The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [51]
‘If only we knew where to find them.’ said Elan, ‘There are miles of tunnels down there.’
‘I could show you,’ said Charkle. ‘I know all the tunnels. I ought to; I’ve been jogged up and down them in that lantern for years.’
‘I won’t have you going down the tunnels again,’ said Nora firmly. ‘We’ll send Timmery. When he arrives later you can tell him how to find Chief Knuckle. Timmery has an excellent sense of direction, and he’s very brave.’
Camelin was waggling his head from side to side behind Nora’s back as she spoke and mouthed the words he’s very brave. Jack was looking forward to meeting Timmery, but there was someone else he wanted to see first.
‘Can we go and see Orin now?’ he asked.
They left the giant Spriggan in the garden and went back into the kitchen where everyone gathered around Orin. Her fur was ruffled and some of her whiskers were bent. She looked tired. They were all glad she was back safe.
‘I’m sorry,’ Jack said. ‘Will you forgive me?’
‘There’s nothing to forgive,’ replied Orin. ‘Those Spriggans were after the golden acorn. If I’d kept still I don’t think they’d have seen me but I panicked and shot under the duvet. All that mess in your room happened when they tried to catch me.’
‘We ought to make sure they don’t come back up the hole,’ said Elan.
‘I agree,’ replied Nora and took her wand out into the garden.
Jack watched from the kitchen window as Nora grew a prickly bush on top of the hole. He suddenly felt all scrunched.
‘Can we transform?’ he asked Camelin as he wriggled into his pile of clothes.
‘Close your eyes everyone,’ Camelin said before he touched Jack’s forehead.
‘When will Timmery be here?’ Jack whispered to Camelin.
‘After dark. He sleeps during the day and spends all night being brave.’
‘Now Camelin,’ chided Nora as she came back into the kitchen. ‘I don’t want to hear you telling Jack anything bad about Timmery.’
‘Is Timmery a badger?’ asked Jack.
Camelin exploded in laughter.
‘That’s a good one!’ he spluttered, ‘Timmery’s about the size of a matchbox. He’s a Pipistrelle; you know, a bat.’
‘A bat!’
‘A bat,’ repeated Camelin. ‘He gets a bit much sometimes. He’s very enthusiastic. You wouldn’t like him.’
‘That’s enough Camelin,’ warned Nora. ‘Now I suggest we all have a rest and meet at dusk when Timmery arrives. Don’t forget you’ve got to go and tell him about the meeting will you Camelin?’
Camelin pulled a face. Jack wondered if he was jealous of the little bat. As he climbed the stairs with Orin on his shoulder he felt very tired. He lay on his bed with Orin curled up on his pillow. It had been an eventful day and it wasn’t over yet. When Timmery arrived there’d be the meeting. He thought about all the strange happenings since he’d looked into the Raven’s Bowl that morning. Camelin was right; it was hard work being a raven. Jack yawned; it wasn’t long before he fell asleep.
MEETINGS
A tapping on the window woke Jack. He sat bolt upright and Orin scampered onto his shoulder and began to tremble.
‘Don’t worry. I think it might be Camelin,’ he reassured her, when he saw a familiar black shape perched on the window ledge.
‘Time for the meeting,’ Camelin informed him. ‘Nora says to bring your wand so you’ll be able to understand everything.’
‘Aren’t you coming?’
‘I’ve got to go and tell Timmery it’s time. Won’t be long.’
Jack picked up his wand and made his way to the kitchen. Motley and the rest of the Night Guard were already sitting on their upturned beakers. Jack sat on the empty chair between Nora and Elan. Orin ran down Jack’s shirt onto the table and joined Motley. Charkle was perched on Elan’s shoulder and Gerda sat by the patio doors.
‘Timmery won’t be long,’ Nora announced, ‘and then we’ll get started.
Jack heard the flapping of wings as Camelin swooped in through the kitchen door. He was beaten to Nora’s shoulder by a tiny bat that darted in through the window. Camelin circled round and landed gracefully on Nora’s other shoulder.
‘I think you can perch on the stool,’ Nora told