A Magical Friend (8 page)

Pippa was pleased – she didn't really want to hand over the missing horseshoe to anyone other than the Queen or the King.

A procession of horses followed them to the Whispering Wall, where King Firestar rehung the horseshoe. Stardust was so excited that she couldn't stand still and she danced on the spot.

When the horseshoe was back in its place, the crowd neighed loudly. But the single horseshoe looked very small and lonely hanging on the wall.

Pippa clapped, but part of her felt anxious. There was still so much to do.

‘Congratulations,' Queen Moonshine said in a low voice. ‘But your quest has only just begun. Midsummer Day will soon be here and there are still seven horseshoes to find. Go safely, my children, and remember not to count your horseshoes until they're hung!'

‘We won't, Your Majesty,' Pippa said earnestly.

Both the Queen's words and seeing the golden horseshoe hanging on the wall had filled her with a new confidence. They could do this. Together she and Stardust would find all of the missing horseshoes.

‘To Chevalia!' she cheered.

‘To Chevalia!' Stardust echoed. ‘And to you, Pippa, my magical friend!'

 

 

 

 

Today, while preparations were in full swing for the big Midsummer Ball, something extraordinary happened on Chevalia. Reporter Tulip Inkhoof catches up with Princess Stardust in a rare and exclusive interview.

TI
(Tulip Inkhoof):
Princess Stardust, thank you so much for taking the time to speak to me.

 

PS (Princess Stardust):
It's my pleasure. But, please, no photos until after I've had my mane combed.

 

TI:
Of course. So, shall we begin?

 

PS:
Yes, and I must say, it's very nice to put my hooves up after the whirlwind day I've just had.

 

TI:
Yes, please tell our readers about it.

 

PS:
Well, I was off for a morning trot along the beach, where I like to look for seashells, when I suddenly saw a real, live girl. She had a dark, curly mane and she was just standing on our beach!

 

TI:
Were you scared?

 

PS:
I thought I was still dreaming! You see, I've always wanted a little girl for a pet. Her name is Pippa MacDonald and she's the best pet a Princess Pony could have – oops, I mean, best friend.

 

 

TI:
Where did Pippa come from?