2. The Magic Hive

The Magic Hive "We have to find out where this honey came from!" Rachel said excitedly. "Yes," Kirsty agreed. "Mom? Can we stay here a bit longer, please?" "As long as it's OK with Mrs. Merry," Kirsty's mom replied. Mrs. Merry beamed. "Of course they can stay," she said kindly. Mr. and Mrs. Tate decided to continue their walk. "Make sure you come back to Dolphin Cottage by lunchtime," Kirsty's mom said. "And be careful!" "We will," Kirsty promised.

"Come along then, girls." Mrs. Merry set off across the smooth, green lawn. Rachel and Kirsty followed her to some old and twisted apple trees. Six wooden hives stood underneath. Kirsty stared at the row of hives. "Which one did the honey we tasted come from?" she asked. Mrs. Merry looked pleased. "Did you enjoy it? The honey from that hive tastes especially good at the moment." Rachel and Kirsty grinned at each other. "I think we might know why," Rachel whispered to Kirsty. "Yes," Kirsty agreed. "It could be fairy honey!" "That's the one," Mrs. Merry said proudly, pointing to the very back of the yard. One hive stood there all alone, beneath the tallest apple tree.

As they walked toward the hive, the girls could hear a sleepy buzzing sound. "The bees in this hive are very peaceful nowadays," said Mrs. Merry. "I've never known them to be so happy." "Can we get a bit closer?" Rachel asked eagerly. She couldn't wait to find out if the hive held a magical secret!

Mrs. Merry looked thoughtful. "I think it's safe, with the bees so quiet," she decided. "But you had better wear a hood like mine, just in case." She went into a nearby shed and brought out two beekeepers' hoods. "Here you are." Rachel and Kirsty pulled the hoods over their heads. It was a bit dark and stuffy inside, but they could see through the netting just fine.

They moved closer to the hive. The soft buzzing sounded almost like music. "We need to open it and take a look," Kirsty whispered to Rachel. Rachel nodded. But they couldn't start searching for the Yellow Fairy with Mrs. Merry there. Ruby had warned them that no grown-ups should see the fairies. Suddenly, Kirsty had an idea. "Mrs. Merry, could I have a drink of water, please?" she asked. "Of course you can, dear," Mrs. Merry said. "I'll be right back." She went off toward the cottage. The girls waited until Mrs. Merry disappeared inside.

"Quick!" Kirsty spun around. "Let's open the hive." Rachel grasped one end of the lid. Kirsty took hold of the other end. They pulled hard, and the lid slowly came loose with a squeaky sound. Strings of golden honey stretched down from it. "Watch out. It's very sticky," Rachel said. The girls bent down and laid the heavy wooden top carefully on the ground. Kirsty wiped her fingers on the grass. "Look!" Rachel whispered as she stood up. Kirsty turned to see, and gasped.