The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [39]
‘Wow!’ croaked Camelin as the posy remade itself. ‘You really are a natural.’
‘It’s not as good as Grandad’s.’
‘It’s beautiful,’ said Elan as she tapped Jack on the shoulder. ‘Are you alright? We saw that boy push you.’
‘I’ve met him before. He really doesn’t like me.’
‘He’s just a bully. Try not to let him worry you. It’s a good job that man came along when he did.’
Jack nodded, then winked at Camelin.
‘Let’s go inside,’ continued Elan. ‘Nora’s made quite a feast.’
Camelin didn’t need telling twice. He took off and swerved around the side of the house so he could be first into the kitchen.
‘I hope you don’t mind only I’ve brought Orin. I couldn’t leave her on her own, not after I’d promised to look after her.’
‘We were expecting her. There’s an extra place been laid next to Motley.’
Jack was amazed when he got into the kitchen. The table was piled high. There were homemade rolls, pies, sausages and different cheeses, with jellies and cakes in the centre. Jack could see that Camelin’s eyes were as wide as saucers. At the far end of the table nine small plates were arranged on a raised tray. The Night Guard were sitting around it on upturned beakers. Orin scampered up to join them. A large bowl was next to Jack’s place and Camelin was hopping from leg to leg in his eagerness to get started.
‘This party is really for you Jack,’ said Nora when everyone was seated. ‘Your last night as an ordinary boy. After tomorrow morning you’ll be extraordinary.’
‘Like me,’ interrupted Camelin. ‘A raven boy.’
Everyone laughed and clapped.
‘Can we start now?’ Camelin asked then added, ‘please.’
‘We should warn you Jack, his table manners aren’t very good,’ whispered Elan.
‘It’s OK, I’ve seen him eat before,’ Jack whispered back.
The party lasted for the rest of the evening. Camelin ate as much as he could before Nora frowned and said he’d had enough. After they’d finished Jack held his wand so he could understand what the rats were saying. Motley and the Night Guard entertained everyone with their singing. Motley introduced Morris who began a rousing song. After the first verse the rest of the Night Guard joined in. Even though Jack was still holding his wand he didn’t know what the rats were singing about.
‘I can’t understand them,’ Jack whispered to Camelin.
‘Neither can I. They’re singing in Welsh,’ laughed Camelin.
‘It’s about saucepans bubbling on the fire,’ Orin whispered, ‘and Johnny has a scrap with the cat. Motley likes that bit.’
A large, grey, bedraggled rat stood in the middle of the table. He bowed to everyone and introduced himself as Raggs. He told everyone about his adventures as a ship’s rat before he’d joined the Night Guard. Orin sang a solo in a high, squeaky voice.
‘She’s not allowed to sing with the guard choir,’ explained Motley.
‘Would you like to do something for us?’ Nora asked Jack.
‘I could sing too,’ he replied.
‘Oh yes,’ the rats said together.
Jack sang one of his favourite songs he used to sing in the choir. When he’d finished everyone clapped. To end the evening Camelin did his shuffle dance. He even let Fergus and Berry, the two youngest rats, join in.
‘I think it’s time for bed now,’ Nora announced. ‘Some of us have an early start in the morning.’
Orin climbed onto Jack’s shoulder and waved goodbye to the Night Guard.
‘Try and get a few hours sleep if you can before we set off for the Raven’s Bowl,’ Nora said before Jack and Elan climbed the stairs.
‘You’ll need to be up and off at least an hour before first light,’ Elan told him when they reached the door of the spare bedroom. ‘Goodnight Jack. I’m sure everything will be fine.’
‘Aren’t you coming with us?’
‘I’m not needed. I’ll have breakfast ready for when you get back.’
Jack unpacked the few things he’d brought. He would have loved to join Camelin in the loft but hadn’t been invited.