Rapunzel (Faerie Tale Collection) Read Free Page A

not by far the worst. Come, and I will show you. And then I promise to explain everything I can.”
    The man led him to the throne area and then pointed at a stone statue upon the ground. “What is this?” Jonathan asked as he knelt, wondering where in the world the thing came from and why it was lying on its side. “Who brought this here?”
    “Look at it, Your Highness.”
    He studied the features a moment, and his heart went cold. “It looks like the king is in great distress. But why have such an unflattering statue made? I do not understand.” And then it hit him. “Of all that glories! This cannot be! It is the king, is it not? This is what you are showing me! He has been turned to stone.”
    “Yes. And look.” The man pointed up toward the thrones.
    Jonathan choked when he saw the queen. He stood and grasped Jeffries. “Rapunzel! What has happened to her? Is she stone as well?”
    He shook his head. “No, she took her. The witch took her. “
    “You have spoken of this witch. Who is she? What has happened? Out with it, man!”
    “I know only the barest of facts, I assure you. If any of us knew more, we would have given it.” He began to weep. “I will tell you all. All of it. But tomorrow, there are guests arriving for Her Royal Highness’s coming-out ball and our distress shall shortly be known throughout the land. What are we to do? We have no princess. We have no king and queen. Please help us!”
    Jonathan led the butler to a quiet corner and they discussed at great length everything he had managed to gather from the servants who were in attendance at the time it had happened—the witch who was owed a debt that no one had spoken of, where she hailed from, even down to Rapunzel’s name—the name of the plant her father had stolen. It was a sad mess indeed. But one thing was for certain—Jonathan had to get his Rapunzel back, as quickly and as safely as possible.
    “Do you know in which direction the witch left? Has anyone attempted to follow her?”
    “Nay, Your Highness. She simply vanished from this room, taking the sleeping princess with her.”
    Jonathan nodded, barely keeping his rising irritation and fear in check. “Then I will speak to every gardener, stable hand, or outside worker you have. Surely she did not poof into existence when she came. She must have brought some sort of carriage with her. Would she not have wanted to keep her power secreted for as long as possible?”
    “Yes, she did. She came with a carriage and horses, but they disappeared as well.”
    “Then I shall start with her home and see what can be found there, though I doubt she has kept Rapunzel so very close. At least it is somewhere to begin. Until my return, watch over the kingdom, cancel the ball, and tell those who come not to stay here—mention that the royal family has fallen ill. That should do the trick and keep them all away until we can sort this mess out. Meanwhile, please have someone write to my father. Let him know all that has happened and where I am off to. I will write when I can. But have him send reinforcements here—we could use them. As soon as I am ready, I will send for your army’s captain to attend me and anyone my father has sent as well. We will bring her back.” He glanced at the king and queen. “Hopefully, there is a way to break their spell as well.” He touched the man’s shoulder. “Do not give up hope. All shall be fine.”
    “Thank you.” The older man brushed at his tears, stood up straight, and fixed his attire. “It is time for me to put on a brave front also. This castle needs me. I will not fail you, Your Highness.”
    Jeffries had always been the greatest of men, but it was not until that moment that Jonathan realized just how truly valiant and loyal a servant could be. “Thank you. Stay strong. I do not lose. Ever.”
    With that, he rushed from the castle into the stables. Collecting Brute, he made his way back into the night, with only a twinge of guilt that