Free Jack and the Beanstalk (Faerie Tale Collection) by Jenni James Page B

so, I imagine,” Jill answered. “How are you feeling? Your leg was pretty crooked; do you think you could walk?”
    “My leg?” He moved them both with ease. “What are you talking about?”
    “Truly? Perhaps the angle you were lying in made it seem worse than it was.” Jill held out her hand. “Here, allow us to assist you and we will see if you can stand.”
    Rachel held her arm out as well and he grasped both hands as they hauled him to a standing position. He winced as fire ripped through his shoulder, but did not cry out again—no reason to alarm the girls. But he knew his left shoulder was painfully wrenched.
    Stepping forward, he was happy to note his legs were fine. One ankle was definitely tender, which caused him to hop a bit, but nothing he could not shake off. He would put his full weight on in it a few minutes’ time. He held out his arms and turned for the girls’ inspection. “I am well. Do you see? Now let us get going before Gleeflak decides he would like to be friends again.”
    He bent over and collected the mesh. Did they really do this by themselves? “Have I ever told you both how decidedly ingenious you are?” he asked as he looked up.
    “Do not stare at me!” Rachel exclaimed. “It was all Jill’s doing. If it were up to me, we would still be in that crooked cage waiting for the giant to come back.”
    Jill brushed the comment aside. “No, Rachel is being silly.”
    “I am not. I had decided I would find a way out of the palace on my own if I had to, but when the time came to escape, it was the furthest thing from my mind. I tell you, Jill is incredibly resourceful.”
    His sister blushed. “And have you met Jack?” she asked. “He taught me everything I know.”
    “Yes, well, we could sit and compliment each other all day—and I see you females would prefer to do just that—but let us get this baby wrapped up and go home!”
    Jill laughed while turning to Rachel. “And then there are days when I cannot stand the man and I want to kill him. But I usually do not mention such things in the company of my friends.”
    Chuckling, Rachel shook her head. “Believe me, I know all about wanting to throttle him. The thought passes my mind quite often.”
    “And you both love me dearly for it. I know.” He collected the rest of the netting, and while tossing it aside said, “If one of you will strap Verity to my back using Jill’s pack, we can be on our way.”
    “How right you are! He is just like you!” Rachel said as she helped reposition the food items and settled the baby inside.
    They readjusted the wrapping of the pack to allow Verity’s legs to dangle out, and then placed it on him.
    Jack bit back the pain as his arm twisted when he put the pack on, but thank goodness Verity did not weigh much and so did not overly burden that shoulder. “Are all of my womenfolk ready, then? Can we finally leave now?” He grinned at them.
    Jill rolled her eyes and pushed past him. “We have been ready for ages. We have been waiting upon you, sleepyhead.”
    Rachel laughed as she approached him, sliding her hand into his. “Yes. Take me home.”
    “Very well.” He bounced the baby a bit to adjust her better and then they were off.
    In no time at all, they were approaching the tips of the tall beanstalk.
    “So this is how you arrived here?” Rachel exclaimed.
    “Well, when one bargains with a witch, one should never be surprised at what means one is given to complete the task,” Jack replied as he looped one leg around the stalk and began to climb down. “It is quite safe,” he called back. “Jill, help Rachel tie her skirts up so she will not get caught on the leaves and such.”
    It was much easier to climb down than it had been to go up, and as long as Jack stayed at the bottom of the group, he figured he could catch one if she should fall. The sun was close to setting as they neared the base of the beanstalk and first heard the great roar of Gleeflak.
    “Jack?” Jill had