The Magic Pie

“During the time of the full moon,” Father Rabbit continued, “the snowberry has magical powers. If someone eats it, they could grow ten times their size or shrink ten times their size.” Another story that every creature in the forest knew was the story of “The Lost Prince of the Forest.” Father Rabbit told the story with sadness in his voice: “In the middle of the forest is a magnificent castle where the good King Richard of the forest lives with his beautiful queen Eleanor.” The king and queen had a kind son named Henry, who loved to help his mother in her garden. It was a magical garden, and sometimes the flowers grew to be as tall as Henry, who often got lost among the flowers. “The prince loved to surprise his mother with a flower from the garden, but one day, the prince vanished in the forest. Everyone searched for the prince, but all that was found was his small crown.” “Maybe the prince ate the snowberry and became the giant,” suggested Ernest. “Maybe,” said Father Rabbit, “now go to sleep.” One day Father Rabbit was taking a bushel full of his best vegetables on his wagon to give to a family of raccoons in the forest. While Father Rabbit was gone a strange thing happened at the Hollow. While one of Mother Rabbit’s pies was cooling on the windowsill, a large rabbit grabbed the pie and ran off with it. “Stop, thief!” cried Ernest and Oliver, as a bird, who had been waiting for some crumbs, frantically pointed in the direction of the fleeing rabbit. Suddenly, the rabbit stopped and began to speak. “I’m sorry, I was so hungry, I couldn’t resist the pie,” said the rabbit. Ernest and Oliver were amazed when the rabbit took off his rabbit ears and revealed himself as King Richard. “I often travel incognito dressed as a rabbit and wander through the forest in search of my lost son.” Ernest and Oliver bowed down to the king. “I’m Ernest,” he introduced himself, “and this is my brother Oliver and his toy rabbit.” “Very nice to meet you,” said the king. “Your father and mother must be so proud to have such gallant and brave sons.” “Thank you, sir,” said Ernest. “We would be honored if you would keep the pie. We hope you find your son soon. I’m sure he misses you a lot.” The king nodded and hugged the two boys. With a heavy heart, he waved good-bye and turned away in the direction of the castle and disappeared into the forest. Meanwhile, Father Rabbit was having an even bigger adventure. Suddenly, he felt himself being scooped up by a giant hand. “Don’t be afraid,” a soft voice assured him, “I won’t hurt you.”