Glasruhen Gate

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘Again, I say you lie. How else could you have come through Glasruhen Gate into Annwn?’

  ‘The gate was already open when I came through.’

  Jack could see Velindur was getting angry.

  ‘Who sent you?’ he shouted and banged his fist on the bars.

  ‘No one sent me. I came because I wanted to.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Because I wanted to go to the fair.’

  ‘That’s the worst pack of lies I’ve ever heard from anyone. I say you are a shape-shifting spy. Try to deny that.’

  ‘I can’t shape-shift and I’m not a spy.’

  Velindur’s face turned red and he glowered through the bars at Camelin. Jack tried not to take any notice, but he jumped when Velindur’s fist hit the cage again.

  ‘GUARD!’

  The golden doors swung open and one of the guards stepped in and bowed.

  ‘Fetch Tegfryn and Jedwyn. NOW!’

  The guard left hurriedly and returned shortly with Jed and Teg.

  ‘Take this prisoner back to the dungeon. He is to have no food or water. The Blessed Council have been summoned. He can come before them when they’ve assembled. I don’t care if he rots in his cell, understood? When you’ve done that come back, I’ve got a job for you both.’

  Jed and Teg fumbled with the key before they managed to unlock the cage and tug Camelin out. They walked him backwards to the door, bowing as they went. Teg thrust Camelin’s head down and made him bow too.

  Once they’d gone Velindur paced up and down the room, muttering to himself. Jack wondered if the two guards were coming back for him. If he wasn’t going back to the dungeon, what were they going to do with him? Did they eat ravens in Annwn?

  Velindur seemed preoccupied. Jack hoped he’d forget about him altogether.

  When they returned, Jed and Teg stood nervously before Velindur. Jack could see he wasn’t pleased.

  ‘Who came through the Western Portal?’

  Jed and Teg looked at each other.

  ‘It’s a simple question,’ growled Velindur. ‘Who came into Annwn?’

  ‘The prisoners Sire,’ replied Teg.

  ‘Anyone else?’

  ‘No Sire.’

  ‘Who opened the gate?’

  ‘It opened on its own Sire,’ said Jed nervously.

  ‘Portal Gates don’t just open on their own. Did you see the boy open the doors?’

  The two guards shook their heads.

  ‘It was open when we got there so we got the net out Sire,’ explained Teg.

  ‘I’ve a good mind to have you two thrown into the dungeon with the spy. I’m surrounded by idiots.’

  Jed and Teg looked at their feet. Jack wondered why they hadn’t seen Nora and Elan come through the portal, but no one had been around when they’d flown through. Maybe they’d been having a nap somewhere?

  ‘We have a problem,’ began Velindur as he paced up and down the room. ‘There may be more intruders in Annwn. I’ve sent guards to the gates. You must not tell anyone the Western Portal’s been opened. I want you to search for intruders. Find out if anyone has seen anything suspicious or unusual. Don’t arrest anyone, but make sure you report back to me before sunset. Understood?’

  Jed and Teg bobbed up and down again as they backed out of the room. Jack breathed a sigh of relief. Velindur obviously didn’t know about Nora and Elan. He wished Nora would come and rescue them soon. He shuddered when he thought about Camelin being back in the dungeon. He hoped he was alright. Jack stayed very still. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself. Velindur went over to a large full-length mirror and adjusted his robe before he began muttering to himself again.

  ‘The cauldron must have been remade, it’s the only explanation. The acolyte used it to open the portal and was on his way to Gwillam. It’s a plot. He’s got something Gwillam needs to overthrow me. Well it’s not going to happen. I’ve got to get rid of Gwillam. Yes, that’s the answer. He’s the one the Blessed Council listens to. If he were out of the way, they’d listen to me. I need to prove Gwillam’s acolyte was spying and get evidence that the pair of them were plotting, then I could get rid of them both. The boy must be lying. Why did he choose a raven as a disguise? Didn’t he know they’d been banned from Annwn?’

  Velindur chuckled to himself then continued thinking aloud.

  ‘Convicting the raven will be easy. After all, he’s broken more than one law.’

