by Sue Bentley
Ellen came striding towards them. She was holding the cordless house phone.
Jess took one look at the older girl’s face. ‘Problem?’ she guessed.
‘And then some,’ Ellen groaned. ‘That was Mrs Penrose. Her daughter, Kay, is one of our regular riders. Apparently Kay was wearing an expensive necklace yesterday and somehow lost it on the ride. Mrs Penrose is furious. She says Kay won’t be coming here again and she wants Mum to pay for a new necklace.’
‘Oh, no,’ Jess sympathized. She couldn’t believe that this was happening to Ellen and her mum on top of everything else. ‘But how come it’s your fault, if Kay lost it? No one wears an expensive necklace to go riding.’
‘Try telling Mrs Penrose that,’ Ellen said glumly, looking close to tears. ‘I saw Kay when she arrived. And I’m sure she wasn’t wearing a necklace or I would have asked her to leave it in one of the lockers for customers’ valuables.’ She sighed as she lifted the phone, ready to punch in a number. ‘I’d better call Mum on her mobile. She’s not going to believe this.’
Comet pricked his ears. ‘Please tell Ellen to wait, Jess,’ he neighed.
Jess blinked, wondering what he was up to. But she trusted her magical friend’s judgement. ‘Ellen! Don’t tell her yet!’ she said quickly. ‘Can you wait until she gets back?’
Ellen lowered the phone, frowning. ‘I guess so. But if you’re thinking of going to look for the necklace, I wouldn’t bother. It’ll be like trying to find a needle in about ten haystacks.’
Jess grinned. She wished she could tell Ellen that she had a big advantage. Comet! ‘Trust me. Everything’s going to be fine! I’ll be back as soon as I can!’ she said reassuringly.
Ellen didn’t look convinced, but she nodded and managed a worried grin.
The moment they were out of sight of the riding stable, Comet slipped behind a tall hedge. Jess felt a familiar tingling sensation flowing down to the ends of her fingertips and violet sparkles glinted in the magic pony’s spotted coat. They were brighter than she’d ever seen them and they formed into a whirling tube shape, which flashed with tiny rainbow glints.
Comet leapt forward into the tube and stood there without moving. The tube shape rippled, moving backwards past them. Jess saw blue skies and sunlight, then darkness and glinting stars. A rosy dawn flushed the magical tube with its glow and then it was daylight again and they were trotting along the cliff-top path.
A salty sea breeze ruffled Jess’s dark hair and she could see the last strands of morning mist as they dissolved in the sun. ‘Wow! You’ve taken us back to yesterday! That’s amazing!’ Jess exclaimed.
‘No one will see us, Jess. My magic has made us invisible,’ Comet told her.
In the distance she saw the line of riders, with Ellen’s mum at the head of them on Bliss. Jess recognized Lana, Ross and the other young riders from the other day. A pretty girl she hadn’t seen before was riding a black-and-white pony at the back of the group.
‘That must be Kay Penrose,’ she guessed. ‘Let’s get closer.’
Comet put on a spurt of speed. As they drew level with Kay, Jess saw the girl slip her hand inside the neck of her T-shirt. She drew out a gold chain with a sparkly heart on it.
‘Stupid necklace! I wanted a pony charm bracelet!’ Kay grumbled. Making sure that no one was looking, she threw the necklace into the air.
It glittered in the sunlight as it headed for the centre of a thorny bush. Comet moved with the speed of light, leaping high into the air and Jess reached out. Her fingers stretched to their limit. They touched the chain. Yes! She caught the necklace and folded it into her palm.
‘Our work here is done,’ Comet neighed triumphantly as his shining hooves touched down on to the grass. He wheeled and set off back towards the village.
‘You’re the best, Comet!’ Jess cried.
She was reaching forward to pat him, when she felt him stiffen and slow down. He stopped and stood staring down at the grass. Jess looked down too.
In front of them and stretching away across the cliff top was a faint line of softly glowing violet hoof-prints.
‘Destiny! She has been here!’ Comet whinnied excitedly.
Jess felt a pang. Did that mean he was leaving, right now? ‘Are… are you going after her?’ she asked, her pulses racing.
Comet shook his head. ‘No. The trail is cold. But it proves that Destiny was here yesterday,’ he said, his eyes shining with new hope. ‘When she is very close, I will be able to hear her hoof-beats. And then I may have to leave suddenly, without saying goodbye.’
