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
blocking out the house The wind howled making the roof rattle and the walls shake It sure is odd for this time of year she said It’s just a freak storm Willow said as she filled Obecky’s basket with fresh oats I hope that’s all it is and not a sign of something bad to come Krystal said as she patted Estrella to reassure her Storms always made her flighty When the rain finally stopped the Riders trudged back to the house Ellabeth spotted something fluttering beneath a gardenia bush Just recently the plant had been covered with creamy fragrant flowers But the storm had knocked every last petal off so they now lay in a thick sludge on the ground What’s that Ellabeth asked as she bent down for a closer look Oh no Ellabeth crawled beneath the bush Flowers plastered her hands and legs She caught a drenched injured bird lying there and brought it into the open It’s Belmont Quinn gasped And he’s hurt Belmont was a messenger falcon He flew all over Avamay delivering messages for Queen Heart and helping the Riders What’s he doing out in this storm Krystal asked He probably got caught and didn’t have time to find shelter
Ellabeth said She held the bird close trying to warm him He must have been blown under there Such a brave bird Quinn said stroking the falcon’s head Belmont screeched weakly Has he got a message Willow asked Ellabeth checked the leather strap tied around Belmont’s leg Yes replied Ellabeth Let’s get him and the message inside Willow said eyeing the sky as lightning sliced the clouds once more Looks like this storm isn’t over yet Ellabeth shook her head All is not right in Avamay I’m sure of it she said
