“Are you sure? They see her as a betrayer, as a servant of evil. They fear her and would prefer her dead.”
“We can persuade them and with my speed they would not be left with her for long.”
Aurddolen thought quietly.
“We will put it to them in the morning, but now I fear I must sleep. It has been days since I could rest without agonising about the fate of you and my daughter and without fear of attack.” He lay beside Heulwen and very soon was snoring gently.
8
The night passed slowly but September did not feel in need of sleep. It was dark beneath the trees with no glimpse of moon or stars. Silent too, with no sounds of creeping creatures or flying bats or owls. The transparently thin shield of lead that surrounded them was not threatened by manifestations of the Malevolence. All the travellers slept peacefully except for Heulwen who remained unmoving but with her eyes wide open. September wondered whether the girl was conscious and trapped within her body or whether her body was mindless.
September marvelled at her own wakefulness and lack of hunger. It seemed that the changes that had taken place in her during her journey to the planets had separated her physically from the Land. While she had learnt how to control her emotions and hence the powers of the metals and the starstone she no longer had need for the sustenance of life. Food and rest were not necessities anymore. She was clothed now in blue light and no longer had the objects that had accompanied her from Amaethaderyn to the Arsyllfa. Even the silver casing and chain which had held the starstone had been discarded. Now she held the stone in her hand and she never felt the need to release it. Even when she changed into one of the mercurial creatures the stone remained attached to her. While for a time it had seemed that she was an inhabitant of this strange world, now that she had gained unearthly powers she was apart from it although still bound to it. Nevertheless, she realised that she would not be permitted to return to her home until after the Conjunction when her task would, she hoped, be complete and the Malevolence banished beyond the stars.
What would become of her sister at that time? Would she be removed from the universe too or would she die for a second time? September wondered what it would have been like to have a twin sister. Perhaps they would have been inseparable friends, sharing pleasures and trials, be confidantes and partners. Did Malice or Mairwen have any such feelings or was she totally overwhelmed by the hate of the Malevolence?
As grey light filtered between the trees the others began to stir. Sieffre was surprised to find September awake and alert.
“Have you not slept, Cludydd?” he asked.
“No Sieffre. It seems I have no need of sleep just as I no longer have need of food.”
The travellers ate the remaining nuts and berries left over from the evening’s meal and prepared themselves to start the day’s journey. Aurddolen looked after Heulwen but her condition had not changed.
When everyone was ready to break camp and had collected together the few possessions with which they had escaped the destruction of the Arsyllfa, the Mordeyrn called them together.
“There is a great distance between us and our destination. Many weeks of hard and difficult travel. But there is an alternative. With the Cludydd’s ability to call up the power of arian byw she can carry us through the air to Mwyngloddiau Dwfn.”
“All at once?” Cynhaearn asked.
“No. As a bird I can manage one passenger at a time,” September said.
“It will surely tire you and take a long time to transport the five of us,” Cynwal pointed out.
“Six. You are forgetting Heulwen,” September said, “but I don’t think it will tire me and you will be surprised how fast I can fly.”
“If the flight of the eagle is faster than the pace of the panther then you will indeed cover the distance in a short time,” Sieffre said.
“Oh, I think I can fly much faster than I run,” September said cheerfully.
“So it is decided then,” Aurddolen said, “we just need to choose the order in which the Cludydd carries us.”
“Sieffre and I as warriors should remain till the rest have been taken,” Cynhaearn said and Sieffre nodded in agreement.
“Cynwal. You should go first as Mwyngloddiau Dwfn is your home. You can tell your people what has happened and prepare for our arrival,” Aurddolen spoke authoritatively and Cynwal nodded, “then Hedydd, you should go next. You are the astronomer now and must continue the observations.”
“But I have no instruments or books of records.”
“You have what you need in your head. Eryl trained you well. I know.”
Hedydd blushed with embarrassment but nodded.
