The Golden Acorn

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘My goodness me!’ exclaimed Nora. ‘It’s a dragon.’

  ‘Dragon!’ exclaimed Jack.

  Everyone crowded around to see the small creature.

  ‘No one’s going to hurt you,’ Nora assured him. ‘Let’s get you out of there and you can tell us what you’re doing in the company of Spriggans.’

  Elan took the lantern from Camelin and looked for a catch to open. It was completely sealed.

  ‘There’s no escape from the cage,’ the dragon explained sadly. ‘It’s made from a special magnetic metal. The Spriggans welded it together so you’ll not find an opening. I’ve tried melting it with my flames. It’s no use. I’m going to be trapped in here forever.’

  ‘Shield your eyes,’ Nora warned the tiny dragon.

  Once its wings were wrapped tightly around its face and body. Nora waved her wand and aimed it straight at the top. It shattered into tiny pieces. The lantern sprang open and a small green dragon with beautiful shiny scales and tiny purple wings tumbled out.

  ‘Oh thank you,’ he cried as he bowed to Nora, ‘Charkle at your service.’

  ‘I haven’t seen a dragon for years,’ Nora exclaimed.

  ‘I’ve never seen a dragon at all!’ gasped Jack, staring with his beak open.

  ‘They captured me when I was a baby,’ explained Charkle. ‘They wanted me for my flames, you know, in case their candles went out in the tunnels. They’d pull my tail and use my flames to relight them. They pulled my tail all the way through the tunnel just now when they were chasing you. I’m sorry about the giant but it was my only chance to escape. They’re not allowed to take me outside but they were so intent on getting their rat back, Grub must have forgotten he’d got me in his belt.’

  ‘I hate Spriggans,’ croaked Camelin.

  All the rats nodded in agreement.

  ‘Well you’re free to go home now,’ said Nora kindly.

  ‘Free,’ repeated Charkle. There was a hiss of steam as tears ran down his cheeks, ‘to go home.’

  ‘Where is home?’ enquired Jack.

  ‘My family has a roost in one of the caverns in Westwood,’ replied Charkle.

  ‘Why don’t you stay with us for a few days and we’ll take you home,’ said Nora. ‘Jack’s going to need somewhere to have a practice flight soon and Westwood’s a perfect place to go.’

  ‘That’s very kind,’ said Charkle as he wiped away the last of his tears.

  ‘Well that’s settled,’ said Nora, smiling kindly at the dragon.

  ‘But what’s going to happen about the golden acorn,’ Jack asked.

  ‘Excuse me,’ said Charkle politely, ‘did you say a golden acorn?’

  Everyone looked expectantly at the little dragon.

  ‘A little man with a very long nose told Chief Knuckle where he could find a golden acorn. He said a boy had picked one up not long ago. Whiff, Pinch and Grub were sent to collect it.’

  ‘A Bogie!’ exclaimed Elan. ‘We should have known.’

  ‘The little man showed Chief Knuckle something called a torch. The Chief was very impressed with a light he could turn on and off without using a flame. He agreed to trade the torch for the golden acorn.’

  ‘But I still don’t understand how the Bogie knew about it,’ said Jack.

  ‘Bogies make it their business to know everything. Information is their main trade and I wouldn’t be surprised if this particular Bogie is Peabody. I intend to find out what’s been going on,’ said Nora thoughtfully.

  Jack was worried. He’d not liked the look of Peabody when he’d seen him in Newton Gill Forest and he’d been frightened when the Bogie had appeared at his window.

  ‘The little man was in the chamber just before you arrived,’ Charkle explained. ‘He took the golden acorn and went on ahead to give the torch to Chief Knuckle.’

  Jack frowned.

  ‘But how will we get it back if the Spriggans don’t have it any more?’

  ‘We don’t have to worry about that. Very soon I shall make it clear to Chief Knuckle that he’s got a problem. He’ll realise he’s made a big mistake. It won’t be long before he’ll be falling over himself to get my golden acorn back,’ Nora replied.

  Jack looked puzzled.

  ‘But I don’t understand.’

  ‘Spriggans believe all gold belongs to them but they can lay no claim to any gold which comes from Annwn. To make matters worse his men have stolen from a Druid. I don’t think Chief Knuckle’s going to be very happy about that when he finds out. I shall send him a message and arrange to meet him. If he doesn’t return my golden acorn by the end of the month I shall shrink him to the size of a matchstick. He won’t be Chief then. Only the biggest Spriggan is allowed to be Chief.’

