The Gift From the Golden Tree

Prince Manco and his wife, Cava, were a happy couple. They ruled a kingdom in the jungles of Peru. They had been married for many years.

The only thing missing from their life was a baby.

One day, Cava was out walking with her sister, Runtu.

A beggar said hello to the two women. Runtu walked past the man, but Cava stopped and gave him a gold coin.

The man looked into Cava’s eyes. “I know you wish for a child,” he said. “And I can help.”

“Deep in the jungle there is a tree,” the man said. “It has leaves of gold. Every one hundred years a single fruit grows on the tree. If you eat this fruit, you will give birth to a son.”

He reached into his bag and pulled out a red fruit shaped like a pear. This was the fruit from the tree.

Cava happily held out her hand.

“Wait,” the beggar said. “Your son’s life will be tied to a magic necklace. If the necklace falls into the hands of someone who wishes him harm, he could be hurt. Do you still wish to eat the fruit?” he asked.

“Oh yes!” she cried.