Free The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper Page A

got a job she needs doing and you’re to go back to Ewell House straight away.’
    Camelin sighed.
    ‘I’ll see you tomorrow,’ said Jack as Camelin took off from the window-sill but instead of flying over to Nora’s he swooped high above the trees and circled back.
    ‘Watch this!’
    To Jack’s astonishment Camelin flipped over and flew upside down. He circled again then soared higher and higher before plunging back towards Jack’s window. He did a triple loop the loop and went straight into a barrel roll. He finished the display by landing neatly on a nearby branch.
    ‘That’s amazing! How long did it take you to learn to fly like that?’
    ‘I’m a natural stunt flyer,’ Camelin smirked.
    Jack watched as Camelin started to preen his feathers. When he was satisfied none were out of place he took off and returned to Ewell House. As Jack watched Camelin he wondered if he’d ever be able to fly like that. It looked great fun.

    Grandad was still working in the garden so Jack took the opportunity to look at the piece of paper Nora had given him. For the next hour he asked his Book of Shadows the questions Nora had listed. He learnt more about nymphs. There was more than one type and they inhabited air, earth and water. The Undines lived in wells, springs and rivers; Jennet was obviously one of these. Jack wasn’t likely to forget her in a hurry. He read about the wonders of Annwn, about the forests, the Mother Oak, the Crochan tree and the Queen’s glass palace. At the bottom of the last page was a list of important people with their full titles.
    The Seanchai
    Keeper of Secrets and Ancient Rituals,
    Guardian of the Sacred Grove,
    Healer, Shape Shifter and Wise Woman.
    This had to be Nora. Jack recognised some of her names straight away but she’d never said anything about being a shape shifter. He knew he should have been surprised but he wasn’t. He was curious to know what shapes Nora could change into. The other name he didn’t know.
    Coragwenelan
    Queen of the Fair Folk,
    Guardian of the Gateways of Annwn,
    Immortal Nymph and Shape Shifter.
    It must be important information or the book wouldn’t have shown him. Would he have to meet the Guardian of the Gateways of Annwn if he succeeded and the portal was opened? Was the Queen of the Fair Folk as tall as Arrana or as beautiful as Jennet? Now he knew Nora was a Shape Shifter it wouldn’t be a shock if it happened. It seemed the more he learnt the more questions he needed answering. He’d only two more questions left on Nora’s list when Grandad called him down for supper. As soon as Jack put his wand down the book snapped firmly shut. He left them both on the bed and decided to carry on and finish the questions after he’d eaten.
    Grandad told Jack all about his new potatoes and spring onions while they ate.
    ‘Did you have a good day?’ he asked.
    ‘Yes thanks,’ replied Jack. There wasn’t much else he’d be able to tell Grandad, and then he remembered Gerda’s island. ‘Nora’s got a lake and a boat. Elan took me to see it this morning.’
    ‘It’s a big place, Ewell House, all right. I did some work on Nora’s kitchen garden a few years back. I saw the lake then.’
    ‘Is it all right if I go back again tomorrow? I’ve been invited.’
    Grandad gave him a knowing look. Jack suddenly felt his cheeks burning. Grandad obviously thought Elan was his girlfriend. But maybe it was easier for him to let him think that than for Jack to try and explain what Nora was planning to do.
    ‘That’s fine Jack. I’m glad you’re having a good time. I was worried you might be bored living here.’
    Jack smiled. He hadn’t had time to be bored, not since a golden acorn had bounced off his head.
    After dinner he went back to his room. As soon as he stepped inside he knew something was different. His things had been moved slightly but his backpack had been ripped open and discarded on the floor.
    It had to be Camelin. He’d probably been back looking