INTO THE North of North

[321unicorn]

Hey people sorry about deleting that last one when I said it took me year and a half to wright out the fanfiction story, i meant to say the first chapter.
sorry a bout that!

please write nice reviews!!

Here it is!!




INTO THE NORTH OF NORTH

Chapter 1 barn chores and the trail ride

It was a beautiful morning at Nightmare Ranch and 9-year-old Jessica Photter walked to up one of the stalls and one horse pokes his head out of the top stall door. “Hello Phoenix” said Jessica, smiling lovingly at the stallion. Phoenix was a chestnut stallion with four white socks and a blaze on his face, although Jessica didn’t know what Phoenix’s breed is she still loved him just the same. A second snort came from the right side stall next to Phoenix and a black horse poked his out of his stall. “Hey Sheton” said Jessica gently reaching over to pet the young black Arabian stallion. Sheton is the son of Black Tide who was son of The Black Stallion and is Jessica’s second horse; she loves him as much as she loves Phoenix. Usually when two stallions meet in the wild they would fight but not Phoenix and Sheton, the two stallions were best of friends, not to mention they were almost like brothers, but there was one person who thought the two stallions should be separated and kept a part. Monica Angelo, Monica is a spoiled brat, rich girl who is a temporally border, she boards her so called high spirited ‘expensive Akhal-Teke perfect horse’ gelding Goldie, although his real show name is Go For Gold as in ‘Go For A Gold Trophy’ Monica often brags how she wins in horse shows, the golden palomino gelding does all the work, while his rider just sits there and very mean to her own horse and would blame her bad riding on poor Goldie.
The real reason that Monica is at the ranch, because the stable called Oaks Tree Stables that she normally boards her horse at is getting a new barn and the noise and the construction might scare the horses.

As Jessica was getting the morning grain, when a voice called out “Hey Jessica what time did you wake up in the morning?” Jessica looked up and smiled at the young girl, who is standing at the barn entrance. The other girl’s name is Christine Nebula.
Jessica and Christine are both orphans, and they both grew up together around horses on the ranch since they were babies, they are living with their only guardian, who was Kara. Kara is a kind woman, and she is also the manger of the ranch.
Kara had always, taken care of Jessica and Christine since, they were two weeks old.
The house they live at is actually on the property of the ranch.
“Hi Christine what time did you get up at!” the two girls hug each other, when a loud whinny interrupted from the left side of Phoenix’s stall.
“I don’t know I think it was pretty early”
A very light grey horse pokes her head out, “Good morning Brianna” crooned Christine rubbing her hand on the mare’s neck, Brianna nuzzled her owner lovingly.
Both Phoenix and Sheton whinnied very loudly for their breakfast. “Hang on you two it’s coming,” said Jessica giving the horses their breakfast.
After that Jessica and Christine started their chores by mucking out the stalls, and putting fresh new straw in the stalls, while they were working Jessica was thinking about that dream, she had last night.
“I’ve got an idea,” said Christine.
“What’s your idea?” asked Jessica.
“Why don’t we go on a trail ride, after the chores are done?” asked Christine.
“Let’s do it and bring food for lunch,” added Jessica grinning.
“Brilliant okay then its all settle” said Christine “oh and Kara told me to tell you that she wanted you to do Goldie’s stall.”
“Okay” said Jessica
As they got back to work, Jessica knew that she had to do Goldie’s stall, not that she didn’t want do it, but Monica.

Jessica finally came to Goldie’s stall, the gelding nickered a friendly hello. Goldie was way nicer then his owner.
Just as Jessica was about to enter the stall, when rude voice called out “what do you think your doing?”
Jessica flinched as she turns very slowly to face an angry thirteen-year-old Monica Angelo.
“I thought told you to stay away from my horse,” bellowed Monica, enjoying her authority over Jessica who is tense with fear.
“But I was told by Kara to mucked out Goldie’s stall” said Jessica softly.
“Goldie is my horse. And if I catch you going anywhere near his stall again” snarled Monica putting her face close to Jessica’s.
“I’ll do this” with that Monica elbowed Jessica very hard in the stomach making her fall hard on the ground and, Jessica felt tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
“And there’s more where that from, if you don’t take my advice” smirked Monica cruelly, at Jessica who was still on the ground gasping for breath.
“Leave her alone!”
Monica turn around and laugh, when she saw it was Christine.
“Ooh it’s Christine, I’m so scared what are you going to me? Tell your guardian, Kara on me? Ooh I’m really shaking in my western boots now ” Said Monica sarcastically.
“Oh yeah well I just came in here, just to tell you that I saw four rats chewing on a rather, very expensive English show jacket, along with a tan breeches pants, and some riding boots and oh yeah weren’t you filling out an order form from the Dover saddlery horse magazine for a brand new helmet?” asked Christine innocently.
“And which cabin did you see this happen at?” asked Monica, her eyes widening in fear.
“Well I didn’t want to say it, but I think it’s yours,” said Christine simply.
“NNNNNOOOOO I just got that riding outfit just yesterday,” screamed Monica, fearing the worst; she quickly grabbed the rake, and failed to notice that it had tiny bits of manure that flying off the rake, and it into her hair.
“This can’t be happening to me, this is going be to the worst day of my entire life,” whined Monica as she ran out of the barn as fast as she could, waving the rake in her hands.
Both Jessica and Christine could’ve sworn that their horses were laughing, because they could hear the horses’ whinnies.

Once Monica was out of sight. Christine helped Jessica to her feet.
“Jessica are you okay?” asked Christine looking concerned.
“I think so Christine,” said Jessica rubbing the spot where
Monica had elbowed her, which is forming a bruise.
“You don’t think those rats were rabid do you?” asked Jessica.
“Nope if they were, they would’ve be staggering and drooling” replied Christine “and well they were rather friendly rats”
The two girls burst out giggling.
Just then a voice called out, it was Kara.
“What’s going on here?” asked Kara looking at Jessica and Christine with concerned. “What happen?”
“I was about to go into Goldie’s stall and to muck it out, when Monica showed up and” said Jessica, softly “yelled at me for going near Goldie. And then she did this to me.”
Jessica lifts up her shirt a bit to show her.
Kara narrowed her eyes in fury at the bruise. “She did that to you?” She asked Jessica who nodded.
“Looks like I’ll have to give that girl a strict lecture.” said Kara furiously. Then she turn to face Jessica and Christine, her face soften.
“Why don’t you two take the rest of the summer off, you both deserve it anyway” said Kara firmly.
“But what about Monica?” said Jessica and Christine at the same time.
“Don’t worry about her,” said Kara smiling “if you ask me Monica is about to learn the real meaning of ‘Pulling your weight round and self respect’ as well as ‘hard Work”
“Well good luck with that” said Jessica grinning, while Christine laughed, they knew that Monica hated doing barn chores. Monica always thought that was a job for the stable hands, but that wasn’t true at all Jessica and Christine saw other boarders taking care of their own horses as well as their own.
“Thanks I’ll need it, so where is she now?” asked Kara looking around.
“I think she’s outside chasing and harassing the rats, said Christine rolling her eyes “just because they chewed up her brand new riding outfit and it’s because she left the door wide open”
“I see,” said Kara knowing that Monica usually had other people doing the work for her.
Just then Monica entered the other side of the barn; screaming, “Kara I’ve got a big rat infestation in my cabin and I can’t find my pager and I need help right now!”
Kara looked at Monica, then turn to face Christine and Jessica who were their rolling eyes with annoyance.
Ever since Monica came to the ranch, she’s been complaining about this and that; Jessica and Christine tried to be friends with Monica. But Monica was so rude and very nasty towards them, that Kara noticed of the problem right away and told Jessica and Christine that it wasn’t wroth it and that Monica is mess up human of a being. A few days later Monica tried her best to make Jessica’s and Christine’s lives miserable.
“Could I go on trail ride with Christine, just the two of us for today?” asked Jessica, before Monica could interrupt them.
“It’s okay with me but make sure that the both of you stay safe, and promise me that you two follow the rules and the safety guidelines, and stick together ” replied Kara.
“Thank you Kara you’re the best” said Jessica and Christine giving their guardian a hug.
“I just want you two to stay safe,” said Kara hugging them back.
“Excuse me aren’t you done yet?” snapped Monica rudely who had her arms with a bored expression on her face. “I need Help, like right this instants!”
“Well you two better get going,” said Kara waving them off.
The two girls were about to get their grooming kits, when they both heard “What do you I mean have to do some chores?” shrieked Monica.
Jessica and Christine tried very hard not to listen, but it was rather difficult with Monica throwing a temper tantrum.
After getting the grooming kits, Jessica brought out horses, Phoenix, Sheton, and Brianna. While Christine went to get the food for lunch, Jessica was with Phoenix grooming him till his coat shone like a brand new penny.
Monica then came out of barn. While pushing a wheelbarrow, she gave Jessica a look of loathing and hatred, as if it was Jessica’s entire fault that she had to do barn chores. Phoenix pinned his ears, back at the snotty girl. Jessica choose to ignore this, Monica wasn’t worth it,
She then turns her attention to Sheton who waited very patiently to be groomed.
‘I’ll make sure that I’ll get you back for this Jessica’ thought Monica savagely as she stopped the wheelbarrow and walked over the saddlebags, reaching for it she check to if the pager was there. And there it was. Right where she left it.
‘Let’s see how good of a rider you are when your horse goes spooky crazy on you Jessica’ thought Monica.

After 20 minutes of getting everything ready.
“Well that’s everything,” said Christine as she put her water bottle in Brianna’s saddlebag.
“This is going to be great,” said Jessica as she tightened the girth on Phoenix’s saddle. Phoenix pawed the ground with his hoof, and whinnied excitedly- that’s his way of saying ‘let’s go already!’
“Okay we’re going soon, take it easy fella” said Jessica soothingly.
“Hey Jessica where do you want to go?” asked Christine, looking at Jessica.
“Let’s go on the trail that goes to the cave,” said Jessica.
“That’s a good Idea, we’ve never been on that trail before” agreed Christine.
“Other riders had been on that trail and including Kara, and they said it was okay,” said Jessica.
The two girls mounted their horses’ and rode off, Phoenix led the way, and Brianna followed Phoenix while Sheton took the rear.
Sheton always tags along wherever they go, whether it’s the trails or to the riding ring or even to a horse show he always goes where they go. You couldn’t separate Sheton from Phoenix, Brianna and the girls even if you tried.
As Jessica and Christine were riding, they saw all sorts of wild animals, rabbits, foxes, and lots of deer. They even saw a coyote. Last year however they saw cougar with a one-week-old cub, it was the cutest thing they had ever seen.
Along the way they stopped a bit at a nearby pound so the horses could get a drink of water, while they rested for a bit they got out their water bottles to also have a drink, Because it was so hot outside they rested by a shady tree and enjoy the scenery of the pound. They saw ducks, geese, swans and even turtles.
After a while Jessica, Christine and the horses finally got the cave, the cave entrance itself huge enough that you could ride on horse through it.
“Hey Christine do you think we should have lunch inside the cave, or outside of it?” asked Jessica.
“It’s your choice Jessica,” said Christine.
“Okay lets have lunch inside the cave.”
Just as they headed into the cave there was suddenly a very loud beeping noise that it sounded like a pager going off!
Phoenix whinnied with terror and bolted, Jessica quickly grabbed a fistful of his mane, and was hanging on.
“Jessica!” gasped Christine as she watch in horror as her friend and her horse gallop further into the dark cave.
Fortunately Jessica wasn’t scared, concerned maybe but not scared.
“Easy Phoenix!” said Jessica soothingly as she tried calm Phoenix, but the stallion felt as though as if a strong force was pulling them towards the further into the cave.
Suddenly Jessica felt Phoenix’s hooves slipped, and then without warning there was flash of bright colorful light that the light blinded so bright that, Jessica and Phoenix couldn’t see at all.
‘What was going on? Where did that colorful light come from?’ thought Jessica, she couldn’t think anymore, she slumped forward out of the saddle and passed out.

Note: if you don’t like it! Don’t read the rest of it!

[321unicorn]

Chapter 2 North of North

After passing out after the fall, Jessica slowly open her eyes and got slowly to her feet, she looked around Phoenix was nowhere to be seen.
All Jessica could see were trees, when she looked behind; she saw that she was outside the cave and it was nighttime
"Where am I?" she wondered. "Phoenix? Where are you?" she called.
"How am I going to get out of this?” grumbled Jessica as started to walk and looked around. All thanks to the world's most self-centered spoiled brat Monica Angelo.
Jessica spotted a stream went to it realizing that she was thirsty, she ran to the water refill her water bottle and look at her reflection, in the refection was trees and in the sky were colorful ribbons of light and as she looked up to the sky. What Jessica saw was an amazing sight, it was the Northern Lights, ‘how is it possible’ thought Jessica ‘I must dreaming, when I wake up I’ll in my bed, and I’ll know that this is a dream’.
Jessica pinched herself hard as she could; but nothing happen she realized that that this isn’t a dream.
Something must've happen to her when Monica’s pager spooked Phoenix, but what!
When Jessica and Christine were little, Kara had always told stories about a magical place, which floats on a sea of the Northern Lights. It was called North of North. North of North is home to the most beautiful magical horses. Each horse is unique and special in it’s own way. There were horses that could fly, swim, and run as fast as the wind. There also the unicorns, but the most magical horses of all, were the ones own by powerful immortal women called Valkyries. The horses were called Valkyrie steeds. Jessica also remembered there was a girl, called Sara, was also known as ‘Goddess of Horses’ along with her horse friend called Bella, who is the high queen, of all the horses.
Kara also said something about there being good and bad magic and sometimes it can be use for selfish intentions, in the wrong selfish hands. Jessica shook that feeling off, she knew that, there’s no such thing as magic, no matter how much she wanted it to exist, and knew that Monica had been jealous of Jessica and Christine because Kara had given them time off during the summer, so Monica thought that she could have her revenge. By using her stupid pager in which Monica hid it in Phoenix’s saddlebag while using her cell phone to call it. Well Monica seceded in doing so. But it was very foolish and very dangerous, because Jessica could've been badly injured or worse killed. But then again in Monica's point of view in the selfish world of rich people, they’re are those who could afford it will seceded and those who couldn’t".
Jessica knew she had to find her horse and then figured a way out of here.
As Jessica started to walk, she tried to remember what some of the landmarks looked like, but it was no use. It was too dark, and Jessica wanted to stop and rest for a bit, which she did.
As she rest Her thoughts ran back to friend, was Christine going for help? Was Christine even all right?
But something in her heart told her to keep going. Jessica couldn’t help but wonder if someone or something was stalking her.
Then without warning Jessica heard an evil growl behind her, Jessica wheeled around and gasps in fear, she saw two wolves, growling and snarling but these weren't ordinary timber or grey wolves. These wolves were huge. Huge enough to ride on their backs, and they were getter closer, Jessica knew she had thought fast she quickly open her backpack but found nothing, and was running out of time.
“Get out of here! You over grown stupid crazy flea bags!” yelled Jessica. Picking up a fallen huge branch and wave at them, but the wolves did not back off.
Usually, Jessica doesn’t hate or have a thing against wolves in fact she likes them.
But there was something those wolves didn’t seem right about these two wolves. It was like they were born evil, no inch of kindness or light inside of them.
Just as the wolves were about to get closer, Jessica heard galloping hooves, she wheeled around and saw the most beautiful horse she ever seen, the horse was white, and Jessica realize that the horse was a mare, she also remembered, that the horse's name was Bella. Suddenly it dawn on her, she should've realize from the moment that she laid her eyes on Bella, that she, Jessica was really in North of North.
The huge wolves belong to an evil group of people called Wolf Riders. The wolves were getting so close now. Bella snorted a challenge.
Just when the wolves were mere feet away Jessica quickly pick up two rocks and threw them as hard as she could at the two wolves.
Bella reared up on her hind legs, her front legs were lashing out at the two wolves.
The two wolves yelped and ran a way. Once the wolves were gone, Bella turn nuzzle Jessica who stroked the mare's white neck "thank you for saving me form the mangy rabid drool face mutts" Bella let out a whinnied that sounded like laughter. Then the white mare sent an image of Jessica mounting up.
"Bella before I get on I must ask you something, Have you seen my horse Phoenix, he is a red chestnut with a blaze on his face and four white socks on his legs. Bella shook her head 'no". Disappointed Jessica mounted on to Bella's back, Bella galloped off Jessica was surprise how graceful Bella’s gait is, it was so smooth, but she was still worried about Phoenix, and she was still having a hard time that she, Jessica was really in North of North. And for a moment she thought that she had seen a woman on a huge wolf. Jessica could only hope that Phoenix is safe and sound.

Meanwhile Phoenix was lost as his owner was, snorting nervously, the stallion whinny loudly hoping his owner would hear him.
There was no answer, Phoenix tried again.
Again there was no answer.
The Stallion lowered his head, could things get any worse.
Phoenix tried one last time, but this time some one did answer, Phoenix whinnies again. The stallion tried once more and this time someone or something did hear him, but it didn't sounded very friendly at all, out of the shadows of the trees were two wolves coming towards the horse snarling and growling.
Phoenix was not afraid of those wolves; he was about to charge, when two more wolves showed up, Phoenix snorted with frustration. Suddenly a woman’s evil voice called out. “Well what do we have here Myrfor?” Phoenix wheeled around. What Phoenix saw terrified him, there was a woman sitting on a very huge black wolf.
“ Well if it isn’t Phoenix. Do you remember me?” asked the woman, as she dismounted the wolf. Phoenix cocks his head with his ears pinned back, and snorted as if to say ‘who the heck are you?’
The woman smirked evilly at the stallion, and the huge wolf called Myrfor growled something to the woman, and the evil woman seems to understand what Myrfor was saying.
Phoenix knew that somehow he had to escape, something in his heart was telling him that this woman is evil and dangerous and just as Phoenix’s instincts told to run.
Suddenly a howl interrupted the woman and her wolf; coming towards, them was another woman and a huge wolf and they were heading towards them.
The stallion wanted to run, but the growling from the wolves, reminded him that he was still trapped and outnumber.
“Well Maura?” Asked the woman impatiently “Where’s the little girl”
“Um well you see Ivenna,” said Maura who dismounted, “my two wolves were about to get the brown haired brat. Until a certain white mare showed up… and… well let’s just say helped the girl escape”
The woman called Ivenna shrieked with rage.
“Whaat” sneered Ivenna her eyes were full anger as she walk around.
“Are you telling me? That you couldn’t handle one little girl and a white horse?”
“Hey I didn’t know that the High Queen of the horses was going to be there,” snapped Maura, glaring at Ivenna, who stopped in her tracks and wheeled around to face Maura.
“Did you say High Queen?” snarled Ivenna.
“That’s what I said… wait how do you know Bella?” asked Maura.
Ivenna was so enraged that she didn’t say a word; instead she went up Myrfor’s saddlebags and took out a staff, and in her anger she aim her staff at a nearby small dead bush and causing it to go up in flames.
Then Ivenna spoke in her most dangerous voice.
“For your information I would’ve gotten those magical animals’ magic added to my own, but then Bella, the high queen of the horses showed up and ruined everything along with those four legendary horses,” sneered Ivenna.

While the two Wolf Riders were still talking, and the other wolves were watching the two women arguing.
Phoenix had had it, he was relived that, his owner is safe; but how was he going to get away?
Suddenly Phoenix felt as though as if someone or something was giving him courage.
The chestnut stallion knew what he had to do, Phoenix kicked out with his hind legs, lashing out at the wolves, knocking the wolves out cold and then walked quietly away as he could. Once Phoenix was far away he broke into a gallop as fast as he could out of sight.

