‘This is so kind of you all, I don’t know whose to open first.’
‘It should be mine,’ Camelin grumbled. ‘I asked first.’
Nora picked up the long thin parcel and placed it on the bed. Camelin rolled it towards Jack.
‘Happy birthday, I know you’ll like it.’
Jack smiled when he picked up the present. It didn’t take long to unwrap.
‘It’s a brilliant umbrella, thanks.’
‘Well I knew you hadn’t got one and you never know when it might come in handy.’
‘All our presents go together,’ said Motley, as he pushed Fergus and Berry forward. ‘The Night Guard have been collecting them since the beginning of autumn.’
Jack opened the box carefully. Inside it were lots of hazelnuts. Podge and Morris had collected walnuts and the larger box from Lester and Midge was full of sweet chestnuts.
‘Thank you, I love nuts. I’ll enjoy eating them.’
Orin stood on her hind legs and helped Motley and Raggs push the largest box closer to Jack. He was curious to know if it held nuts too, and quickly unwrapped it.
‘It’s a wooden bowl for the nuts,’ explained Raggs. ‘We old ship’s rats all know how to carve wood, kept the teeth sharp and short too. Motley chose the wood, I carved it and Orin polished it… what do you think?’
‘Exquisite,’ said Jack. ‘It’s really beautiful, thanks.’
Nora picked up the two remaining presents. One had been the largest in the pile and the other was small and thin. She passed them to Jack.
‘You might have need of these after your coronation. They’re from Elan too, but she couldn’t be here. She’ll see you later.’
Jack had no idea what the presents could be. The largest parcel was heavy. When he finally got the wrapping off he saw a blue leather book. His name had been embossed in gold letters on the cover.
Nora smiled.
‘It’s bound in the softest Dragonor skin and the letters are real gold. Elan and I had Lloyd the Goldsmith inscribe it. You’ll be able to chronicle your life.’
Jack swallowed hard. Did Nora know how long he was going to live? He wondered if this was the right time to tell her about the Crochan leaves. Alindyne had said he was immortal and, if this were true, he didn’t think the book was going to be big enough.
‘Do you like it?’ she asked.
‘It’s amazing, thank you.’
‘This last present goes with the book.’
Jack felt the package. Whatever was inside was hard and thin.
‘Come on, Jack,’ said Camelin, ‘open it up.’
When the wrapping paper had gone Jack was left with an ordinary looking pencil in his hand.
‘It’s an everlasting pencil,’ explained Nora. ‘It will never break and never go blunt. You’ll have a lifetime of writing out of that pencil.’
‘That’s brilliant, thanks.’
‘You’ve not had any sweets,’ said Camelin.
Nora frowned.
‘This is a very important birthday for Jack. He can have sweets another time.’
Camelin shrugged his shoulders. Nora passed Jack a big envelope.
‘Everyone else sends their birthday wishes. This is from all of us.’
It was a huge card from Nora and Elan. When he opened it up he saw lots of paw prints and squiggles. Nora had printed the names of everyone who’d signed it above their marks. At the bottom was one very important name.
‘Thank you, this is great.’
‘I hope you noticed I’m the only one who can sign my name properly. The others had to have theirs written for them.’
‘It’s very good writing too,’ said Jack as he closed the card. Nora nodded towards Jack’s dressing table. Propped up against the mirror was an envelope. He thought he recognised the writing and the stamp looked foreign. It was addressed to Jack, with the Brenin House address under his name.
‘Is it from Dad?’ he asked Nora, as she passed it over to him.
‘Why don’t you open it and see?’
Jack tore open the flap and pulled out a card. On the front, in bubble writing, it said… ‘Happy Birthday Son’, it was from his dad. When he opened the card a letter fell out. Jack picked it up, unfolded it and read what his dad had written. He looked at Nora.
‘Do you know what it says?’
She shook her head. Jack didn’t think he could tell Nora without choking up, so he passed her the letter. When she’d read it she beamed at him.
‘Will someone tell me what’s going on?’ asked Camelin, as he strained to see the letter.
