The Oak Lord

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘We were worried you wouldn’t be here in time. We’re at your service to ferry you over to the water gate, where Gwillam is waiting.’

  Nora and Jack got into Gavin’s boat while the rest of the escort split themselves between the other two. Before they’d gone far, Camelin returned. He landed without saying a word and positioned himself in the prow of the boat.

  ‘Is everything all right?’ asked Jack.

  ‘Girl alert!’ replied Camelin, as he thrust his head forward in the direction they were travelling.

  Jack followed Camelin’s gaze. He laughed when he saw two familiar white ravens perched on either side of the gate by the jetty. Gwillam looked relieved as they alighted from the boats.

  ‘Is all well?’ he asked Nora.

  ‘It is now. We will explain later, after the coronation. Sunrise is almost upon us so we must hurry to the throne room.’

  Camelin flew onto Nora’s shoulder. Jack looked over to where Winver and Hesta had been perched, but they were no longer there. He presumed they’d gone to inform Coragwenelan of their arrival. Before them was the beautifully decorated silver gate that marked the entrance to the Queen’s garden. Gwillam opened it. The garden was even more beautiful than Jack had remembered, with the familiar smell of honeysuckle hanging heavy in the air. They hurried past the fountain, the stone benches and apple trees. Jack had expected to go through the high gates at the far end of the garden but Gwillam led them straight into the building. This was a part of the Glass Palace that Jack had never been in before. They walked quickly along a curved passage until they came to an arched doorway. It had the same carved oak leaves and acorns on it as Glasruhen Gate, except this one was made of gold. Gwillam raised his staff and rapped on the door three times. It was opened from within and they stepped into the throne room. The glass walls were open and a crowd had gathered around the circular wall. When they saw Jack they began to cheer loudly. In the middle, facing the crowd, were two thrones. One was silver and the other gold. Each was carved with intricate knotwork designs.

  The crowd fell silent when Gwillam raised his staff. Everyone bowed low as Coragwenelan entered the room. Jack bowed too. She acknowledged the crowd, crossed the room to the silver throne and sat down. Jack could see she was wearing the silver crown of delicate leaves and flowers. Her blue cape fell in soft folds over the sides of the throne. She raised her right hand and beckoned to the open doorway. The Blessed Council entered the room and Gwillam went over to join them. Jack glanced back over his shoulder, but Nora and Camelin were gone and he stood alone. He scanned the room until he could see them. Nora gave him a reassuring nod. Jack turned his attention back to Gwillam as he banged his staff again and addressed the throng.

  ‘Before you stands the heir to the throne of Annwn. He has proved beyond doubt that he is worthy to be crowned. He has the knowledge of Arrana, the wisdom of Alindyne and all the qualities needed to be a good king. His actions have demonstrated his true nature. He is compassionate, just, courageous and strong. Through his deeds he has proved he is a loyal friend to us all. Without him, our days would have been numbered. We would no longer have a Queen and we’d have been isolated until the end of all time. As a final proof of his worthiness to be King of our land and people, he was charged with a quest to find the lost treasure of Annwn. He has found and remade the torc of kingship, which he has brought before you. It will be placed around his neck and he will be hailed as the true Brenin we have waited for. The crown, which has been forged and fashioned by Lloyd the Goldsmith, will be a lasting symbol of his right to sit on the golden throne, next to our Queen, so they may jointly rule this fair land of ours.’

  Gwillam bowed to the Queen and took a step back. Coragwenelan stood.

  ‘Where is the one who bears the torc of kingship?’

  ‘I am here, Your Majesty,’ said Jack, as he bowed low.

  ‘Come forward.’

  Jack went and stood before the Queen. One of the Druids brought a green velvet cushion over to Jack. As he placed the torc on it, the crowd erupted into cheers. The Queen raised her hand for silence and the noise subsided. She extended her other hand and indicated for Jack to sit on the throne next to her. It was far too big for him and his feet dangled halfway down the front. The Queen turned to Gwillam.

  ‘Who bears the crown for our King?’

  ‘I do,’ said a high-pitched voice from behind the Blessed Council.

