THE ADVENTURE OF ARTHUR THE BEE: PART II

The Council Meeting

Next to Leones was Artemis with his armor. A fox and two leopards stood near Artemis. In the far end, a group of foxes stood in a row. The rest of the animals had grouped themselves round him in the shape of a half-circle. Some torches were lit on the cave walls. A howl and gibber of uncertainty went up amidst the crowds. There was moment of a racket before a thundering roaring struck the hall. Leones had roared to get their attention. His roar was deep and heavy. It echoed throughout the hall. All were suddenly quite in silence.

King Leones spread his gaze around. He moved forward until he was in the middle of the hall.

“My dear fellow citizens, tonight we gather to discuss a serious matter. A threat had been seen this morning. A group of hunters had trespass our territory. Our Mr. Bulky almost got killed. Luckily, our brave warrior, Artemis, and Little Arthur had come into rescue.” Said Leones. “And this meant danger to us all. So, we are here to find the best solution.” Added Leones the King.

“High King, Leones. It is indeed a present and clear danger. For so long, humans never set foot within our Forest. They only hunt outside our territory. Once, they hunt here; they will keep doing it again and again.” An old Owl said in a worried tone.

Soon, all were talking and gibbering. Arthur now recognized the old Owl as the wise counselor of the Old Forest. He often devised advises in time of crisis. His strategy and direction often worked. His father had often talked about the old Counselor.

“My dear counselor, Cicero, what do you think we should do?” asked the High King to the old Owl.

“High King, we must soon take action. We have to send humans clear message that this Old Forest must remain undisturbed. But, we must devise a thoughtful plan so that humans will not get angry or harmed. Otherwise, there will be killings among the two races. My advice is to send Artemis for this task. He has succeeded years ago. And he will again this time, your Majesty.” Said Cicero.

“High King, my race is known for their speed and cunningness. If I should be given this task, I will not let you down.” Thundered a voice from the far end.

The voice came from the leader of the foxes. He was big and fierce. His fangs were sharp and his eyes were full of fire.

“Hey, don’t talk nonsense, Foxero. You are too reckless for this great important task. I’m worried if you would only make a blunder and get us all killed. Worse, you will make humans hunt us down.” Said the Leopard scornfully.

Then, the other animals talked noisily. Some agreed with Foxero, others with Leopard, and some with Cicero.

“Silence.” Roared Leones. “We gather here to find the solution and not to fight one another. United we stand, divided we fall. Should I remind you all with this?” Said Leones angrily.

Arthur could see Foxero and Leopard casted their eyes to the ground. The other animals stayed silence, unmoved. Meanwhile, Artemis was thoughtful and made some discussion with Cicero.

Among the crowds, Arthur could see his father in the honey bee group at the southern end. They also had their mind racing around. The meeting had been going on longer from he had expected. His body got ached as he had to stay still in the tiny small hole. There’s also a tickling air that made him want to sneeze. Suddenly, he could not hold his breath any longer. A loud sneeze came out from his mouth. Off balance, he fell from his hiding place. Midair, he regained his balance and flew up only to see that all had turned their heads to his direction. All eyes gazed at him.

Out of the circle, his father rushed towards him.

“Arthur, haven’t I told you to stay at home? What are doing sneaking in this meeting?” shouted his father.

“I’m so sorry Dad. I could not resist my curiosity.” Whispered Arthur regretfully. As his father about to send him away, King Leones addressed Arthur in most friendly manner.

“Ah, it’s young Arthur apparently. Please come forward, son!” Said the King.

Hesitatingly, Arthur stepped forward. He did not dare to cast his eyes around. Yet, when he got in front of the King, he gazed directly through his eyes. Amazingly, those eyes were soft but strong as if they have been a long lost friend. He also admired his golden mane that flicker under the light.

“Aren’t you afraid of me Young Arthur?” asked the King in a soft tone.

“No, Sir. I mean your Majesty.” Answered Arthur boldly.

