Brightheart the Knight's Pony

by Poppy Shire

  Magic Pony Carousel

  Book 2

  Brightheart the Knight’s Pony

  Poppy Shire

  Illustrations by Ron Berg

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  “Hurry up, hurry up!” Amy tugged at her granddad’s sleeve.

  Chapter 2

  “It says Brightheart!” Amy cried happily. Mr. Barker raised his…

  Chapter 3

  Amy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The Magic Pony…

  Chapter 4

  Amy stopped. She turned to look at Brightheart. “Why didn’t…

  Chapter 5

  It was a fantastic plan! Amy loved doing sporty things,…

  Chapter 6

  “Oof! You weigh a ton,” Brightheart muttered as they reached…

  Chapter 7

  Amy couldn’t believe it. They’d done it! Henry would be…

  Chapter 8

  It was Henry, still in his too-large tunic, but somehow…

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Credits

  Copyright

  About the Publisher

  Chapter 1

  “Hurry up, hurry up!” Amy tugged at her granddad’s sleeve. She could hear lively music floating down the road from the fairground. She had been saving up her allowance for weeks and wanted to go on every single ride!

  “All right, love, we’re nearly there,” her granddad protested, his eyes twinkling.

  Amy ran toward the park gates. The music was much louder here, and butterflies of excitement danced in her tummy. What should she go on first? She tried to join the line for a roller coaster that swooped and soared high above the fairground.

  But the man taking the money looked at her and shook his head. “Sorry, you’re not tall enough. Come back next year!”

  Amy felt very disappointed.

  Granddad smiled at her and took her hand. “Come on. We can find something else.”

  They stopped beside a stand where you had to throw plastic hoops over different prizes. Amy was pretty sure she could get a hoop over one of the teddy bears, but she already had loads of them at home. She shook her head. “The teddies are really cute, but there might be something even better!” she explained to Granddad, and he nodded.

  “What about that game over there?” Granddad said. “You’d be great at that!” He pointed to a stand called Beat the Goalie.

  Amy ran over to look. You had to kick a soccer ball past a huge balloon goalkeeper and into different holes to score points. Amy loved playing soccer. Yesterday she’d scored the winning goal in a match against her team’s hottest rival.

  “I’ll definitely have a try later,” she said, “but I want to go on one of the rides first. Something really special.” She smiled up at her granddad. “I just haven’t found it yet!”

  Granddad grinned back, and they headed off to find the perfect first fairground ride.

  Suddenly, there it was.

  In a corner of the field, tucked behind a pink-and-white-striped cotton candy stand, stood an old-fashioned pony carousel. It was painted a rich red, with touches of gold and silver, and a scarlet flag fluttered from the pointy golden roof. Gorgeous wooden ponies cantered around and around, rising and falling on twisty golden poles in time to the music. As soon as Amy saw it, she knew this was the perfect first ride.

  “Granddad, look at those beautiful ponies!” Amy loved riding even more than playing soccer. Her favorite pony at the local riding stable was a friendly little chestnut mare named Buttons. The carousel ponies looked as lovely as Buttons, kicking up their heels as though they were desperate to be off. They had flowing manes and tails, and their harnesses were highlighted with twinkling gold paint.

  Amy ran over to look more closely at the different ponies. There were so many! Each pony’s name was painted onto a little scroll that hung from the twisty pole rising from its back. There was a white circus pony called Sparkle, who had feathers nodding on his headdress and a mischievous glint in his eye. Next to Sparkle was a chestnut pony named Star, with a lasso hanging from her saddle—she must be a cowgirl’s pony!

  But there, just behind Star, was the pony Amy wanted to ride most of all. He was a magnificent dark bay pony with a proudly arched neck and flaring nostrils. He looked noble and adventurous, and his big brown eyes seemed to look straight at Amy, inviting her to climb aboard. His name scroll said Brightheart, and it was the perfect name for him. Amy’s favorite book was all about knights and princesses, and Brightheart could have galloped straight out of its pages.

