23 days

I didn't have my armor, either, or my conducting spear—I reappeared the same way I disappeared, in my casual clothing and weaponless. But at least my stinger was with me.

I flew toward the man's neck through the swarm of soldiers trying to get to him. From a corner of my eye, I saw my girls gasping in shock and freezing in place when they realized who flew past them.

"Father?!"

"Is that…?"

"F-Father!"

"Let me pass! LET ME PASS!" I shouted, making more bees dash out of my way.

The path was clear now, and I could see what gave my girls so much trouble.

The attacker came prepared to be stung—his neck was covered by a scarf of some sort, and his head by a leather cap. Both were covered in numerous tears and scratches left by knives of attacking bees. Stench of sweat came from underneath—the weather was too hot for this clothing.