The Golden Acorn

by Catherine Cooper

  They flew back to the roof of the Camp Prefect’s office. Camelin looked down into the shrine area. Before he could call Medric they both heard one of the guards from the quadrangle cry out. They looked to see Titus Antonius running into the quadrangle. It was Drusus who stood next to the post.

  ‘The prisoner has gone!’

  ‘Escaped?’ asked Titus Antonius.

  ‘Gone,’ replied Drusus in disbelief. ‘The irons and tunic are still here but he’s not.’

  ‘Sorcery, I said it was sorcery!’ the other soldier next to Titus Antonius cried. ‘We must report this to the Camp Prefect at once.’

  ‘I’ll make the report. Make sure nothing is disturbed. Maximus needs to see this for himself or we’ll get the blame,’ Titus Antonius informed them, but before he had chance to leave the quadrangle the silence of the night was shattered. The horn sounded five times from the top of the northern gatehouse.

  There was a stir of excitement throughout the camp.

  ‘A rider approaching,’ Titus Antonius announced. ‘I must go and see what’s happening at the gate first before I go to the Prefect and report the prisoner’s escape. You two must stand guard here until I return.’

  Drusus stood a little way from the post after the centurion left the quadrangle. He didn’t look happy.

  ‘It must be something important,’ whispered Camelin.

  They listened intently. It wasn’t long before they heard hoof beats pounding down the main street. The rider pulled the horse up outside the offices, jumped off and banged loudly on the Camp Prefect’s door.

  ‘An urgent message for Quintus Flavius Maximus from the Commander of the Fourteenth Legion,’ the soldier shouted. When he didn’t get an answer he banged even louder on the door.

  In the distance they could hear Titus Antonius shouting orders. The commotion from the fort continued.

  ‘Gaius Rufus Octavian,’ the rider announced and saluted when Maximus eventually opened the door. ‘I have a message for you from our commander. Mona is taken, the Druids are slain, their groves destroyed.’

  Camelin and Jack exchanged looks. They were both aware from history what had happened but to hear the news, delivered like this, was quite a shock.

  ‘Excellent,’ Maximus said joyfully.

  ‘I also have an urgent order from the Commander,’ continued Octavian. ‘We have been recalled to march to Londinium as soon as possible. Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni, has raised an army. Camulodunum has been destroyed.’

  ‘You’d better come inside and tell me all you know.’

  The soldier tethered his horse to the nearest post and went inside with Maximus.

  ‘That’s not good news for Medric,’ explained Camelin. ‘If the legion is moving out they’ll kill and eat him before they go.’

  ‘We’d better warn him.’

  ‘It won’t be necessary. I’ve already told him we’ll help him escape, you know, in return for helping us. As soon as we’re in the shrine and you’ve transformed open the gate. Before he goes he’ll show you where Maximus hid the plates.

  ‘Couldn’t he have flown out of there before?’

  ‘Medric’s a big bird. He needs a long run up to take off and gain height. There just isn’t room to do that in the shrine. He needs the main street. He’ll try and escape once you’ve let him out.’

  ‘What if they see him?’

  ‘They’ll shoot him. He’s lucky there’s no moon tonight. Lets hope they’ll all be busy once the news about marching out spreads.’

  ‘The soldier mentioned Camulodunum. Was that Colchester?’ Jack asked.

  ‘It was. Boudicca’s army destroyed London and St Albans too. They were heading this way before they finally stopped her. Her tribe, the Iceni, really put the wind up the Romans you know.’

  ‘Do you think it’s safe to go down into the shrine? I’d like to get this over with as quickly as we can.’

  ‘You’re right. Medric will be waiting for us.’

  ‘Once I’ve got the plates I can throw them in the spring can’t I?’

  ‘That’s the plan,’ croaked Camelin. ‘Ready?’

  Jack nodded, but as they were about to fly off the roof they heard louder knocking on the Camp Prefect’s door.

  ‘It’s Titus Antonius!’ exclaimed Camelin. ‘It won’t be long before Maximus knows you’ve escaped.’

  ‘Not now centurion,’ Maximus shouted when he finally opened the door.

  ‘I wouldn’t have disturbed you if it wasn’t important,’ the centurion replied.