“Then it will be my turn,” Aurddolen paused, “and I will leave my daughter in your care Cynhaearn.” The stocky iron bearer momentarily looked as though the task was abhorrent and then he bowed his head.
“As you wish, Mordeyrn.”
“Thank you. Then the Cludydd will carry her and return two more times for you my friends.”
They all nodded and agreed.
“Despite the Cludydd’s speed,” Aurddolen continued, “it will take days to complete so you must prepare to make camp here for the duration. Perhaps the Cludydd will be kind enough to return with supplies to keep those that remain comfortable and satisfied.”
“Yes, of course,” September said, “Now let’s make a start.” She imagined a drop of mercury on a surface, running this way and that, its movement unpredictable. She leapt into the air becoming the blue eagle, flapped her great wings then settled back onto the ground on her taloned feet. The others gasped.
“You are beautiful, Cludydd,” Hedydd said, “Your plumage is like the sky at dusk just before the Moon rises.”
“You are indeed a magnificent creature,” Cynwal said, “but how do I ride on you?”
September bent her legs and lowered her head.
“Sit on my back in front of my wings,” she said, “and hold onto my neck.” Cynwal cocked his leg over her and sat as she instructed. The others stood back out of the way of her outstretched wings. As she straightened her legs and raised her head, Cynwal flung his arms around her neck and held onto her tightly.
“Try not to strangle me please,” September said.
“I’m sorry, Cludydd, but the thought of this flight scares me.”
“I’ll take care of you.” She beat her wings and rose into the air. In a moment they were through the dome of plwm that covered the campsite, then they were over the stream and climbing through the gap in the tree cover. The canopy fell away below them. September circled over the small clearing fixing the position in her memory. Finding north-east she thrust herself higher into the sky. She found a thermal that lifted her to the clouds then she soared. Cynwal screamed with fear and delight.
The ground passed swiftly below them. Here and there amongst the trees were clearings where crops were grown but mostly the tree cover was unbroken. Soon they crossed a strip of white water that was the great southern river. Onwards they flew, swooping from one thermal to another, September’s broad wings catching the air and pushing them on at great speed. It was not long before they crossed another band of water, the northern river. Before them now was the expanse of forest and in the distance the dark peaks of the Mynydd Tywyll. The sun passed overhead and still September continued on effortlessly while Cynwal clung on cold and nervous.
The trees were thinning now that they were passing over the foothills of the mountains. Below them September saw flocks of sheep on the cool, green hillsides. Cynwal shouted directions into her ear, as they swooped over ridge and valley. She rose higher to clear the first craggy ridges of the mountain chain, swooping down into the valleys beyond to increase her speed before catching the air in her wings to climb towards the next peak.
The sun was sinking behind the western peaks. Snow crept down from the mountaintops into the valleys until there was no longer the green of grass or black of rock to be seen but just the uniform whiteness of fresh s
now. At last, ahead she saw a jumble of dark buildings and towers and chimneys with smoke belching into the cloud-filled sky.
“There,” Cynwal cried, “Mwyngloddiau Dwfn.”
The inhabitants might think I’m a manifestation of the Malevolence, September thought, and summoned up the feeling of love to broadcast a message, “It is me, the Cludydd o Maengolauseren bearing your cludydd o plwm, Cynwal. Do not be afraid.”
She soared down from the sky to the town built from black rock hewn from the cliffs. There was a track of compressed snow and ice leading up the valley to the town. September landed on it just short of the first dark, cold buildings. Already people were running from the streets and alleyways between the buildings, racing towards her. They were cheering and whooping with delight.
Cynwal slid stiffly from her back and struggled to straighten up. September shook herself and changed back into her normal form. The people skidded to a halt in front of them. Cynwal spread his arms.
“Friends, I am glad to be back amongst you and delighted to introduce the Cludydd o Maengolauseren to you but I bring you grave news. The Arsyllfa has fallen to the Malevolence.”
