Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

Ms Nettles dropped to her knees and began to frantically search the floor. "Whatever do you think you're doing?" she demanded. "I'm sorry," Isabel stuttered, wondering why the teacher was crouching on the floor– and how much trouble she was going to be in. "I didn't mean to damage the book. There were beetles in it when I picked it up. They've nibbled holes in the paper." Ms Nettles' glasses were rattling so hard that Isabel expected them to slide right off her nose. She pointed a bony finger at Isabel. "Stay exactly where you are," she ordered as she continued to search the floor. "Hester, Horatio, where are you, my lovelies? Come to Mummy." For a moment Isabel thought the teacher had gone mad. It was only when Ms Nettles found the two beetles and slipped them carefully

inside a small box that Isabel realised what she was doing. "They're your beetles?" she breathed. "Yes! I collect them but these two escaped when I was cleaning out their tank. If I ever catch you stamping on a beetle, then you will be out of this school faster than you can say unicorn," said Ms Nettles. "Hester and Horatio are the only two book beetles in my extensive beetle collection. They are also my favourites." Ms Nettles collected beetles. Weird! For a wild moment, Isabel wondered if Ms Nettles might be the person trying to harm the lake. She was certainly odd enough. But that was a crazy idea. Why would a teacher do that? "Your work here is done. I'll finish off. Go and wash your hands ready for dinner." Isabel was only too pleased to leave. "Thank you, Ms Nettles. Please could I have that book back though? I want to show it to Ms Primrose." "No," snapped Ms Nettles. "Ms Primrose is

in a meeting and is far too busy to see you. I will deal with the damaged book." "But this is important. There's a way of stopping the rain…" Ms Nettles wouldn't listen. She tucked the book under her arm as she chivvied Isabel out of her study. "Go!" she said, glaring down her nose. "If I hear any more of this nonsense about rain, you'll be in detention for the rest of the year. Is that clear?" "Yes, Miss," sighed Isabel. Ms Nettles pulled a key from her pocket and locked the door. There was nothing Isabel could do but to go.

On her way to the dining room, Isabel stopped to gaze at the rain coming down faster and faster outside. How could everything have gone so badly wrong? Six short months ago she'd stood in the hall bursting with excitement at the thought of meeting her unicorn. Now the academy might close before the year was over.

Isabel wondered if everyone would be made to start the year again or only the pupils and unicorns that still had to find their magic and bond. That would mean Scarlett and Sophia and Ava wouldn't come back and she'd be left with people like Valentina. No, that couldn't happen! Isabel walked over to the rainbow-coloured glass doors of the Great Hall and slipped inside. She wandered across to the magical map. It was a model of Unicorn Island surrounded by a magical force field that hummed softly. Isabel held out a finger and touched it curiously. "Ow!" she winced as it gave her a small electric shock. The map had the power to take people anywhere on the island but students were only allowed to use it with Ms Primrose's permission. Staying clear of the force field, Isabel stared at the coastline. What if rain seeds were to blame for the rain? What if someone had hidden some on one of the island's coasts?