The Cloud Queen

Chapter Four

     I am walking along the rocky beach, trying to find some clams for dinner when I hear Finn's voice: "Lauren!" he calls.

     "Yeah?" I shout back. The waves are loud this time of day.

     "There's something you should see!"

     My heart beats faster as I run back to the cave. Was it a ship? A helicopter? But I see no signs of either. I slow as I approach the cave and gasp, "What is it?"

     Finn chuckles a little. "Not a ship," he says. "But look."

     He points to a large cloud in the sky. "A castle," he says simply.

     True, it was a castle. Complete with turrets and a draw bridge. Oddly enough, it didnt blow away. It stayed in the same position for so long I was starting to become suspicious. "Finn," I say, looking into his eyes. "That's Aunt Pearl's castle, isn't it?"

     "Yes, it is," said Finn. "I called her to take us home."

     I see that his eyes are apologetic, but I'm still a little upset he lied. "Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.

     "Aunt Pearl swore me to secrecy a long time ago," he said. "Aunt Pearl noticed you had awoken in the castle, and sent us to the island to be rescued. But it's been so long..." he trailed off. "I just had to ask her for help."

       "Who is she?" I demanded. "Why do you have an aunt who lives in a magical floating castle?"

       "I'll let her explain," returned Finn. "But now, it's time to go."

       A ladder descened from the cloud, and Fin began climbing. I followed suit, and really hoped it wasn't a trap.