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together. Jack stood with his mouth open, his heart pounding in his chest.
    ‘You did it. You’ve remade the cauldron Jack,’ Camelin croaked as he hopped around the table. ‘We’ll be in Annwn in no time now.’
    Jack looked at Nora and Elan but neither spoke.
    ‘You can open the portal can’t you?’
    ‘We can, with your help,’ replied Nora.
    ‘I’ll do whatever you want,’ said Jack.
    ‘We owe both of you a great deal and there are many who will be grateful to you forever,’ added Elan as she exchanged glances with Nora. ‘There’s something important we have to discuss.’
    The tone of her voice told Jack that something was wrong.
    ‘We’ve had to change our plans, we can’t wait until Samhain.’
    Camelin hopped around excitedly.
    ‘So when are we going?’
    ‘We’re opening the portal tonight. It couldn’t be more perfect, they’ll be celebrating Midsummer in Annwn.’
    ‘A festival!’ cried Camelin. ‘How long can we stay?’
    Nora sighed.
    ‘I’m sorry, but you won’t be able to go.’
    ‘What d’you mean, I won’t be able to go? You promised. It’s not fair if Jack gets to go and I don’t. Not after all we’ve been through together.’
    ‘Jack can’t go either.’
    There was silence. Jack wanted to ask why. He too wanted to say that it wasn’t fair, but he could see the pain in Nora’s eyes. Elan reached over and gently stroked Camelin’s feathers.
    ‘We’re sorry, but if we don’t go soon it will be too late.’
    ‘But why can’t we come with you?’ asked Camelin.
    ‘Only the Fair Folk or Druids may enter Annwn without permission. Mortals are only allowed to pass through the gate at Samhain, it’s the law and we have to obey it.’
    ‘It’s a stupid law,’ grumbled Camelin.
    Jack couldn’t speak.
    ‘If you turn over that last page in my book Jack, it might help to explain.’
    Jack raised his wand and turned the page. He couldn’t see to read for the tears which had welled up in his eyes. Elan took the book from him:
    Between the archway will be seen,
A gleaming gateway, tall and green,
No humankind may enter here,
Except at Samhain every year.

    The Law of Annwn does decree,
For trespass there’s a penalty.
For crimes committed in the Land,
Before the Council you must stand.
    ‘We can’t wait until Samhain. We’ve got to collect the acorns tonight. Arrana is fading fast and my magic is almost gone, I need to drink the elixir. Elan must renew her strength too before it’s too late. You do understand don’t you, we’d take you with us if we could.’
    Jack nodded. Nora and Elan turned to Camelin. He hung his head, and then slowly nodded too.

GLASRUHEN GATE
    ‘It’s lucky we didn’t have too much trouble getting the plates back this afternoon, we’ve got a lot to do before sunset,’ said Nora. ‘We’re going to need you both to help.’
    Camelin’s head slumped. He shuffled down to the end of the table and turned his back on them all. Nora sighed and continued speaking to Jack.
    ‘I know it’s a lot to ask, but we’re not going to be able to open Glasruhen Gate without you. I need to have some magic in reserve to make the elixir once we’re in Annwn.’
    ‘Will you open the gate for us?’ asked Elan.
    ‘Me! How can I open the gate?’
    ‘You have all the power in your wand. It began life as an acorn from the Mother Oak in Annwn, the portal will recognise its power and will open to it.’
    ‘So why won’t your wands do the same, they came from Annwn didn’t they?’
    ‘Ours are earthly wands. Mine’s from the hazel tree and Elan’s is birch wood,’ explained Nora.
    Camelin slowly turned.
    ‘You mean my wand’s better than yours?’
    Nora laughed.
    ‘Yes Camelin, yours and Jack’s are both better than ours. Now we’ve got lots to do. First, Jack will need to go home and ask his grandad if he can stay till later Tell him we’re back from visiting and we’re going to have a barbecue.’
    ‘A barbecue, a real barbecue?’ croaked