Paladins of the Pickle Goddess

The colony rested upon the back of the cart. It was bumpy, which was Not Good; but the smell of the grass was sweet, and the smoke had finally cleared from the air. They were able to see the bright sun, and there were many flowers. They had even seen a new human, and investigated it. It had replied with much shouting, and tried to bat them away. This made no difference to them. They had investigated the hair (black) the sword (smaller than the one on the Loud and Bright human) and the clothing (good texture, but no interesting colors. Not like flowers at all).

The cart rattled to a stop, and Keeper Apis leaned over to check upon them. “Are you doing well? Everyone still on?”

They buzzed in reply.

“Good, good,” he said. He held out a dish- it looked like liquid, filled with wet pebbles, reported the DroneFriendMember on the back of his hand- then placed it on the back of the cart. The DroneFriendMember investigated, stepping onto a pebble.

The truth was clear. Water!

With a buzz, other WorkerFriendMembers and DroneFriendMembers joined, elated. As they danced the joy dance, a shudder ran through the colony. The queen’s antennae twitched.

Keeping busy, my sweets?

Andrena! They danced a dance of reporting. There had been a mule (stung) and a river (of Bad Water, Not Good, Not Good at All) and another river (Good Water, a new experience, water to drink from the ground) and there was even a sky without grey clouds in it.

Come to me. I wish to see you.

They wiggled in excitement, talking to each other through the dance. A FriendMember must be chosen. The decision was easy. The brave DroneFriendMember, who had adventured out onto the dish of pebbles, would be rewarded for his adventure. He would see Andrena.

He wavered out, buzzing in goodbye, before spiraling down. Andrena’s hand reached out, inviting him into the realm of the gods. He hovered, hesitant.

It’s fine, little one. You may rest upon my fingertips.

He landed. She had left water- Sweet Honey, Very Good- upon her fingertips. Like nectar, but better. A treat for him. He danced in celebration.

So. You venture further with my paladin.

The Short and Loud one, with the Dark Hair and the Spoon? He wiggled in agreement.

She has further plans? Does she tell you of them? Where does she head?

The Short and Loud one didn’t tell him her plans. She wasn’t like Keeper Apis, who told them everything, and understood the ways of bees. She stomped around, and kept to herself! She didn’t even share her water in dishes of pebbles, or offer flowers that she saw by the side of the road like the Bright and Loud one!

Unfortunate. You have not seen other Voices? No other gods?

No one. There was only the road, and the bright sky. And the humans. Keeper Apis, who did his best to keep the others in line. The Short and Loud one, who always messed up their plans. The Bright and Loud one, who was good to bees.

I see. If you see any other symbol of a god- any other symbol at all- you will tell me, won’t you? I know you’re very good bees.

They were very good bees! They would look out. No symbol of another god would be allowed. They would guard her interests.

Very good. Here, take some additional nectar on your way. I know travel is difficult.

Keeper Apis was very good to bees, the DroneFriendMember reflected as he flew out, but Andrena was a goddess. There was just no competition.