He missed her.
“Rachel, I am coming. Do not give up on me. Do not wallow in despair, believing it is impossible. Nothing is impossible when you love someone as much as I love you. We will be together shortly. Just a few more hours now and all shall be well again, I promise.”
He leaned back against the vines and wrapped a leaf about him. Closing his eyes, he grinned and allowed the cool breeze to carry his troubles away as he drifted to sleep.
***
THE NEXT MORNING DAWNED bright and clear. Jill stretched and moaned softly. Every place upon her person ached. The rigorous climb was using parts of her that had never been expanded or worked before. It was a bit disconcerting to wake up so high in the sky. “This must be what a bird feels like,” she mumbled as she glanced around for Jack.
Spying him, she grinned. His mouth hung open with a small dribble of saliva trickling onto his shirt. Sitting against the vine with his head lolled to the side certainly made for an interesting look. Perhaps it was a very good thing Rachel was not here to witness this. Giggling softly to herself, Jill found her pack and, rummaging through it, quickly broke off a piece of bread. After taking a few bites herself, she ripped smaller bits and tossed several Jack’s way, hoping to land one in his mouth. After many close attempts, she finally got a piece all the way in.
“Yes!” She laughed when he spat and sat up.
“What are you on about?” he asked as he wiped the spittle from his chin and neck, his eyes taking in about twenty bread pieces all over his chest and lap. “What is this? What have you been up to?” He gathered a few up and plopped them in his mouth.
“Nothing.” She grinned. “You just looked so charming asleep, I had to, uh…”
Jack’s eyes sparkled. “I will get you back, wretch. You watch me.”
She waggled her brows and laughed some more. “Yes, but it was worth it to see you in such a state. Truly, I think even Rachel herself would be enamored with this.” She leaned back and imitated him, her mouth open and awkward as her head lolled to the side.
Laughing, he gathered a few more of the bread pieces and chucked them at her. “You are a monster!”
“Yes, but you love me anyway. Now, hurry up and eat so that we may get there. My word, you are such a slugabed! I cannot believe how long I have had to wait upon you to wake up.”
“Me?” He looked astonished, which only caused her to laugh more. “I am the slugabed, when you are the whole reason we had to stop to begin with? Ha.”
“Goodness. The amount of time it takes you to argue about this or that and we could have been gone by now.”
He shook his head and stood up. “Point taken. Let us get off this thing and go to that kingdom.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
BY THE TIME JACK had reached the top of the stalk and climbed on the ground, only about a quarter of an hour had passed. “We were much closer than I realized,” he said as he helped Jill step onto the grassy slope.
“It is stunning!” she gasped.
It was a very beautiful kingdom. The castle itself was a massive fortress rising up above them—larger than anything they had ever seen before. It looked to be about six or seven miles away, by their reckoning. There were a few well-worn paths leading to the great palace, but Jack felt it was better to be just off to the side of the one closest, hidden in the grass, so as not to attract attention. The witch had only mentioned the one giant, but if there were more, he needed to be doubly sure they were safe.
Everything about this place was larger than life. The trees, the flowers, the cows and sheep they had seen in the distance—everything. It was certainly a 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 the beanstalk and wait for me there. I must find Rachel, and I cannot do so with you announcing our presence every few seconds!”
“You are such a boor!” she said once she pulled away. “I was speaking quietly enough.”
“No, you were not!”
“Hey!”came a loud voice from within the room. “Who is out there making noise?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“RUN!” JACK PUSHED JILL away from the door
. “Hide! Go!”
“Jack?” She looked at him, but he would not budge.
They could feel the vibrating footsteps of the giant. “Fe, fi, fo, fum! Who is outside my door? Whoever they be, I do come!”
“Run!” He shouted this time, not even trying to soften his voice. “He knows someone is here. I will stay and meet his wrath. Leave so you can save us!”
Satisfied, he watch Jill run and hide behind a pillar a short distance away.
“You!” The giant’s loud voice caused Jack’s ears to ring. The large man bent over, his hands on his knees, peering right at him.
