Read Online The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper - Free Book Online

Jack watched as he tossed a small bar of milk chocolate into the air and caught it on the way down in his beak. He thought he ought to change the subject.
    ‘I like your room. Your cat basket looks really comfortable.’
    ‘Its not a cat basket,’ replied Camelin indignantly. ‘It’s a raven basket and it was made to measure. Look.’
    He stood up, turned around twice and settled down again, only this time on his back with his legs sticking up in the air.
    ‘It’s a perfect fit.’
    Jack had to stop himself from laughing. He didn’t want to offend Camelin but the sight of him in the raven basket was very funny.
    ‘Was there anything else? Because I’d rather not have to get up again.’
    ‘I need to know about the window in time. Why can’t I climb through it?’
    Camelin shook with laughter.
    ‘You’d have to be very tall to do that, taller than the tallest giant. We’ve got to fly through because it’s up in the clouds, right over the top of Glasruhen Hill.’
    Jack felt shaken. This wasn’t good news.
    ‘Scared are you?’
    ‘Yes,’ Jack admitted. ‘I don’t like heights.’
    ‘Oh, that’s brilliant!’ exclaimed Camelin sarcastically. ‘The only one who can help and he’s scared of heights. Have you told Nora?’
    ‘No. Perhaps it could be our secret?’
    Camelin gave Jack a long look.
    ‘Ok,’ he said eventually. ‘We can trade. I’ll keep your secret if you do something for me, but you mustn’t tell anyone.’
    ‘I’ve said I’ll bring you food and I’ve already promised I won’t tell.’
    ‘No this is extra. The food’s for the lessons. This is for your secret; you mustn’t laugh. Agreed?’
    Jack wondered what he was agreeing to but, whatever it was, Camelin wasn’t laughing any more so it had to be important.
    ‘Agreed.’
    ‘I want to learn to read.’
    ‘You can’t read?’
    ‘No, nor write.’
    ‘Why didn’t you ask Nora?’
    ‘Because she’d want to know why and if she knew she’d say no.’
    Jack thought it might be rude to ask Camelin the reason but the raven continued.
    ‘I want a wand. If I can’t read and write I’m never going to get one.’
    ‘It’s not a problem. I’ll teach you. We can do a bit each day.’
    ‘And you won’t tell Nora?’
    ‘I promise. It will be our secret.’
    Camelin gave a dismissive flick of his wing and Jack presumed he wanted him to leave. As he was making his way down the ladder Camelin called to Jack.
    ‘You can tell Nora my empty stomach’s made me realise how sorry I am for eating her pie.’
    ‘OK. Will I see you later?’
    ‘I expect so.’

    When Jack got back to the kitchen he gave Camelin’s message to Nora. She laughed.
    ‘I doubt he’s sorry at all and he certainly isn’t joining us for lunch. He can sit up there and starve for a bit longer.’
    Jack was certain Camelin wasn’t going to starve. Nora obviously hadn’t seen inside the wicker basket where Camelin stored his emergency rations.
    Nora began to ladle steaming soup into three bowls which she had ready on the table.
    ‘After we’ve eaten I’d like you to go to Newton Gill Forest to meet the Gnori. It’s important you go on your own. It will help you understand what’s going to happen to Arrana and the whole of Glasruhen Forest if we don’t succeed. You’ll be able to get home from Newton Gill so take your things with you. Elan will show you the way and tell you how to get home.’
    Jack ate his soup slowly. He wasn’t in any hurry to meet the Gnori whatever it might be.

THE GNORI
    After lunch Jack checked that his wand was securely in place before putting the Book of Shadows into his backpack. He said goodbye to Nora and followed Elan to the gap in the hedge at the bottom of the garden. She stood aside to let Jack go through.
    ‘Go right instead of left but don’t leave the path. After you’ve been to Newton Gill Forest and you’re ready to come back just turn around and the path will lead you home.’
    ‘Can’t you come with