Forest Guardians Chronicles: A Matter of Humanity by Beth Roose (smart ebook reader TXT) 📗

go over to visit with the Pukwudgie tribe and Princess Celia. We are noticeably short on time, so I cannot promise that will happen.” Mr. Garman pivoted on his heels and walked out of the room, heading over to Marsha. “Honey, we must have an arrow from the Pukwudgie tribe to test our formula on this drone. Do you think Bev could find the tribe leader and be back here in an hour? That will give us just under an hour before the Hornet Queen returns.” Marsha jumped out of her chair eagerly at her father’s request. “Yes, Dad. Bev and I are on this. May I borrow your car?” He reached deep into his pocket, pulled a set of keys and tossed them to Marsha. “Hera ya go, honey. Please, be safe. You keep your eye out for the Queen or one of the drones. “Oh Dad, of course I will. You worry way too much. Be back before you know it.” Marsha sprinted out the door and phoned Bev to let her know what was going on.

Marsha pulled into the office where Bev was waiting. Bev got into the car, noticing a very anxious Marsha. “Buckle up, Bev. We will be speeding, just letting you know.” Bev looked at Marsha and then put on her seatbelt. They journeyed off Route 303 and onto the windy Riverview Road. “Where are we going?” asked Bev. Marsha responded, “We are headed to the Ice Box Cave and the Ledges. That is where the members of the Pukwudgie tribe hang out.” Driving in silence for a bit, Bev finally chimed in, attempting to diminish some of Marsha’s anxiousness. “I sure hope we do not see the Hornet Queen or one of her drones.” Marsha nodded in agreement as she pulled into the Ledges parking lot. Odd, she thought to herself, not one car was in the lot. As soon as the car was in park, both women jumped out of the car and ran towards the trail leading to the cave. Frantically, both Bev and Marsha called out Zonga’s name, but received no response. Finally, about halfway down the trail to the Lookout of the Valley, Zonga stepped from behind a tree. “Bev!” He looked puzzled as to why the ladies were here. “What’s wrong?” Out of breath and panting, Marsha began to speak in spurts, “Zonga, I am so glad I found you, we need you to come with us and use one of your arrows to test this formula on the drone that Morgan has in hibernation at his lab.” Bev piped in quickly, “can you shapeshift into a human?” Zonga looked back and forth between the pair. “Well, of course, Bev. It will draw less attention than a porcupine man sitting in your backseat.” They all laughed and chuckled in welcomed relief. They all rushed back to the car and  hopped in. Marsha backed the car up and as she looked into the rearview mirror, she saw Zonga shapeshift into the likeness of Jennifer Hudson. “ Wow, Zonga!” Marsha said “You are beautiful! And what an excellent choice!” Bev turned and looked at Zonga. “WOW! Just WOW!”  Bev and Marsha looked at each other. “Alright, Marsha. Are you going to ask or am I?” They both laughed,  “Okay, I will ask the question,” said Bev. “Zonga, where on earth did you come up with this likeness?” Zonga responded proudly, “Well Bev, I watched a movie through someone’s window and I thought she was a Goddess. Marsha and Bev burst out laughing. “So you are a peeping Tom?” Marsha said. They all giggled as they made their way back to the lab. Finally, the group arrived at their final destination. The three entered the lab and all eyes were on Zonga. Bev finally broke the eerie silence illuminating the room and told Zonga to drop out of shapeshift. Dr. Mottice gasped in astonishment as Mr. Garman stood still next to him. “Dad,” Marsha began, “this is Zonga, he is the leader of the Pukwudgie tribe and as you noticed, he can shapeshift.” Zonga walked to the table, towards both men, and stood beside Mr. Garman. “Zonga,” Marsha continued,  “this is my Dad and this is Dr. Mottice. He is an expert in DNA and genes. We just call him Doc, for short.” Zonga nodded toward Dr. Mottice and Mr. Garman and peered down at the beakers, questioning all of the colored fluids that filled the glass bottles. Suddenly, Zonga caught notice of Morgan and jumped back growling. Morgan, looking more nervous than ever, tried to reason with the frightened Zonga. “I know I am scary looking,” said Morgan. “But, we need to try our formula with one of your light arrows.” Bev knelt to look at Zonga eye-to-eye. “Zonga, I know this is stressful and we are throwing a lot of information at you, however, the Humans of the Park are counting on you to save them from Morgan’s mistake. It is up to you. I am asking you, please help us.” Zonga rose out of his crouched stance. “I will, Bev. I think we should call Princess Celia to help us keep watch for the Hornet Queen.” They all nodded in approval. Zonga marched over to the door and opened it, sending a silver tipped arrow into the sky. Within seconds, there was a burst of brilliant orange light flooding the sky and the Princess appeared, walking hand in hand to the lab with Zonga. “Hello, everyone.” Her voice chimed through the room like a beautiful musical instrument. “For those who do not know me, I am Princess Celia, a Forest Guardian. I see you have already met one of my fellow guardians, Zonga.” Marsha walked forward and began the introductions. “This is my Dad, Philip Garman, Doctor Mottice, Bev and this is Morgan.” Marsha pointed to the table. The Princess focused on Morgan, taking a keen interest in the creature. “Hello, Morgan, we are here to help resolve