Never before had Xe seen such a magnificent being. Three times taller than regular Eeols, he bore a thick armor in a perfect golden color, a marvelous golden helmet with jagged edges and immense yet elegant golden air-screw. Two shiny belts full of golden batteries were embracing his waist, carrying at least fifty or sixty of them.
Staggering and lurching, the newborn King ambled up the Central Chamber which was filling quickly with blissful red masses. Hearing of the great event, Eeols were pouring out of tunnels and clustering on the floor around the marvelous figure in admiration and awe.
Although still groggy and wobbling with birth sickness, the King smiled broadly at the crowd.
“Hail there,” he said slightly incoherently but in a surprisingly soft voice.
Behind his back the second golden-clad King was emerging from the Main Tunnel four. He scrambled up with difficulty, bemused and tottering, and then knelt on the radiant floor of the Chamber supporting himself by one hand. Another set of gigantic golden fingers appeared on the edge of the opening, indicating an existence of a third King.
There were beyond any comparison more Kings then Queens. While the Eeol Hive would typically raise one single Queen per year, sometimes two on infrequent seasons, Kings were shed in dozens, emerging on multiple occasions during the early summer.
It turned out to be 19 Kings in total in this first batch. Soon they were all in the Central Chamber, wobbling and stumbling while shaking off their birth sickness. Yet beyond exchanging a few pleasantries, they didn’t engage in conversation with anybody as it simply wasn’t customary in the Swarm. Regular Eeols just kept gazing at them all day long while going about their business.
For Kings to spend the night there were huge rails built high in the Chamber ceiling and reinforced to be able to support their heavy bodies. When they spun their powerful air-screws to ascend, passages and chambers of the Hive resonated loudly with the mighty thundering sound.
By the next day the minds of the Kings cleared up.
They never lingered long in their native Hives. With the first light of day, the Kings assembled themselves in a formidable golden troop and flew out to seek Queens on their Wedding Flight. Waving farewell to a large mass of respectful Eeols watching their departure from the Gate sill, the shiny troop quickly disappeared in the distance.
10.
Black Butterflies
“What’s our mission, Sir?” asked Da impatiently, propping himself against the green-glowing wall behind his back.
“I said you are at liberty to turn down the offer.” There was concern in Commander Ce’s voice.
Unit 33 and their Scoutmaster sat on wax shards in one of the spacious chambers at the Subterraneous Level 5 in which meetings of Commanders and Troopers were taking place. A small group was completely alone in the room; this was for their eyes and ears only.
“It is not what I expected, but such is the verdict of the Supremes…” Commander Ce shook his head. “As I was saying, they are offering you a chance to redeem yourselves by completing a special mission. Again, you are not required to accept.”
“In which case, we are banned from company one for good,” added Go sourly.
“Trooper, do not interrupt. Yes, that’s true, but perhaps that option isn’t as horrible as you imagine. I have been serving with company three for the greater part of my life, and I find it perfectly fine and fulfilling. Anyway,” he continued and changed his position on the wax piece, “first listen to what this task is about, and then make your choice.”
Like we have any, thought Xe. This was not only about their future status, but they had to make a stand and prove themselves against Wa 17 and his crowd. Their little conflict was starting to attract the attention of the Swarm. After that episode in Pletoriam grove, virtually all the Scouts in active service were familiar with the rivalry and awaited further development with interest so there was no space for backing up. Especially in light of the fact the unit 7 suffered only a temporarily transfer to company two with expectations to return to duty in company one soon. Go seethed with fury after hearing that, and Da and Pa 2 were no less enraged. How could they cower in a cowardly fashion after that?
There was no alternative. They had to face this mission and carry it out flawlessly.
“Sugar-dew?” wondered Le after hearing Commander Ce’s introduction.
“That’s a special kind of plant sap produced by Bushes,” he explained. “It’s found in very small amounts dripping down their bark. Well, the fore-mentioned treat happens to be the Queen’s favorite, and she yearns for it now; thus somebody has to go and fetch some.”
