The hive was not to be within the tree.

The ritual was retained from ancient times, passed down among the secret Beekeeper communities in Africa.

Adam traced patterns onto the tree’s bark and onto his skin.

He remembered his training. Mother had always been impressed how easily he picked up the secret methods. They had simply made sense to him.

He lit a candle made of sacred wax.

The bees entered the hole in the tree, but it now led to the hive’s true location, beyond mere space and time.

The hive existed within the very space of Adam’s soul.