The Beekeeper

 The Beekeeper

There once lived a beautiful golden-haired maiden called Phydora during the dawn of The Age of Steel, and she was a beekeeper on the lovely island of Melachron at the time of its very brief war with The Kingdom of Ziaffa. Indeed, this was a restless time, as this account of her tale will show. For when she was in the prime of her bloom, and busy at work on the family’s bee farm attending to the many tasks that such a craft requires, an incident, damnable at best, happened. Thus the war was a dangerous time, and many unusual and terrible events transpired.

Hence on warm days amidst the tall grass she would make large bounding strides towards whatever box containing a bee hive needed examining and would carefully check all the brood frames and would remove any necessary honey from them and gather this into prepared ceramic jars that had been previously crafted with utmost care. Of course, there were many other boxes that littered the farm, which meant a lot of work. And nearby, numerous magnificent trees stood on the farm. A good deal of these were either oak or olive.

Also Phydora loved to recite poetry and sing songs while working, and her sense of joy felt endless even though she knew of the war and its numerous horrors. Nevertheless, Melachron was a large island and this part of it had not been affected by anything negative as yet. So her life, in spite of all the bad things going on elsewhere, still seemed carefree and unspoilt. The weather, too, always gave the impression of being quite ideal. However, conditions were relatively primitive for peasants on the island, as water had to be gathered from sacred springs. As might be expected, there were also many superstitions professed by its strange inhabitants, who were also largely illiterate and sometimes belligerent.

Now Phydora was an only child, and her parents were far too busy to give much attention to this single and resourceful offspring. All the same, it didn’t bother the young beekeeper much, as she was also too busy to care. Therefore, they all lived a sort of full, though estranged life, because making honey brought them significant rewards and felt like a thriving trade for those backward times, which meant everything suited them fine, just precisely the way it was.

Evidently to the west, there existed a mainland, for it is where The Kingdom of Ziaffa lay. Interestingly, that general direction was much spoken of by the locals. In fact, there were many cities to the west and a lot of land as far as any eye could discern. But to the east there existed mostly seas with various islands scattered about those vast waters. Nevertheless not much was known about those places to speak of.

Then on what appeared to be a normal day to anyone not involved in the war, and to everyone’s surprise, a small fleet of ships came and intrusively moored at the coast near to the farm because it was not too far from the sea and lay in the eastern part of the island. As a result, a group of rowdy warriors from The Imperial Army of Ziaffa soon came ashore with an itching desire to relieve themselves of any pent up frustrations they were currently feeling. Indeed, the Ziaffan army had just failed to take over the capital of Melachron and were now behaving unruly, and because there are no absolute rules in war, they decided to take out their disappointment on the local population. Therefore some of the warriors quickly approached Phydora’s family farm as they seemed to be drawn there by some kind of sinister instinct. One by one, these foul men trudged around smashing beehives and shouting like maniacs. And when three of them saw Phydora’s attractiveness, those wretched men became overwhelmed by a desire to abduct her for themselves and soon took the maiden away to their ship.

Once there, the poor and innocent Phydora was thrown down below into the bowels of the vessel. Effectively she had become a prisoner whose life’s future had now become incredibly uncertain in what appeared to be a short time. Thus the world instantly became a crueler place in her eyes. There was no doubt about that. However, one can nearly always find the good in most people. Hence she needed to learn how to bring this out in them.

Later, the ships of the Ziaffans left the coast and went south and sailed around the island to head west. The sea felt strange to the young maiden, but so would so many other things in the way events would unfold from then on, because there was a whole world out there that sometimes appeared strange, uncertain, and wicked, but always interesting. For surely there were a great many unknowns to deal with, and her extreme youth and inexperience made everything somewhat confusing. Therefore what could this abducted beekeeper do to resolve such matters?

“Where are you taking me?” she asked.

The uncooperative captors did not answer, as they merely smirked in her face. Moreover, these reckless warriors could just do anything that took their fancy, for it was acceptable and normal to them. Nevertheless, these men were not complete animals and preferred to persuade rather than force themselves on the captive in regard to sexual gratification. So they wanted her to like them, and also felt that this could happen in time, which meant the men were not in any kind of rush. All the same, she still existed as their prisoner and could say or do nothing at that particular moment to change that fact.

“We can show you all the marvels that exist on the mainland!” said one of them. “And you must see Ziaffa. It’s incredible.” His name was Sartorius, and he was a young, tall, thin, as well as good looking man. Furthermore, this warrior was also a rich and spoiled aristocrat who liked to get his own way in most matters.

