The Two Princesses of Bamarre: Part 5

By GAIL CARSON LEVINE

I'd fall asleep there on the floor. A moment ot two later I'd wake up and rise, consumed by fever. I'd rush to the fireplace and rub ashes into my cheeks, because the faces of the afflicted always turned grey near the end. I'd pretend to shiver, and I'd try to make my teeth chatter.

Meanwhile Meryl would be busy battling monsters, consulting with sorcerers, climbing mountains, sailing stormy seas. While I shivered, I'd keep one eye on her, because I couldn't start to die until she was ready to rescue me. When she triumphed and found the cure, I'd slump to the floor.

She'd rush to me, cradling the cure in both hands. Sometimes it was an elixir in a golden chalice. Sometimes it was the feather of a gryphon of the tooth of a dragon or even a plain black stone. Kneeling at my side, she'd whisper, "I have found it, maiden. You shall live." She'd cure me, and I'd jump up.

Illustrator: Mel Grant

Publisher: HarperCollins

Age group: 8-11 yrs


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