  ‘If only we knew where to find them.’ said Elan, ‘There are miles of tunnels down there.’

  ‘I could show you,’ said Charkle. ‘I know all the tunnels. I ought to; I’ve been jogged up and down them in that lantern for years.’

  ‘I won’t have you going down the tunnels again,’ said Nora firmly. ‘We’ll send Timmery. When he arrives later you can tell him how to find Chief Knuckle. Timmery has an excellent sense of direction, and he’s very brave.’

  Camelin was waggling his head from side to side behind Nora’s back as she spoke and mouthed the words he’s very brave. Jack was looking forward to meeting Timmery, but there was someone else he wanted to see first.

  ‘Can we go and see Orin now?’ he asked.

  They left the giant Spriggan in the garden and went back into the kitchen where everyone gathered around Orin. Her fur was ruffled and some of her whiskers were bent. She looked tired. They were all glad she was back safe.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Jack said. ‘Will you forgive me?’

  ‘There’s nothing to forgive,’ replied Orin. ‘Those Spriggans were after the golden acorn. If I’d kept still I don’t think they’d have seen me but I panicked and shot under the duvet. All that mess in your room happened when they tried to catch me.’

  ‘We ought to make sure they don’t come back up the hole,’ said Elan.

  ‘I agree,’ replied Nora and took her wand out into the garden.

  Jack watched from the kitchen window as Nora grew a prickly bush on top of the hole. He suddenly felt all scrunched.

  ‘Can we transform?’ he asked Camelin as he wriggled into his pile of clothes.

  ‘Close your eyes everyone,’ Camelin said before he touched Jack’s forehead.

  ‘When will Timmery be here?’ Jack whispered to Camelin.

  ‘After dark. He sleeps during the day and spends all night being brave.’

  ‘Now Camelin,’ chided Nora as she came back into the kitchen. ‘I don’t want to hear you telling Jack anything bad about Timmery.’

  ‘Is Timmery a badger?’ asked Jack.

  Camelin exploded in laughter.

  ‘That’s a good one!’ he spluttered, ‘Timmery’s about the size of a matchbox. He’s a Pipistrelle; you know, a bat.’

  ‘A bat!’

  ‘A bat,’ repeated Camelin. ‘He gets a bit much sometimes. He’s very enthusiastic. You wouldn’t like him.’

  ‘That’s enough Camelin,’ warned Nora. ‘Now I suggest we all have a rest and meet at dusk when Timmery arrives. Don’t forget you’ve got to go and tell him about the meeting will you Camelin?’

  Camelin pulled a face. Jack wondered if he was jealous of the little bat. As he climbed the stairs with Orin on his shoulder he felt very tired. He lay on his bed with Orin curled up on his pillow. It had been an eventful day and it wasn’t over yet. When Timmery arrived there’d be the meeting. He thought about all the strange happenings since he’d looked into the Raven’s Bowl that morning. Camelin was right; it was hard work being a raven. Jack yawned; it wasn’t long before he fell asleep.

  MEETINGS

  A tapping on the window woke Jack. He sat bolt upright and Orin scampered onto his shoulder and began to tremble.

  ‘Don’t worry. I think it might be Camelin,�
� he reassured her, when he saw a familiar black shape perched on the window ledge.

  ‘Time for the meeting,’ Camelin informed him. ‘Nora says to bring your wand so you’ll be able to understand everything.’

  ‘Aren’t you coming?’

  ‘I’ve got to go and tell Timmery it’s time. Won’t be long.’

  Jack picked up his wand and made his way to the kitchen. Motley and the rest of the Night Guard were already sitting on their upturned beakers. Jack sat on the empty chair between Nora and Elan. Orin ran down Jack’s shirt onto the table and joined Motley. Charkle was perched on Elan’s shoulder and Gerda sat by the patio doors.

  ‘Timmery won’t be long,’ Nora announced, ‘and then we’ll get started.

  Jack heard the flapping of wings as Camelin swooped in through the kitchen door. He was beaten to Nora’s shoulder by a tiny bat that darted in through the window. Camelin circled round and landed gracefully on Nora’s other shoulder.

  ‘I think you can perch on the stool,’ Nora told him.