Jess chewed at her lip as she realized that she’d been secretly hoping that he would stay forever. ‘You could both stay here with me and hide as carousel horses,’ she suggested.
‘I am afraid that is not possible. We must return to our family on Rainbow Mist Island. Do you understand that, Jess?’ Comet neighed gently.
Jess nodded, feeling her throat tighten with tears. ‘I… I understand,’ she said quietly, forcing herself to smile. She decided to try not to think about Comet leaving and to enjoy every single moment spent with him.
Chapter
NINE
The last magical violet sparkles faded as Jess and Comet emerged from the glittery tube, which had brought them back to the moment just after they’d left Ellen.
‘Isn’t magic wonderful?’ Jess sang out happily. But it was more wonderful by far to have a magic pony all to herself!
Comet came out from behind the hedge and trotted towards the outskirts of Lower Treen.
‘You’re going the wrong way. The stable’s back there,’ Jess cried.
‘I thought you wanted to look at the field Ellen’s mother owns,’ Comet reminded her.
Jess nodded. ‘Oh, yeah! Sorry. I was so busy thinking about taking the necklace back to Ellen that I almost forgot. What would I do without you?’
They reached the edge of the village and Jess soon spotted the empty field with its ‘for sale’ sign. It was within easy distance of the seafront and was as flat and large as their present site.
Altogether it seemed perfect.
‘I reckon the circus and fairground would easily fit on here! And there’s room for our motorhomes and stuff. Maybe our horses could stay at Bridgemore Stables too,’ she reasoned. ‘Now all I have to do is tell Dad and the uncles. And they can talk to Ellen’s mum.’ She felt a moment of doubt. ‘Do you think it will work? What if Uncle Felix still wants to leave the circus and my dad agrees with him? Maybe it will need more of your magic?’
‘Magic cannot fix everything,’ Comet told her gently. ‘You have done all you can. Now you must leave it to the grownups to decide what to do.’
‘You’re right,’ Jess said, smiling at her friend’s wisdom. ‘Let’s take the necklace to Ellen, before we hurry back to the circus.’
Comet nickered agreement.
As the gateway to the riding stable came into view, Jess could see Ellen and her mum in the yard. They were helping to untack ponies and lead them into the loose boxes. The young riders had all gone and Jess guessed that their parents had collected them. Hopefully she’d be able to slip the necklace to Ellen without her mum noticing.
She was just about to ride into the yard when a familiar voice called out.
‘Jess? Thank goodness!’ Mai called, emerging from the track opposite. ‘I’ve been up on the cliffs looking for you. Everyone’s worried sick. You’ve been gone for ages. What are you doing here? And how come you’re riding that pony?’
Jess froze, her thoughts whirling. ‘The… um, riding stable wasn’t that busy today,’ she said in a rush of inspiration. ‘So Ellen let me… um, borrow Comet. But never mind that now. I’ve got some great news. I think I’ve found a new summer site for the circus!’
Mai listened as Jess quickly outlined her idea about the empty field. ‘It sounds as if it could be what we’re looking for,’ she said eagerly when Jess had finished.
‘I think so too. But I don’t know if Dad and the uncles
will go for it,’ Jess mused.
‘Well, here’s your chance to ask them!’ Mai exclaimed.
A car zoomed to a halt and Jess’s dad and Uncle Oliver got out. Jess saw that her dad had a face like thunder. Her spirits sank into the ground.
‘Oh, heck. I’m in so much trouble,’ she whispered to Comet.
Comet gave a soft reassuring blow to show that he was on her side.
‘Jess! Where on earth have you been? You know better than to go off without telling anyone,’ her dad cried. ‘It’s a good thing Mai remembered you talking about these riding stables.’
‘Sorry, Dad,’ she said in a subdued voice. ‘I didn’t mean to be late. I lost track of time. But I’ve got something to tell you –’
‘That can wait. Take that pony back, please,’ her dad interrupted firmly. ‘We’re leaving, right now. You’re grounded, young lady!’
Jess knew when her dad meant business. She sighed. Everything had suddenly got so complicated. She couldn’t think what to say or do.
Comet decided for her. ‘Pretend to take me back, Jess. You still need to give the necklace to Ellen,’ he neighed, going towards the stable.
‘OK,’ Jess whispered to him glumly. She had no idea what was going to happen after that.
