A Magical Friend Read Online Free Page A

serving ponies carried in buckets of steaming oats and carrot mash, Pippa wondered what she was going to eat, but she needn’t have worried. One of the cooks came out of the kitchen to serve her personally.
    â€˜Fish and chips!’ Pippa cried delightedly. ‘My favourite food!’
    There was even a knife and fork to eat it with. As Pippa tucked in hungrily, Stardust watched in amazement.
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    â€˜So that’s what those are for!’ she exclaimed. ‘I’ve only ever seen them in the Museum of Human Artefacts.’
    Pippa laughed and listened to the ponies whinnying around her. Most of their chatter was about the missing horseshoes. Pippa caught her own name several times and a few of the ponies shyly nodded at her. But not everyone was as friendly. Several refused to look, turning away if Pippa smiled at them. She finished her meal with a rosy red apple and felt better for having eaten after such an eventful day.
    When Stardust and Pippa left the dining room to go to bed, one pony neighed at them as they passed.
    â€˜It’s funny how the girl arrived at the same time that the horseshoes disappeared. I don’t trust her.’
    The words stung, but Pippa held her head up high. The ponies of Chevalia needed her and she wasn’t going to let them down.

 
    Chapter 5
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    Stardust’s room was right at the top of the eighth tower of the Castle, reached by a spiral ramp. It was large and round, with curved stone walls. On her dressing table, in pride of place, was a little doll that had washed up on shore.
    â€˜I’ve wanted a girl ever since I was a foal but I never dreamt I’d get one,’ Stardust explained.
    â€˜I’ve wanted a pony for ever too,’ said Pippa.
    Stardust looked confused but then she laughed.
    â€˜I get it ! You’re my pet and I’m yours.’
    â€˜Can’t we just be friends?’ Pippa asked.
    â€˜Friends,’ Stardust said slowly. ‘That sounds nice. Yes, let’s be friends.’
    â€˜You’re a magical friend,’ said Pippa.
    â€˜No, you’re a magical friend.’ Stardust laughed.
    Stardust slept in a huge bed with a straw duvet and a horseshoe-shaped headboard covered with rosettes. Pippa slept on a special put-you-up next to her. The bed was surprisingly comfortable and she fell asleep immediately.

    The next morning, Pippa woke early. Stardust was still snoring softly, so she stared out of the window. Pippa was terrified of heights and at first it made her feel queasy being so high up. Taking deep breaths, she looked out over the magical island. It calmed her down to think about all of these ponies living together in such a special place. She gazed down on the Plateau to see ponies strolling on Mane Street and in the distance she spotted ponies working the fields in the Grasslands. As she looked out to the sea, she could see nothing around for miles, and she reminded herself that Chevalia would be lost if she didn’t keep her promise.
    Pippa counted the days on her fingers. There were only six left until Midsummer. Time was running out. They had to find the golden horseshoes before it was too late. Yesterday had been fun but Pippa worried that Stardust had been more enthusiastic about touring Chevalia and showing off her new friend than she had been about searching for the missing horseshoes. But today would be different. Pippa decided it was time to take charge.
    Anxious to get started, Pippa gently shook her new friend awake.
    â€˜You’re still here!’ Stardust whinnied with delight as she opened her eyes. ‘I thought I might have dreamt you.’
    Quickly, she rolled out of bed and nuzzled Pippa’s dark hair.
    â€˜Me too,’ said Pippa. ‘But it’s not a dream and we’re going to find the missing horseshoes.’
    Stardust took ages getting ready so Pippa helped, combing her long mane and tail, to hurry her along.
    â€˜I’ve been wondering