The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  The two Dryads turned and seemed to float away on the breeze. When they were out of sight, Jack called to the Mother Oak.

  ‘Sylvana, Mother of all Hamadryads, Guardian of the Oaks and Bearer of the Sacred Mistletoe, I have need to speak with you.’

  Jack heard the shaking of branches and the rustling of leaves. The gnarled trunk began to ripple and sway until it disappeared completely. In its place was a beautiful old woman who towered above him. Her silver hair cascaded down to her ankles. She smiled before she spoke.

  ‘Jack Brenin, now King of our fair land, what may I do for you?

  Jack bowed low and collected his thoughts. He needed to ask Sylvana’s advice but he didn’t know where to begin.

  ‘I see you have come alone.’

  ‘It is an important matter, one I have not discussed with anyone else.’

  Sylvana looked deep into Jack’s eyes.

  ‘Come, give me your hand. As King of the Forest you can transfer your thoughts to me.’

  Jack offered his hand to Sylvana. She touched it with her outstretched finger. He immediately felt a surge of energy course through his body. He opened his mind and let Sylvana enter. When she withdrew her finger he knew she fully understood his plan.

  ‘Your proposal is ambitious. Is the Oak Lord aware of what you want to do?’

  ‘No, I wanted to speak with you first. Do you think I can succeed?’

  ‘I think, Jack Brenin, with the gift Arrana gave you, and with the Oak Lord by your side, you should at least try.’

  It was time to summon the Oak Lord.

  ‘Alindyne Brenin,’ he called.

  A rush of air parted the grass and made the flowers sway from side to side. Jack momentarily smelt their perfume before the smell of the forest quickly replaced it. He closed his eyes and breathed in. When he opened them the Oak Lord stood before him. He was a magnificent sight and, as he bowed to Jack and Sylvana, his leaves rustled.

  ‘My Liege, my Lady, how can I be of service?’

  The two figures towered over Jack, but he didn’t falter as he spoke.

  ‘I need you to help me bring Newton Gill Forest back to life. Only dead and dying trees remain where once a great forest stood. Allana has been returned to the heart of the wood and, with your care, she will once again flourish. New trees can be planted but this will all take time. My friends, the Gnarles, will not live long enough to witness this. As King of the Forest on Earth, and with your help, I would give life to the dead and hollow trees within Newton Gill.’

  The Oak Lord didn’t speak so Jack continued.

  ‘There is another I would like to help. He is a giant who goes by the name of Judd. He once did me a great service. A mean-spirited Hag, called Devorah Dytch, torments him relentlessly. If we could make the rowan trees bloom again, they would repel all the Hags from Elidon. Judd would then be freed of his tormentor.

  ‘There are also the former inhabitants of Newton Gill Forest to consider. They now dwell within the safe haven of Steaple Lacy Wood. If it is within our power to restore the forest, they could be given the choice to return if they so wished. This is the gift, with your help, that I wish to give to my friends.’

  The Oak Lord looked amazed and bewildered. Jack was relieved when Sylvana broke the silence and addressed Alindyne.

  ‘This is not an easy task your King has set his heart on, but within him green magic is very strong. He has already shown that he can bring life to one that has long been dead. He restored, albeit briefly, the Tree of Knowledge in Newton Gill to its former glory. He knows it is within his power but a whole forest will not be an easy task. If you combine your powers it may be possible but until you try, you won’t know what you can achieve.’

  Jack was grateful for Sylvana’s words. They both looked at the Oak Lord for his response.

  ‘The restoration of a whole forest will be quite a challenge, something I would never have contemplated, but I will willingly add my strength to your power. Who knows what we may achieve?’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Jack. ‘It is my dearest wish to see the Gnarles happy again and the forest a home once more for Dryads.’

  Sylvana nodded her approval.

  ‘You have done well since I entrusted my children into Nora’s care. I thank you for transferring Arrana’s spirit into each of them. They will not let you down. I know Alindyne will tend and protect them. You saved the Hamadryads and there is no reason you can’t restore the forest. Green magic is a powerful force. There would be many, including Kerne, who would be forever grateful if you could restore Newton Gill to its former glory. I will look forward to hearing about your successes.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Jack, ‘we will endeavour to do our best.’

