A wet nose on tickled his cheek and stirred Finn from his slumber. White wisps rose from the remains of the night’s cooking fire. Charred trout bones, caught from the nearby creek littered the fire pit. Finn scratched Ferrety’s swollen, fish-filled belly, causing the creature to squirm with his paws reaching for the sky. Kasen sat by the flowing creek, honing his sword with a smooth stone, the outer walls of Welspring silhouetted him in the morning sun.
“Ah, you’re awake. You’re quite the fisherman, Finn. I haven’t had my fill of creek trout in a long time.” Kasen patted his stomach. “So, what’s next? Are going to become a fish monger or do you still thirst for adventure?”
The tiredness disappeared from Finn’s eyes and a smile crept across his face. “I’m going back to the Adventure Guild. Are you coming?”
The massive doors opened as Finn and Kasen approached. The lobby of the guild hall had sparse visitors this early in the morning. A large green skinned man with tusks jutting from his lower jaw, was arguing and engaged in a heated discussion with the male gnome behind the counter. A short bird-like person covered in dark feathers with a corvine head and large black beak squacked at an old dwarf, who seemingly couldn’t hear or understand what the other was saying. This lead the other party getting increasingly frustrated, flapping its arms and squawking more intensely.
“May I help you?” a matronly voice, with an air of aristocracy, asked. A tall slender, middle-aged women with a tall, braided hairdo, pointed ears, stood straight-backed behind the the counter wearing silk robes. Finn strode to meet her.
“Yes, hello. My name if Finn and this is Kasen,” he gestured. “I, we would like another mission, an Adventure Guild contract.”
Without moving her head, she quickly studied something unseen to Finn on here side of the counter.
“I see. You are the two who earned the commission for the bakery job.” She paused for a long while, then studied the two men before her. “We have an urgent contract that just came in. It’s not incredibly perilous and unworthy of our more… experienced members, but it is for a very important client and must be carried out immediately. If you accept, your success in this endeavor will shine a favorable light on you if you seek formal admission to the guild.”
Fin nodded eagerly, waiting for her to continue.
“The crown’s head apothecary is in need a certain ingredient for the queen. This has been a reoccurring contract every month, but today it has been unexpectedly expedited. The apothecary is in need royal jelly. You’re aware of what that is?”
Finn nodded intently, then transitioned to shaking his head tightly. “No. No idea.”
Kasen caught her gaze and simply raised his shoulders in a shrug.
“It’s what honey bees feed the queen and their young. I has certain… medicinal qualities, but thats not what is important. What’s import is if you are willing to take the contract immediately.”
Finn didn’t even look at Kasen before answering.
“Yes, we’ll do it.”
She quickly covered the details of the assignment. They were required to deliver a small jar of royal jelly to the castle by that afternoon. The closest known source of the substance is found on a large beehive in a massively tall tree in the King’s Forest. No further guidance or instruction was provided. The guild merely brokered the deals. The members and hopefuls where expected to accomplish the objectives on their own volition and initiative, as every party or individual has unique skills and talents which create infinite paths to success.
Finn pulled Kasen outside and they hurried through the streets of Welspring on their way to the eastern gate of the outer wall. Along the way, Kasen bought two small jars to transport the royal jelly. The King’s Forest was only a few short miles east of Welspring. City guards restricted access to the forest, only royal parties or those on official court business could journey there. Two mounted guardsmen confronted the pair as they approached the edge of the woods. Satisfied, the guards trotted away on their horses once Finn produced proof of their Adventure Guild contract. Finn was surprised at the change of attitude the horsemen had when they learned he was with on guild business. It was almost as if they suddenly accepted him and found his presence natural occurrence.
Sunlight permeated through the deciduous canopy, illuminating the forest floor scattered with ferns, grasses, and moss. Earthy detritus filled the air, the aroma reminded Finn of home. The damp duff was soft under his feet and allowed him to move nearly silent. Kasen was not quite as stealthy as he lumbered graciously behind Finn. Sporadic bird songs rang out and various animals crashed through brush as they fled the approaching men.
“A massive tree, that’s what she told us. Do you see a massive tree?”
“They all look pretty big to me,” Kasen replied, following the trunks to the canopy.
“Maybe I could climb up a tree and take a look?”
The hairs on Finn’s neck stood on end, sending a chill down his spine. His instincts alerted him that something was wrong. The birds were silent. He felt like prey. Slowly, Finn turned to Kasen. A skinny knife was pressed the knight’s neck. Behind Kasen stood a cloaked man with a thick beard. Two more men in similar dark green cloaks stood ready with nocked arrows pointed at Finn.
