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 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 15: The Old Hostler Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 15: The Old Hostler begins with a long journey as Black Beauty, along with his master, mistress, and driver James, travels forty-six miles to visit distant friends. On the first day, they cover over thirty miles, navigating demanding hills and rough terrain. James manages the route with great care, always considering the horses’ stamina. He adjusts the pace, allows rest on the inclines, and makes sure no unnecessary strain is placed on Black Beauty or his fellow horse, Ginger. Their journey is…
    • Chapter 16: The Fire Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 16: The Fire unfolds during what begins as an ordinary evening at the stable, when a traveler's horse is brought in for the night. As the other horses settle into their stalls, an unnoticed danger begins to brew. A young man named Towler enters the loft carelessly with a lit pipe—a seemingly harmless act that sets off a chain of consequences. Without realizing it, he likely drops ash or a coal, which smolders quietly until the loft bursts into flame. The fire starts subtly but soon consumes the…
    • Chapter 24: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 24: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse begins during the freshness of spring when Lord W---- and much of his household travel to London, leaving the estate in quieter hands. Black Beauty and Ginger remain behind, tended by the head groom and a few family members who chose to stay. Among them is Lady Anne, a confident and experienced horsewoman who takes particular liking to Black Beauty, calling him “Black Auster.” She often rides him across the countryside with grace and control, earning his…
    • 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 26: How it Ended Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 26: How it Ended begins with a quiet unease in the stillness of night. Black Beauty, standing alone and wounded, hears the distant but unmistakable rhythm of hooves drawing closer. As the sound nears, he recognizes Ginger’s pace attached to a dog-cart, a glimmer of hope sparking in the darkness. Beauty, though weakened and sore, lets out a soft neigh. To his relief, Ginger responds, followed by the urgent voices of men. They arrive at the scene to find Reuben lying on the ground, cold and…
    • Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 27: Ruined and Going Downhill unfolds a bittersweet transition in Black Beauty’s life, capturing the aftermath of injury and the fading of former glory. After the wounds on his knees began to heal, Beauty was sent to rest in a meadow—lush and quiet, but lonely. Days passed in solitude, the emptiness of the field reminding him of the constant companionship he once knew. Relief arrived when Ginger, also recovering from an accident, was brought to the same pasture. Her gait was slower, and her…
    • Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 28: A Job Horse and His Drivers reflects a period in Black Beauty’s life where consistency and compassion are replaced by unpredictability. As a job horse, he is rented to a variety of temporary drivers, each with differing levels of skill, patience, and concern. Beauty’s nature is calm and responsive, which makes him a favored choice even for beginners. However, that same gentleness leads to regular misuse. Some drivers pull the reins so tightly that his mouth aches for hours. These men…
    • Chapter 29: Cockneys Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 29: Cockneys paints a vivid picture of how ignorance and speed-focused driving endanger horses every day. Black Beauty observes how some town-bred drivers—often referred to as Cockneys—treat horses not as living beings but as mechanical tools. These drivers are known for pushing horses at a relentless pace, completely disregarding the terrain, traffic, or fatigue the animals may feel. They rarely use the brake going downhill, allowing the carriage to press against the horse’s shoulders. This…
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