Isabel and Cloud

by Julie Sykes

  A wind sprang up, whipping Isabel’s curly hair around her face. She was spinning, Cloud’s mane blowing up as they spiralled faster and faster. Isabel clung to Cloud as suddenly he plummeted down…

  To Joanne Temple, who always tells a good story.

  “Try again.” Isabel pointed at the bundle of twigs surrounded by stones. “You can do this, Cloud, and think what fun it would be to make a fire.”

  Cloud nuzzled her. “OK, Isabel, I’ll try again for you. But I’m almost certain that I don’t have fire magic.”

  It was lunchtime at Unicorn Academy and most pupils and their unicorns were lazing around together on the banks of Sparkle Lake, enjoying the summer sunshine. Isabel and her unicorn, Cloud, had sneaked away to a quieter part of the grounds.

  “You don’t know for sure.” Isabel stroked Cloud’s neck, tracing round the pale-blue swirls on his white coat. “I think you just need to try harder.”

  All the unicorns on Unicorn Island were born with a special magic power, although they couldn’t be sure when that power would be revealed. Isabel was desperate for Cloud to discover his magic.

  Please let Cloud be like Blaze and have fire magic, she thought.

  Blaze, Scarlett’s unicorn, had been one of the first unicorns to discover her magic. Isabel was happy for Scarlett, her best friend, but she secretly hated the fact that Blaze had discovered her magic before Cloud.

  Cloud stared intently at the pile of sticks. He lifted a hoof and struck the ground.

  “Again!” instructed Isabel. “Do it again, harder. I’m sure there was a spark.”

  Cloud rapped the ground repeatedly. The noise made Isabel’s ears ring and the dusty earth made Cloud sneeze.

  “Atishoo!” Cloud couldn’t stop sneezing. “Sorry, Isabel. I really can’t make fire.”

  Isabel heaved a sigh. “OK, well, maybe fire magic isn’t your thing. Why don’t you try turning invisible again? I’m sure the tip of your ear vanished the last time you tried.”

  Cloud shook his head. “No, it didn’t, and I think we should stop. My parents told me that magic can’t be rushed. We both need to be patient.”

  Isabel buried her face in his silver and blue mane, trying to hide the frustration inside her. Cloud was lovely, he was sweet and kind, but Isabel couldn’t help wondering if Ms Primrose, the academy’s headteacher, had made a mistake when she put them together. Ms Primrose said that she paired students with the best unicorn for them, but patient Cloud wasn’t anything like competitive Isabel.

  Is he really the right unicorn for me? she thought. Surely I should have a lively, more adventurous unicorn like Blaze?

  Like all the other first years, Isabel was ten years old and had started at Unicorn Academy back in January. The students spent at least a year at the school, getting to know their own special unicorn and learning how to become guardians of Unicorn Island. Their beautiful island was nourished by the magical multicoloured water that flowed from the centre of the earth and out through a fountain in Sparkle Lake in the grounds of Unicorn Academy. The water was then carried around the island by rivers and streams, and its magical properties helped people, animals and plants to flourish.

  Most students and unicorns only spent a year at Unicorn Academy but some stayed longer. Ms Primrose called them the lucky ones because they got extra time at the academy while their unicorns discovered their magic or bonded with their student. When a unicorn and student bonded, a lock of the student’s hair turned the same colour as their unicorn’s mane.

  “I need a rest,” said Cloud. “Let’s go back to the lake.”

  “OK,” said Isabel, vaulting on to his back. She really hoped Cloud would discover his magic soon. She didn’t think she could bear staying at Unicorn Academy another year, after all her friends had left!

  They set off for Sparkle Lake. Isabel shaded her eyes from the dazzling sunshine as they drew nearer. She could see her friends from Sapphire dorm sitting exactly where she’d left them. The group were talking in whispers, casting glances at Sparkle Lake. Isabel had a feeling she knew what they were talking about.

  “Someone’s definitely trying to cause trouble,” said Sophia as she threaded daisies together in a long chain. “Too many bad things have happened for it to be a coincidence.” Sophia pushed her dark curls back over her shoulder. “There was the time the lake was polluted and the time when it froze over—”

  “But who would try to harm the lake?” interrupted Ava. “Everyone knows that nothing on Unicorn Island can flourish without its magical water.” She had replaced the usual sprig of forget-me-nots in her chin-length black hair with a red rose.