Finn raised his hands to show he wasn’t a threat. “Uhh…. Hi.”
“You two are too loud and obnoxious to be poachers,” he kept the blade at Kasen’s neck. “What are you doing in the King’s Forest?”
“We are in…”
“Not you.” He cut off Kasen. “You.”
Finn glanced at the two bowmen and swallowed hard. “We’re from the guild. Here on a contract with Adventure Guild. We’re looking for a big tree and a big bee hive, to collect royal jam, uh, jelly, for the Queen.”
He lowered the sword and sheathed it under his cloak.
“You’re not the normal team.” A grimace appeared on his face. “Right. I forgot about the incident last month. You’re free to go, just… be careful.”
Kasen looked concerned at his warning. Finn, on the other hand, smiled.
“Do you do know where we can find this tree? I promised I’d collect royal jelly for the Queen.” Finn held up a small jar, pointing to it.
“That way,” he pointed. “Go until you reach the cliff, then climb. You will find what you seek there. But be cautious, we were on the tail of a party of bugbear poachers. You’re better off avoiding them if you can.”
“Thanks. Who are you guys anyway?” Finn asked.
The bearded man nodded at his men to continue their mission.
“We’re the Royal Rangers, guardians of the King’s Forest.”
Kasen nodded in acknowledgment before the ranger swiftly followed his men deeper into the forest. Finn walked in the direction the ranger pointed, forcing Kasen to catch up. Soon, a steep, root-strewn cliff face stood tall before them. The thick roots and jutting rocks provided ample holds for Finn to scale, but Kasen wasn’t so optimistic of his own ability to make the climb. Finn held coils of rope one hand and spun the attached grapple hook faster and faster. The hook shot up and landed up high with a thud. Pulling the rope, it gave until suddenly going taut. Two sharp pulls on the rope convinced Finn it was anchored securely. Hand over hand, Finn climbed, finding footholds on the gnarled cliff. Reaching the top, he kicked a leg over and rolled onto level ground. A deciduous tree towered before him. The trunk was twice as wide as his arm span. Finn leaned over the edge and shouted to Kasen below.
“What are you waiting for? Come on up.”
Kasen looked hesitantly at the rope, before gripping it tightly. He lumbered and grunted on his way up, relying on his strength rather than his agility. His arms burned from the effort. Kasen threw an arm over the ledge. With a ragged breath, he tried to swing a leg, but only his heel caught solid ground. Finn pulled and helped roll his friend away from the edge of the steep drop. Sweat dripped from Kasen’s face as he panted. He inhaled deeply and regained his composure. His jaw dropped when he saw the massive tree before him.
“I take it thats the tree.” He pointed to the large series of bee hives high up. “I think I will wait down here, keep a lookout while you gather royal jelly. Here, take my jar too.”
“Good idea Kasen, I’m glad I have a friend like you to watch my back.” He replied, coiling the rope from his grapple hook.
“Yeah, anytime.” He replied sheepishly.
Finn walked around the tree twice, looking for a way up. The closest branch was too high to reach and the truck was too wide to shimmy up. In swooshing arcs, he spun his grapple hook. It sailed up but fell short of the branches. He tried again with similar results. Kasen was much stronger, so Finn handed off the hook. Kasen was more than willing to give it a go, as long as it meant he didn’t have to climb. With a grunt, he sent the hook careening to the limbs. It arched over a thick branch and anchored when pulled. Finn effortlessly climbed the rope and perched on the large limb. The buzzing from the bees was noticeable, the aroma of honey and beeswax filled the air. A branching network of tree limbs provided Finn with ample means to climb to the honey bee colony. The drooping rows of honeycomb were larger than any hive he had seen before. He paused before he got near the hives. Growing up in the forest, he had collected honey many times with his father and was aware of the danger of provoking a hive. He had to calm the bees or he would be swarmed and stung. A swarm from a hive this large would certainly be deadly and he had no quick means of escape. He scraped moss, and lichen from the crook of the tree limb and peeled off chunks of bark. Spark flew form his flint and ignited his tinder. The moss and fungus slowly smoldered. He softly blew on the ember, creating large wafts of white smoke. Finn sandwiched the smoking material between the chunks of bark. He climbed higher, slowly approaching the hives, careful to hold the smoke before him, placating the bees. Aromatic, golden strands of honey dripped from the honeycomb clusters. Finn carefully edged past the oozing honeycombs on his hands and knees. The branch was sticky with honey, which caused his grip to slip, but he kept his balance. It was long way down. The buzzing was deafening this close to the hive. The air was almost black with the flying insects and he could feel the heat created by the honey bee’s activity. Beneath him, he found his target. Nursery bees were tending to the larva, each in their own six side cell built into the comb. Finn saw the queen had her thorax in a cell, depositing an egg. Opaque fluid filled the surrounding cells of the honeycomb. The royal jelly. Slowly, as to not disturb the hive, Finn scraped the jelly into his jar and capped it. He did the same with other and had two jars filled with the thick, white substance. Finn scooted back and descended the branches. Once he arrived to the lowest branch, he placed a foot on his grapple hook and rode it down, using the branch as a pulley.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“I got the royal jelly, and a second jar” Finn tossed the a jar to Kasen and licked the honey from his palms. And Ferrety lapped the honey that suck to his hair. “Nothing to it. Not a single sting.”
