Based upon the Brothers Grimm fairy tale and Engelbert Humperdinck opera
Retold by Greg K. Morris
Part 1
Once upon a time, sometime ago, there was a teensy, rural American village called Wilhelm Ville. It was nestled against a massive forest. Despite the proceeded war and depression, this town salvaged itself the best it could and its villagers eventually got back on their feet. All but one of them worked hard, remained grateful for what they had, kept their spirits high and helped one another. More unfortunate occurrences took place later on, though. Theft committed by a mysterious culprit had become rampant. It was as if a harvest's load of food had vanished. Little was left and it was scarcely enough to go around. As if by magic, the crops stopped growing, too. This had plunged the village to a famine. To make matters worse, eleven of the town's children had disappeared. The community's distraught grown ups were baffled by all the goings on.
In the middle of this fairy land-type village lived the Jacobses. They consisted of a woodcutter named Peter Jacobs, his wife Florence (nee O'Neill) and their two children, Hansel and Gretel. Peter was a loving father and his children loved him unconditionally in return. His wife was another story. Though there was once love between her and Peter, they'd grown apart. Once the children were born and due to her mother's influence, Florence grew imperious and hardened. She harbored bitter, resentful jealousness towards her husband and kids.
One Friday, Peter and Florence were sitting at the kitchen table. Even though Peter devoted himself to his work, the village troubles had rendered him poor and his house ramshackle. "I have to leave the village this weekend and go to a neighboring area. The trees to fall around have run out and the ones I've planted aren't growing", Peter explained. "I'll need some more to continue my work. Maybe I could sell some of the already chopped wood elsewhere, too. With what's been going on, few around here can afford it".
Peter was a burly, beardy, tall fella with white hair, blue eyes and the softest voice imaginable. He wore a plaid shirt, overalls, boots and his brown hat. "Why don't you just trod into the forest?", his wife rudely inquired. She herself was a rather petite woman who possessed curling lips, fair skin, tied-up, auburn hair, sulky brown eyes, arched eyebrows and an icy voice. Florence was donned in an old dress, unbuttoned cardigan, brown stockings and worn shoes.
"Due to the disappearances, it's off limits to prevent harm. Besides, it is a darkly dense, ongoing, dangerous place to be in general", Peter answered. "Maybe you should leave the children there. It'd be two less mouths to feed. It's possible they'd be swept away into a finer life", Peter's wife facetiously quipped. "Don't even joke about that. I couldn't do such a horrid thing", said a saddened Peter. The wife brushed him off. "I'm only fooling", she lied. "How long will you be gone?".
"I intend to head off bright and early tomorrow. I'll return late Sunday evening. With the mule being gone and me getting old, pulling the cart to and from will be a tough", Peter explained. "Well, don't expect me to help you out", Florence snapped. Though this of course hurt Peter's feelings, he lamented and carried on. "If only the children could come along, too. Sadly, this trip will be long and arduous. The cart'll be too full to bring them, too. Since maneuvering it is a two person job and the kids aren't old enough to help out as of now, I'll ask Gertie to lend a hand instead". He was referring to Gertrud Miller Williams, a schoolteacher who moved in farther down the street. Hansel and Gretel adored her. The feeling was mutual.
The children's mother glared at her husband and said, "That dowdy, dotty dolt's perfect to assist a fool such as yourself. While the two of you are working away, maybe Hansel and Gretel will actually learn to admire me. You're always so full of yourself and driving them away from me". This was not true, but Peter didn't want to pick a fight. He glanced at his pocket watch and said, "Oh, It's time for us to pick up the children at Gertie's house now. When they're back, we can all have our supper." "If you call scrappy foods a supper. It's always the children with you. I'm never a priority. They aren't the way I want them, either. You do prosper on causing conflict", Florence whined. "At least I'm trying to help us all", Peter sighed as the two went out them door.
Gertrud (Gertie to her friends) was a tiny, slender woman with deep brown eyes and short, willowy locks to match. She had a prim sounding voice, wedge shoes, wore chain glasses around her neck and loved to wear floral dresses. Being a newcomer to the village, Gertrud was more well off than others who lived there. However, unlike Florence, Gertrud bought right in to the village's nature by sharing what she had.
Gertrud was sitting in her living room armchair while the children sat on her lap. Being a knowledgeable, impassioned storyteller, she'd spent that afternoon reading to them. "With the wolf finally beaten, the mother goat's seven kids were finally reunited with her", Gertrud recited. "Good story", said Gretel. "You read it real well." "Thank you for reading it to us, Gertie", added Hansel. "Thank you, Gretel, and you're welcome, Hansel. It's my pleasure", Gertrud said with a smile.
Hansel was twelve years old and taller, with Gretel being two years younger and smaller. Both of them were cherubic with blonde hair. Hansel's eyes were brown, Gretel had blue ones. Gretel wore her hair in plaits. Hansel's was short and fringy. He dressed similarly to his father, she wore a simple dress and Mary Jane shoes. The children stood up and sat on a nearby sofa. Gertrud poured some tea and fixed each cup the way they liked it. She then picked up a tray of homemade chocolate chip cookies from her coffee table and offered them to the children. "Cookie?", she said. "Please!", answered the enthusiastic children. They helped themselves. The three picked up their teacups, chinked them together and everybody said "Cheers!".
