The Enchantress Returns (The Land of Stories, #2)

by Chris Colfer

“What?!” the Little Old Woman asked loudly. Obviously, she was a little hard of hearing. And if the way she was squinting was any indication, she was also hard of seeing. Granny spoke directly in her ear. “I was telling Red that we’re happy to be out of the Shoe Inn.” “Who’s dead?!” the Little Old Woman asked. “Not dead—Red, my granddaughter,” Granny said. “Your granddaughter’s dead?!” the Little Old Woman said, aghast. Granny turned back to Red. “Don’t mind her, sweetheart. She has more than two hundred grandchildren—her ears aren’t what they used to be.”

“You’re not like any other woman I’ve ever met,” Alex told her. “Why is that?” Goldilocks asked. “You’re just so confident and self-sufficient,” Alex said. “So many girls—especially in my world—are so insecure and jealous. We rely so much on one another, but we’re so mean to each other at the same time. We could use more women like you to look up to.” Goldilocks was sad to hear it. “I was all those things once,” she said. “But after being on the run I’ve learned a life spent creating enemies isn’t worth leading. Having allies is the best advantage in the world. Jealousy is just a reminder of the frustrations you have with yourself. Who has time to only concentrate on that?”

Alex smiled. “That’s powerful,” she said. “I wish the girls at school could hear that.” “Bring a sword to school. Trust me—those girls will leave you alone,” Goldilocks said. “Oh, I couldn’t do that,” Alex said. “Violence is frowned upon in my world. It’s not like it is here; it’s not needed.” Goldilocks liked the sound of that. “Then find out what your sword is—find your own advantage—and wear it proudly. Beat those girls at their own game by seeming perfectly content in your own life,”