The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  36 St Giles

  Oxford

  OX1 3LD

  United Kingdom

  www.infideas.com

  All rights reserved. Except for the quotation of small passages for the

  purposes of criticism or review, no part of this publication may be

  reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by

  any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or

  otherwise, except under the terms of the Copyright, Designs and Patents

  Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing

  Agency Ltd, 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 4LP, UK, without

  the permission in writing of the publisher. Requests to the publisher

  should be addressed to the Permissions Department,

  Infinite Ideas Limited, 36 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LD, UK,

  or faxed to +44 (0) 1865 514777.

  A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

  ISBN 978–1–906821–74–6

  Brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their

  respective owners.

  Cover designed by D.R.ink

  THE LOST

  TREASURE

  OF ANNWN

  CATHERINE COOPER

  ILLUSTRATIONS BY

  RON COOPER and CATHERINE COOPER

  For George and Emily

  A great nephew and niece

  MAPS

  PROLOGUE

  Nora tapped her wand impatiently on the kitchen table before speaking to Camelin.

  ‘I’m sure I’m right. Jack Brenin is The One.’

  ‘He can’t be, he’s so small and weedy; he’s supposed to be strong and brave.’

  Nora thought for a while before she spoke again.

  ‘He’s a Brenin.’

  ‘Well, there has to be a better Brenin than this one.’

  ‘The prophecy’s quite clear and this Brenin was born on the right night, in the right place and at the right time. The trees have been watching him since he arrived, they seem satisfied he’s The One.’

  ‘The trees could be wrong,’ Camelin mumbled in case he was overheard. He knew how fast word could travel from one tree to another. If Arrana, the ancient Hamadryad, heard him he’d be in big trouble. She lived in the oldest oak tree in the heart of Glasruhen Forest and was always very well informed.

  ‘I’m sure he’ll help us. If he doesn’t all will be lost. He’s our last hope and we’re running out of time.’

  ‘If he’s our last hope we’re doomed.’

  As Nora paced up and down the kitchen, the end of her wand began to splutter; red sparks erupted from the tip.

  ‘We need help. I’m going to write to Elan; she needs to be here.’

  As Nora wrote Camelin hung his head. He knew she was right. Time was running out; Arrana was slowly dying. She was the only Hamadryad left on Earth and without her protection the tree spirits of the forest would eventually fade away and only hollow trees would remain. Unless they found someone willing to help them find a way to open the portal into the Otherworld and bring back new Hamadryad acorns, their own time on Earth would end too. As each year passed Arrana grew weaker. It would need a very special person to accept the challenges which lay ahead. Camelin continued to sulk. Jack Brenin had not impressed him.

  ‘He’s not the kind of boy who’s going to care if the spirit of an ancient oak tree lives or dies.’

  ‘If he passes the test he will.’

  There was a long silence. Eventually Nora fished in her pocket and produced a beautiful golden acorn and placed it carefully on the table.

  ‘Put this where the boy will see it, it’s the only way to be sure.’

  ‘I bet he kicks it. I was watching him yesterday kicking cans and stones about. What kind of help could he possibly be? The journey we’ve got to make might be dangerous, too dangerous for the likes of Jack Brenin.’

  ‘Take the acorn. If he sees it and picks it up we’ll know he’s The One.’

  Camelin scowled. He picked up the golden acorn and reluctantly left the kitchen to find a good place to hide and watch. He might have a long wait. He wasn’t happy: Nora was probably right but Jack Brenin was the furthest thing from a hero he’d ever seen.

  SURPRISES

  A loud buzzing woke Jack. He felt something land on his nose and flicked it away. A squint at the sunshine streaming through the gap in the curtains told him he should probably be up and eating breakfast but it was the first day of the summer holidays and he didn’t think Grandad would mind. Jack could still hear the buzzing. He looked around the room and saw a fly heading back towards his bed. It landed on the sheet, on top of his knee. He was about to move his leg when he realised the fly was wearing a pair of glasses.

  ‘Hello, what are you doing here?’ Jack asked the Dorysk as he reached for his wand so he could understand the reply.

