Ordinarily the Contemplative Order of the Sacred Fuzz never received guests. But this time an exception was made for Brother Fenzel, a fellow follower of faith. While their two practices were not similar, they both cared for their communities. They both followed a higher calling.
He came to them asking for a favor and he relayed a threat to his community. He seemed anxious.
The bees, enrobed in their sacred fuzz, gathered round him to try and calm him.
He told them about an invading band of raiders coming through the woods.
Now, the contemplative order rarely saw anyone but each other. They needed the isolation to practice their rites, their prayers, their aerial mazes. So most invaders or wanderers or anyone else were far away from the mystics’ underground chapels. It was pre-ordained, part of their faith. They were asked by their deity to eschew the pathways of others. They were led to declare a vow of noninterference, a separation from the world. It was the only way to stay true to their faith.
So, when Brother Fenzel asked them to help, they were sympathetic. They understood that his community must be anxious. But, as he told them, they already had warriors and magic users so why should they–a small group of mystics lend their small support? Why should they get involved? They had vows of noninterference. With all likelihood, the orcs would leave the woods in a day–then the problem would be solved.
But no, the good Brother explained, the problem would come back and all their potential allies to stop the bigger threat would be gone. “We must join together as one community to save each other.”
The Sacred Fuzz mystics buzzed to each other for a few moments, considering the situation –and weighing the dangerous part their members were being asked to play—and decided unanimously that they would not participate.
The risks were too great to their Order and the risks of not participating were so low.
They wished the good brother well. But in the end their communities lived in two separate worlds. The mystics had found peace by leaving the world alone. Perhaps Brother Fenzel should encourage his community to do the same.
Go to Chapter 23
“Protect the Autumn Woods!” is an illustrated story by Jerome Stueart in 33 short flash fiction chapters. The story features D&D-inspired magic-using forest animals who fight to protect their homes. This story was at first a response to a prompt list created by Jenn Reese and Deva Fagan for an October Art Challenge in 2021. You can now read all 33 parts of the story, “Protect the Autumn Woods” with the search term, #AutumnWoods. “Protect the Autumn Woods!” Art Show at the Dayton Society of Artists (48 High Street, Dayton, OH) from November 1 — December 15 2024.
“Protect the Autumn Woods!” is adjacent to a larger show of amazing Dayton Artists, “Small, but Mighty.” Come see all of the art, any weekend, Friday 12-5, Saturday 12-5 to experience the art yourself.
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