EVERNA Jack and Jill - A Children Story by Alistair Kane

 

EVERNA Jack and Jill - Written by Alistair Kane

In the Kingdom of Lore, nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant meadows to the south coast, there lived a young boy named Jack. Jack had a peculiar problem with his feet, causing him to stumble and fall whenever he tried to walk too fast. It was a source of great frustration for him, and he longed to be as nimble and sprightly as the other children in the village.

One sunny morning, Jack and his sister, Jill, set off on an adventurous quest to fetch a pail of water from the sparkling brook that meandered up the hill. Hand in hand, they climbed the steep incline, their laughter echoing through the serene countryside.

But alas, fate had a mischievous plan in store for poor Jack. As they reached the top of the hill, his feet tangled in a loose stone, and he stumbled, falling to the ground with a resounding thud. His crown, a simple woven wreath of wildflowers, slipped from his head and broke into pieces.

Jill rushed to her brother's side, concern etched on her face. "Oh, Jack, are you hurt?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

Jack grimaced, rubbing his grazed knee. "I'll be fine," he replied, wincing slightly. "But I'm tired of always tripping over my own feet. I wish I could be as agile as you, Jill."

Jill's eyes sparkled with determination as she helped Jack to his feet. "You know, Jack," she began, her voice brimming with encouragement, "I think with a little training, you can overcome your leg problem. Let's make it a challenge, shall we?"

And so, the siblings embarked on a journey of perseverance and resilience. Every day, they would venture up the hill, practicing their balance and coordination. They devised games to make it more enjoyable, jumping over imaginary obstacles, and racing against each other with infectious laughter.

Jack's determination knew no bounds. He pushed himself harder than ever before, gradually gaining strength and agility. With each passing day, he stumbled less and leaped higher. Jill's constant support and unwavering belief in him fueled his determination.

And then, winter came. The village was abuzz with preparations for the Frostval Festival, a time when families gathered to celebrate the joyous season. Jack's mother, a loving and caring woman, decided to surprise him with a special reward for his unwavering efforts.

On the day of the festival, a tantalizing aroma filled the air as Jack's mother prepared a mouthwatering Frostval pie. The golden crust glistened with a sprinkling of sugar, and the sweet fragrance wafted through the house, drawing everyone's attention. But Jack was away helping the villagers with preparations, and he would be late for the celebration at home.

Realizing that he would be late, Jack used his new powers to finish his job quickly and get home in time. The villagers watched in awe as Jack performed his newfound skills during the Frostval festivities. With each jump, he seemed to defy gravity, soaring through the air like a bird in flight. The children cheered, their eyes wide with wonder, as Jack flew high above the crowd, his nimble movements a testament to the power of determination.

Skipping like a kite, Jack's laughter filled the air, blending harmoniously with the joyful melodies played by the village musicians. He bounded over apple pies, leaping with ease and agility, his feet barely touching the ground. The onlookers gasped in amazement, their smiles stretching from ear to ear.

"Jack, you truly are a marvel!" exclaimed Jill, her eyes shimmering with pride. "You've transformed from a stumbling boy to a soaring champion. I knew you could do it!"

Jack beamed, his heart swelling with gratitude for his sister's unwavering support. "It's all thanks to you, Jill," he replied, his voice filled with warmth. "Without your encouragement and belief in me, I would have never found the strength to overcome my stumbling. You've been my guiding light."

As the Frostval festivities drew to a close, Jack gracefully landed on the ground, his feet as light as a butterfly's wings. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, showering him with praise and admiration. Jack's eyes twinkled with joy as he bowed, humbled by the outpouring of love and support.

As Jack and Jill entered the cozy cottage that was their home, a smile adorned Jack's face when he caught sight of the delicious creation on the table. His mother beamed with pride, her eyes twinkling with admiration for her determined son.

"Jack, my brave and nimble boy," she said, her voice filled with warmth, "this pie is a symbol of your hard work and resilience. You've proven that with determination and practice, you can overcome any obstacle. Enjoy your reward, for you've earned it."

Jack's heart swelled with joy as he took a seat at the table. He put in his thumb and pulled out a plum, relishing the sweet victory that tasted even more delicious than the Frostval pie itself. "What a good boy am I!" he exclaimed, savoring each delightful bite. Jill also joined in the joy, that was shared with their family in the holy Frostval night.

Little did Jack know that his tale would inspire generations to come, becoming a legend whispered in the Kingdom of Lore. Children from all corners of the kingdom would hear the story of the boy who turned stumbling into soaring, and they, too, would find hope and courage in their own journeys.

However, this was only the beginning of Jack's many adventures. And that would include his experience in Tranvia Forest and also a case of magical beans and a gigantic beanstalk.

 

Jack and Jill went up the hill

To fetch a pail of water.

Jack fell down and broke his crown,

And Jill came tumbling after.

Then up got Jack and said to Jill,

As in his arms he took her,

“Brush off that dirt for you’re not hurt,

Let’s fetch that pail of water.”

So Jack and Jill went up the hill

To fetch the pail of water,

And took it home to Mother dear,

Who thanked her son and daughter.

 

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick

Jack jump over the candlestick

Jack be nimble, Jack be spry

Jack jump over the apple pie

Jack be nimble, Jack jump high!

Jack fly up into the sky

 

Skipping skipping like a kite

Bouncing bouncing with delight

Every leap is leaping right

 

Jack is happy, Jack is spry

Jack be nimble, Jack jump high!

Jack fly up into the sky

 

Skipping skipping like a kite

Jack jump over the apple pie

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick

Jump jump Jack jump!

Jack is happy, Jack is spry

Every leap is leaping right

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick

Jump!

 

Jack be nimble, Jack be light

Way way up into the sky

Tumbles up and touches down

Landing like a butterfly

Jack be nimble, Jack jump high!

 

Little Jack Horner

Sat in the corner,

Eating his Frostval pie;

He put in his thumb,

And pulled out a plum,

And said, "What a good boy am I!"

 

To be included in Everna Saga anthology "The Light Bringers" for children and young adults.