Kasen was impressed. He hadn’t really given it much thought as to how they would collect the substance, but Finn had it under control. He put his jar in his pack. Time was of the essence, they had to deliver the royal jelly to the court’s apothecary as soon as possible. The climb down the cliff would be much easier than the ascension. They gripped the roots and rocks, as they climbed down. Finn moved deftly, like a spider at times and a mountain goat at others. Kasen moved like an over-sized gorilla, utilizing his grip strength over finesse. Finn reached the bottom first. Kasen was twenty feet high when he heard it.
Snap!
The dry root in Kasen’s grip broke free. He flailed and hit the ground with a hard crunch and a thud that took his breath away and made him see stars. Finn helped him to his feet. Kasen felt warm fluid dripping down his back.
“Ow. I think I’m bleeding. Did something stab me in the back?”
Finn looked his friend. Liquid seeped through his pack and down his leg. A shard of glass poked through the pack.
“No. I don’t think so. But you have royal jelly on your trousers now. Good thing I have another jar.”
The thick and sticky substance seeped into his clothing on his backside. It smelled sweet and floral.
“Great.” Kasen sighed. “Lets get moving. The sooner we get done, the sooner I can take a bath.”
Kasen lead the pair on the reverse trek through the beautiful forest.
“Stop!” Finn blurted in a hushed voice. He gestured for Kasen to be still and get lower. Finn slowly retrieved the bow from his back.
Kasen placed his hand on the hilt of the longsword on his hip. He frozen looking and listening for the danger Finn sensed. He heard it. Behind a thicket of brush, leaves rustled and twigs cracked. Kasen couldn’t see what was coming their way, but certainly wasn’t a squirrel or rabbit. The bugbears the rangers warned us about, Kasen thought. If we stay hidden, they’ll walk right on by.
The noise grew as it came near. They could hear sniffing and wet snorts, they were coming straight toward Kasen. He waited to draw the blade until the last possible moment as to not lose the element of surprise on the party of poachers.
An elongate snout shot through the brush and a giant, wet nose poked Kasen on the eye. He fell back in shock and saw he was face to face with a huge forest bear. The ursine beast jolted instinctively, equally as startled as the metal clad creature before it. The bear reared on its hind-legs, towering nine feet tall over over the man. Golden blond fur, like wheat ready to harvest, covered its hulking form. The bear roared furiously, strings of saliva flew from its mouth. Finn held his grip on the bow string, hoping the bear would turn and run so he wouldn’t have to harm it. He couldn’t help but admire the majesty of the highly unusual golden coat.
The beast slammed down on all fours and swiped a massive paw at Kasen. His shield took the brunt of the blow, he was tossed on the forest floor. The bear snarled when the arrow pierced deep behind the shoulder. The beast brought its massive weight down on its front legs, pinning Kasen to the ground. Even with his armor, he struggled for breath and light flashed behind his eyes under the magnitude of the bear’s barrage. The sword was knocked free from his grasp and landed in a large fern. Two arrows rapidly struck the side of the bear, one made a loud crack as it snapped through the ribcage. Massive jaws came for Kasen’s face, he freed a hand and grabbed the bear’s snort, using all his might to keep the incisors from reaching his flesh. The bear recoiled in pain when a forth arrow found purchase in its flesh. Kasen took the opportunity to free his other hand and with a hook he connected his armored hand to the bear’s temple in a succession of hard blows. Blood frothed from the bear’s mouth as it gurgled and heaved in labored breathing. The hunter’s arrows pierced it’s lungs. Kasen pushed the massive skull away and rolled free. Diving, he snatched his sword and rolled into a crouched fighting stance.
Defiantly raging, the bear rose on its back legs and let loose a haggard roar, blood foamed from its nostrils and mouth. Finn pulled hard on the bow string, aligned his aim, and released. The arrow cut through the air and plunged deep into the tissues in the center of the bear’s chest, into its heart. Growling as blood and saliva poured from its mouth, the bear slammed in to a four-legged stance. It charged Kasen, snarling viciously, paws thumping on the duff. Kasen braced for the impact with his shield raised with the tip of his sword aimed for the incoming threat. The bear slammed into him, pinning his to the ground. His vision was darkened, filled his fur. He couldn’t move. This was it, Kasen had lost this battle.
