by Julie Sykes
“All right.” Ms Tulip smiled. “Go and do the practice fences, then we’ll jump the course together.”
“Which jump shall we start with?” asked Dancer eagerly as everyone cantered off.
“Can we just have a look at them first?” As the words left Layla’s mouth she felt like such a coward.
Dancer didn’t complain as he patiently walked around the practice fences so Layla could look at each one. A huge cheer went up a few fences away, and seconds later the sweet, sugary smell of magic drifted to them on the breeze.
They cantered over to join the others. Everyone was clapping and cheering, the unicorns stamping their hooves.
“Lightning’s found his magic!” said Ava as Layla rode up.
Billy and Lightning suddenly took off, moving so fast that their outline blurred as they sped into the woods. There was a whoosh of air that made Layla’s hair blow over her shoulder and Dancer’s mane fly up in her face. Billy and Lightning appeared behind them.
Billy’s face was flushed with excitement. “Did you see us? Lightning’s magic is speed. It works in short bursts. It’s brilliant! Lightning gallops so fast if feels like we’re flying.”
Lightning tossed his electric-blue and yellow mane.
Layla laughed. “I saw a blur. Was that really you?”
Billy nodded. “I wanted Lightning to have fire magic but this is way cooler!”
Layla congratulated Billy and Lightning, secretly very glad that Lightning had this magical power and not Dancer. Imagine if Dancer’s power was speed. Disaster!
“Let’s get going on the course!” cried Isabel, and she raced off to the start.
Dancer started after them eagerly. “Here we go, Layla!” he said, heading towards a jump.
“No, wait!” said Layla, grabbing his mane in panic. He stopped, bewildered. “I can’t do it, Dancer!” she burst out. “I just can’t!”
“Layla dear. Is everything all right?” Ms Tulip said as she rode up.
Layla rubbed her nose, unable to speak in case she burst into a storm of tears. She felt like such a failure.
“You’re not comfortable doing cross-country, are you?” said Ms Tulip kindly. “Don’t worry, jumping and galloping are useful skills but they’re not essential. Your knowledge of unicorns, their welfare and magical properties, is outstanding, Layla. If you carry on working this hard, you’re going to make an excellent guardian.”
“Even if I don’t want to jump?” asked Layla uncertainly.
Ms Tulip smiled. “Even if you don’t want to jump. Now, while the rest of the class go around the course how about you go back to school and groom Dancer?”
“Thanks, Ms Tulip,” said Layla gratefully.
She heaved a sigh as she and Dancer rode back to school. On the one hand she was so relieved to escape the cross-country course and to know she could still be a guardian without jumping, but on the other hand she felt guilty for not being brave enough to face her fears. To make things worse, Dancer was being totally lovely about it, not complaining once, even though he was missing out on the fun. As they rode past Sparkle Lake, the cheers of her friends drifted to her on the breeze. The leaves on the trees rustled and several swirled to the ground, one catching in Layla’s long black hair.
“That’s supposed to be lucky, catching a falling leaf,” said Dancer.
“But it’s too early for the leaves to be falling. Summer’s not over yet.”
A red-eyed fly with pink and turquoise wings buzzed past her nose. Layla swatted it away and was immediately set upon by two more. Layla squinted at them. The flies were unlike any she’d seen before and, even though they were pests, their glittery wings sparkled prettily in the sunlight.
Layla stopped to groom Dancer in the meadow in the shade of a tree. As she combed out his tail, she heard laughter and the clatter of hooves as her friends returned from the cross-country lesson. Layla didn’t feel like company. Dropping a kiss on Dancer’s nose she said, “I’m going to go now. I’m sorry. I bet you wish you had a braver rider, someone like Scarlett or Isabel.”
“I wouldn’t swap you for anyone.” Dancer’s whiskers were tickly on Layla’s face as he nuzzled her. “I don’t mind about the jumping. I just wish you’d trust me. I’d make sure you were safe.”
Layla bit her lip. “I know,” she mumbled. “And I’m sorry. I’ll try harder next time.”
