A Singing Star (7 page)

‘Sssorry to break up the party.’ Zimb hovered by Pippa’s ear. ‘Captain Rascal is ready to take you home, Pippa.’

‘I’m sailing home on a pirate ship!’ Pippa’s face lit up.

‘Can I come too?’ asked Stardust.

‘Of courssse,’ said Zimb. ‘Go and sssay your goodbyes, Pippa.’

There was a heavy feeling in Pippa’s chest as she said goodbye to her friends. She didn’t want to leave, but she knew it was time to return home and practise for the school play.

‘You’re always welcome in Cheva­lia,’ said Queen Moonshine, as Pippa curtsied. ‘We hope to see you soon.’

Pippa flushed. She hoped to be back soon. Chevalia was her special place.

The pirate ponies sang sea shanties and told tall tales of their adventures on the high seas. Pippa decided to practise for the school play. She stood on the deck and recited her lines, pretending to be a brave knight. The pirates applauded her and asked for more.

‘For the price of a song,’ Pippa replied, with a smile.

They sang more sea shanties all the way home. Pippa and Stardust joined in and the journey passed even more quickly than usual. Pippa could hardly believe it when
The Jolly Horseshoe
pulled up on the riverbank, alongside the bulrushes where she’d first seen Rosella.

‘Goodbye, Stardust.’ Pippa gave the pony the longest hug ever.

‘Goodbye, Pippa. See you soon?’

‘I’m sure of it,’ said Pippa, as she hopped on to the bank. She turned to wave goodbye but
The Jolly Horseshoe
had gone. Pippa stared at the empty
river for a long moment, then she took a deep breath. The adventure wasn’t quite over. There was one thing left to do. She strode over to the tree where Miranda was reading her book.

Pippa cleared her throat. ‘I’ve changed my mind,’ she said, confidently. ‘I’m going to practise my play now. Please will you be my audience?’

‘All right, Pippa,’ said Miranda, with a smile. She put her book down. ‘Are you ready to be a star?’

Pippa smiled back and stood tall. She was ready.

After a sensational performance at what is being called Stableside Castle’s concert of the year, this reporter was granted a backstage interview with superstar, Diva, to talk about what really went on behind the scenes in the lead-up to the show.

TI (Tulip Inkhoof):
First of all, Diva, let me just say: I’m a big fan.

D (Diva):
No you’re not, you’re a pony! Ha ha ha! Seriously, though, Tunic –

TI:
It’s Tulip, actually.

D:
How lovely for you, da . . . ha . . . ling. As I was saying, of course you’re a fan. Foals look up to me and ponies want to be me. I’m Diva, the Duchess of Savannah!

TI:
You’re sure of yourself, aren’t you?

D:
Why yes! If I don’t believe in myself, then neither will my fans.

TI:
Can you tell our readers where all of that confidence comes from?