  Sylvana bowed her head. She began to shimmer and shake until she completely disappeared and only the gnarled trunk and vast leafy branches stood before them. The Oak Lord turned to Jack.

  ‘Do you have any further need of my service before your return to Earth?’

  ‘None that I can think of, so I will bid you farewell.’

  ‘Until we meet again…’ the Oak Lord replied as he bowed low. He too began to shimmer before fading away into nothingness.

  Jack ran all the way to the shore. He was eager to return to the palace now he knew what he had to do.

  RESTORATION

  The days that followed seemed endless. Jack had travelled around Annwn and thanked everyone who’d attended his coronation. He’d met many Nymphs who’d travelled from various parts of his kingdom. Twink had introduced him to everyone but he knew he’d never remember all their names, not until he got to know them better. He’d worked out a routine so he could make the most of his time in Annwn. After breakfast, Camelin went exploring with Timmery and the Dragonettes while Jack made his way to Gwillam’s house. He’d spoken at length with the Druids from the village and had got to know the members of the Blessed Council better. After lunch at the palace, Jack had accompanied Elan to the Queen’s apartments. There he’d learned more about the duties he would need to perform as King.

  He’d enjoyed the evenings the most, as he sat around with all his friends and chatted. Elan and Nora told stories of the time before the portals had been sealed and he’d learned about some of the famous Druids who now lay at rest in the Caves. Raggs was always ready to entertain them with his vast repertoire of stories. Before bedtime each night, Jack and Camelin sat together for a while in Jack’s room and told each other about their day. Camelin described all the places he’d seen and the things he’d done. Jack knew Camelin was having the time of his life. He was also aware that sometime soon they’d have to return home.

  Facing up to Velindur hadn’t been easy and now he was no longer a threat, Jack felt a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He knew he could overcome whatever the future might bring and, for the first time since he’d come to live at Brenin House, he felt at peace.

  He was glad the Book of Sorrows was now safe inside the Caves of Eternal Rest. They’d returned it with great pomp and ceremony. Mortarn had been overjoyed to see it again and was deeply relieved it hadn’t been opened. Nora had put a sticking spell onto it so it could never again be removed from the Caves.

  Sunshine streamed in through his curtains and he knew he’d have to get up soon. He wondered how long they’d been gone in Earth time. The endless summer sunshine in Annwn was in stark contrast to the wet dreary autumn that Jack had left behind in Glasruhen. He was looking forward to seeing Grandad again and knew it wouldn’t be long until his dad was home for good.

  He looked over at his golden crown. It would have to stay in Annwn and he’d have to leave the torc too. They’d be safe here, so there was no reason to take them home. He caught sight of his trainers by the door. Hung above them were the clothes he’d had to leave behind at Gwillam’s house on his last visit. Someone must have brought them over from the Druids’ village. Jack knew the time had arrived. Today they’d be making their way to the Western Portal and returning home thr
ough Glasruhen Gate.

  He dressed and checked himself in the mirror. His own clothes looked out of place, especially with the torc around his neck, so he visualised the white and green robes he’d been going to wear. Once he’d transformed his trainers into his leather sandals he set off to join his friends for breakfast.

  As soon as Jack sat down, Camelin lowered his beak towards the pile of food he’d already selected. Nora quickly moved it away and gave him one of her disapproving looks.

  ‘The Dragonettes will be along soon. We’ll have breakfast after they’ve told us their news.’

  Camelin shot her a grumpy look but didn’t argue. Timmery flew into the room, followed closely by the three Dragonettes. They landed gracefully on the table in front of Jack and bowed their heads low.

  ‘We have news for you,’ said Norris.

  ‘Lots of news,’ agreed Charkle, ‘about the Draygull.’

  Snook pushed Charkle out of the way with his wing.

  ‘I thought we’d agreed that Norris would speak. He is the oldest.’

  Charkle looked disappointed and sat on his haunches.

