‘And neither will you. Once you’re a raven you’ll have the instincts of a bird. You won’t feel like a boy.’
Arrana’s words made Jack feel a lot better. If the ritual worked he’d overcome his fear. If Camelin had, he could too.
‘The ritual will work if you want to be a raven with all your heart.’
‘I do. I want to save you.’
Jack remembered the Gnori, the hollowness and emptiness of the dead tree. Tears ran down his face.
‘I don’t want you to become a hollow tree or the forest to die. I don’t want Nora to die either. I want this to work with all my heart.’
‘And so it will Jack Brenin.’
The forest erupted with song. Jack turned to see the Dryads. He could hear their beautiful voices, only this time he understood their song. They were singing about him! When he turned around to thank Arrana she was gone. The Dryads parted for Jack to reach the pathway and return home.
They kept him company until he reached the gap in the hedge. He quickly darted past so no one would see, but Elan called to him from the other side of the hedge. Jack froze. How could he have been so stupid? Nora would have known straight away he’d been through the yews. He knew how Camelin felt now.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said as he entered the garden.
‘There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’ve been waiting here to give you something to take home with you. After you’d gone Motley came to speak to Nora and we didn’t think you’d mind.’
Next to Elan was a large cage and inside was Orin.
‘Nora’s already spoken to your Grandad and he says it’s all right. You can keep Orin in your room. He was really pleased you wanted a pet.’
‘But Orin’s not a pet!’
‘We know that but Grandad doesn’t have to.’
Orin looked pleadingly at Jack.
‘I want to help but Motley won’t let me be in the guard. He said I’d be safe with you and I can keep you company and watch from your window at night if you’ll have me.’
‘Of course I will, and I promise to look after you.’
‘Good, that’s settled,’ said Elan as she passed the cage to Jack. ‘See you tomorrow night.’
After supper when Jack was back in his room, he sat with Orin; they talked late into the night. Jack was grateful for the company. He wouldn’t have slept too well anyway. Even after speaking to Arrana he was still worried about the ritual.
THE RAVEN’S BOWL
Jack spent the following morning helping Grandad in the greenhouse.
‘I can still smell that fox,’ he complained as they cleared away the broken plant pots.
Jack looked at the freshly turned soil where the Spriggan’s tunnel had been and hoped they wouldn’t be back.
After lunch Grandad showed Jack how to tie the small flowers and broad leaves he’d cut into a posy.
‘I’m sure Elan will like these,’ said Grandad as he admired the delicate pink and white Lily of the Valley flowers.
‘Mmmm,’ mumbled Jack.
‘She will Jack, trust me.’
The rest of the day went really slowly. Jack found it hard to fill the hours before he could go back to Ewell House. He spent the afternoon sorting Orin’s cage out until she was happy with it. He was relieved when it was eventually time to set off. Jack checked one last time to make sure he’d got everything. The golden acorn was safely zipped into the jacket he’d packed for the morning. Orin climbed into the side pocket of his backpack. He wasn’t too happy about carrying the flowers but there was no other way of getting them to Elan without squashing them.
He’d just turned the last corner before Ewell House when a boy on a bicycle sped past. There was a sudden screech of brakes. The boy stopped then slowly turned the bike around. Jack’s heart sank when he recognised the goalie from the playing field.
‘Hey pixie boy, got flowers for your girlfriend?’
Jack ignored the boy and carried on walking; he was nearly at the gate. The boy cycled back. As he passed Jack he lunged at his arm and knocked the flowers out of his hand.
‘OK pixie boy, you and me, we’ve got unfinished business.’
Before Jack could do anything the boy was off his bike. He shoved Jack out of the way then kicked the posy into the air. Pink and white flowers showered onto the pavement. The goalie grinned.
‘Ooops! Hope they weren’t expensive.’
Jack could feel his heart beating wildly. He wished the boy would go away.
‘Thought I told you I didn’t want to see you again pixie boy; so what you doin’ here?’
‘My name’s Jack.’
