Jack and the Beanstalk (Faerie Tale Collection) Read Free Page A

how to reach it will come from your kingdom, Mother.”
    “Mine?” Gretel gasped. “You mean to go to Larkein?” She stepped forward and clutched Jill’s hand. “Children, you do not know what evil magic resides in such a place. The castle has been dismantled and overrun for a reason. I do not wholly trust the village, either, even though it is still standing.”
    “But with great evil will also come the answers we seek,” Jill replied.
    Jack spoke up. “Mother, we have no choice. I will not allow Rachel’s fate to be determined by our fears. We must go and find what we can.”
    “Whatever you do, do not tell them you carry the Larkein bloodline, children. Do you understand me? It has still not been long enough for people to forget all that kingdom did, and I will not have you harmed because of the folly of your heritage. Nor would I like to hear of any malicious person coming after you because of it. We are simple farmers, not heirs to any throne. Do you understand?”
    Hansel took a deep breath. However, when Jack glanced over, his father remained silent.
    Jill wrapped her mother up in a big hug. “It will be well. We promise not to let anyone know who we are, and we will be vigilant and we will not be attacked by any evil.”
    Gretel chuckled and hugged her in return. “The falsehoods you children tell just to appease your mama! I would not be surprised if your nose grew as long as Pinocchio’s!”
    Jill laughed. “Well, perhaps not mine. But Jack’s may grow that long.”
    “Ha!” He smirked before turning to his father. “Pa, do you mind if I take my cow with me? She is the only thing of value I have to trade, should I need to.”
    Hansel nodded. “It may be wise to do so. She is not part of our herd, so will not be overly missed if you should sell her.”
    “Those were my thoughts exactly. Thank you.”
    “You must take the horse and cart and tie her to the back. There is no reason for you to attempt to walk the whole way there.”
    “Will you not miss them?” Jack frowned. “How will you do the work here without them?”
    “Do not worry yourself over me. Miss Rachel needs you more than I need the silly horse and cart. All shall be fine—you will see.”
    “Well!” Jill was all smiles. “Shall we go and have our adventure, then?”
    Hansel reached out and mussed up her fiery red curls. “Be careful what you wish for, little one. Always remember—adventure will find you, but it comes at a price. For it is when we least expect it that we must stand up for what we believe in and love most.”
    “Your father is right, children. Be brave. Be strong. But remember, this is not done on a lark, little Jill. This is done because you must—because it is right,” Gretel added.
    “When you find out what you must in Larkein, come back and I will see if I am able to make the trek with you to the giant’s kingdom,” Hansel said.
    Gretel frowned. “I worry about your back. You were not as young as you once were.”
    “Enough, woman.” He waved his hand. “I am fine. Now, let us hurry and say goodbye to these rascals so we may have them returned to us quicker.”
    “Do you have a tent?” Gretel stepped forward. “And enough food? Blankets? You will most likely be sleeping in the cart on the edge of the road. Find safe clearings, and remember to follow the signs. Keep off darkened paths as well.”
    “Mother!” Jack chuckled as he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “We shall be fine. We have been many places and always returned to you. We are not as little as you would like us to be anymore.”
    “I know, I know.”
    Pa wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek too. “She will always fret. She is your mother, after all.”
    “Go, before I change my mind.”
    Jack smiled. “Mother, you could change your mind a hundred times and it would not alter the fact that I will be going—I must go.”
    “Yes, you do.” She sighed. “I love you.”
    Jill added, “Do not worry,