“Me!” Jack smiled and stood up tall, his gaze taking in the man’s rather pleasant features. Why, he did not look very terrifying at all.
The giant blinked. “What you want? Who are you?”
“I am Jack Waithwrite, and I have come to be at your service.” His teeth clenched behind his tight smile.
“My servant? I don’t need no servant.” The giant reached down and picked Jack up, squeezing his shoulders painfully.
“No? Are you sure? I would be happy to do anything you wished.”
The giant looked around. “Hey, where you come from, anyway? How you find me?”
“Uh…” This was definitely not a question he could answer. If he mentioned the beanstalk, the giant might have it removed. If he mentioned the witch, the giant would know he had come for the baby. Instead, he tried a different approach. “You are a very nice-looking person. What is your name?”
The giant smiled, showing teeth that were surprisingly clean and straight. “I Gleeflak.”
“Hello, Gleeflak. It is nice to meet you.” Jack tried not to grimace as the large man laughed and squeezed a bit more firmly.
“Are you my friend?” Gleeflak asked.
“Uh, yes.” Jack’s smile felt strained.
“Good! I like friends. I always wanted a friend. Want to come sit with me? We could watch my pretty singing girl.”
Relief poured over Jack. She was here. She was safe. “Yes! I would love to do that.”
“Good.” The giant swung his arms as he walked, most likely forgetting he had a new friend in his hand.
Jack swayed back and forth like tossing on a sea-churned ship. He was going to be ill if Gleeflak did not stop soon. He swallowed a moan, but then shouted when the giant loosened his fingers and his hold on him. As quickly as possible, Jack clung to the man’s shirtsleeve and then swung his legs over his wrist as if he were riding a horse. The motive for the release was explained as soon as he saw the intricately designed cage.
Gleeflak must not be able to process more than one thought at a time, and right now that thought was to get the singing maiden. Jack hung on as the giant brought his arm up and unlocked the clasp on the cage.
And there she was—the first time he had seen Rachel in five days. He had never glimpsed anything more perfect than she was right then. She smiled wide. Just as she was about to exclaim her joy, he shook his head and tried to convey the message not to let the giant know they were acquainted.
Rachel’s brow furrowed for a second as she glanced from Jack to the giant and then back at Jack.
He winked.
And then she grinned the most adorable grin.
“Here, little singer. You come and sing to me and my friend Jack,” Gleeflak said as he reached in and tugged her close to Jack. They stared at one another, Jack’s gaze going hungrily all over hers, deciding which part he would love to kiss first. Her lips, that dainty nose, her bright eyes, those smiling cheeks…
“Hey, Jack? Where you go?” asked the giant, his head going back and forth. “Did I drop you?”
“No. I am here on your sleeve.”
Gleeflak gave out a quick laugh. “Oh, good thing you are so fast! You are a good friend to have.”
“’Tis nothing to worry over. I am quite happy where I am.” He winked at Rachel again and she blushed in response. Oh, goodness, what a relief it was to be this close to her, to see her so cheerful as well.
“Gleeflak,” she called up to him. “Please shut the cage so the baby does not get out.”
It was then that Jack noticed the pretty little girl staring up at them from next to a music box.
Rachel turned her head toward the little girl. “I will back in just a little bit. You play with your toys and I will come for you.” The baby began to pout, looking as though she were ready to cry. “Uh-uh,” Rachel said. “No. You will be a happy girl and play nice. I have to go, but I will be back very, very soon, I promise.” She then looked up at the giant again. “Gleeflak, could you perhaps bring the cage with us so I can see that she is all right? Truly, she is too young to leave alone all the time. It is much better for her to come with us—then she can be involved and content.”
He sighed and nodded. “Fine. I help baby.” With his other hand he locked the cage and picked it up. Jack could tell he was careful to remember not to drop his arms this time, holding them out as steady as possible. He was most likely on special alert because Rachel was such a novelty for him.