  Jack gulped, Velindur hadn’t forgotten about him. None of what he’d heard was good. Maybe he ought to start thinking of a way to escape. He needed to warn Nora and Gwillam. He looked around the room in vain, there was no sign of Timmery or Charkle. Velindur had gone back to his throne and was deep in thought when a gentle tap on the door made him sit bolt upright.

  ‘Enter!’

  An old man with wispy grey hair and a kind face strode into the room. In his hand was a long staff made from a branch with an assortment of things tied to it. A bunch of leaves hung from the top and a small bag dangled from a natural hook in the middle. He reminded Jack of someone he knew but he couldn’t think who. Velindur didn’t look pleased to see his visitor who neither bowed nor called him Sire.

  ‘I’ve received a summons to attend a meeting of the Blessed Council. Is there a problem?’

  ‘There is. My guards have caught two intruders. One is claiming to be your acolyte.’

  ‘That would be Camelin,’ the old man said, then laughed. ‘What’s he been up to?’

  Jack realised why the old man looked familiar. It had to be Gwillam, he’d got the same smile as Nora. Velindur didn’t speak for a moment.

  ‘Your acolyte is under arrest for trespass, spying, shape-shifting, illegal entry and bringing a forbidden bird into Annwn.’

  Gwillam looked around.

  ‘I’m sure there must have been some mistake. Can I see him?’

  ‘No you cannot. When the rest of the Blessed Council get here he can stand before them along with that raven, which is also on a charge of theft and trespass.’

  ‘My acolyte’s only a boy.’

  ‘He broke the law.’

  ‘So be it. We’ll meet again in the Council Chamber once everyone is here.’

  Gwillam turned his back on Velindur and walked to the golden doors. He didn’t look back or bow. When he’d gone Velindur stood up and marched out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

  Jack had no idea how long he was alone. There didn’t seem to be any clocks in Annwn so it was difficult to know what time of day it was. The sun streamed in through the glass walls. He was grateful the curtain had been closed behind the cage. He was dozing when a loud rapping on the golden doors made him jump. Velindur appeared from the small room dressed in a flowing scarlet robe. His trousers looked as if they were made of pure gold. On his feet he wore a pair of heeled shoes, and on his head a jewelled golden crown encrusted with emeralds and rubies. He admired himself in the mirror before collecting a golden staff. He sat on the throne and arranged his robes carefully before calling for whoever had knocked to come in.

  Jed and Teg shuffled forward bowing low when they reached the foot of the throne.

  ‘What news?’

  ‘None Sire, no one’s seen or heard anything,’

  said Teg.

  ‘The only intruders anyone knows about are the birds,’ added Jed.

  ‘Keep searching and watch Gwillam. I’m sure he’s hiding something. See where he goes, what he does and who he speaks to. I know there’s something going on, and I’m holding you two responsible for finding out what it is. Understood?’

  Jed and Teg nodded.

  A guard carried in a small silver tray, upon which lay a large key. Velindur picked it up.

  ‘The Blessed Council have assembled?’ />
  ‘They have Sire. They await you in the Assembly Room.’

  Velindur strode past Jed and Teg.

  ‘Bring the prisoners to the Council Chamber. Both of them,’ he commanded as he left the room.

  ‘I’ll grab the bird, you get the boy,’ said Jed. ‘Don’t be long, you know His Lordship doesn’t like to be kept waiting.’

  Once more Jack was put in the sack. He was hustled past a crowd of cloaked and hooded figures who stood in small groups talking quietly to each other. He tried to hear what they were saying but Jed was moving too quickly.

  ‘Make way, make way. Prisoner for the dock, make way,’ Jed shouted as he squeezed past the tall figures.

  Jack could hear Teg in the background also shouting for the crowd to stand aside. Jack tried to peek at Camelin to see if he was alright but he couldn’t see much. The crowd went quiet. Jack heard a pair of heeled shoes pass and then a key turning in a lock.