  Jack gasped as Peabody stepped forward. He also held a green velvet cushion, upon which sat a golden crown. Jack could see it was identical to the one they’d been shown by the Stone of Destiny. Golden stems had been entwined to make the circlet. Each bore golden oak leaves and acorns. The Bogie began to walk towards Gwillam. Jack glanced over at Camelin. He too looked shocked. For a moment, the appearance of Peabody had distracted Jack and he almost missed the question Gwillam was asking.

  ‘Do you swear to abide by the laws and customs of Annwn as they are written in the Red Book of Law, to work with our Queen, to care for the people and to uphold justice for all?’

  Jack straightened his back and took a deep breath.

  ‘I do,’ he pronounced, ‘and I promise to do my best at all times.’

  Gwillam picked up the torc and held it up for all to see.

  ‘This is your birthright. Wear it with pride, knowing that you are the true Brenin.’

  Jack sat up as tall as he could and stretched his neck so Gwillam could place the torc around it. It felt heavy but its weight made him feel strong. He watched as Gwillam stood in front of Peabody and lifted the golden crown carefully with both hands.

  ‘By the power vested in me by Coragwenelan, Queen of Annwn, I do hereby crown you King.’

  Jack held his breath and sat very still. As the crown touched his head he realised the enormity of everything that had happened to him. He looked up at the sky. The darkness had completely gone. A new day and a new era were about to begin. It wouldn’t be long until the sun rose over the horizon. Coragwenelan turned and smiled at him. Jack smiled back. He looked over at Nora and Camelin. What a journey this had been! He was determined to do everything within his power to fulfil the promises he’d just made.

  Gwillam took a step back, bowed to both Jack and the Queen and then turned to the expectant crowd. He opened his arms wide and made the proclamation they’d all been waiting to hear.

  ‘Hail, Jack Brenin, King of Annwn. Long live the King!’

  There was a tumultuous roar from the whole of Annwn.

  ‘Long live the King!’ they chanted, over and over again.

  Coragwenelan stood and offered Jack her hand. Together they made their way to the edge of the room. The crowd parted to let them pass. The Blessed Council followed and, in turn, the guests filed out of the room. Jack knew all his friends were in the procession. He presumed that once the room was empty the crowd outside would follow. Cheering people lined the streets of the Citadel as they made their way to the area where the feast was to take place.

  When they eventually arrived, Jack could see a long row of tables had been piled high with all the foods he and Camelin had thought of, and many more besides. One whole table was covered in a sea of cupcakes and in the middle stood a magnificent cake. Blankets had been spread on the ground and the most enormous barbecue Jack had ever seen stood on a paved area beyond the feasting ground. The Queen lifted the silver dragon-shaped whistle to her lips and gently blew it. The impressive sight of Ember in flight, with the newly risen sun glinting on her red scales, made Jack’s heart leap. Every time he saw her he marvelled. She really was magnificent. It looked as if she’d had another manicure, for her nails shone and sparkled. As she flew overhead she dipped her head, circled and then blew a long narrow flame over the barbecue pit. The coals ignited and it wasn’t long before the delicious smell of sausages wafted on the breeze.

  The Queen led Jack to a table that had been positioned on a raised platform. It was draped in a cloth that reached the floor and the front had been decorated with lo
ng garlands.

  ‘This is the royal dais,’ she told him. ‘We use it at official gatherings. It means we can see everyone and, of course, they can see us.’

  Even though it was early in the morning, it felt like a beautiful summer’s afternoon. On Earth it would probably be a dreary November morning.

  ‘Does it ever snow in Annwn?’ Jack asked the Queen.

  She laughed.

  ‘Never. It’s always summer here and now everything has been restored we can all look forward to peace again. We must take our seats so our guests can join us.’

  Jack took his place next to the Queen. He watched the people file into the feasting ground. Nora, Gwillam and the Blessed Council climbed the small steps at the back of the dais and took their seats at the table. Camelin, Winver and Hesta flew over to join them. Jack looked around for Orin. She was with Motley and the rest of the Night Guard, who were all sitting at a special table that had been laid for them. In between each rat sat a Fairy, and next to Orin he could see the little Wood Elf, Arin.

