Hummer

THE sun bathed the valley with her early morning warmth, tempting the flowers to open their petals to greet the cloudless blue sky. It would be a fine day.

Over the grassy lowlands, two bees sped along in search of another quota of nectar. This foraging mission had taken them further from their home than ever before and they would be fortunate to return to Lambas before dusk.

To the east lay the Hive of this ancient colony, carved deeply into a steep bank overhanging a shallow stream. Below the Hive the gently-moving water meandered southward, bending a path through meadowland and forest before eventually cascading as a roaring waterfall. At the foot of the plateau it convulsed into a cauldron of foam and spray, bubbling from turbulent froth to clear blue water, before surging away to cut a deep channel. The relentless torrent steadily quelled itself, settling to flow lazily through the fertile lowlands. This mighty river the bees had named Anvar.

* * *

Brendan and Laser were one of the Hive’s least experienced foraging teams, but they had learned quickly, and Brendan in particular had soon become expert in locating and gathering the best nectar and pollen. With increasing confidence they regularly succeeded in bringing back full loads of precious nectar and pollen, earning them hard-won respect from the multitude of fellow foraging teams. Their reputation grew, but their only reward under Redmore, the new Hive Honey Controller, was a demand for their quotas to become ever larger and more arduous, taking them further and further from the Hive.

Redmore was a harsh and ruthless tyrant. His role was to oversee the collection of the necessary raw materials and the checking, preparation and distribution of the honey produced. Vitally, he had to ensure adequate supplies were stored for winter reserves. His influence touched the lives of every bee in the Hive.

It was as if Redmore was deliberately testing all the foraging teams to their limits. The new quotas were impossible to fulfill and the casualties were escalating. Death from fatigue was commonplace, with many teams failing to return. Those who did survive were ageing before their time.

Despite this, Redmore ignored the burgeoning disquiet and demanded yet more from them. Life for the Hive food gatherers had become intolerable. Before he had taken his high office, the bees had consistently kept production levels well above the Hive’s basic needs.

Redmore’s sudden and unexpected appointment had followed a series of disasters. Firstly Thaspin, their old Honey Controller, had been found dead in unexplained circumstances and shortly after this a strange disease claimed many of their numbers. Lastly, some of their winter honey reserves had mysteriously disappeared.

* * *

Redmore’s response to these misfortunes found immediate favour with Helena, their Queen. Unable to discover the whereabouts of the missing honey, Redmore requested and received the grateful Queen’s approval to increase the honey guard to unprecedented levels. These stout, hand-picked drones were to be under his sole command, and they expressed no surprise at their selection. Initially there was no adverse reaction to the Queen’s decision, but soon many bees began to resent the privileges enjoyed by this select group.

Mercifully, and some thought miraculously, the deadly sleeping disease passed as quickly as it had struck. Whilst there was no traceable cause for its deadly origin, Redmore convinced the Queen that the root of this plague lay in poor hygiene. Blame was directed at the deceased Thaspin, and Redmore’s unproven allegations gradually gathered credence. Redmore accused Thaspin of failing in his duty to adequately vet the quality of the incoming nectar. He had clearly overlooked an infection, thereby threatening the wellbeing of the Hive.

Without a valid defence the Hive Council, headed by the Queen, passed a hard judgment on Thaspin. Their verdict was that his lack of vigilance had been the cause of their losses. Thaspin’s good reputation was destroyed and the memory of him sadly sullied.

The unexplained loss of the honey at this critical time brought intense pressure for the shortfall in the bees’ winter reserves to be speedily replenished. Redmore forced juvenile drones such as Brendan and Laser, together with older drones without status, to gather nectar and pollen with the foragers. Initially all responded to the necessity of their task, and none more so than Brendan and Laser. After several days of frantic effort the shortfall was rebalanced and reserves were built back to levels that would see the Hive safely through the winter.