Suddenly, the King laughed aloud. “You are indeed the bravest honeybee I’ve ever met.” I think Artemis would be gladly to have you as his assistance for this task. But first let me ask permission from your father.” King Leones turned his eyes to Father Bee. “What do you think Father Bee? Our kingdom needs him. He is brave and courageous. Yet, if you did not let him take part into this mission, I would not impose any force on you or your son.” Said the King wisely

“High King Leones, if my son was needed, I had no right to hold him back.” Said Father Bee at last. He took a deep breath and hugged Arthur warmly. “Son, be bold and courageous. Be not afraid of your enemies for you have strength greater than you have ever imagined if only you believe in yourself.”

Artemis is Elected a Leader

“Cicero, what do you think of this matter?” Artemis will surely make a fine leader for the mission. But I think Foxero’s idea has the point. Those hunters are very dangerous with rifles and guns and Foxero run fast lilke the wind.” Asked The High King.

“King Leones, I have no doubt that either Foxero or Leopard could carry this task. But there will be blood spilt. They have attacking and killing nature the same with those hunters. Our aim is to drive humans out of our kingdom without spilling a single drop of blood.” Cicero spoke deep. He threw his gaze around the audience. “Artemis and his men on the other hand, they are defensive in nature. They attack without the lust for blood. It will be more effective to send Artemis and his fellows. They will be easily driving those hunters into a trap. So, we don’t have to kill. Killing means only more killings again. More hunters will be likely to flock in if there was any victim.”

“If I may say High King Leones, I agree with Cicero.” Said Sharp Eyes The Eagle. “Artemis also had the experience in our last battle years ago. Foxero, Leopard, and other beasts have their parts. Cicero is talking about setting up a trap. It sounds like every hand available is needed to help this out.”

Murmurs and mutters were followed afterwards. All were talking about what kind of trap. Each had idea. The hall was full of noises. They all stopped when Arthur spoke.

“I think we can make holes underground. We will cover them with leaves and branches so our enemy will not suspect there a hole beneath. If those hunters stepped on those traps, they would fall down.” Said Arthur. “Then all the beasts will roar and howl towards them. With this, they will know that we mean business…that their presence is not welcomed.” Arthur stopped and looked around. When no one made any response, he threw his gaze at Artemis for approval.

“What a brilliant idea, kid!” Suddenly Foxero spoke. “This plan might work. Artemis and his men must herd those hunters into the trap. It is not an easy task. We need a bait to lure them.”

“I’ll do it!” screamed Mr. Vigor loudly. Humans hunt me for my tusk. They would likely come after me into the trap if they saw me.”

“You are very brave my dear friend.” Said Artemis. “We need another trap to make this plan work out. I suggest we make the trap below the steep slope near the Great Waterfall. We must load logs up to the slope. When the hunters run in chaos, the logs will be released down the slope towards the men. This will give them another wave shock and make them run towards the hole. And no one will not get killed.

“Excellent plan, my dear fellow citizens. If we can talk together, work together, and walk together, all problems will have a way out.” Said King Leones.

The next moment King Leones with approval of all appointed Artemis as leader of the mission. Arthur and Mr. Vigor would help Artemis.

Getting to Work

As the night was getting late, Artemis and Cicero now arranged a plan. It was agreed that Mr. Vigor would be the bait for the hunters. He could run fast to avoid the chasing. Arthur and Artemis would further lure the hunters into the traps. The Leopards and the foxes with the help of the bears would set traps for the hunters, the traps that would never be forgotten by those humans.. Now, they were waiting for the look out to report.

A few hours before daybreak, four bumblebees arrived with the news. They informed Artemis that the hunters had built tents outside the Old Forest. There were twenty of them. They would go into the Forest by tomorrow morning. They were now still busy tending the wounded hunters. Upon hearing this, Artemis ordered the others to immediately do their jobs.

Arthur was told to get some sleep and rest for he had a long dangerous task to perform. But, hearing the bedlam of the timber work, he could not sleep at all. So, he perched in the highest branch of the Elk tree and watched the others doing their work.