  It was only when Peabody came into view that Jack remembered his surprise appearance at the coronation. Jack’s mouth fell open when another, identical Bogie appeared. Was he seeing double? Had Pyecroft realised the error of his ways and been transformed? Jack knew that Camelin had seen them too.

  ‘What’s going on?’ he croaked loudly so everyone at his end of the table could hear.

  Nora shot him one of her looks.

  ‘He’s a guest of honour, for without him Jack would not be sitting here now.’

  Jack leant over and whispered to Nora.

  ‘I don’t understand. I thought the Bogie was in league with Velindur?’

  Camelin was still grumbling loudly to anyone who’d listen.

  ‘He’s nothing but a double-crossing, sneaky thief and he knows it. I hope he’s not coming up here.’

  It soon became obvious that the Bogie was heading in their direction. He climbed the steps and took the only spare seat on the dais. Camelin groaned.

  ‘He can’t sit there, he’s a thief.’

  Nora lightly rapped her wand on Camelin’s beak.

  ‘Things aren’t always what they appear to be. That isn’t a Bogie, and in a few moments he’ll reveal his true identity.’

  ‘What do you mean he’s not a Bogie? It’s obvious he is.’

  Nora nodded to where the other Bogie sat.

  ‘That’s Peabody, and if you go round to the farmyard you’ll find Pyecroft. There’s nothing of the Bogie left in him now, he’s totally unrepentant and I’m afraid he’s destined to spend the rest of his days in the pigsty.’

  Jack looked intently from one Bogie to the other. He couldn’t tell them apart. There was a loud popping sound from the end of the table. A black squirrel, wearing a pair of spectacles and a beautiful emblazoned tabard appeared.

  ‘Dorysk!’ exclaimed Jack.

  ‘Theodore Sniffler, at your service. I can’t transform into anything as big as a Bogie without help and I never know how long Nora’s transformation spell’s going to last.’

  Coragwenelan picked up a small box that lay on the table. She opened it and took out a blue ribbon, from which a golden medal dangled.

  ‘For your services as our envoy and for the dangerous mission you agreed to undertake for us, I present you with this medal as a token of our eternal gratitude.’

  Everyone on the dais clapped politely as the Dorysk scampered across the table to accept his reward.

  ‘I still don’t understand,’ grumbled Camelin. ‘Did the Dorysk steal my dustbin? If so, I’d like to know why.’

  Jack didn’t understand what was going on either.

  ‘I think I owe you all an explanation,’ said Nora. ‘We needed to know what Velindur was planning. So, when the disappearances from Newton Gill Forest began, I asked Peabody if he would impersonate his brother and try to gain the confidence of Velindur. If he’d succeeded we’d have had inside information. Alas, Peabody didn’t have the courage to be anywhere near Velindur. The Dorysk volunteered to take his place. Unfortunately he needed some help with the transformation and, as he says, it sometimes doesn’t wear off quickly enough. We arranged with Chief Knuckle that on the first foggy day I would take Peabody with me to Silver Hill and together we’d collect Pyecroft. There had to be a fog or Velindur might have been able to see through the veil from Elidon into Earth. If he’d seen me with both Bogies our plans would have come to naught. It was essential that Velindur believed that he once more had a Bogie in his service and one who was willing to do his bidding. Before I left I transformed the Dorysk into Peabody. I brought both the real Bogies into Annwn, where they’ve been ever since. It was essential we kept this information secret to minimise the risk of the truth reaching Velindur. In order to keep you all safe I had to know exactly what he was planning.’

  Camelin humphed.

  ‘So the Bogie that Raggs followed into Newton Gill Forest was really the Dorysk?’

  ‘It was,’ agreed Nora. ‘I also let it be known that I’d transformed the lost treasure into an object and hidden it somewhere inside Ewell House. The Dorysk was pretending to steal things from the house to gain Velindur’s trust. Of course, nothing he took turned out to be the torc and he never took anything of any value.’

  ‘Except my dustbin… my dustbin meant a lot to me.’

  The Dorysk bowed low to Camelin.

  ‘The starlings told me there was a dustbin in your attic full of empty sweet wrappers. I didn’t think it would be missed and I had no idea a rubbish bin could have such sentimental value for anyone. I hope you can forgive me. I was only doing my job as a master spy. I didn’t mean to cause you any distress.’

