Forest Guardians Chronicles: A Matter of Humanity Beth Roose (good books for high schoolers TXT) 📖

a grave issue our species and the world is currently experiencing. I have just received word that the Hornet Queen and her four minion drones are alive and recovering from the Pukwudgie poison arrow.” There was a pause in the Chief’s speech as the surrounding members of the Hairy Tribe released two infrasounds - a communication method that can only be heard by creatures of the forest, particularly affecting insects - “Whoops!” The infrasound vibrations shook intensely throughout everyone’s body. Cleg stepped forward and began to retell the story of the recent encounter Bitty and Freda had experienced with the Hornet Queen and her minion drones. Gasps came from around the circle as the Chief told of the ambush that Freda and Bitty were a part of. Cleg paused and stared around at everyone in the circle. “They did the right thing, these girls. They hid in the tall grass so as not to be seen, avoiding capture, and even worse, death.” Peering to both girls, the Chief continued. “You were both very brave and showed this tribe a great example of what it means to have bravery and courage in your heart.” Turning back to the crowd with hands outstretched and in a loud rumbly voice, Cleg exclaimed, “We must destroy her and the drones before she regains her full strength! We must find out how she survived our relentless attack with four of her drones.”

Zonga, a usually strong and outspoken leader of the Pukwudgie tribe, stepped forward to speak at the clan meeting. He began by shifting his weight back and forth while gazing toward the ground. He was not sure of Sasquatch's true feelings. Noticing the Sasquatch’s discomfort, Princess Celia looked over at Cleg, and after earning the nod of approval, walked over to Zonga placing a caring hand on his shoulder. The nervous woodland creature peered up at her through thick lashes. Zonga melted at the warmth of Princess Celia’s inviting and kind eyes, and the longer he stared into her eyes, the more she began to glow. Softly, the Princess explained, “Zonga you are amongst friends and have no need for fear. Please tell us what you know. I will be right here with you.”

Zonga looked around the circle, tears welling up in his eyes. “Oh, I am so sorry!” He exclaimed. “It is truly all my fault. I am so sorry everyone. I, well, uh, I forgot to put the poison on the tips of the light arrows.” Gasps and a few angry Sasquatch grumbles filled the spacious meeting space. “I am just so sorry ...I...I…” and without finishing the sentence, the hairy beast began to sob uncontrollable waterfall sobs. Princess Celia turned around making eye contact with an infuriated Cleg. His fists were curled into balls, his nostrils flared twice the size of his head, his lips curled around his teeth, and if eyes could shoot daggers, well, Zonga would be pinned to the nearest tree. The muttering stopped and suddenly, the clan became silent. Princess Celia turned back to Zonga, her calm presence still intact. “Everyone, we will figure out a new plan of attack together.” Turning to Cleg, the Princess raised her pointer finger. “You and your clan are an essential part of this new mission. Do I make myself clear?” Cleg nodded a slight and very angry nod. His eyes did not leave Zonga’s face even though he was having a conversation with the princess. “Yes, Princess.” Cleg muttered in a hushed, but tense tone. Cleg strode over to Zonga and spoke in a low voice. “Zonga, we have this. We know she is out there with four drones.” Making his voice louder and addressing all of the clan members, Cleg continued. “We all know to be cautious as we move about the forest. I believe we need to not focus on what happened and focus on how we resolve this. Let us all sit down and come up with a plan.” Turning to Zonga and his expression releasing all previous anger, Cleg addressed the nervous Sasquatch. “What do you think?” Zonga smiled a bright grin and shook his head up and down, nodding in agreement.

Princess Celia glided back to the center of the circle as Zonga headed back to his clan. The princess began with what they knew for sure: Bitty and Freda saw four drones and the Hornet Queen alive and in action. “I think Bev needs to know,” the princess stated. “Bev has also hinted that she may know how the hybrid Queen came to exist. I am almost certain that the drones came into existence the same way.” She paused pursing her lips together. “I will go to the farm and talk to her tonight around dinner time.” Glancing to all of the spectators listening to her speech, Princess Celia continued. “We should meet here tomorrow night around 8pm. Once I find out what she knows we can then decide what the plan looks like. Cleg, Zonga, are you on board with this first step?” The Hairy clan gave two “whoops!” and the Pukwudgie clan let out a warrior scream that rumbled the forest like an earthquake. Smiling at the approval, the princess went on “Alright, everyone. I will see you tomorrow at dusk.” And with a burst of brilliantly blinding orange light, the princess was gone. Cleg and his clan stood from the logs they were sitting on and disappeared into the darkness, making their way back home. The Pukwudgie headed for the Cuyahoga River to walk along the river edge, which would bring them home to the Ledges where they inhabit.

***

Bev was at the kitchen sink when she saw a burst of orange light come from the night sky. She knew immediately who it was: Princess Celia. She grabbed the nearest hand towel and dried her hands, running to open the door. She swung the door open, gasping for air after her sprint down the hallway and sure enough, she was right. There stood