He could see Mr. Bulky led the other bears to bring down some big forest trees. Before long, he could hear the hack-hack-hack of claws and teeth falling on timber. The braches and leaves were cut off. The trees became long wooden logs. He led them up the steep slope out of the river valley. The logs then were dragged up to the steep slope. They got helped from the elephants, horses, rhinos, and great apes. The horses were tugging and straining as they dragged the logs. The elephants and the apes were shrieking and panting.

“Get on, guys! Pull together! One, two three!" Shouted Mr. Bulky. We have to finish this up before dusk.”

At top of the steep slope, they piled up the logs one above the other until they looked like a high logged fence. It was a hard labor to perform.

Far ahead, a group of foxes, rabbits, giant rodents, and badgers dug some holes underground. They were big and deep enough to get someone trapped inside. Each hole was then covered with piles of bushes, leaves, and branches. One would not suspect there was a hole beneath those scattered death leaves and branches.

All worked together hand in hand. If there was any quarrel, it was settled peacefully without arising any more fights and arguments. King Leones always supervised their labor. He often helped others in their work. At dusk, all were completed. The King ordered them to rest for tomorrow was a big day. The two leopards were guarded the area round the clock.

It was now time for Arthur and Mr. Vigor to depart.

“Are you afraid, young Arthur?” asked the King.

“No, sir. It is an honor for me to carry this task. I’ll do my best. We have plans and I believe it will work fine.” Replied Arthur.

“Arghh…that’s my boy. Remember again size is not everything. You have to use your wits to defeat your enemy. Artemis will come along with you.” The King turned to Artemis to make sure that he knew what to do. “Artemis, protect young Arthur and Vigor.”

“Don’t worry High King.” Replied Artemis shortly. “By good fortune tonight will be a starry night - and it will be much shorter journey for then we will not go round-about but we shall go straight.”

The Journey

As the night fell, the three set off. The forest was very quiet. It was far too quiet. On an ordinary Old Forest night, there ought to have been noises - an occasional cheery "Goodnight" from the night insects, the cry of an Owl overhead, the howl of red foxes, and perhaps some throbbing of badgers underground in their den. All was silence as if the forest had been swallowed with gloom and fear. Artemis and Arthur sat on Mr. Vigor’s back. Each was drawn in their own thoughts. Even, Mr. Vigor seemed quite and not acted as usual.

“Mr. Vigor, are you all right?” asked Arthur at last.

“Ehm…off course I’m all OK kiddo. No need to worry about me. I’m just a little bit scared, that’s all. But I tell you kid, tomorrow morning, I will not let those hunters touch my skin. I will make them regretting for ever entering the Old Forest.” Replied Mr. Vigor convincingly. “Ah, tell me great warrior Artemis, what do you feel having another fight? You must be excited to have this war, aren’t you?” Mr. Vigor tried to tease Artemis.

“War is something I really hate. War is not a place to prove your bravery. It only brings misery and tears. But, we have to do this for self-defense. That’s why Cicero only advised us to drive humans away from our Old Forest. I wish we could all live peacefully without any fight.” Artemis casted his eyes above as if he tried to find some peace in the dark sky. He never liked to go into wars. But when duty called, he had to his best for the safety of his forest, friends, and family.

“Stop.” Whispered Arthur. “Someone has been following us. Could be someone we know or perhaps it is an enemy?”

The party stood in silence for a minute or two and then went on. After a time they began to go steeply uphill and the trees grew further apart. Arthur could dimly make out where he was as he never went too far from his home. The furthest distance he had ever experienced was when he visited Mr. Vigor. When they got at a sharp turn, Artemis flew away across the bushes.

“Get out or you will have to suffer a sting?” shouted Artemis

Then, from the thick bushes, came out little white shape. It slowly hoped out.

“It’s Snuffy! Don’t hurt him Mr. Artemis, he’s my friend.” Said Arthur. “Snuffy, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to stay at bed with your sisters right now?” Arthur flew approaching his friend.