A great groan passed amongst everyone and their heads drooped. One figure stepped forward, a woman dressed like the rest in a thick woollen coat that covered all but a small patch of her face.
“We welcome your return Cynwal, but are saddened by your news. What of Cynhaearn?” she said.
“He is safe,” Cynwal replied. Turning to September, he introduced the speaker, “This is Ilar, the cludydd o alcam.”
Ilar nodded her head, smiling at September.
“You are welcome, Cludydd,” she said, “please accompany us to our home.”
Cynwal went forward and was surrounded by his people. He realised that September hadn’t followed.
“Come, Cludydd, let us get in out of the cold, the night is upon us.”
“There is food and drink, and we would like to hear your news and the story of your arrival amongst us,” Ilar said warmly.
September hadn’t moved. She hadn’t noticed the cold; either her cloak of blue light insulated her or she was impervious now to temperature changes.
“Thank you, but I must return to pick up the others.”
“But it is dark,” Cynwal said, “how will you find your way through the night?”
September tapped her head.
“I can feel the Mordeyrn and the others here. They will guide me to them.” She changed suddenly into the giant bird, becoming almost invisible against the dark sky.
“I look forward to spending some time with you when I have brought all of them here.”
Cynwal nodded gravely.
“I understand, Cludydd. May your journey be swift and safe.”
September launched into the sky, and turned southwards following the faint call in her head. Soon the mining town had receded into the mountains and she was set for the long flight back. Why am I doing it this way? she thought, flapping her wings. I need to be in this form to carry passengers but when I travelled amongst the planets and the stars I moved many times faster. With that thought she reverted to her own body but soared like a rocket up into the sky. Her arm holding the starstone was stretched out ahead of her as if it followed some line of force. She arced out of the atmosphere and then fell back towards the Earth. The call of Aurddolen and Cynhaearn and the others grew in her head as she homed in on them.
And then she was standing on the ground under the dome of plwm beside the sleeping forms of the companions huddled together except for Sieffre who sat cross-legged by the fire. He leapt to his feet.
“Cludydd! We had not expected you so soon. Is there trouble? Where is Cynwal?”
“He is safe at his town in the mountains. I came back by a quicker method.”
September smiled at the look of awe on Sieffre’s face.
“You are truly a miracle,” he said.
“There are things that I have found I can do,” September said, “I don’t know why but science must be different here to my world. I can’t make anything happen there just by thinking of an emotion.” It wasn’t quite true; she could arouse her brother Gus to anger and frustration simply by reacting with glee when his favourite football team lost.
“You must be tired after such a journey.”
“No, I think only fighting the Malevolence tires me now. Let us wake up Hedydd. The quicker I get you all to the mine the better I think.”
The sound of their conversation had roused the others. They all looked in amazement at seeing September back amongst them and scarcely believed that she had made the return journey across Gwlad in little more than twelve hours. When he had recovered Cynhaearn spoke.
“Is all well at Mwyngloddiau Dwfn?”
“I think so. We were met by a crowd of people and I spoke to a cludydd called Ilar.”
“Ah yes, Ilar has been guiding the people in my absence. She is an excellent cludydd o alcam and all the people work together for her.”
“Well, I think it is time for me to take Hedydd. I hope to be back with you early in the morning and I will bring food for your breakfast.”
In an instant September changed again into the blue eagle and lowered herself so that Hedydd could mount. With her passenger clinging on she rose into the night sky and beat her wings against the air. Now she had a picture of her destination in her mind she willed herself to fly as fast as she was able.
They saw nothing of the land beneath them as they travelled through the night until the northern dawn sent shafts of red sunlight across the snow-covered mountains. The sun had just risen above the eastern ridge when September dropped to the ground at the edge of the mining town. Hedydd dismounted stiffly, shivering with the cold. September became herself as Cynwal and Ilar emerged to greet them. Ilar gave Hedydd a woollen coat to wrap around herself and Cynwal handed two sacks to September.
