Page 42 of Bound By Honey

The woman glanced around the hut before turning back to Sage, her eyes brightening with hope. "Will you stay here for a while?" she asked hesitantly. "There is not much I can offer you, but I can tell you stories of our guild if you'd like. I assume the honey you used to treat me is of the average variety?"

“It was. It’s great for treating burns, sore throats and can help with pain among other things.” Sage smiled, feeling strangely drawn to this mysterious place and its inhabitants. She was sure many tales had been hidden within these walls, tales of love and loss but also strength and courage—stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things when faced with adversity.

The woman motioned for her son to join her on the small bed, and Sage settled on a chair nearby.

"Very true. Did you know that some honey can do even more though? The first time I heard about the secret magic of honey," the woman began, "was from my grandmother. She told me stories of a reclusive guild of mages hidden deep in the forest, living in a beautiful, elegant garden. According to her, these mages could create powerful potions with magical honey as the key ingredient. It was a secret only the locals knew about, and even they gave it a wide berth.

"At the time, I didn't believe such a thing was possible, but my grandmother's stories stayed with me, and I eventually found myself searching for the guild in the forest. After days of wandering, I stumbled across this garden. I was amazed at its beauty. Everywhere I looked were vibrant flowers, buzzing bees, and many plants I couldn't imagine existing anywhere else.

"As I approached, a figure stepped out of the shadows. It was an old man with a long white beard and deep blue eyes. He introduced himself as the guild’s leader. He explained that the magical honey was created through a complex process involving the tending of bees and carefully harvesting rare and precious flowers. He said the potions created from these kinds of honey could heal any wound or illness and even bring life back to the dead."

Sage's mind drifted to the book she had borrowed from the library. It seemed plausible that this could be the same group, and the promise of bringing life back to the dead made her hopeful that she could possibly use it to help cure the gargoyle curse.

"He then told me about a woman who had been close to death but was brought back to life through the guild's potion. I was filled with awe and admiration for this guild, and I couldn't help but marvel at the power of their secret magic.

"The old man then offered to let me join. I eagerly accepted. I learned the guild's secrets and tended to the bees and flowers in their garden. Over time, I understood the true power of the honey. I have witnessed many miracles. It is a magical thing, one that I would never trade for anything in the world."

"You're a member of the guild?" Sage asked.

The woman coughed. Sage offered a drink from her flask of fresh water, which the woman eagerly swallowed.

"I was. I met my husband there. The poor man passed a year ago from a mix-up while testing a new honey. After that, I needed some space, so we moved here. It's quiet and a good place to raise a child."

"Do you ever miss it or wish you could go back?"

The woman chuckled. "Who says we don't? It's not far. We visit when the weather is good."

Sage knew she should head back to the camp, but this was an opportunity she feared wouldn't happen again.

"May I ask why your son came to find me instead of going to the guild?"

"It's far," the boy answered. "I was afraid I wouldn't get back in time. Ma needed help, and people passing by told me a healer would be at the camp."

"Clever boy. How did you know that I was the healer?"

His eyes darted to her bag. "I could smell the potions you carry."

The woman looked at her son warmly. "He's got his father's nose."

"You have a very brave and resourceful son."

"Thank you," the woman whispered.

Sage rose and looked at the boy, smiling.

"I should go now," she said, handing him a small medicine bag to continue treating his mother. "When she is strong enough, you should head to the camp. I would like to check in on you so we can find help to clean up the damage to your home." Sage picked up her bag and hesitated. "Can I ask how I could find your guild? I know they prefer to stay secret, but I have a few people for whom I am looking for treatment, and I’m at a loss."

The woman studied Sage before nodding and pointing out a window to the west. "Almost a day's walk that way, you will find it. It's at the top of a cliff, so they should have avoided the flooding. It's easy to miss, though. If you reach the cliffside, follow it away from here, and you will find it. Tell them Rosey sent you."

"And Thomas!" the boy piped in.

Sage laughed as she walked toward the door. "I will do that. Thank you. When you check in at the camp, can you tell someone where I went? Look for any member of the Charming Four."

"You ensured that my son didn't become an orphan. It's the least I can do."

Sage bowed her head, touched by the woman's kindness, and thanked her once more before departing.

As Sage made her way back through the forest, she thought about what the woman had said. Not only did the guild hold the key to healing the gargoyle curse, but it also seemed to offer a safe refuge from the outside world. She wondered what other secrets the guild was hiding and why it had chosen to remain hidden for so long.

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