The Wolf Riders were to busy to talking too loudly and failed to noticed this. Myrfor turn to glance at the horse, but the horse was gone. Myrfor howled very loudly getting Ivenna’s attention.
“What Myrfor! What is it?” asked Ivenna turning to face the alpha wolf.
“The horse has escaped!” said Myrfor, glaring at the pack that trembled before their alpha wolf.
The Wolf Rider turns to face the wolf pack, and saw that the horse was indeed gone.
Ivenna’s face contorted with such fury, that she scream with rage. The rest of the wolves were very tense as their mistress, turns to face them.
“You were supposed to be watching that wretched horse you imbeciles!” snarled Ivenna, then turning the other Wolf Rider.
“Maura, you and the rest of pack are to returned to Styginmoor castle at once, while Myrfor and I try to recapture that horse” ordered Ivenna as she mounted on to Myrfor’s back and the wolf loped off into the darkness.


Hey Guys I May not Up date very often Because I'll be very busy but I'll when I get the chance.

[Starry Dancer]

Hey unicorn, did you want to enter this in the fanfiction contest?

[ponyiowa]

It's very good, but there are some tense changes, so I just wanted to let you know that.

[321unicorn]

Hey Guys I'm having writer's block.
and six month ago the hard-drive crashed. I lost Chapter 3 because the hard drive crashed and had to get it replace it.

Also I am Not Giving Up on this Story

sorry I didn't tell you sooner.

I've been really busy.

[321unicorn]

Chapter 3: confession, punishment, & leaving forever

Christine stood there in shock of what had happed, she wonders if Jessica and Phoenix were okay. She then had horrible thought what if Jessica and Phoenix wasn’t okay, what if her friend and her horse was badly injured or worse killed. Christine’s thoughts were interrupted when she heard Brianna and Sheton’s whinnies and saw a galloping horse; she looked and saw Kara riding her horse Storm, a black Appaloosa up towards them.
“What happed Christine?” asked Kara, dismounting Storm, and walking towards her.
“It’s Jessica and Phoenix “ began Christine “we were about to dismount and have lunch when this sound, which I think sounded like a pager going off because it sounded exactly like Monica’s pager and well Phoenix got spooked. When he took off he went to the back of the cave and apparently there was this enormous hole and well your not going to believe me when I tell you this,” said Christine, looking at her guardian.
“I’m sure whatever you are about to tell me isn’t going to sound crazy at all” said Kara firmly, putting an arm round her shoulder.
“When Phoenix and Jessica reached the back of the cave Phoenix’s front legs gave out, he started to slide towards this huge hole and then they fell,” said Christine while looking at Kara who didn’t say anything, “There was this flash of colorful light like the northern lights and when the lights disappeared Jessica and Phoenix were gone! And I don’t know what do!”
Kara paused for a moment then still looking at Christine.
“Christine when we get back to the stables” said Kara “we are going to pack our things, and then we are leaving, make sure you pack Jessica’s things too. I was hoping this could wait till both of yours and Jessica’s birthdays so I could tell both of you, but things have change“ with that she turn Storm around and the Black appaloosa trotted off leaving Christine puzzled.
“Hey Wait! I don’t understand what do you mean by ‘hoping to tell us what on Jessica’s and mine’s birthdays!’” called Christine.
But Kara and Storm had already have gone up ahead.
“Come on Brianna” said Christine, nudging her horse with her heels and the mare trotted away, with Sheton bringing up the rear.


When they finally got back to the stables Christine and Kara dismounted and just as they were heading up to the house, a rude voice called out.
“Hello Christine back form you trail ride lunch already.”
It was Monica.
“If so where’s Jessica?” asked Monica snidely “Did she fall of her horsey? Gee some friend you are, just ditching her like that. ”
“Mind your own business,” said Christine as she walks past Monica, she really didn’t wanted deal with Monica at the moment.
“Oh, okay, so why are you and Kara back already? And where’s Jessica and that horse of hers?” asked Monica.
“You know what” said Christine turning to face Monica, who stood there smirking. “I really don’t think that’s any of your bees wax.”
“Oh but I think it is” purred Monica, now walking around Christine, “I happen to lost my pager, if I remember right I think left it on a saddlebag. And I think it was on Phoenix’s saddlebag.”
Christine glared at Monica who smirks evilly back her. ‘What was she up to?’ thought Christine while glaring at the spoiled brat, who seems to be enjoying this. What ever it was this couldn’t be good. Suddenly a horrible thought struck her. What if Monica did called her pager? What if this was done deliberately? Christine knew she had to ask. She had to know.
“Monica did you call your pager?” asked Christine, fearing the worst.
“Well I had to know where it was and if I did, it would’ve been the best prank ever on Jessica,” said Monica, looking very pleased with herself, “I wanted to know how good of a rider she is when her horse goes mental.”
Christine could not believe this! She knew that Monica didn’t like her and Jessica. Sure Monica was jealous of they’re sisterly like friendship and she didn’t like them, and didn’t like them just because they didn’t have parents. But to pull a stupid prank such as this, how could Monica be so cruel and so heartless?
“Do you realize what you have done!” snapped Christine giving Monica a look of pure loathing.
“Uh no? Eh what I what did I do?” asked Monica, trying to do the look all-innocent act, but Christine wasn’t fooled for one second.
“You called your pager on purpose.” yelled Christine furiously, looking at the spoiled brat girl, “You knew that Jessica and I were on a trail ride, and you wanted revenge for barn chores you had to do, so you took your anger out on Jessica. Well congratulations, oh I don’t even know if Jessica and Phoenix are injured or worse killed! And it’s all your fault!”
Still glaring at a very shocked Monica, she turned around headed back towards the house. Christine was on the house’s porch when heard galloping hooves and saw a black blurry the going past her, and head Monica’s loud scream.
“AAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Christine quickly turns around saw a black horse galloping towards Monica.
It was Sheton.
Sheton had charged at Monica who was now, trying to get away from the young stallion, who was now chasing the spoiled brat.
“Aargh! Get this crazy camel-neck black devil Arabian nag out of my sight! RIGHT NOW” screamed Monica, as she ran from Sheton who thought this was game, was now chasing her around the area.
Christine tried hard not to laugh at the solution; then again Monica brought this on herself so she deserves it, after the way she mistreated Jessica and Christine. Usually Sheton is ground tied and well behaved and would never charge and hurt people. But this is one exception she had to make, not to mention it might teach Monica some humanity.
“Uuugh get away from me you stupid darn black devil nag,” shrieked Monica as she backed way from Sheton. What had she done to deserve this? Then without warning. Sheton shoved his head against Monica, who fell butt first, right into the wheelbarrow, which unfortunately it had horse manure in it.
Sheton let out a whinny that sounded lot like laughter.
Christine knew that Monica wasn’t in any real danger and sure manure is gross and disgusting, but it’s better than landing on sharp rocks.
“GRRRR! Look what you did you stupid lousy piece of horse flesh!” Yelled Monica as she got out of the wheelbarrow and look at the back of her expensive riding pants, which were now covered in manure.
Christine could no longer help it as she burst out laughing; she was leaning against railing to keep her self from falling forward over. Sheton had just taught Monica a lesson, one she’ll never forget in a hurry. Monica’s face turns redder than a tomato as she turn to face Christine who was still laughing at her.
“I hope you had good laugh” spat Monica angrily, walking up to Christine and shoving her against the wall of the house,” and also I hope Jessica is in a coma, or better yet dead.”
“You don’t mean that,” said Christine, glaring at the spoiled brat.
“You wanna to bet on it? Ever since I came to this stupid run-down old western country dude ranch, or summer camp, or whatever!” snarled Monica “I had to put up with you and Jessica and you’re so called pathetic orphan life just because you and Jessica don’t any parents and who knows maybe your parents and Jessica’s parents ditch you and Jessica.”
Christine was shock and felt really hurt by Monica’s rudeness.
“Well you want to know something? We tried to be friends with you,” said Christine, blinking back tears and trying not cry, “We even tried to you show kindness and friendship. You had to treat us like garbage. “
Before Monica could say another word, the front door swung open and Kara came out, and she look at Christine who was pinned to the wall by Monica, then looked at Monica who was looking very guilty.
“What is going on here?” Asked Kara, looking at both Christine and Monica.
Monica quickly stepped away from Christine who went to Kara’s side.
“Uh Kara, this isn’t really what it looks like,” said Monica trying to looked sweet and innocent, but Kara wasn’t fooled for one second, she turn to Christine.
“Christine can you please tell me what happen?” asked Kara, while glaring at Monica, who coward and back away.
Christine told Kara everything, about how Monica confessed she was the one who put her pager in Phoenix’s saddlebag, and made the call on her cell phone, to spooked Phoenix on purpose. But she didn’t dare tell Kara about the details of the strange light at the end the cave in front of Monica.
“That’s a lie!” whined Monica, glaring back. “I did not do it”
“No you’re the one who’s lying you low down, stuck up, prissy looking, half nitwitted, self centered, spoiled little brat of a bully who’s too lazy to do anything for herself and makes everyone feel bad, ” Christine snapped, while giving her look of loathing.
That shut Monica up.
Big time.
Kara was amazed and proud of her for standing up to Monica, but now was the time to give Monica her punishment.
“Monica you’re to muck out every single stall, when you’re done, you can turn the manure pile, not mention you can rake the dirt in the riding ring and clean the tack. Make sure you polish the bridles and saddles thoroughly. While you’re at it, you can think about what you’ve done” ordered Kara, her eyes narrowing dangerously at Monica.
“WHAT!?, You’ve got to be kidding me!” whined the selfish girl, while glaring at both Kara and Christine. “This is without a doubted the worst day of my entire life! This going to take all day!” she wailed, as she began walking away.
“Well I suggest you get right to it, RIGHT NOW,” snapped Kara folding her arms, as the snotty girl walk away grumbling as she went.
Before Monica was out of earshot she turns around and yelled, “you’ll be hearing from my lawyers about the crazy black horse!” with that she walks away out of sight.
Christine shook her head. How many times had I heard that ‘You’ll be hearing from my lawyers’ she thought to herself.

Once Monica was finally out earshot.
“Come on Christine,” said Kara, putting a warping an arm her shoulders, as they went inside the house.
“I shouldn’t have called Monica those names,” said Christine, looking worried.
“Nonsense and don’t worry about it” said Kara “you did nothing wrong, If anyone did anything wrong it’s her, so you didn’t do a thing, and if it makes you feel any better, she had it coming.”
Christine giggled at the thought of Monica, having to do all the barn chores as punishment details and by her self.
She also wishes that Jessica were here too, and then maybe they could have a good laugh.
“Why don’t you have snack and go outside and wait for me. I’ll be along in a minute. Oh could you please get Storm’s saddlebags and a saddle and a bridle for Sheton?” asked Kara.
“Wait you’re done packing?” Asked Christine; sounding very surprised and wishing she could’ve helped.
“Well while you and Miss Angelo were having that very interesting conversation, outside,” said Kara, with a grinned, ”I had all windows opened”
“I could’ve help,” sighed Christine, looking at her feet.
“No that’s okay,” said Kara, putting her hand on Christine’s shoulder. “I only have a few things of Jessica’s to pack anyway. But if you want to could you also get the grooming kits and the horses’ blankets?”
“Okay’ said Christine, going to the freezer and getting an ice cream drumstick, and headed outside. “See you in a few minutes”

As Christine went outside, she suddenly remembered that Brianna needed her girth to be loosened. She set her still plastic wrapped ice cream on a nearby bench, and loosened the girth.
“Oh, Brianna I’m so sorry,” said Christine giving her horse a pat before going to get her ice cream, she unwrapped and began to eat it. As she was having her snack, She saw that Sheton was grazing by a nearby grassy spot. She wondered if Jessica and Phoenix were really okay. And wondered why they were leaving the ranch. As she was done with her ice cream she threw the wrapper in the trash and went the barn. When she got to there. She saw that Monica was hard at work, mucking out the last stall, which was Goldie’s.
Christine went to the tack room –that’s where all the saddle, bridles, and grooming kits, were. She grabbed what she needed from there, and went outside again. When she got back she saw two huge Clydesdales, one was a bay and the other was black and a man talking to Kara. They stop talking when they saw Christine approaching them.
“Christine, this is Cade Traveler, he’ll be helping us with our baggage” said Kara, introducing the man to her.
“Hello there, I’m Cade and these two are mine, ” said Cade, as he pointed at the two Clydesdales horses.
“What are their names?” asked Christine, looking curiously at them.
“The bay one is Shenandoah and Zabarius is the black one, ” said Cade, gesturing to two horses.
The two draft horses nickered a friendly hello as Christine gave them each a pat on the neck.
“And they are both brothers” added Cade, with a wink.
“Really? That’s amazing,” said Christine, wishing that Jessica and Phoenix was here to see this and wondered if she ever see her friend and Phoenix again or still alive.
Kara was looking at Christine and could tell she was concerned about Jessica and her horse, Kara then had idea, and maybe it was time to revel some of the truth.
“Could you give us a few minutes Cade? Asked Kara “I need to have a chat with Christine.”
“Sure take your time. I still need to load the belongings on to the horses anyway,” said Cade.
Sensing Christine’s worry about Jessica and Phoenix, Kara place an arm around her shoulders, she led her into the house, once inside the house they sat down at the table.
“Christine, there something I must tell you,” said Kara, “Do you and Jessica remember when you were little, I would tell stories about North of North?”
“I remember that, what about it?” asked Christine, wondering what this had to do with Jessica and Phoenix.
“The truth is that all those stories, everything I told you about North of North is . . . Real!” said Kara firmly, looking into Christine’s eyes.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes”
Christine was amazed, ever since she was little Kara told her and Jessica amazing stories about a magical world that’s within the Northern lights.
She also remembered the magical horses that were in it, horses that could fly, swim. There even Unicorns with wings and flippers.
Kara mention there were horses with peacock tails and many more different types of magical horses.
But one question still remains.
” What does this have to do with Jessica and Phoenix?” asked Christine, “I don’t even know if they are still alive or dead.”
“What’s make you so sure that they’re gone?” asked Kara gently.
“Because I saw them fall down in the hole in the back of the cave.” Said Christine, “And I saw that weird colorful light.”
“Christine, Jessica is not dead and nether is Phoenix.” Said her guardian, “As for the light that you saw, that was a Auroraborealis road, the secreted road that leads into North of North.”
“They’re alive? Jessica and Phoenix ” Christine asked Kara, who nodded firmly.
Christine was relived that they were alive; Her heart was racing with excitement.
“How are we going to find them?” asked Christine.
“We are going to North of North. But we’re not coming back to the ranch” said Kara “and there’s something else I wanted to tell you. But this will have to wait, because Jessica needs to hear it too.”
“I’m going to miss Nightmare Ranch.”
“So am I”
Although Christine was relive that Jessica and Phoenix were still alive, she felt sad that she’s leaving the ranch, and was going to miss everything about it, the horses, the borders, the summer camp that was going on right now. The competitions that were coming up soon, everything about the ranch she was going to miss. Even the clinics were fun. She was going to miss riding on the trails. But there was one thing that Christine wasn’t going to miss at all, and that would be Monica Angelo.
Well good riddance to her, thought Christine.
“Christine I’ll be right back” said Kara, “there’s something I need to get”
She watches Kara going upstairs, and a few seconds later she came back again, carrying a long object in her hands.
“What’s that? Is that sword?” Asked Christine.
Kara nodded “I’ll show it to you later”
Just then Cade walk in, “Looks like everything all set”
As they headed outside, Christine saw that Sheton was already saddle and bridled.
“I hope it’s okay with you that I’m riding Sheton” said Cade, “Kara told me that he can be very feisty about strangers riding him, and that only you, Jessica and sometimes Kara can ride him.”
“It’s okay with me” said Christine as she walks up to Brianna and tightens the girth strap.
“Then lets get going,” said Kara, as she did the same to Storm’s girth.
Once everything was ready the riders mounted their horses and they were ready to go.
As Christine Kara and Cade were riding, Christine couldn’t help but wondered if they’d ever find Jessica and Phoenix.
What she didn’t know that someone was following them.
When they finally got to the cave Kara rode up to the back end of the cave.
“Christine follow my lead,” said Kara, as she went in, Cade followed her leading the draft horses.
Christine was about to follow them when heard galloping hooves, she quickly looked over her shoulder and saw a horse and rider coming towards them. As the horse and rider got closer, Christine recognized them as Monica and Goldie.
Goldie’s hooves suddenly slipped and rammed right into Brianna, who squealed as they fell in the same hole, as Jessica and Phoenix did.
Suddenly without warning there was that same bright colorful light again.
Colorful lights flashed passed her eyes and Brianna’s.
Christine could barely hear Kara and Cade calling to her.
She was getting dizzier and dizzier until she fell into the darkness.

[321unicorn]

Chapter 4 Trails End, New friends, and Finding Phoenix
As the sun rose up the forest seemed to be getting brighter and brighter.
For Jessica this was like an everlasting dream, a dream the she didn’t want to end.
Bella then sent an image to Jessica who jerked her daydream; the mare sent her an image of an amazing town and beautiful castle.
“Is that where we are going?” asked Jessica, the white mare.
Bella whinnied as if to say ‘yes’.
Up ahead, Jessica could see the town and the castle it was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.
As Bella galloped towards the town, Jessica wondered for the hundredth time if she’ll ever see Phoenix, her beloved horse ever again.
Bella continued onwards towards the castle, when they finally got there, a girl who looked no older then twelve with long brown hair that was tied in to a pony tail was walking towards them.
Bella knelt down before so Jessica could slide off.
Jessica took off her helmet and dismounted Bella.
“Hello there” said the girl gently smiling.
“I’m sorry but who are you?” asked Jessica, looking at the girl.
“I’m Emma Roland,” said the girl.
“I’m Jessica Photter by the way”
“Nice to meet you, so how did you end up riding Bella?” asked Emma.
“It’s sort of a long story, but where am I?” said Jessica.
Jessica knew that she was in North of North, but she didn’t know where ‘IN’ North of North she was.
“You’re in Trails End in North of North. The town is called Canter Hollow, and this castle is called Rolandsgaard Castle.” Explained Emma, “So how did you ended up riding Bella?”
“Like I said before it’s a long story but I’ll tell you anyway,” said Jessica.
As Jessica told her story to Emma, she wondered for the thousandth time if she’ll ever see Phoenix again.

Meanwhile in the forest

Phoenix was so lost; he didn’t know how long he was walking, all he knew that he had to find his rider.
As he kept going he thought about Jessica, he couldn’t stop thinking about his rider, was she hurt or worse dead.
He flicks his ears back and forth listing to the sounds of the forest.
Suddenly a twig snapped but it was just a deer.
Phoenix pushed onward but he couldn’t help, but get the feeling that unfriendly eyes were watching him.
He tried shaking the feeling off, and continued onward to find Jessica.
Suddenly there was growling sound from the bushes.
Phoenix who didn’t wait to stick around to see who it was so, he galloped out of sight, he heard that all too familiar growling before and hoped he never had to hear it again.
He continued onward, to where he didn’t know as long as it took find Jessica.