  “Hello there! I see you are admiring my beautiful ponies!”

  Amy jumped. A tall gentleman was smiling down at her. He looked more like a magician than someone who ran a fairground ride! He wore a red velvet suit, and on his head was a magnificent red-and-green-striped top hat. He bowed to her, sweeping the stripy hat from his head. His jacket flapped open to reveal a flash of lining, brilliant green like a parrot’s wing.

  “Welcome to Barker’s Magic Pony Carousel!” he said.

  Amy gasped. “Magic Pony Carousel? Are you sure?”

  The showman beamed at her. He had thick white hair that stood up in tufts, but his eyes were young and shone with happiness. “Oh yes, I’m sure. After all, I am Mr. Barker and this is my Magic Carousel. Would you like a ticket?”

  “Oh yes, please!” Amy bounced up and down on the balls of her feet, feeling as though she were bubbling over with excitement.

  Mr. Barker pulled a stern face, shaking a finger at her—but his eyes were still twinkling! “I have one very important rule on my carousel. You have to ride the pony whose name is on your ticket.”

  Amy nodded breathlessly. This was so exciting! Which pony’s name would be on her ticket? She hoped it would be Brightheart!

  Mr. Barker reached into the pocket of his red velvet coat. “Hmm, what do we have here? Ah yes!”

  With a flourish, he pulled out a huge bunch of flowers!

  Amy giggled.

  “Goodness me!” Mr. Barker looked surprised. “Wherever did those come from? Would you be so kind as to hold them for a moment, sir?”

  He handed the flowers to Amy’s granddad, who took them with a smile.

  “Thank you so much. Now, where did I put that ticket? Aha!” Mr. Barker leaned forward and plucked a little pink ticket from behind Amy’s ear. She stared at it in astonishment.

  “So that’s where you were hiding it,” said Mr. Barker, smiling. He handed her the ticket.

  Amy looked down at it, hardly daring to read the name. But there it was in beautiful swirly writing.

  Brightheart!

  Chapter 2

  “It says Brightheart!” Amy cried happily. Mr. Barker raised his eyebrows. “Well, isn’t that a stroke of luck! On you get. We’re ready to start!”

  Granddad beamed. “Have a lovely time!” he called.

  Amy ran up the steps to the wooden platform where the ponies hovered on their golden poles, their hooves not quite touching the floor. She wove through the other ponies until she came to Brightheart.

  “Hello, Brightheart,” she whispered, running her hand down his bay neck. The wood felt cold and smooth under her fingers. “I’m really glad it was your name on my ticket!”

  The pony’s painted brown eyes stared back at her without blinking. Amy put one foot in the gold-painted stirrup and climbed into the saddle. It was a sidesaddle, which she’d never tried before. She had to do a bit of wriggling to get in the right place—but once she was on, it was surprisingly comfy!

  Mr. Barker was standing in the middle of the carousel. “Is everyone ready? Hold on tight then!” He looked around to make sure everyone was on their ponies. Then, usi
ng both hands, he turned a big handle to start the carousel. There was a creaking, grinding noise, and the carousel began to spin slowly at first, then faster and faster. A merry tune started up, making Amy want to sing along.

  Amy waved to her granddad as she flew past, gripping the pole tightly with her other hand. The colors of the fairground whirled around her and she blinked, trying not to feel dizzy. Brightheart swooped up and down and Amy laughed out loud with excitement.

  Suddenly the fairground disappeared in a sea of silvery sparkles. Amy felt as if she was galloping through a glittery mist. The carousel had vanished, and beneath the music she could hear voices and bridles jingling.

  What was happening?

  With a jolt, Brightheart’s hooves thudded against the ground. Amy grabbed hold of the front of the saddle. The bump shook away the last of the silvery sparkles that had been whirling around her head. She straightened up, puzzled.

  Was this part of the carousel ride?

  Then she gasped out loud.

  She was riding a real live horse!

  Brightheart’s dark bay coat was no longer painted on. He had a jingling green leather bridle and a thick black mane. Shaking, Amy put out her hand and touched Brightheart’s neck. It felt warm and soft!

