The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘How? What do I have to do?’

  ‘Step up to the tree and do exactly what you did when you transferred each Hamadryad spirit into the acorns from Annwn.’

  Jack approached the hazel tree. He placed one hand on the rough bark and held his golden acorn in the other. As he breathed gently onto the dead wood he felt warmth travel from his acorn, through his body and out through the hand that touched the bark. There was a slight movement within the tree. He kept his hand firmly pressed against the bark, and watched in amazement as small buds appeared, followed quickly by long pale catkins. From every branch leaves burst from the buds, rapidly followed by small clusters of green nuts, which quickly turned a yellowish brown. Within seconds, ripe nuts began falling to the ground, some fell into the well from the nut-laden branches that overhung the water but most were strewn around Jack’s feet.

  ‘You can stop now,’ said Kerne softly, as he put his hand on Jack’s shoulder.

  As soon as Jack removed his hand the green leaves began to turn yellow and drop from the tree. The nuts on the ground were covered with autumnal leaves before they crumpled and disappeared completely.

  ‘The hazelnuts have gone!’ exclaimed Camelin. ‘It’s as if it never happened.’

  ‘Not all the hazelnuts,’ replied Kerne as he lowered his hand into the well and scooped several out of the water. ‘You did well, Jack Brenin, we have just the right amount here, you’ll need to crack all nine nuts open, eat them and then drink from the well.’

  Jack laid the hazelnuts on top of a flat rock and found a stone. He proceeded to crack open each shell. When all nine were in his hand, he began to eat. He was glad he was able to scoop water from the well because the nuts were dry and difficult to swallow. When he’d finished eating, Jack felt dizzy. The whole world appeared to be spinning. He closed his eyes but it made him feel worse. He’d felt like this in the library at Falconrock after his book rush experience.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ said Kerne. ‘Sit down for a moment, the feeling will pass.’

  ‘What’s wrong with him,’ asked Camelin.

  ‘Your friend is adjusting to a surge of wisdom, it won’t take long.’

  ‘I’m fine,’ announced Jack as he stood.

  ‘Are you sure? You don’t look too good,’ said Camelin.

  ‘Positive, and I know exactly where we’ve got to go and how to get there. I must speak with Sabrina before sunrise, for she is only a nymph at night.’

  Jack felt sure he was right but he’d no idea how he knew about Sabrina. The hazelnuts and water from the well, must have worked. He could see in his mind the place where Sabrina lived and he knew they’d find her on an island in the middle of the Gelston River. He was still trying to make sense of this new skill when Kerne began speaking.

  ‘Before you go I must warn you. This land is inhabited by those who find it difficult to live on Earth. Unfortunately there is a mean-spirited Hag between here and the river.’

  ‘We don’t have to disguise ourselves, or use that vile shampoo again, do we?’ grumbled Camelin.

  ‘There’ll be no need for a disguise; I have a gift for you both, hold out your hands.’

  Kerne laid his staff on the floor, closed his eyes, and clapped his hands together twice.

  Something heavy landed on Jack’s open palm. When he examined the object he found it was a stone with a hole through its middle. A very long leather thong had been looped through the hole. Jack could see Camelin had one too.

  ‘Wear these hag stones whenever you enter Elidon,’ said Kerne.

  ‘What’s a hag stone?’ asked Jack.

  Camelin sighed.

  ‘Hag stones are almost impossible to find. We could have done with some when we went into Silver Hill. They make you invisible to Hags.’

  Kerne nodded slowly.

  ‘That’s true, but they don’t hide your smell and you can still be felt even if you can’t be seen.’

  ‘I’m not frightened of any Hag,’ said Camelin.

  ‘This isn’t just any Hag, this one is a lot more vicious and cantankerous than the ones you meet on Earth, that’s why she’s here. Keep upwind of her and mind your ankles, this Hag bites.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Jack as put the hag stone around his neck. He nudged Camelin to do the same.

  ‘Yes, thank you,’ he mumbled.

  ‘May good fortune be with you on your quest, Jack Brenin. Be mindful, take heed of your instincts and be careful what you wish for. You have the power of crystal magic within you, use that power wisely. I hope we meet again soon.’

