Long ago and far away, there was a beautiful young woman named Katrina. She was lovely in all the ways that pleased the eyes, but beyond her splendor, she was kind, diligent, and deliberate. She focused all her virtues on her greatest passion, baking. Day after day, she'd sift, mix, and roll delicious delicacies for her small village, but soon word of her fantastical treats spread, and her tiny town enjoyed an influx of travels from villages far and wide. While visiting, they wouldn't just enjoy the cakes and cookies Katrina produced. They would also enjoy the cool creamy milk of the dairy farmer, pluck up cartons of juicy cherries from the farmers, and fill the local inn to the brim. The town was thriving, and Katrina was their favorite daughter.

As word spread, a renounce baker from a distant village heard of Katrina's notoriety. Envy inflamed young Hansel that another was dimming his light. It began as passing whispers among the travelers, but soon the visitors to Hansel's shop diminished, only enraging Hansel further. He sent his apprentice to the distant village to gather Katrina's goods and return them to him.

"Go now!" Hansel bellowed at his young apprentice.

"Yes, sir," the young boy by the name of Franz whimpered before scampering from the shop.

Despite the sweet smells that rolled from the doorway, Hansel's temperament clouded the space. As continued reviews of rival Katrina filtered into his shop, his treats took on a bitter taste. Even fewer patrons visited his shop. Before long, he couldn't give his desserts away. Even the pigs wouldn't eat his once-famous desserts.

"Sir, I've returned," Fanz tentatively spoke from the moonlight in the doorway. "Are you here?" He called into the darkness.

"Yes, yes," Hansel grumbled as he fanned the flame of his lantern to cast a glow around his now desolate bakery. "Have you brought the fowl goods?"

"Yes, sir," Franz slung his bag to the round table and reluctantly unpacked the exquisite treats within. Soon, small cakes, pies, and cookies filled the table. There was little room left, and knowing they were his favorite, Franz left a small package of gingerbread in the sack for him to enjoy later.

"This is what all the fuss is about," Hansel groused as he picked through the assortment. He took small bites, then larger and more. Hansel couldn't resist the subtle combinations of savory and sweet. Before long, the table was empty.

"This baker; tell me about her," Hansel demanded of Franz.

"She... she..." Franz stuttered under the heavy gaze of Hansel.

"Speak, boy; I don't employ you to falter with your tongue."

"She's beautiful and sweet, like her tiny cakes. She's kind and giving like her brightly colored cookies. She's beloved by all that meet her like her gingerbread, and she pours that love into her baking." The memory of the beautiful Katrina dancing around her shop in a whirl of baking and welcoming stole Franz's focus for a moment. Her joyful trill of laughter still tickled his ears, pulling a small smile to his face.

"Enough," Hansel shattered Franz's warm memory like a piece of brittle smashing on the floor. "Her husband allows this focus. Doesn't she have a home and children to care for?"

"No, sir. She's quite young. She hasn't yet taken a husband," Franz quickly corrected.

"She's not yet married," Hansel pondered aloud. "Come, I must meet this woman in person."

Franz was tired, but Hansel's eyes burned with his new plot. Rather than face the wrath, Franz dutifully nodded and followed in Hansel's wake out the door. But, because he was weary from just returning from his first trek, Franz quickly fell behind his boss' determined strides. It was then Franz remember the cookies tucked into the folds of his bag. He pulled a small gingerbread treat from his bag and nibbled. The peppery warmth of the ginger mixed with the sweetness of the confection lifting his spirits and legs. Soon he found himself beside Hansel.

"What's that that you're eating?" Hansel demanded as the moon lit his face with sinister severity.

"It's just a few morsels of cookies that remained in my bag," Franz whimpered.

"Give me that," Hansel ordered as he grabbed the last of the bread from Franz. The heavenly taste curdled even more anger in Hansel. "You kept this from me. You were trying to protect her."

"No, sir... I..." But Franz could not finish.

In a swift movement, Hansel backhanded the boy across his face. The sickly thud of Hansel's hand crashing into the boy's face echoed down the deserted street.

"Go away!" Hansel demanded.

Franz didn't falter. He scampered away to escape the hold Hansel held over him. No apprenticeship was worth this treatment. It was Hansel that had a looming problem. He had intended to have Franz vouch for his excellent virtue for his plan to work. Only one option remained. Hansel was off to the next village to collect his sister to vouch for his character. He'd court the young Katrina, and as her husband, demand her recipes.