“Arthur, please don’t tell my mother. I could not sleep. My father said there’s been danger approaching our place. When I tried to get some fresh air, I saw you three passing by. Then, I followed you here.” Snuffy tried to make an explanation to the whole party.

“My..my…my… now, we have to protect another one. Artemis, just send him away. He would only bring trouble for us all. Just go home, kiddo.” Said Mr. Vigor sharply.

“Oh, No, please don’t send home. I don’t know the way. Let me come with you guys. I could be any help, please?” Said Snuffy. “If Arthur was able to participate in this secret mission, surely I must be given the same chance.”

“Vigor, we can’t just send this kid home. I think it will be quite helpful with one more hand to help.” Said Artemis.

It was finally agreed that Snuffy would join the party despite Mr. Vigor’s protest. So, they continued their journey.

When they got nearer, they saw bonfire far outside the forest. It took another one hour to get there. The bon fire was lit in the middle of a clearing. Very slowly, hardly daring to breathe, they made their way up to a little clump of trees which was not more than fifty feet away from the clearing. The bonfire must have been lit for long and was just beginning to blaze off. Scattered around the almost dying bon fire was four big tents.

"Wait here till I come again," Artemis whispered to the other three. Artemis flew to inspect each tent. When he returned to his party, he informed them that each tent contained five hunters. Soon, they would wake up and got prepared to hunt.

“Vigor, you know what you have to do. At the moment when they least expected, you must ambush them. Remember it is only to lure them going into our trap. Take time needed, and then rush forward into the forest.” Ordered Artemis sternly. “Arthur, you and I will continue the task. We have to scatter their groups. We have to lead them into the traps. My men will be helping us when we already get into the woods.”

“How about me?” asked Snuffy.

“Snuffy, I think you can run faster than the rest of us. It is your responsibility to inform our fellows about our arrival. Do you think you can do this?” replied Artemis.

“Yes, Sir absolutely!” said Snuffy cheerfully.

The plan was already set up. They waited in silence.

The Hunters Fell into a Trap

At daybreak, the hunters already awoke. They began making preparations for the hunting. They loaded their guns and rifles. Some carried some archery. Then, they cooked their breakfast before going into the forest. They did not realize that Arthur and his friends hid behind the trees behind them.

As the hunters were busy with their meal, Artemis made a signal to Mr. Vigor. The next moment, Mr. Vigor jumped out of the hiding place and struck the hunters randomly. A deep murmur swelled into a roar of panic and chaos, and within seconds the scene was one of confusion. Several hunters ran into a hollow log and some blocked the ends with thick branches while others made an attempt to grab their guns and shot. Mr. Vigor had successfully caught them off guard. A few moments later, Artemis yelled ordering Mr. Vigor to run into the forest. Accordingly, he paced up his speed and run out of sight, vanishing into the thick forest trees.

The leader of the hunters charged his men and compelled a semblance of order. It did not take long for him to regain command.

“Listen up guys, that was one big elephant! Enough to make a trophy of our triumph. We have to get the beast killed. Let’s go after it!” Shouted the leader. Afterwards, they all run forward into the forest with their loaded guns. Some opened fires.

“It’s our turn Arthur! Let’ go after them! Snuffy, run to our fellows quick!” Cried Artemis.

Arthur courageously struck some hunters with his sting. Artemis also did the same. Not so long, a group of bumblebees and honeybees joined them. Arthur saw his father among them. The hunters run wildly without direction. A sharp snap, followed by an agonizing scream was soon heard. Some hunters rolled in the ground to avoid their attackers. Artemis gave orders for the bees to lead the hunters into the trap.

Arthur and his fellows kept attacking the hunters until they got into the spot below the steep slope. When all hunters had been cornered in the spot, suddenly Arthur and other bees disappeared. They left the hunters all alone. The place became quite as if the wind had stopped blowing, and the animals had disappeared. The hunters were relieved that their attackers had vanished but wondered why they were gone just like that. The next moment, a rumbling sound from above the steep slope was heard. These sounds were rushing towards them. As they turned their gaze into the source of the rumbling sound, they went white and pale. Waves of log slide had come towards them. They immediately run wildly to avoid the surging logs.

