“Are you young ponies talking about the island?” yelled the chariot driver in a rough but good-natured tone.

Aria and Cosmo realized the volume to which their voices had risen. They blushed and looked in opposite directions.

Harper, unabashed, leaned forward and replied, “Yes sir!”

The chauffeur gave a hearty laugh as he threw his head back. His wings flapped powerfully, giving the chariot a brief burst of speed. The stallion shouted back, “You have no reason to fear. Princess Starla is quite capable of dealing with whatever trouble resides within that island. She is Princess Bellissa’s twin sister, after all.”

Within the island..?

The guard added, “You all just focus on your studies, and don't get worked up about some spooks lurking about. Your imagination might start to toy with you. Trust me, I once was a curious colt myself!”

“See, you guys? Everything's going to be just fine,” Harper proclaimed optimistically. “This is going to be the best magic school ever, and that means absolutely no mishaps. Right? Aria? Cosmo?”

The two looked at one another as Harper pulled them into a cheery embrace. Neither Aria’s nor Cosmo’s crooked grin was reassuring to the other.