“I want to go home!” pleaded Phydora.

“Eventually you can go home, but for now you must come with us,” said the conceited warrior.

At some point, the main western landmass finally came into view in full clarity as it now appeared fairly close. Then the fleet of ships headed directly to the port city of Nekrontis, which was a place full of strange mystery cults, though most were Death Cults. Nevertheless, its inhabitants were extremely prosperous as masters of trade, but they were unfortunately under the rulership of the mighty kingdom of Ziaffa. Sadly the city of Nekrontis had no walls to protect it from outside dangers, however, its harbor was very large and well constructed.

Soon the ships docked, and some of the warriors along with their other followers disembarked.

“I have a beautiful chamber where you can stay,” said Sartorius to Phydora. It was an awkward and tense moment.

Therefore, at first, she gave him a black look of resistance, but because there was nowhere else for her to go the young maiden decided to follow him to his mysterious chamber. Of course, everything on the mainland gave the impression of being strange and unknown. Also, he had not, at any point, caused her any harm, and so it seemed a safe bet for now.

Thus in the distance to the west there were many overhanging cliffs and the atmosphere struck them as a touch misty when they walked along the harbor towards where the chamber lay in a certain part of the city. To add to this, a few marine birds from above circled to and fro in the air, chirping, and there were some charming seals lapping up silvery fish on the edge of the harbor. However, it was a strange, eerie place, as many of the sounds in that locale were echoey and remote. Yet, to add to this, the various activities of its inhabitants appeared puzzling. Certainly they were not like the people of Melachron. Nothing here resembled her much beloved island with its simple and untamed innocence. Nonetheless, Nekrontis is where Phydora would now have to reside.

So the innocent maiden followed Sartorius towards the interior of the city and no one paid much attention to them, for they were too busy scheming on other matters, which were usually matters of a most dubious kind. Hence the two went to the southeast section of Nekrontis and consequently headed in the direction of some tall gray-stone buildings which closely hugged a cliff face that had many steps leading up to numerous chambers. Also, in a few of these, some clothes could be seen hanging from laundry lines just outside them. However, the place in general had a strange, spooky charm, and it was not too far from the port.

Soon after having reached its base they started to ascend the steep and narrow steps towards the chamber. Then Sartorius opened the front door and Phydora followed him in while he casually showed her around. Anyhow, when she became familiarized with its layout, the young warrior made an excuse of needing to get back with his fellow fighters in the army because he had to fulfill his duties there, and so he hurriedly gave her a copy of the key and some coins to buy food. “I will be back tomorrow,” he said. “Don’t leave. It can be dangerous if you don’t know where you’re going.”

Instantly Sartorius left in a rush, for his lousy and unpredictable behavior always came across as being mindlessly impulsive and somewhat careless, but he had some good in him somewhere, though one needed to bring it out by any means possible.

Now the chamber was simple and solidly constructed. Moreover, its east wall had a door to the left of a square opening covered by a wooden shutter that could be opened and closed by anyone inside. And there was also a fireplace on its north wall accompanied by a few pots and bowls for various purposes close by, while more objects of different kinds sat in a corner.

Fortunately, at least, she had some comfort and security in this new abode, and for the meantime, it was better than nothing.

On the following morning, though, hunger began to set in as her stomach gave out a great and rumbling growl, so Phydora hurriedly went to an open market that was not too far from that most unfamiliar and lonesome chamber in order to get some food. Therefore, she saw plenty of fish as well as other kinds of seafood on display and also walked around and looked at the layout of Nekrontis in greater detail. The strange city, it seemed, did not disappoint, as there were many interesting things to see. For in a small, open area, she came across a religious fanatic standing in front of a group of people saying: “The gods of the sky brought fire and wind which shook the earth, and soon there was chaos. But in the darkness of the earth, a child of light was born. And when it reached maturity, it created the world in all its glory . . .”

Thus these religious people were behaving animatedly, with a wild, zealous, and generally manipulative attitude.

However, Phydora carried on walking because she didn’t want to be dragged into any kind of conversation by any of these persistent fanatics and returned to her chamber with the food she had bought.

Eventually when evening came, Sartorius appeared, and said, “Within a few days I need to return to Ziaffa, as the warriors in the part of The Imperial Army I’m fighting with have been ordered to go back there. So please come with me. Please, I will look after you . . . You certainly won’t regret it, as there are many opportunities in the city.”

Slowly she pondered on the matter for a moment, and her eyes rolled back and forth. “Fine, I will go,” she said.

