Chapter 1

Sophia and Rainbow by

CHAPTER ONE "We're almost at the school!" exclaimed Sophia, seeing a sign just ahead. The swirly gold writing on it said Unicorn Academy beside a painting of a snow-white unicorn with a rainbow arching over its head. An arrow pointed up a long, tree-lined drive. "Race you up the drive," called Harry, Sophia's seven-year-old brother. Sophia couldn't wait to see the school after five hours of riding, and she would have loved to gallop, but she slid from her shaggy grey pony's back and patted his neck fondly. "Sorry, Harry but Clover's tired. I'm not going to make

him race." Clover, who was old and couldn't go fast any more, pushed his nose gratefully into Sophia's hair. Her wavy black curls hung over his muzzle like a droopy moustache. Sophia giggled but there was a heavy weight in her stomach. Now she was ten, she was thrilled to be old enough to attend Unicorn Academy and finally get a unicorn of her own. But she was really going to miss Clover! "All right, sweetie?" asked her mum, trotting up alongside. Solitaire, her unicorn, was fully grown and looked very elegant compared to short-legged Clover. "You're going to have a fantastic time here at the school, but I expect it feels quite strange at the moment. Remember to be polite and please try to think first before rushing into things." Sophia grinned. "As if I'd do that, Mum!" "Hmm," her mum said, raising her eyebrows. Then her expression softened.

"Remember that all the other girls and boys will probably be feeling as nervous as you. But it won't be long before you get to know each other." "I am a little bit nervous about making friends," admitted Sophia, "but I'm more worried about Clover." She stroked Clover's neck. "Do you think he'll be OK without me?" "He'll be fine," said her mum. "He's getting old and he'll be happy having a quieter life.

Harry and I will make sure he gets lots of cuddles and fuss. Don't worry about Clover, just enjoy getting to know your own special unicorn, bonding and learning to work together to protect our island." Sophia's heart swelled. She loved the thought of protecting Unicorn Island, their beautiful home. "I wonder what my unicorn will be like and what its magical power will be. I hope it can heal like Solitaire." Each unicorn was born with its own special magical power. There were many different powers and young unicorns usually found out what they could do in their first year at Unicorn Academy. Sophia's mum leaned down to push a stray black curl out of Sophia's eyes. "I'm sure you'll love your unicorn whatever power it has." Sophia fell quiet as she rode Clover through the green tunnel of trees towards the school. She really wanted her unicorn to be able to heal.

With healing magic, maybe she could take away some of the aches and pains that Clover was suffering. The tunnel ended and Sophia rode Clover out into the pale January sunlight. Excitement rushed inside her as she stared at the enormous building of marble and glass with a fountain sparkling in front of it. She'd dreamed of this moment for years. "It's beautiful." She could hardly tear her eyes away from the majestic towers of the school and the perfectly kept gardens surrounding it that were filled with plants and flowers, even in winter. In the distance, the multicoloured, magical water of the famous Sparkle Lake glittered in the sunshine. "I wish I was old enough to come here," said Harry longingly. Girls and boys were rushing in all directions. Teachers called out instructions. A group of girls stood together at the bottom of the steps