The Special Secret (7 page)

The horseflies returned, having chased the Night Mares far away.

“Thank you so much for all your help,” said Crystal. “And I'm sorry I never took the time to listen to you before.”

“Come back to the castle with us,” Stardust said.

Zimb shook his head politely. “Our work isss done here,” he buzzed, bowing low. “We're sssorry we caused you ssssso much trouble. In the future we will send a team of horsefliessss to guard the horseshoessss hanging on the ancient wall.”

“Thank you,” Stardust said gratefully. “I'll have to ask Mom and Dad about it first, but it sounds like a brilliant idea.”

The horseflies swarmed off, and Pippa, Stardust, Crystal, Trojan, and the princes walked back to the stream. By now the news had spread that two more horseshoes were safe, and as they walked through the Grasslands more ponies joined them.

Mucker was still guarding the other horseshoe and looked very impressed when Stardust and Pippa made their triumphant return.

“What happened to keeping clean?” he asked.

Stardust blushed prettily. “There's nothing wrong with a bit of muck and a good day's work,” she answered. “We're taking the two horseshoes back to the castle to hang them on the ancient wall.” Then she added, “In fact, everyone's invited.”

An excited murmur rippled through the gathering of ponies. Cinders pushed herself to the front of the crowd.

“You can't appear in the Royal Court like that,” she said. “Look how dirty you are! Give me the horseshoes. I'm clean—I'll take them back.”

A cunning look flashed across her face, but it was gone so quickly that Pippa decided she must have imagined it.

“No, thanks,” said Stardust. “Pippa and I did all the work. We're not letting you take the glory. We'll hang the horseshoes ourselves.”

“It's true—you
are
very dirty,” said Crystal.

“We promise to be careful,” Pippa said. “And we won't get the horseshoes muddy.”

Crystal looked thoughtful. “Maybe it's time I lightened up a bit and was less proud and bossy.”

She glanced at Trojan and a pink flush crept up her neck. Trojan was flushing too. Stardust nudged Pippa's arm and they giggled together. Crystal quickly recovered her composure.

“You can take the horseshoes back to the castle,” Crystal said. “Then afterward I'm treating you both to a luxury session at the Mane Street Salon. You deserve some serious pampering. Pippa, ask for the strawberry mane wash—I think you'll love it.”

“Thank you,” Pippa said. “That sounds wonderful.”

Stardust turned to face the crowd. “So who's coming to the Royal Court with us?”

“Me! And me!” all of Canter's whinnied excitedly.

Side by side and both clutching a golden horseshoe, Pippa and Stardust led the procession back to Stableside Castle. Pippa's muscles still ached and she felt very tired, but extremely happy.

It took a while to get back and even longer for everyone to crowd into the ancient courtyard. All the prince and princess ponies lined up together to watch. Queen Moonshine and King Firestar smiled proudly at Stardust and Pippa as they made their way to the Whispering Wall.

Cinders stood next to her mom, Baroness Divine, at the front of the crowd.

“There goes Princess Grunge,” she said meanly.

Dipping her square face, the baroness whispered to Cinders, “The Royal Family has definitely lowered its standards.”

Pippa didn't hear Cinders's answer but Baroness Divine chuckled quietly and whispered, “That's right, my dear. Things will soon be different in Chevalia.”

The menace in her voice gave Pippa goose bumps. What did the baroness mean? But there was no time to think about it now. Reaching the queen, Pippa bowed her head and forced her aching legs into a low curtsy.

The queen lightly touched the top of Pippa's head with her nose. As Pippa stood up, she saw that there were tears in her beautiful dark eyes.

“Pippa MacDonald, you are truly a very special girl. You've worked hard today and weren't afraid to get your hands dirty. You were also very brave. Chevalia salutes you.”

To Pippa's embarrassment, everyone cheered.

“Thank you, but I didn't do it on my own. Stardust helped, and the horseflies, and Mucker and Crystal,” Pippa added generously.

“Hush, child,” the queen said, smiling.

First Stardust and then Pippa handed a golden horseshoe to the king, who carefully hung them on the Whispering Wall. He stood back to admire them, and the crowd cheered again.

The wall didn't look so empty with four horseshoes hanging there, but Pippa was very conscious that time was running out. There were only three more days before Midsummer. Would they find all the missing horseshoes? The days ahead would be difficult and dangerous, but Pippa felt ready. Chevalia needed her more than ever.

“Congratulations,” said Queen Moonshine. Then, as if echoing Pippa's thoughts, she added, “However, your quest isn't over. Midsummer Day will soon be here, and there are still four horseshoes to find. Go safely, my children, and please remember—don't count your horseshoes before they're hung!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty—and we won't,” said Pippa.

Stardust reached out and nuzzled Pippa's arm.

“To Chevalia,” she whispered.

“To Chevalia,” Pippa replied softly.