The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [38]
After supper when Jack was back in his room, he sat with Orin; they talked late into the night. Jack was grateful for the company. He wouldn’t have slept too well anyway. Even after speaking to Arrana he was still worried about the ritual.
THE RAVEN’S BOWL
Jack spent the following morning helping Grandad in the greenhouse.
‘I can still smell that fox,’ he complained as they cleared away the broken plant pots.
Jack looked at the freshly turned soil where the Spriggan’s tunnel had been and hoped they wouldn’t be back.
After lunch Grandad showed Jack how to tie the small flowers and broad leaves he’d cut into a posy.
‘I’m sure Elan will like these,’ said Grandad as he admired the delicate pink and white Lily of the Valley flowers.
‘Mmmm,’ mumbled Jack.
‘She will Jack, trust me.’
The rest of the day went really slowly. Jack found it hard to fill the hours before he could go back to Ewell House. He spent the afternoon sorting Orin’s cage out until she was happy with it. He was relieved when it was eventually time to set off. Jack checked one last time to make sure he’d got everything. The golden acorn was safely zipped into the jacket he’d packed for the morning. Orin climbed into the side pocket of his backpack. He wasn’t too happy about carrying the flowers but there was no other way of getting them to Elan without squashing them.
He’d just turned the last corner before Ewell House when a boy on a bicycle sped past. There was a sudden screech of brakes. The boy stopped then slowly turned the bike around. Jack’s heart sank when he recognised the goalie from the playing field.
‘Hey pixie boy, got flowers for your girlfriend?’
Jack ignored the boy and carried on walking; he was nearly at the gate. The boy cycled back. As he passed Jack he lunged at his arm and knocked the flowers out of his hand.
‘OK pixie boy, you and me, we’ve got unfinished business.’
Before Jack could do anything the boy was off his bike. He shoved Jack out of the way then kicked the posy into the air. Pink and white flowers showered onto the pavement. The goalie grinned.
‘Ooops! Hope they weren’t expensive.’
Jack could feel his heart beating wildly. He wished the boy would go away.
‘Thought I told you I didn’t want to see you again pixie boy; so what you doin’ here?’
‘My name’s Jack.’
‘Ooooh, bit posh aren’t we?’
The boy circled around Jack and he mimicked, my name’s Jack, before pushing him into the hedge.
Jack gasped as a high-pitched squeal came from the backpack. The boy stepped back in surprise. When Jack didn’t move he raised his fist. A loud caw made them both look up. Jack saw Camelin swoop towards them. The boy’s eyes widened. His hands shot up to shield his head but he wasn’t quick enough. There was a splat as Camelin bombed him from above. Jack burst out laughing; the boy’s hair and face were plastered in ploop. Camelin landed on the gatepost and fixed the boy with his beady eye.
‘What’s going on here lads?’ a deep voice asked from behind.
Jack turned and recognised Don from the cricket club.
‘It’s Jack, isn’t it?’ Don asked as he helped him out of the hedge.
Before Jack could reply the boy grabbed his bike.
‘We’re not finished yet pixie boy,’ he yelled as he pedalled away.
‘Was he bothering you?’ asked Don.
‘He’s got it in for me.’
‘He ought to pick on someone his own size. I’m just off to see Sam now. I can walk you back if you like.’
‘Thanks but I’m going in here,’ replied Jack and pointed to Ewell House.
‘Well, if you’re sure.’
Jack nodded.
As soon as Don went round the corner he carefully took off his backpack.
‘Are you OK Orin?’
He put his hand into the pocket and stroked her soft fur.
‘No harm done?’ asked Camelin.
‘No I think she’s OK.’
Jack grinned at Camelin, ‘That was a great shot.’
‘Don’t tell Nora. I’m not supposed to do that.’
‘You were only helping out. He’d have hit me if you hadn’t shown up.’
Camelin shuffled his feet then looked down at the scattered flowers.
‘Were they for Elan?’
‘Yes, but not to worry.’
Jack gathered