There was a catch, naturally.
“Bushes are dangerous places. Many foes may lurk inside their dense crowns, especially the Great Black Beetles which love sugar-dew too. However, experience has showed that a small group using stealth and wisdom can slip by. Past results with larger parties have not been satisfactory.” This was to say, there had been casualties.
“The Supremes also added one extra condition.” And it was a very unsettling condition. If accepted, unit 33 was to go on a mission without their Scoutmaster.
Commander Ce looked around. “What will it be, then?”
Xe didn’t hesitate even for a moment. “I’m ready to go.”
“Count me in, Sir,” said Da.
“Me too,” Pa 2 cried loudly, adjusting and rubbing his visor, followed by a lower but equally determinant, “And me,” cry from his mate Pa 7.
Other Scouts were confirming their willingness to take part in the perilous mission too, red helmeted heads nodding one after one, until only scowling Go remained. Contrary to the rest of the crowd, she seemed very disagreeable.
“So. The Queen has to get her sugar-dew,” she hissed. “What’s wrong with ordinary food, nectar and honey? That’s not good enough for her?”
Commander Ce frowned. “Watch your tongue, Trooper.”
All the Scouts were looking at the young Eeoless with pleading eyes.
“Don’t be like that, Go,” Le begged. “Leave it alone and come on.”
“Give in, please,” Xe joined. “Say yes for the good of whole unit. Everybody must agree or we are not going to get approval for this task.”
Unsupported in her rebellion, Go looked aside and submitted to the common decision.
“Oh, fine. Have it your way. Yes,” she grumbled in muffled voice.
“Right then.” Commander Ce seemed appeased. “This is how it’s going to be done. First, our company will find some pasture for the gathering swarm three in the area of preselected plant. I’m talking about that old Bush down by the Dry Stream you are already familiar with.”
They were familiar with it as unit 33 had been scouting in that area several times. But while monitoring the huge thing from a safe distance, the Scouts had never thought they might actually have to dive into its threatening dark crown.
“The gathering swarm is going to stay in the vicinity, although the Swarm Leader would not put his Flyers in jeopardy by nearing the Bush too much. Still, you won’t face a long trip back once you are done. I have already discussed necessary arrangements with our Mission Commander DeraB1044. Tomorrow we’ll head for the Dry Stream area to look for some flowerfields, and when the gathering swarm appears at the spot, you are on the move.”
Early the next day, company three was already at work milling through the lightly-grown meadow stretching alongside the waterless Dry Stream. Diligent Scouts had located rich pasture easily, and they were now waiting for the gathering swarm to show up.
It was a lovely morning, fresh and windy. Flowers of vivid colors bloomed wherever one could see and the pleasant scenery was capped by nice blue skies. But a gigantic dark form stood nearby. Cone-shaped and gloomy, the Bush was wrapped in dense foliage from top to bottom, making its central trunk completely concealed from view.
Unit 33 bunched up on the outskirts of the flower field with Scouts from other units keeping their distance from them. Nervous young Troopers
were exchanging sour remarks as they huddled around Xe, who had to jump into role of a leader. Being unprepared for it, he was wondering how all of this would work out, full of fears and doubts.
Young Scout glanced again at the giant plant by the Dry Stream. Even though he had remained silent yesterday when Go rebelled, he felt quite the same. Was that sugar-dew really worth the risk? The Queen had to be aware of the dangers associated with this mission, so Xe didn’t understand why she was insisting on it and ignored their well-being. The Queen was mother to unit 33 and the entire Swarm, as every Eeol egg hatching in depths of the Hive had been laid by her, but it was as if she didn’t care for them at all.
“The Queen is heartless,” said Go like she had just heard his thoughts. The young Eeoless was in a particularly poor mood today. “Somebody should tell her to get out and collect that precious sugar-dew herself.”
Standing nearby, Da was disgusted. “What you said is against everything we stand for.”
Go simply sneered at him. “On top of everything,” she continued in a whining tone, “I have awoken with a horrible headache.”
