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

the marsh creatures had seen the Hornet Queen just once. It was terrifying and beaver Granny Mabel made sure to let both of the girls know not to cross the Hornet Queen, as she was dangerous and had many tricks up her sleeve. Knowing how much the beavers feared the Hornet Queen, Freda went out on a limb to come see Granny Mabel. Smiling kindly, the heron began to reveal the real reason that she and Bitty stopped for a visit. There was a plan that the heads of the tribes brainstormed and they could use the beavers' help in the marsh. Freda instructed Granny Mabel to bring herself and her posse to meet at the Everett Covered Bridge on Friday. The heron stated, “We need a few beavers to help us drive the Hornet Queen and her drones toward downtown Peninsula. Mainly, toward the covered bridge and Morgan King’s lab.” Granny Mabel paused her knitting to peer up at the young heron’s request. Freda continued, “I realize that it will be a long swim for you and the other beavers, but we really need your help. We need all hands on deck if we want to make this work.” Granny beaver smiled slightly. “No worries, my dear. We can do it easily,” said the old beaver. She cleared her throat. “Just let us know what time on Friday. After all, it will be quite a swim, so we will need to know ahead of time if we are to get there on time.” Bitty snuggled into Freda’s wing and answered for Freda, “We will!” Everyone laughed, filling the hut with the warmth that filled the dam home at the beginning of their arrival. Time passed as the group visited and suddenly, Freda drew Bitty in close. The heron sensed trouble, as did Granny Mabel. “Quick, jump in the cattails... NOW!” cried Granny Mabel. Freda practically pushed Bitty into the cattail marsh headfirst and then swiftly jumped in after her. Both crouched low in the water, peering over the cattails, hoping for a glimpse of the culprit. Granny Mable dove into the water and  underneath the cattails, staying near to Bitty and Freda. The group looked up at the sight and saw the Hornet Queen, buzzing her loud and obnoxious sound, overhead. It was an odd sight, mainly because none of the drones were with her. Freda wondered where she would be going this early in the morning and by herself. “Hmm…” Freda pondered. “What an odd sight.”

Mr. Garman was driving home from the airport when his cell phone rang. He pushed the speaker and a sweet voice came through from the other end. “Hi, Dad. How was your trip? Was kind of worried, I had not heard from you since you took off.” He could hear the worry in his daughter’s voice. “Marsha, I should be home in about 15 minutes. Traffic is noticeably light. We will talk tonight when you get home from work.” Quickly cutting in, Marsha nervously stated, “Dad, I wanted you to know, this morning on my way to work, I saw the Hornet Queen. She was by herself. She looked like she was headed for Morgan’s lab. Perhaps you should head there first and check on Morgan?” This piece of information concerned Mr. Garman greatly. Trying to make his voice sound unworried, he replied, “Thanks, Marsha. I will go directly there.  I will call you and let you know what I found out in Montana and if Morgan encountered the Hornet Queen this morning.” With a voice still full of concern, Marsha bid her father a goodbye and hung up the phone, returning to her work, nervous about the events that were about to unfold.

Mr. Garman drove a little faster after his phone conversation as he headed toward Morgan’s lab. As he approached the lab there was a small traffic jam from an accident. Curious as ever, he got out of the car to inspect the scene, and he could not believe his eyes. As he stood beside the car, people were pointing, gazing in awe towards the sky. Floating above the wreckage buzzing like a thousand mosquitos, was the Hornet Queen, all by herself. She flew upward from the totaled wreck and peered down at her audience of spectators. Outstretching her arms and shining her wicked smile, she began to speak. “My drones and I will drive you out of our territory one way or the other. This,” she gestured towards the car crash, “ is just an example as to what will happen.” The crowd of civilians gazed at the sky, speechless. The angry queen continued on, “STAY OUT OF MY WAY AND THE PARK, OR ELSE!” Suddenly, she flew off faster than a rocket, abandoning the scene below her. The crowd was full of terror. Everyone ran to the wrecked car, or back into their cars out of fear that the evil queen would return. In the background, sirens from the local paramedics sounded through the air, signaling their close approach. Mr. Garman ran to assist two other men who were attempting to extract the driver of the car. After a long while of work and with the help of the paramedics, the men were able to get the door open and the driver out of the vehicle. The poor driver fell to the ground and he was groaning in pain. The paramedics gave him a quick overview, questioning where he was hurt. The man replied through gasps of pain, “My leg! I think it is broken! And worst of all, she got me with her stinger!” Mr. Garman gasped and informed the paramedics that the wounded driver had been poisoned by the stinger. Paramedic John signaled for the other medics to bring the gurney, and quickly they loaded the man on the portable bed, very careful  not to move his leg. Mr. Garman instructed Paramedic John (a.k.a. PJ) to let them know at the hospital that he had been stung