The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  Jack gripped the large metal ring. Try as he might he could not lift his side of the cauldron off the ground. Camelin tutted loudly.

  ‘I think we need a little bit of assistance, don’t you?’ said Nora, as she pointed her wand at the contents of the cauldron and whispered, ‘redigo.’

  Jack found he was now able to lift the cauldron easily.

  ‘Better?’ asked Nora.

  ‘A lot better, thanks.’

  ‘Can we go now?’ Camelin whined.

  ‘You may fly on ahead but only to the brow of the hill.’

  Camelin was airborne in a flash. He looped-the-loop twice before flying off towards the hill. Jack was surprised when he saw Camelin flying back.

  ‘Is there a problem?’ asked Nora.

  ‘Two problems!’ croaked Camelin. ‘Part of the welcoming party is already on its way. The raven part.’

  Jack was glad Camelin couldn’t see him smile. He’d wondered if Winver and Hesta would be waiting for them. This was one of the times he felt glad he was a boy.

  ‘I’ll walk with you two, or I could sit in the cauldron now it isn’t heavy any more.’

  ‘You’ll walk,’ replied Nora.

  It didn’t take long to get to the top of the hill. Jack gasped when he saw the sight below him. Three torch-lit processions were making their way towards them, each advancing from a different direction. It was fascinating to watch the lights as they wound their way towards a small group that stood by the foot of the hill. When they converged, an ear-splitting sound filled the night as all four notes began again. The larger group began to ascend the hill. Jack could hear giggling, of the raven kind, coming from somewhere close by.

  ‘We’re safe for a bit,’ Camelin whispered, ‘I don’t think they can talk to us until we’ve been officially welcomed; we’ll try to keep out of their way, if you don’t mind.’

  Jack nodded. He didn’t want to speak. He was spellbound by the sight before him. As the group approached he could see the first four men were blowing into strange instruments, each was made from one long tube which extended upward, and ended in an animal head. From their silhouettes, Jack could see each one was different but it was hard to make out exactly what they were. He knew, without a doubt, that the sound was coming from the gaping mouths of the horns. Without warning the droning stopped. The men parted and a group of hooded figures, each with a lighted rush torch, filed though the gap. They walked slowly, in pairs, until they reached Jack, bowed their heads, turned sideways, and took three steps away from each other. The figures formed a lighted passageway down which Coragwenelan began to make her way; another group of hooded figures followed behind. Jack recognised Gwillam’s staff and presumed the others were the members of the Blessed Council. Coragwenelan’s flowing white robes made her look as if she was floating towards him rather than walking. The silver knotwork designs on her cape glinted in the torchlight. Jack could feel his heart thumping in his chest, not from fear but from anticipation. When Coragwenelan stopped she raised her arms slowly until they were above her waist. Winver and Hesta flew onto her shoulders. Jack bowed his head and kept it lowered until the Queen spoke.

  ‘Jack Brenin, you are most welcome here. Annwn will forever be grateful to you for your help. On behalf of myself, the Blessed Council, and the people of Annwn I bestow on you the right to enter this land at any time. From this day forth you shall have free passage throughout Annwn.’

  ‘I am honoured,’ replied Jack as he bowed low.

  ‘What about me?’ whispered Camelin. ‘Don’t I get everything free too?’

  Jack could see the glimmer of a smile on Coragwenelan’s lips.

  ‘Camelin, you too are most welcome. The freedom of Annwn will also be yours whenever you are allowed to visit.’

  Camelin bowed too. Then he made a strange face at Jack.

  ‘Does that mean you get to come when you want but I’ve got to ask permission?’ he whispered.

  ‘It does,’ Nora whispered back.

  ‘Humph!’ Camelin grumbled.

  ‘We’ll discuss this later,’ replied Nora. ‘Now is not the time.’

  ‘Eleanor, Seanchai, Keeper of Secrets and Ancient Rituals, Guardian of the Sacred Grove, Healer, Shape Shifter and Wise Woman, you, as always are welcome.’

  Nora tilted her head to one side and lowered it slightly before replying.

  ‘We are all thankful to be here and appreciate the welcome you have given us.’