  Jack bowed his head. When he looked up again Kerne had begun to transform. Already his legs had changed, and instead of two, he now had four cloven-hoofed feet. As he shook his hair a mane appeared and his antlers grew longer. In seconds the transformation was complete. A great white stag stood before them. It stamped its right foot and bellowed loudly. The discarded staff began to transform too. It wasn’t long before Permeris slithered at their feet. He reared and slightly bowed his head.

  ‘Farewell, until we meet again,’ he hissed softly. ‘And remember, when you want to go home, wish it and it will be so.’

  ‘Thank you,’ replied Jack. ‘We ought to be going.’

  Without warning the great stag turned and galloped off into the forest. Jack held his breath as he watched the stag weave in and out of the trees until he disappeared from sight. When he looked around, Permeris was gone too. He and Camelin were alone.

  The quest had begun.

  ‘So… what now?’ asked Camelin.

  ‘We need to find Sabrina. Have you ever met her?’

  ‘Nope. I don’t like the Gelston River, it’s a dangerous place and this raven doesn’t swim.’

  ‘You’re not a raven now.’

  Camelin shrugged his shoulders and stuck out his bottom lip.

  ‘How are we going to get there before sunrise? It’s a long way to the river and we can’t fly there.’

  ‘I can use the crystal, I know it will work.’

  ‘Let me change first.’

  ‘Change?’

  ‘It won’t take a minute.’

  Jack watched as Camelin screwed up his eyes and concentrated hard. His shoes changed into wellingtons, a bright yellow sou’wester appeared on his head, and a waterproof cape covered his clothes.

  ‘Is all that really necessary?’

  ‘I’m being practical.’

  ‘Well at least you won’t need the umbrella.’

  From underneath his cape Camelin produced the brolly.

  ‘Nora always says you should take an umbrella with you wherever you go…’

  ‘I know… it might come in handy.’

  ‘Well it might.’

  ‘Are you ready now?’

  ‘Ready.’

  Jack opened his hand and visualised the crystal. He closed his eyes and formed its shape in his mind.

  ‘You did it Jack, look it’s spinning over your palm.’

  Jack opened his eyes. He felt a rush of excitement. Should he ask the crystal out loud or just visualise the place he wanted to go to? He decided to use his mind to show the crystal where they needed to go. He held out his free hand to Camelin.

  ‘You’d better hold my hand.’

  Camelin wrinkled his nose and held out the pointed end of his umbrella.

  ‘I’d rather you held this.’

  Jack didn’t have time to disagree. He grabbed the end and showed the crystal the place where he knew Sabrina lived. In an instant the landscape changed. They hadn’t moved or flown through the air, it was as if the Gelston River had come to them. They were standing on a grassy bank. Before them a wide river flowed swiftly. It looked deep, and the dark swirling water felt menacing. In the middle of the river was a small island.

  ‘Wow Jack! That was amazing, you really are a natural.’

  ‘Thanks, shall we go and see if the Lady of the River will speak with us?’

  ‘How do you know her proper name?’

  ‘I do
n’t know, I just do. The same way that I know Sabrina lives on that island over there.’

  ‘It’s those hazelnuts you ate. I suppose you’re going to be a know-it-all now.’

  ‘I can’t help what I know.’

  ‘So how are we going to get across, you’d better tell your crystal to take us over.’

  Jack tried to summon the crystal but nothing happened.

  ‘I think we might have to get ourselves over to the island.’

  ‘We need a boat, can’t you wish for a boat?’

  Jack took a deep breath before he spoke.

  ‘We need a boat to get across to the island.’

  From nowhere, a small round boat appeared on the bank behind Camelin.

  ‘We have a boat,’ announced Jack and nodded for Camelin to turn round.

  ‘Boat! Call that a boat. It looks like someone’s done my bigging spell on a basket!’

  ‘It’s a coracle.’

  ‘A what?’

  ‘A boat the fishermen have used for generations on the Gelston River, it’s…’

  ‘Stop, please! It was bad enough when you swallowed the book, now you’re the fount of all knowledge.’

