Chapter 34

“He is not,” Artemis confirmed.

“That’s the only thing that would have made him scarier.” One chomp, only after I caught my breath, revealed my apple was as sweet and juicy as it was beautiful. “Is it okay if I eat this?”

“And if I answered no?”

“I’ll spit it out?” I said with my mouth full of Macintosh deliciousness.

“It is fine.” Artemis sounded smiley. “Enjoy as many as you like.”

“Cool.” I swallowed. “I didn’t know. The trees in The Wizard of Oz were awfully crabby about people eating their apples. Would you like one?”

“I would. Thank you.”

My reach was tentative. I didn’t want to anger the bird. My pluck was quick. I didn’t want to linger.

“Only nature’s magic touches these trees,” Artemis assured me.

“Cool. Here you go.” My hand brushed his when I sat and passed him his snack.

“Thank you, Otto.”

“You’re welcome.”

“And here you go.” An apple made into a pot pipe seemingly floated my way.

“Nice. I wondered how the ancient Greeks enjoyed their nug.”