The School on the Cliff: Ch 6 - Through the Passage
The kids follow a secret passage
The friends stood at the entrance of the narrow passage, their hearts pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The passage was dark and mysterious, a stark contrast to the warm, inviting glow of the secret library.
“Wow,” Maya whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. “Where do you think it leads?”
Sam, ever practical, peered into the darkness. “It looks pretty narrow. We’ll have to go one at a time.”
Lily, despite her earlier hesitation about breaking the rules, felt a thrill of adventure course through her veins. “I’ll go first,” she declared, her voice firm with determination.
Taking a deep breath, Lily stepped into the passage. The walls were cool and smooth against her hands, and the air smelled faintly of damp earth and something sweet, like blooming jasmine. The darkness swirled around her, but she pressed on, her footsteps echoing softly in the confined space.
As she moved deeper into the passage, a faint light appeared in the distance, growing steadily brighter. It flickered and danced, casting playful shadows on the walls. The passage opened into a small, circular chamber.
The chamber was bathed in a soft, golden light emanating from a cluster of glowing crystals embedded in the ceiling. The crystals pulsed with a gentle rhythm, filling the room with a soothing warmth.
Lily gasped in amazement. It was like stepping into a magical grotto! The walls of the chamber were adorned with intricate carvings of fantastical creatures – graceful unicorns, wise-looking owls, and mischievous sprites.
In the center of the chamber, there was a small, wooden table. And on the table sat a beautiful music box. It was crafted from polished rosewood and inlaid with shimmering mother-of-pearl. The music box was closed.
Just then, she heard her friends calling softly from the passage, their voices filled with anticipation. “It’s amazing!” Lily called back. “You have to see this!”
One by one, Sam, Maya, and Jack squeezed through the narrow passage and into the chamber. Their eyes widened in awe as they took in the magical sight.
“It’s like something out of a dream,” Maya breathed, her fingers tracing the carvings on the wall.
Sam, his sharp eyes scanning the chamber, noticed the music box on the table. “What do you think is inside?” he wondered aloud.
Jack, still clutching the winged key, stepped forward. “Maybe this opens it?” he suggested, holding up the key.
With a sense of reverence, Jack carefully inserted the winged key into a tiny keyhole on the side of the music box. There was a soft click, and the lid of the box sprang open.