Rolandsgaard castle

“ . . . And that’s how I ended up riding Bella.” Finished Jessica.
“Oh, Jessica I’m so sorry. I’m sure that you’re very worried about Phoenix,” said Emma, feeling sorry the new girl.
“I hope he’s alright. I’m so worried about him, what if he’s hurt or worse killed,” said Jessica.
Emma thought for a moment then had an idea. She knew what she had to do.
“Why don’t we look for him now” suggested Emma, knowingly that the girl really wants to quickly find her horse.
“Really that would great but how? I mean North of North must be huge, he could anywhere,” said Jessica.
“I’ve been living here long enough to know where everything is by now,” said Emma, looking at Jessica “and I think I might have an idea where Phoenix could be.”
“Great let’s go look for him now” said Jessica, feeling relived and grateful that Emma had volunteer to help her to find her horse.
“Hang on I need to get something first I’ll be right back it’ll only take five minutes” said Emma, as she ran up stairs.
As Jessica waited for Emma it was only then that she realized that Bella wasn’t there anymore.
After about five minutes Emma retunes carrying a shield and she had a sword tied to waist.
“Hey Emma, where did Bella did go?” asked Jessica, looking around for the white mare.
“She probably had other things to do,” answered Emma, as they started walking, Emma explains that Bella is leader of all the horses.
Jessica still couldn’t believe that she was here in North of North.
They turn to walk down the path when Emma whistled loudly, Jessica turn to face her looking puzzled.
“Uh, What was that for?” asked Jessica.
“You’ll see,” said Emma, smiling.
Suddenly there was loud neighing sound and a second later a magnificent winged white horse with a black mane and tail.
“Jessica, this is my horse, Wings,” said Emma, as the winged horse landed on the ground.
Wings sniffed at the strange girl who was standing beside Emma, and nickered a gently.
“Is he friendly?” asked Jessica, as Wings was checking her out.
“Oh, sure, he’s very curious about meeting new people, aren’t you boy?” answered Emma, as she gave her horse a pat on the neck.
Wings nickered a friendly hello to Jessica, who was about reach to pet him, when two voices called out.
Emma, Jessica, and Wings turned toward the two voices, and saw a blonde haired boy on a black fiery horse, and a black haired girl wearing a flowery dress, was riding a brown horse with a greenish mane and tail. They were riding towards them.
“Hey, Emma who’s this” asked the blond hair boy, looking at the girl was next to Emma and Wings, as the horse was riding came to a stop.
“Colm, Deru, this is Jessica Photter” said Emma, as she introduces Jessica to the boy and girl.
“Jessica, this is my cousin, Colm, and my friend Deru and she and her horse are both dryads,” said Emma.
“So why are you here?” asked Colm, looking at the girl.
Before Jessica could say anything Emma explain everything to Colm, and Deru, about why Jessica was here and the she need to find her horse.
“So let get me this right” said Colm, “Jessica’s here because some spoiled brat put her pager in Phoenix’s saddle bag, Right?”
Jessica nodded.
“Uh, Colm I think Jessica really wants to find her horse now, so we better get be moving on” said Deru, glancing at the girl who was waiting patiently.
“She’s right Colm, the reason that we’re were heading out is to find Phoenix, if we don’t find him now who knows what would happen to him, ” said Emma, looking at her cousin.
“Well what are we waiting for let’s go already,” said Jessica, unable to control herself, she was really is anxious to find Phoenix.
“Lets get going then, come on Soot,” said Colm to the fiery black horse, as he mounted onto his steed’s back.
“Are you ready Twig?” Deru asked, the brown mare, who nodded and the dryad girl mounted on to her brown mare’s back.
Emma mounted Wings and held her hand out for Jessica to grab, pulled herself up behind Emma.
“What about you Jessica? Are you ready?” asked Emma, turning her head to face Jessica.
“I’m ready. Let’s go find Phoenix,” said Jessica.
“So where should we look first?” asked Colm, as Soot impatiently pawed the ground with his hoof.
“Got any suggestions Emma,” asked Deru.
“Darkcomb Forest, well check there first” said Emma.
As Emma, Jessica and their friends headed towards the direction where the forest is, Jessica now wondered if they’d ever find Phoenix.

Meanwhile in Darkcomb Forest
Phoenix wondered where he was, none of this looked familiar.
Suddenly he felt something being loop around his neck.
It was a rope.
Phoenix then heard evil laughter, he pinned his ears back, wheeled around and saw that it was Ivenna and her wolf, Myrfor.
“See, Myrfor, I told you we would be able catch this horse” said Ivenna to her wolf companion.
“When are we going back to Styginmoor Castle?” asked Myrfor, growingly while looking at his mistress.
“Just soon as we get the girl, besides this horse is perfect bait,” said Ivenna, as she tied the end the rope to a strong tree branch.
“But are you sure that Sara the Goddess of Horses had wipe that horse’s memories completely out?” asked Myrfor, looking at Ivenna.
“I’m positive that nag doesn’t remember anything of his past,” replied Ivenna, getting impatient.
Phoenix snorted as if to say, what the hay is you talking about?
“Great! Now we get some sleep? We’ve been chasing that darn horse for hours, and I’m tired” demanded Myrfor.
“Of coarse Myrfor, I myself am tired,” said the Wolf Rider, as she took out her staff, from saddle and set fire to once where there were beautiful flowery bushes, now there was nothing but ashes and scorched earth.
Ivenna was now setting up the tent on the scorched dirt, while Myrfor decided to guard the horse, to make sure the nag didn’t try anything.
Phoenix decided he that was a little hungry, he lowered his head to the ground eat some grass, but it was rather annoying with the wolf was watching his every move.
The horse snorted and lifted his head and faces his foe.
As Phoenix and Myrfor glared at each, daring each other to make the first move.
Phoenix snorted and pinned his ears back at the huge wolf, which Myrfor move in little a bit closer.
Finally the horse had had enough of this glaring contest and did what most horses would do when other horses or a predator was too close to their personal space.
Without warning Phoenix swung his hindquarters around into Myrfor’s face.
It was only then that Myrfor just realized that he was suddenly facing the horse’s butt.
Myrfor thought horse was joking around.
But then the horse was getting really annoyed, Phoenix stomped his hoof warningly, and snorting as if to say.
Don’t you even think about it he seems to be saying while Myrfor taunted him, might as well have some fun with the horse thought the alpha wolf, as he growl softly.
That did it!
Without warning Phoenix lunched his hind legs at his foe, kicking Myrfor so hard that the big bad black wolf landed right where Ivenna was finishing setting up the tent.
The tent suddenly collapsed on the Wolf Rider and the heavy fabric covered the wolf.
“Get off me” snarled Ivenna, as she push her huge wolf companion off of her as well the heavy fabric.
Phoenix turns his head to face them, the horse let out nickering sound that almost sounded a lot like a snicker.
As the leader of the Wolf Riders push the fabric aside and got her feet, she too glared at horse menacingly.
“Myrfor, What were you doing?” asked Ivenna, as she wave her staff to reset up the tent.
“Guarding the horse and telling him, that he better not try anything foolish.” Replied Myrfor, giving the horse a death glare.
“I can see that,” said Ivenna, while glaring at chestnut stallion.
“Let’s take a nap, I’m sore, very sore,” grumbled Myrfor, wanting lay down for while, after having the fiasco with the horse.
“You go on ahead I need to a few words with this one,” she snarled, jerking her thumb at Phoenix, who was ignoring them by going back to his grazing.
The horse pretended he didn’t hear the evil woman approaching him.
“Listen you! One more slip up from you and I swear I’ll torture that little girl, now what was name her again? Ah yes, Jessica Photter.” Smirked Ivenna as she watches the horse’s reaction.
Without warning Ivenna suddenly grabbed his bit very roughly and jerk very harshly on it, until his mouth was bleeding.
Phoenix had almost forgotten that he still was wearing his bridle and that he still had his saddle on.
The horse threw his head up in pain and glared angrily at Ivenna.
How dare this woman threaten him by threatening to hurt Jessica! How dare she!
Phoenix knew that he had to protected Jessica, from this cruel evil vile woman.
“So true then, you really don’t remember then, about the past. Oh well it’s easier for me, when I find her. Well I am going to take nap. And you better think about what I said” said Ivenna, as she lets go of the bit and turn towards the tent, while laughing evilly.
Once Ivenna had gone into the tent, Phoenix didn’t know what was going on here or what she was talking about, but one thing was for sure, there was no way he was going to let that evil Wolf Rider harm Jessica, he had to find a way out of here!
Suddenly he heard tiny squeaks he looked up saw chipmunks and mice, or he thought they were.
The chipmunks had very long tails, and the mice’s tails were like human’s/horse’s mane hair for tails.
The mice and the long tailed chipmunks were chewing the rope that was attached to the tree.
Once the rope finally was chewed through though Phoenix waited till Ivenna and Myrfor had completely fallen asleep, then the horse made his move.
After about twenty minutes there was snoring coming from inside the tent, and then the horse made his move.
He quietly walked away from the campsite, once he was sure that he was out of site of the campsite.
Phoenix started his search again and this time he’ll have to be more careful.
The stallion knew he had to find Jessica before Ivenna and Myrfor did.

Back to Jessica and her new found friends

“Phoenix where are you?” shouted Jessica, as she and Emma were riding on Wings.
The winged stallion was hovering in the air, searching by air since it might easier to spot the Phoenix.
Colm, Deru, and their steeds were also helping with the search for the missing stallion.
“Phoenix If you’re all right, Give us a sign!” Called Emma
“Phoenix come out, come out where ever you are,” taunted Colm, as Soot tossed his head and stamp his hoof on the ground.
“Colm, this is not the time,” said Deru.
“You know she got a point there,” said Jessica, “Phoenix doesn’t like it when people taunt him”
“Your Right, I’m sorry,” said Colm apologetically, turning Soot around to face Emma, and Jessica who were riding on Wings.
Suddenly Wings whinnied so did Twig and Soot. Without warning, there was another whinnying sound that answered back.

At the same time Phoenix heard a neighing sound and a few humans’ voices in the distance, one of the voices that sounded familiar. He galloped towards it, hoping it was Jessica and that she was all right.
But just as he started towards where the voices come from, without warning he heard an evil laugh behind him, Phoenix wheeled around and saw to his horror.
It was Ivenna and her wolf, Myrfor.
“Thought you could just get away from us, just like that?” asked Ivenna, glaring the stallion, who, glared back.
Phoenix was not about to let him self caught again, he turn and bolted towards where the voices came from.
The Stallion galloped as fast as he could towards the direction where the voices are, the stirrups were banging against his sides as he went.
“Phoenix?!”
He neighed again, but this time his neighing rang out true, because one the voices responded loudly echoing around the forest.

At the same time,
Emma thought she heard a horse’s neigh that time.
“Did you hear that?” asked Colm.
“Yeah I did,” said Deru.
“It came from that way,” said Emma, pointing in the direction where horse’s neigh came from.
“It’s Phoenix, I know his neigh from anywhere” said Jessica, having hope lit up in her eyes.
“Well try calling him again, he might hear you this time” suggests Emma, turning to face Jessica.
“You can do it” encouraged Colm, crossing his fingers in good luck.
“PHOENIX!” yelled Jessica as loudly as she could, her voice echoing loudly in the forest.
At first there was nothing, then suddenly Jessica, Emma, and the others could hear galloping hoof beats in the distance.
Then with out warning a chestnut horse came charging towards them out of nowhere, as the horse came closer and closer. Jessica could make out a white blaze on the horse’s face and as the horse got closer, she could see the horse’s legs had four white socks.
It was indeed Phoenix.
“Emma, that’s him, that’s Phoenix,” exclaimed Jessica excitedly, pointing at the horse that was coming towards them.
“Wings take us down,” said Emma to her steed.
Wings nodded and headed towards the ground, he landed on the ground and knelt down so Jessica could slide off.
Jessica saw that Phoenix had stop ten feet away from her, she could see that Phoenix still had his bridle and saddle.
Phoenix nickered as if to say ‘am I glad to see you’, as he nuzzled his rider.
“Oh Phoenix I thought never I’d never see you again” said Jessica, throwing her arms around her horse’s neck, giving the stallion.
“So that’s Phoenix, I can understand why you love him so much” said Emma, coming up behind Jessica.
Jessica had almost forgotten that her new friends were waiting for her to introduce Phoenix, which she did.
Wings, Soot, and Twig whinnied ‘hello’ to the new horse that whinnied back.
“He sure is beautiful,” said Deru, admiring the chestnut stallion.
“Yeah he must be very special to you,” said Colm, as he reaches out to pet the stallion, but he accidently bumped his hand against the side of Phoenix’s bit.
Phoenix tossed his head in pain, and Jessica frowns. What is wrong with her horse?
She immediately removes the bridle to see what is wrong; she didn’t have to wonder for long.
What she saw made her gasp; the corners of Phoenix’s mouth were bloody red.
“It looks like someone or something yank on the bit very hard,” said Emma, examining the wound, while gently stroking Phoenix’s neck.
“Do you think it had to do with the fall?” asked Colm.
“No it look like this was recently,” said Deru, as she too looked at it.
Jessica took out some medicine container from the Phoenix’s saddlebag.
“When I find who did this, that person is going to get it. Big Time” said Jessica, who was now putting ointment on the sore corners of Phoenix ‘s mouth. She loathes animal cruelty.
Everyone seems to agree on that one, even horses seem to understand, what she was saying.
“I don’t know about you guys but let’s rest for little while before we start heading back,” said Jessica as she undid the girth and pulled the saddle off.
“You know I do feel a little tired,” admitted Colm as he sat down on a nearby rock.
“We’ll rest for a while okay before we start heading back to the castle,” said Emma.
Everyone agreed settled down for a rest.
While everyone was having nap, Jessica first had eaten her sandwich; then she laid down rested her head on the saddle as she lookup at the trees. She now wonders what Christine was doing.
As Jessica watches the horses grazing, Phoenix seems to be having fun with the other horses.
She wonders if her friend worried sick about her?
She wondered what Christine was doing right now.
Was she going to get Kara?
Jessica couldn’t think anymore.
Her eyelids have gotten heavier and heavier, as she drifted off into a deep sleep.

[321unicorn]

Chapter five: The Brat, the Wolf Rider Encounter, and Finding a new campsite
Christine moans softly and slowly opens her eyes; she was on a sleeping bag in a tent.
Kara was sitting next to her, looking concerned.
“Kara, what happen, I mean I remember Monica following us, into the cave, then there was the flashing northern lights and I guess I passed out, and I also remember having my head hit on something?” asked Christine
“You weren’t use to traveling in the Auroraborealis Road. All beginners feel dizzy when they first start off.” explain Kara, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Is everyone okay? Are the horses okay?”
“They’re fine. They’re grazing ”
Christine got to her feet, with Kara’s help, outside; they could hear shouting and yelling just outside the tent.
“So how’s Monica taking it?” asked Christine, she had a feeling this wouldn’t end so well.
“Not too good I’m afraid, ” said Kara, looking very grimly.
As she step out side Christine saw the horses together, she also saw Cade and Monica were having an argument.
While Sheton, Brianna, Storm, Goldie, Shenandoah and Zabarius were all grazing together.
“This is all your fault!” whined Monica at Cade.
“Whose the fool? You had your chance to stay put back at the ranch, but oh no you had to follow us didn’t you.” asked Cade, glaring at the ungrateful spoil girl.
“What’s that suppose to mean?” asked Monica stamping her foot in anger, “I did not ask for this, and I don’t believe for a second that we’re in this so called mythical land of North of North. What’s next? People saying, that horses do have, horns, wings, and flippers? Give me a break.”
“You know? He does a have very good a point. Maybe you should’ve stay back at the ranch” suggested Christine, walking up to them.
“No one asked for your opinion,” retorted Monica nastily.
“Hey don’t be rude to Christine” snapped Cade.
He just had enough of this whiney, pampered, stuck up spoiled rich girl.
“Okay that’s ENOUGH out of every one” roared Kara, she yelled so loudly that everyone had hushed up.
Everyone had turn to face Kara, whose face look like storm cloud.
Even Monica didn’t dare say a word.
“Look we only have ten hours before sundown. I suggest we make the most of it,” said Kara.
“You mean we’re not going to look for Jessica now,” asked Christine, feeling very disappointed that they weren’t going to find Jessica and Phoenix all in one day.
“Well that’s a real tragedy,” muttered Monica sarcastically.
Kara, Christine, and Cade ignored her rude comment.
“I’m going to find the wood that we need tonight, plus I’m going to need some help,” said Cade, knowingly Kara that needed some time alone with Christine.
“Monica go with Cade, and look for wood for the fire NOW” barked Kara, giving the snooty girl a dangerous look.
“If you think that for one second that I’m going to get my hands dirty, you got another thing coming. I absolutely refuse to get my brand new riding outfit ruin and I don’t see you doing any work, apart from setting up the tent. Just so Christine could take a rest. While I was force to unload the stuff from the horses when I had better things to do” whined Monica, letting out an angry huff.
Christine rolls her eyes in annoyance. It was just so typical of Monica trying to get out of work, so she doesn’t have to do any of it.
“Monica I’m warning you,” said Cade, as he strode over to the grabbed the bratty girl by the arm and started to try to drag her away.
But Monica had firmly planted her feet on the ground.
“This is totally unfair why do I need to do some work? I mean the only real reason that I’m here is because I want my pager back, and hopefully find a way to get back home and I didn’t ask to drag into the stupid land called North of North,” complained Monica.
“Well if you ever want your pager back, I suggest you help Cade look for the fire wood that we need tonight or you can go without having supper tonight, and you’ll never see that pager again. Take you pick” threatened Kara, giving Monica of her infamous seriously stern glares.
Monica knew that she was out of options; she would have to do the work.
But that doesn’t mean that she had to like it.
“Fine I’ll do it, I’ll do for it so I can get my pager back and have dinner tonight, but until you send me home. I am never speaking to any of you guys ever again. Got it?” snapped Monica.
Those were the exact words that Christine was hoping to hear; maybe she can finally get some peace and quiet around here, without Monica moaning and groaning every step of the way and hopefully throughout the entire trip.
With that Monica and Cade left the campsite, so they get the firewood that they needed for the evening.