  ‘Shall we proceed to the palace?’ Coragwenelan replied. ‘A banquet awaits us.’

  As the Queen turned, Winver and Hesta winked at Jack and Camelin. Each slightly shook their feathers before facing in the direction the Queen was heading. Nora and Jack picked up the cauldron and followed. The hooded figures with the lights stepped towards each other and followed too. When Jack reached Gwillam he signalled for two young boys to carry the cauldron and then extended his arm for Camelin. They set off towards the Glass Palace. No one spoke, it would have been impossible to hear what anyone was saying anyway because the four animal headed trumpets began to drone again.

  ‘That was some feast,’ Camelin said to Jack, as they made their way to the room they shared in Gwillam’s house. ‘Why have you got to go back to the palace later?’

  ‘Elan said it was just a formality. I’ve got to prove that I am who I say I am.’

  ‘That’s stupid, of course you’re you, who else would you be?’

  ‘An impostor.’

  ‘Why would anyone try to be you?’

  ‘I suppose if I’m to be crowned king they want to make sure I’m worthy.’

  ‘’Course you’re worthy; you’re the best, Jack. If they let me come too I could tell them that.’

  ‘I’m sorry. It’s something I’ve got to do on my own.’

  ‘I thought we were friends; you’re always off doing things without me these days. I liked it better when it was just us two.’

  ‘You don’t stop being friends with someone just because you’re not with them.’

  ‘It’s not the same when you’re not there. It’s fun when we’re together.’

  ‘Once the buggy race is over we’ll have the rest of the summer to do things before I go back to school.’

  Camelin hopped around Jack and started his shuffle dance then stopped abruptly.

  ‘Ouch! I think I need to lie down, that was one big meal, even for a hungry raven.’

  Jack opened the door to their room. Someone had laid clothes out for him on his bed. A long tunic, leggings, a sash and a cape, were neatly folded on the sheet.

  ‘I’ll get changed while you sleep your dinner off.’

  By the time Jack was dressed, Camelin was laid on his back with his feet in the air snoring loudly. Jack closed the door quietly and made his way back to the kitchen.

  ‘Are you ready?’ asked Nora, as she turned Jack around and inspected him. ‘You’ll do. Now, just be yourself, do what’s asked of you, and don’t look so frightened.’

  ‘I’m not frightened.’

  ‘Try to smile then.’

  Jack smiled weakly. His stomach was churning and although he felt honoured he still wondered if they’d got the right person. How could he be king? He wasn’t a man, he didn’t have much experience of the world and he wasn’t big or strong. His thoughts were interrupted by Gwillam’s arrival.

  ‘It’s time Jack. We need to be going, we don’t want to be late for the Council Meeting.’

  As Jack stood up Nora passed him his wand and invitation. Gwillam also passed him something.

  ‘It goes on your belt. You can use the pouch for the invitation and you’ll find your wand fits into the loops at the side.’

  Jack let Nora put the pouch on him. When everything was safely stowed away he checked the chain around his neck to make sure he’d not forgotten his acorn. That was one thing he wouldn’t have to verify, his acorn had been a gift from the Queen, made by the master goldsmith of Annwn. He took a deep breath and followed Gwillam out of the kitchen a
nd into the darkness beyond.

  ‘Wait here,’ Gwillam told Jack as they approached a bench outside the council chamber. ‘Someone will call for you soon. When they do, enter. The Blessed Council will be waiting to greet you.’

  Jack sat on the hard wooden bench. He was in a corridor that was lit by rush lights. As the lights flickered he tried to see if there was anyone on the other side of the circular window beyond where he sat. After what seemed like an eternity the door opened again. A tall Druid banged his staff three times and announced loudly, ‘Jack Brenin.’

  Jack stood and walked into the dimly lit chamber. All the curtains had been drawn. This was to be a private meeting. Gwillam stood up. He didn’t speak until the Druid who had admitted Jack was seated.

  ‘We have invited you here, Jack Brenin, to verify your right to the kingship of Annwn. All rise for the Queen.’

