The Golden Acorn - Catherine Cooper [91]
‘Were you expecting us?’ he asked.
‘I was expecting two ravens but a goose is a bonus! You’ve been gone rather a long time you know.’
They sat on top of Glasruhen Hill and watched the sun rise. Nora explained to Medric how long he’d been gone and what had happened since he’d been captured.
‘Is Gerda still with you?’ he asked.
‘Oh yes,’ replied Nora.
‘Will she remember me?’ he whispered.
‘She never gave up hope of seeing you again. She’s going to be a very happy goose when she gets up this morning and finds you’re home.’
‘We were so worried about you,’ Elan said to Jack. ‘We thought you’d only be gone for a few seconds but you’ve been gone for hours.’
‘Are we ready to go home now?’ asked Nora.
‘For breakfast?’ Jack and Camelin said together.
‘For breakfast,’ she confirmed. ‘Then you can tell us everything that happened.’
‘It was alright wasn’t it?’ asked Elan. ‘Nothing bad happened to either of you?’
Jack and Camelin both laughed.
‘We had to eat pigswill,’ replied Jack. ‘I think that was probably the worst thing.’
As they flew back to Ewell House Camelin suddenly did a triple loop the loop and started to laugh.
‘You did it, Jack! You really did it; everything’s going to be alright now. I knew you were The One right from the beginning.’
Jack laughed too. Neither of them had believed he could possibly be The One but he was glad he was. They’d had the most incredible adventure. He smiled as he remembered the last line of the prophecy:
That which was lost is found again.
The cauldron could be made again now that the plates were in the safe keeping of the Water Nymphs. He knew Nora and Elan would be upset when they learned how dangerous their journey into the past had been, but none of that mattered now they were home safe. He ought to be tired, but instead he felt elated. He knew he was far too excited to sleep. He couldn’t wait to see everyone again, especially Orin.
Jack saw the trees rustle their leaves. A message was on its way to Arrana. Once the Dryads woke her she’d know they’d been successful. Jack wondered if he’d be allowed to go into Annwn and collect the Hamadryad acorns. It was too late to help the Gnori in Newton Gill but Glasruhen Forest was going to be saved. There’d be a new Hamadryad and Arrana would be able to pass on her knowledge.
He wondered how many leaves Nora would need from the Crochan tree to make the elixir? Did it mean she’d live forever once the elixir had been made again? Elan promised he’d be able to see her as she really was once she’d renewed her strength in Annwn. Did she need to drink the elixir too? She’d said she was one of the Fair Folk; he couldn’t wait to see her. He knew she wasn’t going to look like Jennet but he hoped she wasn’t going to be as tall as Arrana. Maybe she’d be like one of the statues in Nora’s garden.
Camelin swooped past Jack and interrupted his thoughts.
‘Race you,’ he croaked loudly.
They flew together at speed swerving and weaving through the trees. Jack’s eyes filled with tears. Was it the wind in his face, relief to be home or the happiness he felt as he flew with Camelin towards Ewell House? He wasn’t sure. His life changed the day the golden acorn bounced off his head. It would never be the same again, but he knew he wouldn’t want it any other way.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I’d like to thank
Dad, Molly and Geoffrey for sharing the
journey, their editorial skills, help
and encouragement,
Ron for his honesty, support and faith in me,
Colin for his tutorage
and constructive criticism,
Tom, Jess, Judy, Lin and Joan, who kindly
read the first draft, and Bill, for reading the
completed book to his grandchildren,
Daniel and Jack.
Table of Contents
Front Cover
Information on the Sequal
About The Author
Inside Cover Page
Credits
Dedication
The Map of Glasruhen Village
Prologue - 'The One'
Chapter 1 - The Golden Acorn
Chapter 2 - Introductions
Chapter 3 - Glasruhen Forest
Chapter 4 - Book of Shadows
Chapter 5 - Questions and Answers
Chapter 6 - The Gnori
Chapter 7 - Addergoole Peabody
Chapter 8 - Camelin's Tale