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
As their leader Jala was responsible for training and managing the Riders A girl was chosen to be a Unicorn Rider when her name appeared in The Choosing Book Although every girl in the kingdom dreamed of becoming a Unicorn Rider there could only ever be four at a time one for each unicorn You go and I’ll catch up Willow said I know Jala hates waiting The other girls galloped away As Willow waded out of the river she stepped on a jagged rock slicing her heel open Wincing she sat down to inspect the cut Obecky nickered Willow glanced up to see blue-gray magic whirling out from her unicorn’s horn
All unicorns had a special skill Obecky’s was the power to heal and calm With the tournament looming Willow had to be fit and healthy An injured foot was the last thing she needed But using Obecky’s magic now seemed like cheating Jala had magic ointment that healed cuts too Willow didn’t want to use that either Magic in any form wasn’t allowed to be used by the competitors and Willow was determined to go into the tournament fairly Thanks Obecky but I’ll be fine Willow said It’s just a scratch
