Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE Layla could hardly bear to watch the leaves falling into Sparkle Lake as the flash flies swarmed over the trees. She ran to the lake and began to fish fallen leaves from the water. It didn't take long for her friends to catch on and soon they were all helping. It was an endless task. The wet leaves were as slippery as wriggly fish and almost impossible to grab. When Layla did manage to scoop some between her hands they slid through her fingers as she put them on the bank. A thundering of hooves announced the

arrival of Ava riding back from the stables with Star and Thyme. Other pupils had also seen what was happening and come outside. "Stand back!" commanded Ms Nettles. Everyone shuffled back, clearing an area for Star and Thyme. They trotted to the nearest tree. CRACK! In unison, the unicorns struck the ground with their hooves. Purple, green and gold sparks spiralled up, twisting round the branches of the trees. The branches shuddered. CRACK! More sparks, a rich sweet smell, and this time tiny buds shot from the tips of the branches. The buds unfurled like fingers into fresh new leaves. A cheer rang up from the students. CRACK! CRACK! Star and Thyme stamped their hooves repeatedly. Sparks flew, the trees made popping noises and the air was heavy with the magical smell of burnt sugar.

Star and Thyme moved between the trees, stamping their hooves as they worked their magic in a crackling, popping shower of coloured sparkles. Over the top of the noise came a volley of sneezes. "Poor Ms Nettles!" Layla thought the teacher was being very brave, sticking to Thyme's side even though the new leaves were

playing havoc with her hay fever. Ms Nettles' nose was red and tears streamed from her eyes. "The flies are multiplying!" exclaimed Olivia. "They're spoiling the new leaves." Layla watched in horror as a gigantic swarm of flash flies arrived in a glittering ball of turquoise and pink. Their red eyes flashed as they descended on the new leaves to suck out the goodness. "Look at the lake," said Sophia. The rainbow-coloured water of Sparkle Lake was now a sorry sight, its surface covered in dead, brown leaves. Star and Thyme battled on, stamping their hooves, channelling their magic to grow new leaves faster and faster. Magic sparked and whizzed in the air, endlessly replacing the falling leaves until Ms Nettles called for Star and Thyme to stand down. "It's no good," she told the unicorns. "If anything, the magic is making the situation

worse by creating more leaves for the flash flies to feast on." "We really need Ms Primrose," said Jake, a dark-haired boy from Amber dorm. "If only she was here," agreed Layla. "Oh, why did this happen just after she went away?" Olivia let out a squeak then clapped her hand over her mouth. "Olivia dear, what is it?" asked Ms Rosemary in concern. "Errrm…" Olivia started to stutter but she was saved from answering by Ms Nettles. "Everyone, back indoors immediately," she commanded. "There's nothing more to be done here. Go and get ready for breakfast while we teachers try to come up with a plan." "What's up, Olivia?" asked Sophia as they headed back to school. Olivia glanced around. "Not now, later." As soon as they got back to the dorm, Olivia shut the door.

"So what is it?" Scarlett asked her. "Don't you see?" said Olivia. "I bet Ms Nettles caused the infestation of flash flies! She's mad on beetles so why not flies? She waited until Ms Primrose got called away and then somehow brought those flies here. I saw her climbing that tree yesterday. I bet she was planting a spell in it to attract them!" "Yes," breathed Isabel. "It has to be more