Magic Tree House #49: Stallion by Starlight (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

Jack, sitting up straight.
    “The magic hour, when we were great horse trainers,” said Annie.
    “What about it?” said Jack.
    “It ended,” said Annie. “For a long time, we’ve been riding Buddy just as ourselves.”
    “Really?” Jack said. “The magic ended?”
    “Don’t worry,” said Annie. “Buddy doesn’t mind riders now. We helped him understand that we’re his friends, and that it’s okay to let other people ride him. He’s not waiting for his master anymore.”
    “Oh, wow,” Jack said softly. He stroked Buddy’s damp neck. “Thank you for the great ride.”
    The stallion whinnied and kept trotting. Soon he trotted past the military field again, where the king’s soldiers were still marching. “Remind me never to join the Macedonian army,” said Jack.
    Annie laughed. “We’d better get Buddy back to the barn before everyone wakes up,” she said.
    “Okay. Then we’ll figure out what to do next,” said Jack, “about helping Alexander and stuff.”
    “And we have to learn a truth about greatness from him, too,” said Annie. “Remember our mission?” She held out her hand, reminding Jack about the Ring of Truth.
    “Right,” said Jack. He’d almost forgotten. “Keep checking that ring to see if it’s glowing.”
    “I am,” said Annie. “Don’t worry.”
    The stallion gathered speed and cantered up the road toward the market square. By now, the sellers were setting out their fish and fruits and vegetables.
    Jack looked up at the hilltop. King Philip’s white mansion caught the fiery light of the rising sun. “We need to take you back to your stall now, Buddy,” he said.
    The stallion stepped carefully up the pebble path. When they reached the stable area, Jack spied the king and his companions walking toward the riding ring. “Oh, no! They’re here already,” he said.
    “Then let’s take Buddy through the stable’s back entrance,” said Annie. “Hurry!”
    “Good idea,” said Jack. He shifted his weight. “Turn, Buddy, go right.”
    The stallion changed direction and headed for the back of the stable. But as they drew closer, Jack saw someone standing in the open doorway.
    It was Prince Alexander.

T he stallion stopped and neighed at the prince. Alexander stood with his legs apart and his arms crossed. He was not smiling.
    “Hi there!” Annie said.
    Alexander didn’t answer. He glared at Jack and Annie. “I shall have you punished for stealing him,” he said. “I have been looking for him everywhere.”
    “We didn’t steal him. We just took him out for a ride,” said Jack.
    “Why did he let you two ride him?” Alexander asked. “Of all people?”
    Jack started to make a comment about Alexander’s attitude, but then he made a different decision—he decided to be kind. “Maybe he let us ride him because he knew that
you
are a friend of ours,” he said.
    The prince looked confused by Jack’s answer. “Really?” he asked.
    Jack nodded.
    “Well, I suppose that could be possible,” Alexander said. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath. “So where did he take you?” he asked. The anger had left his voice. Now it was filled with curiosity.
    “We just rode through town and down the main road and around the swamps and fields,” said Annie. “I wish you’d been with us!” She swung her leg over the horse’s back and slid to the ground.
    Jack did the same. The stallion neighed and brushed his head against Annie, then Jack. Annie giggled. “That tickles,” she said.
    “How did you tame him?” Alexander asked.
    “We listened to him,” said Jack.
    “Listened to him?” the prince asked. “What do you mean?”
    “It was sort of like … we forgot about ourselves and paid total attention to him instead,” said Jack.
    Alexander watched as Annie and Jack stroked the stallion’s mane. “My father vows he will not waste his gold on this horse,” he said. “But I … I see something very special in him. I believe he is extraordinary.”
    “He is,” said Jack. “He’s incredibly loyal.”
    “And he has a great heart,” said Annie.
    “I know. I can tell,” said Alexander.
    “Maybe you could tell your father that you will pay for him yourself,” suggested Annie. “Do you get an allowance?”
    “I do not know what that means,” said Alexander. “But no matter. I doubt that my father would agree to anything I propose. He has no respect for my opinions—or my accomplishments.”
    “Your father is wrong not to give