"Would you mind reading another one?", Hansel asked as he drank his tea. "I'd love to, dear. However, your father should be here soon. I will read you both more stories next time you visit", Gertrude promised. "We'll hold you to that", joked Gretel. The older woman laughed. As they finished, there was a harsh knocking at the front door.
Gertrud got up, grabbed a cookie, walked over and answered it. Florence stood in the doorway with Peter standing behind her. "Oh, good evening, Florence. How are you?", Gertrud asked. "That's Mrs. Jacobs to you. Where are Hansel and Gretel?", Florence barked. "We're right here, mother", called Gretel. "Gertrud was just reading to us", added Hansel. "Oh, lovely. More rubbish", sneered Florence. Gertrud ignored Florence's unneighborly behavior, looked at Peter and said, "Hello, Petey. Come on inside. The children are in the living room." Peter smiled and entered the simply winsome house. Florence invited herself in. "Thank you, Gertie", he said. Oblivious to an embarrassed Peter, the two women looked at each other disdainfully.
"Hello, father", said the siblings as they emerged from the living room. "Evening, children. Did you have an wonderful time today?". "Oh, we sure did!", exclaimed Gretel. "Couldn't have been finer", added Hansel. They gave their father a big, bearish hug. "I'm glad to hear about that. Thank you for having them over again, Gertie", was Peter's response. "No problem at all, Petey. Your children are delights to have around the house. They brighten it up", Gertrud responded.
The children blushed and their mother rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd greet your father and not I. Enough tomfooling. Let's get going, it's getting dark out. Hurry along, you blasted dawdlers!", cried out an impatient Florence. The siblings got there things together and walked begrudgingly towards their mother. "Just one moment", Peter protested. Florence let out an irritated huff. "Gertie, may I ask you something?"
"Ask away", said Gertrud. "Tomorrow I'm going out of the village to chop down trees and sell fire fuel". "Sorry, but Would you mind helping me with moving logs, pulling the cart and selling the wood?", Peter asked. "Not at all, Petey. I'd love to help you out", Gertrud answered. "Are you certain?", inquired Peter. He was surprised by her selflessness. "Course. I don't mind getting my hands dirty at all", the school teacher replied.
Florence began to scowl even more. "Thank you, just drop by tomorrow morning and we'll depart then", said Peter. "Alrighty, sounds like a plan", stated Gertrud. "Perfect. See you soon", Peter responded. Peter started to lead Hansel and Gretel outside. "Good night, all", said Gertud. "A good night to you as well', called out Peter. The children waved goodbye and Gertrud followed suit. She looked at Florence, handed the cookie to her, then said, "Give this to Peter, please. Goodbye, Mrs. Jacobs". "Oh, bah!", Florence scoffed haughtily. She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
"Shocking that such a kindly man is stuck with her", Gertrud said to herself. She then walked back to her living room, sat in the armchair once more, put on her reading glasses and started a new, large book. Being a woman with superstition, it was a book on legends, myths and folk tales. Back at the Jacobs household, everyone ate a meager dinner and it was then the children's bedtime. They got ready for bed, Peter tucked them in snuggly, strummed his guitar and sang a soothing lullaby. Florence sat at the kitchen table and drank a mug of old beer from the cellar. I can only presume she thought, "Those brats have overstayed their welcome."
The next morning, a rooster crowed in the distance and awakened the village. True to her word, Gertrud was there to assist Peter on his journey. She along with the children quickly helped Peter load up his cart. Florence only leered from the sidelines and smoked a corncob pipe.
When they'd finished, Peter said "Farewell for now, children. Watch out for each other while we're gone. We'll get back to you tomorrow night." "See you two then, father", said Gretel. "We'll miss you both", Hansel chimed in. "Stay safe, littles ones. When we return, I'll read to you both", Gertrud said. "We cannot wait", proclaimed Hansel. "I do love you two", said Peter. "And we love you", said Gretel. The siblings blew Gertrud a kiss and she reciprocated. The father and friend departed. As they disappeared over the horizon line, Florence called out, "I'll take care of the children to the best of my abilities."
Alone with them, Florence turned to her children and said, I need you two to get ready with me. You're going to go on a little trip to the forest today." Though unaware of the woods being off limits, the children hadn't been there before. They followed their mother and whispered to each other. "I'm not trusting her. We better watch our backs today", said Gretel. "Nor I. I'll bring my rock collection to make a trail and help us find our way back here." "Smart plan", replied Gretel. "Stop lagging and back back inside, you burdens", ordered Florence. Disheartened, they shook a leg and obeyed.
Later on that day, the three began to depart for the forbidden woods. As they left, Florence caught sight of Hansel's rock collection bag in his hand. "Put that down and take this basket!", Florence briskly yelled. Hansel jumped a bit and obliged. In a rare act of civility, their mother gave each of them a peanut butter sandwich. Since the children couldn't use rocks to mark their way back, they used bread crust crumbs.
Their mother led them through the town and to its outskirts. Towering trees stood before them. "Follow me", said Florence. Hansel and Gretel followed their mother through an opening in the trees. Since there wasn't anything resembling a path or sign posts, they moved forward and headed on deeper into the forest. The ground turned craggy and bumpy. Yellow, rough grass laid upon it. Though it was daytime, the thickets and foreboding treetop shadows made it seem like night. Fog began to accumulate. Eerie sounds and a musty scent filled the air.