After a moment, Kasen realized the beast on top of him was not moving. It wasn’t breathing either. The bear was dead.
“You okay down there?” Finn asked.
“Hmmpf. I could… use a hand,” came a muffled voice.
The two pushed against the bear and Finn pulled Kasen free from under its weight. Finn stared in amazement and reverence at the regal creature with is beautiful coat. He produced his jet black-bladed dagger.
“What are you doing?” Kasen asked. “You’re not really really thinking about taking that are you?”
“I have an idea,” Finn cut the hide at the ankles of each leg.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Here in the King’s Forest? Poaching is a serious crime.”
Without pausing his work, Finn glanced incredulously at Kasen. “Poaching? What are talking about. It was self defense. I gave him an opportunity to flee. Besides, its should be a crime to let such a remarkable hide go to waste. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Finn cut through the skin along each leg and down the middle of its body. Kasen stood back and watched the hunter work. It was evident he was as skilled at skinning as he was archery. It sounded like canvas ripping when Finn tugged and pulled the golden fur-covered hide from the muscled flesh of the bear. Finn was careful not to damage the head of the animal. Soon, the bear was caped and its hide and head were rolled and secured atop Finn’s pack. They hoped to avoid any more encounters in the forest. Finn figured the Ranger’s were busy hunting poachers and the city guards seemed more concerned with people entering the forest, not leaving. Luckily, their return to Welspring was unhindered and uninteresting. Once inside the city, they headed directly to the castle within the inner wall. The city guards at the inner wall gave Kasen a sideways glance, before admitting them through the gate. At the center of the inner city stood the bastion of the court. The iron portcullis of the castle was lowered, two royal guards stood vigilant in polished armor, welding large halberds, with ornate handled longswords sheathed at the hip. The moved in unison as the stepped and lowered the axe-headed spears at the approaching adventurers.
“Halt in the name of the king and recognized or you will be subject to force!” the taller of the two guards shouted, the tip of his halberd aimed at Finn’s chest.
Finn stopped instantly, not out of fear, but simple compliance. Kasen likewise halted.
“We’re here to deliver this to the apo… apoth..scary.. Uh… medicine man for the queen,” Finn stammer. He held the jar out. “We brought the royal jelly for the queen.”
“We are to deliver it to the court apothecary,” Kasen clarified.
The guards paused, digesting the respsonse. The taller guard gestured with a nod at the other guard. The shorter guard then disappeared into a doorway next to the portcullis, only to return moments later with another man in tow. He was a tall, surly man and wore a large mustache. He donned armor similar to the other two guards, except his was ornate with gilded accents. Finn noticed Kasen seemed to shrink at the sight of the man.
“Well, well.” He said staring at Kasen. “As I live and breath. I never would have thought you would show your craven face here of all places.” He chuckled before continuing. “If you’re here for quittance for your failure, you best turn and leave before you fall and trip upon my blade, Kasen.” He said the name with venom.
Kasen kept his eyes low. “No, lord commander. I only here to deliver what was asked by court’s apothecary.” He bowed slightly and held a hand out to Finn.
“Lord commander?” Finn murmured. “That’s right. We were sent by the Adventure Guild to collect and deliver this royal jelly.”
The royal guard commander turned his attention to Finn and the jar. “Yes, of course. I will personally see he gets this at once.” He took the jar and returned his focus to Kasen. “What happened to you lad. Look at you. Reduced to a mere errand boy. You had promise. You could’ve been the best of us, but you threw it all away.” He shook his head. “You squandered it for nothing. Perhaps you’ll be a better errand boy and than you were a knight in the King’s service.”
Kasen remained silent as the commander disappeared back into the castle. In unison the guards snapped back into their stoic positions of attention. Finn and Kasen walked away from the cast and once in the outer city, Finn asked what the confrontation with the guard commander was all about.
“It’s a story I’m not proud of. I was given a mission, an order by the crown, and I failed. Due only to my own choice, I deliberately disobeyed the King. For that I was disbanded from the royal guard and rightfully so. As a knight-errant, I have no lord. Therefore, I have no honor to fight for.”
“I don’t believe that. Why did you disobey the king?”
“Does it matter? I was sworn to obey the king and I violated that oath.”
“It might matter.” Finn responded. “After we get paid from the Adventure Guild, I want to do something special with this bear hide.”