86 Results with the "Fable" genre


    • Chapter 13: The Devil’s Trade Mark Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 13: The Devil's Trade Mark begins during an errand as John and Black Beauty encounter a troubling incident that reveals much about character and cruelty. As they pass a quiet field, a scene of distress catches their attention—a boy attempting to force a small pony over a gate. The boy, later recognized as young Mr. Bushby, strikes and kicks the frightened creature without mercy. Despite the pony’s clear fear and refusal, the boy continues his assault, driven by frustration rather than any need.…
    • Chapter 46: Jakes and the Lady Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 46: Jakes and the Lady places Black Beauty in yet another challenging chapter of his working life. Now under the service of a corn dealer and baker, he finds the nature of his work heavier than before. Though the owner ensures the horses are fed and stabled properly, his frequent absences leave the horses in the care of a foreman with little regard for their welfare. This man loads the wagons beyond reasonable capacity, showing more concern for profits than the horses’ wellbeing. Black Beauty is…
    • The Dream of Little Tuk Cover
      by LovelyMay The Dream of Little Tuk opens with a humble scene, where a young boy finds himself caught between responsibility and the need for learning. Caring for his little sister while preparing for school, Tuk is shown to be kindhearted and dutiful, despite lacking basic comforts like candlelight. His commitment to both family and schoolwork becomes evident when he gives up his own time to help an old washerwoman, not for reward, but from simple goodness. As sleep overtakes him, so does a dream, born not from…
      Fable • Fantasy
    • Chapter 25: Reuben Smith Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 25: Reuben Smith opens with the introduction of a man widely respected for his deep understanding of horses and his calm, capable demeanor. Reuben, placed in charge during York’s brief leave, quickly earns the trust of the estate with his blend of hands-on knowledge and a gentle approach. His history includes time spent with a veterinary surgeon, where he picked up valuable insights into equine health. He drives all sorts of teams with skill—whether a four-in-hand or a tandem—and carries…
    • Chapter I — A Beginning Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter I begins with a playful nudge at both author and reader, as Andersen gently mocks the familiar structure of fairy tales while deliberately setting the stage in the heart of Copenhagen, not some faraway land. The narrator winks at expectations, knowing readers might assume the story will trail through exotic cities like Rome or Naples, but instead, he grounds it in East Street, a place bustling with ordinary life. This decision adds charm and relatability. It suggests that magic and meaning don’t…
      Fable • Fantasy
    • Chapter 3 My Breaking In Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 3 My Breaking In marks a pivotal point in Black Beauty’s young life, describing the transition from carefree colthood to trained domestic service. This process, known as “breaking in,” is not about force but gradual adaptation, and in Black Beauty’s case, it was handled with patience and kindness by his master. The first steps involve wearing a bit and bridle—strange and initially uncomfortable objects that restricted his natural movements. Despite the awkwardness, he endured the…
    • Chapter 36: The Sunday Cab Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 36: The Sunday Cab begins with a polite but firm refusal. When Mr. Briggs asks Jerry to drive him to church on Sundays, Jerry declines, explaining that his license limits him to six days of work each week. But the reason goes beyond regulation. Years of working nonstop wore Jerry down physically and spiritually, and the same held true for his horses. After making the switch to a six-day license, he gained back not just energy, but dignity. Sundays became sacred—not only for worship but also for…
    • Sixth Story — The Lapland Woman and the Finland Woman Cover
      by LovelyMay Sixth Story opens with a breathtaking landscape covered in deep snow, as Gerda bravely presses forward in search of her lost friend, Kay. The cold is severe, yet her spirit does not falter. Her journey takes her into the humble dwelling of the Lapland woman, who offers her rest, nourishment, and a warm welcome despite the limited comfort she can provide. Knowing she cannot help much, the Lapland woman writes a message on dried codfish and urges Gerda to continue to Finland, where wiser counsel may await.…
      Fable • Fantasy
    • Chapter 14: James Howard Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 14: James Howard begins on a quiet December morning as Black Beauty returns from his exercise. Inside the stable, their master arrives holding a letter, his expression thoughtful as he inquires about James Howard’s performance. John, always fair and observant, does not hesitate in his reply. He praises James for being reliable and diligent, a young man who treats the horses with care and approaches his work with seriousness. His tone is firm, almost protective, as he assures the master that James…
    • Chapter 47: Hard Times Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 47: Hard Times begins with Black Beauty caught in one of the most punishing phases of his life, working under Nicholas Skinner, a man whose every decision revolves around profit. His physical description alone—cold black eyes and a sharp nose—mirrors his strict and joyless nature. For Skinner, horses are tools to be drained of energy, then discarded once they can no longer turn a profit. Beauty’s daily routine is marked by relentless trips, barely any rest, and a complete absence of…
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