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

“ ‘A raving nut’? What is that?”
    “Um … in our land, a ‘raving nut’ is a very rare and valuable kind of nut,” said Jack.
    “Right, by comparing you to a raving nut, Jack’s saying you are very valuable,” added Annie.
    Alexander looked at Annie suspiciously, then back at the notebook. “ ‘This guy should be locked up,’ ” he read.
    “For protection!” said Annie. “Someone as great as you should be locked up for your own safety. You’re a living Greek god, for goodness’ sake!”
    Alexander read more: “ ‘What a show-off!’ ” He looked puzzled. “Show-off?” he asked.
    “That means you can’t help showing the world how great you are,” said Jack.
    “Ah, that is true,” said Alexander. The prince then read Jack’s last note: “ ‘He could never have friends.’ ” For a second, the prince looked hurt.
    “That—uh—I mean it must be really hard for you to find people who are as great as you to hang out with…,” Jack said lamely.
    “Hmm,” said Alexander. He closed the notebook and handed it back to Jack. “Perhaps we should compare athletic skills now,” he said.
    “Your skills with mine?” said Jack.
    “Don’t you want to tell us more about yourself?” Annie asked the prince.
    “No, I want to learn more about Jack,” said Alexander. “Let us race one another,” he said to Jack. He pointed down the hill. “To the stable fence and back.”
    “I’d rather not,” said Jack.
    “You must race me! Now!” the prince ordered.
    “Okay, okay,” said Jack. He was a pretty good runner. Maybe he had a chance to win. He put away his pencil and notebook and handed his bag to Annie. Then he knelt down on one knee.
    “GO!” shouted Alexander.
    The prince sprinted down the hill toward the stable, his purple cloak flying behind him. Jack ran as fast as he could, but Prince Alexander ran much faster.
    By the time Jack touched the fence of the stable, Alexander was already running back up the hill. In the searing heat of the late afternoon, Jack struggled to keep going. Halfway up the hill, he felt like he might pass out.
    “Come on, Jack! Come on!” yelled Annie.

    Alexander stood at the top of the hill, grinning down at him.
    When Jack finally reached Alexander and Annie, he wobbled a few steps and collapsed.
    “Jack!” Annie cried. She knelt beside him. “Are you okay?”
    Alexander walked over to them. Instead of helping Jack up, he just stared down at him. “I think being a winner is much better than being a friend,” the prince said. “Don’t you?”
    “No!” said Annie. “You’re mean.”
    “All right. I’ll give your brother another chance,” said Alexander. “Would you like to race again, Jack? Or perhaps wrestle?”
    Jack didn’t answer. He was just trying to breathe.
    “I didn’t think so,” said Alexander. “Perhaps you should compete against girls in the future.”
    “Very funny,” Annie said. “Hold on, Prince.” She reached into Jack’s bag and pulled out the tiny bottle. Then she leaned close to Jack and whispered in his ear, “Here, sniff the magic mist.Race him again. Show him!” She slipped the tiny bottle into Jack’s hand.
    Jack wrapped his fingers around the bottle. All he had to do was sniff and make a wish to be the greatest athlete in the world. He clutched the bottle tighter.
    Then a strange calm came over Jack. He
could
use Merlin’s magic. But he didn’t really want to. Or need to. Why waste it on a mean, arrogant bully?
    “No, I don’t want to race you again,” Jack said. Even though he felt sick, he forced himself to sit up. “You’re clearly a much better athlete than I am.”
    The sound of hoofbeats came from the stable below. Men were herding horses into the fenced-in riding ring. Alexander let out a whoop. Without glancing back, he ran down the hill.
    Jack and Annie watched the prince climb the fence and join the men and horses in the ring. In the distance, accompanied by his bodyguards and companions, King Philip was heading down to the stable, too.
    “You sure you’re okay?” Annie asked Jack.
    “I’m fine,” he said, though he still felt woozy from the heat. “Here, put this back.” He handed the bottle to Annie. “He’s not worth it.”
    “You’re right,” said Annie.
    “I’m totally done with him,” said Jack.
    “What about our mission?” Annie asked. “There’s a truth about greatness we’re supposed to learn from him. And we haven’t learned it