Layla wandered through the grounds, hardly noticing where she was going, just wanting to stay out of everyone’s way, until a strange sight stopped her in her tracks. Ms Nettles was kneeling on the grass, her nose to the ground and her bony bottom sticking in the air. It was almost enough to bring a smile to Layla’s lips despite the way she was feeling.
“Um, Ms Nettles?” she asked. “Are you OK?”
“Stop!” Ms Nettles shrieked as Layla stepped towards her. “You nearly squashed a berry beetle!”
Layla saw a small purple beetle with silver spots crawling slowly across the path, carrying a huge ripe strawberry.
“It must have a nest,” breathed Layla. She remembered reading about the berry beetle in a book that Ava had lent her. “They’re not like other beetles, are they?
They look after their eggs until the beetles have hatched and the babies are big enough to forage for food.”
“That’s right!” Ms Nettles exclaimed. “I didn’t know that you liked beetles, Layla.”
“I like learning about everything on the island,” said Layla. “Plants, animals, geography and history. It’s fun finding out about different things and how they depend on each other.”
Ms Nettles gave her a thoughtful look. “How very sensible of you. I enjoy reading and research too, and I find beetles particularly fascinating. They are hard-working, good at solving problems and they help the environment in many ways.”
Layla was surprised. Ms Nettles’ voice was full of passion. “Take the berry beetle,” the teacher continued. “Not only does it care for its young but it’s a gardener, too. In the spring, when the berries start to grow, the berry beetle brushes the new fruit with its legs to stop it from getting berry mould.”
“Wow! That wasn’t in Ava’s book,” said Layla. “That’s really clever.”
Ms Nettles flashed Layla a rare smile. “Beetles are just as magical as unicorns in their own way and they teach us a valuable lesson – you don’t have to be beautiful, clever or rich to do great things. Hard work, bravery and loyalty are equally good qualities.” She studied Layla. “So why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in the stables washing Dancer down after your cross-country lesson?”
Layla sighed deeply. “Ms Tulip said I could leave early. I really don’t like jumping. She said it doesn’t matter and I can still be a guardian.” Layla wound her hair round her hand.
Ms Nettles’ usually stern face took on an almost sympathetic look. “Ms Tulip is right, my dear. You don’t have to like riding fast to care for Unicorn Island. I myself am not fond of galloping, and it is my belief that understanding the island is just as important as flashy magic and showmanship. Magic and knowledge complement each other, and Unicorn Island needs both in the same way that it needs different types of people to be guardians, people with a variety of abilities and skills. One day I think you will understand.” Pulling a tissue from her pocket, Ms Nettles sneezed violently and then checked her watch.
“Goodness, look at the time! I’ve got so much to do. First, though, I’d better take another dose of my hay fever tonic.” Ms Nettles reached into her pocket. “Oh, botheration. I left it in my room. I shall see you back at school.” She picked up her beetle bag and strode away, sneezing loudly.
Layla stared after her. Had she and the others got Ms Nettles wrong? Surely someone who cared for the island as much as she obviously did would never harm it?
But if it’s not Ms Nettles doing all these horrible things then who can it be? thought Layla.
When Layla got back to the dorm, Ava pulled her inside. “There you are! We were about to search the librar
y. We thought you might have been buried by an avalanche of books.”
“Or kidnapped by an evil villain who wanted to use your knowledge of the island,” said Sophia.
Before Layla could tell the others about her encounter with Ms Nettles, Olivia started speaking. “You’ll never guess what Ms Tulip told us after the lesson.”
“This is SO exciting!” burst out Scarlett.
“What is it?” said Layla.
“We’re going camping!” whooped Isabel. “On Sunday we get to spend a whole night with our unicorns in a tent on the edge of the woods!”
“Our unicorns aren’t sleeping in the tent with us, obviously,” said Sophia.
“Shame,” said Ava, and they both collapsed in a fit of giggles.
Layla did her best to smile but it felt like the blood in her veins had turned to ice. A night outside in the dark with only a thin bit of canvas to protect her from who-knew-what and two whole days spent galloping around the countryside? It was her worst nightmare!
