1 Exploring

The Enchanted Castle

Chapter 1 Exploring "This is the most boring summer ever," said Gerald, looking at Cathy and Jimmy's glum faces. Their parents were abroad and they had been left to stay with Marie, an old friend of their mother's.

"We need an adventure," he said. "You can't just have an adventure," said Jimmy, who liked to disagree with everyone. "But you can look for one," Gerald replied firmly. "Let's go exploring. I'll ask Marie if we can." "Like that?" asked Cathy. Gerald glanced in the mirror. His hair was sticking up and he had a blob of strawberry jam on his chin. "Perhaps I'll clean up first."

Minutes later, he went to the sitting room. "I've been thinking," he began. "Wouldn't it be easier for you if we went out during the day?" Marie smiled. "You mean you want to explore," she said. "Of course. Why not take a picnic?"

Everyone felt more cheerful as they left the house. It was certainly a good day for exploring. The street lay bathed in sunshine and dust sparkled in the road like diamonds. "My friend told me there was an enchanted castle near here," said Gerald, as they strode along the hot, dusty road.

"Enchanted?" mocked Jimmy. "What an idiot. But a castle might be fun," he added. "Where is it?" Gerald shrugged. "No idea." He stopped as they reached a fork in the road. "Let's try this one," Cathy said, taking the right-hand fork.