"Now", said Florence. "I want you to pick berries. I'll be back later on", she lied through her pearly teeth. "Understood?". "Yes, mother", the children responded suspiciously. "Goodbye", Florence said as she faded out of sight. Once gone, Gretel thought aloud, "Father really is too good a husband for her". Hansel nodded in agreement and said, "She's a rotten mother, too". He looked around. "It's odd. Though we're alone now, it's as if we're being watched", he said. "I feel the same way", Hansel's sister responded. They made an effort to ignore their discomfort, though.
"Since it's dark, we should build a fire", Gretel told her brother. "Let's do that", Hansel said to his sister. Gretel gathered kindling and lit it with a match she'd smuggled from home. While she did this, Hansel picked some berries for them. Once their fire was burning away, Gretel noticed something terrible. "Oh, no", she said. "What is it?", Hansel asked. Gretel pointed to the ground and shouted, "Our bread crumbs are gone!". "The birds must've ate them while we worked", said Hansel. "Let's try to remain calm", said Gretel as she tried to get herself under control. "I doubt Florence will ever be coming back. Let's sit for a while, eat these berries, put out the fire, then try to retrace our steps. "Good thinking", complimented Hansel.
That's exactly what the youngsters did. However, no matter how hard they tried to find their way out, they couldn't. The children kept wandering aimlessly for hours on end. Evening had rendered the forest extremely difficult to maneuver. Though lost, tired and wanting to stop walking, it was as if something beyond their control was guiding them. A full moon had risen into the sky. Hansel and Gretel could've sworn they saw a shrieking like banshee bat fly past it. Anyhow, they reached the entrance to a clearing, finally stopped, laid on the hard ground and went to sleep.
Part 2
When they awoke the next morning and entered the bright clearing, something magical stood before them. It was a colorful cottage made entirely from gingerbread and other goodies. The windows were hardened sugar and adorned with peppermint. Pretzels, popcorn, gumdrops and dark chocolate chips decorated the caked on roof tiles. Icing was used as cement, mortar and lined the doorway, too. Jellybeans, lollipops and licorice decorated the four walls. Out front in the courtyard, a path made from rock candy cobblestones led the way towards the house. Nearby were a woodfired oven, storehouse, well, garden, shed, firepit and eleven scattered, giant gingerbread people who had a lost soul quality in their eyes.
"It's wonderful!", said a flabbergasted Hansel as the siblings followed the path. "I can't believe it. It's a feast for the eyes. I wonder how it got here!", declared a gobsmacked Gretel. "I'm not sure, but let's taste it!", cried Hansel. "Wait a second", Gretel replied. "We can't just eat bits of this house! It isn't ours. We don't know who lives here. We ought to knock and ask first." She noticed how peculiar her statement was after stating it. "Nobody seems to be home right now. Let's try some of it!", said an excited, desperate Hansel. The surrounding, blended scents were enticing and yesterday's paltry amount of food wasn't too filling. "Oh, alright. I suppose we can. There isn't any noise coming from inside. Who'd want to live in an edible house, anyway?", Gretel replied. They were about to find out. The children broke off chunks of frosted gingerbread and snacked away. "Mmmm, this is delectable!", said Gretel. "You said it!", agreed Hansel.
Suddenly, the cottage door swiftly swung open. Startled, the children hid around the corner. A short, straight standing, elegant woman walked onto the stoop. Much like their mother, she had auburn hair, which the woman tied back into a tight bun, and chocolatey brown eyes. Her lips were cherry red and their skin was rosy. Smelling of cinnamon, she had on silver colored shoes, gold-rimmed spectacles, pink stockings, a blue dress and white pinafore. A flowery, yellow straw hat was perched on her head. A dark, wooden, metal-handled cane was held in one hand, too.
"Nibble, nibble little mouse. Who is nibbling on my house?", the woman muttered. Her voice had a deep quality but a softness to it as well. She sniffed the air, leered 'round her home's corner, smiled thoughtfully and enthusiastically said, "Greetings". Her eyes squinted as she spoke. "Hello, ma'am", Gretel and Hansel shyfully replied in unison. "Don't be shy, my sweets. I'm not going to bite. Come closer so I can see you more clearly. What might your names be?", asked the lady. The children walked to the front of the gingerbread house and hesitantly Gretel introduced them. "I am Gretel, my brother here is named Hansel. Pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
"Likewise, my sweet. What brings you two into my part of the forest?", queried the seemingly friendly woman as she smiled a smile with pointy canines. "Our mother left us here all alone to spite our father and friend. She loathes us. We were lost and roamed for hours. Gretel and I then found your beautiful home", Hansel prattled out. "I'm so sorry we ate parts of your house", Gretel interjected." "Oh, that's perfectly alright. You sweet children have been through quite a lot, haven't you! Why don't you stay for the evening and I'll have you in for a hearty meal?', said the peculiar woman.
"That sounds good, thank you!", answered Hansel. Gretel civilly protested. "Hansel, we can't go with her. She's a stranger. I'm sorry, but Father always told us not to do things like that." Something was off about this woman in her mind. Hansel's mind however was on having his little sister's empty stomach filled. Insistent on having them for supper, the potential hostess replied, "That's wise of your father, lass. However, I can fix matters now. I am Rosina Leckermaul. There we go. Now we're all acquainted". Gretel pondered briefly and said, "I suppose that's true." Just then, both of the children's tummies rumbled audibly. "I think we better go with her", Hansel said to his sister. Peckish and not wanting to seem ungrateful, Gretel relinquished. "Alright, I guess we can do that. We could spend the night here then try to get back home to Gertrud and father tomorrow". "Then we'll be able to rat on mother", added Hansel. "Oh, splendid", gushed Rosina. She put her arms around the children and led them through the door--Casually taking one last look outside and locking it behind her.