“Me too,” noted Xe 17.
“My head has been aching ceaselessly for the last couple of days, so what?” shrugged Pa 2. “There’s no point in moaning. Suck it up, Scouts.”
“Sure, we Scouts have to,” snorted Go. “Unlike the Queen, she doesn’t have such problems. Really, it’s so nice to be a Queen; everybody obeys you and serves and provides for you. I would like to be a Queen too!”
“You can always go Rogue, Go,” teased Te.
“I would like to be a King,” said Go 6 who listened from behind. “Some heavy weaponry would be really handy on our current mission along with that powerful armor of theirs, and sharp senses. It’s wonderful to get born as a King indeed. Some are just lucky I suppose.”
“Chill out, Scouts, we have to concentrate on our mission,” warned Xe to avoid further discussion as the sky in distance reddened, heralding the arrival of the gathering swarm three.
Their time has come.
Commander Ce called unit 33 to give them their final instructions. Mission Commander DeraB1044 was accompanying him, hovering wordlessly by the Scoutmaster’s flank.
“… not as dangerous as the Great Black Beetle. And about sugar-dew, though you have never seen it before, I assure you, identification won’t be a problem. Look for pink watery drops on the bark which taste very sweet. That’s all. Good luck!”
Xe positioned himself at the head of the small group, and before young Scouts fully realized it their air-screws were propelling them quickly above the scenery on the course toward the Bush, further and further away from the protection of the stirring multitude of the gathering swarm.
After a short flight, a dark image of the Bush rose like a cliff in front of the Scouts. The wind was piping silently through its massive brassy crown making leaves to rustle in awkward metallic tone. Landing just adjacent to it, Xe and the rest of the group proceeded with great caution, as they entered the daunting crown one by one.
It was shadowy under the dense branches, and the Eeols automatically pulled their visors down, pausing to study the situation. The foot of the Bush seemed a lot like a thicket, as many other plants grew there as well; vines, leaves and huge thorns obstructed the way ahead, but the imposing trunk of the Bush was still looming through.
Then a silent crack came from an unknown source. Alarmed, the Scouts drew their blasters out, squatting and crowding together.
“Cover me,” Xe whispered to his friends.
He started to sneak forward, pushing aside a cluster of some kind of berries, each as big as his head. At first, he could see nothing suspicious, but then he raised his hand in warning and the young Troopers hit the ground.
A large, murky shape was crawling through the undergrowth, too far away for clear identification. Unit 33 preferred it that way. They had no desire to find out what it was, so they lay motionlessly until it was gone.
Using stealth and all of his dexterity, Xe continued toward the giant trunk followed by the others. The Bush bark was reddish-brown and surprisingly slick and glossy, lacking any furrows. Xe circled around looking closely at every part of it; yet no drops were present there.
“We will have to go up,” he whispered to his Scouts as they reached him. “I’ll climb first. After I make sure it’s safe, I’ll return for you. Wait here until then.”
Xe spun his air-screw and hovered up, keeping close to the bark the whole time. Not far above the ground, he spotted a large bought protruding from the trunk and recognized it as a fine lookout. Perched on it, the young Scout took a look around, flinching when a sudden gust of wind shook the mighty crown. Apart from that, nothing was moving, and after some more observing he activated his air-screw again and descended to his unit.
“Clear,” he said in a low voice. “Now, two must keep watch on the bough. Let’s say, me and Pa 2. The others look for the sugar-dew. Don’t go behind the trunk where we can’t see you. Understand?”
There were a number of affirmative replies. The unit went searching, crawling slowly over the trunk, while two Scouts took their positions at the bough.
“Do you see anything?” whispered Xe.
“Nothing noteworthy, Sir,” said Pa 2 in a quite serious fashion.
They turned silent for some time, until Go flew up to them.
“We haven’t found anything,” she reported in a disappointed voice. “However, we discovered a hole in the rotten patch of trunk which appears to run deep. Who knows what may be lurking in it. Should we change our position?”
“Not until we finish searching this section. Stay away from the hole, and place Da for a sentinel to survey it.”