Behind them, she heard Mai talking. ‘Dad! Uncle Kit! You have to listen to Jess. It’s really important…’
As Jess rode into the yard, Ellen looked up and smiled. The tack-room door was open and Jess could see Ellen’s mum inside.
Quickly dismounting, she fished the necklace out of her pocket and held it out to the older girl. ‘I found it on the cliffs,’ she told her quietly. ‘Kay threw it away, because she really wanted a pony charm bracelet.’
Ellen gaped at her. ‘That’s totally amazing! Thanks a million, Jess. Now I can phone Mrs Penrose with the good news and Mum need never know. But – how did you find out that Kay lost it on purpose?’
Oops! Jess gulped. She shouldn’t have mentioned she knew that part. Ellen would never believe the truth. ‘I… um, can sometimes tell fortunes and stuff. It’s a family thing!’
Ellen looked impressed and then a puzzled expression came over her face. ‘Who are those people by the gate? They’re looking up here and pointing. Do you know them?’
‘Yeah, that’s my cousin, Mai, with her dad, my Uncle Oliver. And the other man’s my dad. They came to find me because I’d been gone for so long.’ Just as she finished speaking, Jess heard a sound she’d been hoping for and dreading both at the same time.
The hollow sound of galloping hooves overhead.
She froze. Destiny! There was no mistake. Comet gave an eager whinny and set off towards the back of the stable block, following the magical hoof-beats that were getting louder and closer.
Jess rushed after him. ‘There’s something I have to do! I’ll be right back!’ she called over her shoulder to Ellen.
As she rounded the building there was a flash, and a twinkling rainbow mist floated down around Comet. He stood there in his true form, a handsome spotted pony no longer, but a magnificent magic pony with a noble head and proudly arched neck. Sunshine gleamed on his cream coat, flowing golden mane and tail, and the gold-feathered wings springing from his shoulders.
‘Comet!’ Jess gasped. She had almost forgotten how beautiful he was. ‘Are… are you leaving right now?’
Comet’s deep violet eyes softened with affection. ‘I must if I am to catch Destiny and take her home safely.’
Jess’s heart ached with sadness, but she knew she was going to have to be strong and let him go. ‘I hope you and Destiny get back to Rainbow Mist Island safely. I’ll never forget you,’ she said, swallowing her tears.
Comet spread his magnificent wings. ‘I will not forget you either. You have been a good friend. Farewell, Jess. Ride well and true,’ he said in a deep musical voice.
Jess rushed forward, threw her arms round his silky neck and pressed her face to his glowing warmth. Comet allowed her to hug him one last time and then he slowly backed away.
There was a final flash of violet light and a silent burst of rainbow sparks, which sprinkled down around Jess in crystal jewels that dissolved with a chiming sound as they hit the ground.
Comet soared upwards. He faded and was gone.
Jess stood there, feeling empty. She could hardly believe that this had happened so fast.
Something glittered on the ground. It was a single shimmering gold wing-feather. As Jess bent and picked it up, it tingled against her palm before fading to a cream colour. She put it in her pocket, knowing that she would treasure it always as a reminder of her wonderful magic friend and the adventure they’d shared.
After a moment, she took a deep breath and prepared to face what was waiting for her. Comet had been so brave and fearless, and remembering that gave her courage. She started walking round to the front of the stable and almost bumped into Mai and Ellen.
‘Jess! It’s brilliant news!’ cried Mai. ‘Our dads think it’s a great idea to use that field for the circus site.’
‘So does my mum!’ Ellen said, her face glowing. ‘They’ve all gone into the house to sort out the details. Now we’ll be able to extend the stables and offer all sorts of stuff, like indoor schooling and maybe even bareback riding! Isn’t it great?’
‘And there’s something else,’ Mai said. ‘When the circus is on the new site, your dad says you can have a pony of your own. He’ll even pay for it to live at the riding stable!’
Jess blinked in amazement. ‘But how did you know I wanted one?’
Mai grinned at her. ‘Did you think I didn’t know why you kept talking to that spotted carousel pony, when you thought no one was looking? You’ve wanted a pony for ages, haven’t you?’
Jess felt a delighted smile rising up from somewhere deep inside her as she linked arms with Mai and Ellen. There were some brilliant times ahead for all of them! And none of this would have been possible if a magic pony hadn’t chosen her to be his friend.
‘Take care, Comet. Good luck, wherever you are. And give my love to Destiny!’ she whispered to herself.