* * *

Despite his youth, Brendan had a wise head on his broadening shoulders, but it was his fearless spirit that singled him out from his contemporaries. The outspoken young bee regularly found himself in trouble with his elders and betters. It was his opinion that now the honey levels were sufficiently replenished, the work quotas should be reduced to the previous norms. This observation found ardent support from his fellow foragers. But Redmore would not have his authority questioned, and underlined his power by issuing a stern warning that any bees failing in their allotted tasks would not be permitted to return to the safety of the Hive.

This situation was untenable, and it was now that Brendan confided in Laser an idea that might be acceptable to Redmore. If his plan proved successful it would undeniably benefit the Hive and improve the quality of their lives. It would be very dangerous for them, but on this brilliant morning the two bees had decided to desert their foraging duties to test Brendan’s theory.

Don’t worry Laser, I’m sure all will go well, Brendan encouraged his friend. Put that unfortunate episode back at the Hive out of your mind. It’s too late now anyway.

I know you’re right, Brendan, it’s just that I never expected a setback so soon.

We’ll have nothing but good luck from now!

I really hope so, but please let’s do the job quickly as we can.

We will succeed. Think of the glory! Perhaps the Queen will recognise our efforts and promote us. Even that heartless slave driver Redmore will have to respect us!

The pair flew on in silence over the cool waters of the westward-flowing stream.

* * *

Brendan was preoccupied with reliving the disaster that had nearly befallen them earlier. The key to his theory hinged upon the sun’s position, and in order to test this it was necessary for them to collect nectar at a particular time. Unfortunately the order of the flight roster for this morning had put them amongst the first departures and they had been unable to alter their scheduled time. None of the other foraging teams dared to switch with them. All feared the consequences of any such departure from Redmore’s rigid flight timetables.

Brendan recalled how Laser had at first hesitated to join him and how his reasoning had convinced Laser that they must be brave enough to go the whole way. So they had left the Hive at the expected time and were due to return by late afternoon. From the flight deck they had flown south, as was their brief, but once out of sight they had swung back toward the rear of the Hive. From here they glided down to hide under an overhanging stone protruding from the earthy bank. Above the stone was the Hive’s old disused waste gate, and Brendan had decided that this would be the safest place to conceal themselves.

They could not risk being discovered by any of the foraging teams that would soon be leaving the Hive. He had thought it all out; it would be safer to be close to the Hive during the hectic bustle of the morning flights, and so it had proven, until luck deserted them just as they had departed from their hiding place. Suddenly a dark, chilling shadow caused them to look up to see Korak, the kingfisher, hovering menacingly.

Brendan shuddered, recalling the fearsome bird’s dive, his cold, empty eyes above a long, vicious bill. Their best chance of escape lay in some dense foliage below, adjacent to the stream, but they were spun helplessly upwards by the turbulent current of air from Korak’s tail as he flashed past.

* * *

By the time he heard the splash of the kingfisher diving into the shallow stream, Brendan had recovered his senses and was relieved to see Korak’s true target. Below them a shoal of minnows darted away from the scene towards the dark shadows of the overhanging bank. Brendan and Laser watched Korak fluttering clumsily from the stream and both broke into uncontrollable laughter.

The laughter ended abruptly when Brendan spotted guard bees from the Hive racing down from the flight deck to investigate the commotion. At great speed the pair flew off towards the south, but not before they had been recognised. They had specifically disobeyed their designated forage route orders and flown off in an unauthorised direction. Their mission now took on even greater importance; they had to succeed, because if they failed it would be pointless to return.

Brendan regularly checked the sun’s position as they journeyed onward and after several of these observations he exclaimed, with great excitement, Laser, it’s time!

Laser knew from Brendan’s earlier explanation that this was the best hour of the day to seek out the flowers that would test his close friend’s idea.

Right, Brendan, we are some distance from the Hive and in strange territory, so where shall we search?

