One woman spoke up. “Will these lands continue to be open for human tourism and recreation?”
“For now. But ultimately, most of these will close for private stewardship. It’s time we took a more aggressive approach to conservation of our plants’ habitat.”
I swallowed. I understood that magical botanists wanted to protect plants and their homes, but cutting off access from humans was too much. How could humans ever be motivated to care for their natural environment if they could never witness some of the most beautiful, well-preserved places in the country?
“At that point, we’ll have full access to these habitats. We expect research to accelerate at a rate not seen in the modernera. Feathergrass expects patents to be processed more quickly, and we’ll be able to roll out some of our findings to the public. Strategically, of course.”
Feathergrass.Of course he was involved. The advancement of science was great, but at what cost? Why couldn’t we advance the science while still allowing nonmagical people access to the beautiful species we cared about so much? And was Feathergrass more concerned about conservation or about profit?
“When will this take place?”
“The legislative session begins in March. We estimate most changes will begin occurring in the fall or next year.”
March was only six weeks away. Everything was happening too quickly. I had only just found theVanished Compendium, and I didn’t know how to interpret the riddles within it.
We continued to listen until the meeting began to wrap up, then we hurriedly returned through the tunnel under the cover of Kai’s waterbending abilities.
“Seven bubbles,” Nalin cursed once we’d filled him in on the meeting. “They really want to take over all the public lands?”
We all sat in Nevah’s room again, the coral reef outside putting on a spectacular show.
“I understand why some would think that’s a good idea, but do they think the humans are just going to let it happen? Like us, many of them have a deep connection to those places. Closing them to the public is not a viable option,” Nevah said.
“I agree,” I said. “In California, public parks are a major part of our identity. Even if they manage to get a bill through under the guise of moving the parks under the management of a nonprofit, do they think they’re just going to put up a Closed sign outside of Yosemite and people will be okay with it?”
Kai shook his head. “This could be dangerous. Botanists have always worked with humans when possible. This would be a massive shift.”
“What can we do about it, though? The legislative session will begin in March.” I ran my hands across the cover of my notebook, trying to let the soft fabric comfort me. What I really wanted was to talk to Callan. Maybe he would see a way out of the situation.
“We have to change the direction of leadership,” Nevah said. “That way, even if these bills pass, magical botanists can change their minds on how they intend to manage the land.”
“And how do we change the direction of leadership?” Nalin asked.
“By becoming more powerful than they are.” Nevah looked pointedly at my backpack, where theVanished Compendiumwas stored. “It’s more important than ever that you figure out how to use it, B. Nalin, we’ll have the plane charged with biofuel for you so you can get into the air first thing tomorrow morning.”
We each looked around the circle, meeting one another’s eyes. The countdown was on. It was time to head back to Evergreen Academy. And when I got there, I would have access to my powers.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“So, you found the long-lost book and the long-hidden defensives conservatory. Remind me never to underestimate you, local,” Callan said when he picked me up from the airport. He pulled me into a hug that went on so long that I wondered if the night sky was going to blush.
“I’m as surprised as anyone.”
He released me from the hug then helped me carry my bag to his truck. We said goodbye to Nalin then got on the road.
“How was everything at the academy while we were gone?” I asked.
“All the students are sour on Feathergrass, which is no surprise. He manages to suck the fun out of everything.” Callan paused before speaking again, easing the truck onto the freeway that would take us into Weed before we exited for the forest and back to Evergreen Academy. “I stopped at Professor East’s SCC office yesterday.”
I sat up straight and whipped my head toward him. “Was he there? What did he say?How is he?”
Callan shook his head. “He wasn’t there, and the door was locked. But he keeps enough trailing plants inside that I was able to summon one through the door to unlock it.”
“You broke into Professor East’s office at SCC?” I was equal parts surprised and impressed.
“Desperate times. Plus, I think he’d approve.”
I nodded. We agreed on that. “So, did you find anything? Any evidence of where he went?”