  There was a scraping of chairs as the other twelve members of the Blessed Council stood. Jack turned around so he was facing the door through which Coragwenelan would emerge. He’d been in the room beyond before, as a prisoner. His mind flashed back to the events of his trial. If Velindur knew he was standing here before the council as their prospective future king, he would be furious. The door at the far end of the room swung open soundlessly and out stepped Coragwenelan. Not only was she wearing her pearl encrusted crown but she also carried a silver staff. The long blue mantle, draped over her shoulders, trailed behind her as she slowly walked to her throne.

  ‘I bid you welcome,’ she said, as she sat.

  Gwillam walked to Jack’s side and bowed.

  ‘Your Majesty, before you stands Jack Brenin, the one we believe to be the true heir to throne of Annwn. The one who is worthy to sit by your side and rule this fair land.’

  Gwillam gave Jack a nudge in the back. He stepped forward and bowed.

  ‘And what says the Book of Law?’ asked the Queen.

  From the corner of his eye, Jack could see one of the members of the Blessed Council walk to a lectern, upon which lay an ancient book. He used two hands to open the cover then carefully turned the pages to the place he needed. He coughed twice before reading aloud in a great booming voice that filled the chamber.

  ‘One day, the heir to the throne of Annwn will stand before the Queen and Blessed Council. He shall have all the qualities of kingship, be compassionate and just, courageous and strong, and a friend to all, a true Brenin. He will be charged with a quest, to prove beyond doubt his worthiness to rule over this Fair Land and its people.’

  Coragwenelan nodded her thanks to the Druid. She turned and smiled encouragingly at Jack.

  ‘Who verifies this boy’s ancestry?’ asked Gwillam.

  ‘I do,’ replied the Queen. ‘There is one who lives on Earth at Ewell House. She has lived next to the old king’s ancestral home from the beginning and watched each generation come and go. This boy, who stands before you, is the true heir of the king who was never crowned. The heir of the one who lies in The Mound, whose reign was measured only by the length of each feast, and no more. He who was unable to be crowned, and who never had the opportunity to recover the torc of kingship before mortality overtook him. I swear to you all, this boy is his direct descendant.’

  Gwillam nodded to the smallest Druid standing at the far end of the curved table. He sat, picked up a quill pen and wrote onto a piece of parchment. Gwillam turned and addressed the rest of the council.

  ‘Please be seated, it is time for Jack Brenin to verify his identity.’

  Jack swallowed hard. He suddenly felt very small and insignificant. Nora had told him to show the council his wand and his acorn. He pulled his wand from the side of the pouch and offered it to Gwillam, who examined it, before passing it to the first Druid at the table. Jack watched as each Druid examined his wand. Finally, Gwillam passed it back to him.

  ‘Are we agreed this wand came from a Hamadryad Oak?’ asked Gwillam.

  ‘Aye,’ the members of the council replied.

  ‘Are we agreed this wand could only have been given to Jack Brenin by Arrana, last of the great oaks on Earth?’

  ‘Aye,’ the council agreed again.

  ‘And are we agreed, if the wand answers to the boy’s call, he is the true owner of the wand?’

  There was a resounding aye from every Druid in the room. Gwillam smiled and turned to Jack.

  ‘You must show the Queen and the Blessed Council your power by summoning the Stone of Destiny.’

  Jack’s mind went blank. Had he been told about this? He didn’t think so. How would he summon the stone? He knew it was one of the four treasures of Annwn and opened the Eastern Portal but he’d no idea where it was kept or how he could bring it to the council chamber. He took his wand in his right hand. Immediately it became smooth. Jack looked at the Druids; all had leant forward to get a better look. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He visualised the stone. He drew its shape in his mind and thought about its smoothness and its greeny-blue colouring. Without speaking he opened his left hand and extended his flat palm towards Gwillam. He raised his wand and willed the Stone of Destiny to appear. He willed and willed with all his might. He felt a sudden weight in his palm. He opened his eyes a fraction and there, in his outstretched hand sat the stone.

  ‘This is proof,’ shouted Gwillam so he could be heard above the noise the council members were making. ‘Now call Lloyd the Goldsmith.’

  The Druid who had admitted Jack to the chamber went to the door. When Lloyd entered, the council members stopped talking.

