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

love learning about the rain forests and the deep sea and the moon. I love learning about everything, really.”
    “Me too!” said Annie.
    “Indeed?” said Aristotle. “You both are remarkable!”
    Jack shrugged. “Not really. I guess we just kind of know ourselves.”
    “So it would seem,” Aristotle said. “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
    “The more Jack and I learn about the world, the more we learn about ourselves,” said Annie. “We’re always trying new stuff.”
    “Yeah, even if we make fools of ourselves sometimes,” said Jack. “Especially me.”
    Aristotle chuckled. “I think we should all dare to make fools of ourselves again and again,” he said. “Anyone who fears looking like a fool must say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing.”
    “So it would seem,” said Annie.
    “May I ask: why have you come to Macedonia?” said Aristotle. “Does your visit have a purpose?”
    “It does,” said Jack with a laugh. He was enjoying talking to Aristotle so much that he’d forgotten their mission. “Actually, we’re looking for Alexander the Great.”
    “Do you know him?” asked Annie.
    “I know a prince named Alexander, the son of King Philip,” said Aristotle.
    “That’s him!” said Annie.
    “But I must say, I would not call him
great
yet,” said Aristotle. “He is only twelve years old.”
    “Twelve?” said Jack.
    “Yes. Alexander is the reason I, too, have come to Macedonia,” said Aristotle. “When the prince turns thirteen in a few weeks, I will become his tutor. Why are you looking for him?”
    “We’d love to spend some time with him,” said Annie. “We heard he was … you know, great.”
    Aristotle sighed. “The prince would certainly wish you to think so,” he said. “Well. If you want to meet him, King Philip is having a gathering at the Royal House this afternoon. It is close by.” Aristotle pointed to the mansion on the hill above the square. “The prince will be in attendance. Would you like to go with me?”
    “Yes!” Jack and Annie said together.
    “Good. Then let us climb the hill,” said thephilosopher, and he started up a pebble path that led to the Royal House.
    Jack and Annie followed, grinning at each other. “This is fantastic!” Jack said softly. “Maybe our mission will be easier than I thought!”
    When they reached the top of the hill, Jack was surprised by the plainness of the Royal House. It looked like a big white box with a tiled roof and simple columns. Two guards in crested helmets stood like statues by the entrance. Each held a giant shield decorated with a star.
    “Please wait outside,” said Aristotle. “I must alert the king that I have brought guests to his gathering—and that one of them is a girl.”
    “Why?” asked Annie. “No girls allowed?”
    “I fear females are never allowed to attend such events,” said Aristotle. “But I imagine the king has never met a girl like you before.”
    “Thanks,” said Annie. “I think.” After Aristotle left, she turned to Jack. “What is
wrong
with all the men in history? Nearly everywhere we go inthe tree house, girls aren’t allowed to do any of the fun stuff.”

    “I know, it’s crazy,” said Jack. “But stay calm. Remember, the king’s a ferocious fighter.”
    “Yeah, well …” Annie held up her fists. “We have magic that could make
me
a great fighter, too,” she said.
    “Don’t even think about it,” said Jack, glancing at the guards.
    Annie lowered her fists. “Aren’t you surprised that Alexander’s only twelve?” she said. “At home he’d be just a sixth or seventh grader.”
    “I know. How great can he be?” said Jack. He pulled out their book and looked up
Alexander, childhood
in the index. With his back to the guards, Jack read in a soft voice:
    Young Alexander was raised in the manner of noble youths. From an early age, he received military training and became an excellent swordsman, spear thrower, and chariot driver. He