The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [61]
Later when Jack was in his room, Camelin tapped on the window. He had a piece of paper in his beak. Jack thought it was a letter from Nora until he saw the drawings. There was a circle filled with smaller circles, a raspberry, an ice cream and a lot of long lines which Jack recognised as noodles.
‘Can you put the letters on?’ Camelin asked. ‘It’s for Orin.’
Jack looked again at the pictures and realised the first had to be an oatcake. He wrote O R I N in big capital letters and pegged it onto her cage.
‘Not bad,’ he said. ‘I’m sure she’ll love it.’
‘Of course she won’t know the letters but she’ll be able to read my pictures,’ croaked Camelin, obviously pleased with himself.
By Thursday night Jack had settled into his new routine. The school wasn’t the same as he’d been used to but he liked his teacher and no one had bothered him. Elan came to meet him at the gate and they’d talk about the things he’d done during the day. As soon as he arrived at Ewell House he went to the library and did his homework, then concentrated on flying. After dark Camelin would arrive for his lesson and once he’d gone Jack played with Orin until she snuggled down on his bed. It was then he’d get out his Book of Shadows and ask as many questions as he could. He learnt more about Hamadryads, the High Druid and the sacred groves. He found out about the four main festivals which used to take place on top of Glasruhen Hill. He’d tried discussing what he’d read with Camelin but the raven wasn’t interested, so instead he told Orin.
On the Thursday night he made a discovery which worried him. It was something he needed to speak to Elan about and it couldn’t wait until tomorrow. He opened his book at the first page and wrote her name at the top. He glanced at the clock; it was getting late. He hoped she hadn’t gone to bed. He hesitated. It was hard to begin to write what he wanted to say.
The book says that to open the window in time everything must be equal. It says that those performing the ritual must have the same powers. Is this right?
Jack watched the words fade into the page. He paced up and down the room. This was going to be a big problem. Nora had said she was the last Druid on Earth. Without someone with the same powers they’d never be able to perform the ritual. What would they do? Where could they find another Druid to help them? He tapped his wand in his hand impatiently.
‘Look!’ Orin squeaked. ‘You’ve got some writing.’
Jack quickly read Elan’s answer.
Yes, that’s right.
He felt even more anxious,
Who will help her?
The reply wasn’t what Jack expected.
I will.
We’ll talk about it tomorrow.
Jack was going to have to wait. He tried asking the book more questions about the ritual but wasn’t able to get any more answers. Eventually the book snapped shut and refused to open again. There was nothing else he could do but go to bed and wait until after school to find out more from Elan. He didn’t sleep well.
‘What’s wrong?’ asked Elan as they walked towards Ewell House.
‘I don’t understand how you’re going to help Nora. You’ve got to have exactly the same powers; how can that be?’
‘Some things aren’t as they appear.’
‘That doesn’t answer the question.’
Elan sighed deeply.
‘There are still some things we haven’t told you.’
‘Like what?’
‘Well, you know I can shape shift…’
‘Into a ferret.’
‘…not just into a ferret. I’m like Nora.’
Jack’s mouth fell open. He stopped walking and stared at Elan.
‘You mean you’re not a girl?’
‘No.’
‘What are you? I thought you were my friend. I thought Nora was your aunt.’
‘I am your friend but Nora isn’t my aunt.’
‘Are you a Druid?’
‘No, I’m a nymph.’
‘Not like Jennet?’
‘No, I’m one of the Fair Folk of Annwn.’
‘Did you shape shift into a girl on purpose to trick me?’
‘Oh Jack, no, I wouldn’t do such a thing. When the cauldron plates went missing I got trapped here with Nora. There was a group of us waiting to make the last