It doesn’t matter which flowers we test, but it is crucial that we finish the experiment whilst the sun remains at her highest point. Let’s leave the stream’s course and head towards that open ground. Come on, Laser, I can’t wait!

Dipping lower, the pair turned into the gently blowing wind. They scanned the flora below, but nothing tempted Brendan’s inquisitive gaze. Valuable time had been lost, but then their luck changed. A sweet fragrance engulfed them and their acute senses, honed over centuries of evolution, told them where to pinpoint the source of this delicious, enticing aroma. Laser was the first to spot the flowers.

* * *

Look, Brendan, by the fallen tree!

The object of Laser’s excitement was almost hidden from view amidst the dense growth of nettles and long grass. Quickening their pace, they reached the site and looking down on the huge flowerheads they could hardly contain the joy of their discovery. Brendan felt nervous, and his mind raced. This was now the moment of truth. Would he be right?

Laser sped on downwards, assuming Brendan was right behind him. Brendan’s spirits lifted at the splendid sight spread before him. Like vividly-coloured gems amid a green sea, clusters of flowers basked idly in the warm midday sunshine. Beneath the shadow of the dead elm tree grew blackberry bushes, their inviting white flowers dancing gently in the breeze. The autumn would see these turn into heavy, succulent, sweet fruits that the bees would greedily feed on.

Side by side with the brambles stood huge, tall petals, the like of which he had never seen before. The velvet smooth, funnel-like flowers were many shades of blue, purple and crimson. Their deep, tubular heads gaped upwards, peeling open to form wide platforms. At the base of their heads thick, nectar-laden stalks stood firm, their sweet and delicate perfume tempting all who passed by.

Brendan was mesmerised. Although there were too many of these strange flowers to count, he knew exactly where they should concentrate their efforts. There was, no doubt, a full quota of nectar here for the taking, and his theory would be proved.

It was not until Brendan turned to speak to his young friend that he discovered Laser’s absence. He decided to land on the old, rotting elm tree at a point where the wider surrounding area could be observed.

Laser, Laser! Where are you? Come on, show yourself! We have no time for games of hide and seek!

But there was no reply, and becoming increasingly impatient, he alighted on one of the tall flowers.

Laser! Laser! Please show yourself!

Again there was no answer. Exasperated, Brendan busied himself flitting from flower to flower, taking precise samples of their rich nectar before returning to the elm to study more closely the result of his collections. The small bundles of nectar he had gathered so carefully were removed from his nectar sacs and spread out on the smooth surface of the tree.

Brendan poised over the nectar, tasting and grading the quality of each specimen. He knew what he was looking for and he was soon satisfied. Here, lying before him, was the undeniable proof of his theory, and he desperately wanted to share this important and exciting discovery with his friend. But where was Laser? Brendan scanned the flora all about him. Now, amidst the joy of his success, fear began to set in for the wellbeing of his young friend.

Then he caught sight of one of the trumpet-like flowers moving erratically from side to side. Brendan was curious, and leaving his bounty he flew to the flower, alighting on its wide petals. He peered down into the tunnel-like head of the bloom and there, at the bottom, was Laser.

Oh, thank goodness I’ve found you! Didn’t you hear me calling? Come on Laser, I’ve so much to tell you!

Laser waggled his tail frantically but did not answer. Realising there was a problem, Brendan began to examine Laser’s position more closely. The young bee was lying on his side with half his body, including most of his head, stuck fast in a pool of a sweet-smelling, viscous fluid.

Brendan’s relief at finding Laser turned into deep concern, and quickly assessing the situation, he endeavoured to work out a way to free his friend. After carefully studying the walls of the flower’s head he selected the most suitable route to reach Laser and began to descend, calling out in encouragement as he drew nearer. Don’t worry Laser, I’m coming. You’ll soon be free!

At Brendan’s heartening words, Laser’s tail again twitched enthusiastically. Brendan descended very carefully to avoid the sticky trap. He knew only too well that Laser’s sole chance of escape depended on him. He must not fail.

