Elves and Escapades by Eleanor Beresford

Author:Eleanor Beresford [Beresford, Eleanor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Boarding School, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Fiction, lesbian, Magic, Teen & Young Adult, Young Adult
Amazon: B00RIMSRB2
Publisher: KoR Cubed
Published: 2015-03-24T23:00:00+00:00

“Are there going to be magical beasts in the woods?” Rhoda demands, hopping from one well shod foot to the other. “Not stupid boring fairies, I mean, interesting ones.”

“Can you call them to us?” Ethelberta wants to know.

All of a sudden I understand why a small nature ramble has turned into a large excursion of lower formers. My talents are, it seems, well known, and more alluring even than an afternoon in company with the Head Girl had been.

“It depends,” I hedge. “What kind of interesting beasts do you have in mind, kidlets?”

“Pegasi.” Sunflame shoots into my mind, and I shake my head abruptly. Rhoda carries on obliviously. “Will o’ wisps. Boggarts. Pixies. Dragons. Father says there are real dragons in Cornwall.”

“Not dragons.” Alarming child, bouncing up and down with excitement at the thought. “Girls, if you ever see a full size dragon, which is fortunately unlikely, bow, don’t make eye contact, and back away. Quickly. Don’t stop to admire it.”

“Dragonlings, then.”

“Perhaps. They’re more likely around the cliffs, though, and we’re going inland.” There’s a general sigh of discouragement, and I relent a little. “Look, I’ll cast around a bit. If I sense any, I promise I call them.”

“Aren’t they very dangerous?” Mary pipes up. She and some of the other First formers are a little pinched around the mouths, although determined not to give themselves away in front of the Second formers and the Guides from the Third.

“A little, but not with me around,” I reassure her. “I can keep them calm, and send then away if you—if anyone feels a little anxious.”

“Oh, none of us would be so yellow,” Ethelberta says carelessly. The others nod enthusiastically, but I resolve to keep young Mary and a couple of the others by my side in case of any alarming beasts.

“If you’re all quite finished talking nonsense, perhaps we could stop this chattering and get on before night falls?” Gladys throws her scarf over her shoulder.

There’s a general restlessness among the juniors, and a few unpleasant looks sent her way. I feel a little sorry for Gladys, and irritated at the same time. Perhaps I do overindulge the kids a bit; there’s no need to be a martinet to address the balance. Frances isn’t snappish with the Guides, and they are clustered obediently around her. All the younger formers want is for the big girls to take them seriously and join in a bit.

“We’re still waiting on Esther,” I say, carefully keeping my tone even.

Gladys scoffs and tosses her black ponytail. I’m glad that she doesn’t actually say anything that will require a sharp response. The hackles on the back of my neck have risen and I’m wondering why I insist on being her friend at all when she’s so unendurable under pressure. Cecily must have known quite well what she was letting me in for.

“I’m not so sure we should get on at all.” Frances, looking smart in her uniform, is peering worriedly down the drive. “It’s awfully cold and misty to go walking in the woods.

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