Nothing crept out of the dreaded hole, but Eeols soon had to move on the next location as present one proved barren. Although they kept combing large portions of the bark, their efforts remained fruitless. The day was passing, and they still didn’t find a trace of the precious fluid.
“This is stupid,” criticized Go. “We are apparently seeking sap which doesn’t exist. Maybe something is wrong with this Bush, or they aren’t yielding in this time of the season. Let’s quit and go back. To the Supremes, we’ll simply say the truth, that there wasn’t anything to collect.”
“And admit failure?” grumbled Da.
Everybody knew this mission wasn’t enough by itself. They had to produce some results or it would not count.
“If we quit, all that we suffered would be in vain,” said Le gloomily.
The unit was mute and pondering, but an unexpectedly the alarm came from Pa 7 who was keeping guard. “Watch out!” His screaming voice got lost in a deafening rumble of a coarse buzz.
The small group split with terrified Scouts dashing to find any kind of shelter.
The Great Black Beetle was descending through the air, powered by four hulking air-screws. Its pitch-back metallic wings were spread to full span while the three pairs of clawed legs were folded over its belly. An enormous head seemed even larger due to its fierce, oversized jaws. Even though it turned left, indicating that the creature had spotted fleeing Eeols, the graceless beetle simply continued its route downwards, vanishing among the dense undergrowth at the bottom. The creature obviously wasn’t hungry at this time.
Shaken and out of breath, young Scouts gathered again.
“We were so lucky, fellows! So lucky!”
“Someday we’ll run out of luck,” muttered Xe grimly.
“Scouts! I got it!” Te’s delighted voice came from above. He showed a moment later glowing with pride. “The sugar-dew! Come, follow me!”
The young Troopers buzzed after him to the crack in the base of some crooked bough. Glittering trails were streaming down from it with a single pink droplet at the end of each.
“Tastes really nice,” admitted the Eeols as they got their suction pipes busy.
“Faster,” warned Xe who was supervising the sap collection. “I don’t like this damned thick Bush a
t all. Who knows what new horrors could pounce out of its dark corners.”
With their body tanks brim-full of sweet fluid, Scouts quietly dropped to the base of the huge trunk. Being extremely cautious, they quickly snuck out of the brassy crown. Go 88 tripped once over a piece of peeled bark that got in his way, but apart from that, the young Troopers got out fast and unmolested.
The blinding sunlight made unit 33 to pull their visors down.
They left the Bush with a sense of ease and joy. The sky seemed so incredibly blue after its dark shadows, even with few gray clouds wafting sluggishly at the west. The unit flew quite low to make it harder for Flies to spot them; the way ahead was short, but Eeols felt awfully vulnerable in a small group as this one.
Yet their troubles were coming to an end. First, they heard a familiar sound, a soft and sweet buzzing, and a flower field flashed before their eyes, overflowing with swirling redness. They made it back to the gathering swarm.
An expression of relief was obvious on Commander Ce’s face as he counted his unit and found it the same as they had left. “Hail, Scouts, and welcome back.”
“Hail, Sir! Mission accomplished, Sir!” the unit 33 yelled all together.
“Great to hear that. You had us worried, Scouts.”
“Not without a reason, Sir,” said Xe tiredly, and went on with a full report.
A large group of Commanders joined them to listen to his story, including several of Gatherer and Watcher class, nodding with approval the whole time while he was reporting.
“Good job, unit 33,” said Mission CommanderDeraB1044.
Honored Scouts returned to their usual duties, but the gathering swarm didn’t linger in the pasture for much longer. Spooked by gray clouds spawning over the west sky, Eeols chose to return to the Hive by mid-afternoon.
Commander Ce proceeded immediately to the underground to see the Supremes, leaving Xe and his friends to meet with Queen’s Servants waiting in the Central Chamber. Head Page MedaM0075 stood in the middle and smiled with pleasure; evidently, he had already been informed of the successful outcome of their mission.
The Call of the Swarm Page 10
