The Queen Bee

Three brothers travelled through a forest. The youngest often stopped to notice small creatures. His older brothers wanted to hurry, but he thought the journey should leave every living home unharmed.

At an anthill, he asked the others to step around instead of across it. The ants carried their eggs safely underground. Their tiny paths remained whole beneath the travellers' careful feet.

Beside the lake, ducks were resting among the reeds. The youngest persuaded his brothers not to disturb them. One duck lifted its head, watching the kind stranger continue towards the trees.

They found a hive inside a hollow trunk. Honey shone near its entrance. The youngest left it for the bees. The queen bee circled him once before returning to her busy home.

Beyond the forest stood an enchanted castle. Its horses and people had turned to stone. A quiet keeper explained that three tasks could wake them, each with a day to finish.

The first task was to gather a thousand scattered pearls from the moss. The older brothers tried and failed. When the youngest began, an army of grateful ants arrived to help.

By evening every pearl lay together. The next task was to find a lost key beneath the lake. The ducks dived, searched the clear water, and carried the key ashore.

Last, he must identify which sleeping princess had tasted honey. All three looked alike beneath their blankets. The queen bee recognised the honey scent and hovered above the correct pillow.

The youngest identified the sleeper, and the spell lifted at once. Horses shook their manes. The castle people stretched and smiled. Even his older brothers saw how much kindness had accomplished.

The castle held a feast of thanks, with flowers for the bees and safe water for the ducks. The brothers returned home, remembering that small lives could offer very great help.