Once the Monica and Cade were gone, Kara and Christine got out the picnic blanket and laid it down on the grass.
When that was done Kara suggests that they groom Brianna, Sheton, and the other horses.
As Christine grooms Brianna, she felt tears sliding down her cheeks; she immediately wiped away the tears from eyes with her hand and buried her face into Brianna’s mane.
So many questions ran through her mind.
The grey white mare turns her head to nuzzle her owner gently.
Kara notices this wrapped her arms around the girl.
“It’ll be all right Christine,” whispered Kara.
“I hope we find them,” said Christine softly.
“We will I promise. As soon as the sun rises, we’ll look for them I promise,” said Kara.
Suddenly without warning an evil voice called out.
“Well, Well, Well long times no see Kara.”
Christine and Kara broke apart to see who said that.
A woman and five huge wolves appeared out of nowhere and were watching them.
Kara push the girl behind her so she was out of sight of the evil woman.
Storm came trotting over and stood protectively between his rider and the evil woman who was astride on one of the huge wolves.
The black Appaloosa’s ears were pinned back in disgusted at the woman and the wolves.
“Who’s that?” asked Christine as she remembers the stories of when she was little of evil women and men who rode on huge wolves, and were enemies of the all horses in North of North.
They were called Wolf Riders.
“Maura what are you doing here?” snarled Kara at the Wolf Rider.
“Now is that any how to speak to an old friend?” purred Maura.
‘How do they know each other’ thought Christine.
“My, my Kara it’s been what? Eleven years since we saw each other.” smirked Maura, evilly at the group.
“What is it that you want!” demanded Kara, knowing at the Wolf Rider was up no good.
“Hmmm let me think what do I want? Oh yes now I remember. What I want is that girl,” said the evil Wolf Rider, pointing at Christine.
Christine gasped; she had a very bad feeling about this.
‘What would she want with me’ thought Christine.
The horses were getting very agitated by the wolves’ growling.
Sheton pinned his ears back at the huge wolf that was near.
Maura saw this and laugh very cruelly, when she saw this.
“What’s this pathetic little nag to do? Trying to fight one of my wolves? Well this is totally pathetic” smirked Maura, laughing at the young black stallion.
Sheton heard this and turns his attention to the evil woman; he pawed the ground with hoof, he hate being insulted.
Christine grins as she realizes what the young black Arabian stallion was about to do.
Sheton suddenly charges at evil woman.
Maura frowns, what was that stallion doing? By the time she figures it out, it was too late.
The black horse rears up, on his hind legs; one of his hooves struck at the Wolf Rider’s head and other hoof came down on the wolf that she was riding.
“Christine, go get my sword from the tent” whispered Kara to Christine.
“Sword? What sword. I don’t get it. When did you ever have a sword?” asked Christine, looking very confused.
“I’ll tell you later, for now get the sword”
“Okay”
Christine crept carefully to avoid the wolves, which were too busy growling at the horses, and failed to notice the girl going towards the tent.
Suddenly one of wolves notices this and charge at Christine who gasps in fear, as the wolf came right at her.
Just as she was thinking this was the end, expecting to feel the sharp fangs she close her eyes, thinking that this was it.
But instead of feeling sharp pain from the teeth she could hear galloping hooves and wolf’s yelp of pain, she slowly opens her eyes and saw to her amazement.
It was Goldie.
Goldie was attacking the same wolf that was going to attack Christine.
The golden Akhal-Teke gelding had rear up, his front legs were lashing out at the wolf, and one of his hooves came down hard on the wolf’s head, as the huge wolf collapsed to the ground.
The golden horse came back down to all fours and Goldie shoves his head against Christine’s chest, shoving her towards the tent door and into it.
Christine got into the tent, and began to search for it, as she searched for it, she saw something long wrapped in cloth.
“This must be the sword that Kara was talking about,” she whispered to herself, as she picked it and headed outside the tent.
When she got outside, it was totally chaos the horses were now fighting the three other wolves, Shenandoah and Zabarius also join in fighting their foes.
“Christine over here!” called Kara, waving her over.
Christine ran towards her guardian, Kara took the sword from her; she quickly unwraps it from the cloth and pulls it from the scabbard; she quickly slashes at the wolf that was about to attack them.
The sword’s blade was a rainbow of color, the wolf yelped and fell back still growling at them, amazingly there was no blood on it.
The wolf yelped and fell back still growling.
Suddenly Maura was awake and she immediately jumped to her feet.
The Wolf Rider saw that the wolves were losing to the horses, this was totally humiliating getting beaten by one Valkyrie and bunch of horses.
“I grow tired of this,” snarled Maura as she watches one of the daft horses kicking at one of the wolves right in the face.
Knowing that this was a losing battle she then called rest of the wolf pack to her side.
This was too much, so she summed a dark void of a black hole portal that was pulsing with an evil aura.
Still glaring at her enemy and the girl as well as the horses.
“Don’t think for a moment that you won yet, Valkyrie. Because tomorrow I’ll be back with a few other Wolf Riders to take care of you, the brat, and those wretched nags” snarled Maura, still glaring at all of them especially at Kara and also at Christine.
“Leave us alone, you . . . you Witch!” yelled Christine, who felt a lot more braver then she thought she would be to stand up to someone who would be as evil as a Wolf Rider.
The evil Wolf Rider smirked at her, making her feel very uncomfortable.
“Oh Really? What are you going to do about it?” she hissed, glaring at the girl.
It was only then Christine saw the portal black hole thing, she gulps nervously but Kara gently warps a protective arm around her.
“She won’t have to do anything. But I will that is If you don’t get out of here right now” said Kara furiously glaring at the enemy in total dislike.
“Fine I’m going, but remember what I said. But for now bye, bye” mocked Maura, as she and the five wolves turns towards dark portal and enter it.
As Maura and the five wolves enter through it the evil portal began to close and also began to shrink into thin air like it didn’t exist in the first place.
“Well good riddance to you too” muttered Kara as she was relived that the evil Wolf Rider and the wolves was gone.
Once the Wolf Rider and her wolves were gone Kara place the sword back into the scabbard that was attached to the belt that now around her waist.
“What do we do now Kara?” asked Christine looking at her guardian, wondering what’s going to happen next.
“Well we start by repacking everything, help me with the tent Christine” said Kara, as the two began heading towards the tent, once inside they started to pack everything.
While they were packing Christine wondered what did Maura meant when she called Kara a Valkyrie, and what was that horrible evil portal called.
Kara sense that something was wrong with Christine.
“Christine what’s wrong? Is something bothering you?” asked Kara, looking very concerned at the girl.
“It’s just . . . what did Maura meant when she called you a Valkyrie and what was that evil portal?” asked Christine looking puzzled.
“Christine, it’s true that I am a Valkyrie and as for the portal, it’s an evil road called the Shadow Path, only wolves their riders travel it and live.” replied Kara.
“How come you left North of North?” asked Christine.
“I’m afraid that question will have to wait,” said Kara.
“I know we have to wait until we find Jessica and Phoenix but I have one more question.”
“What’s that?”
“I know you’re a Valkyrie, but is Storm a Valkyrie steed?” asked Christine.
“Yes he is” said Kara firmly.
Storm came up to them but this time he look different; he had wings!
Christine reaches out to pet him but just as she was reaching out to do so she had a vision of herself scratching Storm underneath his black mane.
She shook her head.
What just happen?
“Uh, what was that? I mean what just happen?” asked Christine looking confused.
“That was Horse-sharing,” replied Kara who was grinning at her.
“Horse-sharing, What’s that anyway?” She asked as she scratched Storm underneath his mane.
“Well Horse-sharing is when horses sends mental and emotion images to people whom they wish to communicate with and sometimes those images can speak louder then words” explained Kara.
“Wow that’s so amazing I wonder if I’ll be able to do that with Brianna?” mused Christine, in wonder.
“You be able to, just be patient,” said Kara.
Suddenly branch snapped loudly Kara quickly drew out her sword and told Christine to get behind her.
“Who goes there?” called Kara, holding her sword out before her.
Just then Cade emerge from the trees following behind him was a very disgruntle Monica.
“Hey easy it’s just me and Miss Spoiled Brat here” said Cade cheerfully, it was then he saw Kara’s face notice something was wrong.
“Did something happen?” he asked, looking very concern.
“Yes something did happen, we were attacked by a Wolf Rider and five wolves,” said Kara, looking very serious as she lowered her sword.
Monica however jumped to conclusions and started to freak out about Goldie, which was just typical of her to do that.
“Is my horse ok? Is he injured? He better be all right or I’ll sue!” demanded Monica, as she dropped an armful of sticks and ran towards her horse and began checking him for injury.
“Monica, for your information Goldie saved my life and for once in your life shut the heck up,” snapped Christine, getting very agitated.
“So what happen exactly?” asked Cade.
Kara told Cade everything about how Maura ambushed them but they mange to fight her and the wolves, and that she’ll be back in the morning with a few more Wolf Riders.
“Right, we’ll have to look for a new campsite right away” said Cade, as he started to help pack.
“What do you mean we’re looking for a new campsite, what’s wrong with this one? Did I miss something here?” whined Monica.
“It’s not safe, those Wolf Riders will be after us” said Christine.
“I don’t believe you for one second” said Monica, looking disbelievingly at her.
“Fine, stay here and get captured by the Wolf Riders. But don’t say we didn’t warn you,” said Cade.
“I don’t believe this I’m being blackmail by two adults who are not even my parents!” grumbled Monica, as she decides to get packing.
Once everything was pack, and the horses were all bridled and saddled, it was time to go.
As Monica was putting sticks in Goldie’s saddlebag, she notice there was something odd about Storm, as she got closer to the Appaloosa stallion, she saw that he has wings.
Her eyes widen this was NOT possible. This was totally abnormal.
She hated anything abnormal.
“K-K- Kara, C-Cade, C-C-Christine, you guys m-might want to see this, It’s S-S-ST-Storm” sputtered Monica looking in shock at Storm who stood there looking very proud. The stallion flapped his wings.
“What is it?” asked Cade wondering what the spoiled brat wanted this time.
“Well its Storm! He has wings! Why does he have wings? He’s not suppose to have them in the first place!” gasped Monica, who was starting feel dizzy.
“Monica go easy on the sodas and calm down, it’s true that Storm does wings,” said Christine, rolling her eyes.
“Don’t tell me to calm down. I’m dreaming right? Horses are not suppose to have wings at all!” whimpered Monica, who was feeling very light headed.
“Yet he’s standing right in front of you, and he’s still same Storm that you know from Night Mare Ranch,” said Kara, pointed it out.
Monica didn’t answer, she felt very dizzy from seeing Storm with his ‘wings’ that she fainted collapsing to ground.
“Well that went well,” said Cade calmly, scratching the back of his head with his hand.
“Great how are we going to get her on her horse now?” asked Christine, looking at the spoiled brat who was laying the ground looking lifeless.
“I think I have an Idea. Cade do we have any extra rope?” asked Kara.
“I think we do,” replied Cade.
“What did you have in mind?” asked Christine wondering where this was going.
“Help me get her into the saddle and tie her to it” said Kara.
Together they hoisted Monica into the saddle, and then they tied her to the saddle with some rope so she didn’t fall off, after that they were ready to go.
They mounted on their horses and they were off once again, in search for a better campsite.

[321unicorn]

Chapter 6: Ivenna the Wolf Rider, Tyri the Valkyrie and the Legendry Horses

Jessica was nudged awaked by Phoenix, who kept nickering and nuzzling her. She sat up yawning.
“Did you have a nice nap Jessica?” asked Emma, smiling at her friend.
“Yeah, how long was I asleep?” yawned Jessica, rubbing the sleepiness out of her eyes.
“About an hour,” said Colm, also rubbing the sleepiness out of his eyes.
“We should start heading back,” said Emma “otherwise people are going to get worried about us.
Jessica got to her feet and started to put Phoenix’s saddle blanket onto his back. Suddenly there was sound like a wolf’s howl in the distance.
“What was that? I hope it’s not what I think is,” asked Deru, looking around, while her horse Twig tossed her head up.
“I don’t like the sound of that at all,” said Colm as his horse, Soot pawed the ground nervously with his hoof.
“We better get a move on,” said Emma, as Wings nickered to Phoenix, who did the same. The two horses seem to sense that something was very wrong, like they were being watched carefully and stalked.
Jessica was tightening the girth when she heard a growling noises coming from somewhere the in the thick forest.
“What was that?” asked Jessica, now getting the sick feeling that they were being watched.
“We really need to get going,” said Colm, “I don’t like this one little bit.”
“Hang on, let me put Phoenix’s halter on,” said Jessica as she quickly got the halter from Phoenix saddlebag.
She then took the reins the bridle head piece the attached the reins to the halter. She then stuffed the bridle head peace into the saddlebag.
“Now can we please go? The trees are telling me that danger is coming,” whispered Deru, as she began to mount Twig, who was getting very skittish.
“How do you know all this?” asked Jessica. She spotted small pebbles, which could be useful in self-defense, and picked some of them up, stuffing them into her pockets.
“I have a connection with the trees,” explained Dreu. “And so does Twig.”
Just then a wolf’s howl was getter louder and closer. This time Phoenix whinnied as if to say ‘we need to get out here now’.
“If what you’re saying is true, then let’s get out of here,” said Jessica as she quickly mounted Phoenix.
“Hey Emma, you don’t think that was Ivenna and Myrfor, do you?” asked Colm, looking very concerned. He had seen enough of that evil woman.
“I sure hope not Colm,” answered Emma, looking at her cousin.
“Good, the last thing we need is to run into her and I already have enough encounters with her to last me a lifetime,” said Deru, who shuddered at the thought of it.
“Who is Ivenna and Myrfor?” asked Jessica as they started to head back to Rolandsgaard Castle at a walking pace.
“Ivenna is the evil leader of Wolf Riders and Myrfor is alpha wolf of his wolf pack,” explain Emma. “The Wolf Riders are evil women who want to control the magical herds and rule North of North.”
“That’s horrible! Do you think it was Ivenna who injured Phoenix’s mouth?” asked Jessica, as she gently stroked her horse’s neck.
“If she did, I wonder how Phoenix managed to escape her?” asked Colm, in wonder.
“He probably gave her a good kick in the butt, to teach her a lesson,” said Jessica, grinning as she gave her horse a big hug.
Everyone laughed at the thought of Ivenna getting taken out by Phoenix; even the horses were having a good whinny.
“She’s probably back at Styginmoor Castle by now,” said Colm. “Grumbling about how a horse other then Thunder managed to own her.”
“Who’s Thunder?” asked Jessica.
“Thunder is one of the legendary horses,” replied Emma. “He’s known for his courage and bravery.”
“He’s also been known to teach Ivenna a lesson or two,” added Colm, winking at her.
As they were laughing again, Jessica was also thinking about Christine and Kara, Emma could sense that something was bothering her.
“Are you okay Jessica?” asked Emma, as she came up riding beside her on her steed, Wings. “You seem to be a little sad, is everything okay?”
Jessica looked at Emma and sighed, she had to tell her new friend everything.
“The truth is, Emma, I miss Christine, and my guardian, Kara, very much,” confessed Jessica sadly. “And the thing is, it’s all Monica’s fault that I’m here in the first place, and the worst part is she doesn’t give a care if she hurts other people, just because she is a rich bully who likes to look down on people who don’t have any parents.”
She had tears running down her face, but quickly brushed them away with her hand.
Emma gasped. She’d had no idea that Jessica had been bullied so badly. “I’m sorry Jessica, I–I had no idea” whispered Emma, feeling really sorry for her.
“It’s not your fault Emma,” said Jessica, forcing a smile. “Well, it doesn’t look like I’ll be going home tonight anyway.”
Colm, who over heard them talking suddenly, had an idea. “Hey Emma I think I have an idea,” said Colm.
“What? What is it?” asked Emma, turning to face her cousin.
“What’s your plan?” asked Deru, glancing at him.
“Well, why don’t Jessica and Phoenix stay with us for tonight at the castle?” asked Colm.
“That is one of the best suggestions I ever heard from you,” said Emma.
“Well if you’re sure it’s not going to be a problem,” said Jessica.
As they kept going, Deru looked over her shoulder to make sure they weren’t being followed.
Suddenly the wind started to pick up very hard, the very high branches started to shake. Phoenix suddenly lets out a startled snort; and immediately he started picking up his pace more at a very fast trot.
“What’s wrong Phoenix?” asked Jessica, as she kept stroking her horse soothingly on the neck.
“Easy there Twig,” said Deru. The dryad mare jumped at the sounds coming from the dense woods.
“Whoa, Soot,” said Colm, as the fiery horse did a crow hop.
“Something’s spooking the horses,” said Emma as Wings tried to bolt but she managed to keep him calm.
“Maybe it’s just the wind,” suggested Colm hopefully, as he tried to calm his steed.
“I don’t like this,” said Deru, getting very nervous. “It’s like we’re being watched by the Wolf Riders themselves.”
Suddenly there was a wolf’s howl, but this time, it was very close.
“Let’s get out of here!” announced Jessica, as Phoenix was eager to get going.
Suddenly a dark-shaped portal thingy came out of nowhere, its aura causing evil to spew from it.
“What is that thing?” asked Jessica, as she looked at it fearfully.
“It’s called the Shadow Path,” explained Emma. “It’s an evil road that only Wolf Riders and their wolves may travel through and survive.”
“Quite right, my dear Valkyrie, Emma,” said an evil voice; at that moment a woman who was on a huge wolf the size of horse emerged out of the Shadow Path.
The woman had purplish skin, black hair, a seal fur cape, and was wearing armor.
“Ivenna,” snarled Colm; he gave the evil woman a death glare.
“So nice to see you again ‘Famous Hero’” mocked Ivenna, smiling evilly at them.
“What are you doing here?” demanded Emma, glaring at her enemy.
Phoenix pinned his ears back at the Wolf Rider, who turned and smirked at the horse.
Jessica had a very nasty feeling that Phoenix, Ivenna, and her wolf Myrfor had already met.
“Oh I thought I’d drop by and say hello,” said Ivenna, smirking at them.
‘Yeah right’ thought Emma, as she didn’t like where this was going.
Myrfor growled at Phoenix, who snorted back, pawing the ground with his hoof.
“Well good bye and good riddance,” said Colm, as he turned his steed, Soot away from the evil woman and her wolf.
“Emma can we go now?” asked Jessica, as Phoenix laid his ears back and bared his teeth menacingly at Ivenna and Myrfor.
Deru was feeling very uncomfortable with the way the Wolf Rider and her wolf kept looking at her as though she was a meal.
“Sorry I don’t have the time to talk,” said Emma quickly. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll just be on our way.”
With that the four friends and their horses left the evil woman and her wolf far behind. Even Phoenix snorted back at the Wolf Rider as if to say, ‘Good riddance.’
As Emma, Colm, Deru, Jessica and their steeds headed back towards the Rolandsgaard Castle, Jessica was relieved that they didn’t have to fight.
As Ivenna and Myrfor watched the group headed towards the direction of the castle, Ivenna’s face turned into anger.
She was not about to let that girl and that darn stallion slipped through her fingers so easily, especially since the mangy chestnut stallion managed to escape her and Myrfor.
As the group pressed onwards towards the Rolandsgaard Castle, Emma and Wings were leading the way, Colm and Soot were behind them, Deru and Twig were following the others, and Jessica and Phoenix were bringing up the rear.
Jessica and Phoenix were following their friends, when suddenly a rope landed on Phoenix’s neck bringing him to a halt, Jessica looked over her shoulder and gasped in horror to see who it was.
It was Ivenna, and she was on her wolf, Myrfor.
Ivenna smirked, “Did you really think for one second that I’ll just let you and that horse of yours walk out of my sight?” she hissed.
“EMMA! COLM! DERU! HELP!” screamed Jessica. Phoenix pinned his ears back and bared his teeth as if warning Ivenna to keep away. He turned his head around to face the two foes that trapped them.
Emma, Colm, and Deru quickly looked over their shoulders and saw that Ivenna had their friend and her horse trapped.
They quickly turn their horses around and cantered back to help Jessica and Phoenix.
“Hey, let them go you old Hag,” shouted Colm as he and his horse Soot glared daggers at the evil Wolf Rider.
Ivenna’s face turned from a smirked to a look of rage; she looked as though she was ready to breathe fire from her mouth at them.
“W-, Wh-, Wha-? What did you just call me!?” she snarled in most dangerous voice ever.
“You heard him. Let them go!” snapped Deru. She glared at the horrible woman, while her steed Twig snorted and started to paw the ground with her hoof.
Emma was amazed that Deru had the guts to say that to Ivenna; usually the dryad girl was very shy.
“And what are you two brats going to do about it?” snarled the Wolf Rider.
“Let Jessica and Phoenix go now, you old witch,” said Colm.
“GRRRR AAAARRRUUUGGGGHHHH!!!!!” screamed Ivenna.
Jessica suddenly had an idea; it was a crazy idea but it just might work.
Reaching out, she stroked Phoenix’s neck and whispered something into his ear. The stallion bobbed his head up and down when he understood what was expected of him.
“You brats are really pushing your luck,” snarled the evil woman as she glared at them.
“Now, Phoenix!” yelled Jessica, as Phoenix let out determine whinny.
But before she could stop them the stallion bolted forward, pulling the Wolf Rider clean out of the saddle and past Emma and her friends.
“Go, Phoenix, go!” encourage Jessica, as the chestnut stallion dragged Ivenna across the grassy fields.
Jessica could hear pounding hooves, and knew that Emma and her friends were right behind her. She heard Ivenna shrieking and cursing with rage
The Wolf Rider panted with the effort of trying to keep hold of the rope.
Ivenna continued to hold onto the rope, but she lost her grip on her staff as the stallion continued onward. Ohhh if this horse ever came to a stop, she was going to teach the girl and her horse a lesson they’d never forget.
Up ahead, Jessica could see a giant mud puddle. As they came closer and closer Phoenix kept charging on. He simply went through giant mud puddle dragging a very unhappy Ivenna behind him.
Emma, Colm, and Deru watched as Ivenna was dragged through the mud puddle, and tried to catch up to Jessica and Phoenix on their horses.
Emma and Wings watched from above and only hoped that Jessica and her horse knew what they were doing.
“Hey Ivenna! How you like them mud baths now?” taunted Colm as Soot whinnied with laughter.
‘Oh boy, Jessica and Phoenix really ticked her off now,’ thought Deru as her horse Twig galloped faster and faster.
As Phoenix press onward, Jessica wondered if Ivenna was ever going let go of the rope; she remembered what her guardian said about a bolting horse.
‘Let go of the rope and get out of way,’ Kara would say.
But how would Jessica explain that one to her enemy, especially since Ivenna was stupid enough to keep holding onto the rope in the first place?
“Might as well let her figure it out on her own,” muttered Jessica to Phoenix, who snorted in reply and continued onward.
“Listen you little brat! You tell that horse of yours to stop right now! Or I’ll…” yelled the Wolf Rider threateningly.
Jessica ignored her; if the crazy evil woman wouldn’t let go, then let her learn the hard way.
As the stallion continued onward, Jessica noticed some sharp thorny brambles. Phoenix jumped clean over them, while Ivenna went through the sharp thorny brambles.
“OWW! I would kill you now if your nag mule weren’t dragging me,” snarled Ivenna as the horse continued dragging her on the ground.
Deru shook her head; this woman didn’t know when to call it quits.
“You know you could let go of the rope anytime now?!” called Colm to the evil Wolf Rider.
Emma was scouting up ahead and knew they were closer to Canter Hollow. Suddenly she had a plan. She whispered instructions to her horse, Wings. Wings bobbed his head, as he understood.
As Phoenix (with Jessica still on his back and still dragging the evil Wolf Rider who was still holding on to the rope) galloped into Canter Hollow, several people and horses noticed and immediately jumped out of the way.
“Hey, wasn’t that the wicked Ivenna?” someone said.
“I don’t believe what I’m seeing,” said an elder man as he wiped his glasses with a cloth.
“Hey look, it’s Emma Roland,” shouted a little girl excitedly.
Jessica wondered how well known Emma was in Canter Hollow.
Wings suddenly came almost on top of Ivenna, so close that his hooves were inches away from Ivenna’s hands, while Emma looked straight ahead.
Emma thought of the perfect place to drop off the evil Wolf Rider.
“Last chance, Ivenna. Let Jessica and Phoenix go or suffer the consequences,” ordered Emma, even though she knew what the answer was going to be. She glared down at her archenemy whose face was cover in mud and rage.
“What makes you think that I’ll listen to the little leader of the Valkyries?” spat Ivenna looking up at the girl on the winged horse.
Up ahead Phoenix and Jessica spotted huge pinkish building with blue roofs.
‘This must the Canter Hollow town’s stables,’ thought Jessica. ‘Where there’s a stable they’re going to be horses, and where there’s horses there’s always going to be a manure pile.’ This gave Jessica an idea, very crazy, but it might just do the trick.
“Hey Ivenna this is your last warning. Let us go right now,” demanded Jessica.
“And just what are you going to do about it, you little brat?” snarled the evil woman.
“All right, you asked for it,” said Jessica.
At that moment, she had a vision of herself and Phoenix jumping clean high over the manure pile, with Ivenna being left on the other side. It lasted only for a brief moment.
She took a deep breath and hoped for a miracle as Phoenix made the jump.
“Now, Wings,” Jessica heard Emma say. A second later, she heard Ivenna scream in pain.
“YYYYEEEEOOOOWWWWCCCCHHHH!” Ivenna shrieked in pain and finally let go of the rope only to fall into the manure pile.
Wings had stepped on Ivenna’s hands, making her let go of the rope, but Ivenna had also fallen into the pile of muck and fainted.
Phoenix finally slowed down, but was panting very hard and was covered in sweat after that run trying to shake off the evil Wolf Rider. Jessica quickly dismounted her horse and started hot-walking him around to cool him off.