  ‘I just know what it is.’

  ‘Well get it changed, it looks unstable and I don’t want to get wet.’

  Jack tried to visualise Nora’s rowing boat but the coracle stayed the same.

  ‘I think this is what we’re meant to use. Are you coming?’

  Camelin grumbled to himself as he helped Jack take the small boat to the water’s edge. He held it still while Jack climbed in. The boat wobbled violently from side to side as Jack leant over to pick up the paddle.

  ‘Are you coming?’ Jack asked again.

  Reluctantly Camelin got into the boat and gripped the sides. When the boat steadied he looked down at Jack’s wet feet.

  ‘You should have got yourself a pair of wellingtons.’

  Jack didn’t answer. He was trying to concentrate. He instinctively knew how to use the paddle but he didn’t have the strength in his arms to make it go where he wanted. After three failed attempts Camelin sighed loudly.

  ‘Give me the oar. We’ll be here for hours if you’re going to paddle like that.’

  Jack didn’t complain. Camelin was much stronger. It wasn’t long before the coracle was heading across the river towards the island where Sabrina lived.

  SABRINA

  ‘Are you sure this is the right island?’ said Camelin, as they got out of the coracle.

  ‘It feels right; we’re going to have to trust in crystal magic because without it I wouldn’t have a clue where to begin.’

  ‘There’s only a clump of trees, a few bushes and lots of grass. Who’d want to live here?’

  ‘Maybe that’s the point. If it looks uninhabited you won’t get people calling on you.’

  Camelin sighed loudly when they’d heaved the coracle onto the grass.

  ‘Where do you want to look?’

  ‘Follow me.’

  Jack could see Camelin was reluctant to go any further. At first glance there didn’t appear to be anywhere for Sabrina to live, but Jack wasn’t about to give up so easily.

  He led the way towards the clump of trees. As they got closer, Jack could see they formed a circle. He knew they were in the right place when he saw the pool in the middle.

  ‘This is it, look, over there, a perfect place to find a water nymph.’

  ‘And what have you brought with you to exchange for information. You did think about that didn’t you?’

  Jack swallowed hard. He could feel a rush of panic flood through his body. He had nothing to offer Sabrina.

  ‘You forgot, didn’t you?’

  ‘I didn’t know we’d be visiting a water nymph.’

  ‘There’s no excuse for bad planning, you should always be prepared for every eventuality.’

  ‘I’ll try to ask the crystal.’

  ‘No need.’

  ‘Why? Did you bring something?’

  ‘I did.’

  Jack’s jaw dropped. He was amazed Camelin had thought that far ahead.

  ‘How?’

  ‘When I changed my outfit I also visualised a few things from my collection of shiny bits, you know, just in case you hadn’t thought about it.’

  ‘But they won’t be real.’

  ‘They look and feel solid to me.’

  Jack watched as Camelin half opened his umbrella, turned it upside down, and gave it a shake. Onto the grass fell a small sparkly stone, a large sea-green marble, and an ordinary looking shell.

  ‘Did you mean to bring the shell?’ asked Jack.

  ‘Pick it up and turn it over, you’ll see.’

  Jack turned the dull looking shell over. The inside was completely different; it was smooth and colourful. As Jack moved it around he could see the colours change, even in the dim light of Elidon. The deep blues, greens and purples fascinated him, as they shimmered and shone.

  ‘This is beautiful, I think I’d love this if I were a water nymph, we’ll offer her this.’

  ‘See, I told you an umbrella always comes in handy.’

  Jack didn’t reply. The objects could have been carried, just as easily, in Camelin’s pocket. He handed the stone and marble back and watched as Camelin dropped them safely into the umbrella before closing it again.

  ‘I’d better try calling her,’ said Jack, as he knelt by the edge of the pool. He put his lips to the water and spoke as clearly as he could. ‘Sabrina, Wise One, Lady of the River.’

