CHAPTER 1 ELLABETH SWUNG ONTO FAYZA’S back and cantered across the paddock toward the stream It was a gorgeous day for a ride The sun was shining Birds twittered and flittered overhead The trees shifted in the breeze that smelled of gardenias and frangipanis What a beautiful part of Avamay this is Ellabeth whispered into her unicorn’s ear as they galloped along Come on girl Let’s go faster so we can explore more of it Fayza whinnied excitedly Her hooves flew over the grass as she carried her Rider along Ellabeth who trusted Fayza completely closed her eyes to fully enjoy the thrill of the wind through her hair and the feeling of her unicorn racing beneath her Ellabeth and the other Unicorn Riders were staying at a country house near Avamay’s hot springs The girls had been on several dangerous missions recently trying to protect the land of Avamay from the evil Lord Valerian Queen Heart ruled the land and was grateful for the Rider’s help She felt the Riders deserved a break and she’d offered her gorgeous estate for them to stay at The Riders had spent several days enjoying the hot springs which had worked wonders mending their
aching muscles and lifting their spirits As she raced along on Fayza Ellabeth felt something change in the air Shadows darkened and the breeze turned cold Ellabeth shivered as goosebumps rose on her arms How come it’s so cool all of a sudden she wondered And what happened to the birds Ellabeth turned her head to listen The world had gone silent Overhead storm clouds shut out the blue sky Heavy rain drummed across the paddock toward her Let’s get you into the stables Ellabeth said Quick girl With Fayza’s speed magic swirling out from her topaz horn Ellabeth and Fayza raced back to the house
The other unicorns Obecky Ula and Estrella were out in the paddock Moments ago they’d been grazing on the long grass The sudden onset of the storm now had them whinnying nervously An angry rumble of thunder was followed by a lightning flash Ellabeth urged all four unicorns toward the stables They galloped inside as the other Riders arrived wearing raincoats Are you okay Krystal asked I’m fine Ellabeth said This storm is a bit frightening though It’s come out of nowhere Quinn agreed as she and the other girls dried off their unicorns and settled them into their stalls Ellabeth gazed out the stable doors The rain fell in thick sheets
