The Gingerbread Kingdom

Hans and Jay ran toward the gum traps, away from the approaching soldiers.  When they reached the edge of the trap, they turned to the right and headed off the path and into the woods.

The ants pursued them into the towering trees where they split up to find their intended prisoners.

“The ants are following us!” Jay called to Hans.  “We have to double back and cross those gum traps.”

“How?  We will get caught if we even graze the gum traps.”

“Trust me.  Just jump onto my back when I tell you.  I figured out a way to get across to the other side.”

The two boys made their way through the tangled woods until they were back on the path.  They both ran directly for the gum traps.

One of the Army Ants followed behind them.  With one of its stick-like arms, it reached into its backpack and pulled out a black licorice whip.  With a quick motion, the ant snapped the whip at the fleeing youths.  It snapped right behind Jay.

“One of the ants is behind us!” Jay said as he sped up.  “At least we lost one of them.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Hans said as he continued to run.  “General Buggard only sends his best troops out on recon missions.”

SNAP!!  The whip cracked even closer this time.  The scuttling trooper advanced toward the boys.

“Look!  Up ahead!” pointed Jay.  “There’s the gum trap and right above it, our freedom.”

As the nearly out of breath children ran, the second Army Ant jumped onto the path directly in front of them.  The path to the gum trap was now blocked.  The soldier smiled and raised up onto its back legs.  The Army Ant now stood taller than a full grown human. 

“Jump onto my back now!” Jay yelled.

The gingerbread prince did as he was told.  He wrapped his arms around Jay’s neck as Jay continued to run toward the tall trooper.

“Now I’ve got you,” it said as it lunged forward to grab the children.

As the trooper reached forward, Jay slid onto his stomach and went under and between the soldier’s legs.  He slid until he was behind the Army Ant.  Jay rose to his feet, with Prince Hans still clinging to his back, and continued toward the gum trap.

The two Army Ants collided with each other in the center of the path.  They quickly regained their composure and continued their pursuit of the children.

“Alright, Hans, this is where it gets tricky.”  Jay warned the prince.

“Tricky?  You mean the other stuff has been easy?”

“Just hold on tight.  Here we go!”

Jay ran to the very edge of the gum trap, jumped forward, and reached out for a dangling licorice branch.  When he caught it, he swung his body forward and let go so that he and his noble friend ended up landing on the other side of the gum trap.  They were back on the path.

The Army Ants that chased them tried to run through the gum traps, but ended up

getting stuck.  They struggled to get free as the two boys ran to join their friends.