shadow smiled. “That’s an interesting way of putting it.”

“It’s the only way I can describe it. I’ve always felt an affinity for spring—most gardeners and earth witches do. It’s just enhanced now.” She finished the dressing and straightened up. “I just have to remember to rein him in. Anyway, you’re done,” she said, changing the subject.

Shadow stood, pulling her combats trousers on. It was difficult to wear her tight jeans at the moment because of the dressing. “Which one of you witches is the best at dealing with spirits? Is it Alex?”

Briar nodded. “You thinking about your wayward spirit?”

“Yes.”

“Definitely Alex.” Briar checked her watch. “He’ll be in the pub now. You could get lunch in there. And any of us will help if you need it.”

“Thanks Briar, but we’re trying to clean up our own mess.”

“Sometimes things just happen, despite our best intentions. It has to us. I mean it. We’re happy to help.” She paused, frowning. “How are you getting to the pub if Zee dropped you here?”

“I was going to walk.”

Briar tutted. “No! It’s too far.”

“It’s a ten-minute walk!”

Briar lived on one of the charming, winding lanes around White Haven, and it was a short walk to the town centre.

“You’ll aggravate your wound. I tell you what—I’ll take you. Any excuse for a lunchtime tipple!”

Shadow smiled. “I could meet El there, too! I love pubs! We have them in the Otherworld too, you know.

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