Moving as close as he could, Brendan wrapped his hind legs around Laser’s abdomen and with a huge heave lifted Laser up a little way. It was a start - the pull had freed Laser’s head and forelegs.

Thanks Brendan! I thought you’d never find me! spluttered Laser, trying to clear his mouth.

I’ll have you out in no time. How on earth did you fall into this stuff?

I’m sorry, but I was so excited I just dived down the first flower I came across and I thought you were right behind me.

Ah well, Laser, I was so deep in thought that I didn’t even see you speed off. Right, let’s try again. Ready?

Brendan peered closely at the ribbed interior and decided he would be able to use this natural feature to strengthen his grip for the next heave. It was as he turned to speak to Laser again that he saw a sight which sent fear surging through his entire body. The words he was about to utter drowned in the depths of his throat.

The source of his fear lay at the bottom of the flower. Laser’s position had prevented him observing this grim object, but Brendan did not need to look twice. It was the skeleton of an insect, another bee perhaps, and it had been sucked dry.

There was only one explanation. They were in a spider’s larder. They had no greater enemy. Brendan had to warn Laser.

Laser, look behind your left shoulder. Do you see?

Laser turned. Witnessing the grisly sight, he cried out in fear.

Oh, no! Quickly, Brendan, please get me out! Don’t let me end up like that!

Brendan knew he must act swiftly. He was worried about the length of time that had elapsed since he had found Laser. If the spider still used this trap, there was a strong chance that she would be lurking nearby.

Laser struggled to free his stricken body, but his panic only caused him to sink deeper into the gluey mire. Looking above him, Brendan was relieved to see that the lip of the flower was clear. He wasted no time, and gripping Laser tightly around the abdomen he heaved the helpless bee with all his might. Laser only moved a little and Brendan now tugged with a desperate energy, fuelled by the fear that the spider might appear at any moment.

One more try, Laser, and you’ll be free!

Laser’s nerves were almost at breaking point, but Brendan’s comforting and confident words calmed him. His hind-legs were now clear and Laser instinctively used the stiff hairs running along them to grip the soft wall of the flower. Together the duo crept upwards for what seemed like an eternity, but at last Laser was completely free and able to push strongly with his front limbs.

Brendan paused briefly and looked warily about him.

I reckon the spider doesn’t use this trap any more. Now I think about it, that skeleton looks very old to me.

All the same, Brendan, let’s get out of here as quickly as we can, replied Laser.

Unknown to them, a slender silvery thread had been woven to the underside of the flower where its outer petals met the stem. This delicate strand had begun to quiver the instant Brendan had alighted heavily on the welcoming surface of the flower head. The continuous movement from within sent at first weak then increasingly stronger rhythms down the thread to where it joined a large, intricate web hanging firmly between the stems of several of the strange flowers.

A black ball in the centre of the quivering web was woken by the pulsing signal. Eight cruel eyes fixed upon the silvery thread. The spider’s movements were precise, and she responded swiftly to the welcome vibrations. Her silent dinner-bell had been rung.

Argatha covered the short distance to the edge of her web at great speed and then paused. With the experience of many previous and successful hunts, slowly she climbed the thin, wire-like thread towards the rocking flowerhead.

By now, Brendan had clambered out onto the flower’s lip. One firm heave and you’ll be out, Laser, he urged his friend.

The glue-like liquid had dried in the warm summer air, but Laser, despite some small improvement in the use of his joints, could still not move easily.

I’m ready Brendan, pull me out! he called. Brendan wrapped his long tongue around one of Laser’s hind legs to steady his firm hold on his young friend.

The spider had reached the lip of the crimson flower, and from her vantage point she could not only clearly see Brendan but had a partial glimpse of Laser. Silently she crept nearer to Brendan’s bowed frame. This was a bonus. She had not expected two meals and with perfect timing, she would have both.

