The Easel Chronicles; The Burning Hands

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

"What in the world's name were you proving Leonora?" Stareonor was incensed. Leonora sat with Leo and most of the elven council of generals. No wizards just great, she was thinking. "Do not dare play the mute with me child. The blooded stars know there is hardly any mute elf in these lands!" Stareonor was clearly livid.

"Princess," Staragorn was trying to keep the situation in proportion. "Speak for yourself, please."

"Do not beg for her," Stareonor roared. "Her dead mother did that for her long ago."

"I am sorry father," Leonora was irritated by his anger, but she knew it would only get worse if she did not say a word.

"Are you?" Stareonor threw his chair back as he stood. He made his way towards her. Leonora could see the red anger in those eyes as they bore into her. "Do explain for everyone here to listen." Her father hovered over her, his black hair sweeping the side of his face covering her.

"I... I was..."

"Stop stammering," Riya snapped. "Tell us how the heir to the throne saw it fit to give unseasoned warriors a beating?"

"Do not forget her own brother and captain Pandar," Hamilicar said.

"Start talking Leonora," Stareonor snarled over her. "Do not shame me or our house further."

"Father," Leonora turned to the only person she hoped would calm down. "Please..."

"From what I heard your mouth runs dry when questioned like this." Stareonor looked at with smouldering anger.

Happy brother? Leonora besieged her little brother's mind.

Your fault, Leo snapped back, Not mine. I did not tell you to make a lesson of me to save your pride.

It is!

"Stop attacking Leo," Stareonor said.

"I was not."

"You are the worst liar in this hall."

"I do not lie." Leonora whispered.

"What was that?" Riya laughed.

"Forgive me general," Leonora begun. "But I am ever honest. I lost my patience and wits."

"You are not fit to sit the throne." Stareonor said suddenly.

"Nor do I wish to father."

"Leonora?" the council of generals gave a collective gasp.

"This all stems from that boy."

"Do not bring Aravoen into this." Leonora almost forgot her calm. "He is in Ebrithia." Doing more than we are doing in the war against the south.

"And why should we not bring my nephew into this?" the only lady general asked. "Everyone knows you are barely whole in this land of ours."

"What are you saying my lady?" Leonora turned her eyes to the other lady in the hall.

"That maybe I have played a blind eye long enough," Stareonor answered instead.

"Father," Leonora snapped. Do not lose the temper.

"Do not raise your voice with me," Stareonor roared.

"Or else what?"So long for not losing my temper.

"It seems our princess needs to learn a lesson in courtesy and respect." Methendercel said.

"My lords and lady generals say whatever you want about me," Leonora snapped, "but do nothing to slander the lord of the Easel."