The house's interior matched its beauteous exterior. It had neat furniture and was decorated nicely, too. Pots and pans hung from the walls. Laid out on the parlor table was the most delectable food Hansel and Gretel had ever seen. There were cooked carrots, freshly baked, buttered bread, green apples with honey, all sorts of cheeses, roasted chicken, pickles, lemonade to drink and moist, decadent chocolate cake for dessert.
"Can we really eat this?", asked Gretel. "Oh, certainly, sweetheart", Rosina said sweetly. "Enjoy yourselves, children." "Thank you, Miss Leckermaul", said Hansel. The pair of siblings gobbled up that meal like you couldn't imagine. Surprisingly, Rosina only had a bowl of heated, garlicly broth and cooked foods. The children weren't allowed to try it. Afterwards, the children's stomachs were full. When night time was upon them, Rosina brewed Hansel and Gretel each a cup of hot chocolate.
They were instantly exhausted after drinking it. "The sun's going down. I'd say its bedtime for you", a wide awake Rosina said with a coo. Gretel proclaimed "We need the rest. Tomorrow's a big day". "Is it ever", agreed Hansel. Leckermaul took the brother and sister to a warm, cozy bed in the corner. Once Hansel and Gretel were settled, Rosina said "Good night, my little sweeties." Good night, Miss Leckermaul", answered Hansel. "Thank you for all you've done", added Gretel. The two then nodded off. Alas, things weren't as sweet as they seemed to be.
Meanwhile, Peter and Gertud, tired from a hard weekend's work, sat on Peter's porch. "Thank ya for keeping me company and helping. We achieved our goals. I do hope the children get home soon, though. It's already dark", said a forlorn Peter. "I'm sure they'll be along soon with your wife" Gertrud answered back. She lied of course to comfort her friend. "I'm not so certain. We've had our problems, but she's really starting to effect them. She ain't the woman I married," signed poor Peter. "The love's faded. She has turned into a vain, off-putting, unaccountable, mean lady. Flo's just like her ma".
"I am sorry, none of you deserve to deal with that. I don't like the way she speaks to you all, either", empathized Gertrud. "Well, I have a special tale that'll cheer up the children when they get home. Just read it today in the book I'm reading. Though scary, it's exciting and will keep them safe." "Sounds wonderful to me, Gertie", said Peter in return.
Just then, Peter's wife appeared in the porch lantern light. I surmise that she'd been celebrating her misdeeds with drinks at the village tavern--For two nights straight. "Where are Hansel and Gretel?", Peter asked firmly. "If you must know, they're in the forest", his wife said calmly. "What! You weren't joking about leaving them alone when I left, were you?, said Peter. "Not in least", his wife replied. "You lied about saying you'd take care of the children. I reckoned something bad would happen all weekend after leaving and you proved me right. I should've never entrusted them with you", said an angered Peter.
"It isn't my fault you're an oaf. Mother was right about your character. Also, depending on your point of view, I did tell you the truth", replied the mother. She used an insult to guise her surprise at Peter's growing rage. A shocked Gertrud got angry, too. "You've turned the children into sitting ducks" she cried. "What do you mean?", asked Peter. "After reading earlier, a certain chapter peaked my interest. I figured out that the gingerbread witch is lurking in the blackest areas of the forest", Gertrude declared. "Who is that?", inquired Peter. Gertrud told Peter about her.
"She's Rosina Leckermaul, a traveling witch who lurks in forests outside of towns, lures its children with sweets and pretends to be a kind person. She traps and eats them. Before a town's villagers can stop her, she flees and moves on to ensnare young people someplace else. Given the village's vanishing young ones, the puzzle pieces fit together. I was going to warn the children about her tonight."
"Don't be silly, old maid. Witches don't exist. I only left them alone", said Gretel and Hansel's dark hearted mother. Peter's eyes widened and he rightfully lost his temper. "I didn't think you'd actually go through with such a misdeed and live with yourself. How are you able to do this to your own flesh and blood?", Peter bellowed. His wife tried to shrug Peter's vehemence off. However, she wasn't used to Peter standing up to her with this much force. In a last attempt to justify herself, Florence said, "I simply did what you lacked the gall to do. Now can you can concentrate on me."
Peter went red in the face, concentrated on her in a way and yelled, "That's it, you insolent shrew. How were able to stoop this low? I am no longer gonna let you play me as a fool, treat Gertie poorly or be cruel to my children. Never again will you bring us down or order anybody about. Your hold over us is done, we won't put up with ya anymore. I haven't driven away Hansel and Gretel. You drove them away yourself, take your blame. Go and don't you dare set foot 'round here again. You may have helped bring Hansel and Gretel into this world, but you're officially unwelcomed as of now. As far as I'm concerned, you can go down below and never return." Peter caught his breath, turned to an astonished Gertud and said, "Sorry about her. Doyou think we can still save the children?". "Now that I think about it, if we're quick enough, we probably could", she responded.
It's safe to say that Florence was defeated. Peter's burning with anger, passionate words had rendered her mouth speechless and pride damaged. That night, she retreated the village and was never seen again. Good riddance to bad rubbish. "Let's go find the dears before it's too late", Gertud said. "I will follow your lead", replied Peter. They gathered some supplies from Gertrud's home and stored they could into two bindles. Lanterns in hand, these two pure souls entered the forest's darkness. They were intent on finding Hansel and Gretel. Unfortunately for the children, matters we're going to turn grim.
