2. Goldie Drops In

Goldie Drops In. "I don't believe it," Kirsty said, rubbing her eyes. "Is that what I think it is?" Pop! Pop! Pop! Rachel nodded. "Popcorn!" she whispered. It was an amazing sight. The sun was so hot that the corn in the field was cooking—and turning into popcorn! Both girls stared as fluffy golden popcorn bounced everywhere. It looked like the field was one huge popcorn machine at the movie theater! The delicious smell of popcorn drifted over the bushes, and both girls sniffed hungrily.

Kirsty and Rachel looked at each other and grinned. "There's definitely magic in the air," Kirsty said. "It must be the goblin with the Sunshine Feather," Rachel agreed, feeling her heart beat faster. Both girls looked hard at the field, hoping to spot a goblin lurking somewhere, but it was hard to see clearly through the popcorn. It was tumbling and twirling in the air like a sandstorm. Rachel suddenly grabbed Kirsty's hand. "Look!" she cried. Zooming above the field was a twinkling yellow light. It was zigzagging through the air between the popcorn, heading straight toward them. As it came closer, the air above the field seemed to glitter with a thousand golden sparkles. Both girls could see a pair of delicate wings beating quickly, and the glimmer of a tiny wand.

"It's Goldie the Sunshine Fairy," whispered Rachel, smiling. The girls held their breath as the fairy weaved in and out of the bouncing popcorn, dodging each piece. Then she swooped down and landed on the bushes in front of them. "Phew!" she said with a laugh. "Talk about a bumpy ride!" Kirsty and Rachel watched as Goldie shook popcorn dust from her glittering wings. Her face was framed by long, curly, blond hair, and she wore a dress of fiery reds, yellows, and oranges. A tiny gold tiara sparkled in her hair, and shiny red bracelets glimmered on her wrists.

"Hello again," said Goldie. "I've heard all about how you've helped Crystal, Abigail, and Pearl. You did a wonderful job finding their weather feathers!" Rachel and Kirsty grinned at each other proudly. "The goblin who has the Sunshine Feather can't be far away," Goldie continued, looking up at the sky. The sun still blazed as brightly as ever.

"That's what we thought, too," Kirsty said. "There's a farm on the other side of this field. Should we start looking there?" "Good idea," Goldie replied cheerfully. Her face fell as soon as she turned back toward the cornfield. Popcorn was still whizzing through the air like hot white bumblebees. "But is there another way across the field?"