  Jack remained kneeling. He scanned the water for any sign of movement. He’d just decided to try to call Sabrina again when a ripple began spreading out from the middle. By the time it lapped the water’s edge Jack could see a dark shape below the surface swimming towards him. He’d seen several water nymphs before and was prepared for a green-skinned woman to appear. It was quite a surprise when a pale-faced nymph with luminous skin broke the surface. Her hair was silvery and looked like silk. Unlike Jennet’s hair, Sabrina’s was well looked after. Although she looked very different there was no mistaking what she was. Jack thought she looked sad. He bowed his head and immediately held out the multicoloured shell towards her.

  ‘You need my help I see.’

  Sabrina spoke softly, in a voice unlike the harsh, sharp tones of some other water nymphs he’d met. Jack also heard sadness in her voice.

  ‘I need some information. Could I exchange it for this please?’

  Sabrina took the shell from Jack and examined it carefully. A faint smile crossed her lips before she spoke.

  ‘You’ll be wanting to know where to find the missing torc pieces, I presume?’

  ‘I do. My quest is to find the Lost Treasure of Annwn. If I can find the pieces and remake the torc, I’ll be crowned king at Samhain.’

  ‘I will gladly tell you all I know in exchange for this beautiful shell, but alas, a long time has passed since the torc was broken. One part of the golden band was kept for safety in the darkest cave at the foot of the hill you call Glasruhen, but that was before a Hag arrived in Elidon. As I’m sure you know, Hags seek out the dark places in which to make their homes. This Hag did just that. She found the piece of torc in her cave and mistook it for a hair band, which she now wears to keep her long hair out of her eyes. It’s safe where it is and would probably be the last place anyone would think of looking but it will be a hard task to persuade her to part with what must be her greatest treasure.’

  Jack’s heart sank. He had hoped Sabrina’s information would help him to find the torc without too many problems.

  ‘Do you know anything about the other piece? The one I have to look for on Earth.’

  ‘Again, it is so long ago. I live in both worlds but choose to spend most of my time here in Elidon. The world of men is not the place it once was and I grow weary of change.’

  ‘I’d be grateful for any information you might have.’

  Sabrina didn’t speak. She had a faraway look in her pale gr
een eyes. Jack took Camelin’s umbrella, opened it a fraction and pulled out the marble.

  ‘I have another gift. I don’t know who else I can ask. I was told you would have the information I need.’

  Camelin frowned and pulled his umbrella back from Jack. Sabrina extended one of her long arms and stroked the marble in Jack’s hand.

  ‘You mistook my silence; I was not awaiting another gift. I have a very long memory for I have seen many things. The reason the torc was broken was to keep it safe. Your world has had a tempestuous history but not all the secrets of ancient times have been forgotten. The knowledge was given to the Hamadryad and myself. Alas, Arrana is no more.’

  ‘Before she died, Arrana gave me her power. Do you think she gave me the knowledge to find the missing torc too?’

  ‘You have the power of the Hamadryad within you?’

  ‘He can make trees grow,’ explained Camelin.

  ‘Green magic is a precious gift. It is rare for a mortal to have such power.’

  Jack could see Sabrina was impressed. He could also see she liked the marble. Camelin might not be pleased if Jack gave it to her but he liked the nymph and he felt sorry she was so sad.

  ‘Please take the gift. I’d like you to have it.’

  ‘You have a kind heart, Jack Brenin. When you return to Earth you must visit the King’s stone. Look through the eye and you’ll see where you need to go. When you have journeyed to the destination you’ll find a similar standing stone. Read the inscription, and it will lead you to the place where the torc was hidden for safekeeping. Arrana would have been able to tell you more had she still been with us.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Jack, as he bowed his head. ‘We are very grateful for all your help.’

  Camelin also bowed. Jack passed the marble to Sabrina. Her whole expression changed as she held it tightly in her long fingers.

  ‘I shall treasure this. You and your companion will always be welcome. There will never be any need for gifts again. If I can ever help you I will. I bid you good fortune in your quest.’

  They watched Sabrina as she sank gracefully into the pool. A large ripple travelled across the surface once she’d disappeared completely.

  ‘Well,’ said Camelin, ‘it’s a good job we’ve got these Hag stones, looks like we’re going to be needing them.’