CHAPTER 1 WILLOW SPRINTED THROUGH THE field her legs pumping as she plowed through the long grass Her lungs felt ready to burst but she kept going She was enjoying pushing herself and feeling the blood rush through her veins hot and fast Willow’s unicorn Obecky whinnied as she trotted beside her Rider Her black opal horn glinted in the spring sunshine Come on girl Willow panted Don’t go easy on me When they reached the riverbank Willow tore off her boots and tunic top which was embroidered with her violet symbol Jala the Unicorn Riders leader had chosen Willow’s symbol It stood for faithfulness and watchfulness two qualities Willow often used in her role as Head Rider Leaving her undershirt and leggings on Willow dove into the water Obecky plunged in beside her Willow swam back and forth across the river until she was exhausted Surfacing for air she treaded water She laughed and splashed Obecky before flipping onto her back with a sigh Ah this is the life she said as she floated lazily and stared up at the cloudless blue sky
Willow was practicing for the upcoming annual Spring Tournament which the Riders regularly competed in Any day now the Unicorn Riders expected a message from Queen Heart approving their trip Usually the Riders only traveled on missions for the Queen or to conduct important matters of state The Spring Tournament was a chance for something different As long as there weren’t urgent matters to attend to and as long as Lord Valerian didn’t cause any trouble the Riders would be able to go to the tournament Lord Valerian was the evil ruler of the neighboring kingdom of Obeera For decades he had been starting wars pitting people and kingdoms against one another and capturing or destroying magical creatures Do evil rulers take holidays Willow mused I sure hope so The Spring Tournament was held every year to celebrate the new season Willow had won four events at the last games and was returning as a champion I must win at this tournament too Willow told Obecky Anything else won’t do Well I hope you’re ready for some stiff competition said a voice Willow looked up to see Ellabeth on her unicorn Fayza The other Riders Krystal and Quinn sat mounted on their unicorns too
Willow grinned Why’s that she asked We’re going to make you work for those medals Ellabeth said Can’t have you getting a big head from winning twice in a row Willow laughed We’ll see about that she said You’re one to talk Ellabeth Krystal replied smartly Both of you are far too serious about this tournament It should be fun I agree said Quinn Willow kicked her feet and paddled closer to the bank Healthy competition is fun said Willow Don’t you want to give it your best shot Of course we do Krystal said But we also like to enjoy our events You like showing off Ellabeth teased And you don’t Krystal said playfully You’ve been shoving your martial arts medal in my face for a year If you win again I bet I’ll never hear the end of it Ellabeth snorted with laughter You’re right I do get carried away she said That’s an understatement said Krystal So are you here to watch me swim or did you have something to tell me Willow asked There’s a message from the palace Quinn said Jala wants us