"Good morning, Gretel!", a voice called out. Gretel awoke to see a figure leering over her. Cane in hand, it was Rosina. She looked different than before. Rosina's posture was crooked. Paleness had replaced the rosiness in their cheeks. Her hair was partially down and flew away. Black claws graced the tips of her fingers (similar to cats, they were previously tucked in and hidden by fake nails). This time around she was wearing pointy-toed, red shoes, earrings, a tooth necklace, rings and her spectacles. She had lime green-violet striped stockings, an indigo cape and a stained apron over a dark green dress. A buckled, pointy, black hat with a feather, bow and gauze to match was placed atop her head.
"Rosina? What's going on?", asked a drowsy, perplexed Gretel. She looked around and her brother had vanished. Henpecked, Gretel sat up in the bed and asked, "Where's Hansel!?". "Oh, you'll soon find out. I have a surprise for you", chirped Rosina. Her voice now had a harsh, manic malice. She grabbed Gretel by the arm with a clawed hand and quickly took her to the cottage courtyard.
To Gretel's horror, Hansel was trapped in the barred shed. "Gretel, get away from this place. She locked me up while we were asleep. Rosina's a Witch!" he shouted. "She is indeed. Surprised?", asked the harridan. "Why did you trap him there?" cried Gretel. "Simple, you morsel" answered the witch. "To me, children's flesh is an exquisite delicacy. While the hot, tasty child bone broth mixed with other foods keeps me going, nothing's finer than choice cuts of children." She turned to Hansel with a smile. "I'm a rather lucky witch this time around. I've trapped two flies in my candy web. Since you're the larger one here, I'll eat you first." Rosina looked at Gretel. "Alack, much like yourself, he is too thin as now. You'll have the joy inducing duties of helping me plump up your brother. Then, I will dress, cook and feast upon him."
"No, please don't do that!", begged a tearful Hansel from behind the bars. "Silence, little lad!", Rosina snapped. Gretel reached for Hansel's hand. As he was reaching to hers', Rosina grabbed the scruff of Gretel's dress. She dragged Gretel down the cobblestones. "Get back in or I'll whack you with my cane", she said to Gretel as they approached the door.
Once inside, Hansel's screams could be heard from outside. The two stopped a counter placed in another corner of the gingerbread house. On top of it were books, vales, shakers, bottles, canisters and a mortar with its pestle. Rosina opened one book and looked closely at its contents. She then rummaged through cupboards and drawers built into the wall. "I must confess, even though your brother was like a fly to honey, you weren't so easy to trick at first.", Rosina decaled. "You are right", Gretel said.
"You're smarter than him and all the children who proceeded you. No matter, though. My façade won you over in the end", boasted the witchy woman. "Now then, let's prepare a trio of meals to fatten li'l Hansel up. Gretel protested. "Father and our friend Gertrud will come to find us." The crone cackled. "I gazed in my crystal ball while you siblings were affected by the sleeping potion I slipped in your hot chocolates. They have started to make the trip. However, my magic makes this forest an unescapable purgatory. They'll get themselves lost forever. Nobody's caught me yet. Nary another soul's near. Not even a sandman or dew fairy. If you brats somehow manage to flee, your scents will cross my nose and I'll hop on my broomstick to find you both. Don't even think about stealing my broom to escape, by the way. It only works for me. Your ill fates are sealed and you'll never be heard from again."
Scared and trying to look at anything resembling a bright side, Gretel said, "At least we'll make it to heaven." "Don't be so certain", Rosina snarled. "What do you mean?", asked Gretel. "Hansel and I may make mistakes, but we are good children." Yes, you are, and that sickens me", Rosina said with a sneering expression. "I've gotten into a new habit here. Before a child's eaten, I cast a magical spell which incases their soul into a gingerbread person. You saw previous victims out front. Think of them as prey trophies of the hunter."
"Are they the missing children from the village?", inquired Gretel. "Yep", Rosina answered. "They wandered into the forest to play. Similar to what happened with them, I spied on you and Hansel. My magic forced you here, too. Devil bless that mother of yours for dropping you and Hansel off in my territory. I actually gave her magical immunity and let her leave the forest". "You've also been stealing from the village, haven't you?", Gretel accused. "I stole most of the villager's foods for myself and caused this famine with a charm", Rosina confessed. "That's shameful", Gretel cried. "You've caused so much harm and made matters far worse for the townspeople." "That doesn't matter to me", cried an irritated Rosina. "Enough talking, now we cook and bake. Once your tasks are completed, I'll permit to eat leftover crab-shells."
The witch worked poor Gretel's fingers to the bone. Aside from assisting her capturer with baking and cooking all sorts of feed for Hansel, she drew water from the well (she'd make wish if she had a coin to toss in it), chopped wood for the oven's fire, tended the garden, fetched from Rosina's storehouse and washed copious amounts of dishes. The witch supervised those chores, smoked on her pipe, drank witch's brew and would often threaten Gretel with her cane. Rosina made also Gretel feed Hansel by serving meal trays through a small slot in the shed door. Poor Hansel's tummy was stuffed like a turkey.
At the day's end, Rosina went to bed and Gretel tried to get through her bowl of crab-shells. After forcefully swallowing the last one, she visited her brother. Hansel was worse for wear. The day of overeating had left the young man unbelievably queasy. When Gretel arrived at the shed, Hansel was in tears.