Once Phoenix was cooled off, Jessica also took off the rope from her horse’s neck and stroked Phoenix; she then undid the girth and pulling the saddle off his back.
She grabbed a bucket and fills it with water, so Phoenix could have a drink.
Colm and Deru who finally caught up to Emma, Jessica, and their horses.
“Hey are you okay?” Deru asked Jessica, looking very concern for her friend.
“That was some awesome, amazing riding that you were doing,” said Colm with a grin.
“So uh, what happen to Ivenna? Did she leave and give up?” asked Jessica.
Colm suddenly burst out laughing leaving Jessica feeling very confused.
“Um Jessica, You might want to see this for yourself” said Emma coming up to her.
Emma led the way and Jessica follows her to a large group of people who trying very hard not to laugh.
It was Ivenna and she was still here lying beside the manure pile.
“Oh man, where’s my camera” whispered Jessica to Emma as they tried very hard not to laugh.
The horrible evil Wolf Rider slowly opened her eyes; she immediately got to her feet, when she saw Jessica and Emma.
“You two are going to pay for that humiliation,” she hissed dangerously.
“Run” whispered Emma to Jessica and together they ran for it.
The crowd quickly parted allowing the two girls to make their escape then they quickly close the gap blocking it so Ivenna would not follow them.
Ivenna tried push her way to go after them when suddenly a woman’s voice called out.
“That’s enough!”
Emma and Jessica quickly stopped and turn and looked towards the sky, coming towards was the most amazing sight Jessica has ever saw.
A woman riding a golden winged horse was coming towards them, several people made for the landing as the winged horse touch ground and landed.
The woman quickly dismounted the winged horse and was walking up to them.
“Emma are you all right?” asked the woman, looking very concern.
“I’m fine Tyri,” replied Emma as she embraced the woman.
“Who’s your new friend Emma?” asked Tyri, looking at young girl.
“I’m Jessica Photter,” replied Jessica, shyly.
“Nice to meet you Jessica” said Tyri, smiling warmly at her, “I’m Tyri by the way and I’m also Emma’s teacher”.
“Get out of my way you fools,” snarled Ivenna, as she shoved several people and horses out of her way to get to Emma, Tyri, and Jessica.
“Uh oh, here comes trouble,” groaned Jessica as the Wolf Rider approached them.
“What are we going to do?” asked Emma.
“She’s never going to give up and leave Jessica and Phoenix alone,” said Deru.
“So what are we going about the big bad Wolf Rider?” asked Colm.
“Leave her to me, I’ll deal with her,” said Tyri, drawing out her sword which the blade was very colorful. “Emma, get Jessica and her horse away from here.”
But it was too late, Ivenna walked right up to them smirking as she cornered them, like wolf cornering it’s prey.
“Well if it isn’t Tyri, Emma’s Valkyrie teacher, long time no see,” said Ivenna in a very sugary false sweet voice, as she too pulls out her sword.
“How dare you come here again? I told you stay away from Emma and her friends,” demanded Tyri, angrily still pointing her sword at the Wolf Rider.
“Oh don’t worry your pretty Valkyrie head, I’ll leave as soon as I get the girl and her horse, “ said Ivenna softly; her eyes were on Jessica and her horse.
“In your dreams you wicked Witchy Wolf Rider” shouted Colm, as his steed Soot reared up in a challenge, letting out an angry neighing sound so did Wings and Twig.
Jessica had very nasty feeling this is going turn very ugly.
“Colm, please stay out this” said Emma to her cousin.
“Aw come on Em, the way I’m feeling right now, there’s no way she wouldn’t dare mess with me and Soot” said Com confidently, with a smirked.
Soot tossed his head and pawed the ground with his hoof in a challenge.
“You want to test your theory boy?” hissed Ivenna, turning to face him, raising her sword.
Colm now feeling stupid wishing he had not said anything at all in the first place.
Suddenly there was a loud neighing sound and galloping hooves coming towards the group of people and horses. The people of Canter Hollow began to whisper excitedly while the horses neigh and whinnied to each other.
“The Legendary Horses are coming,” shouted Deru excitedly.
Everyone turn and including Jessica saw four gorgeous horses galloping towards the group.
The first horse is black Friesian stallion with lighting bolt markings on his hindquarters.
“That’s Thunder,” said Emma to Jessica.
“Thunder? Isn’t he the same one that kicked Ivenna’s butt a few times?” asked Jessica.
“Yep that’s him”
“Well this should be interesting.”
The second horse is a mahogany bay Arabian mare with jewels running down her face.
“That’s Jewel,” said Emma, pointing to the bay mare that tossed her head in a friendly greeting.
“Hello Jewel” said Jessica, smiling at Jewel.
The third horse was a red mare with a long flowing thick mane and tail.
“This is Fiona,” said Emma, nodding towards the red mare.
“Nice to me you Fiona” said Jessica as the red mare tossed her head also in greeting.
The last of the Legendary Horses was another mare but unlike the other three, this one had wings, she had brown body with pinkish mane and tail, her wings were very majestic.
“Jessica meet Nike,” said Emma as the winged mare landed.
Nike folded her wings walk forward letting out a friendly nickered.
“Hi Nike, it’s nice to meet you” said Jessica.
“Enough of these introductions” yelled Ivenna, her eyes were blazing with anger.
Everyone jumped they had almost forgotten that Ivenna was still there.
Just then wolf’s howl broke over the crowd, several horses snorted nervously, while people gasped in horror.
The Legendary Horses stood their ground ready to face whatever’s to come.
Suddenly Myrfor appeared, a longed with four other wolves that followed him.
“Well it looks like Myrfor finally caught up and look he brought my staff and some reinforcements,” smirked Ivenna, as she looked adoringly at her wolf.
As Myrfor trotted towards his mistress with the staff in his mouth, four other wolves followed him; he walked right up to his rider and dropped the staff and at Ivenna’s feet who patted him on the head, while the four wolves stood in front of their alpha wolf and Ivenna growling menacingly at the of people and horses.
Jessica felt as though she was going to be sick to her stomach, the only time she remembered feeling like this way was when Monica was bragging about her latest designer riding outfit, it was enough to make her stomach turn.
“Now this is your last warning!” threaten Ivenna, turning to face the group. “Hand over the girl and her horse and no one will get hurt.”
Ivenna pointed at Jessica and Phoenix pinned his ears back at the wolves and their evil mistress and snort as if to say ‘I don’t think so’.
Thunder immediately lets out an angry neigh stepped forward stood protectively in front of Jessica and Phoenix, pawing the ground with his hoof in a challenge, sparks of lightning out of his hooves in warning.
Ivenna’s face turn very paled as she quickly back away from Thunder immediately.
“Now you’re in for it,” laughed Colm.
He remembers the time when Thunder gave the Wolf Rider a taste of lightening, and it wasn’t a very pretty sight.
“Well? What is it going to be?” sneered Ivenna getting impatient, as well as being aware of what Thunder was doing.
“Forget it we are not going to do what you want,” said Tyri, glaring at evil woman total in disgust.
“As if we would hand Jessica and Phoenix over to the likes of you. And I would never betray my friends! EVER!” shouted Emma.
“Fine” said Ivenna, she turn to her wolves “get those two” she said pointing at Jessica and Phoenix.
Before the huge wolves could anything Thunder rear up on his legs, his front legs were striking the air; he then came down on all fours, then without warning he charge at Ivenna and her wolves.
Jessica watched in total amazement, as Thunder was taking on the evil Wolf Rider, not even afraid of her. Thunder reared up once but this time he shot a very powerful lightning bolt right at Ivenna, sending her flying back into the manure pile.
“Fine. I surrendered this time” snarled Ivenna “But don’t think you’ll win the next time, because next time I’ll have a better plan, one that is fool’s proof.”
She then glared at Jessica who was now standing beside her horse, Phoenix. The chestnut stallion had his ears pinned back, and snorted his disgust at the Wolf Rider. The four wolves growled menacingly at legendary stallion, but he simply ignored them shot another bolt of lighting from his hooves. Like their mistress, they too landed into the pile of muck. Ivenna lay there stunned and daze for a few moments unmoving, the wolves whimpered in pain, their fur coats stuck out in odd angles. Then she opens her eyes only to realize what had happen, she immediately got her feet. But this time she was shaking in fear at the sight of Thunder who was pawing the ground with his in warning. Ivenna immediately got her feet and look at Myrfor and the four wolves, all of them looked like giants puffballs of fur and she realized this was a losing battle. The Wolf Rider sighed in frustration. This was getting her nowhere what she wanted to accomplish. She would try again another time.
“We’ll meet again and you will meet the same ending as your parents and your ancestor” smirked Ivenna, with that she walk away leaving Jessica looking puzzled.
With that she called Myrfor and the other four wolves and they followed their alpha wolf and mistress without question. Suddenly the Shadow Path appeared out of nowhere, Ivenna and the wolves walked towards it. Just as she stepped inside it she wheeled around looked at Emma, Tyri, Jessica and the others.
“Remember what I said,” she hissed, with that she walked furthered inside the Shadow Path and the evil portal closed and started to disappear into thin air.
Once the Shadow Path was gone, everyone was glad that that Ivenna and her wolves were gone the crowd of people and horses went back to their daily lives.
“Well, good riddance to her” muttered Colm, who was still glaring the spot where the Shadow Path had been.
Emma, Deru, Tyri, and Jessica nodded in agreement. Jessica wondered what Ivenna meant by, ‘you will meet the same ending as your parents and your ancestor?’ Jessica shook her head probably Ivenna was making threats to scare her, because she and Phoenix did humiliate Ivenna and her wolf pack. Luckily Emma broke her troubling thoughts.
“So what are we going to do,” asked Emma.
“I don’t know about you guys. But I’m little hungry” said Jessica, as her stomach gave loud grumbling noise, causing everyone to laugh.
“I know good place where we can get lunch follow me,” said Tyri as she mounted her winged horse headed towards the castle.
“But first let’s stake care of the horses” said Emma.
“They deserved good rest after that adventure” said Jessica, petting Phoenix on the neck.
Phoenix nuzzled Jessica’s shoulder with his muzzle.
“Let’s get you groom Seraphia” said Tyri, to her steed.
“Seraphia?’ is that her name?” asked Jessica.
“ Yes and she’s a real sweetheart too”
The golden winged mare turn to nuzzled Jessica and blew air kisses through her nostrils.
Emma led the way to the stables, when they got to the stables, Jessica mouth dropped, the Canter Hollow Stables were huge. It was huger than Night Mare Ranch and fancier then some of the stables back at home.
Inside the stables, there are several thousand rows of stalls; some of the horses had their heads out.
Emma found an empty for Phoenix and told Jessica.
“Thanks Emma” said Jessica, as she found a brush for her horse, and started grooming Phoenix, who closed his eyes lazily letting his lower lip droop.
Emma, Colm and Deru gave their horses thorough grooming until their coats were clean.
When she was done she led her horse outside so Phoenix could graze.
After caring for the horses Jessica followed Emma and her friends towards Rolandsgaard Castle.
As Jessica followed them she kept wondering if she’d ever see Kara and Christine again.

[321unicorn]

