Work resumed on the buggy after lunch. The only break they had during the afternoon was when Nora brought lemonade and biscuits. Jack caught a glimpse of Camelin flying towards Glasruhen as they sat in the sunshine with their drinks. Jack had plenty of time to think while the others discussed the progress of the buggy. He needed to plan the two remaining visits to Elidon carefully. The best place to start would be the Hag’s cave. Maybe Camelin had gone to find out where it used to be. He was certain there weren’t any Hags living in Glasruhen now. He was glad Camelin would be with him in Elidon.
For the rest of the afternoon, Techno and Elan worked on the framework and Grandad made the seat. All Jack was required to do was pass screwdrivers and spanners from the toolboxes. He would rather have been flying with Camelin but helping with the buggy was something he couldn’t get out of. He listened to Elan and Techno chatting happily together. They were both excited and engrossed; he knew how Camelin felt now when he was left out. Grandad looked happy, too. Jack hoped he might be allowed to help paint the buggy when it was finished. He looked over at the shelf where the paint was kept. As he scanned the neat row of tins he saw the one that had been spilt. The outside was covered in blue. Jack smiled; Max and Tank were having their hair shaved off today.
‘I think it’s time to stop,’ announced Grandad. ‘That’s a good day’s work; she should be finished by the weekend. Shall we see if we can get her over to Monument Hill on Sunday afternoon and give her a trial run?’
‘That would be great Mr Brenin, I’m sure my dad wouldn’t mind taking us. We could put the buggy in his trailer, and we’d all fit in his car. I’ll bring my stopwatch.’
Jack forced himself to grin like the others, but he didn’t feel excited.
‘You can have first go Jack,’ said Elan.
Jack’s heart missed a beat. The last thing he wanted to do was to career headlong down a hill so close to the ground.
‘It’s fine, you or Techno can go first.’
‘I wish I could fit into that seat, there’s nothing like feeling the wind blowing in your face,’ said Grandad, as he looked longingly at the buggy.
‘We’re going to need a helmet, it said so in the safety rules,’ said Techno.
‘I’ve got one we can use…’ said Elan.
Jack’s eyebrows rose. He couldn’t imagine Elan wearing a crash helmet. He wondered if she might be going to magic one so he didn’t say anything.
‘… and I think Techno should go first, it’s his design.’
Techno looked overjoyed.
‘Are you sure Elan? It was your buggy that got smashed. What about you Jack?’
‘Be my guest, I’ll time you.’
Grandad looked thoughtful before he spoke.
‘You all need to have a go. The driver’s weight can affect the speed. From the trials we’ll be able to work out who should drive on race day. We all want what’s best for the team don’t we?’
‘We do,’ everyone agreed.
Jack felt as if a great weight had been lifted. He knew he wouldn’t have the fastest time.
‘Of course the strongest one will need to go round the course. There are a couple of hills that the buggy will need to be pushed up,’ continued Grandad.
Jack smiled. He knew without a doubt that Elan was the strongest.
‘That’s settled then,’ said Grandad. ‘We’ll aim to have our new Comet finished for trials by the weekend.’
Jack looked wistfully at Nora and Elan as they said their goodbyes. He’d hoped to be able to visit Cory later but he knew that wasn’t going to happen as Grandad had insisted they walk home with Techno. He said he wanted to talk to his dad but Jack suspected he wanted to make sure he got home alright. It wasn’t far, and before long, they’d turned into the street where Techno lived.
‘That’s my house on the left,’ said Techno as he pointed to a detached house with a large front garden, ‘it’s the one opposite the park.’
When they reached the park gates they had to wait to cross the road. Jack thought he heard whispering coming from behind one of the bushes. He didn’t want to look round because he was sure the voices belonged to Max and Tank. He looked up at the roof of Techno’s house. Two starlings were perched on the gable end. He was too far away to be sure but he thought they looked like Bicker and Grudge. It was a good job Grandad was there, he didn’t want to think what might have happened to Techno if he’d been on his own.
Jack wasn’t alone until bedtime. He was about to get ready for bed when he heard a faint tap on his window. When he peeped round the curtain he saw Camelin sitting on the windowsill. Jack opened the window.
‘You took your time coming upstairs. I’ve been waiting in that tree opposite for over an hour now. I’m not coming in, can’t stop if I want to make the chippy, it closes soon and I’ll be able to have what’s left if I get there in time.’
‘I think Max and Tank were watching Techno’s house.’
‘Old news, got that covered. Nora’s told the Squad to keep an extra eye out for him; he’s as small as you isn’t he?’
‘Was there a reason for your visit?’
‘Got some news for you; this afternoon I went to see Cory. She told me the large stone in the middle of the stone circle used to be called the King’s stone. She thinks that’s the one you need to look through.’
‘That’s great news. As soon as the buggy’s finished we can go and see her.’
‘Can’t you use a bit of magic and get it finished quicker? It’s no fun without you.’
Jack ignored the question. Camelin already knew the answer.
‘I’m sorry. I don’t like it any more than you do.’
‘Aw well! See you later… get dreaming. I could do with another visit to Elidon tonight.’
