2 A secret cave

Chapter 2 A secret cave A breathless pause followed. "Are you alright?" asked Jimmy. "Yes," Gerald called. "And guess what? I've found a cave!" Cathy climbed in, dry leaves rustling under her boots. Jimmy followed, diving head first.

"Follow me," said Gerald, who had discovered a passageway. One by one, they crept along, coming out through an arch into brilliant sunshine. "Oh!" breathed Cathy. "Is it the enchanted castle?"

They were on a marble terrace overlooking a lake. Creamy white statues dotted the grounds and up ahead rose the turrets and towers of a castle. A sense of magic hung in the air.

The place was deserted. As they walked, the feeling of magic grew stronger. They halted at the start of a maze. "I bet there's something magical in the middle," said Gerald But the middle was hard to find. They were back at the start for the fourth time when Gerald spotted a thread of cotton, tied to a silver thimble engraved with a crown. "It's a clue!" he cried.

The clue wound around the hedges, across a grassy plot and stopped at a small hand. The hand belonged to someone in a long silk gown and a glittering veil, who was fast asleep in the sun.

"Sleeping Beauty..." Cathy whispered. "You're the eldest, Gerry. Kiss her awake." "Never!" cried Gerald, alarmed. "I will," said Jimmy and planted a loud kiss on her pale cheek. The Princess opened her eyes, yawned and said, "The hundred years must be over. Do you want to come to my castle for tea?"