. . .

In Hans’ house the little wooden boy takes off his pack.

He offers Hans a selection of great treasures.

“This is a sword that can cut anything,” he says. “This is an evil prophecy. Place this stone on your forehead and you can impersonate any farm animal, no matter how ungainly.  Take up this shield and you can weather any storm. This jewel is the jewel of all—”

Hans sweeps them from his table.

(It’s made of turtles.)

“Such trinkets,” Hans says, “are not for me.”

<< . . .

. . . >>