  ‘Be quick,’ snapped Maximus.

  ‘The prisoner has disappeared.’

  ‘Disappeared! How?’

  ‘I don’t know Prefect. The tunic is empty and the leg irons are still closed.’

  Maximus, still dressed in full armour with his sword and dagger, pushed past Titus Antonius and marched around the corner towards the quadrangle.

  ‘Search the camp,’ he ordered. ‘He has to be here somewhere.’

  ‘It’s now or never,’ said Camelin.

  They flew down into the shrine. A large white goose, bigger than Gerda, waddled over to them.

  ‘Shield your eyes,’ warned Camelin.

  Medric stood still and obediently put his head under his wing. The flash of light momentarily lit up the whole courtyard. Jack went straight over to the tall gate and lifted up the wooden bar. He opened it enough for Medric to make his escape.

  ‘He says if you go behind the shrine and look near the ground there’s a loose stone. Behind the stone is a hole. Maximus keeps all his valuables in there, wrapped in a cloth. Medric says he’s put the cauldron plates in there with his gold.’

  Jack made his way around the shrine as he’d been instructed. He found the loose stone, pulled it out and put his hand inside the hole.

  ‘I’ve got them!’ exclaimed Jack triumphantly as he pulled the plates out.

  He started to make his way around the shrine so he could throw the plates in the water when Maximus stepped out in front of him.

  ‘Camelin!’ Jack yelled as he dodged past Maximus who’d immediately begun shouting. ‘What’s he saying?’

  ‘He says he’s got you this time and now he’s going to deal with you himself once he gets his hands on you,’ Camelin explained. ‘Don’t let him catch you. He says he’s going to kill you.’

  The second voice distracted Maximus. He looked around to see who’d spoken. Jack ran around the back of the shrine again.

  ‘The gate’s open. Make a run for it,’ yelled Camelin. ‘We can throw the plates in the river when we get outside the fort.’

  Jack knew if he left the safety of the shrine he’d never make it out of the camp. He had to get back around to the front of the shrine; he had to throw the plates into the water. Maximus was quicker than Jack anticipated. As he turned Jack felt a strong hand grab the back of his neck. He heard Maximus draw his sword. The grip on Jack’s neck tightened. Maximus forced Jack onto his knees before the shrine. He pushed his head into the water. Jack struggled. He felt the water surge up his nose. He struggled again and managed to raise his head. Jack saw Camelin swooping towards the Prefect. Once more Maximus thrust Jack’s head back under the water. Then he heard Maximus cry out in pain; Camelin must have used his claws but Maximus didn’t release his grip. Jack had to do something quick or it would be too late.

  ‘Jennet!’ he shouted as loudly as he could into the water with the last of his breath.

  Seconds later Jack felt the water begin to bubble. A long-armed, green-skinned nymph appeared and rose past Jack’s eyes, her face shrouded in a tangle of dark green hair. Maximus must have seen her too. He let go of Jack’s neck and leapt back from the water’s edge. Jack gasped for breath. He could see the look of horror on the Prefect’s face as he wiped the water from his eyes. Maximus opened his mouth but not a sound came out. Jack’s whole body was shaking. He coughed and spluttered as he tried to clear the water from his lungs. Maximus seemed unable to move. Jack quickly thrust the plates
into Jennet’s outstretched hand. For a moment everything went quiet. Then the nymph screeched loudly and dropped the plates into the water. She stretched out her long arms and grabbed Maximus and pulled him into the spring. Once his legs disappeared the whole spring erupted in a mass of bubbles.

  ‘Quick!’ said Camelin. ‘Let’s get out of here.’

  Medric burst out of the doorway and started to run towards to the end of the main street. Once he was there the street would be long enough for him to take off and clear the wall. Jack and Camelin touched foreheads, the light once again lighting up the whole shrine. As they flew up onto the roof they saw bubbles rising again from the spring. There was another loud screech as Maximus was ejected from the water. He landed with a thud on the ground, spluttering and coughing, wearing only his tunic. His magnificent armour and weapons were gone. He’d been stripped of every shiny bit of metal he possessed. Maximus grabbed the package that contained his treasure and shook it into the spring. All his golden torcs, brooches and belts clattered into the water.