Immediately Sartorius came towards her and hugged the young maiden with a comforting embrace and offered her some additional shiny-coins, which of course, were duly taken. Then they ate a very tasty dinner of fried fish that had been lovingly heated in oil on the fireplace which they had with bread and some fresh, assorted vegetables arranged in a bowl. The two also drank some water.

Later, Sartorius went back to his group of warriors who were staying in the harbor, for he preferred to be with them. And soon following this, and on that very same evening, Phydora went for a walk under the Moonlight near the sea’s edge in a direction that went south. Soon she saw a creature that appeared to be a man but with his lower half being that of a seal. He was swimming in the sea, nearby. Indeed, it shocked her, because such sightings were extremely rare. Maybe there were others just like him? Who knew? Nevertheless, it made her realize how wondrous and magical the world could be.

Undoubtedly Nekrontis fascinated Phydora in great measure, as there was much to experience in this bizarre city before having to leave for Ziafffa. Needless to say, the mainland is something the young beekeeper had dreamt about ever since being a young girl, for many accounts had been given about it by the inhabitants of Melachron. Yet now she was there, and it filled her heart with a satisfying glow. However, a part of her deeply missed the occupation of beekeeping.

Hence she wore a pretty-blue dress on the day of departure to Ziaffa. Indeed, Sartorius came to meet her in the early morning and both went to the front of the harbor where the other warriors in his group were assembled along with some other men, women, horses, and carts. Thus it did not take too long before everyone was on the move and heading through Nekrontis to get to its northern side where they could subsequently head northwest. Moreover, the walk through the city, near its edge, seemed quite straightforward and there were numerous observers, though its busy inhabitants were already familiar with Ziaffan warriors and so did not really pay them much attention.

Then when they reached the outskirts of Nekrontis the surrounding country looked hilly and spectacular while in the distance the dirt path they were following continued as far the eye could see, as it appeared to be a well established route. However, to Phydora, it was new, and she enjoyed seeing where it led. Also, there was much to excite her on this journey of five days, which is how long it would take to get to their destination through that stretch of land.

Now the following days of travel were quite fascinating since there was much wonderful landscape to see, and certainly much of it had a kind of wild charm unlike any other region one could imagine.

Consequently when those five days of steady walking were over and everyone had finally reached Ziaffa, Sartorius took Phydora to his family home, which sat upon an ancient hill overlooking a portion of the most important part of the city. Of course, he really wanted her to see the property in all of its glorious magnificence, and the place looked exceptionally impressive with its immense garden that was beautifully lined on either side by cypress trees and square cut hedges of various kinds. Furthermore, the main building was made of limestone and was supported by long smooth pillars of a simple design which exuded a sense of opulence and power.

A little way off in the distance, there were some stables made of fine stone that housed various beautiful horses that Sartorius could not resist showing his guest, for his every move was a form of seduction. Nevertheless, she did not fully trust him, and had not forgotten his cruel and forceful abduction.

Later, on a particular day, and at a time when he was not training with the army, Sartorius came and asked Phydora to accompany him to a section of the garden where he had recently installed a dozen beehive boxes. “What do you think? Does it make you happy?” he asked, while standing there like a happy hyena. “This is just the beginning. I can get more.”

“Ah, how thoughtful,” she remarked, and proceeded to look inside one of the boxes. “Good, it is perfect. Did someone help you prepare them?”

“Yes, someone I know very well.”

“Really, what is this person called? I would like to meet them very much,” said Phydora, curiously.

“Of course, certainly. His name is Aldameir, and he is an old friend of mine,” said the young warrior.

“Good, I look forward to meeting him,” remarked the impressionable maiden with a smile.

Then two days later, the wise, swarthy and dark-haired Aldameir visited the young beekeeper in the morning when she was attending to her work. Thus they spoke for a long time in the garden. For soon this turned into a daily occurrence since the two enjoyed each other’s company. Needless to say, Sartorius was not too happy about what was occurring, and his increasing jealousy became apparent though he pretended to be unaffected by this new and burgeoning relationship that unfolded before his very eyes. However, the young warrior was not, in any way fooling anyone, and at some point, he became anguished by his feelings, which took on a very hostile turn. So Sartorius, at some point, refused his old friend all entry to his family home.

Undoubtedly Aldameir felt a touch upset by this recent decision and subsequent turn of events for he was very fond of the young and beautiful beekeeper and took his friend’s snub as a harsh insult upon his honor. Therefore he was not going to give up at all on the chance of meeting Phydora again at any time in the foreseeable future. Hence he focused his present energies on trying to meet her whenever any chance arose. However, this new attitude did not prove easy for him because of the simple fact that she was firmly ensconced in a place and situation difficult for her to leave. Nevertheless, Aldameir was firmly resolved about trying to find a way to turn events to his advantage by whatever means possible. He just needed the right opportunity.

