The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [90]
‘Take it!’ he screamed. ‘Take it all Appias, mighty Goddess of the spring, and leave me alone.’
Jack could see that Maximus was shaking, though he didn’t know if was from fear or anger. He finally spun around and burst out of the open gate.
‘Guards!’ he screamed as he left the shrine. ‘The prisoner’s escaped. Find him. He was here just now. He can’t be far away, and kill that goose, it’s out there somewhere, kill the boy, kill anything that’s flying, I’ve been attacked.’
Soldiers came running from all directions. As Jack and Camelin flew away they could see the soldier’s shocked expressions as they came to a halt in front of Maximus dressed only in his dripping wet tunic. They could still hear Maximus ordering the archers to shoot as they flew out of the camp. Medric was still only half way down the main street, running as fast as he could to get airborne.
‘Go on, go on!’ Jack shouted as Medric began to gain height.
The archers were ready with their bows. They loosed a volley of arrows as he laboured to clear the wall.
‘Did he make it?’ asked Jack.
‘I don’t know. I can’t see him,’ Camelin replied. ‘Come on, head for the window. That was too close for comfort.’
As they flew towards Glasruhen they kept scanning the sky for Medric.
‘I tried to make Maximus let go,’ explained Camelin, ‘but he wouldn’t, even though I had my claws in his neck and Medric bit his leg.’
‘It’s OK. Really. It’s over now and the plates are safe.’
‘Did you see what Jennet did to the Prefect?’ chuckled Camelin.
‘It was no more than he deserved.’
‘How much are we going to tell Elan and Nora when we get back?’
‘We ought to tell them everything.’
‘Even about Maximus trying to drown you!’ exclaimed Camelin.
‘If we don’t tell them they’re bound to find out from Jennet anyway.’
As Glasruhen hill came into sight Jack could see the glow from the smouldering remains of the Grove. The smell of burnt wood hung heavily in the air. ‘Do you think Medric’s alright?’ Jack asked.
‘I don’t know. I hope so,’ Camelin replied. ‘It won’t be long now. Are you ready to fly back through the window?’
‘Ready,’ replied Jack.
They circled around the hill, separated and took up their positions above each gateway at the opposite ends of the hill fort.
‘Ready?’ Camelin shouted.
‘Let’s fly,’ Jack shouted back.
Just as they’d practiced time and time again they started their ascent, increased their speed as they flew towards the window and at the last minute they turned their bodies and shot past each other. There was a loud crack. Jack felt his body jolt; something heavy knocked him into a spin. He lost control and flapped his wings rapidly as he fought to regain his balance. His body went hurtling through the air. He tried to cry out but he couldn’t find his voice. The jolt had winded him. Jack hit the ground hard as he crash landed.
‘So sorry, so sorry,’ cackled Medric as he waddled quickly over to where Jack lay. ‘Are you alright?’
Jack felt shaken and very surprised to see Medric.
‘You made it!’ he exclaimed.
‘Is anything broken?’ Medric fussed. ‘I’m so sorry I flew into you.’
‘I think I’m OK, but where’s Camelin? Did we come through the window?’
‘There’s no window here,’ cackled Medric. ‘We’re at the top of the hill fort.’
Jack’s heart sank; the collision must have knocked them off course. They must have missed the window in time. They’d have to try again.
‘Camelin,’ he called.
‘Jack,’ a familiar voice replied, ‘Where are you? Are you alright?’
‘Elan!’ Jack exclaimed. ‘I’m over here. Are we home, are we really home?’
‘You’re home,’ she replied.
‘We did it, we did it,’ croaked Camelin triumphantly as he landed on Nora’s shoulder. ‘We found the plates and Jack got them into the spring; now all we have to do is get them back from Jennet. We’ll be able to remake the cauldron, reopen the portal and go back into Annwn.’
‘All in good time,’ said Nora as she smiled at them both. ‘Thank goodness you’re home safe and sound.’
Medric looked confused.