Read The Golden Acorn for Free Online

she is!’ explained Elan, but before she could say any more the creature began to speak to Nora.
    ‘I hope it’s important?’ she wheezed. ‘I was very busy and you’ve disturbed me.’
    ‘Jennet,’ said Nora, addressing the water nymph, ‘Elan is here and we’ve brought Jack Brenin to meet you.’
    She stepped aside so that the water nymph could get a better view of Elan and Jack.
    ‘Well that’s quite a different matter. Why didn’t you say they were coming today?’ She looked at Elan first and nodded her head, then turned towards Jack and spoke to him directly.
    ‘Come here Jack Brenin so I can get a good look at you.’
    Jack stepped forward rather reluctantly and stood in front of the nymph whilst she inspected him. He felt uncomfortable as Jennet not only looked but also sniffed the air around him. When she’d finished she turned back and addressed Nora.
    ‘He’s not much to look at is he?’
    ‘I agree,’ croaked Camelin. ‘He’s going to be as much use as a chocolate teapot.’
    An awful sound came from Jennet and Jack only realised she was laughing when Nora looked crossly at her.
    ‘I’m going to do my best,’ Jack announced loudly.
    This must have satisfied Jennet because she turned her attention back to Nora.
    ‘Does he know what he’s got to do then?’
    ‘Not yet, but he’s spoken to Arrana and she’s explained our problem to him.’
    ‘Is that all you wanted to tell me? I’m very busy you know.’
    ‘No,’ said Nora sternly. ‘I want you to promise to help Jack should he ever need it and tell the other water nymphs they must promise too. You can start by working out which symbol Jack needs for the lath Arrana gave him.’
    Jennet screwed up her face and narrowed her eyes.
    ‘What do I get in exchange for this?’
    The water began to bubble around Jennet again as she waited eagerly for her gift. Elan stepped forward and produced a large black shiny marble from her pocket. The bubbles were now turning into what looked like a mini-whirlpool. Jennet stretched out a long arm and wrapped her spindly green fingers around the offering.
    ‘This is very acceptable,’ she crooned and pointed towards one of the rocks in front of the well. ‘This will be your mark. Come and touch it.’
    Jack approached the well, taking care to stay out of Jennet’s reach. He put his right hand upon the cool mossy rock. There was a flash of light. The rock became burning hot. He pulled his hand away. Glowing in the rock was a strange symbol. His finger was throbbing and when he examined it, the same symbol was glowing there too.
    ‘Make sure you succeed Jack Brenin. We’re all counting on you.’
    Jennet’s words were almost lost as a final surge of bubbles engulfed her. Then she was gone.
    ‘Take the lath,’ said Nora. ‘See what happens.’
    Jack held Arrana’s twig in his right hand. He felt a strange hot burning sensation in his fingertips. The gnarled twig glowed too. It almost shone. To Jack’s astonishment it was now perfectly smooth.
    ‘Don’t you point that wand at me,’ shouted Camelin as he hopped out of Jack’s way. ‘Somebody show him how to put it away before he does any damage.’
    Before Nora could give Jack any instructions the wand grew even brighter. Sparks flew. One caught the tip of Camelin’s tail and slightly singed his sleek black feathers.
    Jack dropped the wand. Before it hit the floor it turned back into the same gnarled twig Arrana had given him.
    ‘I told you he’d be useless but I didn’t realise he was going to be dangerous. Look what he’s done to my feathers!’
    Jack hung his head. He didn’t want Camelin to see his smile. It had been an accident, unlike the acorn Camelin had aimed at his head, so in a way it served him right. Now they were even, but it wasn’t a good start if they were going to have to get along.

BOOK OF SHADOWS
    ‘Pick up your wand Jack,’ said Nora kindly. ‘You’ll soon get used to it when you’ve had a few lessons. It’s