  There was a loud popping sound, and where the fly had been, a prickly ball appeared. It rolled down Jack’s leg.

  ‘Ouch! Careful, your spines are sharp.’

  ‘So sorry, didn’t want you swatting me again. Thought it would be better to transform so we can talk. Your window’s closed so I had to use the kitchen door and come through your keyhole.’

  ‘Nora told me to keep the window shut.’

  ‘That must have been before you got used to your magic; you don’t have to be frightened of anything now, not with your powers.’

  Jack didn’t know what to say. He had no idea what he was capable of doing because he’d never really tried. Magic was still new to him. The Dorysk grinned and continued.

  ‘Nora sent me with a message.’

  ‘A message… Is there something wrong with Camelin?’

  ‘No, he was his usually grumpy self when I left Ewell House a few minutes ago. I’m only obeying instructions. Nora told me to come over; I didn’t think it would be a problem.’

  ‘No, no, it’s fine. I was just surprised to see you instead of Camelin.’

  ‘There you go, you’ve hit the nail on the head, so to speak, that’s why Nora sent me. She thought if Camelin came over he’d spill the beans and let the surprise out of the bag. She knows I can be trusted, and now I’m officially a member of the Night Guard, I’m available for duty. You know my credentials already, shape shifter, information gatherer, keeper of secrets, and now, I’m at your service too.’

  Jack watched as the Dorysk tried to bow but his round tummy got in the way and he toppled over and rolled across Jack’s other leg.

  ‘Ow! Do you think you could change into something a little less prickly if I’m in bed next time you call?’

  ‘So sorry, so sorry, I’ve delivered my message so I’ll be off now.’

  ‘Message? What message?’

  ‘Oh dear me! I thought I’d told you. Nora says you’re to come over to Ewell House as soon as you can, she’s got a surprise waiting for you.’

  ‘A surprise?’

  ‘Yes, but that’s all I can say.’

  ‘I’ll be there as soon as I can but it depends on what Grandad’s got planned for the day.’

  ‘I’ll let Nora know. Oh! I nearly forgot, Camelin says could you please hurry up as he’s not allowed to leave the house until you arrive.’

  Jack laughed. Camelin would probably be in a super grumpy mood by the time he got there. He made a mental note to take him a treat, something out of his stash tin, maybe a chocolate cake bar, or two.

  ‘I’ll try not to be long.’

  The Dorysk nodded. There was a loud popping sound and in the blink of an eye, a small fly, wearing a minute pair of glasses, took off from the sheet. It circled around Jack’s head twice before disappearing through the keyhole.

  Jack washed and dressed quickly before racing down the stairs to the kitchen. He saw a piece of paper propped up against the cereal box on the table. Jack smiled when he read the three words his grandad
had written… in the garden. The back door was open and Jack could see dark patches on the soil where his grandad had watered the plants. He followed a trail of wet dribbles along the path to the greenhouse. The sliding door squeaked noisily as Jack slid it open. He stepped inside and quickly slid the door back so the heat wouldn’t escape. Grandad looked very hot.

  ‘Ah! You’re up!’

  ‘Sorry, I overslept, but I can help you if you want.’ Jack stood with his fingers crossed behind his back. He really wanted to go Ewell House and find out about the surprise but he felt he ought to ask Grandad if there was anything he wanted him to do first.

  ‘Hot, thirsty work this. You can help by being a good lad and fetching me a glass of lemonade. There’s a bottle in the fridge.’

  Jack ran back to the kitchen. In his haste he filled the glass a bit too full and had to be careful not to spill it as he made his way back down the path. Grandad grinned when he saw Jack.

  ‘Just the thing; there’s nothing quite like cold lemonade when you’re hot and thirsty. Now, what are you going to do with yourself today?’

  ‘Could I go to Ewell House? There’s something I want to look up in Nora’s library, unless you need some help.’

  Grandad laughed and nodded to the deckchair on the lawn.

