Wands and charms

WANDS AND CHARMS

Lila had been dreaming of Silverlake Fairy School ever since she had passed the entrance test. It had been a long wait but the first day of school had arrived and here she was on the riverbank surrounded by her friends and the other First Year fairies, ready to go. She was brimming with excitement. The school was on an island on the far side of the Great Silver Lake and to reach it they had to travel up the River of Sparkling Waters. The Golden Queen, the glittering royal barge belonging to the Fairy King and Queen, was to take them there.

The Fairy Palace had always been Lila’s home. Here was everything she knew and loved. She held tight to Cook’s hand. Soon they would be saying goodbye for the first time since Lila was a baby. She felt homesick at the thought. If only Cook could come too.

The autumn morning was chilly and the royal party was late. Fairies rubbed their fingers and wriggled their toes to keep warm. Lila hopped from one foot to another, fluttering her purple wings. They couldn’t go anywhere until Princess Bee Balm was aboard. It was her first day at Silverlake Fairy School as well.

There was a flurry among the waiting fairies as six prancing white ponies arrived, pulling the royal coach. The driver, an elf in green-and-gold livery, spoke soothingly to steady his team. They had galloped the short journey across the meadow from the Fairy Palace and couldn’t understand why they were stopping so soon.

“Better late than never,” said Cook huffily.

“It’s going to be ages before we see you again, Lila,” said Mip, the shoeshine elf and Lila’s good friend.

“Mustn’t spoil the moment by getting soppy,” Cook said, with a catch in her voice. “You going to school is what I’ve always dreamed of, Lila. But I shall miss you something rotten.”

“Me too,” groaned Mip.

“I shall miss you both terribly and horribly,” said Lila, giving Cook a big hug and Mip a kiss on the cheek. The elf turned bright pink but looked pleased all the same.