  “I don’t know, but whoever it was tried to harm our unicorns too,” said Layla with a shiver. She reached out to stroke her unicorn, Dancer’s, nose. “Remember how they almost destroyed the sky-berry bushes?”

  Sky berries grew on the mountains behind the school. They were the unicorns’ favourite food and, more importantly, they were rich in the vitamins the unicorns needed to stay healthy.

  “It’s really scary,” said Sophia. “I wish we could do something to help.”

  “I don’t think we should worry,” said Olivia. “Ms Primrose has promised to catch the person responsible.”

  “What if she doesn’t though?” Ava shot back. “It’s been weeks since the sky-berry bushes were targeted and no one’s been caught yet. I’m going to ask my parents if they know of any plants that might help protect the academy.”

  Ava’s parents had a plant nursery.

  “Good idea,” said Sophia.

  “And I’m going to keep reading books in the library to find any spells of protection that might be useful,” said Layla.

  “I’ll help you,” offered Olivia. She glanced at Isabel. “Do you want to help too?”

  Isabel shrugged. “Maybe.” Isabel was lucky that she found studying easy and could come top of the class with hardly any effort. Isabel much preferred to be outside with Cloud, trying to discover his magic or having adventures, than slaving over her work! “Do any of you know where Scarlett and Blaze are?” she asked, seeing her best friend wasn’t with the others.

  “I saw them trotting away with Billy and Lightning,” said Sophia. “But I don’t know where they went to.”

  “I’ll go and find them,” said Isabel. “See you later.”

  Isabel and Cloud rode around the grounds until Cloud stopped. “Can you hear that? That’s Scarlett’s laugh.”

  Isabel listened to the distant cheers and shrieks of laughter coming from near the orchard. “That’s definitely Scarlett,” she agreed. “Clever Cloud. Let’s go and find out what she’s doing.”

  Cloud whinnied with pleasure at the praise and broke into a canter. As they neared the orchard, Isabel inhaled the rich smell of magic. It always reminded her of burnt sugar. A second later she saw a trail of flames burning brightly in the air, then she spotted Scarlett and Blaze cantering in loops around the trees.

  Billy and his unicorn, Lightning, watched from nearby, encouraging Blaze to perform more tricks.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to give you the circle of fire!” yelled Scarlett, her blonde hair flying out behind her and a huge smile plastered across her face.

  Blaze skidded to a halt and stamped a hoof. Crack! Sparks flared and a large circle of flames hovered in the air before her.

  “Drrrrrrrrrr!” Scarlett made the sound of a drum roll. The flames crackled and hissed. Blaze cantered forward and leapt neatly through the ring of fire.

  Billy whooped and Lightning stamped his hooves in approval.

  “That’s brilliant!” called Cloud.

  Scarlett rode over, grinning. “Did you see that, Isabel? Blaze just jumped through—”

  “A circle of fire,” Is
abel finished for her, feelings of jealousy curling in her tummy. “I know. I’ve seen you do that like a million times.”

  The smile dropped from Scarlett’s face. “Oh,” she said. “Well, we can try something else if you want?”

  Isabel felt guilty as she saw her friend’s hurt face. Perhaps her words had been a bit harsh. “It’s awesome that Blaze can do so much with her fire magic but let’s do something we can all join in with, like a race?”

  “I’m in!” said Billy. “Race you back to the stables. Last one back is a dorky donkey!”

  Billy and Lightning set off even before Billy had finished speaking. Isabel leaned forward, shouting in Cloud’s ear to urge him on. But Cloud wasn’t the fastest unicorn and there was no way he could catch Billy and Lightning or even Scarlett and Blaze unless…

  “Take a short cut through the picnic area. You can easily jump over the tables,” whispered Isabel.

  “You’re joking?” panted Cloud. “Think of the trouble we’ll be in if we’re caught.”

  “Please, Cloud. I want to win!” begged Isabel.

  Cloud hesitated then suddenly swerved. “OK. Just this once. For you.”