"Oh, Hansel. Please don't cry. Things will turn out for the better. Don't let Rosina frighten you", said Gretel while handing him a handkerchief. "I can't help it, sister. I'm crying because the mess we're in is my fault. I should've listened to you when you brought up that Rosina was a stranger, I just wanted you to get some food and a roof over your head for the night. I'm so sorry. You ought to just run off now", responded Hansel through his tears." "Bless your heart, brother. Don't feel too bad, her trickery fooled me too in the end. Apology accepted. Also, there's no way I'm going to let you be left alone", Gretel said with a smile.
"I appreciate you being so understanding. I like to think this cage and too much food are punishment enough," joked a calmer Hansel as he wiped his tears. Gretel chuckled. "What'll we do from here on in?", asked Hansel. "Well, Rosina told me that Peter and Gertrude have set out to find us. It may take them a while, but they'll never give up. We'll have to make do 'til they arrive. We don't want to end up like them", Gretel answered and pointed to the gingerbread people. "They're the village children who've been missing. "Ugh, what a witch. She makes our mother look like a saint", grimaced Hansel.
"I know, she's demonic. In the meantime, we can't let you eat as much as did today. You'll burst. Why don't only eat enough to survive? Her eyesight isn't the strongest. If you hide what's left, she'll never be able to see it in the shed's darkness. If she picks up the food's scent, she'll probably think it's coming off you", the young woman declared. "And you can eat the leftovers once Rosina's gone to bed. That'll keep you from having to live on crab-shells", said Hansel.
"Oh, that's true!", replied Gretel. She was excited at the prospect of having some real food. "I really have faith that father and Gertrud will find us", said Hansel. "Me, too. In spite of Rosina's hold on the forest, they're angels who will come to our rescue", Gretel agreed. "If they were here, they'd say we've got to keep our chins up." "We'll do just that and stay strong", added Hansel. The siblings smiled at each other. "I love you, Gretel.", Hansel stated to his sister. "I love you, too, Hansel", Gretel said in return. Since they couldn't hug one another, they shook hands and made a pact to work together. Though Gretel would be eating more in the days to come, she went to bed hungry. Unfortunately, the same wasn't true about Hansel.
Elsewhere in the forest and three days later, Gertrud and Peter were hard at work trying to find the children. So far they had no luck. It felt like they were going in circles. The two of them spoke as they walked through the woods. "Do you think we'll ever find them, Gertrud?". "We will, Petey", responded Gertrud. "I can't help but be anxious. It's been a few days and nothing so far", exclaimed a worried Peter. "That isn't our fault, dear. This forest is unpredictable and there's no map for it. The gingerbread witch probably chose it because it'd be a labyrinth for grownups", Gertrude said.
She left out a sigh and proclaimed, "I do wish I'd gotten a chance to warn the children ahead of time". "Don't feel too bad", comforted Peter. "I'm the fellow who left them alone with Florence. At least we're atoning now. "Correct, I reckon we'll make progress", Gertrude reassured Peter. "But we haven't already", a nervous Peter protested. Gertrude began to think. "That is true", she said. "We've hit more than our fair share of wrong turns. Hmmm." "What's wrong, Gertie?", asked Peter. "I'm starting to think this forest has been bewitched. That explains why we keep getting lost", Gertrud answered. Peter's anxiety grew. "What shall we do?", he asked. Gertrude pondered. "Well, since there's most likely magic already around us, maybe I could twist it into breaking the spell." "Think that will do the trick?", asked a curious Peter.
"It's worth a try", answered Gertrud. The school marm stood on a log, closed her eyes and raised her hands. With immense focus and passion, she recited a rhyme. "Charm that does us harm, mold with all your might. Brighten the darkness. Show the way today. Magic turn light and tower, defy the witch's wretched power. Help right prevail. No matter what entails. In the name of what is good, Help up find our young babes in the woods!". Suddenly, fog lifted and the air smelled clean. Sunshine poked through the trees. Grass greened and flowers bloomed. Blue sky and puffy, white clouds were visible. A path appeared before the two. They took a moment to take in what had just transpired.
"I can't believe I managed to do that", stated a dumbfounded Gertrud. "What a gal. Thank you, Gertie", proclaimed a grateful Peter. As Gertrud hopped off the log, she said, "Now we'll be able to find the children for sure. Let's go!". As they proceeded, Peter gulped and murmured, "Do ya think Hansel and Gretel are still alive?". "Definitely, Petey", averred Gertrude with a reassuring tone. "According to my book, Rosina Leckermaul fattens up victims before she eats them. With your children being so thin these days, it'll take a while for them to plump up. Besides, I'm sure they're being brave, resilient and making the best of their situation".
"You're probably right about that", Peter said in return. "I'm a lucky man, they are wonders", he sighed. Gertrud stopped and looked at him. A smile swept across her face. "They take after their father," said Gertrude. Peter's face began to blush in turn. "Thanks for being so warm to them. In the short time you've known them, you've been more motherly than Florence ever was." "Well, it's just pleasurable knowing all of you. I'm only treating you three the way you ought to be treated", Gertrud declared. Touched, a small tear dripped from Peter's eye. He then asked a question. "When all of this is over, would you please help me raise the children?." "You bet I shall!", answered Gertrud. Peter bent over, the two embraced and kissed. "Come along", Gertrude said. "Let's keep going." Though a way's away because of Rosina's prior interference, they headed onward and nothing was going to beat the intrepid pair. Even though Rosina's bewitching of the forest was undone, the witch didn't notice. Quite surprisingly. She was too focused on fiendish ambition to fill her tummy up.
