Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

"What are we going to do, Isabel?" Isabel sensed Cloud's panic. The unicorn trembled as a wave almost knocked him over. "I'll think of something," she said, trying to keep calm despite the fear that was rising inside her as she listened to her friends' shouts for help. "The waves are strong but maybe we can still get to them and help them out." Cloud hesitated. Isabel wrapped her arms round his neck and hugged him tightly. "We can do this, Cloud. Trust me!" The hug seemed to rally Cloud. Staring intently at the sea he took a step towards the cave and then another, pushing his legs through the swirling water as it rose higher and higher. With each step his confidence seemed to return. Isabel urged him on. "That's it, Cloud. Keep going!"

Suddenly she noticed something strange. The sea seemed to be moving away from Cloud's hooves. "Cloud, are you doing that?" she demanded. Cloud looked to where Isabel was pointing. "Y–yes, I think I am. I was just thinking about the sea parting to let me through and… and it seems to have happened!" he said in astonishment. "Try it again," said Isabel. Cloud strode forward. Isabel felt something crackling in the air. It was accompanied by the rich smell of burnt sugar. Isabel recognised the smell instantly. Magic! All of a sudden there was a sound like paper ripping and the sea divided, opening up like a long zip. "Cloud!" squeaked Isabel as a path of wet shining sand appeared before them, leading straight to the cave. "Look what you've just done!"

Cloud didn't answer. Isabel could tell he was concentrating hard as he used his water magic to hold the sea back. Olivia and Layla, on Snowflake and Dancer, came slowly out of the cave. They looked round in astonishment, staring at the sea that was being held back on either side of them, two

looming blue walls of water. "Hurry," gasped Cloud. "Get to safety! I haven't got the strength to hold the sea back for long!" "Go that way!" Isabel shouted, pointing to where the tide was coming in more slowly. If they could reach the base of the cliffs they could follow a path that led up to the cliff top, where the others were anxiously waiting. The unicorns didn't need any more urging– they cantered through the water, heading towards the cliff path. Cloud whinnied and charged after them. As he galloped down the sandy path, the sea wall collapsed behind him. Isabel urged him on, stroking his neck. "You're amazing, Cloud! You're the best unicorn ever!" She felt new strength surge through Cloud and he galloped faster than he ever had in his life, his tail streaming out like a banner behind him. At last all the girls reached the cliff and scrambled up the path to where the sea couldn't

reach them. Then Isabel felt Cloud's legs wobble and he collapsed on the ground, his sides heaving. Isabel slid from his back. "Oh, Cloud, you were fantastic." She threw her arms around him and buried her face in the unicorn's soaking neck. "Are you OK?" "I've found my magic," said Cloud, sounding dazed. "I can control water. I can part the tide and the waves. I bet I can even make it rain." "Don't make any more rain!" said Scarlett in alarm. Cloud managed to laugh despite gasping for breath. "No more rain. I promise." He turned to Isabel and nuzzled her. "You helped me to find my magic, Isabel. Thank you." Isabel was filled with a glow that fizzled right through her and her brain raced as she thought of all the amazing things she and Cloud could do with his new-found water magic. She hugged him and he tried to stand but his legs