‘Well,’ began Jack, ‘there’s some bad news and some good news.’
Camelin peered over Jack’s shoulder.
‘What’s the bad news? I always think it’s best to get the worst bit over with first.’
‘Dad’s not going to be here for my party this afternoon.’
‘Well that’s hardly a surprise. It’s a long way to come from Greece for a party.’
‘In his last letter he said he’d got a surprise for my birthday.’
‘And you thought he’d be coming home.’
Jack nodded. It had been a stupid thought. He knew his dad had a job to do but all the same, he missed him. He’d hoped he would have been home for his birthday.
‘It’s a good job he’s not going to be here. You’d have a hard time explaining about your coronation tonight… So… what’s the good news?’
Jack bounced up and down on the bed in his excitement. Rats were thrown everywhere and Camelin had to hop onto the bedside table to stop himself from being bounced off the bed.
‘Dad will be home for Christmas… for good! He’s starting a new job in January at the archives in Beconbury.’
‘That really is wonderful news,’ said Nora, as she started to move Jack’s presents onto his dressing table. ‘I’m afraid it’s time to get up, we’ve got a party to prepare for.’
‘That’s my cue to leave,’ laughed Camelin. ‘You said I could go to Annwn once I’d wished Jack a happy birthday.’
‘I did, and you can.’
Camelin gave Jack his best beaky grin. Jack grinned back.
‘Have a great time. I’ll see you later.’
Camelin pirouetted on the table.
‘Don’t be late.’
‘For my own coronation? That would be awful!’
Nora shooed all the rats and Camelin out of Jack’s room.
‘I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re washed and dressed.’
As Jack made his way to the kitchen he could hear Nora talking to Raggs. Jack burst into the room.
‘Is there any news from the Fairies? Are they all right? I forgot to ask you earlier in all the excitement.’
‘Slow down,’ said Nora, ‘Raggs has only just got here.’
Raggs nodded and sat on the upturned beaker Nora had placed on the table. Both Nora and Jack sat down too and looked at him expectantly.
‘You were right about everything. The Fairies were snatched because they have the ability to see into Elidon. Velindur didn’t want to risk anyone knowing he was in the company of a Bogie. Twink is very upset. She liked Peabody and had believed him when he’d told her he was frightened of the voice and hand.’
Jack sighed deeply.
‘Does that mean Camelin was right too? Did he worm his way into Ewell House to spy on us all?’
‘It’s worse than that,’ said Raggs, ‘he’s been trying to find the torc for Velindur. Peabody was aware that Nora had transformed it into something in order to keep it safe. He obviously didn’t know what, because it seems he’s been taking things from Ewell House into Elidon.’
The theft of Camelin’s dustbin suddenly made sense to Jack.
‘But how would Velindur know if the Bogie had brought the right object?’ he asked Nora.
She sighed deeply before answering.
‘I’m afraid we all underestimated Velindur. He must have heard that in Elidon everything appears as it really is and not
hing can be concealed. Don’t you remember, Jack? When Camelin broke through the veil between the two lands, he became a boy again. Velindur must have thought the torc would reveal itself once it entered the Land of Shadows. He was wrong, my spell is too strong for that. Besides, that rule only applies to people, not objects. However, if Camelin’s dustbin had been the torc, Velindur would have been able to feel its presence just by holding it. As soon as he touched the dustbin he’d have known it wasn’t from Annwn. I can assure you that the torc is safe. It will transform later tonight when it is taken into the tomb of your ancestor.’
Jack breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Did the Fairies say anything about Camelin’s dustbin?’
Raggs nodded.
‘Apparently, when Velindur picked up the dustbin he roared with anger and kicked it out of the door.’
‘Well, that explains how it got dented,’ said Nora. ‘It’s a good job Camelin isn’t here or he’d have something to say about that.’
There was a loud humph from the pantry. The door opened slowly and Camelin shuffled out.
‘You’re right… I’ve got plenty to say. What did I tell you? What have I been saying all along?’
‘And what were you doing in the pantry?’ asked Nora.