‘I’ll do my best, see you later.’
Without another word Camelin took off and headed in the direction of the shops. Jack felt envious, not only because Camelin was free to fly when he wanted, but also because he too quite fancied some fish and chips.
When he was ready for bed Jack called downstairs and said goodnight. He lay in bed and wondered how long it would be before his grandad came up to bed and fell asleep. He wished Orin were with him. He missed not talking to her. As Jack fought to stay awake he heard a fluttering of tiny wings circling around his room.
‘Dorysk? Is that you?’ Jack whispered.
A large moth landed on the bottom of Jack’s bed and began to crawl towards his legs. With each step it grew bigger and began to change shape. It wasn’t long before the Dorysk stood on top of Jack’s bent knees.
‘You missed a treat today,’ the Dorysk chuckled.
‘Why? What happened?’
‘Those two boys, the nasty pair, had their head’s shaved. Nora asked me to keep an extra watch on them so I followed them this afternoon. Gave Bicker and Grudge a laugh too when Max took his cap off and showed Tank’s mum his blue hair.’
Jack smiled. It served Max right for smashing the buggy. The Dorysk began making a buzzing sound then chuckled again.
‘Cried, he did, when he saw himself in the mirror. I wish you could have seen it. Tank didn’t seem too bothered. It serves them right for being so horrible.’
‘Thanks for coming to tell me. Does Camelin know?’
‘Can’t find him, he wasn’t in his loft.’
‘Try the chip shop.’
‘Now why didn’t I think of that? I’d better be off. If I hurry there might be a few scraps left.’
Jack doubted it. Camelin didn’t usually miss anything, and he could pick up the tiniest crumbs.
‘See you soon,’ Jack whispered as the Dorysk changed back into a moth and flitted out of the open window.
Jack lay back on the pillow and thought about Max. It was hard to imagine him without his beautifully groomed hair.
The snores coming from the end of the corridor told Jack his grandad was sound asleep. He didn’t want to leave anything to chance. If he could summon the crystal and ask to be taken to Elidon he could tell it exactly where he wanted to go. He closed his eyes and thought of Glasruhen Hill. When he felt himself drifting off to sleep he opened his palm and tried to visualise his crystal but nothing happened. He tried again and again. His only hope was to fall asleep and be transported to Elidon in his dream, as he had been before. Jack felt his body relax, his arms and legs felt heavy and finally his eyes slowly closed.
‘What happened last night? You didn’t go back without me, did you?’ Camelin asked as soon as Jack walked into the kitchen at Ewell House.
‘It wouldn’t work, I tried but nothing happened. I came over early to see if Nora might have an explanation. Do you know where she is? I don’t think I’ve got long before Techno’s due to arrive.’
‘She’s gone over to the island to take everyone their breakfast. You should see how much the goslings have grown.’
‘I’d love to but not just now. I need to be here for Techno.’
‘Techno this, Techno that, hasn’t he got a proper name?’
‘It’s Praket Kawle,’ said Elan as she placed a basket full of tomatoes, lettuce and radishes onto the table.
‘Not salad for lunch!’ grumbled Camelin.
‘With homemade quiche,’ replied Elan.
Jack watched Camelin’s eyes grow big.
‘Well that’s different.’
Elan ignored him and turned to Jack.
‘Is everything alright?’
‘Not really, I couldn’t summon the crystal or get back to Elidon last night.’
‘Crystal magic chooses its own path. You’ll be taken back when the time is right for you to go.’
‘And me,’ said Camelin, ‘I get to go too, Kerne said I could.’
Jack felt helpless. There was nothing he could do to hurry events along. What if he failed? What if he never got back to Elidon? He tried to put the nagging doubts out of his head.
‘When’s the buggy going to be finished?’ asked Camelin.
Elan looked surprised.
‘I didn’t think you were interested in the buggy.’
‘I’m not, I just want things to get back to normal around here and the sooner the buggy’s finished the sooner all the visitors will be gone.’
‘Grandad says it will be ready to test at the weekend,’ said Jack.
‘We’d better get going,’ said Elan. ‘Your grandad must be on his way by now.’
Camelin looked crossly at Jack before shuffling out of the patio doors.
‘He’ll be fine when it’s all over,’ said Elan.
Jack nodded in agreement. He felt the same. He knew he’d feel a lot better when the buggy and the race were both finished, and more importantly, his quest completed. He followed Elan down the path to the shed. Grandad and Techno came through the front gate together happily chatting. Although Jack couldn’t hear them, he could guess what they were discussing.
Jack offered to help Nora make lunch again. He felt more at home in the kitchen than he did in the workshop.
‘Everything will be fine, you’ll see,’ Nora told him.
‘If I knew the right question to ask my Book of Shadows I’m sure I’d get the answer. I’d just feel happier if I knew what to do or when to do it.’
‘Have you got your Book with you?’
Jack nodded.
‘Off you go down to the library, you won’t be disturbed in there. There’s a chapter about Elidon you might like to read. Just ask for information about the Land of Shadow and I’m sure your Book will give you an answer.’