Chapter 7: Conall, Jillian, Pepper, Travelers

“Are we there yet? My butt is sooo sore, my legs are killing me and when are we getting to this place, and what was it called again? Trails End or Canter Hollow?” Whine Monica, as she stood up in the stirrups for a few seconds then sat back down in the saddle.
“The place we’re going to is called Trails End and the town is called Canter Hollow” explain Kara.
Christine rolled her eyes in annoyance, while Cade sighed; it only had been two hours since they left the old campsite to find a new one, and all ready Monica was complaining this and that, not to mention Monica threw huge tantrum when she woke up after she fainted; only find out that she was tied to the saddle, and that Cade and Kara had to untie the ropes that kept from off.
How long was this going to go on for? Thought Christine.
“Monica quit your complaining. It hasn’t been that long,” scolded Kara.
Christine suddenly had and idea.
“Hey Kara I have an idea, why don’t we play the game of silence, the one first to talk loses”
“That’s not a bad idea,” said Kara.
“Sounds like fun” muttered Monica, sarcastically, She knew this was going to be a very, very long boring ride
“So the objective of this game is to remain silent?” asked Cade.
“That’s Right.”
“And it’s going to start right now” said Kara firmly.
They continued onward to their next destination, hopefully this will be peaceful trip for the rest of their travels.
The forest was beautiful and silent except for birds were singing their songs.
The horses were very quiet, once in awhile they would snort, whinnied and neigh to each other.
Christine had to admit there were animals she never seen or heard before in North of North.
There were chipmunks with long tails in the trees, Gina pigs with wings, bunnies with wings in the air, there even a fox with three tails.
There were even birds she never saw before, suddenly a chubby brown parrot with blue tipped wings came it front of her to her surprise suck out it’s tongue and blew raspberries at her.
Christine giggled silently knowingly that the game of silence is still going on. The parrot then flew out of sight.
Suddenly Monica let loose a high pitch scream, that was so loud that her horse, Goldie spooked and reared up on his hind legs, his front legs were thrashing air, while his slide down off his back and into the nearby mud puddle.
“Are you all Monica?” asked Cade, as he dismounted Sheton and hurried to her side and help her to her feet.
“GGGRRRR, No, do I look all right?” snarled Monica, as she glared at Christine who looked a little concerned.
“What happen, Monica?” asked Kara as she dismounted Storm and walked towards them.
“Ugh, It was this stupid ugly fat parrot, it came out of nowhere, and scared the crud out of the me by blowing raspberries at me, and then Goldie decide to be a total jerk dumped me into the mud puddle, and well look at me. I’m covered in mud, and it’s all thanks to those stupid animals,” snarled Monica as she glared at Goldie who lowered his head and started to back away.
Christine gritted her teeth as she glared the spoiled girl, she never felt so angry at Monica, it was bad enough that the selfish girl had to tag along but blaming Goldie just because he got scared by Monica’s shirking? Enough was enough! Christine dismounted Brianna was about to give the spoiled brat a piece of her mind but instead went over to Goldie who cowered against the tree, Shenandoah and Zabarius whinnied softly at him. Suddenly there was howl in the distance, and Goldie whinnies in fear his eyes were rolling terror. He pawed the ground nervously with his front hoof.
“Easy boy, I’m not going to hurt you“ soothed Christine as she tried to approach him. She held her hand out in front of her so the golden horse could smell it.
“Christine, be careful he’s really scared,” warned Kara, who was still watching the scene between the girl and the horse.
The golden Akhal-Teke gelding back away even further away.
“Sshh, it’s okay, it’s all right” whispered Christine as she tried to grab the reins, but suddenly Goldie reared up and bolted as fast as he can ahead of the group.
“Goldie come back.” cried Christine in horror as the golden Akhal-Teke gelding gallop further and further away until he was out of sight.
Monica turns and glares at Christine who felt like crying.
“Look what you did you useless stupid little orphan nobody, you cause my horse to run away from Me. Why I ought to . . .” snarled Monica as she raised her hand to hit Christine.
Before Monica could do anything Brianna got between them and pinned her ears back at Monica, who jump back in fright.
“I couldn’t calm him down, he just took off” cried Christine as she wrapped her arms around her horse’s neck buried her face into Brianna’s mane, the grey mare turned to nuzzled her owner’s shoulder.
“That’s enough Monica,” snapped Kara as she wrapped an arm around Christine’s shoulder in comfort.
“But it was her fault that Goldie ran away” whine Monica as stamped her foot on the ground in anger.
“It was an animal’s howl that spooked Goldie not Christine,” said Cade.
“Do you have any ideas what kind of animal would make that noise?” asked Kara.
“I know one animal that could make such sound that’s enough to scare any other animal that’s not from North of North,” said Cade “and I’m sure he didn’t mean do it in the first place.”
“Who and what the heck are you talking about?” asked Monica as she got very nervously.
“Conall”
“Who’s Conall?” asked Christine.
“Conall is part wolf, part horse,” explained Cade.
“Sounds more like a freak of nature to me,” said Monica, who was now getting very nervous.
“Was he born like?” asked Kara.
“Let me tell you something,” said Cade
“Oh. Wait. Let me guess, he’s from one of those scary stories that scares itsy bitty little kids at bedtime here in North of North” said Monica, in a sarcastic tone of voice.
Everyone ignored her and even the horses snorted and shook their heads as if to say ‘oh brother’.
“Anyway before I was rudely interrupted,” said Cade as he glared Monica then quickly turn away. “How I met Conall, that a year ago since I met him and Jillian . . .”
Before he could finish, what he was going say; there was a very loud sound unlike any thing they heard before. The sound was an ear splitting sound, a sound that sounded like between a wolf’s howl and a horse’s neigh.
“W-What w-was t-that?” stuttered Monica, now feeling scared and terrified.
Suddenly something huge moving in was in the huge bushes and that was all Monica could take.
“AAAAhhh!!, That’s it! This place is a total a nightmare! Even broad daylight! I have had it! I’m out of here!” shrieked Monica in a very high pitch voice, as she scrambled to find a nearby tree to climb up.
Monica found a good size tree and started to climb up.
Kara immediately drew out her sword, while Cade and Christine found huge branches and stood back to back.
“What do you think it is?” whispered Christine, looking worried.
“I don’t know but be on your guard,” Kara whispered back.
“Call me when it’s gone!” whine Monica’s voice from the trees.
Christine glances at the horses that didn’t seem to feel scared or nervous at all.
Whatever was in those bushes wasn’t dangerous at all.
A very light grey wolf’s head peak out of the bushes.
“Conall is that you?” asked Cade cautiously looking the wolf.
The wolf nodded and emerged form the huge bushes, what Christine and Kara saw astonishes and amaze them, the wolf had the body of horse except for the tail, which was a wolf’s tail.
“So that’s Conall right?” asked Christine looking at the wolf-horse, who rolled onto his back to exposed belly, as Cade rubbed the part wolf-horse belly.
“Yep that’s him,” said Cade, turning his attention to Christine.
“So was he born this way?” asked Kara “or did something happen that he got this body?”
Before Cade could answer there were hoof beats on the trail, Conall quickly got to his feet and barked.
Just then voice called out, it was young girl riding on a young speckled blue roan stallion.
“There you are Conall.” she called, she then turn to face Cade.
“Jillian is that you?” asked Cade.
“Cade, I can’t believe it, It’s been awhile,” said the girl called, Jillian.
“How are you? Did you find your parents?”
“Yes I have and I also found out that I’ve always known Pepper since I was very little” replied Jillian.
“That’s great. I’m really happy for you” said Cade, with smile: as Jillian dismounted Pepper walk over and gave him a hug.
Conall and the stallion, Pepper came right up to Christine and Kara.
Christine giggled very quietly as Conall licked her hand, while Pepper nudge her shoulder.
Pepper the speckled blue roan stallion had a scent of peppermint.
“So, What you doing here?” Cade asked Jillian.
“Um, The Travelers and my family are heading to Trails End, and Conall caught your scent and wanted to say, hello,” explained Jillian “so what are you doing here?”
“Escorting a few friends to Trails End” replied Cade, nodding at Christine, Kara and the horses.
It was only then that Jillian noticed Christine, Kara, and their horses.
“Hello, what are your names?” she asked nicely.
“I’m Christine Nebula,” said Christine, holding out hand, which the traveler girl shook it politely.
“Christine, Kara is Jillian Frouda,” said Cade
Brianna stepped forward to say, and nickered a friendly hello.
“This is my horse, Brianna,” said Christine, as petted her steed’s neck.
Just then Sheton gently nudge Jillian in a friendly way then turning to face Conall, as they both sniff at each other.
“That’s Sheton,” said Cade. “Usually he’s very unsure of strangers, but once in a while, which is very rare, he’ll take a liking to someone, who’s a total stranger”
Pepper came over and nickered a friendly hello to Brianna and Sheton who return the same greeting.
“Hello dear, my name is Kara and sister of the Valkyrie sisterhood” said Kara, giving the young girl a friendly smile.
Jillian immediately dropped to knee and bowed her head.
“My lady” she whispered.
“There no need to be so formal,” said Kara, helping her to her feet.
“Jillian relax, she’s my guardian” said Christine, “she cool.”
“Actually Jillian there’s something I have to ask” said Kara in gentle tone, “Have you seen a brown haired girl with a chestnut stallion with four white socks and blaze on his face?”
“Sorry can’t say I have” said Jillian.
“And have you seen a golden Horse running? He’s still wearing his bridle and saddle.” asked Christine “And we think that Conall may accidently scared him off.”
“No and sorry that Conall scared him and I’m sure he didn’t meant to do it” said Jillian apologetically.
Conall came over rolled onto his belly and made whimpering noises to Cade, Christine, Kara, and Jillian.
“Conall says he’s very sorry,” translated Jillian for Conall.
Christine was amazed that the girl could actually understand what the wolf-horse was saying!
“It’s okay Conall, we’re not blaming you” said Kara.
Conall immediately got to his feet and licked Kara on the cheek; She petted him on the head.
“Well” said a snobby all too familiar voice, which was coming from trees “I’m not so sure it was an accident”
Christine groaned silently. She was hoping to forget that insufferably whiney voice of Monica Angelo.
A figure started climbing down the tree, this was not going to be very pretty sight.
As Monica Angelo made her appearance, Christine had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing.
Monica stood with hands on her hips, her face was covered in tree sap she looked ready to explode, and her hair had twigs, tree sap, and her muddy clothes were torn.
“Uh, Jillian, This is Monica Angelo, the owner of Goldie” said Christine.
“Um, Hi, I’m Jillian Frouda, nice to meet you,” said Jillian awkwardly.
“Whatever,” sneered Monica at Jillian “and I’ll sue you and the freaky wolf-horse of yours if you don’t find my expensive golden Akhal-Teke gelding”
Poor Jillian looked so stunned by Monica’s rude outburst, while Christine glared at her in disgust.
Christine never felt so anger at Miss Monica Angelo. There were times she wish she could actually hit that insufferably spoiled brat. First that spoiled girl put Jessica and Phoenix’s life in danger with that stupid pager prank, and she now she was picking on Jillian for no apparent reason.
Luckily, once again it was Kara to the rescue.
While Kara scolded Monica, an idea came to Jillian, so she waited until the fiasco was over.
“Monica, that’s enough,” snapped Kara, glaring at the spoiled girl. “And if you pick on anyone else in North of North again, you’ll be spending time in the dungeons during the rest of your stay in North of North”
“WHAT?! You can’t be serious!” gasped Monica in utmost horror, as she looked at the Valkyrie in horror. “You can’t do that to me!”
“Just watch me and if you’re lucky I might. I Just might let you out for supper, probation, and work community,” added Kara, glaring at her.
“What about my pager and my expensive horse, Goldie?”
“We’ll find them,” barked Cade, he too had just had of enough of Monica. Had enough of her selfishness, her bad attitude, everything about her. He had had enough of her.
“I. Don’t. Want. To. Hear. It. Until. We. Get. To. Trails End.” whispered Kara, in her most dangerous voice ever, while saying it one at a time.
For the very first time in her life Monica felt very afraid of Kara, the woman stood there with her arms crossed, and there was something else about her, something different, that she couldn’t put her finger on it.

Once that was over with Monica leaned against the tree and remained quiet.
“You know, if it helps you could join the traveler caravan group,” suggests Jillian, “And I’m sure we’ll find him along the way since we’re heading to Trails End.”
“That’s not a bad idea” said Kara kindly, “but is it going to be okay with your parents and the other travelers?”
“I’m it would be okay with them” replied Jillian, giving them a wink. “In fact here they come.”
At that moment there were several hoof beats coming towards them, in the distances Christine could make out the first caravan, which was being pulled by two horses.
“Mom, Dad, over here” called Jillian, waving them over.
As the caravan got closer and closer the two horses that were pulling it whinnied in greeting. The first horse was a speckled blue roan stallion that looks exactly like Pepper, Christine wondered if this horse was Pepper’s sire or brother. The second horse was pretty tan mare with a black mane and tail. The two horse drawn gypsy vardo caravan was the most beautiful and amazing thing Christine had ever saw. The caravan itself was beautifully painted red and embellished with yellow, and with turquoise swirls. Monica who was still leaning against the tree opens her mouth to rudely comment, but quickly shuts her mouth as Kara glared at her in warning. Sitting in the drivers seat was a man and woman, which Christine could only guess that they are Jillian’s parents.
“Jillian there you are, we were worried” said the woman.
“Who are your new friends?” asked the Man, as the horses halted.
“I’m Cade Traveler,” said Cade, introducing himself.
“It’s nice to meet you,” said the man, reaching to shake Cade’s hand, “our daughter told us all about you.”
“Mom, dad, this is Christine Nebula, and Kara, she’s a Valkyrie.” said Jillian, as she introduce Christine and Kara to her parents.
“My, lady” said Jillian’s parents, bowing their heads in respect.
“Mom, Dad, Can they join our caravan since we’re going to Trails End?” asked Jillian.
“Sure they can, but only if they want to” said Mrs. Frouda.
“The more the merrier” said Cade.
“It might be better that way,” said Kara.
“It’s settle then” said Mr. Frouda.
Conall growled at Monica who stepped out terrified in front of the caravan.
“A friend a yours, dear?” Mrs. Frouda asked Christine.
“Not really” said Christine.
“Are you kidding me? Me. Friends with her! As if” snapped Monica, glaring at Christine, who quickly looked away.
“Oh dear. Sorry I asked,” chortled Mrs. Frouda.
“Well we can’t have them fighting along way now can we?” chuckled Mr. Frouda, scratching the back of neck with his hand.
Although Mr. and Mrs. Frouda hadn’t known Monica very well, but from a few words they probably could guess what a pain she could be.
“If it’s too much of a problem,” said Kara, she was worried that Monica would cause too much trouble.
After all it was Monica who got Jessica, and Phoenix into this mess in the first place.
“Now hold on I have an idea,” said Mr. Frouda, “Why Miss Monica could ride with us. If that’s okay with you Lady Kara”
“Fine by me, but be warn she can be unpredictable, and very difficult to be around with” said Kara, “just don’t let her push you around.”
“Understood” said Mr. Frouda, giving her a wink.
Kara then turn to face Monica, who was half listening to the conversation.
“Monica, you’ll be staying with Jillian’s parents for the rest of the trip, until we get to Trails End,” said Kara, “And I don’t want to hear that you’ve been giving them a hard time. Is that clear?”
Monica quickly nodded and climbs in into the front seat with Mr. and Mrs. Frouda. Christine, Kara, Cade, and Jillian mounted their horses and once again they were off to Trails End. Conall walk beside Pepper who tossed his head joyfully into the air.
“I hope you find your friend when we get to Trails End” said Jillian, as they rode side by side.
“Me too, I’m so worried that Jessica and her horse, Phoenix are hurt. I hope they’re okay,” said Christine.
“Don’t worry we’ll find her and her horse” assured Jillian, “you got to have faith in yourself”
“I’ll try my best,” said Christine, with a smile.
With that they continue onward and Christine just knew in her heart they would find Jessica and Phoenix.

[321unicorn]

Chapter 8 New Friends, Rivals, Bovos, and a Runaway Horse

Jessica, Emma, Deru, Colm, and Tyri were walking up the to Rolandsgaard Castle.
Emma was telling Jessica’s story to her Valkyrie teacher who turn actually out to be a very good listener, just like Kara.
When she finished the story Tyri felt sorry for Jessica.
“Hey, Jessica, Emma just told me what happen” said Tyri, “I’m sorry that happen to you, and if there’s anything I can do. Let me know. Okay?”
“Okay” said Jessica.
Just then a cat and dog came out of nowhere ran right up Emma and Colm, it was only then Jessica notice something very different about the cat and dog. The cat had wings and a horn, and the dog is had blue fur, Emma bends to pick up the cat, while knelt down to pat the dog.
“Hey Emma, what kind of a cat is it anyway?” asked Jessica looking at the strange cat.
“This Friska, she’s a Purrwing,” explained Emma as Friska made very cute mewing noise.
The blue dog saw Jessica, bark happily at the sight of her and jumped on her licking her face with his blue tongue. Jessica giggled; this dog’s nose was cold, Colm tried to pull the dog away.
“Frostbite, no you don’t jump on people, that’s very rude,” scolded Colm to the dog.
He turn to face Jessica “sorry about that Jessica, Frostbite gets really excited when meeting new people”
“That’s okay, hey um. What kind of a dog is he anyway?” asked Jessica as she petted and scratched Frostbite behind his ears.
“He’s a Valeryk husky” explain Colm.
“Oh, that’s cool,” said Jessica.
They continued towards the dinning hall and Jessica
“So who’s hungry? “ asked Tyri, looking at them.
“I am. I’m so hungry that I could eat whole horse, I mean cow. I’m so hungry that I could eat whole cow,” said Colm.
Emma shook her head and rolled eyes, but knew that her cousin was just only joking around.
“I’ll have cheese chicken and cheese on my sandwich” said Colm.
“I think I’ll have plumberry jam sandwich with honey,” said Deru.
“I’ll peanut butter with plumberry jam on it please” said Emma.
“What’s a pulmberry?” asked Jessica.
“It’s type of fruit here in North of North” explain Tyri, “I keep forgetting that you’re not from around here.”
“That’s okay. I mean, after hearing the so many stories of North of North from Kara. When I was little, she used to tell Christine and me about the legends and myths about this place. And I thought they only just stories” said Jessica, “At night I would have visions and dreams about this magical place of North of North”
“I know the feeling” said Emma, “Before I came to live here, I was born on earth, but when my parents died in the car crash, I felt like I could never get over their deaths, but then I started to have these dreams and visions of North of North, then I met Sara, the Goddess of Horses, she told me I was descendant of a Valkyrie whose name is Sigga Rolanddotter. At first I thought this was crazy, but then it was the truth when I first came here to North of North.”
“Hey If you two are done chattering Tyri just came back with our lunch” said Colm.
Jessica and Emma looked up and saw Tyri coming up towards carrying tray with food.
Jessica didn’t even notice that Tyri had left them to get the food.
“Sorry, while you two were busy having a nice conversation I told the people down in the kitchens to make and I didn’t know what sandwiches Jessica would like I asked them to different ones” said Tyri “and don’t worry if you can’t finish ones that you don’t like.”
“Thank you” said Jessica gratefully.
“So where should we have our lunch?” asked Deru.
“The stables” said Emma and Jessica at the same time.
“I should’ve guess,” sighed Colm.
“I’ll tell someone you’ll be at the stables so they can deliver the drinks” said Tyri, handing Emma the tray.
“Great, lets go before I collapse from not having anything to eat,” said Colm.
“Well in that case here’s yours,” said Jessica, handing him his sandwich.
“Thanks “ said Colm as he took the sandwich.
“Come on let’s go” said Emma.
The four of the headed towards the Canter Hollow Stables, following them was Friska and Frostbite.
When Emma, Colm, Deru and Jessica got to the stables, Jessica saw Phoenix trotting up to her, Wings followed Phoenix came right up to Emma. Soot and Twig also came up to greet Colm and Deru. As the four friends had their lunch, which was very good by the way, Jessica had tried some plumberry sandwiches, which was very delicious. A young girl name Shine Anders came down to the stables with pitcher with a drink something called lime-lemonade, which tasted pretty good and was very refreshing. After lunch Jessica fed Phoenix some of the crust of her sandwich, even rest of the horses wanted some.
“Hey Jessica, I got an idea,” said Emma, “Lets groom the horses again, and take them out for another ride because I want to show you around Canter Hollow and Trails End”
“Yeah I like that, but are you sure that’s a good idea” said Jessica, she was worried that the Wolf Rider Ivenna and Myrfor would show up again.
“Hey If your worried about that horrible Ivenna and that over grown dog of hers might show up again” said Colm, “well I can assured you that Thunder is somewhere around here and if that Wolf Rider dares show her evil face again, he’ll give her the boot out of here, faster then you can say Northern lights ”
“He’s right, I mean I’ve seen Thunder give Ivenna a real taste of his lighting bolts,” said Emma, with a smile.
“And don’t forget he did come to our aid remember” said Deru.
Deru had a really good point there, Jessica smile at the memory of Thunder really letting Ivenna have it, she remember how brave the legendary black stallion was, and how he came to the rescue along with three other legendry horses, Fiona, Jewel, and Nike.
“Ok you guys. You’ve convince me,” said Jessica.
“Hey Emma, Where is Cade anyway?” asked Colm as he bent over to clean Soot’s hooves with the hoof pick.
“He said something about doing an important errand for Sara” replied Emma, as she gave her horse, Wings a good grooming with the curry brush. “He also said that he’ll be back by evening if there are no delays.”
While Emma and Colm were having a conversation while Jessica went into the stables to check for which is Monica’s stupid pager, which was still in Phoenix’s saddlebag. Sure enough there it was. The pager. That spoiled brat Monica Angelo just had put it there. Jessica scowled at the thought Monica pulling the prank, which was stupid and very dangerous.
Oohh! If she ever saw Monica ever again, she would give the girl a real piece of her mind, after what she’s been through.
“Jessica are you ready?” Jessica jumped and turns to see Emma standing behind her.
“Are you okay?” asked Emma, looking concern.
“Yeah I’m fine,” replied Jessica.
Jessica quickly told Emma about the pager and how it was a bothering reminder of how Monica nearly killed her and Phoenix, Emma who glared at it was also disgusted.
“Come on let’s go, everyone’s waiting, even Colm and Deru are even their grooming horses, and Phoenix is waiting,” said Emma, as Jessica followed her outside.
“So where should we go first?” asked Jessica.
“That’s up to you,” said Deru, with a friendly wink.
Colm had suddenly an idea, why not take Jessica to the Overgaard Skylands first?
“I know, why not show Jessica the Overgaard Skylands?” suggest Colm.
“That’s a great idea,” said Emma “we could show her the bovos”
“Bovo?” asked Jessica, with curiosity.
“Bovos are blimp-shape like cows, except they produce different flavors of milk.” explain Emma, “For instance if you feed a bovo chocolate, it will produce chocolate milk, and if you feed a bovo strawberries, it will make strawberry milk.”
“Wow that’s really awesome I never had real strawberry milk like that before” said Jessica, “unless you count the artificial ones in food marts back on earth.”
“I’m sure you’ll get the chance to try it,” said Deru, with a smile.
“Are you ready to go?” Emma asked Jessica, who nodded enthusiastically, they mount on to their horses.
‘Then let’s go” said Colm as he mounted on Soot, who whinnied excitedly.
They barely took several steps forward when a voice shouted.
“Somebody catch that bovo!”
Jessica looked and saw coming towards them was a cow with a blimp shape like body that was floating towards them. Jessica thought fast, she spotted a rope that was on a nearby fence. She quickly grabbed it, made a loop, swung it around above her head and threw it towards the runaway or rather the floating bovo. The loop end landed on the floating animal’s neck and the bovo came to a stop and settle right down.
“Way to go Jessica” said Colm, as he, Emma, and Deru watched in amazement.
A girl came running towards them, she stopped short when she saw that a strange girl who was with Emma Roland, her cousin, Colm, and her dryad friend, Deru.
“Hi Marta, how’s everything going at the farm” Emma asked, the girl called Marta.
“Oh it’s fine thanks,” replied Marta to Emma, as she turns to face strange girl.
“Marta, this is Jessica Photter, she’s one the who caught your runaway bovo,” said Emma.
“It’s really nice to meet you. Thank you for catching her, Jessica, and I’m Marta Thomas by the way” said Marta, holding out her hand.
“Your welcome, by the way what’s this bovo’s name?” said Jessica, as she handed her the rope.
“This is Penelope she can be a real trouble maker,” said Marta as she petted the bovo.
Phoenix came over to say hello to Penelope, who let out soft moo, the stallion then nuzzled the bovo. Frostbite and Friska also came over to say hi, Even Wings, Soot, and much Twig everyone’s surprise.
“Aw isn’t that too cute” said Deru, as she watches them.
“I’ve never saw anything like that before” said Emma.
“Me either” said Colm.
“That’s never happen before,” said Marta, in amazement.
“I think it’s really sweet,” said Jessica as she happily watches them too.
“Well I think it’s really stupid,” sneered an unfamiliar voice from behind them, causing every one to jump and look into the sky.
When they turn looked up to face upward, they came face to face with a blonde haired girl was astride a big black winged horse, her face wore a scowl, and when her eyes met Jessica, her lips turn into a sneer.
“What’s this another outsider?” she sneered, her eyes still on Jessica.
“What’s it to you anyway? Why don’t just leave us alone Tiffany Miltondotter” said Marta calmly as she could, while to trying to keep her cool.
Jessica had nasty feeling that her new friends knew this snobby girl and that this girl reminded her of Monica Angelo back on earth.
“Look all I’m saying is that two people from the outside world is good enough,” said the girl, as she tossed her long blonde hair.
“Meaning what?” asked Marta, she had really awful feeling that whatever Tiffany was going to say next, it wasn’t going to be very nice or pleasant at all.
“Oh now don’t take wrong way it’s just that your new friend there really doesn’t belong here in North of North and that she really an outsider and that she should go back to where ever she came from and that she should never ever return to North of North ever again.” purred Tiffany, knowing that her cruel words had hit their mark.
Everyone glared at Tiffany who was now smirking spite of her self. How could she be so cold, so heartless?
Jessica felt like she wanted to cry, she felt tears starting to form in her eyes that were threatening to spill out. It’s not fair! What did she ever do to her? Why she can’t just stand up to this snob?
Phoenix sense something was very wrong with Jessica and hurried towards her side and nuzzled in comfort, but looked up and pinned his ears at the girl on the big black winged stallion.
“How dare you say such horrible things to Jessica?” demanded Deru, as she glared in disgusted as Tiffany turns to face her.
“Yeah well whatever you say fairy girl, like I care,”
“Take them back and apologized to Jessica right now,” snarled Colm; he just had enough of her.
“Oh come on Colm, back where you came from didn’t you-“
“That’s all in the past,” He shouted.
Emma had heard enough!
“That’s enough out of everyone,” ordered Emma, before turning to face Tiffany Miltondotter, who stood there “I want you leave Jessica alone and apologize to her for your rudeness. And you also owe Deru an apology.”
Tiffany gasps, looked up in surprise at the girl who just spoke. This was Emma Roland heir of the, Sigga Rolandotter. As in the leader of the Valkyries Sigga Rolandotter’s heir!
“ Uh . . . uh . . .Of C Coarse I I’ll . . . I’ll apologize to Jessica,” stuttered Tiffany.
Tiffany turns to face Jessica.
“I am so very sorry, to have offended you” muttered Tiffany to Jessica.
“It’s okay I guess,” said Jessica, feeling very unsure.
“I better get home now,” said Tiffany, giving Emma a smile.
Marta knew that Tiffany was faking it because once Emma and Jessica looked away Tiffany gave Jessica a very dirty look.
Even her horse snorted his disgust at Penelope who let out a loud moo.
“Come on Alrek, lets go home” said Tiffany to her black winged stallion.
Phoenix, Wings, Soot, and Twig snorted in disgust at Tiffany and her big black cowed of a horse. Even the Purrwing, Friska flew up to Alrek and let’s out an angry hiss and even swatted Tiffany in the face with her paw.
Tiffany lets out a shriek of fear as she quickly turns Alrek around who flapped his wings towards opposite direction and flew out of site.
“Good riddance” said Marta as she watched them flew further and further away.

