The Special Secret Read Online Free Page A

barely astride her when Stardust took off at a fast gallop. They were almost across the field when the Night Mares realized they’d been seen, and they took off with a whinny of surprise.
    Storm and Comet had already galloped off toward the Savannah, hoping to catch the Night Mares as they made their way back to the Volcano.
    â€œHurry,” Pippa urged, leaning forward like a jockey on a racing pony.
    The mud was slowing Stardust down. Pippa could hear it squishing under her hooves, and some of it flicked up, splattering her own hands and face. Stardust struggled on, not caring about the mud, and slowly they began to catch up with the Night Mares.
    â€œGo, Stardust!” Pippa yelled encouragingly.
    â€œHang on,” Stardust shouted back. “I’m going to take a shortcut.”
    She changed direction, veering to the left and heading for a track. Pippa clutched Stardust’s mane and gripped her flanks hard with her knees. She knew she had to concentrate on her balance. They couldn’t risk losing sight of the Night Mares.
    Pippa felt sick with excitement. If Stardust could keep this speed up, they would be able to cut the Night Mares off. She hunched low over Stardust’s neck, her wavy brown hair flowing behind her.
    Away to her left Pippa could hear a rattling noise. At first she ignored it, but the noise was growing steadily louder and was making Pippa uneasy. What was it? She looked around and gasped in horror. A cart, stacked high with cut grass and drawn by four enormous horses, was heading toward them. The stocky chestnut who was leading the horses hadn’t noticed Stardust and Pippa, and at this rate Pippa knew they were all going to collide.
    â€œWatch out, Stardust!” she screamed. “Cart to the left!”
    Stardust turned her head, then slowed down in fright, unseating Pippa, who was forced to slide far up Stardust’s neck.
    â€œSorry,” Stardust said as she composed herself.
    â€œDon’t stop!” Pippa called, trying to push herself down Stardust’s neck.
    â€œBut you might fall off,” replied Stardust.
    â€œI won’t.”
    Gritting her teeth, Pippa clung on with all her strength. The ground raced by as Stardust’s hooves carried them along at a frightening speed. If Pippa fell off now, Stardust might tread on her. Worse still, Pippa might even trip her friend up. She hung on tightly and pushed herself down Stardust’s back. The cart was terrifyingly close.
    â€œOut of the way!” Pippa screamed.
    Frustration bubbled in her stomach. Couldn’t the leading pony see the Night Mares and realize that they were chasing them? As they drew nearer, Pippa got a proper look at the leader. She recognized that square nose and those big eyes.
    â€œBaroness Divine!”
    The baroness didn’t seem to notice the Night Mares and was smiling, apparently without a care in the world.
    â€œWhat’s she doing? Why is she here?” Stardust was confused. “She doesn’t usually help with the harvest.”

    If they kept going, there would be a very nasty accident, so they had no choice but to slow down. Snorting angrily, Stardust pawed the ground. They watched in frustration as the Night Mares galloped away.
    â€œAfternoon,” the baroness said, pulling up next to them. “My goodness, look at you both! Have you been having fun in the mud?”
    Pippa eyed her suspiciously. It wasn’t like the baroness to be so friendly.
    â€œYes, thank you, but we’re too busy to stay and talk,” Pippa replied.
    Stardust darted behind the cart and broke into a gallop.
    The Grasslands stretched ahead of them, flat and open, dotted with farm buildings, a forest in the distance. There was no sign of the Night Mares at all.
    â€œThey must be hiding,” Stardust panted, dropping back to a canter. Her white coat was lathered with muddy sweat.
    â€œShould I walk?” Pippa asked, running a hand down the