Julie Sykes - Aisha and Silver

Sophia and Rainbow

Scarlett and Blaze

Ava and Star

Isabel and Cloud

Layla and Dancer

Olivia and Snowflake

Rosa and Crystal

Ariana and Whisper

Matilda and Pearl

Freya and Honey

Violet and Twinkle

Isla and Buttercup

Lily and Feather

Phoebe and Shimmer

Zara and Moonbeam

Lyra and Misty

CHAPTER ONE

The hailstones battered down on the roof, but Aisha ignored them. She and her unicorn, Silver, were safe and warm inside the stables at Unicorn Academy. Aishas fingers moved quickly along her flute, playing the lively piece of music she had been composing for her dorms end-of-term display ride. Silver tapped along with his hooves.

Aisha had almost reached the end of the piece when Lily came into Silvers stall. Aisha paused, suddenly realising that the hailstorm had stopped and it was quiet again.

There you are! I ran over as soon as the storm ended to check you were OK, said Lily. The hailstones were massive. Theres loads of damage. Lily tucked her short, dark hair behind her ears. Trees have lost branches, the greenhouse has been smashed. She shivered. Thats the second hailstorm in two days. Its really worrying. Zara wants us to have an Amethyst dorm meeting with our unicorns to talk about what Ms Nettles said. Are you coming?

Aisha remembered Ms Nettles, the headteacher, giving a long speech in assembly that morning, but shed been thinking about her music and shed drifted off into her own thoughts. Afterwards, shed hurried to the stable block to play her piece to Silver. She frowned. Im working on my music.

Please, Aisha. This is important. And Lily smiled hopefully were going to play crossnet afterwards. Its much more fun with four of us.

Lets go, Aisha, pleaded Silver. I love crossnet!

Aisha shook her head. Her friends were great, but when she composed music she couldnt relax until she was happy with it. It was like having an itch she had to scratch. Sorry, she apologised. You can tell me what you talked about later. She lifted her flute to her lips.

OK, said Lily, walking away. But Zara wont be happy about this.

Aisha continued playing her music while Silver munched on his hay, until the stable door swung open again. Aisha blinked in surprise as she saw Zara, Phoebe and Lily all standing there. Zaras hands were on her hips and her dark eyes were cross. Aisha, she said sternly, Lily said youre too busy to come to our dorm meeting.

Behind Zara, Lily gave Aisha an apologetic look.

Im working on my music, said Aisha. She put her flute down and tightened her high ponytail.

Arent you worried about what Ms Nettles said? Zara asked.

Its awful! exclaimed Phoebe. Please come with us to talk about it, pleeeeeease!

Aisha felt her lips twitch. Phoebe was always so dramatic.

Were not leaving without you, Zara told her.

Aisha grinned. She knew when she was beaten. All right, she said, putting her flute in its case. Ill come.

Yay! Silver whinnied in delight. We can play crossnet! He eagerly trotted over to the other unicorns.

So, what did you think about what Ms Nettles said? Zara asked Aisha as they followed Silver. Its really worrying, isnt it?

Um

Zara frowned. Honestly, Aisha! You didnt listen! If the hailstorms get worse then school may have to close.

Ms Nettles said one of us might be killed if we got caught outside in a hailstorm! Phoebes blue eyes widened.

She didnt exactly say that, Phoebs, said Zara carefully. She said that if these storms carry on, it will be too dangerous for us to stay at school. The term will have to end early and graduation will be brought forward wed all be going home in just five days time.

Thats terrible! Aisha hated the idea of saying goodbye to her friends early. Also, she and Silver werent ready to graduate because he hadnt discovered his magic and they still hadnt bonded. When unicorns and their partners bonded, a strand of the persons hair turned the same colour as their unicorns mane. Then everyone could see that they were partners and best friends for life. If term ended in five days, she and Silver might not graduate and they would have to return to the school for a second year. Much as she loved Unicorn Academy, Aisha didnt want to stay there without the rest of her dorm.

We need to find out whos causing these hailstorms and stop them! declared Phoebe.

Aishas eyes widened. You mean the hailstorms might not be natural, they might be caused by magic?

Shh! Zara said hastily, glancing round. Lets go to the meadow where we can continue our meeting without being overheard!

CHAPTER TWO

Zara vaulted on to her unicorn, Moonbeam. The others followed her lead and soon they were all cantering out of the stable yard and past Sparkle Lake. The fountain in the middle of the lake brought magical water up from the centre of the earth that then flowed all around Unicorn Island. The water made the crops and animals on the island flourish, and when the unicorns drank it, it strengthened their powers. When students of the academy graduated, they became guardians of the island and helped protect its magical waters. Aisha planned to be a composer or a musician, but she loved knowing that she and Silver would also work together, protecting their beautiful island.

Near the meadows, the girls passed their riding teacher, Ms Tulip. She was heading for the stables with Mr Longnose, a school inspector. He was a tall, gangly man with a pointed nose and sharp eyes and he always seemed to think he knew best. She felt sorry for Ms Tulip, having to listen to him ramble on as they walked. Poor Ms Tulip!

Lets not go near Mr Nosey Parker, muttered Phoebe. Hell only ask where were going!

I dont trust him one bit, said Zara darkly.

Giving Mr Longnose and Ms Tulip a wide berth, they cantered into the meadow. They dismounted next to a sparkling stream and the girls sat down on some nearby tree stumps while the unicorns splashed into the icy water, whinnying and kicking it at each other. Silver loved to play, and he stamped his hooves harder than anyone, laughing when he soaked the others. Aisha grinned. She loved Silver so much. He was so confident and cheerful.