  ‘I’m sorry for the interruption,’ said Norris, as he cast an eye at Charkle. ‘We thought you ought to know the outcome of our visit to the Dragonair.

  ‘The Draygull came willingly with us to the mountains, but he wouldn’t utter a word until he stood before Ember. When he saw her he dropped to his knees and begged her forgiveness. He told her the story of her birth, of how a mortal man, an old silversmith of Silver Hill, had allowed the Spriggans to use the tunnels in return for keeping Ember safe.’

  Camelin looked surprised.

  ‘According to the Spriggans, they captured Ember, tied her up and kept her captive.’

  ‘That could be true,’ said Charkle, ‘but they would have only been able to do that before she started breathing fire. That’s why they captured us when we were young.’

  ‘I bet they twisted the facts a bit.’

  ‘They probably did,’ said Snook. ‘Spriggans like to boast and they stretch the truth to suit themselves.’

  Norris tapped the tip of his tail impatiently on the table.

  ‘Have you all finished?’

  ‘Please, continue,’ said Nora.

  As Norris continued his account, Jack realised he’d heard this part of Ember’s story before, here in Annwn from one of the storytellers, only then it had been called The Legend of Howling Hill. He gave his full attention back to Norris, as he was eager to hear the rest.

  ‘Ember roared loudly when the Draygull had finished speaking but she didn’t engulf him in flames. The Draygull bowed his head and began screeching. To a Dragonair’s ear it is the most beautiful sound in the world, but it’s a bit too harsh for a Dragonette’s liking. Once Ember was calm, the Draygull began to explain how he’d tried to ensure we were safe too. He claimed he was on his way to rescue us from the cooking pot when we were stolen. He feared for our safety, which is why you were chased through the tunnels of Silver Hill. He swears he has no allegiance to Velindur and bears no ill will towards any of the people of the three worlds. He begged to be allowed to stay with Ember but said he would abide by our decision. If his plea was rejected, he would ask permission to spend the rest of his days in Elidon, for the Earth would be unsafe for him and he has a yearning to live above ground once more.’

  Norris stopped and looked at his brothers.

  ‘Did you believe him?’ asked Jack.

  ‘We did,’ said Charkle, ‘we did.’

  ‘And Ember too?’ asked Elan.

  ‘She did,’ replied Snook. ‘If you agree to grant his request, the Draygull has promised to live in the mountains, far away from the city. He is thankful to you for the audience you allowed him.’

  The rats cheered and Motley stood.

  ‘We are grateful to the Draygull, for without his help, Raggs might have been roasted in Silver Hill. Spriggans like rat kebab, don’t you know. We are in no doubt that without the help of the Draygull, Raggs would have lost his life inside the Mound.’

  There was more cheering from the rats as Raggs got up and bowed.

  ‘Can I eat now?’ asked Camelin.

  ‘You may,’ replied Nora as she moved his plate back towards him, ‘and make the best of it because there’s no second helpings today.’

  ‘But it’s hungry work being a raven and I need to refuel. We’re going to the far side of the mountains today.’

  ‘I’m afraid you’re not,’ Nora told him.

  Jack could see Camelin was about to complain and thought he’d better explain.

  ‘We’re going home today.’

  ‘No! I’ve still got places to go and things to see.’

  Nora let out a loud sigh.

  ‘Jack’s got to go back to school and there’s something he wants to do before he returns to Brenin House.’

  ‘Like what?’ Camelin grumbled.

  ‘I want to bring Newton Gill Forest back to life.’

  Camelin spluttered and sprayed food everywhere.

  ‘The whole forest!’

  ‘The whole forest.’

  ‘But it’s dead wood, nothing’s grown in there for years.’

  ‘I need to try. Besides, it’s all arranged. Once we’re home, the Oak Lord’s going to help me. Together we’re going to attempt to restore life to the trees.’

  Camelin humphed.

  ‘Those trees won’t just sprout leaves, you know.’

  ‘Jack knows that,’ said Nora.

  Jack looked at Camelin and tried to explain.

  ‘I have to do something now. Allana will be stronger by the spring and the Oak Lord will be there all the time to look after everything until the forest is fully restored.’