‘Ooooh, bit posh aren’t we?’
The boy circled around Jack and he mimicked, my name’s Jack, before pushing him into the hedge.
Jack gasped as a high-pitched squeal came from the backpack. The boy stepped back in surprise. When Jack didn’t move he raised his fist. A loud caw made them both look up. Jack saw Camelin swoop towards them. The boy’s eyes widened. His hands shot up to shield his head but he wasn’t quick enough. There was a splat as Camelin bombed him from above. Jack burst out laughing; the boy’s hair and face were plastered in ploop. Camelin landed on the gatepost and fixed the boy with his beady eye.
‘What’s going on here lads?’ a deep voice asked from behind.
Jack turned and recognised Don from the cricket club.
‘It’s Jack, isn’t it?’ Don asked as he helped him out of the hedge.
Before Jack could reply the boy grabbed his bike.
‘We’re not finished yet pixie boy,’ he yelled as he pedalled away.
‘Was he bothering you?’ asked Don.
‘He’s got it in for me.’
‘He ought to pick on someone his own size. I’m just off to see Sam now. I can walk you back if you like.’
‘Thanks but I’m going in here,’ replied Jack and pointed to Ewell House.
‘Well, if you’re sure.’
Jack nodded.
As soon as Don went round the corner he carefully took off his backpack.
‘Are you OK Orin?’
He put his hand into the pocket and stroked her soft fur.
‘No harm done?’ asked Camelin.
‘No I think she’s OK.’
Jack grinned at Camelin, ‘That was a great shot.’
‘Don’t tell Nora. I’m not supposed to do that.’
‘You were only helping out. He’d have hit me if you hadn’t shown up.’
Camelin shuffled his feet then looked down at the scattered flowers.
‘Were they for Elan?’
‘Yes, but not to worry.’
Jack gathered the flowers and leaves up as best he could. Once they were inside Nora’s garden he took out his wand. He laid the flowers on a stone bench and concentrated hard. He did everything he could to remember what Grandad had done earlier.
‘Wow!’ croaked Camelin as the posy remade itself. ‘You really are a natural.’
‘It’s not as good as Grandad’s.’
‘It’s beautiful,’ said Elan as she tapped Jack on the shoulder. ‘Are you alright? We saw that boy push you.’
‘I’ve met him before. He really doesn’t like me.’
‘He’s just a bully. Try not to let him worry you. It’s a good job that man came along when he did.’
Jack nodded, then winked at Camelin.
‘Let’s go inside,’ continued Elan. ‘Nora’s made quite a feast.’
Camelin didn’t need telling twice. He took off and swerved around the side of the house so he could be first into the kitchen.
‘I hope you don’t mind only I’ve brought Orin. I couldn’t leave her on her own, not after I’d promised to look after her.’
‘We were expecting her. There’s an extra place been laid next to Motley.’
Jack was amazed when he got into the kitchen. The table was piled high. There were homemade rolls, pies, sausages and different cheeses, with jellies and cakes in the centre. Jack could see that
Camelin’s eyes were as wide as saucers. At the far end of the table nine small plates were arranged on a raised tray. The Night Guard were sitting around it on upturned beakers. Orin scampered up to join them. A large bowl was next to Jack’s place and Camelin was hopping from leg to leg in his eagerness to get started.
‘This party is really for you Jack,’ said Nora when everyone was seated. ‘Your last night as an ordinary boy. After tomorrow morning you’ll be extraordinary.’
‘Like me,’ interrupted Camelin. ‘A raven boy.’
Everyone laughed and clapped.
‘Can we start now?’ Camelin asked then added, ‘please.’
‘We should warn you Jack, his table manners aren’t very good,’ whispered Elan.
‘It’s OK, I’ve seen him eat before,’ Jack whispered back.
The party lasted for the rest of the evening. Camelin ate as much as he could before Nora frowned and said he’d had enough. After they’d finished Jack held his wand so he could understand what the rats were saying. Motley and the Night Guard entertained everyone with their singing. Motley introduced Morris who began a rousing song. After the first verse the rest of the Night Guard joined in. Even though Jack was still holding his wand he didn’t know what the rats were singing about.
