The Cloud Castle

Summer is Here!

Summer was in the air at Mouseford Academy. The students chattered excitedly in the hallways, happy that it was almost time for vacation. The Thea Sisters walked out into the school courtyard after their last Marine Biology class.
   "I really liked learning about tropical fish," Violet was saying. "I would love to paint pictures of them during our break."
   Colette got a dreamy look in her eyes. "I would love to design a dress the color of a Blue Starfish."
   "Well, I'm thinking of doing some ocean diving around here," Nicky said.
   "That's because you can't sit still," Pam teased. "Me, I think I'll try to invent a new recipe for some seafood pizza." 
   Paulina's long black braid swung behind her as she turned to look at Nicky. "I think diving sounds like fun, too. There are some old shipwreck sites out there," she said. "I've been researching the history of them. Some of them are-"
   Before she could finish her sentence, someone tapped her on the shoulder. It was me, Thea Stilton! 
   "Hi, Thea!" my friends greeted me, surprised. I hadn't told them I was coming, and wasn't teaching there that semester.
   "What are you doing here?" Pam asked. 
   "I have something to tell you," I said. "Can you follow me into my office?"
   "What's going on, Thea?" Paulina asked eagerly when we were all settled.
   I was thinking of organizing a class in fantasy languages for you, with Will Mystery from the Seven Roses Unit," I told them. "Are you interested?" 
   The mouselets shared a look and smiled happily.
   "Yes!" they shouted together. 
   The seven Roses Unit is an important  department in a top secret research facility. The unit specializes in fantasy worlds, and the Thea Sisters and I have helped them solve fascinating Mysteries.
   "I know it's your break," I went on. "But I thought brushing up on fantasy languages would be a good idea. This way, if Will Mystery calls for our Help again, we'll be ready." 
   "Of course!" Pam said.
   "Does that mean we'll go to their headquarters?" Nicky asked. She loves to Travel.
   I nodded. "Yes." 
   Paulina happily clapped her paws. "This will be more fun than any vacation!" 
   Just then, there was a knock on the office door.
   I opened it and found a deliverymouse there. He was tapping his foot impatiently.
   "You Thea Stilton?" he asked, in a very sharp tone.
   When I said yes, he didn't reply --- he just had me sign a receipt, and then thrust a small package into my paws.