  ‘Once I’ve finished here I’m going to get my radio, another glass of lemonade, and then sit and listen to the Test Match. You can get another deckchair if you like but there’s a no talking rule when the cricket’s on. I’m sure you’ll have much more fun at Nora’s.’

  ‘Thanks Grandad, I’ll go and get my bag.’

  Jack was nearly at the end of the tunnel, that led into Nora’s garden, when he realised he’d not had his breakfast. His stomach growled loudly. It would be rude to ask Nora for food as soon as he arrived, but he didn’t want to go back. There was only one thing he could do. He unwrapped one of the chocolate cake bars and nibbled a bit off the end. Unfortunately, by the time he stepped into Nora’s garden, he’d eaten both bars. Camelin wouldn’t be pleased if he knew, but luckily he was nowhere to be seen. Jack wiped his mouth in case there were any stray crumbs.

  Jack saw Medric land on the grass and race towards the patio doors. He was only inside the kitchen for a moment before he rushed back out, hurriedly took off, and headed back to the lake. Something must be wrong. Jack ran to the house.

  ‘Is everything alright?’

  Camelin sighed, hunched his wings and began to grumble.

  ‘Medric’s a dad, the first egg hatched early this morning; that was the second and there are eight more to go. I hope he doesn’t get that excited every time a gosling hatches.’

  ‘He probably will,’ said Nora, ‘but that wasn’t why we asked you to come over.’

  ‘You mean Medric’s news isn’t the surprise?’

  Camelin humphed.

  ‘Hardly, this is something really special.’

  Nora frowned at Camelin.

  ‘I thought we agreed: not a word, until Jack’s seen it.’

  ‘Seen what?’ asked Jack as he looked around the kitchen.

  Camelin waddled over to the end of the table and pointed his beak in the direction of the dresser. Jack looked at the shelves. A gold-coloured envelope had been propped up on the bottom shelf but it wasn’t addressed to anyone.

  ‘It’s for you,’ said Nora.

  ‘How do you know? It doesn’t say it’s for me.’

  Camelin sighed.

  ‘Why don’t you open it and see what it says?’

  As Jack touched the envelope runes appeared. He was left in no doubt the letter was his when he saw his name. Camelin hopped onto the end of the dresser and peered over Jack’s arm.

  ‘I can’t read it! What’s it say?’

  ‘It’s my name, it says, Jack Brenin.’

  ‘Can’t you hurry up and open it? I’ve been waiting to see what it says for hours now.’

  Jack turned the letter over. On the back was a golden seal; the impression of an acorn could clearly be seen in the wax. A large red arrow, pointing upwards, was underneath the seal.

  ‘It’s from Annwn,’ announced Jack.

  ‘How do you know it’s from Annwn? You’ve not looked inside yet.’

  Jack showed Camelin the seal and symbol.

  ‘That’s the letter A written as a rune underneath the acorn, but how did it get here?’

  Nora smiled and nodded towards the garden. As Jack turned he saw Elan walking towards the patio.

  ‘You’re back! When did you get here? How long can you stay?’

  ‘What about the letter,’ grumbled Camelin. ‘I want to know what it says.’

  Jack ignored Camelin. He couldn’t stop smiling. Elan was back.

  ‘You are going to stay for a while aren’t you?’

  Elan nodded.

  ‘I can stay until the end of the summer but then I must return to prepare for your coronation. The Druids don’t need my help at the moment. A lot of the old ways have been restored. Gwillam and the Blessed Council seem to have everything in order and under control. If he needs me he’ll send a message to my Book of Shadows.’

  ‘That’s the best news, what a brilliant surprise.’

  Elan pointed to the letter.

  ‘That’s the real surprise.’

  ‘At last,’ said Camelin as he hopped around. ‘Come on, open it up, see what it says!’

  ‘Can I use your letter opener?’ Jack asked Nora.

  ‘I’m afraid you can’t, it’s not really an envelope. The letter is written on the inside, you’ll have to break the seal then spread it out.’

  Jack tried to lift the seal without breaking it but it cracked in two. He spread the envelope out on the table.

  ‘It’s all in runes,’ grumbled Camelin, ‘I can’t read runes. I’ve only just learnt how to read letters. Can’t you magic it into real writing?’

