Moments later, Mindy was startled by a small gust of wind somewhere next to her body. She quickly opened her eyes and there in front of her sat the most beautiful golden bird she d ever seen. In fact, she d never seen such a large bird in her entire life. At first glance, it frightened her and her immediate response was to spring to her feet and run away. Just as she rose from the chair, the bird cocked its head to one side, looked directly at her and said, Hi Mindy, how are you today?
To say the least, Mindy was shocked! A talking bird! It was unbelievable! The only type of bird Mindy was aware of that could talk was a parrot, but this bird was much lar-ger and looked nothing like a parrot. She really didn't know what to think. She looked at the bird hoping to confirm it was a parrot, but it sure didn't look like any type of parrot she d ever seen. It was much too large and it was a solid gold color. Mindy didn t know a lot about birds, but she knew enough to real-ize the bird in front of her was definitely not a parrot.
There was little doubt Mindy was fright-ened by the encounter. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and knew she should get away from the bird as quickly as possible. Even though she knew what she should do, something told her the bird wasn't going to harm her. Mindy slowly began backing away to place some distance between the bird and herself. As she inched backwards, she avoided direct eye contact with the bird and in a faint little voice managed to say, Pardon me?
The bird immediately hopped toward her and in a clear voice again greeted her. Hi Mindy, how are you today? This time Mindy looked straight into the eyes of the bird and in a clear stern voice said. Excuse me, but how do you know my name, and what kind of a bird are you anyway? The bird cocked its head to one side and replied. Well Mindy, it s a long story. I'm known as a Gruck and I flew here from the land of Zot. It took me a long time to get here and forever to find you. Did you know you re a hard person to track down?
Mindy was shocked! First a talking bird called a Gruck and on top of that, it knew her name! Surely this must be a dream. She pinched herself, thinking it might be a dream. It really hurt. This can t be a dream, she said to herself. I've never heard of anything like this before. I ve seen lots of birds, but never one like this. My dad and grandpa know a lot about birds, but no one ever mentioned anything about a Gruck, much less one that talks.
Mindy looked at the bird in disbelief. I don't believe you re real. Is this some sort of trick?
No! replied the bird. I really am a Gruck, just as a duck is a duck and a goose is a goose and so on. My name is Bolo. Princess Min from the land of Zot sent me to find and invite you to a party at the palace next Saturday afternoon at two o clock. Do you think you could come to the party?
Mindy couldn t believe her ears. I m sorry, she replied politely. I don't know who you are. I ve never heard of Princess Min or the land of Zot.
Don't worry, explained Bolo. The land of Zot is a beautiful place you will really like. Princess Min is a girl about your age and she would really like to play with you. If your mom and dad will let you attend the party, I'll escort you to the castle next Saturday and make sure you get home safely. You don't need to worry because it s my job to look after you. Mindy stared at the bird for what seemed the longest time. All the while she was trying to decide if what she was seeing was some sort of elaborate practical joke. As it turned out, she did have reason to suspect a practical joke. To her family and friends Mindy was well known as a practical joker so she had reason to suspect someone might be attempting to even the score. On the other hand though, she couldn't visualize how anyone could construct such an elaborate joke. Who is Princess Min? she asked.
Well, replied Bolo, Princess Min is the Queen's daughter.
What Queen? asked Mindy.
The Queen of Zot, he replied. To make a long story short, Princess Min doesn't have very many friends because she lives in a large castle. She heard about you from some of the other birds from Zot that have seen you at your cottage this summer. She really wants to meet you, so I was asked to find you and invite you to the party. She would be so happy if you could attend. I would be very pleased if I could return and tell her you will be coming to the party. Will you please attend? Mindy thought about Bolo s request for a moment or two before she replied. She wasn t sure if she should accept the invitation but in the end nodded her head in agreement.
Well I suppose I could, if my Mom and Dad will let me. Bolo looked very pleased as he settled into a comfortable position beside her chair. Well, go ask them and I'll wait for you here.