The frog was no frog anymore. Faithful Henry still his faithful servant self. Their way to the kingdom was perilous, leading through the Fierce Forest’s dark depths. Faithful Henry’s iron-freed heart enlightened their way. Carriage and cargo reached home unscathed!

 

‘We are pleased!’ the king said, brushing gingerbread crumbs off his beard.

‘Hansel, Gretel, henceforth you will be the sole gingerbread purveyors to the court.’

Gretel smiled, touching the witch's cookbook in her pocket - the cornerstone of their future success.

 

The darkness was impenetrable around them.

'Damn...Maxine, they're getting tired...'

Lori tapped the glass globe lightly. A short flickering of the lumini as they stirred from their well-earned rest.

'Then we'll reach the exit tomorrow.'

Setting up camp, Lori wondered, how many "tomorrows" it would finally take.

 

“Hurry, mum!”

Emmy smiled, watching her little son bounce down the darkening path, tightly clutching the stick of his lantern. He was so excited to attend his first Midsummer celebration.

Once more she was thankful for him being yet too small to be chosen as the druids sacrifice.