Berlina's Quest Read Online Free Page A

gifts came to offer their best wishes, which was understood. There was food and drink, music, and dancing for those who cared for it. It was a happy occasion, going on all day.
    Halfway through the afternoon, three women in strange robes entered, accompanied by a young girl with snow white hair. The girl appeared to be about the same age as Berlina. They made their way to the princess, and one of the women said, “Your Highness, my name is Forsythia, and these are my assistants, Gladiola and Chrysanthema. We bring you a gift, but of a different sort. Not the usual gift.”
    â€œI thank you, Forsythia,” said Berlina, “but what strange names.”
    â€œWe are members of a co…er…an organization known as the Order of the Flowers, and we take floral names when we join.”
    â€œInteresting. What is this unusual gift you speak of?”
    â€œWe bring this young girl here to be a companion and friend to you. She comes of her own free will and wishes to take this position. She is a free citizen, not a slave. Should Your Highness find her services unsatisfactory, she would leave, but we do not think that will happen. Her name is Felistia.”
    Felistia curtsied, and Berlina said, “Welcome, Felistia. I hope your companions are right, that we shall become friends. Sometimes, it does get lonely here in the palace, and at times, I have wished for someone to keep me company.”
    Forsythia continued, “Your Highness, in addition to being a companion, Felistia has a special talent that you might find useful from time-to–time, but it is best that we not reveal it in public. Is there a private chamber where we could talk and show you?”
    â€œYes, of course,” said Berlina. “Follow me.” She led the three women and Felistia down a side hall and into a small room. When they all entered, she turned and locked the door. “There. Now, we should be private enough. What is it you wish to tell me, show me?”
    Forsythia gestured to Felistia. The girl’s body seemed to melt into shapelessness and then reform. Instead of a girl, there was now an extremely large, fierce-looking snow white wildcat sitting on the floor. Its fur was the same color Felistia’s hair had been. A low rumbling noise was coming from the cat.
    Berlina gave a gasp and jumped backward, away from the cat. “What is this?” she asked. “Do you choose thus to attack your princess?”
    â€œNo, Your Highness. You have nothing to fear. You are in no danger.”
    Berlina took another look at the cat, cocked her ear to listen more carefully, and then broke into a smile. “Ah, I thought the cat was growling at me, but it is purring! Amazing! Perhaps you can explain?”
    The women said nothing, but the cat once more melted and reformed, becoming again the girl Felistia. “Your Highness,” she said, “I am a shape shifter. In addition to anything else, in my wildcat form, I can protect you if danger arises. Will you accept my services?”
    â€œOf course, of course, Felistia. I was just startled. Yes, companion and bodyguard. This is a wonderful birthday gift.” She put her arms around Felistia and gave her a hug.
    Forsythia spoke again. “Perhaps we have another gift for you. There is a little game. We will show it to you, but not all can learn to play it. If you can learn this game, I can say with great certainty that you will like it. Do you want to try?”
    â€œWhy not?” asked Berlina. “If I can learn it, fine. If not…well, you tried.”
    The woman pulled a long, slender, and wooden wand from her robes. “First, I’ll demonstrate.” She pointed the end of the wand at a flowerpot on a windowsill. She raised the wand, and the flowerpot rose into the air, following its tip. She held it there for a moment, then lowered her hand and let the pot return to the sill. “What you have to do is build a picture in your mind