#beequest

You know what you must do.

“Ah, are you well, Honeymaker? You have my apologies, my reflexes got the better of me and, well, I suppose I don’t know my own strength!”

You ask if that counted as an offering of combat.

“Did it... Ah!”

You don’t know where you-

This beetle wants to fight you.

You venture a clarification. The uh, one you’re both standing on?

He gives a sagely nod.

“Ah, I see. I understand your confusion, Honeymaker.”

“But! This is no bridge!”

“This!”

“Is my arena!”

“I’m in training you see. We Beetles are quite territorial, and if I am to stake a claim to territory of my own, I must be strong! Stronger than I am currently! And what better way to test my strength than to face the wanderers of this land in the ultimate affair of honor?”

“I see the martial arts are not unknown to you either, Honeymaker. The transaction I offer is simple: If you wish to cross, I will gladly grant you the passage you seek. All I ask in return is an offering of combat.”

He straightens.

You don’t want to be rude, so you accept the Beetle’s handshake. His grip is crushing.

“An interesting name for a Honeybee, I might add!”