Suddenly, everyone began running toward the trap. As they run, they did not see that another trap had waited. One by one, the wounded and disoriented hunters crashed through the dead leaves and branches and fell into the hole. They hollered and screamed in pain. Three hunters managed to escape from the trap. When they tried to run away, a frightening roar stopped them. Leones The King, two leopards, and a jackal were slowly walking towards them. Leones roaring was deafening. The hunters fell into the ground and sobbed. They thought their life would end miserably.

King Leones signaled his citizens to encircle the area. All gathered and made a full moon circle. There were roaring and shrieking. King Leones walked gallantly towards the leader. With mighty force, he roared and lifted his paws in the air. His eyes were red fire. He looked so menacingly as if he was a giant volcano ready for an eruption. The leader was shivering and trembling. King Leones drew back and stood still while fixing his glare towards the leader and his men. A few moments passed. Finally, the leader decided to stand up. He picked up his hat and rubbed his wounded arms. The next moment, he helped his men who were trapped in the hole under the blazing gaze of The High King and the other beasts.

“Let’s get out of here! This forest is no place for hunting. These beasts did not kill us. In return, we must leave them peacefully in this forest!” said the leader.

“Yeah… I don’t want to set foot on this forest again. Look at that great lion. I bet he’s the Lion King! It’s a bad omen!” said another.

Before leaving, the leader stared at King Leones. Only this time, he looked at The High King without any fear but with great respect.

“We will leave this forest forever. You can keep my words.” The leader said affirmatively. He bent forward and tilted his hat towards The King.

Slowly, the hunters stepped back. The King signaled his citizens to give them the way. They walked through the circle safely and sound. The beasts followed them all until they reached outside the Old Forest.

“Hurah…!” all were cheering clasping. “We did it! Cried the citizens of The Old Forest.

A good beginning makes a good ending

As the battle was over, King Leones invited all to have a feast in the plain near the Great Waterfall. A huge bonfire was lit. Almost all dwellers of the Old Forests attended the feast to celebrate their victory.

“My dear fellow citizens, tonight, we gather in this great plain for a celebration. We had worked together tremendously. Each had casted the differences away. Each had gave their time and energy to help one another. We had done a great job.” Said the King proudly. “All are heroes. I thank you for this. And to you young Arthur, you will make a fine warrior, one day. You have shown us loyalty and bravery.”

“That’s my friend!” cried Snuffy.

“You too my little brave mouse! You are also a brave warrior!” added The King.

So, all enjoyed the party except Mr. Pride who still had the feeling that he was left behind. He had no stories to share with others. They all seemed already tired with his old stories about his heroism and grandeur.

Artemis and Cicero as usual involved in long discussion. They were glad but never wanted to get drowned in the feast. They always chose a spot afar from the crowd. They perched on the highest tree and stared at the bright moon above.

“I pray no more hunters will dare to set their foot in this forest again!” whispered Cicero almost unheard.

“My old wise friend, there’s no need to worry. As long as we still have many young Arthurs, our world will be just fine!” Said Artemis.

The crowds were cheering happily. All enjoyed the food and the meal. Snuffy had no more room for food in his stomach. Mr. Vigor danced and sang with Mr. Moose while Foxero and the other foxes swayed their bushy tails following the rhythm and howled. Mr. Bulky stood with Mrs. Carroty laughing loudly. His left ankle was still in bandage. The two leopards stood with King Leones, enjoying the food and talked merrily.

Meanwhile, Arthur tried hard to slip away from the party. He longed to see his father and mother. He had a tremendous adventure these last few days. He learnt some valuable lesson about friendship, courage, and honor. Yet, he felt that there’s no place so peace like home. But he was also eager to have another adventure!