Once Tiffany and Alrek gone. Jessica still felt really hurt.
“I’m sorry about that Jessica,” said Marta shaking her head.
“Why did she do that?” asked Jessica softly.
Marta warps an arm around Jessica’s shoulders.
“That girl rally does have issues,” said Colm, shaking his head.
“Hey if it makes you feel any better, Tiffany’s been calling me a common milk maid,” said Marta.
“If you ask me I think she needs a lesson in compassion,” said Deru.
“You got that right,” said Emma, as Friska landed on her shoulder and started to purr loudly.
“So what do you want to do now?” asked Marta.
“Well we’re going to show Jessica the Overgaard Skylands,” said Emma.
“But it looks like we won’t have enough time now” said Deru.
“Yeah thanks to certain high flying stuck up snob who wasted our time. When could’ve shown Jessica around the Skylands already by now.” muttered Colm.
Marta thought for a moment then she had an idea.
“May I make suggestion?” asked Marta.
“Sure” said Jessica, wondering what her new friend had in mind.
Marta suddenly had and idea.
“Instead of visiting Overgaard Skylands today.” suggest Marta, “why don’t you do it tomorrow that way you’ll have plenty of time? You know get an earlier start.”
“I think that’s a great idea, thanks Marta,” said Deru.
“And you guys can still show Jessica around the Canter Hollow shops or show her the Trails End landmarks today” added Marta.
“I guess we could do that,” said Colm thoughtfully.
“Hey, I don’t mind waiting till tomorrow morning” said Jessica, “plus I really want see the Canter Hollow shops.”
“Okay so it’s settled then,” said Emma.
“I have to get home, because I wasted the entire morning, because I was chasing after Penelope, plus I haven’t gotten the chores done yet, so I’ll see you tomorrow,” said Marta as she turn and led Penelope way.
Emma, Colm, Deru and Jessica were trying to decide on which shops she would like to see first.
“Hey Jessica, I got an idea where we could go” said Emma, “there’s this sweet candy shop, it’s called Mother Comfort’s Delightful Candies, it has really good candy.”
“It the Best candy here in Trails End,” added Colm.
“Okay let’s go then” said Jessica.
The four friends mounted their horses and headed towards the town of Canter Hollow.
“I can’t wait to have some can-“ Colm started to say, but broke off they heard distant galloping hooves.
Phoenix neighed loudly, so did Wings, Soot, and Twig.
As the horse gallop closer and closer Jessica could make out the horse’s golden palomino coat and the familiar saddle and bridle.
Suddenly she realize who this horse was, it was Goldie!
“I wonder whose horse that is,” mused Emma, as she watch the golden Akhal-Teke gelding gallop closer and closer to Canter Hollow.
“That’s Goldie! Monica’s horse” said Jessica. She wonders how he could have gotten here in the first place.
“Isn’t Monica the same girl you told us about, the same one who kept bulling you?” asked Colm.
Jessica sighed and nodded, she really didn’t want to dwell on the past.
“Well I better go get him before he hurts himself or someone else or worse. Let’s go Phoenix,” said Jessica, as she nudges Phoenix into a lope towards the runway horse.
“Hey Jessica do you want our help?” asked Emma, as she, Colm and Dreu managed to catch up with her on their steeds.
“Sure”
When Jessica finally caught up to Goldie, and the gelding was slowing down.
“Hey boy, remember me?” asked Jessica as she continued to talk to the horse soothingly.
The golden horse perk up his ears and saw Jessica and Phoenix coming towards him.
Tossing his head, he gave a joyful whinnied, and trotted towards them.
Jessica dismounted Phoenix and walked slowly up to Goldie, who came up to her willingly and started to nuzzle her.
“Easy Goldie” said Jessica as she stroked his sweaty golden neck.
She grabbed the reins and led Goldie back towards Emma, Colm, and Deru.
“Well that was easy,” said Colm.
“Yeah but now I have to take care him,” said Jessica, as she led the Akhal-Teke horse back to the stables.
“I’ll go get the buckets then” said Deru.
“And I’ll go get the brushes and rags,” volunteered Colm.
While Colm, and Dreu are on their way getting the buckets, rags, and brushes, while Jessica and Emma took turns cooling Goldie by walking him till he’s cool.
“He really must’ve had hard run, I mean look at him. He’s still sweating “ said Jessica sounding very worried.
“Poor Guy we’ll just have to keep an eye on him for tonight” said Emma as she stroked his neck.
Phoenix nuzzled and nickered to Goldie who responded by snorting.
Wings came over to say hi to Goldie, followed by Soot and Twig.
The horses exchanged pleasantries with snorts, whinnies, and neighs. After five minutes of waiting Colm and Deru finally came back with a grooming kit and buckets full of water.
“How is he?” asked Colm, as he handed Emma one of the buckets.
“He should be okay,” said Emma as she place the bucket down in front of Goldie.
Goldie nickered his thanks and drank slowly from the bucket, while Jessica, Emma, Colm, and Deru grabbed the rags and started to dip them into the other bucket, to get them wet.
While the four friends washed the horse, Jessica was in deep thought.
So many questions ran through her mind.
She kept thinking how Goldie gotten here. How did he get here? Wait If Goldie is here. Does that mean Monica and Christine are here too? Was Christine also here or did she go back to tell Kara? Would were they on their way? Would Kara believe Christine’s story?
“Are you okay?” asked Deru.
“You seem to be lost in your thoughts again,” said Emma, casting a worried glance at Jessica.
“Are you still thinking about Christine?”
“Yeah I am” said Jessica, as stroke Goldie on the neck.
“Don’t worry,” said Deru, ”and if it makes you feel any better. I think Christine has gone to get some help.”
Jessica smiled, “I hope you’re right if my guardian believes her”
“I’m sure she will,” said Emma, with a smile.
Just then Tyri appeared following her was her steed Seraphia.
“Hey where are you going?” asked Colm.
“It’s personal business but I’ll be back before dinner until then trail riding is off limits,” said Tyri, “and Emma you’re in charge while I’m gone.”
“Aw man, but I wanted to ride Soot out on the trails again” said Colm, crossing his arms.
“Sorry but that will have to wait till tomorrow” said Tyri, as she mounted Seraphia.
“Can we please show Jessica around Canter Hollow?” asked Deru.
“Sure, but remember to be back by eight o clock” said Tyri.
“We will and we’ll stick together,” promised Emma.
“Right I better be off” said Tyri, “ look after your new friend and her horse”
“Don’t worry I’ll watch her like she’s another sister to me” said Colm.
“Bye” said Jessica, waving.
Everyone watch as Tyri and Seraphia flew off towards the direction Dark Comb Forrest.
Once Tyri and Seraphia were gone, Jessica, Emma, Colm, and Deru finish care taking of Goldie, they a found stall for him to rest.
After that they mounted on to their steeds and headed towards Canter Hollow.

[321unicorn]

Sorry I haven't been updating my fanfiction story. I had a major writer's block. hopefully I'll update soon.

[321unicorn]

Chapter 9: Reunited

As the sun went down beautiful colors of orange, purple and pink appeared in the clouds while stars slowly appeared in the darkening sky.
Emma, Colm, Deru, and Jessica headed towards Canter Hollow on their horses. The town of Canter Hollow looked very different at nighttime.
The stores windows were lit up, the lanterns’ candles were also lit up.
“So Jessica where do you want to go first” asked Emma.
“I don’t know. What stores are available that are open?” replied Jessica, looking around at the many stores. She didn’t know which one she wanted to check out first.
“Well there’s Delightful Candies,” suggested Colm.
“Okay”
The four friends went inside the shop while the horses waited outside.

With the caravan

Meanwhile the small caravan made it’s way to Trails End.
The journey going to Canter Hollow was going as smoothly as it could go, occasionally they would stop for short breaks, to rest their horses, for the traveler people they would get off their wagons to stretch their legs.
They made it out of the forest and into Trails End. Overall the trip was really good excepted for one little thing.
“Are we there yet!” whine Monica, for millionth time.
Pepper with his ears pinned back and snorted irritably.
In fact all the horses in the caravan had their ears pinned back, including Conall. The traveler people too were getting a little annoyed by her constant whining.
“I know Pep,” said Jillian soothingly, she sighed gently stroking her steed’s blue roan speckled neck.
“If she so much as whine or says ‘are we there yet’ one more time I’m going to nip her or better yet how about if I rip, a hole in her pants” growled Conall, feeling very annoyed.
“What did he say?” asked Christine, who hadn’t said word for while now. She was thinking of Jessica and Phoenix.
“Conall said he was going to teach her a lesson,” Jillian giggled.
“Like What?”
“First he said he was going nipped her and then he was going to rip her pants”
The two girls burst out laughing.
Brianna, Sheton, Pepper, and the horses whinnied with laughter so did the people. And Conall joins in even though his laughter sounded like growls.
“Excuse Me? What was that about my brand new expensive riding pants?” snapped Monica, glaring at two girls. She was riding with Jillian’s parents’ colorful caravan wagon.
“Oh nothing much if the punishment fits,” muttered Christine.
“Uuugh!!!! Don’t tell me you’re still mad about that prank this morning” snarled Monica, rolling her eyes.
“Jessica and Phoenix could’ve really been hurt or worst killed and would’ve been your own entire fault!” yelled Christine turning to face Monica.
Monica tosses her hair “yeah well you and your friend and that nag of hers started it with me getting into trouble. And I had to do all of the yucky disgusting chores, which the stable hands were supposed to do. So you know what, we’re Even.”
Christine’s eyes blazed with anger. She couldn’t believe this stuck up half witted, in sufferable spoiled brat teenager of a bully! This is . . . Was the breaking point!
“Well you didn’t have to elbowed Jessica in the stomach!”
“I told her to stay away from Goldie, it’s not my fault that your pal is so stupid since she can’t take a hint” sneered Monica nastily.
“That’s enough Monica!” snapped Kara glaring the girl furiously. “ I told Christine to tell Jessica to muck out the stall. Since you not the one who doing it”
“Oh, Honestly your behavior is so unacceptable” said Cade, was trying not to lose his temper.
“He’s my horse I can choose who can go near him!”
Hot tears ran down Christine’s cheeks she couldn’t be near the beastly brat for another second, without saying another word she kick Brianna in to a fast canter.
“Christine wait!” shouted Cade, “come back here!”
“Cade let her be she needs time away from Miss Self Importance,” said Kara, jerking thumb Monica, who was puffing her chest out as if she was very important. “Jillian take Christine and go to Canter Hollow we’ll meet you there”
Jillian nodded, Pepper on the other hand wanted to teach Monica a lesson, so the blue roan stallion lets loose a puff cloud of pepper at the spoiled girl, Monica started sneezing uncontrollably, her eyes were watering so badly.
“AAACCHHOO! Get him away from me! AAAAAACCCCCHHHOOO!!! Keep mangy beast far away from me!” yelled Monica, she sneezed so hard that she off the caravan wagon and landed on to ground.
“Okay, Pepper she got the message” coaxed Jillian as she nudges him into fast canter, looking over shoulder.
“Come on Fuzzy Foot. We have to catch up to Christine and Brianna.”
“I’ll be there in a moment there’s one thing I’ve got to do” called Conall, turning face Monica, who coward in fear.
“Well don’t take to long”
“Oh. I won’t believe me!”
Conall growled ferociously at Monica shrieked in fear and quickly scramble to her feet.
Sheton wildly reared up on his hind legs and his front legs lashing out at the horrible girl. Monica fell on to her bottom right into mud puddle.
Kara decided to intervene before things really got of control.
“Conall, Sheton! Get going! And tell Jillian to tell Christine that we’ll meet them at Canter Hollow tomorrow. And that we’re going to be spending to the night here.” ordered Kara.
They both nodded, then both of them gallop off till they were out of sight.
Monica threw a major temper tantrum.
“THIS PLACE IS A TOTAL NIGHTMARE! I’VE BEEN OFFCALLY BEEN ABDUCTED BY ALAINS! ACTTACK BY OUT OF CONTROL WILD ANIMALS! FORCE TO GO CAMPING! HORSES WHO HAVE FREAKY POWERS! KIDDNAPPED BY GYPEIS! AND NOW I’VE BEEN TROMENTED BY HYBREEDS!” roared Monica, not noticing that several Travelers were giving her weird looks, some of them even chuckled, while others glared at her in total disgust.
“Now see here Miss that was really uncalled for,” said Mrs. Frouda and Mr. Frouda, who got off the wagon. She grabbed Monica by the wrist and walks towards back of the wagon, while Mr. Frouda open the door. Kara dismounted Storm and walk with them.
“Get in there, and not another word from till we get to Canter Hollow,” said Kara in her most dangerous commending authoritative voice ever. ”You’re in so much trouble young lady! In fact you’re GROUNDED and if you make one little peep I will see to it that you’re doing chores for the rest of your stay in North of North.”
That shut Monica up like a clam that’s about to be drop in a stew pot.
“By Sggiga’s Sword” said Cade in exasperation. “Couldn’t you have left that girl behind in the cave on Earth?”
“I wish I could but she refused to stay behind,” said Kara, shaking her head.
“You should’ve put a sleep spell, on her to knock her out Milady. Or something.” joked Mr. Frouda, smiling.
“Well dear.” smiled Mrs. Frouda, looking at him, “Shame on you for not having more regal patience.”
“I don’t know. I think your husband may have point there,” commented Cade.
Everyone in the Traveler caravan laughed his or her heads off.
“Lets make camp here for tonight” said Mr. Frouda.
“What about your daughter” asked Kara, with concerned.
“Oh don’t worry about Jillian, she probably half way to the outskirts of Canter Hollow by now” said Cade.
“And don’t forget she has Pepper and Conall,” added Mrs. Frouda “They’ll be fine. And besides they’ll look after Christine and Brianna.”
Kara hope that was true, North of North was a beautiful place but that didn’t mean it had dangers, the Wolf Riders are still at large.