  ‘Camelin,’ said Nora sternly, ‘it’s Jack’s letter, he can translate it for us.’

  Jack read the contents through to himself first. His stomach filled with butterflies. It wasn’t exactly a letter, more like a summons. He sat down before reading it out loud.

  The Queen of Annwn

  commands

  Jack Brenin

  to appear before

  The Blessed Council

  At the beginning of

  the First Fruits

  Festival

  Jack looked at Nora and then at Elan.

  ‘Have I done something wrong?’

  ‘Not at all,’ replied Elan, ‘you’ve been invited to Annwn to learn more about your coronation. You’ll have to satisfy everyone you’re the rightful king. No one doubts you are – it’s just a formality.’

  ‘Festival,’ interrupted Camelin, ‘aw Jack, you know what that means don’t you? Sausages!’

  ‘The invitation is for Jack,’ said Nora.

  Camelin hopped over and leant against Jack’s shoulder.

  ‘You wouldn’t leave me behind, would you?’

  ‘If Nora and Elan say you can go then it’s alright with me.’

  ‘Hmmm!’ said Nora as she drummed her fingers on the table, ‘I’d say it depends on your behaviour from now until then.’

  ‘When is the Festival?’ Jack asked Nora.

  ‘The First Fruits celebrates the beginning of harvest, it starts in eleven days’ time, and will last until all the fruits have been gathered in.’

  ‘Blackberry pie,’ interrupted Camelin and started his shuffle dance.

  Nora laughed.

  ‘We’ll make blackberry pie but only if you help pick them and don’t eat too many.’

  At the thought of blackberry pie, Jack’s mouth began to water and his stomach rumbled. Camelin turned and stared at Jack.

  ‘Was that you?’

  ‘I missed breakfast.’

  ‘We could go and have an early lunch in town,’ said Elan. ‘I was going to ask if you’d help me do some shopping. I’ve got a list of things we’re going to need to take back with
us to Annwn.’

  ‘I could manage an early lunch,’ replied Camelin.

  ‘Elan was asking Jack,’ said Nora. ‘You know they can’t take you into town.’

  Camelin glowered at Elan before shuffling off to the other end of the table. Jack tried not to laugh as Elan rolled her eyes.

  ‘I’ll have to let Grandad know.’

  ‘That’s fine; we can call in on our way to Newton Gill.’

  ‘And you can help me with some chores while they’ve gone,’ added Nora. ‘The herb garden needs weeding.’

  Camelin hopped onto the floor and mumbled to himself as he waddled onto the patio.

  ‘Weeding! She could magic all the weeds out but no… they have to be pulled out by hand or beak. I don’t know any other ravens who have to do weeding.’

  Jack felt bad. He hadn’t meant to upset Camelin but he was overjoyed that Elan was back and there were lots of things he wanted to ask her. A walk to Newton Gill would give them plenty of time to chat. Nora gave Elan some money and then put her hand on Jack’s shoulder.

  ‘Don’t take any notice of Camelin, he’ll be fine, off you go and have a good time.’

  As Jack and Elan reached the hedge, Medric flew past them cackling loudly.

  ‘Three and four have hatched now,’ explained Elan.

  Grandad was pleased to see Elan and was happy for Jack to go to Newton Gill. He fished in his pocket and gave Jack his loose change. Jack and Elan waved from the gate before turning into the back lane. Jack had been to town with Grandad a couple of times but he’d never walked there before. When they reached the stile Jack saw the fairy mound, which lay between the oak, ash and hawthorn trees.

  ‘Have you been here before?’ asked Elan.

  ‘Only once. There’s a talking door knob in one of the tunnels under that hillock.’

  ‘Ah! The fairy mound. You haven’t met the fairies yet have you?’

  ‘No, only the door knob when I was looking for the Dorysk.’

  ‘Fairies are fine in small numbers but when they get together they can be really noisy. It’s even worse if they lose their tempers. They instantly shape shift into large angry bees and can only change back when they’ve calmed down.’