  ‘You have been summoned here for two reasons. The first is to verify the workmanship of a golden acorn in the possession of this boy who stands before us,’ announced Gwillam.

  Jack slipped the chain from his neck and offered his golden acorn to Lloyd.

  ‘This is my workmanship; this is the acorn Coragwenelan commissioned me to make for Jack Brenin.’

  ‘Thank you,’ replied Gwillam. ‘Have you your drawing book and pen?’

  ‘I have.’

  ‘Are you ready to draw what we are about to see?’

  ‘I am.’

  Gwillam turned and bowed to the Queen then addressed Jack.

  ‘You must hold the Stone of Destiny in both hands. Clear your mind and it will show us all what is to be.’

  Jack returned his wand to the loops on the side of his pouch and cupped his right and left hands together so the stone sat inside both his palms. He tried to clear his thoughts. At first, Jack didn’t think anything was happening and then the lights in the room began to flicker. One by one the flames reduced to almost nothing. Without warning, a greeny-blue light erupted from the stone. It rose to the ceiling in a column of swirling colours before turning into a shimmering dome that filled the top half of the chamber. A picture began to form. Jack could see Coragwenelan sitting on a silver throne. On her head was a crown Jack had never seen before of silver flowers and leaves. Next to her was an empty golden throne. She stood and extended her arm.

  Jack realised that everyone else in the room could see the images too. They gasped as an arm, from beyond the light, reached forward and took the Queen’s hand. The Blessed Council rose from their chairs as Jack, wearing a golden crown, came into view. Without looking, Jack could hear Lloyd the Goldsmith furiously sketching the oak leaf and acorn crown.

  ‘Hold the stone still,’ Gwillam commanded. ‘Do you have the details of the crown now Lloyd?’

  ‘I do,’ replied the goldsmith.

  ‘You may cover the stone now.’

  Jack put his right hand over the top of the stone. The image on the ceiling instantly disappeared and the lights glowed brighter again.

  Coragwenelan stood.

  ‘You have done well, Jack Brenin. There is no doubt as to your claim to the throne of Annwn. Are we all agreed?’

  A unanimous aye filled the chamber. Jack felt his cheeks reddening.

  ‘You will make the crown,’ the Queen told Lloyd. ‘In time for Samhain.’

  ‘Yes, Your M
ajesty,’ replied Lloyd as he bowed so low that his head almost touched the floor.

  ‘Tomorrow night at the First Fruits Festival, before all the people of Annwn, you will be given your quest. Until then I bid you farewell.’

  Jack bowed again as the Queen left the room. As he stood up, he looked at the beautiful heavy stone in his hand. There was an image inside it. He froze in horror as he realised he’d seen it before. There in the centre of the stone was Velindur with his arm raised in a gesture of defiance. In his hand was a book.

  ‘Gwillam, look,’ whispered Jack.

  THE LOST TREASURE

  ‘Wake up Jack,’ called Camelin as he bounced up and down on Jack’s bed. ‘We can’t have breakfast till you get up and I’m hungry.’

  Jack woke from a deep sleep. He’d not dreamt, or not that he could recall but as soon as he opened his eyes he remembered what he’d seen in the Stone of Destiny.

  ‘Don’t you want to know what happened last night?’

  ‘Naw, I just want my breakfast. See you in the kitchen.’

  Jack sighed and swung his feet out of bed. Hopefully a cold wash would shake all thoughts of Velindur from his mind. Besides, they were in Annwn and there were far more exciting things to think about. At sunset they’d be going to the First Fruits Feast. He wondered what Nora had planned for the rest of the day.

  Jack could smell freshly baked bread as he got nearer to the kitchen. When he opened the door he could see the table had already been laid. Camelin had positioned himself directly in front of one of the jars of blackberry jelly they’d brought with them into Annwn.

  ‘Did you sleep well?’ asked Nora.

  ‘I did, thank you.’

  ‘Gwillam’s gone to the palace library and he won’t be back for a while.’

  Camelin groaned.

  ‘We haven’t got to wait for him too have we? I’m feeling very faint; I really do need my breakfast.’

  ‘You may eat now Jack’s here but don’t you dare put your beak in that jar.’