Right, Laser? Push hard as I pull! Out you come!

Brendan hoisted him roughly upwards as Laser pushed frantically with his legs struggling to climb over the flower’s steep mouth. Then Argatha bit. Brendan screamed out in agony as the spider’s sharp bite struck unerringly home, but despite his pain Brendan had succeeded in his final effort to drag Laser to safety.

Laser! I’ve been bitten! The spider is on my back! screamed Brendan.

Hurry, use your sting! I’m being dragged near the edge!

But I can’t see it clearly, Brendan. I may stab you!

Sting it, Laser, do it now!

The spider had rolled Brendan onto his side, and swiftly spinning her delicate yarn around his aching body, she pulled him towards the edge of her deep trap.

Laser bravely struck out. His thrust was powerful and his aim true. Argatha writhed in terrible pain as Laser’s barb ploughed into her soft belly, curving upward to slice into her heart. Lifeless, she fell backwards into her own dungeon. As she dropped, the strand of her silky thread snapped, releasing Brendan from the binding grip.

Brendan lay still, exhausted and racked by searing pain. Laser rolled awkwardly alongside his motionless friend. Forcing his frame around, he shuffled and twisted until his body was fully turned. He looked at Brendan, but all his remaining strength drained from him and he fell into unconsciousness.

Chapter Two

DUSK was only an hour away when the remaining foraging teams returned to the sanctuary of the Hive. Hummer anxiously paced up and down the flight deck. Each time he turned to retrace his steps, he scanned the greying skies. In the distance black storm clouds raced ahead of the chill east wind. The day was all but done.

They will not return now, said Casper, the Hive Watch Sergeant, standing in the shadows at the mouth of the Hive entrance.

Watch Captain Hummer did not speak. His nervous pacing ceased. He stared silently out over the vast panorama; the sinking sun was almost hidden by thick dark clouds.

Yes, you are right, Casper. Have the last teams reported?

Casper, a young but mature-minded drone, moved gracefully forward. He was a fine bee who had attained his rank ahead of all his contemporaries and indeed before many of his elders, and the defence of the Hive was his chosen vocation.

All but Brendan and Laser have returned safely he said. None have seen them since the earlier sighting.

Looking at Hummer’s portly frame and weathered features, Casper once again found it hard to believe that Hummer, for whom he felt sincere admiration and always great respect, had once been Commander of the Hive Defence Garrison. As Hummer grew older his limp was becoming more pronounced and he could no longer fly as far or as hard as he did in his prime. His eyes, though, were unchanged by the passing seasons and they shone as bright and clear as ever, revealing his inner strength still fiercely burning.

Orfus had been Hummer’s natural successor; he was of the same generation, schooled in the old ways and traditions. Hummer did not resent Orfus taking his position, because he owed him his life. Yet Casper sensed that a day never passed without Hummer reflecting sadly on the misfortune fate had bestowed upon him.

Casper knew of Hummer’s tragic accident and how Orfus had rescued him from the jaws of death. Indeed the heroism of Orfus was now legend and was told of many times, especially during the long winter nights. Casper remembered the tale vividly. Not surprisingly it had been Hummer himself who had told him the full story, one wet night when they were huddled close together for warmth on night watch.

It had been an ordinary day; the sun shone warmly, the skies were cloudless and the wind blew softly. Hummer had been watching with keen interest as Orfus put several young bees through their flight training, skills which all bees destined to become foragers must master. Orfus set extremely high standards and it was not unknown for the occasional injury or fatality to result as the necessary levels of proficiency required became unattainable to the weak or the careless. This particular group, however, were of excellent ability and had mastered all the prescribed techniques. Orfus could teach them nothing more and only practical foraging experience would polish them to perfection.

