Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

Isabel hung on tightly as her feet frantically sought for a rung. She finally found it and a relieved cheer rang up from below. "Come down," said Scarlett. She sounded breathless. "The dare's off. Valentina and Golden Briar just cantered away." Isabel was too scared to move again. "I'll be down in a minute," she squeaked, wishing her hammering heart would slow down. One minute passed, then two… "What are you waiting for?" called Scarlett. Suddenly Isabel heard Cloud's voice. "Don't worry, Isabel. I'm right here, just beneath you." His voice was calm and soothing. Isabel swallowed and glanced down. The ground was a long way off but she could see Cloud looking up at her. Her gaze met his and some of the tension left her as she saw the

reassurance in his eyes. "I promise I'll catch you if you fall," said Cloud. "Come down slowly, one rung at a time." Gradually Isabel unclenched her fingers and bravely moved a foot. She came down the ladder, rung by rung, hoping Scarlett and Blaze hadn't noticed her fear. "That's it, you're almost on the ground," encouraged Cloud. Isabel's heart slowed down to normal speed. Reaching the last rung she stepped on to solid ground. "I'm so glad you're safe!" Scarlett hugged her. Cloud nuzzled her, breathing on her hair and whickering softly. "You did it! Well done."

Isabel threw her arms round Cloud's neck. "Thank you," she whispered so the others couldn't hear. "You really helped me up there." Cloud breathed out happily. "That's what

unicorns are for." Burying her face in his mane, Isabel felt a wave of love hit her. Right then, she wouldn't have swapped Cloud for any of the unicorns in the academy. He was perfect! "What is going on here?" Ms Nettles' sharp voice rang out. Isabel, Scarlett and the unicorns jumped guiltily and swung round. Ms Nettles was striding towards them with Valentina and Golden Briar at her side, both looking unbearably smug. "Um… Nothing!" said Isabel quickly. "Don't lie, girl. I just saw you step off the ladder to the clock tower. Were you climbing up it?" "No," Isabel lied, trying to look innocent. Ms Nettles sucked in her cheeks and gave Isabel a disbelieving look. "I sincerely hope not. Climbing the clock tower would be irresponsible and dangerous and could lead to expulsion." She shook her head. "Hmmm, I'm

not sure that you can be trusted to organise your free time sensibly, Isabel. See me after dinner in my study. I have several boxes of old books that need cataloguing." Isabel bit back a groan. Ms Rosemary had organised an inter-dorm quiz after dinner. There was no point asking Ms Nettles to reconsider. She had a reputation for extending a punishment if anyone dared to argue. "Yes, Miss." Isabel glared at Valentina, wishing she could turn her permanently bright blue. That would serve her right for deliberately getting her into trouble! By the end of dinner the rain had turned heavy again. Isabel glanced out of the window as she made her way to Ms Nettles' study. The swollen lake had broken its banks. Its sparkly water, now dulled with mud, swirled across the lawn. Dread uncurled in her stomach. She'd ignored