I meant to destroy that nephew of mine. It was either that, or he would destroy my son. When he had grown tall, strong, and handsome, I sent for my nephew. I said, “Manus, I know a bride who will suit you well. She is the daughter of a mighty earl.” I promised him the...
My father is weak, but I am strong. I grow stronger every day. I’m like my uncle who is much stronger than my father. My uncle’s son is weak, however. Life is strange! One day, when I was playing shinny in the field with my brothers and my cousin, I drove a ball...
I had three sons, and they were close to one another. Too close for comfort! I didn’t trust them. They were hatching a plot against me. Oh, I was sure of it. They wanted my power. I acted first. I turned my eldest into an eagle and sent him flying in circles...
I had a feeling that someone was following me. I could feel his breath on my neck. Then my dress caught on something. “Who’s that?” I cried, turning around. “Who’s holding my dress?” “Don’t be stupid,” hissed my older sister who was going down the steps ahead of me....
When my son told me that he had been staying in an enchanted castle, I wanted to know all the details, of course! The castle was inside a mountain, and everything in the castle had been covered in black. The chairs, tables, benches, and also the three princesses who...
Little brat! How dare she wear RED shoes to her mother’s funeral! What insolence! And they’re not even properly made. I never liked her mother, either. She let that child run around the streets with practically nothing on. Who knows what her mother did to get so sick,...
I am a simple hut in the forest. I was useful to no one for a long time, except for the occasional band of robbers, or wanderers who happened by. Then one day, I was repaired. I was given a new door and a new window. I was cleaned from cellar to rafters. The hearth...
King Lino was late, and when he did arrive at the palace, he and his entire procession came in on foot. The king, who looked exactly like his image in the little portrait I’d seen, addressed me where I stood on the low balcony. His speech was shocking. He...
I will obey everything Aladdin commands, but not this! What a sacrilege! How dare he order me to bring him a Roc’s egg! The Roc is a sacred bird, and my true master. What would Aladdin, a tailor’s son, know about the Roc or the buried secrets of Solomon?...
My son has been a joy to me, but when he came home from his adventures, he would not tell me the mystery of his good fortune. He said he would visit me frequently, provided I did not seek to know his secrets. He stayed for a few days, and then went away for some time....