Meanwhile, Phydora was likewise not too pleased about not being able to meet someone she found stimulating and had an obvious affection for. Moreover, the city of Ziaffa, and its remarkable people, were in many ways unfamiliar to her. Therefore, at this present moment, options appeared extremely limited.

What could be done? Of course, only time would tell, for everything had been a shock to the poor maiden ever since having been abducted from Melachron. Indeed, there is always a solution to the endless frustrations of life if one knows the right answer. Consequently she had to become stronger and more resolute.

Now Sartorius, even though he was an energetic man with a highly possessive nature, could not always be at home to keep an eye on what was going on there because he had to serve in the army. Therefore Aldameir saw an opportunity to take advantage of this fact by appearing at the place when the warrior was not around and decided to call out to the young maiden when she was attending to her bees in the garden. And he shouted, “Hey Phydora! It’s Aldameir. Come, we need to go! So just take a risk and leave. This place is not for you.”

“Yes, I know, I’m coming,” she said, and quickly ran in his direction. A moment later, Aldameir and Phydora grabbed hands and took flight along a quiet lane that led away. It was a thrilling moment.

Soon they reached his home and felt a great sense of relief. Then he showed her something important in his garden, and said, “You don’t need Sartorius for anything, as I have plenty of beehives right here.”

Instantly she beamed with delight on seeing the collection of boxes that filled the area row after row. Thus the couple both stood holding hands and kissed tenderly with a feeling of passion that had been slowly building up.

Next, Phydora went to explore her new surroundings with a strong sense of wonder since its atmosphere felt pleasant, peaceful, and relaxing. It was clearly unlike the oppressive situation she had just escaped, as there were so many wonderful things to admire about this property and its atmosphere. To add to this, a scent of floral sweetness lingered in the air.

Later, at the advent of twilight, the sky looked expansive and bright with the stars glowing with a crisp radiance. Therefore it felt like a perfect evening on the cusp of something fortuitous. Certainly at that moment, the two were living on a sort of high since the world seemed bright with endless possibilities. Truly, it had been a good day for the both of them because their growing love was quickly blossoming.

Now on the following morning they woke up early with a strong sense of optimism about the future. Sure, anything was achievable – especially in their eyes. Yet in the course of time, Phydora became incredibly successful as a beekeeper in the confines of Aldameir’s garden, for pretty soon she was producing a lucrative supply of honey that numerous people in Ziaffa were paying good money to obtain since many wanted a portion of this liquid gold. In fact, there was always an increasing demand for it because people constantly wanted more.

Nevertheless, in autumn and winter the production of honey would slow down almost to a standstill. To be sure, beekeeping existed as a seasonal occupation for anyone involved. So the work of maintaining beehives did not stop altogether during the autumn and winter periods.

However, in the meantime, Phydora’s new life in Ziaffa seemed like an immense joy, which meant she felt a fierce and restless desire to pursue whatever opportunities the city could bring since it had a marvelous atmosphere and was a great place. Hence nearly everything a person could possibly want was right there at their disposal and sometimes Phydora would go to the various markets and look at all the items on display. Then at other times, a quiet and arduous walk through the surrounding area would suit her mood better. Ultimately, the city and its surroundings had its charms.

Yet, in spite of his busy schedule, Aldameir would nearly always make an effort to help the young beekeeper with anything her heart was set upon. For as a guest she lacked for nothing. Freedom was hers, and it felt wonderful. So on a bleak and boring day in the middle of winter, the ever industrious Phydora decided to take up the art of pottery again with the intention of making numerous ceramic jars for the purpose of expanding her enterprise and to make her future increasingly prosperous.

Evidently she found out how to make a kiln with Aldameir’s assistance and their days were now filled with much activity. Consequently the pair grew very close when working together and everything they did felt extremely satisfying. Also, the new kiln had a round and simple design made of thick-mud bricks and its construction was designed in such a way that it had been partly dug under the ground. Moreover, chopped wood served for fuel at its base which was heated gradually to avoid cracks or breakage in the jars.

In the course of time, Phydora’s work was especially well received by the people of Ziaffa since many considered her scrumptious honey far superior to that of any other. Thus the young beekeeper had progressed and matured a lot following those early carefree days on Melachron and everything finally looked exceptionally fine, and so with her current frame of mind she could now fully live and grow. Clearly everything turned out well.