The Spellshop

The next day, Kiela wakes to find forest spirits visiting her garden. They appear as ghostly bears and are meant to be solitary, except that many have gathered together. The bears lead Kiela into the forest to help a dying tree. Along the way, Kiela and Caz discuss stories about these bears leading people away and the people disappearing. Kiela buries her spells beneath the tree roots, and the tree is healed. Before they leave, Kiela is astonished to see a unicorn crossing their path. She takes it as a positive omen. When they return to the cottage, they see that the forest spirits have left them gifts.

The next day, Kiela processes her strange experience. She wants to tell Larran but can’t confess her illegal magical activities. Eadie comes by and pays Kiela for the tree remedy. Kiela decides to bring some jam to Larran and Bryn, but when she goes into town, she finds it deserted. She runs into Fenerer, who accosts her and accuses her of bringing trouble to the island. At Bryn’s bakery, Bryn tells her that an alarm has been sounded warning of an oncoming storm.