35. As the Bee Flies - Noggle Stones

This is Nogglestone's chapter number 35, As the Bee Flies, by Will Radcliffe, as read by Gary Allen.

It was hours later, amidst the reception celebration, that Bugbear found Manchester performing silly card tricks for a group of children.

You know, Bugbear said, coming upon the king, that's the first time I ever saw you perform a magic trick.

Not doing a very good job of it, Manchester chuckled, as he handed the cards to the children.

It's a good thing I found that quill. I never would have made a living as a stage magician.

Bugbear laughed as he took Manchester by the sleeve.

Come with me, Manchester. I wish to discuss something with you.

Certainly, Manchester said, following his mentor to a spot near the ruins of the library.

You are to be congratulated, my king, Bugbear whispered.

Because of you.

Because of their loyalty to you, the dragon brides were willing to meet with me.

Not since the time of Whittlegrip and Alahariah have Goblin and Dragon Bride held such counsel.

They have told me some things.

Bugbear peered about to make certain no ears but Manchester's heard his words.

Things about the Shadowsmith, about his origins, about his masters.

His masters? Manchester balked.

Bugbear waved him down.

Not so loud. This is delicate business.

Bugbear made another quick scan of the area before continuing.

Yes, the Shadowsmith was truly but a shadow of a greater threat.

A threat which was banished long ago by the dragons.

The dragon brides had few details beyond this.

After all, these events occurred even before the time of Alahariah.

But in their travels, Magga's sisters have seen signs and portents suggesting this threat is trying to return to our world.

Manchester stroked the door.

Manchester stroked his beard.

Cron mentioned a subtler power that the Koryanod served at the beginning of time.

At first, I assumed she meant the Shadowsmith.

But now...

Yes, Bugbear interrupted with his finger raised in the air.

A good foundation upon which to build my investigation.

What investigation? Manchester asked.

Bugbear looked to the ground.

As if to hide some sliver of shame in his eyes.

I must leave you now, my king.

I must explore.

And discover the secrets of this subtle power.

So soon after the wedding, Manchester said, his face drawn with disappointment.

There's so much left to do.

Nothing you, the queen, and Tudmire can't handle, Bugbear said.

I shall go out into this new world.

These scattered lands.

Perhaps one of the other races has information.

Or perhaps there are lost records detailing these ancient events.

Bugbear took Manchester's hand.

I should leave now.

Secretly, while eyes and ears are distracted by the celebrations.

No one must know of my mission.

Only you and Magga, the queen.

Yes, Manchester said with a grim nod.

Do you need supplies?

A mount?

Bugbear patted his coat and smiled.

I have my coat of many pockets.

And I have a mind filled with non-logic.

Both shall provide me with what I need.

I shall send word by messenger bee when I can.

I'll tell you what this rescue Josie is looking for.

Yes!

You go.

Bugbear took his friend by the shoulder and pulled him into an embrace!

Bugbear struggled at first, but then surrendered to the sentiment.

Good luck, Manchester said.

You shall be missed.

As shall you, Bugbear said.

Give my regards to Tudmire and Magga and look after Riley.

I made a promise to Mother Twitchit!

So did I, Manchester said.

grooming him for an important role in reintegrating the patchworks back into

Willow Prairie good bugbear said pulling out of the hug excellent you are a wise

king with a wise queen this realm shall prosper under your rule for a few

moments they simply enjoyed one another being beside each other remembering the

events they had shared in the world they had defended bugbear had never had such

a friendship before in Manchester he found someone his equal a being at once

majestic as well as ordinary he was indeed the magnificent Manchester

goodbye King Martin goodbye master bugbear and so bugbear parted from

Manchester wandering through the merrymaking crowds gently pushing past

pages carrying platters piled with pheasants hams turkeys and beef past

strumming and crooning bards past boasting

warriors and tittering maidens. He stepped off the cobbled roads of Willow Prairie,

onto the dirt trails that led out of town and wound over the hills and past the peak of Tamarack

into the wide and unknown world. Which way should I go? Bugbear asked himself as he stood at the

fork of three trails. A buzzing flitted past his ear, then past the other ear. The bee hovered

before him, looking to him with its endless honeycomb eyes. I'll let you decide, my friend,

Bugbear piped, and the bee flew west. Bugbear skipped behind, letting the burdens he bore

ease away for just a few moments. It's wonderful to be free, isn't it?