CHAPTER 2
Clover was happy to join Sofia on the shopping trip.
As she and Clover settled in the coach, Sofia inquired, "Mom, can we stop by our old neighborhood? I'd like to see Ruby and Jade."
"So would I!" seconded Amber.
"Certainly, girls. I wanted to talk to Mrs. Hanshaw about the upcoming Buttercup outing anyways, so we can start our trip with a pleasant visit," replied Miranda.
"Coachman, please take us to Mrs. Hanshaw's house in the village first."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
And they were off.
/
In no time flat, the coach arrived. Sofia and Amber caught sight of Ruby and Jade, and waved a greeting, calling to them.
"Ruby! Jade!"
"Look it's Sofia and Amber!" exclaimed Jade, and she and Ruby ran to greet the coach.
The girls and Clover went off with their friends while Miranda and Mrs. Hanshaw smiled and had a very pleasant visit.
Sometime later, Miranda was set to start the shopping outing.
"It's going to be a great outing!" remarked Miranda.
"I think the girls will enjoy it!" Mrs. Hanshaw agreed.
"Well, I have some shopping to do in the village. Let me get the girls.
"Amber! Sofia! Time to go!"
The two girls (and Clover) said goodbye to their friends and joined their mother on the trip into the village shopping district.
/
The shopping trip was going along well. The ladies bought some new bolts of cloth for gowns, and assorted knickknacks. They were finishing their shopping trip at the grocers.
Clover waited outside, gazing longingly through the window at all the food, when he smelled what he thought was a carrot nearby. Looking about, he saw a nice, big, juicy carrot right in the middle of the street. He waited a few minutes to see if anyone would claim it. Since no one did, he decided to.
"You're mine now, you gorgeous orange vegetable!" he said to himself, as he started munching on it right there in the street.
Sofia came out with Amber, and noticed Clover munching his carrot. Miranda was still in the shop, as the final purchase was being wrapped for transport.
"Oh, Clover!" sighed Sofia, as she walked to collect here pet for the trip home. She got down on her knees and said, "Clover! You and your carrots!"
But then someone also noticed Sofia and Clover in the middle of the street.
WHAT LUCK! Now's my chance! thought this mysterious individual as he spurred his black stallion forward at breakneck speed, heading straight for Sofia and Clover!
Amber heard the thundering of hoof beats, just as Miranda exited the shop, and screamed "SOFIA! LOOK OUT!"
Sofia looked up and was frozen in place as the crazed rider bored down on her! Miranda dropped her package and bolted for her daughter, only to have a stranger in a large floppy hat and long trench coat fly past her, and make a flying dive for Sofia and Clover! The stranger grabbed Sofia and Clover a split second before the horse and rider got to them and tumbled!
The rider was heard to curse loudly, as he kept on at high speed, clearing out of the village before anyone could do anything!
Miranda got to Sofia, cradled her and asked, "Sofia! Are you alright?"
"I think so, Mom! Clover, Clover are you alright?"
Clover looked at Sofia and said, "I'm okay, Sof," and he started to tremble.
Amber arrived a split second after Miranda, asking the same question, and getting the same reply.
"If it wasn't for you..." Miranda started to say, but the stranger in the floppy hat and trench coat was gone. No one knew where he went.
With Sofia and Clover trembling, and Miranda and Amber severely shaken, they made their way to the coach for the ride back to the castle.