The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [67]
‘No,’ replied Nora. ‘I doubt she’d have caught any of your family. I expect they moved out because of the smell. I’m sorry Charkle but I don’t think it’s going to be easy to find them. You’re welcome to live with us, but I’m going to have to transform you into something a little less conspicuous or you won’t be able to fly around very easily. Now what’s it to be?’
‘Can I be a bat like Timmery?’
‘Not another bat like Timmery,’ groaned Camelin.
‘I think that will be perfect,’ said Nora, ignoring Camelin’s remark. We’ll sort that out as soon as we get home. Now are you two flying back or do you want a lift?’
‘Flying,’ Jack and Camelin said together.
The flight back seemed to take ages. Jack was exhausted when they reached Ewell House. Nora was nowhere to be seen and he realised Elan still had his clothes in the car.
‘I’m going to have to stay like this till they get back, but I’m so tired I’m finding it hard to stay awake.’
‘I keep telling them its tiring being a raven but they never listen to me. Food and sleep, those are the two main things a raven needs and lots of them.’
All Jack could do was nod in agreement.
‘I’ve got a surprise for you,’ Camelin said excitedly. ‘Follow me, but when you get to the window you’ve got to close your eyes!’
Jack could hardly lift his wings as he flew after Camelin up to the loft. When he was safely on the window ledge he did as Camelin had asked.
‘Surprise!’ croaked Camelin.
Jack smiled when he opened his eyes. There on the floor of the loft was a second cat basket.
‘It’s for you. A raven basket just like mine. I know it’s the right size because I tried it last night.’
Camelin looked expectantly at Jack.
‘Do you like it?’
‘It’s great,’ said Jack as he hopped into the basket.
It was a perfect fit and soon they were both on their backs, with their feet in the air, snoring loudly.
By the time Jack and Camelin woke the heat in the loft was oppressive.
‘Emergency rations,’ announced Camelin as he rummaged around in his basket before throwing a chocolate bar to Jack.
Jack had never tried to unwrap anything with his beak and claws. It wasn’t easy, especially since the heat in the loft had melted the chocolate. Camelin was on his second by the time Jack got into the wrapper.
‘Come on, let’s go outside. It’ll be cooler flying,’ Camelin said once Jack had finished.
‘I’d like to go and see Arrana but I think we ought to ask Nora first.’
‘OK, race you to the kitchen.’
‘It’s not time to eat,’ Nora said as Jack and Camelin swooped past her and landed on the back of the chairs.
‘We haven’t come for food,’ replied Camelin.
Nora looked genuinely shocked.
‘Do you think it would be alright if we flew over to Glasruhen Forest to see Arrana?’ asked Jack. ‘We won’t be long.’
‘I think she’d enjoy a visit and by the time you get back I’ll have transformed Charkle. No one will ever know he’s a dragon unless he sneezes.’
Jack and Camelin left Nora in the kitchen. It was a relief to be out of the sunshine. Jack enjoyed flying in the shade of the trees; he liked the rush of air under his wings.
‘Watch this,’ croaked Camelin as he turned over and flew on his back. ‘Now you.’
‘I don’t think I’m ready for upside down flying yet.’
‘Just have a go. You never know when you might need it.’
Jack tried to flip over but ended up rolling in a complete circle. He tried again, this time managing several wing beats before his head bumped into a branch. He went careering down.
‘Pull up!’ yelled Camelin.
Jack flapped his wings wildly as he fell. His wing almost touched the ground before he managed to pull down hard and rose steadily into the air.
‘The main thing to remember is not to lose track of where you are,’ advised Camelin as he flew alongside Jack. ‘Try again.’
‘Maybe tomorrow.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Camelin said cheerfully. ‘We can’t all be good at everything.’
Jack didn’t rise to the challenge. He thought he’d leave the more spectacular flying to Camelin and concentrate on the skills he needed.
Jack watched the trees sending their message to Arrana.