  By the time Jack was released from the sack, the hooded figures had made their way to a semi-circular table and taken their places behind high-backed chairs In front of the table was a rail, behind which was a raised platform. Velindur climbed the steps and seated himself on an ornate throne. Jack and Camelin were thrust inside another cage on the floor beside the platform. The tallest figure spoke. Jack recognised Gwillam’s voice.

  ‘The Blessed Council stand before you. Why have we been summoned?’

  Velindur stood and pointed towards Jack and Camelin: ‘We have intruders, unwelcome guests, trespassers. The boy is a shape-shifting spy, the raven a thief. They have broken the Law of Annwn and must be punished.’

  The Blessed Council sat down. Each member wrote on a small slate which was then passed to Gwillam. When all the slates were before him, Gwillam rose once more.

  ‘We all agree. The prisoners must stand trial.’

  Velindur smiled but Gwillam hadn’t finished.

  ‘The trial will take place at sunset tomorrow.’

  ‘The trial must take place now.’

  ‘The prisoners need time to find a delegate. That is the law.’

  Velindur glowered at Gwillam.

  ‘I say we should try them now.’

  ‘The law says they have a day to find someone to represent them. The trial will be tomorrow.’

  There was a murmur of agreement from the Blessed Council. Velindur sat down and banged his golden staff three times on the platform. When he had everyone’s attention he turned again to Gwillam.

  ‘Then tomorrow it will be. Guards, take the prisoners back to the dungeon.’

  Jack’s heart sank. He’d hoped the Blessed Council would forgive them and let them go free. He wanted to tell them all how sorry he was, that they hadn’t meant any harm. His body started to tremble. He didn’t want to go back to the dungeon, but Jed and Teg were already opening the cage door.

  ‘Wait,’ cried Gwillam. ‘The boy is my acolyte, I take responsibility for him and the raven too. Let me take them home with me. You have my word that I’ll bring them back tomorrow night.’

  The members of the Blessed Council slowly nodded in agreement. Jack expected Velindur to be annoyed and to shout but instead he appeared to be smiling. He also agreed. Instead of being dragged off to the dungeon, Camelin had his iron cuffs removed and the cage door was opened wide. Camelin ran over to Gwillam, threw his arms around his waist and sobbed. Jack hopped out of the cage. Gwillam held out his arm and he flew onto it.

  ‘Come on,’ said Gwillam. ‘It’s time to go home.’

  HOUSE ARREST

  Jack hadn’t realised how hot and stuffy the Council Chamber had been until the fresh air wafted through his feathers. Freedom had never felt so good. Camelin didn’t say anything to Gwillam until they got to the water’s edge.

  ‘I’m really very sorry, but you told me that when I got into Annwn I’d be able to eat as much as I wanted.’

  Gwillam laughed.

  ‘Not to worry. We’ll soon sort this out, you’ll see.’

  Jack hopped up to Gwillam’s shoulder and whispered in his ear.

  ‘We’re being watched, it’s not safe to talk.’

  Gwillam didn’t seem too bothered. He shouted to the only boatman standing by the boats: ‘We need to cross the water.’

  The boatman held out his hand for payment. Gwillam placed a large coin in his palm.

  Once they were settled in the boat, Jack hopped onto the prow. He spotted Jed and Teg rowing as fast as they could from the dungeon side of the lake. He wasn’t sure if Camelin had seen them too but he didn’t want to speak in front of the boatman.

  Gwillam winked at Jack then turned to Camelin.

  ‘Was it really seven sausages you ate?’

  Camelin hung his head.

  ‘I had a large piece of fudge and a lump of charcoal too.’

  ‘Charcoal! What on earth made you eat charcoal?’

  ‘It wasn’t by choice, it was an accident.’

  ‘This is really important. Did you steal anything Jack?’

  Jack coughed and pointed his beak towards the boatman. He’d already told Gwillam it wasn’t safe to talk. The boatman smiled at Jack.

  ‘I’m Gavin and I’m at your service.’

  Jack still didn’t say anything. Nora had told him not to speak. If they thought he was a raven he might be safe. Camelin looked shocked.

  ‘Gavin? Is it really you?’

  ‘I didn’t think you’d remember me, it’s been so long.’

