The forest floor crunched softly beneath the weight of Stanley's body. Zee and the other beetles trudged onward, their tiny legs straining with the effort. Zee scanned the path ahead, relief washing over her as she saw it clear of fallen branches and tangled roots. Chase must have done this.
They finally reached the clay fence that marked the village perimeter. Atop a nearby boulder stood Chase, his long antennae twitching impatiently. "Took you long enough," he called down.
Zee ignored him, focusing on getting Stanley inside the village as quickly as possible. With a final heave, they carried him through the gate and toward the large hut at the center. It belonged to Asumi, the village chief, their only hope.
"Chief Asumi!" Zee called, his voice trembling. "We need your help!"
