The Wishing-Table
The Wishing-Table — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
Within the Library of Lost Tales lived three brothers: Hans, the diligent scholar; Peter, the ambitious craftsman; and Klaus, the ever-hungry wanderer. Each sought their fortune in the world, but the library held a secret – a table that granted wishes. But what did these brothers want most?
Page 2
"It's time we left this dusty place!" Peter declared, slamming his hammer down. Hans looked up, startled. "But our lives are here, amongst these stories, Peter!" He replied, adjusting his spectacles. Klaus, ever pragmatic, chimed in. "Hans is right – where would we even go?"
Page 3
"Anywhere is better than this!" Peter insisted, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "I shall become the finest craftsman in the land!" He threw a small bag over his shoulder. Hans sighed. "Remember what Da Vinci said, 'It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things', perhaps we should all pursue our own destinies?" Klaus nodded eagerly. "As long as my destiny involves food!"
Page 4
Peter journeyed far, his skill growing with each passing town. He crafted intricate furniture and sturdy homes, his name whispered with respect. One day, a wealthy merchant approached him. "Craftsman Peter, I have a proposition for you: build me a grand palace, and I shall reward you handsomely with gold!"
Page 5
As Peter prepared to start the Palace construction, he met a weary old man by the roadside. "Kind craftsman," the old man croaked, "I have nothing to offer but this old table. It is a Wishing-Table - ask it for food, and it shall appear." Peter scoffed. "What use do I have for such nonsense when I shall soon have gold beyond measure!"
Page 6
Peter refused the table, eager for the merchant's riches. He built a magnificent palace, but the merchant, blinded by his own greed, refused to pay the agreed sum. Peter, now penniless, cursed his ambition. He had lost everything.
Page 7
Humbled and heartbroken, Peter returned to the Library of Lost Tales. Hans and Klaus greeted him with open arms. "We always knew you would come back, brother," Hans said softly. Klaus offered him a warm loaf of bread. Peter, ashamed, confessed his folly.
Page 8
Hans, ever the scholar, remembered the old man's tale. "Peter, there was an old traveler who visited the Library many years ago, he said the forest is a place where unknown treasures are often lost but even more often found." Peter looked up, a spark of hope in his eyes. He resolved to find the old man and the Wishing-Table.
Page 9
Peter searched and found the old man. The old man then gives Peter the table. Peter now understood the true value of the table. He wished for enough food to feed the entire town, not for gold. The table immediately produced a feast, ending the hunger and earning Peter the respect he desired.
Page 10
Peter used his skills and the table to provide for others, finding true happiness in service, unlike the emptiness of greedy ambition. He was respected and cherished. And so, Peter learned that true wealth lies not in gold, but in the well-being of others.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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