Page 43 of Bound By Honey

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Sage stood at the cliff’s edge, watching the sun dip beneath the horizon. The sky was awash with shades of pink, orange, and blue, the twilight casting a soft glow over the landscape. All around her was a blanket of tranquility. And in the distance, a garden unlike anything she had seen before. Even the castle garden seemed insignificant compared to this.

It sparkled in the dying light, beckoning her forward, and her feet crunched on the dry grass. In the last hour or so, she had risen above the mud from the flood and was so grateful.

As she drew closer, she could make out the intricate shapes of the hedges and the bright flowers. The garden had been carefully tended to as if it were a living work of art.

Sage stepped into the garden, her eyes taking in its beauty. Her heart raced with anticipation, for she knew she was getting closer to the secret guild. She meandered through the winding paths, taking in the sights. Statues of beautiful goddesses and gods carefully crafted from the finest marble. Smaller statues depicted scenes of everyday life as if someone had taken the time to create a miniature version of the world.

The statues were life-like, but even the best sculptor couldn't capture a person's movements or their personality. At least, her father had always said that. But here ... in this garden ... you could see a deer at the edge of the woods. In its eyes, a hint of fear as it caught sight of you. Sage had a hard time imagining that the deer was, in fact, a statue.

She noted a beehive near one of the statues and a man looking back at a giant as he ran across a narrow stone bridge.

Red flowers surrounded her, with waves of blue, yellow, green, and purple visible glowing in the distance. They swayed with the wind, like the goddess' hair flowing in the breeze. A butterfly flew through the flowers, adding a blue streak to their red glow.

Sage heard a noise. It was faint, but it was enough to catch her attention. Her eyes scanned the darkness for any movement. After a few moments, she saw a figure standing in the shadows. She could just make out the shape of a man, his face hidden by a hood. He did not move, and Sage realized he had been waiting for her.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She had found the guild, and it was time to enter. With one final glance at the man, she stepped forward, determined to help her friends.

The man met her halfway, his face still hidden in the shadows. "Welcome, you've traveled far to find us," he said, in a low whisper.

Sage nodded, her throat tightening. “I did. How did you know?”

He pointed at her cloak. "Locals use a different type of wool for their cloaks. One treated with a blend from our garden to make it more waterproof. How can we help you, traveler?"

Sage's doubts rose to the surface. She had no idea who this man was or if she could trust him. But, at the same time, she had come too far to turn back now.

"I am looking for help," she said after taking a deep breath. "A treatment for several of my friends." The man slowly nodded as he listened to her words. “I'm an apothecary and haven’t found anything yet." She showed her bag of herbs, remedies, and other concoctions she had collected.

“I may be able to help you find a treatment for your friends," he said, seeming to understand her plight, “but it will take some work on your part. Are you willing?”

Sage swallowed hard before nodding. This would not be an easy task, but it was worth it if it meant saving her friends' lives. With newfound determination, Sage followed the man into the garden's depths. It seemed silly to call it a garden. It was massive. Now that she was deep within it, she could see how it stretched in three directions and disappeared over hills.

Soon they approached a hilltop in the middle of the garden where a small village hid. Sage took in the view as the last light from the sun disappeared, and stars emerged in waves like candles lit at a wedding.

Wooden and stone homes lined several streets, meeting in the center at a pergola and grassy space. Streets cobbled and packed hard from years of use. Several large buildings stood at each corner.

What surprised her was the high level of craftsmanship. Each home seemed to be made by a master carpenter, the wood not just cut and nailed together but given more artistic touches.

The hooded figure stopped and turned to Sage, gesturing for her to enter one of them. Taking a deep breath, Sage entered.

Several people filled the large hall, all wearing dirt-covered clothing and many with smudges still on their hands and faces. Most were seated at communal tables, while a few stood around the edges, talking quietly. Sage could feel their eyes on her and sense the curiosity in their gaze.

As she moved into the room, the hooded figure weaved through the crowd. Sage followed close behind, afraid she might lose him. He stopped before a woman in a green dress with muddy brown boots. Her salt-and-pepper, curly hair was pulled back into a long braid, keeping her face clear, reminding Sage of an acorn in both shade and shape. She held a gentle yet regal air, her gaze piercing and all-knowing.

"Rachel, we have a visitor," the hooded man said as he pulled off his cloak to reveal a middle-aged man with wavy black hair pulled back low.

Rachel's gaze moved from the man to Sage, and a small smile appeared.

"Welcome. I'm Rachel, the leader of Nectars Embrace. This is Michael. We are a mage group specializing in healing and protection magic."

"Sage. My name is Sage. Sorry, I'm a bit off. Rosey and Thomas told me how to find you."

"Oh? We haven't seen them for some time. I hope they are well." Rachel gestured to a table nearby while Michael left them alone.

Sage followed Rachel and sat across from her.

"The lower area has been badly flooded, and I came with the king's representatives to assist. Thomas found me in the camp and brought me to his mother. To be honest, if he didn't, I'm afraid she would probably be no longer of this world."

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