“Is … is everyone going?” she stammered.
“Yes! It’s not compulsory but who wouldn’t want to go? It’s camping with unicorns!” Scarlett leapt on her bed and began jumping up and down with excitement.
On her own bed, Isabel bounced next to her. “It’s going to be mega brilliant! I think we should go for a midnight walk! When the teachers fall asleep let’s sneak off on our own.”
“Genius!” shrieked Scarlett, almost falling from the bed in excitement. “A midnight walk deep in the woods.”
“But the wood is out of bounds.” Layla’s voice came out raspy so she cleared her throat and tried again. “Isn’t the wood out of bounds?”
“Yes, but we’re going to be allowed to camp at the edges,” said Sophia.
Scarlett’s eyes sparkled. “Which means it will be an awesome chance to go further in! Who’s going to come with us?”
The blue dormitory walls rang with the cheer of “Me!”
Only Layla stayed quiet. I don’t want to go, she thought anxiously. What if something happens in the night? What if something horrible comes out of the trees?
“You are coming too, aren’t you, Layla?” asked Olivia.
Layla hesitated as Ms Nettles’ voice came back to her. “Understanding the island is just as important as flashy magic and showmanship.” Of course, that was the answer! She felt as if a weight had fallen from her shoulders. She didn’t need to go camping to become a good guardian. She could just go to the library.
“I think I’ll stay here,” she said. “I’d rather catch up with some reading.”
“But we’ll miss you!” said Ava.
“Won’t you be lonely?” said Sophia.
Layla smiled back at her friends. “Honestly, I’ll be fine. Just make sure you tell me all about it when you get back!”
Olivia slipped her arm through Layla’s, looking disappointed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” said Layla firmly, feeling relieved that she wasn’t going to have to go. “I really am.”
The next morning Layla was woken by a shout from Ava. “Look at the trees!”
Layla had to pinch herself to make sure that she wasn’t still asleep as she looked out of the window. Last night the trees had been green and vibrant but now the leaves had changed to autumn colours and huge piles were scattered over the lawns. Many of them had blown into Sparkle Lake and were drifting on the surface like an orangey-brown carpet.
“This isn’t right,” said Ava, a frown creasing her face. “It’s far too early for the leaves to fall. What’s going on?”
“Look, some of the teachers are out there,” said Layla, pointing. For a moment she saw a figure behind the other teachers moving deeper into the shadows of the trees. It looked like Ms Primrose. She must be back! Relief rushed through her. If something strange was happening again, then they needed Ms Primrose at the academy.
“Let’s go and find out what’s happening,” said Ava.
Throwing on clothes, they all rushed outside.
As they ran to where the teachers were standing, Layla heard a humming, buzzing sound. “What’s that?”
“Flies!” gasped Sophia. Swarms of red-eyed flies with glittery turquoise and pink wings were covering the trees’ branches.
“Flash flies,” said Ava.
“One of the biggest pests in the land,” said Ms Nettles. She was peering up into the branches with Ms Rosemary, Ms Lavender and Ms Tulip.
“Where’s Ms Primrose?” asked Layla.
“Away, of course,” said Ms Nettles sharply.
Layla frowned. She must have been mistaken in thinking she’d seen the headteacher in the trees.
Ms Nettles looked grimmer than ever. “These flies attack in a huge cloud, sucking the goodness out of the leaves until they wither and fall.”
Ms Rosemary looked anxious. “If the trees lose their leaves at this time of year, they will die. We have to get rid of these flies.”
“Ava,” said Ms Nettles. “Go and fetch Star – we need her plant magic. Ask my unicorn, Thyme, to come along as well. If the leaves continue to fall at this rate, not only will the trees die but the leaves will silt up the lake and the water will stagnate. And if that happens …” Her voice rose dramatically. “… the whole of Unicorn Island will be at risk!”