  Camelin frowned at the little bat as he jumped onto the table and waddled over to the high stool next to Elan.

  ‘For those of you who don’t know,’ Nora began, ‘this is Timmery.’

  Charkle fluttered briefly in front of Nora’s shoulder and introduced himself.

  ‘I’m Charkle of the Dragonette family from the Westwood Roost.’

  ‘Lovely to meet you,’ fussed Timmery.

  ‘And this is Jack,’ said Nora, as Jack stood and smiled at Timmery.

  ‘Oh Jack Brenin! I’ve heard so much about you. I’m so pleased to meet you too. If I can do anything to be of service just let me know.’

  Camelin gave a great sigh and looked bored.

  ‘Pleased to meet you,’ replied Jack.

  ‘Oh I’m honoured, honoured I am…’ began Timmery, but Nora interrupted him by calling the meeting to order.

  ‘We have an important matter to discuss. Some of us have had a long, tiring day. The sooner we sort this out the better. I need to arrange a meeting with Chief Knuckle. The golden acorn must be found and returned or we won’t be able to perform the ritual to open the window in time. Most of you know this already. I think Elan’s told you about our problems Charkle?’

  ‘Oh yes,’ he replied. ‘What do you want me to do?’

  ‘You can explain to Timmery how to find Chief Knuckle so he can deliver my message. I’ve made a tiny hole at the bottom of the prickly bush to allow Timmery to enter the tunnel.’

  Charkle began to explain to Timmery the way through the tunnels to Chief Knuckle’s chamber. As he spoke Nora drew his directions on a piece of paper.

  ‘Go into the tunnel and carry on until you come to the first cave, then take the opposite tunnel and keep going until you’re in a big cavern. There’ll be lots of tunnels leading off in different directions. Sniff each entrance to find the one you’re looking for. Chief Knuckle’s is the smelliest of the lot. He’s the one you’ll want to talk to. None of the rest can do anything without his permission. The Chief’s chamber is massive. There’ll be candles lighting up the whole place. Even though they live underground, Spriggans don’t like the dark. At the far end you’ll see a great golden chair which looks more like a throne. That’s where you’ll find Chief Knuckle.’

  ‘Have you got all that?’ Nora asked Timmery.

  Timmery nodded then floated down to the table and scrabbled along the route Nora had drawn on the paper.

  ‘Got it,’ he chirruped. ‘This is going to be a great adventure, a story to tell all my relatives. What should I call it? Timmery in the Spriggans’ Lair or what about Timmery and the Spriggan Chief?’

  Everyone laughed except Camelin. Nora tapped the table with her wand for quiet and gave out more instructions for the evening.

  ‘Now, I suggest the Night Guard stick together Motley. There’ll be safety in numbers. If you all patrol around the garden tonight it would help. My main concern is to make sure the Spriggans don’t come up somewhere else in the garden before I’ve spoken to Chief Knuckle.’

  Motley nodded but looked very apprehensive.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ said Nora kindly. ‘If they come back up the tunnel they’ll have a problem getting past the prickly bush I’ve put over the hole. You’ll have plenty of time to raise the alarm. If you see any sign of a Spriggan scatter in as many directions as you can. Being roped together will slow them down.

  Motley put on a brave face but Jack could see he wasn’t happy.

  ‘Timmery, when you’ve delivered my message, come back as quickly as you can and let me know you’re safe. Then you can join the night watch and report anything unusual.’

  ‘They can report to me,’ said Camelin with an air of importance. ‘I can raise the alarm if there’s a problem.’

  The kitchen was suddenly filled with a loud hooting as Camelin demonstrated the call of the raven-owl.

  ‘Well if you’re sure,’ said Nora.

  ‘I’m sure,’ replied Camelin, looking pleased with himself.

  ‘Now that only leaves Gerda,’ said Nora, ‘I’d like you to sleep in the kitchen tonight. You know what to do if anyone or anything breaks in.’

  Gerda nodded and waddled round to a basket of straw Nora had placed by the dresser. She shook her tail several times before settling down with her head tucked under her wing.

  Nora took a tiny envelope addressed to Chief Knuckle and placed it in front of Timmery.

  ‘Ready to go?’ she asked him.

  The little bat nodded, picked the envelope up in his teeth and flitted out of the kitchen.