‘I can’t understand them,’ Jack whispered to Camelin.
‘Neither can I. They’re singing in Welsh,’ laughed Camelin.
‘It’s about saucepans bubbling on the fire,’ Orin whispered, ‘and Johnny has a scrap with the cat. Motley likes that bit.’
A large, grey, bedraggled rat stood in the middle of the table. He bowed to everyone and introduced himself as Raggs. He told everyone about his adventures as a ship’s rat before he’d joined the Night Guard. Orin sang a solo in a high, squeaky voice.
‘She’s not allowed to sing with the guard choir,’ explained Motley.
‘Would you like to do something for us?’ Nora asked Jack.
‘I could sing too,’ he replied.
‘Oh yes,’ the rats said together.
Jack sang one of his favourite songs he used to sing in the choir. When he’d finished everyone clapped. To end the evening Camelin did his shuffle dance. He even let Fergus and Berry, the two youngest rats, join in.
‘I think it’s time for bed now,’ Nora announced. ‘Some of us have an early start in the morning.’
Orin climbed onto Jack’s shoulder and waved goodbye to the Night Guard.
‘Try and get a few hours sleep if you can before we set off for the Raven’s Bowl,’ Nora said before Jack and Elan climbed the stairs.
‘You’ll need to be up and off at least an hour before first light,’ Elan told him when they reached the door of the spare bedroom. ‘Goodnight Jack. I’m sure everything will be fine.’
‘Aren’t you coming with us?’
‘I’m not needed. I’ll have breakfast ready for when you get back.’
Jack unpacked the few things he’d brought. He would have loved to join Camelin in the loft but hadn’t been invited. He found it hard to sleep. He kept going over the words of the ritual. He was worried he might forget them. There was also the other part he’d been trying to put out of his mind, the bit where he’d have to take off all his clothes. Nora had shown him a large hooded cloak he could use. She’d assured him, even if there were other people on the top of Glasruhen Hill waiting for the sunrise, they wouldn’t notice Jack on the rock if he wore it.
Orin had already snuggled down on Jack’s pillow. He was glad he wasn’t alone; it was going to be a long night. He must have finally dropped off to sleep because the next thing he felt was something hard prodding him awake. It was an effort to wake up but he managed to open his eyes before an extremely hard beak poked him again.
‘It’s time,’ Camelin croaked. ‘This is going to be fun!’
It probably would be for Camelin. He didn’t have to walk all the way to the summit of Glasruhen Hill. Jack hadn’t told Nora or Elan he wasn’t very good at getting up in the mornings. This morning was worse. His stomach churned. Camelin must have heard it.
‘We can’t eat until Nora’s done the transformation so the sooner we get on with it the better.’
‘I’m fine,’ Jack assured him. ‘I’m not hungry, just a bit nervous.’
The morning air was fresh and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. As they made their way down to the end of the garden Jack could feel the dew from the grass seeping through his trainers. He’d left his wand in the bedroom but the golden acorn was in his jacket pocket. Nora stood before the Yews and raised her arms. As they parted Camelin flew off towards the hill.
‘See you at the top,’ he croaked.
The climb through the woods wasn’t as strenuous as Jack had imagined. Nora started to explain what would happen, or what she thought was going to happen.
‘I’ve never had to perform a transformation involving anyone changing back again before.’
‘I feel a bit shaky. Are you sure this isn’t going to hurt?’
‘Not exactly. Everyone’s different and it’s a long time since I’ve transformed anyone. If you’d been born a shape shifter you’d be able to transform from one form to another without even thinking about it.’
Born a shape shifter... Jack remembered reading the same words in his Book of Shadows. He realised he hadn’t fully understood what they’d meant.
Nora continued explaining.
‘Some people have the ability to change into something else without having to perform complicated rituals.’
