by Chloe Ryder
‘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?
PS: She came from somewhere called Burlington Terrace. It must be a very strange place indeed because Pippa says they have ponies for pets there! Can you imagine? Ponies as pets! She says the funniest things.
TI: And why is she here?
PS: Pippa was brought here by the seahorses Triton and Rosella, to help us find the missing magical horseshoes.
TI: So the rumours are true – the horseshoes are missing?
PS: Oh dear, have I put my hoof in my mouth? I shouldn’t have said that.
TI: No, no. Please go on . . .
PS: Well, early this morning, when Mum and Dad woke up, they discovered that the eight magical horseshoes were no longer on the Whispering Wall.
TI: But those horseshoes are very old and very precious, aren’t they?
PS: Oh yes, but they’re more than just precious – they’re magical! Every year they catch the energy of the Midsummer sun and that’s what keeps Chevalia from fading away.
TI: Now I’m scared.
PS: Oh, there’s no need. You see, Pippa and I are going to find the horseshoes! We’ve already found one, so don’t worry.
TI: So our readers shouldn’t worry about the plans for the Midsummer Ball?
PS: Oh no, everything will be perfect (she gulps) . . . I hope.
TI: And what will you be wearing to the ball?
PS: Oh, I’ve got the most gorgeous new sash to wear – it’s pink and it sparkles like stardust in the moonlight! And I’ll be wearing my tiara, of course. I can’t wait!
The Royal Games
By Tulip Inkhoof
Tomorrow marks the annual Royal Games and it should be a very memorable day. These games have been part of Chevalia’s traditions for as long as this reporter can remember. Queen Moonshine and King Firestar will lead the royal procession from Stableside Castle to the royal box in the showground and then the games will begin! Here’s a sneak preview of tomorrow’s exciting events.
Dressage: This event is always a popular one because it showcases the pinnacle of pony perfection! This year huge expectations are riding on newcomer Blossom, the young foal in a family of champion show ponies. Blossom is best friends with Princess Stardust, and all eyes will be on her debut performance. Can Blossom rise to the challenge or will she crumble under the pressure?
Showjumping: We’re expecting quite a competition in this year’s showjumping arena. In last year’s games, Sky Dancer took the title, but since she’s decided to sit this year out to focus on her singing, the field is wide open. New jumps this year include the Volcano, a steaming reproduction of Chevalia’s towering volcano, and the Pony Wings, an artistic creation honouring our special flying horse, Peggy. Be sure to cheer on the very best of Chevalia’s jumpers!
Horseshoe-tossing: It may look easy, but this is a game of great skill and concentration. Last year, a young pony called Bolt shocked everyone by coming from nowhere to win gold. Will she defend her title or is this event anyone’s to win? Don’t miss it!
Polo: The polo match is a real favourite, with many ponies expected to come out to swoon over handsome Prince Storm. Storm usually prefers to muck around on the farms, but on the polo field he’s a swift and graceful competitor.
Equestriathon: This is the big event, the race around Chevalia. It’s a strenuous, long-distance race all the way around our wonderful island. In the last games, Thunder took the title for the second year in a row. Will he do it again, or will we have a new gold medallist?
Closing entertainment: Of course, not every pony loves the Royal Games for the sport! The day finishes with the most spectacular evening entertainment, including a grand banquet, dancing and a magical firework display.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for full coverage of all the fun at the Royal Games!
Bloomsbury Publishing, London, New Delhi, New York and Sydney
First published in Great Britain in March 2013 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP
This electronic edition published in March 2013 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Text copyright © Awesome Media and Entertainment Ltd 2013
Illustrations copyright © Jennifer Miles 2013
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eISBN 978 1 4088 3334 6
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