  ‘While Timmery’s gone I’ll make some supper. We’ll eat when he comes back and then prepare to go back down the tunnels. I’d like you to stay here Camelin. If there’s a problem, call Timmery and send him back down the tunnel to find us.’

  ‘Why do I always miss the good stuff?’ Camelin complained bitterly.

  ‘This isn’t a game,’ chided Nora.

  ‘What do you want me to do?’ Jack asked.

  ‘You can come with us. I’ve got a special job for you to do. You’ll be able to stay in the tunnel while I meet Chief Knuckle and you won’t be seen.’

  ‘I might as well be in my loft while you’re gone,’ announced Camelin. ‘I can co-ordinate everything from up there and keep a look out at the same time.’

  Jack suspected Camelin was secretly pleased he didn’t have to go. He hadn’t been keen to go down the tunnel earlier. ‘Co-ordinate’ probably meant he’d be having a sleep until everyone returned.

  Timmery reappeared just as Nora finished laying out the supper. He darted through the kitchen window and attached himself to the front of Nora’s cloak.

  ‘Chief Knuckle wasn’t pleased but he’s agreed to meet you.’

  ‘Excellent! Shall we eat? By the time we’ve finished it will be time to go.’

  After supper Jack made his way up to the attic where he’d arranged to meet Camelin for his transformation. He could hear Camelin in the loft above but instead of coming down his head appeared at the top of the ladder.

  ‘Come up here first. I’ve got a surprise for you.’

  Jack climbed up and poked his head into the loft.

  ‘Look, it’s for you!’

  Jack looked over to where Camelin was pointing. A beanbag lay next to Camelin’s raven basket.

  ‘Oh, cool!’

  ‘Do you like it?’

  ‘It’s great. Does that mean I can sleep up here with you tonight?’

  ‘It was Nora’s idea, but it would have been mine if I’d thought of it first. She thinks it would be safer for you and Orin to sleep up here. I can protect you both from trouble. I’m the only one who can do the call of the raven-owl.’

  Elan shouted to Jack from the garden. She was waiting to lower him down in the basket. Jack and Camelin touched foreheads and once the transformation was complete Jack waddled back down the ladder, onto the window ledge and into the basket. Once he was on the grass Nora joined them.<
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  ‘Ready?’

  ‘Ready,’ they both replied.

  Nora pointed her wand at the prickly bush and a hole, big enough for them all to get through, appeared. Both she and Elan turned around slowly and spiralled down. As they shrank their bodies changed into the silver and chestnut ferrets Jack had seen earlier.

  ‘I want you to carry this for me Jack. I’m going to need it when we get to the cave,’ Nora said as she pushed her wand towards him with her paw.

  Jack picked up the wand in his beak and waddled after them both into the tunnel. They didn’t stop until they reached the entrance to the cave where they’d rescued Orin.

  ‘You two stay here. I’m going to wait in the chamber for Chief Knuckle,’ Nora whispered.

  She stepped into the darkness of the empty cave and shape shifted back into her usual form, then took the wand from Jack’s beak. He was surprised how small Nora looked as she sat hunched on the floor. Jack and Elan crouched in the mouth of the cave so they wouldn’t be seen. They didn’t have long to wait before a strange looking creature stepped out of the far tunnel. He was taller than the other Spriggans Jack had seen. His eyes were so closely set together they almost touched and one was slightly higher than the other. His wide mouth was crooked and full of needle like teeth. His large nose was almost as wide as his mouth.

  ‘That’s another reason why he’s the Chief,’ Elan whispered to Jack as she nodded at his nose. ‘He’s got the best sniffer.’

  Some of the other Spriggans had long noses, some had small, but Chief Knuckle’s was wider and rounder than any of the rest.

  ‘Spriggans need a good sense of smell. The wider their nostrils, the more important they are,’ continued Elan.

  Chief Knuckle swaggered toward Nora. His guard hurried behind him carrying an assortment of curved picks, sharp prodders and long crowbars. The Chief’s pure white cloak of rabbit fur swept the floor. On his head was a grey rat pelt, the tail having been stiffened into a candleholder. The candle was unlit but wax had dripped down the rat’s pelt hat onto his hair and beard. In his hand he carried the torch.

  ‘Shuts up the lots of you!’ the Chief piped, in a very high squeaky voice, to the rest of the Spriggans who’d clambered behind him into the chamber.