The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [75]
‘Is there anything you want to talk about before we go into the past?’ Jack asked.
‘Not really. I’m not looking forward to going back to when it all happened. You know, my bash on the head. I don’t think I’m going to be able to watch what the soldiers did to me.’
‘I’ll watch,’ said Jack with more confidence than he felt. ‘We’ll find out what happened and get those plates back in no time.’
‘Thanks,’ Camelin replied. ‘You know, I didn’t think you were going to be any use at first but I’m glad you’re The One. You just didn’t seem to fit the prophecy but I realise now you don’t have to be big and tough to be strong and brave.’
Jack smiled. He didn’t tell Camelin how rude he’d thought he was when they’d first met.
‘Do you know what this prophecy says? I tried asking the Book of Shadows but it didn’t give me an answer.’
‘It’s written around the bottom of Jennet’s well but it’s so overgrown now I doubt anyone could read it.’
‘What does it say?’
Camelin coughed and puffed out his feathers.
‘A Brenin boy you need to find
Born at Samhain of Humankind.
The One you seek is brave and strong
And his true heart can do no wrong.
The Golden Acorn he will see
And listen to the Dryad’s plea.
Underneath Glasruhen Hill
He’ll make a promise he’ll fulfil.
When all is equal, all the same,
That which was lost is found again.’
‘That’s me?’
‘Hope so.’
‘I understand most of it but what does the bit about all being equal and the same mean?’
‘That’s the ritual tonight. You know, Nora and Elan, you and me. It’s the only way to get through the window in time. Everything has to be the same.’
‘So now we’ve got all that right, the prophecy says we’re going to find the lost cauldron plates. It means everything’s going to be OK.’
‘As long as we get them into water once we’ve found them, don’t get caught and get safely back through the window in time, then everything will be OK.’
Jack realised he hadn’t even considered what might happen after they’d found the cauldron plates. Camelin started shuffling from foot to foot.
‘Can we go now? Only if I’m not allowed to have a sandwich I’d rather go back and have a little snack out of my basket. Anyway, I’ve got a surprise for you in the loft.’
Jack had also lost interest in the game; he’d other more important things on his mind. They raced back to Camelin’s loft and Jack transformed. He sat down on the beanbag after removing the empty doughnut bag and waited expectantly.
‘I’ve been practicing,’ Camelin croaked as he hunted through a pile of rubbish. He picked out a worn leaflet and put it at his feet in the centre of the loft. He looked as if he was under a spotlight as sunlight streamed in through the window and illuminated his feathers.
Jack could see it was the takeaway menu from the Chinese restaurant. Camelin coughed twice before he began.
‘I’m not going to read it all, just my favourites,’ he explained. ‘Special Chop Suey, Mushroom Omelette, Sweet and Sour Pork Balls, Pancake Roll and…’
‘You’re making me hungry,’ cried Jack.
‘But what about my reading?’
‘Brilliant, you’re a natural.’
Jack gave Camelin a clap and congratulated him again.
‘I’m impressed.’
‘Do you think Nora will be?’
‘Of course she will, but we might have to find something else for you to read from. It might be a bit difficult to explain how you’ve got a liking for Chinese food!’
‘It makes me hungry too.’
‘Everything makes you hungry!’ laughed Jack.
They heard Nora calling them.
Camelin was already perched on the back of the chair by the time Jack arrived in the kitchen. His eyes were as wide as saucers. On the table Jack could see all Camelin’s favourite foods, at least the ones Nora knew about. It was a very special meal. Everyone had been invited. Motley and Orin sat at the end of the table on their upturned beakers surrounded by the rest of the Night Guard. Timmery was on Nora’s shoulder and Charkle on Elan’s. Even Gerda waddled in and settled down to watch them eat.