  Nora nudged Camelin.

  ‘All right, you’re forgiven, but just keep out of my loft in future.’

  The Dorysk bowed again. When he sat down, Nora continued speaking.

  ‘As soon as the trouble started in the tomb, the Dorysk escaped and came to find me. I expect you thought it was Peabody being cowardly. If he hadn’t come to get me we wouldn’t have known there was a problem. We owe a great deal to him.’

  Jack could see Camelin was still unhappy but there was nothing he could do about it without making Nora cross.

  The appearance of a plate of barbecued sausages made Camelin’s eyes light up. Once he’d eaten a few he looked a lot happier.

  In all the excitement Jack had forgotten about Raggs. He looked over to where the rats and Fair Folk were sitting. To his relief Raggs had joined the Night Guard and looked happy enough. He whispered to Coragwenelan.

  ‘I see Raggs is safe. What happened? The last time I saw him he was being stuffed into the Draygull’s pocket.’

  ‘After that it appears the Draygull brought Raggs out of the tomb and handed him over to Nora, but it’s too long a story to tell just now. We’ll talk about it later. For now, sit back and enjoy the feast. I believe the entertainment is about to start.’

  The crowd cheered as four Dragonettes flew fast and low over the tables.

  ‘One of them’s Timmery,’ Hesta informed Jack, ‘I’ve been watching them practising.’

  ‘He’s the smallest one,’ said Winver, ‘the one that doesn’t breathe fire.’

  Jack sat back and enjoyed the display. Charkle, Norris and Snook created rings of fire as Timmery wove his way in and out of them. They performed amazing flying stunts and Jack could see even Camelin was impressed. When they’d finished the whole crowd rose, everyone on the dais stood and all clapped loudly and cheered. It really was a magnificent display.

  The jugglers and acrobats performed next and when the feasting was nearly over, the storytellers took their turn. The only one on Jack’s table who was still eating was Camelin.

  ‘Don’t you think you’ve had enough?’ said Nora.

  ‘I’ve only had five sausages,’ he said.

  ‘Eleven,’ croaked Saige, as she hopped out from behind a large jug.

  ‘I thought she was at home,’ he grumbled
.

  ‘Well you thought wrong,’ replied Nora. ‘It’s very useful having an oracular frog around, especially when someone can’t count properly.’

  ‘I think it’s time to go back to the palace,’ said the Queen as she arose.

  The crowd fell silent and Coragwenelan looked expectantly at Jack. He realised she was waiting for him to stand and address the people. He rose slowly and took a deep breath. He thanked everyone for all they’d done and for being there at his coronation. The Queen nodded her approval and also addressed the crowd.

  ‘We’ve had a long day, and it is time we retired, but please feel free to stay as long as you want and continue celebrating.’

  ‘Does that mean I can stay as long as I like too?’ Camelin whispered to Nora.

  ‘It does,’ she agreed, ‘but remember, Saige will be staying too and I’ll be having a full report of everything that happens in the morning, so make sure you behave yourself.’

  Jack smiled. It was reassuring to know that some things would never change.

  There was a great cheer as Jack and Coragwenelan left the dais. The Blessed Council followed and, when Jack looked back, Nora was behind them too. They walked in silence back to the throne room, where the Blessed Council bowed and took their leave. Gwillam said goodnight too. Once they’d left the throne room and the outer door was closed, the Queen raised her arms. Jack knew she was about to separate. As she began to spin around, the familiar forms of Gwen, Cora and Elan appeared.

  ‘That’s better,’ said Elan, as she turned to Nora. ‘If you go with Gwen and Cora you’ll find a bed has been made up for you in our apartment. I’ll show Jack to his new rooms and then we’ll send someone to go and find Camelin.’

  ‘Rooms!’

  ‘As King you can’t be expected to sleep in Gwillam’s roundhouse. We have a suite ready for you in the turret. From there you’ll be able to see the whole of Annwn.’

  Jack followed Elan through one of the side doors. They walked along the corridors of the palace and climbed a spiral staircase. At the top was an arched door.

  ‘Go on,’ said Elan, ‘open it.’