  But where were they? Amy turned around and nearly fell off Brightheart in surprise. A huge castle loomed up behind her. It was built of gray stone, like the one her class had studied for a project on the Middle Ages. Except this one wasn’t ancient and crumbling and full of holes. It looked brand-new, and there were bright flags flying from the towers.

  Amy rubbed one hand across her eyes. The castle was still there. She was riding along a road packed with people laughing and talking to each other. There were jugglers, people selling food, and at the side of the road a girl was herding a flock of geese. They hissed and squawked, stretching out their long white necks.

  Amy blinked. Was this a different part of the fairground? Or was she dreaming? If this was a dream, it was very exciting! She stroked Brightheart’s neck again. To her delight, he looked around at her and gave an encouraging snort.

  It wasn’t just Brightheart who had changed. Amy’s jeans and sweater were gone, and instead she was wearing a long dress made of green velvet. Her blond hair, which had been in a ponytail before, now hung loose around her shoulders. When she put up a hand to feel her head she discovered that she was wearing a delicate jeweled headdress, like the tiara she’d worn when she was a flower girl!

  Amy felt very elegant in her dress, riding sidesaddle like the princesses in her favorite book. She sat up a bit straighter.

  “Oh, I’m so glad I decided to wear my new blue dress today!” said a voice behind her.

  Amy looked over her shoulder. She was riding in a procession of other girls, all on the prettiest ponies she’d ever seen. They were all around her, and everywhere she looked there was another pony wrinkling its nose at her or giving a friendly shake of its mane. The girl in the blue dress was riding a dappled gray, and next to her was a girl on a lively chestnut mare.

  “It is a lovely dress,” agreed the girl on the chestnut. “This brown velvet of mine is looking a bit shabby. Watch out though, Eleanor. I saw Lady Isabella looking at you just now. You know how cross she gets if anyone has a prettier dress than her.” She nodded over her shoulder at a sturdy covered chair. There were thick red velvet curtains all the way around, hiding whoever was inside. The chair was carried by two guards who were puffing along in studded leather armor. The armor looked heavy and Amy felt sorry for them because it was a very hot day.

  Eleanor looked worried. “Oh dear, do you think she’s jealous? I hope nothing’s going to spoil the fun today! All the most famous knights in the kingdom will be at the tournament. I hope Lady Isabella doesn’t get into one of her moods and spoil it.”

  Amy felt very excited. She had just learned about tournaments for her school history project, but she’d never dreamed she’d actually see one for real!

  “Amy! Hey, Amy!”

  Amy frowned. Who said that? No one knew her name and everyone she could see was admiring the procession or talking about the jousting. But Brightheart was tossing his head and jingling his bridle, almost as though he were trying to say something.

  “Amy!”

  There it was again, louder this time.

  Amy looked at Brightheart. Brightheart glanced around at her quickly and twitched his ears, and then he went back to watching the road.

  Amy gulped. Was her pony talking to her?

  “Um, did you say something?” she whispered, leaning closer to Brightheart’s ears and feeling a bit silly.

  “Yes, I did! I’ve been trying to get your attention for ages!”

  It was definitely the pony.

  “You can talk!” Amy squeaked.

  Brightheart tossed his head. “Of course I can! I’m not just any old carousel pony, you know. Anyway, all ponies can talk. It’s just you that can’t understand us! But I’m magic, and that’s why you know what I’m saying.”

  “What, really and truly magic? Oh, this is so exciting!” Suddenly Amy felt worried. “What about Granddad? He must be wondering where I am.”

  “Don’t worry, you’ll be back before he even notices you’re gone. That’s part of the magic of the carousel.” Brightheart pricked his ears forward, and his voice grew serious. “Amy, there’s something I have to tell you. I’ve brought you here because we need to help someone. I don’t know exactly who it is yet, but I know you’re the right person because my name appeared on your ticket. The carousel magic found you for me! We’re back in the Middle Ages, the time of knights and princesses and castles, and there’s something very important that we have to do!”