‘What about lunch?’
‘It’s fine. I can manage. If I’m running late I’ve got a very effective spell I can use.’
Jack and Nora both laughed. He didn’t doubt Nora could have lunch ready in a couple of minutes if she needed to. He picked up his rucksack from by the dresser and made his way down the corridor to Nora’s library. He opened the double doors and stepped into one of his favourite rooms. Sunlight streamed in through the windows. Tiny dust particles danced and swirled inside the shaft of light. Jack loved the feel and smell of the old leather-bound books. He sat down and placed his Book on the table. For a few moments he let the peaceful atmosphere of the room wash over him before closing his eyes. He placed his hand on his Book and whispered.
‘Tell me about the Land of Shadows.’
His hand jerked away from the Book as the cover flew open. The pages turned rapidly until they arrived at the chapter on Elidon. After a general introduction the chapter was divided by sub-headings. Jack was able to find the relevant information easily. He didn’t have time to look at the whole chapter, but he knew enough from the little he’d read. To enter Elidon again he must use his crystal and he’d only be allowed to return at the same time too. Both he and Camelin were going to have to wait until Saturday night and then the Saturday after for their next two visits. This was the rule for all visitors who wished to return, and there were no exceptions. Jack sighed as he closed his book. He took one last look at the bookshelves before putting his Book inside his rucksack. He closed the library doors and went back to join Nora in the kitchen.
‘Did you find the information you needed?’
Jack nodded.
‘Not good news then?’ asked Nora.
‘We can’t go back until Saturday night.’
‘At least you know and won’t be worrying about it now. Lunch is ready. Will you go and fetch the others?’
Jack smiled and nodded a lot during lunch as the others told Nora how far they’d progressed. He hoped the others hadn’t noticed his disappointment; he didn’t want them to think it was anything to do with the buggy. It was going to be a long wait until the weekend.
Jack woke early on Saturday. He spent most of the morning lost in thoughts of Elidon. After lunch, a knock on the front door announced the arrival of Techno and his dad. Jack wrote a message to Elan, in his Book of Shadows, to tell her it was time to go. He waited for her to arrive at the kitchen door. He could see she was excited as she ran up the garden. They joined Techno at the front of the house. Jack had expected they’d all be waiting for them but as he closed the gate he could see the buggy was still on the pavement. It seemed to take forever to get the buggy safely onto the back of the trailer. Jack watched as Grandad and Techno’s dad secured and padded it. They pushed and shook it until they were satisfied it wasn’t going to be damaged. Thankfully the journey to Monument Hill didn’t take long.
Once the buggy was unloaded everyone except Techno’s dad made their way to the top of the hill. He stayed at the bottom to signal to Grandad when to let the buggy go so he could start the stopwatch.
Jack and Elan insisted Techno went in the buggy first. Jack wasn’t happy when he saw how fast the buggy sped down the hill.
‘That should be a great time,’ Grandad shouted, as Techno pulled the buggy back to the top of the hill.
‘Now you Jack,’ said Techno, as he passed him the crash helmet.
Jack didn’t say a word; he looked pleadingly at Elan as he offered it to her.
‘Thanks Jack. I won’t be long.’
Elan also sped down the hill. Jack swallowed hard. He knew he’d not be able to get out of having a go.
‘Well done,’ Grandad said when she reached the top of the hill. ‘There you go, Jack, put the helmet on. It’s your turn now.’
Jack reluctantly climbed into the seat. Grandad strapped him in and checked the seat belt was secure. He felt a jerk as Elan and Techno released the buggy. The ground rose up and down as he sped along. His stomach churned. He closed his eyes but quickly opened them again as it made him feel worse. Thankfully he was almost at the finish. The buggy was no longer pointing downwards. It slowed, and eventually stopped. Techno’s dad helped Jack undo the safety belt. He could feel himself trembling as he stepped out of the buggy.
‘Are you alright?’ asked Techno’s dad.
‘I am now, thank you.’
He gave Jack a piece of paper.
‘Take this up to your grandad for me. It’s got all your times on.’
Jack took his time as he pulled the buggy back up the hill. That was the last time he ever needed to race. When he joined Elan and Techno at the top Grandad gave them their positions.
‘You were in third place Jack, Elan was second and Techno first.’
‘Well done,’ said Jack, ‘really well done, you deserve it.’
‘Best of three?’ said Grandad.
‘Not for me,’ replied Jack. ‘It should just be between Elan and Techno.’
‘Are you sure? You might pick up a bit more speed if you have another go.’
‘I’m sure,’ replied Jack. The thought of going down the hill even faster was not appealing.
By the end of the afternoon Techno was the clear winner of the time trials. Elan had proved herself the strongest by being the only one who could push the buggy uphill without any problems. Jack felt relieved. He also felt grateful to Techno because if he’d not been on the team Jack would have been in the driving seat on race day.
As they drove back to Glasruhen, Jack blocked out the excited chatter about the way the buggy had handled. His thoughts were elsewhere. He was impatient for the day to end. He had a return journey to make to Elidon before morning.
