Ding! 

Beowulf let out an exasperated sigh, his frustration palpable in every taut muscle. Starflower had sent him into the chamber, eager to see if the rumors of singing herbs were true. Thankfully, the Princess stayed behind, her excuses full of mentions of her cat, organizing plants, and spending time with Tamora. 

And so, here he was, facing a wall of vibrant, multicolored plants, each one producing a distinct, melodic tone. Beowulf had no ear nor patience for music; he viewed it as a waste of time that could be spent training, but arguing with Starflower was like arguing with a sassy cobbled wall- impossible and annoying. 

He squinted down at the scrap of paper she had given him- a code of sorts she’d received from an eager trader, who had requested a small percentage of treasure in return for the guide. Apparently, if pressed in a certain order, the plants would peel aside and reveal goods. 

Beowulf touched his nose to each leaf in the order written, the tune ringing in his ears, and stepped back. Sure enough, the rumbling groan of shifting stones filled the chamber, and a doorway appeared in the adjacent wall, revealing… about fifty scattered gold pieces. Awesome. The bodyguard scowled, inwardly cursing both the plants and Starflower, and swept them into his satchel. It was better than nothing, he supposed. 

Around his shoulders, his bat squeaked curiously, nose peeking out from Beowulf’s coarse fur to examine the chamber. 

“Do you like music, Myla?” 

The little creature chirruped in response, clambering up to her favorite spot between Beowulf’s ears. It was hard to stay annoyed with her around; her unyielding interest in the world around her fueled his own. He chuckled. 

“Alright, let’s get back to Starflower. She’ll be thrilled to see the bountiful wealth we have discovered.” 

Eager to leave the plants behind, Beowulf turned, and trotted back towards the reaching sun.