Page 67 of Wild Scottish Rose

“Nae, hen. You’ll need to put the oil on the trees first. Have to move the negative energy through. Then you talk to the farmer. Look. You can see all the rocks. And the marks on the bark.”

He was right. Now that I looked more closely, I could see where tons of pebbles were hidden among the thickgrass of the orchard bed. Upon closer examination, I could see the small scars on the bark of the trees where the rocks had gouged them.

“I’m sorry,” I said, reaching out to brush my hand over a tree. I pulled out the oil and looked at Gnorman. “How do I do this?”

“A few drops on each. Intent is to remove the negative energy, let the good flow again. They need to feel safe.”

I looked at the expanse of trees in the orchard. This was going to be quite a task.

“Think you can take a bottle and help?”

“Nae bother, lass.” Gnorman scrambled over and I handed him a bottle. “Remember, it’s all about intent.”

“Got it.” Opening the bottle, I dribbled a few drops at the base of the trunk and pressed my hand to the tree. “You’re safe now. We’ll take care of this, I promise. You’re free to grow.”

Over and over, I repeated some iteration of that chant, as I worked my way tirelessly through the orchard, doing my best to remove whatever fears and negative blocks the trees had. By the time I reached the front of the orchard, I’d used up all the oil I’d brought with me, but I could physically feel a palpable shift in the energy of the orchard. I didn’t know how to explain it, but a lightness now rippled through me when I placed my hands on a tree trunk.

“Come on, G. Best to get back in the bag before Derek comes out.”

“The G is— You know what? Never mind, I’m too happy to argue with you.” The gnome was actually smiling, something I had yet to see him do, and I realized how much he must have enjoyed a task that he could be helpful with.Putting the bag down, I let him scramble inside, before crossing the lot to meet Derek who had come back outside, the baby tucked at his hip.

“How’d you get on then?” Derek asked, juggling the baby who looked to be on the edges of a crying jag.

“I think I’ve found your problem,” I said, trying to choose my words carefully. I’d decided not to mention anything about my powers, or the oil I added to the tree. If the trees did end up producing fast enough for Derek to still have a harvest, well, I was just going to let him consider that a miracle of sorts. Not everything in life needed an explanation.

“Is that right?” Hope bloomed on Derek’s face.

“I found a lot of rocks in the grass along the fence in the back there. And marks consistent with slingshots on the trees. Any idea what could be going on there?”

“Bloody hell.” Derek shook his head. “I’ve told those lads that next time I was involving their parents.”

“I get the sense that the trees don’t feel safe to grow. Maybe that sounds weird, but…” I shrugged one shoulder.

“Nope, totally makes sense. I get it.” Derek nodded at me, his face serious. “I pride myself on having happy trees. And if they’re getting hurt, well, they’re not happy. I should have caught that.”

“Well, you’re busy.” I nodded to the sniffling baby on his hip.

“I guess it just takes another gardener to see it. Not everyone is as in tune with nature as we are. You’ve got your gran’s touch, Shona. Thanks for coming by. I appreciate that you care.”

My heart warmed at his words, his smile like a cozy jumper on a cold winter’s night.

“I hope to see you back at the market soon.”

“You’ll be the first to get some of our cider, I promise. Now, seems I have to sort out a few hellions.” With that, Derek strode inside, and I smiled, feeling thankful for my gift and grateful to hopefully help.

On the drive home, Gnorman lounged on the seat, much more at ease than on the way over.

“You did a good job today, Shona.”

“Thanks, G. You did as well.”

“The man was right. Your gran would be proud. She had a kind heart. Gave as much of herself to others as she could. I miss her.”

I blinked at the tears that wanted to rise. I hadn’t even considered the fact that Gnorman might have formed an attachment to my gran as well.

“I do too.”

I couldn’t help wondering how long Gran and Gnorman spent together. I wished I’d known more about Gran’s magick—it might help me navigate this new world.It was nice to be “working with” someone else who had been close to Gran. It was like having her with me again in some senses. I pulled into my driveway, humming absentmindedly, pleased with a morning’s work well done. Hitching the bag onto my shoulder, I continued to chat.

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