  ‘You were Gwillam’s acolyte before me. Didn’t you go to one of the Groves near the Borderlands?’

  Gavin nodded.

  ‘What a memory!’ exclaimed Gwillam and patted Camelin on the back before turning to Jack. ‘You can speak safely on the lake. Gavin is one of us; he’s no spy and has no allegiance to Velindur.’

  Jack let out a sigh. It hadn’t been easy keeping quiet, especially inside the Council Chamber.

  ‘But what about Jed and Teg?’ he whispered.

  ‘I don’t condone this but sometimes a little bit of magic is necessary. We don’t want them catching up with us, do we?’

  Gwillam bent his long staff towards the boat behind. Jack didn’t see any sparks, but he felt the air shudder. Gwillam smiled.

  ‘That should buy us a bit of time. I hope they can swim!’

  Jack thought the little boat looked lower in the water. It began to sink, faster and faster until Jed and Teg were left flapping their arms around and shouting for help. Gwillam flicked his staff again and two oars popped up out of the water. Jed grabbed one and Teg the other. They each hung on with one hand and tried to attract some attention by waving the other. Jack doubted their cries would be heard until the noise from the fair died down. They might be in the water quite a while if they weren’t able to get themselves back to the shallows.

  ‘Now where were we? Oh yes, did you eat any of the stolen food Jack?’

  ‘I haven’t had anything to eat at all since we came into Annwn.’

  ‘That’s excellent, most excellent, couldn’t be better.’

  Jack couldn’t see why not having eaten was a good thing. His stomach was rumbling and all he could think about was food. Camelin’s stomach growled too.

  ‘If I’m hungry, Jack must be starving. It’s hungry work being a raven, but nobody ever listens to me.’

  ‘It is,’ agreed Jack.

  ‘You can eat once we get back. I’m afraid you’ll be under house arrest so you’re not going to able to go very far, only to the end of my garden and back. I’m responsible for you until the trial, so don’t go letting me down.’

  ‘We won’t,’ said Jack.

  ‘You mean you’re going to take us back? I thought you’d rescued us so we could go back through Glasruhen Gate. I didn’t think you wer
e really going to make us stand trial. Can’t you say we escaped?’

  ‘No Camelin, I can’t. You’ve both broken the law so there must be a trial, but ever since Charkle arrived we’ve been trying to work out a way to save you.’

  ‘What happens if you can’t,’ whispered Camelin.

  ‘We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.’

  ‘Is Nora very angry with me?’

  ‘Very angry, she’s got a punishment waiting for you when we get back.’

  Camelin groaned. Jack shuffled from one foot to the other. He didn’t want Camelin to take all the blame.

  ‘It was my fault too. I could have said no and stayed behind.’

  ‘No matter, you can tell Nora everything when we get back. The last, and most important question of all, did you answer all Velindur’s questions truthfully?’

  ‘I did.’

  ‘And you Jack?’

  ‘He didn’t ask me any questions; he didn’t speak to me at all. I’m sure he thinks I’m just an ordinary raven. I heard him talking to himself in his chamber. He’s going to try to get you into trouble too, that’s why he’s told Jed and Teg to spy on us.’

  ‘Yes, he’d be very happy if I wasn’t around. He’s tried more than once to persuade me, and the rest of the Blessed Council, to go into the Caves of Eternal Rest. If I went, I know the others would follow. He has no right to call himself King. We’ve only ever had a Queen in Annwn.’

  ‘What happened to the Queen?’ asked Jack.

  ‘No one knows for sure, some say she’s locked away in one of the rooms of the Citadel, others say she’s faded away into nothingness. We wanted her to come to the village but she insisted on staying on the island. I haven’t seen her in a very long time. Velindur hasn’t allowed her any visitors, that much is true.’

  ‘How did he end up as King then?’ asked Camelin.

  ‘You remember that terrible time when all the trouble began?’

  ‘I do,’ Camelin replied and touched his head.

  Jack could see the line of the scar where Camelin’s hair parted. He wasn’t likely to forget the Roman hitting him and leaving him for dead. Gwillam looked sad and he seemed lost in thought for a few moments before he continued.