  ‘Take it!’ he screamed. ‘Take it all Appias, mighty Goddess of the spring, and leave me alone.’

  Jack could see that Maximus was shaking, though he didn’t know if was from fear or anger. He finally spun around and burst out of the open gate.

  ‘Guards!’ he screamed as he left the shrine. ‘The prisoner’s escaped. Find him. He was here just now. He can’t be far away, and kill that goose, it’s out there somewhere, kill the boy, kill anything that’s flying, I’ve been attacked.’

  Soldiers came running from all directions. As Jack and Camelin flew away they could see the soldier’s shocked expressions as they came to a halt in front of Maximus dressed only in his dripping wet tunic. They could still hear Maximus ordering the archers to shoot as they flew out of the camp. Medric was still only half way down the main street, running as fast as he could to get airborne.

  ‘Go on, go on!’ Jack shouted as Medric began to gain height.

  The archers were ready with their bows. They loosed a volley of arrows as he laboured to clear the wall.

  ‘Did he make it?’ asked Jack.

  ‘I don’t know. I can’t see him,’ Camelin replied. ‘Come on, head for the window. That was too close for comfort.’

  As they flew towards Glasruhen they kept scanning the sky for Medric.

  ‘I tried to make Maximus let go,’ explained Camelin, ‘but he wouldn’t, even though I had my claws in his neck and Medric bit his leg.’

  ‘It’s OK. Really. It’s over now and the plates are safe.’

  ‘Did you see what Jennet did to the Prefect?’ chuckled Camelin.

  ‘It was no more than he deserved.’

  ‘How much are we going to tell Elan and Nora when we get back?’

  ‘We ought to tell them everything.’

  ‘Even about Maximus trying to drown you!’ exclaimed Camelin.

  ‘If we don’t tell them they’re bound to find out from Jennet anyway.’

  As Glasruhen hill came into sight Jack could see the glow from the smouldering remains of the Grove. The smell of burnt wood hung heavily in the air. ‘Do you think Medric’s alright?’ Jack asked.

  ‘I don’t know. I hope so,’ Camelin replied. ‘It won’t be long now. Are you ready to fly back through the window?’

  ‘Ready,’ replied Jack.

  They circled around the hill, separated and took up their positions above each gateway at the opposite ends of the hill fort.

  ‘Ready?’ Camelin shouted.

  ‘Let’s fly,’ Jack shouted back.

  Just as they’d practiced time and time again they started their ascent, increased their speed as they flew towards the window and at the last minute they turned their bodies and shot past each other. There was a loud crack. Jack felt his body jolt; something heavy knocked him into a spin. He lost control and flapped his wings rapidly as he fought to regain his balance. His body went hurtling through the air. He tried to cry out but he couldn’t find his voice. The jolt had winded him. Jack hit the ground hard as he crash landed.

  ‘So sorry, so sorry,’ cackled Medric as he waddled quickly over to where Jack lay. ‘Are you alright?’

  Jack felt shaken and very surprised to see Medric.

  ‘You made it!’ he exclaimed.

  ‘Is anything broken?’ Medric fussed. ‘I’m so sorry I flew into you.’

  ‘I think I’m OK, but where’s Camelin? Did we come through the window?’

  ‘There’s no window here,’ cackled Medric. ‘We’re at the top of the hill fort.’

  Jack’s heart sank; the collision must have knocked them off course. They must have missed the window in time. They’d have to try again.

  ‘Camelin,’ he called.

  ‘Jack,’ a familiar voice replied, ‘Where are you? Are you alright?’

  ‘Elan!’ Jack exclaimed. ‘I’m over here. Are we home, are we really home?’

  ‘You’re home,’ she replied.

  ‘We did it, we did it,’ croaked Camelin triumphantly as he landed on Nora’s shoulder. ‘We found the plates and Jack got them into the spring; now all we have to do is get them back from Jennet. We’ll be able to remake the cauldron, reopen the portal and go back into Annwn.’

  ‘All in good time,’ said Nora as she smiled at them both. ‘Thank goodness you’re home safe and sound.’

  Medric looked confused.

  ‘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

  Chapter 9 - Preparations

  Chapter 10 - The Raven's Bowl

  Chapter 11 - Flying Lessons