A Tale to end all Tales Read online

  A Tale To End All Tales By Bob Pearson

  Back to Work

  No citizen of the hive could remember such a glorious summer. There must have been rain, but its gentle nature only dampened the ground and never anyone’s spirits. No one could recall a better crop of flowers or a richer store of honey. It seemed the wonderful weather continued day after day.

  On his return with the regular army, Commander Stinger promptly offered his resignation, shouldering responsibility for his son, Caspar, whose treachery had nearly led to the destruction of the colony. (See A Continuing Tale) Queen Beetrix, wise monarch as she was, just as promptly rejected his offer. Instead she proposed that the commander should continue in office and work on plans for producing a new army, open to all comers and with officers appointed on merit and ability, rather than as a result of privileged backgrounds.

  Tallis had come through the old system of training and had, in fact, been a lowly born bee. Originally he had been assigned worker status, but as a reward for his heroic efforts in saving the colony from a wasp attack, had been allowed to enrol in the Guards. Here he had undergone the old drill routines prescribed in the military handbook, so beloved by the veteran soldiers. In spite of the old system the youngster had flourished and had successfully trained an irregular force of workers who had repelled the assault of Caspar and his mercenary hornets.

  In recognition of his ability, Tallis had been appointed to the Royal Guard, as its first officer. Although from completely different backgrounds, Tallis and Stinger worked well together. The old training manuals, with their dull drills and dreary routines were discarded. Instead new practices, designed to test initiative and instinct were introduced. Tallis could see the importance of smartness and polished drilling, especially for ceremonial occasions. For his part, Stinger recognised the need for self reliance and independence of thought when it came to the matter of battle tactics.

  The citizens of the colony appreciated the idea of a new style army. In fact it proved so popular that many workers flocked to the recruitment offices in the clamour to sign up. A situation which resulted in near disaster for the hive, since no work was being done and the new army, beset by teething troubles, could not cope with the sheer volume of volunteers.

  It was Tallis who arrived at a solution to the dilemma. He had never lost the habit of an early morning shower, drummed into him in his own days as a recruit, his habit led him to think about the water supply, a constant source of worry for the bees. In hot periods, bees need to drink and the demand for the precious liquid put a strain on resources such as pools and ponds. The young officer reasoned there was a way of managing to solve the problem of the work of the hive, whilst dealing with the military training in a single neat resolution.

  Concerned that his idea might be impractical, Tallis asked for and was granted an audience with Princess Bebe, heir to the throne, in order to get her opinion. The Princess and the former worker were known to each other after a previous encounter, when, as a Guardsman, Tallis had rescued his future Queen from the attentions of Caspar and his gang of high born officer cadets. (See A Continuing Tale)

  Bebe was a popular member of the colony and was well known for her commonsense and good judgement. “Tallis it’s good to see you again. A lot has happened since our last encounter.”

  “Indeed Highness, may I say I’m thankful you have been named as heir apparent.”

  “That’s kind of you,” replied Bebe, “How are you getting on with your military duties?”

  “Well thank you! Commander Stinger and myself are getting to grips with producing a new drill manual. However it seems the success of the scheme has outstripped our resources and with so many volunteers coming forward much of the colony’s work is being ignored.”

  “And have you found a solution?”

  “I have an idea I’d like you to consider,” Tallis answered, “I propose to halve the numbers going through military training at any one time. Those not immediately engaged in soldiering can be occupied on other schemes of benefit to the hive.”

  “Go on Tallis, this sounds interesting and sensible,” encouraged Bebe.

  “Your Highness, the colony suffers from an uncertain water supply. It may be possible to engage the volunteers on building a reservoir. After two weeks the labourers can become soldiers and the soldiers take up labouring duties.”

  “What a wonderful idea Tallis,” the Princess enthused. “If we could establish an “on-off” rota, say a fortnight on military training, followed by two weeks labouring and then back again to training. It would be an efficient occupation of our people. We can have a good army and the hive can reap the benefits of a plentiful water supply.”

  A hugely relieved Tallis smiled broadly, his idea had struck a chord with the next sovereign. “Oh Tallis, how clever you are.” Bebe exclaimed and kissed him impulsively in her enthusiasm. The young bee had never known what love was until that moment, but it seemed a thunderbolt had struck him and he was unable to respond with any meaningful thought.

  Bebe realised she had allowed her emotions to get the better of her and quickly withdrew from the embrace, apologising for her reactions.

  Back to Work

  The idea of a combined military and labouring programme was adopted by the community and within a week half the army volunteers were going through their manoeuvres, whilst their comrades made their way up the hill to the brook where they began excavating a site for the reservoir.

  In both cases progress was swift and sure. Army recruits set to with a will, tackling the climbing frames, obstacle courses and fitness sessions devised for them. Even Commander Stinger, a soldier of the old school, had to admit he had never seen such an imaginative or enthusiastic bunch of youngsters. They marched, flew and drilled every bit as smartly as the old Royal Guard, however it was in unarmed combat that they truly excelled. Tallis had researched unorthodox methods of fighting and insisted all recruits should be able to master the arts of close quarter fighting.