Layla could hardly bear to watch the leaves falling into Sparkle Lake as the flash flies swarmed over the trees. She ran to the lake and began to fish fallen leaves from the water. It didn’t take long for her friends to catch on and soon they were all helping. It was an endless task. The wet leaves were as slippery as wriggly fish and almost impossible to grab. When Layla did manage to scoop some between her hands they slid through her fingers as she put them on the bank.
A thundering of hooves announced the arrival of Ava riding back from the stables with Star and Thyme. Other pupils had also seen what was happening and come outside.
“Stand back!” commanded Ms Nettles.
Everyone shuffled back, clearing an area for Star and Thyme. They trotted to the nearest tree.
CRACK!
In unison, the unicorns struck the ground with their hooves. Purple, green and gold sparks spiralled up, twisting round the branches of the trees. The branches shuddered.
CRACK!
More sparks, a rich sweet smell, and this time tiny buds shot from the tips of the branches. The buds unfurled like fingers into fresh new leaves. A cheer rang up from the students.
CRACK! CRACK! Star and Thyme stamped their hooves repeatedly. Sparks flew, the trees made popping noises and the air was heavy with the magical smell of burnt sugar.
Star and Thyme moved between the trees, stamping their hooves as they worked their magic in a crackling, popping shower of coloured sparkles. Over the top of the noise came a volley of sneezes.
“Poor Ms Nettles!” Layla thought the teacher was being very brave, sticking to Thyme’s side even though the new leaves were playing havoc with her hay fever. Ms Nettles’ nose was red and tears streamed from her eyes.
“The flies are multiplying!” exclaimed Olivia.
“They’re spoiling the new leaves.” Layla watched in horror as a gigantic swarm of flash flies arrived in a glittering ball of turquoise and pink. Their red eyes flashed as they descended on the new leaves to suck out the goodness.
“Look at the lake,” said Sophia.
The rainbow-coloured water of Sparkle Lake was now a sorry sight, its surface covered in dead, brown leaves.
Star and Thyme battled on, stamping their hooves, channelling their magic to grow new leaves faster and faster. Magic sparked and whizzed in the air, endlessly replacing the falling leaves until Ms Nettles called for Star and Thyme to stand down.
“It’s no good,” she told the unicorns. “If anything, the magic is making the situation worse by creating more leaves for the flash flies to feast on.”
“We really need Ms Primrose,” said Jake, a dark-haired boy from Amber dorm.
“If only she was here,”
agreed Layla. “Oh, why did this happen just after she went away?”
Olivia let out a squeak then clapped her hand over her mouth.
“Olivia dear, what is it?” asked Ms Rosemary in concern.
“Errrm…” Olivia started to stutter but she was saved from answering by Ms Nettles.
“Everyone, back indoors immediately,” she commanded. “There’s nothing more to be done here. Go and get ready for breakfast while we teachers try to come up with a plan.”
“What’s up, Olivia?” asked Sophia as they headed back to school.
Olivia glanced around. “Not now, later.”
As soon as they got back to the dorm, Olivia shut the door.
“So what is it?” Scarlett asked her.
“Don’t you see?” said Olivia. “I bet Ms Nettles caused the infestation of flash flies! She’s mad on beetles so why not flies? She waited until Ms Primrose got called away and then somehow brought those flies here. I saw her climbing that tree yesterday. I bet she was planting a spell in it to attract them!”
“Yes,” breathed Isabel. “It has to be more than a coincidence that they appeared just after Ms Primrose left.”
“I knew it was Ms Nettles doing all the bad magic,” said Scarlett triumphantly.
“Wait!” Layla’s face burned as her friends turned towards her. “I really don’t think it is Ms Nettles. I spoke to her yesterday while you were all doing cross-country and she really loves Unicorn Island. I don’t think she would ever harm it.”
“But look at the evidence,” said Sophia.
“She’s always around when things go wrong,” said Isabel.
“And what about her climbing that tree yesterday?” said Scarlett. “Right before the flies appeared!”
“She could just have been looking for beetles,” Layla said awkwardly, “And…” Her voice trailed off as she saw her friends’ disbelieving faces.