Craek collected rings. Gold inlay, brass, silver, it didn’t matter. If it shined in the sunlight, and was left out on a balcony, or next to a window, he would be pulled in. He couldn’t resist those rings. He had his ring collection stored high in an oak tree.
As a spy for Princess Kaera of Brightsun, Craek had helped stop the War of the Valley before it started by relaying the battle plans of the other two sides, had blabbed on the behaviors of three awful suitors seeking the hand of the Princess, and, less than 5 hours after the royal kidnapping, Craek found Little Prince Nessian.
He was given the highest honor of the King after that, as well as a small treasure of shiny, sparkling rings—but, of course, then the entire Kingdom not only knew of his bravery, but of his spying.
So, that job was over.
When he was ready, after training the next group of spies, he took his leave and retired to his nest of rings in the Autumn Woods.
He was content to bring occasional news of the Outside Word to the group. More and more, though, he stayed at home, mesmerized by his treasures.
“Promise me, Sir Craek of the BlabBlab, you won’t forget us as you travel from kingdom to kingdom.”
He could not. Their love was the shiniest thing he’d ever had.
Tonight, though, Craek couldn’t forget the Princess. Perched over an encampment of orcs, he saw the seven Brightson Ruby Rings around the neck of one of the orc soldiers.
They’d lit a fire, massacred several small rabbits from a local warren. Now, the soldiers chewed without speaking, pulling the meat away from the spit with their tusks, .
The fire danced across those rings. He knew the Royal Family would never give those away. What happened to his first family? Had they hurt them? Was the Princess alive?
He hated the orc who wore those rings.
Astrati had warned him, “Just observe. Orcs are smart and they are huge. They take note of things even if they don’t show they do. Be careful.”
Do not go after the Brightsun Ruby Rings, he told himself.
He followed the orc, unseen, unheard on the branches far above him.
And when the orc lay down for the night, he remembered the necklace of rings had a latch. He’d seen the Princess take off that necklace many times after ceremonial events. If he went down and unlatched the necklace, could he carry it with him?
He flew lower and lower, branch after branch, pausing to listen, looking around him. In only five jumps, the orc lay just beneath him. He could imagine his own beak lifting the latch of the chain, but what then? Seven ruby rings were a heavy load.
Despite his anger, his manic plans for stealing the necklace would have to wait till another time, till he had help, and till he knew more about what had happened.
He hopped up to the next branch, just as the orc turned and looked up at him. Looked at him in the eye. The orc ran his fingers around a ring’s sleek metal curves. His eyes glistened, his tusks glistened. He watched Craek. Craek imagined pecking out the eyes of the orc.
The orc smiled, his tusks revealing their length. He reached back behind his neck, unlatched the necklace, pulled it from behind him, and dangled it above his chest, setting it down in coil, like snake.
He was baiting Craek.
He is hungry, Craek thought. He wants me to come down and try to take the rings.
Suddenly, a huge orc hand came from behind Craek, and one from below him, and the jay leapt up into the air just seconds before a fist could crush him.
He darted out of the tree, and an arrow passed him.
How could they all have been watching him? Coordinating.
He dodged another arrow and flew farther into the trees and back to safety, as he heard the orcs rumble with laughter.
Craek flew off to deliver what news he could, but he left the rings and any news of Brightsun behind.
“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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