“One contains food for a few days and the other warm clothing for the riders to wear when you carry them. I know how Hedydd is feeling.”
September used the hand not carrying the starstone to lift the sacks onto her shoulder.
“Thank you. I will be back with Aurddolen before the end of the day.” She jumped into the brightening sky like a rocket launching.
She followed the same trajectory as before, chasing the dawn, but just as she was descending to the forest she felt a twinge in her hip. While still in the air she changed into the eagle with the unwieldy sacks dangling around her neck. She circled over the small clearing. There were fiery dogs prowling around the edge of the lead dome. It was deterring them for now but she wondered how long the shield would last particularly if Malice showed up. She thought of using the stone to blast the flaming hounds but paused. Using the power of the Maengolauseren itself might attract her twin. Perhaps if she just used the power of the metals the campsite might remain hidden for a while longer. She descended through the trees a short distance from the camp. She dropped the sacks and changed into the iridescent cobra, sliding silently through the thin undergrowth to approach the dome.
The dogs paced to and fro, pawing at the barrier. Every few moments one would howl with rage and throw its burning body at the shield. September could see that inside the grey hemisphere Cynhaearn and Sieffre stood with their swords raised. They were back to back circling slowly around the campfire. Aurddolen stood over Heulwen, holding a golden pendant.
How should she dispose of this pack of Cwn annwn? They had no physical form so iron blades or arrows would pass through them and lead would merely absorb their energy but something cold and wet would douse their fires. She knew what to do. As water flowed so did mercury. She slid closer to the dogs silently and secretly so that they were unaware of her presence. A suitable moment arrived.
She raised her head and changed into a wall of water like a tsunami wave which broke and cascaded down onto the fiery pack. Her water snuffed out their flames. Their howls became whimpers as their flames died and the Cwn annwn disappeared without
a hint of smoke or smouldering ash.
September gathered her waters together and returned to her human self. She ran to retrieve the sacks then passed through the dome to be greeted by Cynhaearn and Sieffre.
“The deluge was you?” Sieffre asked. September nodded.
“You despatched those spirits of the Malevolence with ease, Cludydd,” Cynhaearn said with admiration in his voice.
“You have learnt well,” Aurddolen agreed. September felt a little embarrassed by their praise.
“Look, I’ve brought food from Cynwal and warm clothes for the journey. I think Hedydd was nearly frozen when we got to the mountains.”
“You need to have been brought up there to feel comfortable in the cold,” Cynhaearn said. Sieffre and Aurddolen agreed.
September turned to Aurddolen.
“Are you ready to go, Mordeyrn?”
“If you are sure you do not need rest, Cludydd.”
“No, as I said, I’ve never felt like this before, so full of energy. I just don’t get tired or hungry anymore.”
“Well, if Cynhaearn and Sieffre will tend to Heulwen, I am ready to travel.” Cynhaearn looked at the prone form of the Aurddolen’s daughter. He seemed about to say something but finally just nodded.
Aurddolen donned a thick jacket from one of the sacks. Again September became the bird and dipped down for the Mordeyrn to climb onto her back. Then she was in the sky and once again flying through the daylight across rivers, forests and mountains.
They were greeted again by Cynwal, Ilar and the townsfolk and then September rocketed back to the campsite before nightfall. She was relieved to find Cynhaearn, Sieffre and Heulwen undisturbed.
Cynhaearn was glad to see her so that he could quickly get Heulwen off his hands, wrapped in a warm blanket and fastened with strips of sacking to September’s back. September took off with her burden, the way now firmly lodged in her mind, and Aurddolen’s powerful personality drawing her to the town in the mountains.
Aurddolen, alone, was waiting in the snow as she came into land at dawn. He hurried to release his daughter from the straps that held her. She sagged like a dead body in his arms but her eyes remained open, staring, perhaps seeing but not able to respond. He spoke.
The Power of Seven Page 12