Hummer was proud and very pleased at what he saw and left Orfus to turn his attentions to less gratifying duties back inside the Hive. It was as he cruised slowly away that disaster struck. One of the young bees could not contain her delight at satisfying the critical gaze of Orfus, or perhaps it was just the release of tension from several stressful days under the constant pressure. Without warning, she decided to celebrate by showing off her newly-honed skills.

As a brief expression of confidence this youthful impetuousness could have been tolerated, but she arrogantly incorporated dangerous spins and turns as she raced through the warm air. Orfus’s loud bark commanding her to cease went unheeded, and the inevitable happened. The collision killed the young bee outright. Her neck broken, she plunged onto the muddy bank below.

Hummer was struck so fiercely he fell senseless, dropping heavily before bouncing through a cluster of tall reeds at the edge of the stream and finally tumbling into the cool water. Orfus reacted instinctively and dived to rescue Hummer’s floating body from the stream. There was only time for one swoop, but this was all he needed. Coming in low and fast, he hooked Hummer with his legs and tongue and using his great strength lifted his friend from a watery grave, carefully placing him on the soft grass growing just above the waterline.

Hummer’s recovery was very slow. The impact injury to his wing healed sufficiently for him to fly again, but he had to accept that his range and scope were permanently impaired. His rear leg had been broken when he had struck the reed, and although this had healed he was left with a pronounced limp. He had lost his battle to regain full fitness and was forced to remain closer to the Hive. It was rumoured that but for his position in the Hive, he would have been cast out to die. Gradually Hummer faced the reality that he must give up his coveted office.

Finally Hummer declared himself fit for duty and the Queen ensured that he was restored to a position of importance as a Watch Captain. Only the knowledge of Orfus’ appointment as his successor tempered his frustration, but eventually, and with great difficulty, he came to accept his change of role. Casper felt great affection for the revered elder bee, but did not dare to show his feelings openly for fear of Hummer seeing such sentiment as pity.

The early evening wind was becoming colder, and the first raindrops of the storm dropped heavily. Hummer limped slowly toward Casper. They were alone now, as Hummer had released his watch at the allotted time.

Well, Sergeant Casper, I think we must give up on them.

Yes sir, something must have befallen them. Perhaps it is better they do not return because they would have a great deal of explaining to do.

Looking up at Casper and knowing he could totally trust the young bee, Hummer spoke defiantly.

Explanations! Redmore listens only to himself! The Queen does not realise what she has done in giving that fiend such high office. Mark my words, Casper, soon Redmore will desire even greater power. I for one will never trust him!

Before he could reply, Casper heard the shuffling sounds behind them of the Night Watch relief ascending onto the flight deck. Unable to truly speak his mind, Casper carefully chose his words.

Dracus must be told.

Hummer turned, peering into the darkening sky one last time.

Come, Casper, the new watch is in position and I see Dracus is with them.

There is trouble ahead, whispered Casper with nervous anticipation.

I already know of your breach of duty, Dracus announced ominously.

* * *

Why didn’t you report the desertion of Brendan and Laser? demanded Dracus. Rumour is rife of their illegal behaviour and yet no account of their actions has reached me. I don’t care if they return or are already dead, what concerns me is your part by withholding this information. It is your duty Hummer, as Watch Captain, to bring such matters to my immediate attention.

Hummer looked at Casper before turning to respond to Dracus, who was one of Redmore’s favoured cronies.

There is no breach of duty that concerns the defence of the Hive, Dracus. We, as the official watch at the time of Brendan and Laser’s sighting, will report after our watch has ended. That is right now, so if you would care to follow us to the Hive Defence Chamber we will fully brief you on the matter.

Ignoring Dracus, Hummer moved off towards the Hive entrance and without stopping or turning shouted loudly, Come on, Casper, I’m hungry even if you’re not!

Dracus watched the pair descend and disappear into the Hive. He was furious at Hummer’s snub and turned to the new Watch Captain.

Captain Quelt!

Sir! replied Quelt, moving forward to stand before Dracus. He dropped his gaze, as was the expected custom since Redmore’s rise to power.