As the giant walked, holding the birdcage with his left hand and Rachel in his right with Jack straddling that wrist, Jack leaned over and caught Rachel’s hand, lacing his fingers through hers.
“I have missed you,” she whispered.
“Have you now?” He chuckled softly.
“Yes.”
“I have missed you too.”
She sighed and bit her lip, looking up at him with the most glorious sparkling hazel eyes. “Thank you for coming for me.”
He squeezed her hand, his thumb drawing a lazy circle on her palm as they bounced to the rhythm of the giant’s steps. “I would always have come for you. Always.”
She nodded, and he could tell she was blinking back tears. “I know—just thank you. I cannot imagine how you made it here, but I am so glad you did.”
“Hush. I shall tell you all shortly.” He glanced up at the oblivious giant and then back her way. “But for now, it is my pleasure to hear you sing again.”
“I will sing it all for you. Every song. Every breath. Every—”
The giant jostled them as he set Rachel down on the table in the grand dining room. Then he walked over to a seat not too far from her and placed Jack, and then the cage, on the table next to him. “There you go. Sing. Make it good. I want my friend to see what a pretty singer you are.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
RACHEL SMILED AT JACK and took a deep breath before beginning the song she sang particularly for him whenever he asked for it. It was a dear love song about a village maiden and a young king who loved her. A man who was hailed as the wisest in the land had chosen her over all else. He told his secrets to her—she was the one he loved. He had seen her great worth long before any of the other village lads had. It was such a beautiful song, with lilting lyrics and a sweet melody.
Today was no different than before. She sang it for him as she always had. It was their song. She was thrilled to see that Jack did not disguise the warm glow about him or the enduring grin he gave just for her as she allowed the song to weave its magic around his heart. How she loved him. She truly could not wait until they were together always.
Once she was done, she waited until Jack had finished clapping before beginning another love song.
“No!” Gleeflak shouted unexpectedly. “Stop! Why you sing these boring songs? No. Sing the songs I like and leave off these ones. I don’t like ‘em. And you sound bad. Just so very bad.”
“You do not like my singing?”
“No! Not that singing. Sing something else.”
Rachel shared a look with Jack before searching for a song she felt was suitable. Was there a particular song the giant requested more often than not? Nay, there was none. It was always she who picked the songs. What did he want?
“Hurry! I want my friend see you sing something good.”
“Actually, I found that last song very nice,” Jack commented.
“No, you did not!”
Gleefak slammed his fist on the table, causing it to tremble beneath them both and rattle the poor cage. Rachel nearly toppled over. “You can’t like that song. No! She is my singer. Mine! You do not like her silly, dumb songs. Only the songs I like do you like.”
Jack’s eyebrows shot to his forehead, and Rachel noticed the jagged red scar on the side of it. What had he done?
“Well, then, perhaps we should let her choose something more uplifting and fun. Something you would like.” She heard the chuckle in Jack’s voice. She could tell he thought the giant was acting like a little child.
Jack glanced at her and they shared a smile.
Gleeflak slammed his hand down on the table again, and this time the action startled the baby so much that she began to cry. “Enough! I do not like this game! We are done. Rachel, you go back to your cage now!”
“Are you sure?” She had never seen him this angry before.
“Yes! And you go in there with her!” He stood Jack up and pushed him toward her. “You need locked up too! You both bad. And you are not my friend!”
Jack turned and asked, “Me? Why?”
The giant pointed to him. “Because you like her! And you not allowed to like my singer. Only I like her!”
“I am sorry,” Jack said. “She is very pretty. And she sings wonderfully. It is hard not to like her.”
“Get in there!”
Gleeflak’s face turned so red, Rachel ran over to the cage as quickly as possible. The poor baby was really crying now. Rachel fumbled with the lock, but could not grasp such a large thing on her own.
Jack stepped up behind her and together they pushed the release until it clicked and opened. “Does he act like this often?” he asked.
“No. I have never seen him lose his temper the whole time I have been here.” She stepped into the cage and waited for him to enter as well.
“How has Verity been holding up?”
“Who?”