Inside the shop Delightful Candies, Jessica was having a hard time choosing what candy she wanted. There were so many different types of candies to choose form. She didn’t know where to start.
“So do you see anything of interest?” asked Emma, who was looking at her.
Jessica shook her head no. “no not yet.”
Colm was enjoying himself too much, “I’ll ten dark chocolate bars. Ten dark chocolate truffles.”
“Don’t spoiled your dinner,” scolded Deru, looking at him.
“AW come on, I’m starving Deru! And besides dark chocolate is healthy for you ” said Colm.
Emma rolled her eyes, Colm and his sweet tooth appetite she thought shaking her head.
“You know that too much candy isn’t all that good for you,” said Emma, rolling her eyes.
“Says you, Emma,” retorted Colm, playfully sticking out his tongue at her.
Pretending she didn’t she hear that, Emma then turns her attention to Jessica who was still looking around, still trying to decide on what she wanted from the store, Jessica saw bags of cotton candy and kettle corn.
“I’ll have one bag of cotton candy and one bag of kettle corn,” said Jessica.
“Good choices, dear” said Mother Comfort, who runs the store.
“I’m very surprised that there is kettle corn in North of North”
“Here I’ll pay for it,” said Emma, handing the elder lady, several golden little horseshoes.
Colm paid for his stuff as well.
Once that was done the four friends headed outside.
The horses were waiting patiently, for them.
Phoenix nickered when he saw Jessica walked of the shop.
The horse was standing on three legs, and was lifting his right front hoof; his horseshoe was sliding a bit off to the side.
“Phoenix! What happen? When did this happen?” asked Jessica, as she examine the hoof. A sliding shoe meant it was time for new ones.
The horse snorted and shook his head as if to say I don’t know.
“Don’t worry Jessica we can easily get that fix” said Emma, “In fact I know someone who can help. There’s a black smith he’s name is Ray Smithin. I’m sure he can help.”
“Come on. Let’s go then,” said Jessica.
“Colm and I and the horses will meet you and Jessica and Wings and Phoenix at the Clydesdale Café, when you’re done at the forge.” called Deru.
Emma, Jessica, along with their steeds was heading towards the forge. They were almost there when they overheard a loud rude voice talking very loudly.
“Oh look Britt. It’s Emma Roland. I told you that met her in person this afternoon along with that little orphan immigrant girl and her worthless nag at Canter Hollow Stables.”
Emma and Jessica recognize that loud rude voice, they both turn around saw, and it was Tiff Miltondotter and her black winged horse stallion, Alrek. This time Tiff brought one her friends and her wing horse, which was a golden palomino stallion. Her friend had dark skin, long black hair wearing a show jacket and had white breeches.
As the two girls approached them, Phoenix and Wings became very protective of Jessica. Wings use his large wings to block Tiff’s view of Jessica who duck down to Phoenix’s withers; Emma crossed her arms glared at the newcomers who were walking towards them.
“Oh, hello Emma” said Tiff, wearing phony smile, “Just thought I’d introduce you to one my friends” She tossed long blonde hair then gestured to her friend. “This is Britt Jansdotter, she’s one of my truest friends and her horse, Roald.”
“It’s such an honor to meet you,” purred Britt, holding out her manicure hand; which Emma shook her hand. “The last time Tiff and I saw you, was at Bella’s Ball. We wanted to meet you so badly but never got the chance to.”
“We felt so bad about it,” added Tiff, “We wanted you hang out with us, so that way you wouldn’t had have to hang out with those poorly dressed peasants. I mean after all you are of royalty, and you are Sigga’s heir. Not to mention you don’t want to make mistakes with hanging out with the wrong sort of people, plus we can help you there. And people should show respected to royalty.”
Jessica wanted to gag so badly, this was so nauseating. Tiff and Britt were literally sucking up to Emma. Emma on the other hand wasn’t fooled. The only reason those two wanted hang out with Emma was because she was the first great, great, great, and granddaughter of Sigga Rolanddotter, who was the leader of the Valkyries.
“Hmm, Well I can tell the wrong sort for myself thanks,” said Emma, “nice offer and everything but I respectfully declined. Have a nice evening. Come on Jessica lets get out of here.”
Britt narrowed her eyes distastefully at Jessica who came out from hiding by the horses.
Alrek and Roald pinned their ears at Phoenix who pinned his own ears back at them.
“So you’re saying that you’re not good enough for us then?” asked Tiff, feeling very insulted.
“No. Your not and for record I would never treat people or horses disrespectfully whether their poor or rich like that. EVER!” said Emma, glaring at the two rich girls.
Tiff and Britt then turns their attention to Jessica and walks towards her.
When Tiff and Britt got closer the younger girl Tiff raised her hand and said, “This is all your fault! “
Jessica ducks out of way and runs for it.
Suddenly a loud voice shouted above them.
“Hey Tiff, Britt why don’t you two go pick on someone your own size?! Or better yet. Leave them alone.”
Everyone looked up and saw Marta and another girl (that Jessica didn’t know) riding together on spotted winged horse.
“Karin Larsdotter! What are you doing?” yelled Tiff; look up wards at the new girl.
“Standing up for people in need. You should try it sometime” said Karin, who glared back at her ex friend.
“Come on, Tiff lets get out of here” said Britt, to Tiff. “We have an appointment to get to.”
Tiff called to her horse, “Come on Alrek, and let’s get out of here”
“Roald, we’re going.” Said Britt, to her golden wing horse.
Without saying another word Tiff and Britt walk away, with their horses following them.
Once Tiff, Britt and their horses were gone, Marta and Karin who were on the spotted wing horse, landed before Emma, Jessica, Wings and Phoenix.
“Nice landing, Dagna” said Karin, as she dismounted her horse.
“We were on our way to Poesies and Petals to pick up more Butterfly orchids buttercups, and foal sprouts seeds from Mr. Bartholomew, “ explained Marta “when we saw Tiff talking to Britt.”
“We knew that they were up to something really nasty,” added Karin, ” so we followed them right to you, and well you know the rest.”
“Thanks for saving our skins,” said Jessica gratefully.
“So where are you two headed?” asked Marta.
Dagna nickered softly at Phoenix who touched noses with his. Jessica thought this was so cute. She was glad that her horse was making new friends.
“We were heading towards the forge because Phoenix has a shoe problem,” said Emma.
“It’s probably closed by now,” said Jessica, “thanks to Miss Miltondotter and Miss Jansdotter.”
“Ooh I wouldn’t bet on it. It isn’t over till the fat Wolf Rider howls,” said Karin with a sly grin.
“What do you mean?”
“Oh. Mr. Ray Smithin doesn’t close the forge till nine thirty,” said Marta smiling”
“Meaning. You have plenty of time. In fact here’s the plan Marta you go get the seeds” said Karin, then turning to Emma and Jessica, “you two get going.”
“And what are you going to?” asked Emma, looking at Karin who mounted on Dagna.
“Dagna and I are going ahead to let Mr. Smithin know that you’re coming,” said Karin, to Emma and Jessica, she then turns to face Marta.
“Can you meet me at the Clydesdale Café when you’re done?” she asked.
“Sure no problem.”
With that the four friends went on their own ways.


Christine and Brianna didn’t know how far up ahead they were of the caravan, or how close they were to the town of Canter Hollow, let alone how many farms she and Brianna past.
“Christine, Wait up!” shouted a voice from behind.
It was Jillian on Pepper who was trying to catch up to them.
Christine slowed Brianna down to a walk, so Jillian who was on Pepper could catch up to them. Trailing them was Sheton and Conall.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to take off the way I did.” cried Christine to Jillian, as she wipes away the tears streaming down her face, with the back of her hand. “I just couldn’t stand being with that insufferable Monica Angelo for another second.”
Conall whined sympathetically at her, Sheton nickered and nuzzled her arm with his head.
Jillian smiled sympathetically at her friend, “I don’t blame you” she said, “in fact, Conall has a message for you, Kara told him to tell me to tell you, that we can go ahead of them to Canter Hollow, and that they’ll meet us there tomorrow, because they’re spending the night.”
“But, what about the caravan? You’re parents? What about Kara?”
Conall grinned at her, “Tell her.” He growled softly looking at Jillian, who nodded while grinning.
“Oh you’ll love this part, Monica has to stay with them for the night.” said Jillian, grinning at her.
Christine burst out laughing at the very of thought of Monica spending the night in the great outdoors in a tent, with no warm beds, no room service. No cable television. Especially no BATHROOMS and NO BATHROOM MEANS NO HOT SHOWERS!
“Oh Boy, If Monica didn’t hate your folks before.” laughed Christine, “She really going hate them now, she absolutely loathes camping! She hates the great outdoors! Especially if there’s no place to take a hot shower or use the restroom, let alone the outhouses. ”
“WOW! I’ve never thought of that before, then again, us, travelers never use that kind of stuff like that.” giggled Jillian, “Not to mention I’m getting use to it without the use of those accommodations.”
Even Conall was howling with laughter.
“Come on lets go.” said Christine, as she nudge Brianna into a trot.
As it grew even darker the more stars came out, the northern lights danced a crossed the sky a light breeze blew across the darkening grassy fields of Trails End. Suddenly Sheton sniffed the air; a familiar scent reached his nostrils, neighing joyously the young black Arabian stallion reared up on his legs and bolted so fast that he was like a black blur in the night. He raced past Christine and Brianna, passing Jillian on Pepper, and Conall as he went.
“Sheton! Where are you going?’ shouted Christine, looking at the horse, as he gallop faster and faster way from them. Brianna knew it was time go faster, so the mare broke into a full gallop.
Pepper whinnied as if to say hey wait up he seem to be saying.
“Come on, Pepper” encouraged Jillian, as the blue roan stallion broke into a gallop. Conall too was galloping as fast as his horse legs would go.
“I’m going ahead to follow them” growled Conall, to Jillian, who turn to look at him and nodded.
What could’ve made Sheton so excited all of the sudden?
Up ahead there were several lit up buildings, Sheton seem to be slowing on to bit allowing the others to catch up.
As Christine slowed Brianna down bit so the mare could take a breather, she saw a town and beautiful castle. Is that Canter Hollow? She looked in wonder. Just then she heard galloping hooves, looking over her shoulder she saw Conall and Jillian on Pepper coming towards them.
“Jillian is that it is that Canter Hollow?” asked Christine, looking at the town and the castle.
“Yeah that’s Canter Hollow all right.” said Jillian, smiling.
Sheton shook his mane and snorted and broke into a fast canter, he stop sort turning his head to look them as if to say, you’re taking way too long, lets go already, he seem to be saying.
“I’ve never seen a horse this anxious,” growled Conall, to his human friend, “I think he’s definitely caught a scent of something that’s very familiar to him.”
Jillian could only guess that the scent belong to Jessica or Phoenix.
Pepper sent Jillian an image of them selves following Sheton.
Conall suddenly had an idea, “Jillian, ask Christine if she has anything of Jessica’s or of Phoenix’s things, because I might be able to pick up their scent more quickly.”
“Great Idea!” said Jillian; she then turns to face Christine, and “Hey do you have anything of Jessica’s or Phoenix’s things” she asked.
“Yeah. Let me check in my saddlebags,” replied Christine, as she dismounted Brianna, and check in the saddlebags,” a few seconds later she pulled out a little face brush.
Conall sniffed at it and pick up the scent. “This way” he growled softly, and started leading the way.
Christine mounted her horse again, and they were on their way to hopefully find Jessica and Phoenix.


When Emma, Jessica and their horses finally made their way to the forge, a kindly looking man with short bread (Who Jessica assumed must be Ray Smithin) was waiting for them, along with Karin and her horse Dagna.
“Well hello there, you two.” said Mr. Smithin, smiling at them.
“Hi Mr. Smithin” said Emma, she nudge Jessica. “This is my new friend, Jessica Photter.”
“I remember you,” he said, looking at Jessica. “I saw you earlier today when you taught that nasty Wolf Rider Ivenna a lesson. That took real guts. So what can I do for you?”
“Uh, you see Phoenix, has a shoe problem” explain Jessica.
“Lets take a look,” said Mr. Smithin, as he lifted Phoenix’s right front hoof and examined the shoe. “Yeah the shoe looks worn down. He’s going to need all four new ones.”
“Um, how am I going to pay you for this?”
“Ah, don’t worry about it, it’s on the house.”
“Thank you.”
“Listen I have to get going. I promised Marta that we’d meet at the Clydesdale Café,” said Karin, to Emma, she turns to face Jessica, “I really hope you find your friend.”
Karin mounted her horse Dagna, and took off.
“Right I’ll have make new horseshoes,” said Mr. Smithin. “It’s going to take awhile.” With that he immediately got to work on making new horseshoes.
After waiting five minutes Emma had an idea “how about we go for a ride on Wings?” she suggested.
“Right now? But what about Phoenix?” asked Jessica, she just couldn’t just leave him with a complete stranger that she didn’t know.
Phoenix nickered softly as to say ‘go on’ he seem to be saying.
“Okay lets go,” said Jessica.
Emma mounted Wings first; Jessica was about to mount up when . . . Suddenly very familiar voice called out, one in which Jessica never she assumed that she would see or hear again. She very slowly turns around and to her amazement was a small group. In the small group were three horses, two girls, one strange looking animal that’s part horse, part wolf. She recognizes the girl rider on a grey mare. There was no doubt in her mind this person was . . .
“Christine Nebula! I’d never thought I’d see you ever again,” cried Jessica, joyfully with tears, she looks at her friend.
“Same here Jessica Photter.” cried Christine, who also tears in her eyes.
Christine quickly dismounts Brianna, who neighs at Phoenix who did the same. Jessica also recognized the second horse, which is a beautiful black Arabian horse as Sheton. Jessica ran towards her friend, Christine did the same. They embrace each other for a long time.
Emma dismounted Wings and happily watched the pair of friends’ reunion, with tears in her own eyes.
After awhile of hugging Jessica and Christine broke apart still smiling at each other. Phoenix nuzzles Brianna and Sheton.
“So what happen?” Christine asked Jessica “I was so worried about you. I didn’t know if you were hurt or worse dead.”
“Well, I’m fine and I made some new friends, along the way,” said Jessica, grinning.
“Ditto, I did the exact same thing,” replied Christine, grinning back at her.
“How about if one of you start introducing each other’s new friends,” Chucked a booming voice.
Jessica had almost forgotten about Mr. Smithin who was hammering new horseshoes for Phoenix. He was right though. So Jessica decides to go first.
“Christine this is Emma Roland and her horse Wings,” said Jessica, nodding Emma who shook hands with Christine, and petted Wings. “That’s Ray Smithin who’s helping with Phoenix’s shoe problem.”
Mr. Smithin who was busy fitting the shoes on Phoenix glace up and said, “Nice to meet you Miss.” Before getting back to work.
Christine introduced her new friends to Jessica.
“Jessica, this is Jillian Frouda, her horse Pepper, and Conall,” said Christine.
“It’s nice to meet you,” said Jessica, holding out her hand to Jillian, which Jillian shook in return.
The horses were exchanging greetings Phoenix sniffed Pepper who sniffed back in return. Wings nickered a friendly hello to Brianna and Sheton.
“Hello Jillian, Conall. It’s been a while,” said Mr. Smithin, as he carefully hammered the nails into the Phoenix’s hooves.
Conall growl softly something Jillian who nodded. She turns to face Mr. Smithin, was still working.
“Conall says he likes the claw horseshoes you’ve made for him. But he says that they are wearing down.” Translated Jillian “And he’s wondering if you could make another pair for him.”
“Tell him. I’ll be happy to make him a new pair,” replied Mr. Smithin, as he hammered in the last nail. “But not tonight, tomorrow for sure.”
“You can really understand what he is actually saying?” asked Emma in amazement, looking at Conall.
“Of course I can understand him,” replied Jillian, as she rubs the wolf horse behind his ears “As long as I can remember.”
“So how did he get like this?” asked Jessica, in wonder. “Was he born like that?”
“I’ll tell you later, okay”
Emma suddenly realizes that she still has to pick up her cousin Colm and her friend Deru from the Clydesdale Café.
“Listen after this we still have to pick up my cousin Colm, and my friend Deru from Clydesdale Café. Then we’re all having dinner,” said Emma, to all new her friends. “You’re more then welcome to come with us and spend the night at the castle.”
“Of course we’ll come,” said Jessica, “anyway, how are we going to get home anyway?”
Christine realized she still hadn’t told Jessica.
“Um, Jessica.“ said Christine “there’s something you should know.”
“What?”
“Err when I told Kara about what happen in the cave.” explain Christine, looking very nervously. She wasn’t sure how she was going to tell her that they were moving into North of North, and that Monica followed them, and is in North of North.
“Yah go on.” encouraged Jessica staring at her. Why was her friend suddenly behaving so mysteriously?
“Maybe this should wait at tomorrow,” suggested Jillian, quickly cutting in. “Then we all can hear it”
“Great idea.” said Emma.
“There we are. New shoes.” announced Mr. Smithin, as he petted Phoenix on the neck. The horse turns to nuzzle him and bobbed his head, as if to say, thanks.
“Thank you for everything.” said Jessica, giving the black smith a hug.
“If you have any problems,” said Mr. Smithin, smiling as he return the hug. “Just come back and see me.”
“Thank you sir” said Jessica as she mounted her horse; Phoenix pawed the ground with hoof, lets go, he seems to be saying.
Emma mounted her horse Wings, Christine and Jillian mounted on their horses.
“Right. Lets go everyone,” said Emma, as she led the way to Clydesdale Café.



Meanwhile at the Clydesdale Café
Colm and Deru waited patiently for Emma and Jessica to return from the forge, while their horses Soot and Twig patiently outside for them.
While they waited Colm took out one of the Chocolate bars he bought from the Delightful Candies store, and was about to take small nibble out of it, while Deru stared at him disapprovingly.
”You’re going ruin your dinner,” she scolded, glaring at him.
“Hey, what can I say? I’m hungry,” He said, taking a small bite out of it.
Just then Marta Thomas came over with her friend Karin Larsdotter at their table.
“Hey Colm, Hey Deru. What’s up?” asked Marta, taking a seat.
“Still waiting Emma and Jessica.” replied Colm, as he took another tiny nibble from his Chocolate bar.
“No sign of Emma and Jessica yet?” asked Karin, taking a finishing sip from her drink.
“Nope not yet.”
Marta glanced at the clock. “Oh, wow it’s eight thirty already.”
“Yikes I have to get you home” said Karin, getting up from her seat quickly.
Marta turns to face Colm and Deru, “sorry I have to go. I promised my folks that I’d be back at home by nine o clock. Tell Jessica that I hope she finds her friend.”
“Will do.” Said Colm.
“Bye.” Said Deru.
With that the girls two left the café.
Five minutes later Colm and Deru kept glancing at the clock anxiously.
It was eight thirty-five now. When were Emma and Jessica going to return?
Suddenly outside Soot and Twig started to neigh and whinnied loudly and very excitedly. Wondering what all the commotion was about, Colm and Dreu glace at each other. They both got up from their seats and race outside. When they got outside they heard galloping hooves coming towards them.
It was Emma and Jessica on Wings and Phoenix following them was two girls on horseback, a third horse which was all black was behind them and strange looking animal that look like it was part wolf part horse, was also following them.
“I wonder who those two girls are, who are following Emma and Jessica?” asked Colm, was curiously looking at the new comers.
“I guess we’ll find out,” answered Deru.
As the group came a halt Emma dismount her horse Wings.
“Emma, what took you so long?” asked the Dryad.
“Well Deru we ran into a bit of trouble.” replied Emma.
“You and Jessica didn’t run into those Wolf riders again did you?” asked Colm, looking very concern at his cousin and his new friend, who shook her head no.
“No it wasn’t thing like that”
“Then what took you so long?” asked Deru.
“We ran into Tiff Miltondotter,” said Jessica, with a groan. “Again”
“Oh no.”
“Wait who is this Tiff Miltondotter?” asked the girl who came forward was riding on, a sweet face looking grey mare, which nickered friendly hello.
“Well Christine, Tiff Miltondotter is one those horrible people who thinks she’s shelf important,” said the second rider, riding a beautiful speckled blue roan stallion. “Because she rich and likes to look down her nose at people, who are poor then she is. And she loathes people like me.”
The speckled blue roan stallion snorted his disgust at the mention of it.
“She sounds like Monica could be her sister,” muttered Christine, rolling her eyes.
“UGH oh yuck” said Jessica, she too rolled her eyes.
“Wait a minute aren’t you Christine.” asked Deru, looking at the girl on the grey mare.
Christine nodded and introduced her friends to Emma’s friends, “and this is my friend Jillian Frouda, and her horse, Pepper, and her friend, Conall.” She said.
“We need to get back to the castle.” Said Emma as she mounted Wings. “We did promise Tyri that we’d be back by nine.”
With that Colm, and Deru mounted their horses and went back to Rolandsgaared Castle, with new friends.