Part 3
Back in the clearing two days later, it had been a whole week since Hansel and Gretel had fallen into the clawed clutches of Rosina. Early that morning, Gretel went running over to brother's cage. "What's wrong?", asked Hansel. "Rosina said she's going to feel your finger to see if you've put on any weight", said an out of breath Gretel. As she caught her breath, Hansel's brow began to sweat.
"Oh, dear", he said. "I haven't gotten as plump as she'd expect me to be, but I have put on a bit of weight". "What'll you do?", asked his sister. Inspired by Gretel's quick thinking, her brother thought of something. It was a plan to make the witch's vision worse than it already was. "Come close", he said. Gretel did just that and listened to Hansel as he whispered to her. "Good idea", she declared." Just then, the clearing's quiet was shattered by Rosina. "Today I test you for plumpness, Hansel!."
Gretel hurried to enact her brother's plot. Rosina's cane leaned against the cage. She quickly picked up, put it in the walkway and ran right back to the cage. Rosina came into view. "Let's see what's happened in a week, m'boy", Rosina said to Hansel from a distance. "yes, Rosina", he shouted back. To Hansel and Gretel's hidden delight, she slipped on her cane. "Aaahhgh", shrieked Rosina as she fell forward onto the cobblestones. Her spectacles had shattered. Hansel's plan worked.
"Drat! I thought I'd left the blasted cane near the shed", pondered Rosina as she rose to her feet. Nearly blind as a bat and with anger resembling a hornet, she glared squintingly at the broken spectacles, picked up the cane and hobbled towards the children. "You alright?, asked Hansel. He pretended to care, of course. "Never you mind that, brat. A finger if you please." "Okay, Rosina", uttered an apprehensive Hansel. He hesitated for a second or two.
"Stick out a finger, at once!", ordered Rosina. "Absolutely!", said Hansel. Her snap had startled him. Panicked, he grabbed a chicken bone from earlier and stuck it out instead. Rosina felt it. Hansel got a good look at her hand. It looked like a white and black spider crawling all over the bone. "How's my finger?", Hansel said innocently. Rosina's eyes twitched and began to widen. "You're even bonier than you were last week!", declared the dumbfounded Rosina. "I guess you'll have to fatten me up some more", Hansel said calmly.
Rosina's glazed over eyes narrowed. "Really?", she slowly said with a sour frown. "Is that what you're thinking?. "Mm-hmm", said Hansel, remaining as calm as possible. An expression of anger appeared on Rosina's face. "My patience has waned," the witch growled at Hansel. "Tonight you'll be eaten". "No, please give me an additional week. I'll be fattened up by then", begged Hansel. "Grovel all you want. I shan't be changing thy mind." Hansel got short. "You are a monster", he said with rage in his voice. "Flattery won't keep you from being a main course", was Rosina's reply. Gretel, who'd been watching the events unfold stepped in. "Hansel's right, you devilish hag. You're not getting away with this!", she stated to Rosina. "Don't you dare mouth off to me, you burdensome girly. I will. One more word out of you and you'll be my dinner audience of one!", Rosina thundered while pointing her cane at Gretel. She turned to Hansel. "If you peep, I'll cook you alive." Both of them obeyed and remained quiet. It seemed like poor Hansel's goose was cooked.
Rosina personally spent a bit of time feeding Hansel stuffing to compensate his lack of an immense weight gain. "Stop, I beg of you!", Hansel would plead." "Never. This is your retributionary final meal, boy!", Rosina hissed like a snake. Ordered to stay out of the way, Gretel had no choice but sit around and witness. Afterwards, Gretel comforted her brother. Rosina meanwhile prepped a iron cauldron of gravy on the firepit, a spread made from an assortment of ingredients and bread dough. "I can taste supper already"!", the witch declared with relishing. "We've got to keep the faith", Gretel said while fighting back tears. In spite it all, Hansel tried to remain headstrong. "Oh, I'll keep it. She'll get her just desserts", he said. "I pray that she does", Gretel responded. She tried to sincerely reassure her brother. "I bet Gertrud and Peter are closer than ever." "Me, too", Hansel said hopefully. Unbeknownst to them though, they were correct about their father and maternal friend.
Come evening, Hansel shook like a leaf in his cage, as did Gretel in the Witch's home. Gretel reluctantly sat the table. At the same time, Rosina put chopped up vegetables into an oversized roasting pan (used especially for cooking children). Rosina then looked at Gretel and said, "There's one last task to do before I cook up your brother, we've got to bake this dough into bread. It's risen. The oven fire's been burning for a bit, too". Gretel was distracted, though. She looked at Rosina's corner counter. A meat cleaver, pastry brush, the spread, rope, a carving set, shears, Rosina's handy for tenderizing cane and an apple for Hansel's mouth were resting upon it. Gretel shuttered.
"Fetch the dough!", ordered Rosina. The poor girl followed her direction. The two went outside. Gretel automatically ran to Hansel and whispered, "I promise I'll get you out of there." "Stop speaking to my food.", said an irritated Rosina. She hurried Gretel out of Hansel's view. The Witch looked at him. "The time's nearly come. Soon you'll be the center piece of an opulent feast!". She let out wicked laughter. A speechless Hansel looked white as a sheet.