Did you hear Hummer’s remark?

Yes sir!

Such indiscipline must be checked for the wellbeing of the Queen and the Hive. You will be called later to give your testimony.

Although he lacked ability, Quelt was ambitious and one day he saw himself in Orfus’s position. He had already let it be known that he would gladly accept a transfer to Redmore’s guard, and answered Dracus eagerly.

Yes sir, not only will I remember every word but perhaps you may care to recall, if necessary, that only Hummer and Casper were on the flight deck when we relieved their watch.

Dracus looked at Quelt with increasing curiosity.

What do you mean, Quelt?

Quelt looked behind him. To make sure he could not be overheard he walked towards the edge of the platform, with Dracus intuitively following.

Sir, as you know it is the Hive law that at least six bees form a defence watch, but you will recall we passed the other watch members in the passageway. When you went ahead I stopped and asked one of them why they had been dismissed before we had arrived.

What was the reason?

It was on Hummer’s orders, sir.

Why? questioned Dracus, intent on having all the facts. He would decide later those that would be useful to him.

We were a little late in relieving Hummer’s watch, sir. You insisted on accompanying us, and when you stopped to talk with Cornwallis we waited as you requested. Expecting our arrival, Hummer relieved his watch at their appointed time, but in doing so he put at risk the safety of the Hive by not adhering strictly to the prescribed manning levels.

Dracus suddenly felt unease at Quelt’s remarks.

Are you implying that by delaying you and your watch I will be as culpable as Hummer?

Quelt knew this was the time to capitalise on Dracus’s dilemma.

Perhaps, but Hummer is experienced and very well regarded, whereas you will be counter challenged.

Quelt deliberately paused and before Dracus could respond, he made his tempting proposition. I will strongly deny my watch arrived late, as I have never missed a change-over time. I am convinced Hummer miscalculated the timing of his instructions to his watch. Indeed sir, the subject of your purpose increased the speed of our trek to the flight deck, and I will testify that we were not only on time but that we arrived early.

Dracus grabbed this treacherous opportunity.

Thank you Quelt. In my haste to question Hummer I had overlooked this more serious offence. Casper cannot support him because they were alone on the flight deck when we arrived.

Yes, sir, this is a grave offence and it must be brought to the attention of the Hive Council, agreed Quelt. The Hive Council was a select group of senior bees headed by the Queen that administered and enforced law and order throughout the Hive.

Quelt, your co-operation will be rewarded.

Turning swiftly, Dracus sped towards the Hive entrance. As he disappeared from view, Quelt spoke softly to himself.

No, Dracus, thank you!

The last of the daylight had faded. Warm rain drops fell heavily, a sign that the storm would be fierce. The first rumblings of thunder sounded to the east.

Quelt peered out into the darkness. He was very satisfied with himself. Soon he would no longer have to withstand the elements as a mere night sentinel. Dracus would honour his pledge, and shortly he would enjoy the privilege and power of a higher position. Quelt was more than happy with the events of this night, and for once the harshness of the wind failed to concern him.

Hummer wiped his forelegs with his tongue. The meal had been excellent, and as far as he was concerned it was the high spot of his day. At this late hour only a score or so of bees were eating; the majority of the Hive had eaten earlier and now slept.

Casper had a poor appetite and picked at his food. He was worried over the bother with the unpopular Dracus, who was well known as Redmore’s informer. Under the protection of an official title Dracus did now what he had done in a more clandestine manner before Redmore’s rapid rise in prominence.

What’s the matter, Casper? asked Hummer, concerned that his watch colleague was struggling to consume his rations. It was unlike Casper to waste the rich food so highly valued by the bees.

You are not your usual good company, he added in a teasing tone.

I am sorry Hummer, but I think we shall hear more of tonight’s episode.

Hummer rose from the round earth mound where he had eaten. He stretched his limbs and flapped his