  Chapter 3

  Amy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The Magic Pony Carousel had brought her here to help someone! With a talking horse! She would do her best, but she wasn’t sure she knew enough about the Middle Ages to be much use. She hoped the Magic Pony Carousel hadn’t made a mistake.

  Brightheart snorted as if he knew what she was thinking. “Don’t worry—the magic wouldn’t have sent you if you weren’t the right person. You’ll see!”

  Amy took a deep breath and nodded. But who needed her help? She glanced sideways at the other girls in the procession, trying not to attract their attention. They all looked perfectly happy, chatting away about their favorite knights. What about the person in the sedan chair? It was impossible to see her because she was behind the thick velvet curtains.

  As Amy watched, the guard carrying the front of the sedan tripped on a stone, jolting the chair.

  The curtains flew back and a sharp-faced girl a few years older than Amy looked out. “What do you think you’re doing, you fool? I’m not a sack of vegetables! Be more careful!”

  “Yes, Lady Isabella,” muttered the guard.

  The girl on the chestnut pony gasped. “Lady Isabella! Are you all right? Did that stupid man jolt you?”

  “Of course he did!” Isabella snapped. “Don’t you have eyes in your head?”

  “Never mind, my lady, we’re nearly there,” soothed Eleanor. “It’s going to be a wonderful tournament! So many famous knights will be there! And it’s Prince Henry’s first joust. He’ll be desperate to win with you watching, Lady Isabella.”

  Isabella pulled a face. “Prince Henry won’t win. He’s so clumsy. I know he’ll want to dance with me at the banquet tonight and I just can’t bear it.” She sighed. “Last time we danced he trod on my toes so many times that my new slippers were ruined!”

  Amy leaned forward and whispered to Brightheart. “Do you think we are here to help Isabella?” She hoped not—Isabella was so bossy!

  Brightheart shook his head, jingling his bridle. “No, I don’t think she needs help with anything!” He gave a quick look around to see if anyone was watching, but all the girls were still fussing around Lady Isabella.

  “Hold tight!” he called over his shoulder to Amy, and he set off at a brisk trot, dod
ging some children who were watching a man juggling apples.

  “Where are we going?” Amy puffed, hanging on to Brightheart’s mane. Trotting in a sidesaddle was very bouncy!

  “Into the forest!” Brightheart replied.

  The forest loomed beside the road that led from the castle to the jousting arena. It was very big. Amy felt a bit nervous as they left the road and entered the forest between two huge black trees. The noise from the jousting arena faded behind them, and it felt much cooler in the shade. It was the sort of forest Amy had read about in stories, where you might find wolves and bears and witches and—

  “Brightheart?” Amy’s voice shook.

  “Yes?”

  “Are there any dragons in this forest?”

  “Of course not!” Brightheart gave a snort. Amy felt relieved—of course, there was no such thing as dragons! But then he added, “Dragons live in caves in the mountains, not in forests like this.”

  Oh, so dragons were real…. Amy gulped as she wondered just how big dragons were. Bigger than Brightheart? She decided to keep an eye out for them, just in case. She might be in the time of knights and castles, but she didn’t have anything useful like a sword. She spotted a flash of movement through the trees, and her heart jumped into her mouth.

  But it wasn’t a dragon—it was another horse, a sturdy gray mare, not nearly as beautiful as Brightheart. Amy breathed a sigh of relief.

  Amy and Brightheart arrived at the edge of a clearing and stopped to watch. The mare’s rider was wearing a suit of armor and carrying a shield, but he seemed rather small to be a proper knight. The rider’s helmet visor was tipped back so that Amy could see his face. He had fair hair, and he looked about twelve years old—only two years older than Amy!

  The boy held a long wooden lance under his arm. The point of the lance wobbled up and down. It looked as if it was far too heavy for him. He was trying to get the mare to gallop toward a target that was hanging from one of the trees. The target was a sack of straw, painted to look like a knight, swinging on a rope.