Chapter 48: The Bee Whisperer (1/2)

Morris raised his hood and left the inn. It was late, and the streets were mostly deserted, but he didn't want to risk anyone recognizing him. Mike had been gone for a few days, and he probably wouldn't be back in the near future, but already, people were beginning to ask questions and make connections.

The Saint of West Street, as they were calling him, had become a major topic of discussion. The strange and generous mage that was able to treat injuries and cure illnesses that confounded other healers, and would do so for a fraction of the price, had attracted all kinds of attention from the major powers in the city.

It was clear to Morris that he greatly underestimated the effect of Mike's brief foray into the healing industry. If things kept going the way they were, it wouldn't be long before some organizations started beating down their doors, trying to find out more about the mysterious figure.

Morris knew that it was only a matter of time before someone tied Mike and the Saint together. In order to shelter his young friend from the coming storm of consequences, he needed to find allies. Unfortunately, Morris had cut most of his former ties when he joined the Order of the Wheel.

He had already left a message for those few people who might still be willing to help him. However, they were part of the criminal underworld of Wyrport. Any aid they could provide would, by necessity, be unofficial.

Morris knew that they would need allies in the highest echelons of society in order to make it out unscathed. So, in order to help his friend, Morris resigned himself to do the one thing he had sworn never to do.

He was going home.

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A pitiless morning sun woke the sleeping adventurers. Daylight came as quickly as night in the Ash Foothills, and a chorus of groans welcomed the new day. Shy, who had been on last watch, chuckled quietly at the suffering of his fellow party members.

Philip sat up, bleary-eyed and fixed an accusing glare on Mike. The bags under his eyes betrayed a sleepless night. ”Thanks for the nightmares, jackass. That one about the hook-handed man will keep me up at night for the next week, at least.”

Kat laughed. ”You're such a coward when it comes to scary stories. I, for one, had a great time last night. I especially enjoyed the one about the ghost that comes out of a mirror if you call her name three times. You'll have to tell me more tonight, Mike.”

Philip stood shaking his head. ”No way. I've heard quite enough for one trip.”

Mike snickered while packing away his bedroll. He'd slept decently, but had awoken to disturbing, half-remembered remnants of a dream. With a quick shake of his head, he dismissed his concerns. Hopefully, the group would be done long before nightfall, and would be able to camp in a less depressing location.

After conducting their morning preparations and eating a quick breakfast made primarily of scavenged food and trail rations, the group resumed traveling.

It only took them a few short hours to reach the edge of the Palmeray Forest. Mike was amazed at the size of the trees. They resembled the redwoods he had seen in his past life, only dark and twisted.

Much like everything seemed to be, this close to the Ashmourne, the entire forest came in muted shades of grey. The ground, the underbrush, and even the bark and leaves of the trees seemed drained of their natural colors.

With unspoken agreement the group entered the tree line cautiously.

Still feeling slightly upbeat despite the depressing atmosphere, Mike felt the need to voice a question he had been holding in.

”So, why do they call it the Palmeray Forest?”

”Ah, well it's pretty simple. The two explorers that discovered the forest, and the strange variety of bees that made their home here, were called Palmer and Ray. Naturally they combined their own names to create the name for their discoveries.” Kate replied, matter-of-factually.

”That was a lot less interesting than I expected.”

”I know, right? You'd think with this kind of atmosphere, there would be something more to the story, but it's all just so disappointing.”

”I did hear that when they first reported their findings, Ray actually tried to have it called the Raypalmer Forest, but everyone more or less decided that Palmeray sounded better.” Philip added.

Mike chuckled. It seemed like vanity was a cross-dimensional trait.

They had been walking for about 30 minutes before Shy held up a hand, signally the group to stop. He motioned forward with two fingers.

At the location Shy indicated, Mike saw two gigantic insects clinging to the side of one of the massive grey trees. They vaguely resembled honey bees from earth, but were colored in the characteristic greys of this region. They strangely elongated limbs, making them seem more graceful than he was used to.

The group braced for combat, but Mike surprised them all by simply walking forward.

”Are you really doing this again?” Philip whispered sharply as Mike passed by.

”Trust me.”