4

issue
In the center of this space was a spectacular bush “Oh no!” the sorceress exclaimed in dismay.
with many graceful branches reaching out from a “No worries,” the warden said with a wry grin.
twisting trunk. It had dark green, star-shaped leaves, “The fire mallow burns only to renew itself.” He



Fluxion
sandpapery to the touch, and lovely orange-red flowers took her arm and led her a few paces closer to where
ART
with hot yellow centers. Together they walked around the bush had been. To her amazement, she saw a
the clearing and the wind made the leaves rustle and the small cluster of green beginning to emerge from its
flowers flutter. ashen remains. Within moments small branches were
“It’s fantastic,” the sorceress marveled. reaching out.
“Yes, it is,” the warden agreed with a knowing “Where did all these plants come from?”
Figure 5 Calavera Orchid (Glomera calveria)
smile. “Now step back a bit—you don’t want to get He smiled. “I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to say.”
singed.” And then suddenly between the delicious smell of the
Perplexed, the sorceress moved away from the fire mallow and the warm summer air the sorceress was
plant as the warden cupped his hands and quietly spoke overcome with drowsiness.
a few words into the branches. He quickly stepped back She awoke the next morning in the clearing where
as the tree ignited. Suddenly the flowers were flames, she’d lunched the day before with the map tucked
dancing like small torches at the tips of the branches, neatly next to her. She wondered if she’d dreamed the
and the tiny puffs of smoke they gave off smelled events of the previous evening until she looked inside
uncannily familiar. The sorceress breathed in deeply. her curiously heavy basket. In it was a collection of tiny
“Why, it smells just like toasting marshmal- plants, each carefully wrapped in soft paper. Smiling
lows!” she said excitedly. contentedly, she sighed and set off for the town. But she
The warden nodded. “It’s a fire mallow.” stayed there only long enough to stock up on supplies.
But the small blossoms of flame soon spread and Her shopping complete, she returned home—more than
consumed the entire plant. a little sad that she saw no signs of the warden of the
208