Camelin hung his head.
‘I didn’t know if I’d get any breakfast in Annwn, so I thought I’d have a little snack before I set off.’
‘No matter,’ said Nora, as she frowned at Camelin. ‘We’ve far more important things to do today. Since you’re still here you can help with the transportation of the crawlers and flyers we rescued from Elidon.’
‘I’ll help, but I’m not transporting creepy-crawlies. The Flying Squad can take them.’
‘That’s fine. You can oversee the distribution of the small creatures as they arrive.’
Camelin puffed out his chest feathers.
‘You mean I’m going to be in charge?’
‘Yes, you’ll be in charge.’
‘And you’ll tell the Flying Squad?’
‘I will. Now, if you go and fetch them from your loft and meet us in the Herborium, we can begin.’
Nora turned to Raggs.
‘You did well to find out so much. I was hoping the Fairies would be able to shed some light on what happened in Elidon. Shall we go?’
Jack picked up Raggs and followed Nora out into the garden. He shivered as he left the warmth of the kitchen and made his way to the Herborium. He was totally unprepared for the sight that greeted them when Nora opened the door. Swarms of insects filled the entire room. The largest was an angry bee that buzzed loudly as it darted around their heads.
‘That’s good,’ said Nora, ‘they’re obviously not upset any more. Veronica looks particularly annoyed.’
Jack looked over at Judd’s hat. He doubted any creature could be left inside. Nora clapped her hands, raised them in the air and then brought them down slowly. The noise subsided and the creatures seemed to be frozen in mid-air. When the room was still, Nora addressed them.
‘I’m sure Arin has already told you of the safe haven we have prepared for you in Steaple Lacy Wood. We have willing wings to fly you there and, until the present danger has passed, I advise you not to stray from its boundaries. None can reach through the veil there and none can harm you. The flyers will ensure you have a safe journey as they each have protectors. I’d like the Fairies to stay here as you’ve all been invited to Jack’s coronation tonight. I will make sure you get safe passage to your Mound. From there, you’ll be able to enter Annwn at the appointed hour. If Arin would like to go along with you, she will be most welcome to join us at the coronation.’
Once Nora had finished speaking, the swarm of insects began flying erratically about again. She opened one of the small windows, then shut the door behind them as they left the room. Camelin swooped past them, followed closely by the Flying Squad. The three leaders of the squadrons landed on the Herborium roof, while the rest pushed and shoved each other as they jostled for a place on the picnic table. When Nora raised her hand the squabbling stopped.
‘This might take a while, but you need to transport all the creatures inside the Herborium to Steaple Lacy Wood. Once you get there, Camelin will direct everyone to their new homes. Are you ready?’
‘Ready,’ all the starlings squawked back.
Jack could see Camelin strutting up and down. Nora turned and spoke to them all.
‘Jack’s grandad will be arriving soon and we’ve got visitors this afternoon, so please don’t come into the house. I’m sure everything will be fine. We’ll see you later tonight before we go through the portal.’
Jack smiled at Camelin and mouthed, See you later.
He felt a sense of relief as he walked back to the house with Nora. He’d no idea what Nora had transformed the torc into, but he knew she’d have disguised it well. In a few hours it would be Samhain. If he could carry it into Annwn before the next sunrise he’d be King.
VISITORS
Jack helped Nora tidy up and set the table for his party. She picked up his cake and placed it in the centre of the table.
‘Hmm! I think we’d better add a few more decorations for this afternoon, don’t you?’
She picked up her wand and flourished it in the direction of the cake board. Seven small sugar rats appeared. They were identical replicas of the Night Guard. With another flourish a grey and white rat joined them.
‘I’m sure they’d approve, don’t you?’
‘What about a bat and three small dragons, would that be possible?’
Nora managed to create Timmery and the Dragonettes. She attached them to springy wires, one on each corner of the cake. They looked brilliant, almost as if they were flying.
‘Wow!’ said Jack. ‘What an amazing cake! It’s the best one I’ve ever had.’