  Isabel laughed loudly, loving the rush of air on her face as Cloud galloped flat out towards the picnic tables.

  “Hold tight,” he whinnied as the first bench loomed closer.

  Isabel hung on to his mane. Would such a huge leap help Cloud to find his magic? What if he could fly? Isabel’s fingers curled tightly round Cloud’s mane. The ground seemed a long way down. She told herself she wasn’t scared. The special island magic would keep her safe, forming a purple bubble around her to float her to the ground if she fell. But that didn’t stop Isabel’s stomach from twisting into a knot, as Cloud soared way above the bench, landing with a thump and kicking up a clump of turf. He jumped again, even higher this time, clearing the second table with ease and galloping on towards the stables.

  Isabel was breathless with excitement as they pulled up. “That was brilliant,” she panted, quickly forgetting her fright. “We won by miles!”

  Isabel waited for Scarlett, Blaze, Billy and Lightning to reach the stables.

  “Well done!” cried Scarlett as Blaze arrived just after Lightning. “You won!”

  “Cheater!” said Billy indignantly.

  “You didn’t say we couldn’t take a shortcut,” said Isabel, shrugging. “We won fair and square.”

  “All right,” said Billy, rolling his eyes. “But next time we’ll beat you.”

  “We’ll see,” said Isabel. She slid from Cloud’s back. “Thanks, Cloud,” she said, patting his neck and suddenly feeling happier. “You’re the best unicorn!”

  Cloud nuzzled her hand. “And you’re my best friend, Isabel,” he said back.

  Isabel headed reluctantly into the classroom, still daydreaming about racing around on Cloud. She wished the geography lesson wasn’t with Ms Nettles, her least favourite teacher. Isabel found the work easy but coming top of the class wasn’t enough for Ms Nettles. She always gave Isabel extra tasks to do. On the way into the classroom Isabel almost collided with Ava, who was carrying a vase filled with three fluffy red flowers with long stems.

  “Whoa! Sorry, Ava! Gosh, look at those monster flowers. Did you grow them? They’re beautiful.”

  Ava smiled. “Yes. Peonies are supposed to bring good luck so I’m going to put them in the classroom to bring us all luck in the drill ride this afternoon.”

  Isabel’s heart lifted as she remembered that the first-year dormitories were competing against each other in a drill ride at teatime that day. In the competition, riders and their unicorns had to perform the same moves either together or one after another, with marks for how well the group rode together and for difficulty of routine. The drill ride was also being judged on turnout, with extra marks being awarded for the unicorns’ tail and mane plaits. They had been told that one person from each dormitory was going to be chosen as the leader. I hope I’m the leader of Sapphire dorm, Isabel thought.

  “Keep those flowers on our side of the classroom,” Isabel called to Ava as she carried the peonies up to the front. If the flowers could bring good luck then she wanted it to go to her own team!

  Jacinta, from Emerald dorm, was sharpening pencils for Valentina. Valentina’s parents were governors and she was also Ms Nettles’ niece. “I want them sharper than that!” she complained as she sat in her chair.

  Jacinta nodded. “Of course, Valentina.” She picked up a pencil to sharpen it further and then noticed Ava putting the flowers down on a window sill. “Wow, Ava, they’re lovely—”

  “What, those silly weeds?” said Valentina, cutting across Jacinta and giving her a withering stare. “They stink and my aunt will hate them.”

  Ava’s smile vanished. Isabel reached Valentina’s desk in an instant. “You’re the one who stinks!” she said crossly. “You smell like frog poo!”

  Valentina jumped to her feet. “How dare you! I use a very expensive shower gel! I’ll tell my parents you’ve been rude.”

  Isabel rolled her eyes. “Oh, I’m SO scared!”

  Just then Ms Nettles came in carrying a pile of exercise books. She stopped and stiffened like a snake about to strike, her beady eyes flicking from Valentina to Isabel. “What’s going on, girls?” she snapped.

  “Isabel was being really mean to me, Auntie… I mean Ms Nettles.” Valentina’s eyes widened. “She said really, really horrible things.” Her voice rose in a wail.

  “Isabel, I will not have bullying in my class!” said Ms Nettles sharply.

