The Chronicles of Ilani the Elf Queen

Chapter One

ood morning Elizabeth," Lord Harper said as Elizabeth and I entered the dining hall. "Ilani."

"Good morning father!" Elizabeth said cheerily. "I smell pancakes. Is that what is for breakfast this morning?" I curtsied discreetly behind my mistress as she talked endlessly about how blueberries were tastier in pancakes than any other fruit. Lord Harper made general sounds of agreement, not really listening, while looking over papers on the table.

One of the serving women scurrying around the hall was trying to listen to what was being said by Elizabeth, and she tripped on a slightly loose stone on the floor, and as she fell the tray and pitcher she held shattered against the ground. Her head snapped around to look at Lord Harper, completely aware of his harsh temper, and afraid of what he might do to her as punishment. Lord Harper's face started to turn red, and he stood, shoving his chair back so hard it hit the wall.

"Lord," I said, laying my hand on his shoulder, trying to thinking quickly. "Let me take care of this." He nodded, and I snapped my fingers. The chair returned to its previous position, knocking Lord Harper back into it, and the tray and pitcher reassembled themselves and floated gently to rest on the table. I knelt down to the level of the maid and whispered to her.

"It would be best if you made yourself scarce." The maid nodded and scrabbled to her feet, then dashed off, back to the kitchens. If she was smart, she would stay there for a while. I bent down to mop up the milk with a rag.

"Well that happened," Elizabeth said, then stuffed pancake in her mouth.

"You don't know what just happened, do you?" I asked. "It doesn't matter. By your leave, Lord Harper," I said, straightening from my task.

"Go," he said, waving his hand. "Do whatever you do when you disappear from your duties."

"Thank you," I curtsied. Then I vanished.