‘We’re almost ready. I just need to put the finishing touches to the food and I think we ought to put the kettle on, your grandad won’t be long.’
As Jack filled the kettle, he thought it might be a good time to tell Nora about his conversation with Alindyne, before grandad arrived. A loud knock on the front door interrupted him. Nora went to answer it and returned with Grandad. He grinned at Jack and flung his arms wide open.
‘Happy birthday! Come and give us a hug.’
Jack was getting used to his grandad’s bear hugs. He braced himself as two strong arms enveloped him.
‘Thanks, Grandad.’
‘Cup of tea?’ asked Nora.
‘I won’t say no,’ Grandad replied, as he put Jack down and looked at the table. ‘You’ve been busy, I see. These are great decorations.’
‘The ghosts wail,’ said Jack as he pushed the one nearest to him.
Grandad looked impressed.
‘It’s amazing what they can do these days. We never had anything like this when I was a lad. I’m forgetting something; here’s your card, Jack, and I’ve got a present for you too, from me and your dad.’
‘I’ve already seen his letter. Isn’t it great that he’ll be home for Christmas?’
‘And for good too,’ added Grandad. ‘Now, I’ll be back in a couple of ticks, I left your present in the car.’
Jack opened his card and put it on the dresser next to the big card Nora had given him. He peeped inside. What would his friends say if they saw all the paw prints and squiggles?
‘No one else will see them,’ said Nora, giving Jack a knowing nod. ‘I thought it would be best if they were for your eyes only.’
Jack smiled back. The kitchen door opened. Jack held his breath as Grandad brought in his present. It was a black bicycle, bigger than the one he’d had to leave behind in Greece. There was a bow and a tag on the handlebars.
‘Hope you like it,’ said Grandad, as he wheeled the bike to Jack. ‘Your dad thought you’d have been missing being able to go out on your bike. Now you’re out in the country, we both thought you’d be better off with a mountain bike. It’s got mudguards too.’
/> Jack ran his hands over the shiny frame. It was perfect. The seat had been adjusted so it wouldn’t be too high for him. He felt the grips on the handlebars and rang the bell.
‘It’s brilliant, thanks.’
‘I thought we might go out for a ride, what do you say?’
Jack looked at Nora. He didn’t know what to say, but she answered for him.
‘That’s a great idea. There’s nothing else we need to do until your friends arrive. Just be back in enough time to get washed and ready.’
‘We will,’ Grandad assured her. ‘I’ll just finish my tea, then I’ll go and get my bike. I hope you’ve got your cycle legs on this morning, only I’ve got a great route planned. We can stop for a sandwich when we’re halfway round.’
Jack went over to his bike and removed the bow. He ran his hands over the handlebars, the frame and the seat. It really was just what he’d wanted. He could imagine giving Camelin a ride on the handlebars. They could have some great fun together. He was deep in thought when he realised Grandad was standing behind him.
‘I’m glad you like it. I won’t be long, I’ll be back in a few minutes.’
‘Thanks, Grandad, it’s great.’
As Nora showed Grandad out, Jack raced upstairs for his hat and gloves. As he passed the small window on the stairs, he caught a glimpse of three boys standing with their bikes outside Nora’s gate. He saw Grandad put his thumbs up in the air to them. It seemed he was going on a bike ride with Techno, Benbow and Danny. Jack smiled. This was turning out to be a brilliant birthday.
‘Did you know about this?’ he asked Nora as he put on his hat and coat, ‘only I’ve just seen my friends waiting outside.’
Nora laughed.
‘There’s not much I don’t know about in Glasruhen. They’ve known about it for a couple of weeks. Your grandad arranged it. He’s been hoping today would be a fine day and it is.’
‘I can’t wait to try it out. I’ve really missed having my bike.’
A loud knock announced Grandad’s return. As Jack carefully turned his bike around, Nora took a basin from the dresser. She touched it with her wand and nodded in satisfaction when a cycling helmet appeared.
‘I told your grandad you could borrow Elan’s helmet.’
The Jack Brenin Collection Page 95