  Stinger watched with growing satisfaction as even the smallest recruits grappled with their larger peers, easily ducking under their lunging approaches and using their opponent’s weight and momentum to send them crashing to the ground.

  Work on the reservoir meanwhile was just as satisfying. A deep rectangular area had been excavated, the spoil from the site was used to further build up the dam’s sides. The engineers of the colony had drawn up plans which were to include the lining of walls and bed with layers of small stones to ensure against seepage and loss of precious liquid.

  Finally, after several weeks spent in hard physical labour, a channel from the brook into the reservoir was dug and water began to trickle into the vast site. It took a full day to fill the dam, but, at last, the final stone was levered into place. The community had built an impressive water storage facility containing hundreds of gallons of water.

  Summer, at last gave way to Autumn and although far from cold, the days began to grow shorter and the nights cooler with the approach of Winter. The bees of the hive redoubled their efforts to visit any remaining flowers and sip the nectar. Winter meant cold, often wet weather and inactivity for the workers. The worst of the winter would be spent clustering together in a large mass where the heat from their bodies could be radiated throughout the hive.

  Before the cluster began, however, the colony would celebrate the gathering of the pollen harvest with a traditional feast and thanksgiving service.

  Only one thing was missing, the festival needed a tree! Of course the bees could never have felled a tree and dragged it up into the hive, even with all their collective might. Never-the-less, a six strong contingent, with Tallis at its head, set off to collect the heav
iest twig of Fir that they could manage. Following the first gale of the season there were plenty of specimens to choose from and half a mile from the hive the squad of bees spotted a wonderful branch, still bushy with needles. They landed at once and began the task of hauling, dragging and heaving the evergreen twig back to the colony.

  The sun had begun to sink before the bees, burdened as they were, had completed half the return journey. Yet they worked on, huffing and panting in their exertions, little knowing disaster had struck at the hive in their absence.

  Revenge Assault

  Former Princess Britney, the one time heir to Queen Beetrix, had been exiled from the hive for her part in an attempted coup. She and a few of her followers had been forced to make a brand new colony of their own and were forbidden to return home upon pain of death. Typically, with the type of bees attracted to her, being self indulgent and neglectful, no one had given any thought to provisions for the onset of winter.

  Without a store of nectar and pollen a bee cannot survive beyond a couple of days. Rather than busying themselves with the essential work of harvesting, Britney had decided on an alternative strategy, one involving a hostile takeover.

  The new Queen had sent out emissaries to the wasps and hornets who had no reason to love the residents of the old hive having failed in previous attempts to overthrow them. Tallis had featured strongly in both encounters and his tactical awareness had resulted in the near annihilation of the enemy forces. With the promise of great stores of honey to loot, the groups came together to form an unlikely alliance with Britney.

  So it was that a strong raiding party of turncoat bees, wasps and hornets set out as dusk was descending, a time when bees are normally at their doziest. Their goal was to smash and grab. The guards of the hive would be smashed whilst honey, pollen and nectar could be grabbed and taken off as bounty.

  At the colony, despite the new army training, the upcoming thanksgiving festival occupied everyone’s mind. The sentries, who should have given warning of approaching danger, were instead involved with decorating duties and were thus caught off guard. They were quickly dispatched as the raiding force ran amuck through the storage chambers.

  Princess Bebe, abroad in the hive and unprotected was captured by Vespa, the giant mercenary hornet leader. The huge insect did not harm the prisoner however, realising she would make a far richer prize if she could be held for ransom. Thus it was that the high born bee was seized and despite bravely struggling and kicking, was dragged off into the evening.

  Tallis and his small squad could hardly believe the devastation they witnessed upon their return to the colony. Sentries lay where they had fallen, cells were smashed open, almost beyond repair and tatters of material littered the hive. Priceless stores had been carried off. Thankfully Queen Beetrix remained safe, having been protected by the Royal Guard, under the command of the veteran warrior Commander Stinger.

  The Guards, as befitted their calling, had acted with great courage and had flung themselves at the monstrous invaders. Fighting and slashing at any enemy who came within reach, they proved their worth. In the confined passageways of the hive the wasps and hornets found it difficult to wield their stings, whilst the guards showed how well they had learned the close combat skills of their training. Several huge hornets lay dead as a testament to their ability.

  “Thank goodness you are both safe.” a relieved Tallis said as he approached his Queen and her senior Commander across the ruined reception area.

  “The hive can be repaired, but it will be a struggle to get through the winter with half our stores taken,” Stinger said.

  “The most urgent issue we face is the abduction of Princess Bebe.” Queen Beetrix informed both men. Tallis was struck dumb. The girl he loved had been cruelly snatched and he had been unable to do anything to protect her.

  “They took her,” Stinger briefly explained, “And no doubt they’ll demand a huge ransom for her return.”