  Elan passed Jack a plate of buttered crumpets.

  ‘We’ll be there to help in any way we can. Many will be grateful if Newton Gill Forest flourishes again.’

  ‘Thanks,’ said Jack as he reached for the jam. ‘I want to help the Gnarles. If the trees are restored the Dryads can return and they’ll have company again. There’ll be a forest in Elidon again too. If the rowan trees grow they’ll drive away the Hags and ensure Judd has protection. He’ll never be bothered by any of them again. It will be a safe and beautiful place for the Fairies to visit too.’

  Nora looked at Jack.

  ‘We said you’d make a great king. Some would have abused the power you have, but already you are taking your role as King of the Forest seriously. I knew from the start you were the one we’d been waiting for. It makes all the years Elan and I spent caring for the Hamadryads worthwhile. It was always our dearest wish to ensure the forests were protected again. Now each has a Hamadryad, a king to rule over them and an Oak Lord to protect them…’

  ‘… and our fair land once more has a worthy king,’ added Elan.

  ‘Oh please,’ interrupted Camelin, ‘it’s breakfast time. Can’t we just eat?’

  When everything was packed, they made their way to the lakeside. Gwillam was waiting for them on the far shore and accompanied them as far as the hill that stood before the Western Portal. There hadn’t been any ceremony as they left the palace and Gwillam seemed to be most concerned about when they’d be coming back.

  ‘You only have to step through the portal,’ he told Jack. ‘You know you can come and go as you please now you’re King.’

  ‘I thought we’d try to come back most weekends,’ said Nora.

  Jack whooped for joy. He knew they’d planned to be back for Yule in December, but he hadn’t really wanted to wait that long. He couldn’t think of anything better than to be able to just step through the portal, spend a few days in Annwn and then return home to find he’d only been gone a few minutes.

  Gwillam said his goodbyes and left them to climb the hill. Jack and Elan carried the cauldron between them and Camelin rode on Nora’s shoulder. The Night Guard had already gone on ahead. Timmery had decided to stay with the Dragonettes for a while, which didn’t please Camelin. The Dorys
k, and Fairies from the Meadow Mound, had all been invited to stay a while longer too. Inside the cauldron sat Raggs, Saige and Orin, each on a velvet cushion, gifts from the Queen. It wasn’t long before they were standing outside the Western Portal. Jack turned around for one last look at the blue sky and green landscape that was bathed in sunshine.

  ‘Are we ready?’ asked Nora.

  ‘Ready,’ they all replied.

  Elan looked at Jack.

  ‘Would you like to open the portal?’

  Jack pointed his finger at the arched doorway. He willed it to open. Within seconds a low rumbling sound could be heard as the two halves of the door began to part. They swung open easily and the now-familiar glowing green light swirled before them.

  ‘Time to go home,’ said Nora.

  It had been almost dawn when Jack had entered the Mound. Through the trees he could see the sun had already risen. Nora pointed her wand at Glasruhen Gate. The intricately carved arched doorway completely disappeared. Between the two sentinel oaks was an empty space.

  ‘There’s no need for me to move the portal any more. It will be perfectly safe inside the standing stone circle.’

  Camelin swooped down onto one of the branches.

  ‘When are you doing your stuff in Newton Gill?’

  ‘As soon as I can.’

  ‘I’ll see you later, then. I’ve got things to do and places to go.’

  Before Nora could say anything, he was airborne.

  Elan and Jack lowered the cauldron.

  ‘Nora and I can manage this from here,’ Elan told him. ‘Do you want to go over to Newton Gill Forest now? We can come and join you after we’ve got the cauldron back to Ewell House.’

  ‘I think this is something the Oak Lord and I have to do on our own, if you don’t mind.’

  Nora looked intently at Jack.

  ‘Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t succeed. You’ve set yourself an immense task.’

  ‘I have to try. It’s going to take too long to plant a whole forest full of new trees and wait for them to grow. I’m sure with the help of the Oak Lord, and my green magic, we can do something to rescue the trees that are already there. I made the hazel tree live. That shouldn’t have been possible but it happened.’