Jack and the Beanstalk (Faerie Tale Collection) by Jenni James

different feeling to be walking amongst ordinary things and feel as though he had shrunk significantly.
    “This is by far the most incredible adventure we have ever had!” Jill exclaimed as she walked under a large grouping of tulips. “I am so small, I feel like a fairy.”
    They pushed against the fronds and grass for a few more minutes before Jack became irritated. “Come, we must hurry,” he said as he stepped out of the tall grass back onto the road. “It is too hard to traverse through that jungle. Let us stay here along the edge, but we must move fast.”
    Thankfully they made it to the castle without mishap. Jack guided them through the slots of the gates as they entered the main stone courtyard. The whole castle was laid out around the center open area. The three sections were all interconnected, but had several doors leading into each one. It was a beautiful fortress. The windows were tall with many panes, the carved wooden doors had gold detailing inlaid with painted flowers and motifs, and the towers held majestic red-and-gold flags that flew proudly in the breeze.
    “Where do we head first?” asked Jill.
    “I am not certain.”
    She pointed to a taller building on her left. “Well, that section looks like the chapel. See the stained-glass windows? So I would think either the section straight ahead or to the one to right.”
    “Then we will head straight first, and then go to the right as we begin looking for her. Remember, her parents mentioned she would most likely be in a cage of some sort. I imagine she would be in the main living rooms or the giant’s own chambers, though I hope for her sake she is out in the living area.”
    Jill cringed. “Me too. Can you envision how awful and loud his snoring must be?”
    “How many giants have you met?” Jack grinned as they began to head toward the nearest door, keeping in the shadows and away from the interior of the court.
    “None.”
    “Then how do you know he snores?”
    She nudged him with her elbow and ran ahead. “Must you continuously harass me? You yourself said that you hoped she was not in his chambers, and now you mock me for expanding on the reasons why. Great heavens, you will never let up, will you?”
    “Never,” he called as he caught up to her.
    “How do we get in?”
    They looked up at the great door. It was shut tight and appeared too heavy for either of them to open, if Jack could ever reach the handle in the first place. Glancing around, he found a door opened wide enough to let in some breeze several feet away. “There!” He pointed and then started making his way, keeping in the shadows and near the pillars, over to the door.
    “You are a genius,” she called after him as she followed.
    “I know. Hush, now,” he whispered. “If a door is ajar, it means someone is in there.” They crept up to the opening and Jack stepped inside. It took a moment to adjust to the darkness of the room. He blinked several times as he attempted to make out the large furnishings around him. It was indeed a very nice room, decorated with the finest taste and style. He heard a loud snort and quickly held out his hand as Jill bumped into him. Wait , he mouthed, scanning the room to find the source of the noise.
    “What?” she whispered.
    My word, there were days when Jill acted too much a female to be considered rational. He turned toward her and mouthed again. Be silent!
    She rolled her eyes, but thankfully did not say another word.
    There was another loud snort, and this time Jack heard a rustling of some kind to the right of them. Glancing over, he caught movement from a hefty boot fully Jack’s height.
    Jill gasped and he knew she had seen it too. “What are we going to do?” she asked.
    He turned and placed his hand over her mouth before dragging her back outside. “Jill,” he fiercely whispered, “we are both going to be the giant’s meal if you do not keep your mouth shut. If you cannot control yourself, stay outside. Go back to