Sharply, the witch turned to Gretel and said, "let's go to the oven". Rosina led the way and Gretel walked behind her. As they strode towards it, something caught Gretel's eye. The cage key protruded from Rosina's back dress pocket. Gretel quickly snatched the key and hid it out of sight. "Well done", Hansel whispered. When the two ladies arrived at the oven, Rosina opened its doors.
Its inside was ablaze. Rosina had used her black magic on it. Once it reached a certain temperature, you could put something in it and it'd be ready mere minutes later. "Check the oven and tell me if it's heated enough", Rosina commanded. Gretel decided to feign being a fool. "How might I do that? I haven't used your oven before. "Lean in a bit, look around, feel the heat and then you'll tell me how hot it is", said an impatient Rosina. "I don't think I'd follow those steps well, would you mind showing me them?", said a convincing Gretel. "I would, but I will show them to you. I'll never have my supper at this rate. It turns out you're not so smart. Sometimes a witch must do things herself", Rosina groused. She leaned over, feeling the flame's warmth. She inhaled a whiff of smoke as well. While doing this, Gretel picked up a cooking paddle off the ground. "The oven's just right. These coals are like ones from below", Rosina declared. "Perfect for you", said Gretel coldly.
Gretel smacked the paddle onto Rosina's back as hard as she could. The witch let out an inhuman scream which curdled Hansel's blood when he heard it. She tumbled head first into the oven. Little sparks followed her and filled the air. Gretel closed the double doors and latched them. For a few seconds, pounding could be heard from within. However, it soon ceased. Gretel ran to the shed, got the key and set her brother free. Stunned by what he'd seen and finally freed, Hansel hugged his sister. "I've been wanting to give you one of these for the last week, cried Hansel. "Same here", said Gretel. "Thank you so much, Gretel", said Hansel. "I'm a lucky brother. Touched, Gretel replied, "Well, it just so happened that I lucked out as a sister."
Just then, the gingerbread people up front began to shake. In a flash, they instantly transformed into children. "They're back to normal!", proclaimed Hansel. The village youngsters were ecstatic. "They saved us!", shouted a little girl. "We're human once more!", gasped a little boy. They got together and all at once, the now human children shouted, "Good work, Hansel and Gretel. Thank you!". "We're glad we were able to help out", said Gretel.
The chain of joy filled events continued. Two figures appeared in the clearing. They locked their eyes with Hansel and Gretel's. "It's father and Gertrud", gushed Gretel. "I knew they'd make it here in the end", Hansel proclaimed. "Children!", shouted an overjoyed Peter. "Thank heavens you're safe", cried an ecstatic Gertrud. They ran for each other and all of them hugged. Hansel and Gretel gave both adults a kiss. Charmed, the village youngsters looked on. "Are ya alright?", asked Peter. "We are all things concerned", said Gretel. "I'm so sorry about all of this, you'll never come in harm's way way. I promise", Peter reassured. "We'll make sure of that", added Gertrud. "Tell me, how did you escape?", she asked. "We didn't let the witch fatten Hansel up. Knowing of her poor eyesight, he tricked her at the last moment", Gretel explained. "Gretel then fooled the witch and pushed her in the oven. She didn't go quietly", Hansel added. "They spoke her spell on us", said one of the former gingerbread children. "That witch didn't get her baker's dozen because of them", chimed in another. "Remarkable", exclaimed Gertrud. "You two defeated the gingerbread witch all by yourselves". "You're heroes. I'm so proud", Peter gushed.
"Thank you", responded a blushing Hansel. Gretel remembered something "Speaking of broken spells, the witch's curse on the village should be gone, too. It's because of her hex and thieving that we all went hungry," she proclaimed. "You two really have saved the day", complimented Peter.
All of a sudden, rumbling filled the air. The rumbles caught everybody's attention and they turned around. It was coming from the oven. Its doors swung oven and something large fell out of it. It was a gigantic, stale, decorated, gravestone-like gingerbread cookie that looked like Rosina. An expression of horror was iced across her face. Everyone's jaw dropped. "A fitting end", said an amazed Gertrud. "Now she really is a gingerbread witch." "Hip! Hip!! Hooray!!!", shouted all the children. "That witch reaped what she sowed", joked Peter. "Regarding fitting ends, I sent your mother away, my children", he said. "You'll be seeing a lot more of me. I hope that's alright with you," Gertrude added. The siblings jumped for joy into the grownup's arms. Gretel in Peter's, Hansel in Gertrud's. "That's more than alright with us", they said together."
"I'm excited as well!", exclaimed Gertrud. "You're not the only one", Peter injected. "Come along, everyone. Let's head on home". Before everybody left the clearing, they removed the remaining contents of Rosina's storehouse. Amongst the stolen food, Hansel and Gretel discovered a trunk. It was filled with treasures. This trunk was taken to share with the village along with everything else. With the stars guiding them, everyone exited the clearing with Peter and Gertrud leading the way. Hansel and Gretel rode on their shoulders. When the journey ended, the found children were reunited with their families.
The village troubles were ended thanks to the daring siblings. Peter and the children welcomed me into their family. They also helped me with writing this story down for you. Therefore, this is dedicated to them. Yes, I am Gertrud. It's been me all this time. After officially divorcing Hansel and Gretel's blood-relation mother, Peter and I were married sometime later. We then lived happily ever after with our children. The end.
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