Part 23 (1/2)
The first wax-generators were already up Here and there a little head thrust itself out curiously fros The news of the incident traveled quickly
Two officers enized them instantly In solemn silence, without a word to her, they took their posts, one on each side of the doorway: the queen would soon appear
She came without her court, attended only by her aide and two ladies-in-waiting She hurried straight over to Maya When she sahat a state the child was in, the severe expression on her face relaxed a little
”You have coe? Who are you?”
Maya could not speak at once Finally she ed to frame tords:
”The hornets!”
The queen turned pale But her composure was unshaken, and Maya was soivethe duties I owe Your Majesty Later I will tell you everything I have done I repent With o, as by a miracle, I escaped from the fortress of the hornets, and the last I heard was that they were planning to attack and plunder our kingdom at dawn”
The wild dismay that the little bee's words produced was indescribable The ladies-in-waiting set up a loud wail, the officers at the door turned pale and made as if to dash off and sound the alarm, the aide said: ”Good God!” and wheeled completely round, because he wanted to see on all sides at once
As for the queen, it was really extraordinary to see hat composure, what resourcefulness she received the dreadful news
She drew herself up, and there was so in her attitude that both intimidated and inspired endless confidence Little Maya ed Never, she felt, had she witnessed anything so superior It was like a great, nificent event in itself
The queen beckoned the officers to her side and uttered a few rapid sentences aloud At the end Maya heard:
”I give you one minute for the execution of er, and it will cost you your heads”
But the officers scarcely looked as if they needed this incentive In less tione
Their instant readiness was a joy to behold
”O my queen!” said Maya
The queen inclined her head to the little bee, who once again for a brief ently, lovingly
”You have our thanks,” she said ”You have saved us No matter what your previous conduct o, rest now, little girl, you look very ”
”I should like to die for you,” Maya sta
”Don't worry about us,” replied the queen ”A this city there is not one ould hesitate a moment to sacrifice his life for o to sleep peacefully”
She bent over and kissed the little bee on her forehead Then she beckoned to the ladies-in-waiting and bade them see to Maya's rest and co, allowed herself to be led away After this, life had nothing lovelier to offer As in a dreanals in the distance, saw the high dignitaries of state asse drone that shook the hive from roof to foundation
”The soldiers! Our soldiers!” whispered the ladies-in-waiting at her side
The last thing Maya heard in the little room where her co past her door and co voice Into her dreareat distance, she carried the ancient song of the soldier-bees:
Sunlight, sunlight, golden sheen, By your glow our lives are lighted; Bless our labors, bless our Queen, Let us always be united