Read Online The Lost Treasure of Annwn by Catherine Cooper, RON, COOPER - Free Book Online Page B

rocky outcrops rose from the page, their tops covered in trees. The cliffs were mottled with patches of red and orange and they looked steep and jagged. No wonder he’d have to fly there, it looked very inaccessible. Between the two cliffs was a deep ravine. The only building Jack could see above the trees was the top of a red tower; this had to be the tower the riddle had mentioned. He wondered what the gorge would be like and if it would be difficult to climb. He tapped the top of Falconrock with his wand and watched as the map sank back into his page. If he found the library and opened the door he would be entirely on his own. If he wanted to find out about crystal magic it was something he was going to have to do.
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    FALCONROCK
    Jack was hot and bothered by the time he reached the bottom of Nora’s garden. He’d only packed what he’d needed but his backpack and holdall were bulging at the seams.
    â€˜Let me help,’ said Elan as she came towards him.
    Jack gave Elan the holdall. He expected her to complain about its weight but instead she slung it over her shoulder as if it was empty.
    â€˜Nora wants you to have a go at visualisation before you set off for Falconrock. She thinks you’ll get the hang of it really quickly; especially now you’ve been to visit the fairies. They’re masters of illusion and some of that will have been transferred to you when you ate what they offered. You did eat it didn’t you?’
    â€˜I did, but I shrank it first: will that make any difference?’
    â€˜Not at all, but let’s see how you get on. Nora can put a temporary spell on you if you can’t do it.’
    â€˜Thanks. I’d feel a lot happier if I was dressed. Where’s Camelin?’
    â€˜Oh he’s busy! He’s decided to set up a surveillance team of his own and he’s recruiting starlings to be part of a Flying Squad. He wants them to keep a watch on Max and his gang, and report back if they see or hear anything suspicious. He doesn’t like being the last to know things.’
    â€˜How many starlings are in the squad?’
    â€˜Fifteen,’ croaked Saige, as she hopped off the patio step before making her way towards the flowerbed.
    â€˜He’ll be unbearable now,’ sighed Elan. ‘I don’t know if you’ve noticed but he does like to be in charge.’
    Jack laughed. He looked up as a flock of noisy birds flew around the house.
    â€˜Is that them?’
    â€˜It is.’
    Nora stepped onto the patio.
    â€˜Take your bags up and go tell Camelin we need him in the herborium so you can practise visualising.’
    â€˜I’ll bring this one,’ said Elan.
    â€˜Is it really hard, imagining clothes?’ Jack asked her as they dropped his bags on the bed.
    â€˜You’ll be fine, I’ll see you later. You won’t want me in the herborium while you’re practising.’
    Jack blushed. His cheeks still felt hot as he climbed the stairs to the loft. When he reached the bottom of Camelin’s stepladder he could hear squawking and chattering coming from above. He called to Camelin but there was no answer. He didn’t think he’d been heard above the din. As he poked his head through the trapdoor he smiled. Camelin had his head on one side with one eye shut and the expression closest to a grimace that a bird can have on his face.
    â€˜What’s up?’ shouted Jack.
    â€˜It’s them,’ replied Camelin and turned his beak so it pointed at five starlings that were jostling for position on his windowsill, all speaking at once. Jack decided to test his new skill. He listened carefully. He really could understand what the starlings were saying. They were arguing about who should report to Camelin first.
    â€˜STOP!’ shouted Jack.
    The noise stopped abruptly. All five starlings froze; it was as if they thought they’d be invisible if they kept still. None of them looked at