Part 1 is here.
Jack Numbskull sat on the rock outside the black fortress, held his head in his hands and stared glumly at the blue sky. His mother had been right after all, he had no idea where even to begin - the king of the giants? four rings that are five? what did any of it mean? No, he would have to go home a failure. What would his father think of him if he could see him now?
And just as he was sure he would never see Aurore’s smiling face again, he heard the magical sound of her singing rising over the hills.
He bounded up and raced towards her, his heart thundering inside his chest as he beheld her beauteous form.
“Jack,” she said, and offered up a small, shy smile.
“Aurore, my love,” he replied, “I was beginning to think I would never see your beauty again, for your father’s challenges are too much for me.”
“Oh Jack,” she answered, “do not fret - I will help you overcome all obstacles, for together surely nothing can stand against us.”
He grasped her delicate hand in his, and gently kissed it.
“You are as generous as you are radiant,” he said, and together they strode off towards Grayhome, the land of the giants.
