Image Description: A glowing river of molten cheese runs through the middle of the scene, forming a dramatic chasm that splits the ground in two.
On the left side stands Lord StiltonSharp, depicted as a stern wedge of blue-veined Stilton cheese. He wears a tall black top hat and sports a moustache, leaning on a cane. Though the artwork shows a traditional cane rather than the lightning-bolt version described in the story, the figure still embodies his cold authority and unyielding presence.
On the right side, the Cheese Family huddle together: Eddie Emmental (tall, fists clenched), Clarabelle Cheddar(triangular wedge, leaning forward in worry), Mini Mozzarella (smaller wedge, nervous but resolute), and Babybel(round, clutching Mr. Squidge tightly). Their faces show fear and concern as they look across the divide.
Above the scene, bold golden letters read: The Cheese Family Chronicles – Volume Three: The Stilton Divide. The whole composition glows with amber and golden light, symbolising the feud that has split the families apart.
Chapter Six: The Lost Rind Compass
They set off at sunrise, the reunited family marching in quiet unity across the dewy fields beyond Ricotta Reach. Velvet Blue walked beside Sir Blue Vein for the first time in decades, their footsteps creaking softly on the damp cheesegrass.
Mini Mozzarella whispered, “Is this what peace feels like?” “Not yet,” said Halloumi Belle. “But it might be the way there.”
The Origin Map pulsed as they walked, glowing with a soft golden thread that pointed them towards a jagged ridge in the distance. “According to legend,” said Sir Blue Vein, “the Rind Compass was created by the original Fromageville Explorers. It didn’t just point north — it pointed to truth. To purpose.”
Lady Brie nodded. “When the feud broke out, it was hidden. Some said it was lost forever. Others… said it chose to disappear.”
As they reached the ridge, a strange hush fell over the group. Ferns gave way to cracked stone, and the air began to hum. “This is it,” whispered Velvet Blue.
They found the entrance beneath a slab marked with a melted insignia — a wheel divided, but still whole. Wensley padded forward, tail wagging, and sniffed at the stone. Then, with a determined boof, he tapped it with the Whisk of Truth he carried in his mouth. The rock slid aside.
Inside was a circular chamber, walls lined with glowing ancient cheese markings. At the centre sat a pedestal — and on it… nothing. “It’s gone,” said Lord StiltonSharp. “Of course it is.”
“No,” said Mini Mozzarella, walking slowly to the pedestal. “It’s here. Just not the way we expected.” He reached for the crumb-shaped charm Velvet had given him moments before. The carving on the pedestal seemed to shimmer in response — a spiral, like a turning wheel.
“I think it’s not one object anymore,” Mini said softly. “I think it’s many. Pieces carried by the family. All of us.”
The Stilton Sisters stepped forward and held up their matching brooches. Sir Blue Vein unpinned his explorer’s badge. Halloumi reached into her dance bag and pulled out a glittering pin she’d worn since their very first performance.
Each item was laid onto the pedestal.
The chamber lit up. The wheel spun.
And in the glow, a vision shimmered into being — not of a map, or a compass, but a circle of cheese figures standing together, hands joined, across generations.
“The Rind Compass,” said Velvet Blue. “It was never a thing. It was a choice. To move forward together.”
The chamber dimmed. The vision faded.
The pedestal remained, but now engraved with new words: “Where cheese divides, stir gently. Where cheese unites, turn boldly.”
The families stood still, letting the moment soak in. Then Babybel sneezed, and everyone laughed.
The tension melted. The feud… softened.
Outside, the sky began to turn orange with evening light. The journey was nearly over. But the wheel had one last turn to make.
Blind Man Makes 