I was frozen for a moment, but my training had taught me to act fast, and I did.  A server walked past me carrying a platter.  I grabbed it and rushed to the table.

      I touched Allia on the shoulder.  She looked up at me, startled.  "Would you care for some," I glanced at what I carried.  "Lamb?" 

       "No," she said, reaching for her spoon.

       "As you wish my Lady," I said.  I turned as if to go, but pretended to trip.  My platter of lamb flew through the air, and I threw out my arm to stop my fall, carefully knocking the bowl of soup to the floor.  In the brief confusion that followed, I lay on the ground, covered in soup, lamb, and all manner of food.

        I found myself lifted up into the air.  Grollo held me up by my arm.  He glared into my face.  "Who are you girl?" he growled.

           "My name's Aylie," I stammered, trying not to cry.  I felt as if my arm would come off!  "I'm the new kitchen girl."

       "I should kill you right now!"  Grollo threw me to the floor.  "As it is, you will clean up this mess..."  He threw the empty platter striking my shoulder.  "And you will wash every dish for the rest of the month!"

        I lay huddled on the floor as Grollo and his household finished their meal.  When they left, I slowly got up and began to clear the table.  As I mopped the floor and carried stacks of dishes to the kitchen, I began formulating a new plan.  I had to do as the Queen had commanded.