  “And our colony’s policy is never to pay off a ransom demand.” Beetrix continued grimly. Aristocrat though she was and schooled as she had been to forever hold herself in check, the Queen of the colony broke down and wept.

  Commander Stinger at once cleared the room. Only himself, Beetrix and Tallis remained while the sovereign, having recovered her composure, began to pace the floor. “I see no alternative,” Stinger said at last. “I suggest we dispatch the army on a counter attack and recapture the Princess, with your permission Majesty, I’ll set things going.”

  “There may be another way Commander,” responded Tallis. “One bee may succeed where many might fail. The enemy may well be expecting a reprisal raid and will, no doubt, have prepared for a counter strike. They won’t, however be expecting a lone bee and that element of surprise might yield a better outcome.”

  “Are you suggesting a single man could manage a rescue on his own young man?” Beetrix asked.

  “He may do madam,” Stinger replied, fielding the question. “If he had stealth, courage and determination enough.” Then turning to Tallis he continued, “Well Tallis do you have those qualities?”

  “I hope so Sir,” replied the youngster. “But there’s another element I’ll need in addition. Luck and a lot of it.”

  Lone Warrior

  Bees are not widely known for their nocturnal habits, but undaunted by this fact, Tallis set out. The first thing to establish was Bebe’s location. Fortunately the Royal Princess was fond of a particular perfume, ‘Royal Delight’ and having struggled throughout her capture its essence was easy to pick up at the hive’s entrance. By waggling his body Tallis made sure of his direction and took off into the night to faithfully follow the perfume’s pathway. Urgency drove the bee on, that and the love he had for the captured prisoner.

  The lone warrior sensed he was nearing his goal after half an hour had passed as the scent in his nostrils grew stronger. He realised at once there was little need for stealth as the sound of drunken revelry filled the air and lights blazed into the night. The locals were obviously celebrating the capture of a valuable prisoner and the success of their raid. Tallis landed and crept to the foot of a large tree and there, suspended from a stout branch was the unmistakable bulk of a bee hive.

  Tallis counted at least two guards on duty at the tree’s root, clearly they would have to be dealt with first. Fortunately for the youngster, he recognised the sentries from his own colony, two of Caspar’s followers who had flocked to the new standard of Queen Britney. Timing his attack so that one guard was on the far side of the tree, Tallis launched himself into the air and dived down on to the unsuspecting sentry.

  There was no hesitation as Tallis stabbed home with a single, fatal thrust of his artificial stinger. The guard died instantly, collapsing where he stood. The young warrior then laid down beside his victim as the second sentry came to investigate his comrade’s sudden collapse. Tallis drove his tail into him from underneath the first corpse.

  No alarm had been sounded and thus encouraged, with two strikes to his credit, the youthful officer climbed the tree and entered the alien hive.

  Luck had so far been with Tallis, whilst he realised this might not last, he knew he would need a slice more of it if he was to locate Princess Bebe. He decided the best way of avoiding detection was not to skulk in the shadows, but to act boldly, as if he had every right to march through the hive. Selecting a passing wasp, who had no reason to recognise him as an enemy, Tallis put on his best authoritive imitation. “Queen Britney needs to see the prisoner,” he said, then sensing the other’s hesitation he added, “Now man! When the Queen wants something, she is obeyed instantly, on pain of death.”

  The wasp, visibly paling, immediately turned and led Tallis down a passageway to the prison cells. Two further sentries stood guard at a single prison cell and there, within, lingered Princess Bebe, looking tiny against the hulking size of her hornet gaolers. “The Queen needs to see the prisoner.” Tallis announced loudly enough for Bebe to recognise
his voice.

  “We’ve got no orders to that effect, Where’s your authority bee?” One of the hornets asked suspiciously.

  “Right here,” replied Tallis and shoved the wasp escort into the nearest guard, bundling them both over. The other guard instantly lunged at the fierce little warrior in front of him, just as Tallis had anticipated. Nimbly he grabbed the flailing arm, ducked underneath it and drove upward with his shoulder under his huge opponent’s armpit. The hornet was thrown forward and crashed over, helpless, on his back, where he was swiftly stabbed.

  “Oh no you don’t!” the hornet’s comrade yelled his challenge as he struggled to disentangle himself from the wasp.

  “Actually it’s not always the bee you see in front that you have to guard against,” Princess Bebe calmly stated. “It’s the one left in the rear.” With that she jumped from the cell and plunged her sting into the hornet’s slender neck.

  The wasp found himself in a terrible situation, a ruthless and determined opponent faced him and an equally fanatic and fatal enemy was to the rear. Not willing to tangle with someone who was clearly an expert in close quarter fighting, the wasp turned on the former prisoner. This was a fatal mistake, as Tallis exploded on to his back and plunged home his stinger again and again.

  “Oh Tallis, I thought I’d never see you again.” Bebe began to sob. Relieved beyond belief the young bee hugged the Princess to him as he replied.