  “But—” protested Isabel.

  “Sit down at once!” ordered Ms Nettles.

  “It wasn’t Isabel’s fault!” Ava jumped in quickly. “Valentina was being unkind.”

  “Atishoo!” Ms Nettles sneezed and her eyes started to stream. “For goodness’ sake!” she exclaimed. “Someone remove those ridiculous flowers from over there before they kill me!” She pointed at Ava’s peonies.

  Valentina snorted with laughter. “Told you she wouldn’t like them,” she whispered as Ava grabbed the vase and carried it out of the class. Valentina rolled her eyes at Jacinta and Delia. “Ava’s so dumb!” she sniggered as Ava passed their desks. They giggled as Ava turned bright red.

  Isabel sat down next to Scarlett and glared across at Valentina. “I’m going to get her back for that,” she muttered angrily. She hated it when Valentina was mean to Ava.

  “Count me in,” whispered Scarlett. “We’ll plan something tonight!”

  “Right, class, you may pack away now,” said Ms Nettles at the end of the lesson. “Ms Rosemary is going to meet you in the stables where you can start preparing your unicorns for the drill ride competition. However, first she wants me to tell you who will be leading each dormitory’s team.” Ms Nettles unfolded the piece of paper.

  Oh, please be me, please be me. Isabel crossed her fingers.

  “Diamond dorm, your team leader will be Jason.” Billy’s friend Jason grinned and fist-bumped Billy and their friend Jack. Ms Nettles’ thin lips creased into a small, pleased smile. “Emerald dorm, your team leader is Valentina.”

  “Well, of course Ms Rosemary chose me,” said Valentina, preening herself. “She knows I’m a natural leader.”

  “And Sapphire dorm…” Ms Nettles’ mouth pinched up as if she had just eaten a lemon. “Your leader is Isabel.”

  Isabel couldn’t contain her excitement. She leapt to her feet with a whoop.

  “Isabel!” snapped Ms Nettles. “Will you please behave for once? Now, off you go, everyone.”

  Isabel’s heart sang. She was the leader and she was going to make sure her dorm won. “Come on,” she ordered her friends. “The quicker we get to the stables, the more time we’ll have to prepare.”

  Isabel already had a routine in mind. Leaving Layla to groom Cloud, she hurried to the outdoor school and set up two large jumps.

  When the others joined her with their unicorns, Layla’s eyes widened in surprise
. “We’re not jumping those fences in the drill ride, are we?” she said anxiously.

  “Yes,” Isabel told her.

  “But I don’t like jumping,” said Layla, biting her lip.

  “Don’t be silly,” said Isabel impatiently. “You have to jump, Layla. It’s a drill ride, which means we all need to do the same thing if we want to get maximum marks.” She noticed Ava and Sophia watching and whispering to each other. “Ava, Sophia, there’s no time to chat,” she said sharply. “If you mess around we’ll never win.”

  “So? I just want to have fun,” said Sophia.

  Ava and Olivia nodded in agreement.

  “But it’ll only be fun if we come first,” said Isabel. “So let’s get on our unicorns and get practising!”

  That afternoon Isabel nearly shouted herself hoarse instructing the rest of Sapphire dorm. She was pleased with the results, especially after she decided they should add unicorn magic to the dance routine.

  Rainbow made a rainbow slide for the others to ride over and Star made flowers spring from the ground when they landed.

  “That looks brilliant!” shouted Isabel to Dancer and Layla as they nervously cantered over the rainbow and landed in a bright cloud of petals. “The flowers are so pretty,” she added, wishing that Cloud could show off some magic of his own in the routine.

  Isabel had a huge smile on her face as the unicorns finished their routine, bowing together under a rainbow entwined with hundreds of flowers. But she was surprised to see how unhappy everyone else looked. “That was great fun, wasn’t it? You all need to smile more,” she told them. “I’m sure we’ll get more marks for smiling. Now, let’s go and get cleaned up. Ava…” Isabel’s voice rose. “What have you done to your hands?”

  Ava looked sheepish as she held out her blue hands. “It’s dyer’s knotweed. I’m growing it in my garden. The leaves give off a blue dye.”