Bean Kingdom: Chapter 3: Trouble in the Beanstalks

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By Jorge Pereira
Written and illustrated with the help of AI (Copilot, Claude, Perplexity)
Reading by Jorge AI from Eleven Labs
(Original idea credits to Jorge Pereira, Alyssa Pereira, Alexander Pereira and Jeff Forbes
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Chapter 3: Trouble in the Beanstalks

The harmony of Bean Valley was not without challenges. As the seasons shifted, so did the winds of fate. And in the heart of the kingdom, shadows began to stir.

One moonless night, a frantic Fava bean burst into the Great Bean Plaza. His usually jovial face was etched with worry. “The Weevil Horde approaches!” he cried. “They devour everything in their path—beans, leaves, and even memories.”

The crowd gasped. The Weevils were relentless pests, their chittering mandibles leaving devastation in their wake. They called an emergency council, and beans from all tribes gathered.

“We must stand together,” one yells . “Our flavors may differ, but our survival depends on unity.”

King Kidney Bean immediately called upon his most trusted advisors to devise a defense strategy. The Soybeans, already trained in combat, formed the vanguard, supported by a group of Fava bean specially selected because their broad pods serve as formidable shields.

The ingenious Lentils collaborated with the Fava beans to craft traps and diversions, using their knowledge of the kingdom’s terrain to their advantage. Meanwhile, the nimble Red Beans acted as scouts, their vibrant hues allowing them to blend seamlessly into the foliage as they gathered intelligence on the enemy’s movements.

As the Weevils horde advanced, the Bean-folk stood united, each variety contributing their unique strengths to the defense effort. The Green Beans tended to the fields day and night, ensuring a steady supply of provisions, while the Mung Beans worked tirelessly in the kitchens, preparing nourishing meals to sustain the warriors.

For three long days, they all anxiously waited for an attack. Only rumors from the field reached their ears, whispers carried by the wind. The tension grew with each passing hour, shadows lengthening across the town. Was it a false alarm, a ruse to keep them on edge? Or was danger truly lurking just beyond the tree line? Their breaths held, hearts pounding, they scanned the horizon, eyes straining for any sign of movement. The silence was deafening, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the distant cry of a lone bird. And then, as the sun dipped below the hills, casting an eerie glow upon the landscape, they saw it—a flicker of movement, a silhouette against the fading light. It was a group of Fava Bean scouts coming back.

Thankfully, and in part due to the ingenuity of the diversions and preparations, this time they we able to re-route the Weevil hoard away from the Kingdom. The bravery of some of the Fava Bean scouts, the Lentils’ clever traps, and the Red Beans’ strategic reconnaissance proved successful to distract the formidable invaders.

The Bean Kingdom emerged victorious, their unity and cooperation once again proving to be their greatest strength.

A Festival of Gratitude followed where the he streets were adorned with vibrant tapestries woven by the Pinto Beans, and the aroma of celebratory feasts prepared by the chefs wafted through the air. The festivities commenced with a solemn ceremony in the royal gardens, where King Kidney Bean honored the bravery and sacrifices of all of the warriors who had defended the realm.

As the sun set, the townsfolk gathered in the central square, where a magnificent stage had been erected. The Lentil scholars regaled the crowds with tales of the kingdom’s history and the valor displayed during the tense time.

Then, the true celebrations began. The Green Beans and Kidney Beans led energetic dances, their vines twisting and twirling in rhythmic patterns, while the Red Beans played lively tunes on handcrafted instruments. Even the stoic and stubborn Black-Eyed Peas joined in, their thunderous footsteps providing a percussive beat.

As the moon rose high in the sky, the Bean-folk shared a sumptuous feast, each variety contributing their culinary specialties. The savory aromas mingled, creating a harmonious blend that reflected the unity and diversity of their beloved kingdom.

King Kidney Bean looked out over his joyous subjects and smiled, grateful for the cooperation that had once again preserved their way of life. In that moment, the Bean Kingdom shone brighter than ever, a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of unity in the face of adversity.


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