Jack wasn’t looking forward to his body being scrunched down to the size of a raven but he’d promised to help. He knew he’d have to go through with the ritual. Although he was nervous, his excitement was greater than his fear and now he longed to be able to fly like Camelin.
‘I expect for the first few times it’s going to take some getting used to,’ continued Nora. ‘But by the end of the weekend you should be fine.’
Jack hoped so.
It wasn’t long before they left the gentle incline that led from the bottom of Nora’s garden to the slopes of the hill. Here the path grew steeper and every so often Jack had to stop to catch his breath. As they neared the summit Camelin reappeared and reported that the whole area was clear. Not one person had ventured out to watch the sun rise.
‘Everyone used to come up here. There’d be feasting and singing but that was such a long time ago now,’ said Nora sadly.
‘It’s too far for most people to be bothered walking up to the top,’ croaked Camelin. ‘But when you can fly we can come up here all the time.’
Jack thought he’d rather fly to the summit than walk any day. He was out of breath and feeling very hot.
‘We’re here,’ Nora announced as she pointed to an outcrop of rock. ‘We’d better get ready. It can’t be long now until the sun rises.’
Jack gave the golden acorn to Nora. She gave the wing feather to Camelin and her cloak to Jack. He followed Camelin to a hollow at the base of the rocks. Nora had been right. He wasn’t going to be visible from the main path but he was glad he’d got the cloak. He quickly undressed and put his clothes safely in the crevice. It was difficult to climb up the rock in bare feet. There was a strong breeze at the top and Jack shivered as the cloak flapped around his ankles. The air was cool and fresh. He tried not to look down. He felt dizzy and sick.
‘Kneel down on the rock,’ Nora called. ‘We haven’t got much time.’
As Jack bent over the rock seemed to rise up and the sky spun around. There was nothing between him and the ground, hundreds of feet below.
‘Be careful,’ warned Nora. ‘When the transformation is complete keep very still, otherwise it could be dangerous.’
Jack had no intention of moving at all now he was on top of the rock.
‘You must lie flat and look into The Raven’s Bowl,’ Nora shouted. ‘When the first ray of light from the sunrise hits the bowl make sure you’re holding Camelin’s wing feather. Touch the water with your foreh
ead and repeat the words of the ritual.’
Camelin for once had been silent and Jack realised why when he turned around. He still had the feather Nora had given him in his beak.
‘Take the feather Jack. Camelin will place his wing on your back as soon as he sees the light. That will be my signal to begin the ritual.’
Nora had the book she’d brought from the library open in one hand and in her other the golden acorn lay on her open palm.
‘Are you feeling OK?’ she asked Jack.
‘Yes,’ Jack and Camelin replied together.
The sky became lighter. Jack lay still and concentrated on his reflection in the Raven’s Bowl. As the first ray of light lit the edge of the water he felt Camelin’s wing touch his shoulder and heard Nora softly speaking words he didn’t understand. From the corner of his eye he saw the golden acorn send out rays of light. Panic filled his whole body; he knew he should be saying his words. The intense light from the golden acorn distracted him. His hand was sweating. It was hard to hold the feather.
The words just wouldn’t come. He tried to concentrate. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
The pressure from Camelin’s wing increased. Jack lowered his head and touched the water with his forehead. The sunrise flooded into the bowl and blinded him. At last he spoke...
A feather from a raven’s wing,
His voice was shaky as he completed the next line.
This is the token I do bring.
He felt the pressure increase from Camelin’s wing, which hadn’t left his shoulder...
As sunrise lights the darkened sky,
Transform me so that I can fly.
A crushing pain shot though Jack’s body. He tried to curl up but he couldn’t. The hood of the cloak had flopped down over his head. His hands wouldn’t respond as he tried to push it back. As he writhed around Camelin took the hood in his beak and pulled it aside. Jack caught sight of a reflection in the water. He thought it was Camelin’s, then realised it was his own. The ritual had worked. He’d been transformed into a raven!
The Golden Acorn Page 10