The Oak Lord

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘I have no reason to doubt him. He never harmed you or any of your companions inside Silver Hill or in the Mound, not even when he had the opportunity to do so. It makes sense that he was annoyed when Ember was rescued. He would have tried to protect her and he didn’t know she was being taken to a place of safety.’

  ‘What shall we do?’

  A loud cough came from the side of the room. Jack looked over at Camelin.

  ‘Do you wish to speak?’ he asked him.

  ‘I do. Shouldn’t the dragons be the ones to decide?’

  Nora stood.

  ‘I think he’s right. I too think we need to hear what the dragons have to say. Raggs was insistent that the Draygull saved his life. I also know that when he was captured in Silver Hill it was the Draygull who brought him food and water.’

  Gwillam stood and addressed the Blessed Council.

  ‘I too agree with Camelin. If the Dragonettes escort him to Ember, he can plead his case before them all. The dragons should decide his fate, not us.’

  ‘Are we all agreed?’ asked the Queen.

  Everyone in the room nodded.

  ‘It will be arranged.’

  RESOLUTIONS

  Jack excused himself after lunch. He needed to pay a visit to the Mother Oak before he returned to Earth.

  ‘Do you want to come with me to see Sylvana?’ he asked Elan.

  She shook her head.

  ‘I think it’s something you should do alone.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Nora, ‘there’s plenty for us to do here.’

  ‘What about Camelin?’

  ‘He’s not going to be interested in going anywhere, not when there’s still food left on the table. You go, we’ll see you later.’

  Jack left the palace and made his way to the southern shore, where he knew the boats were tethered. When he arrived, he could see Gavin sitting in the shade of a large willow tree, along with the other boatmen. He waved and beckoned to him.

  ‘Where are you off to, Sire?’ called Gavin.

  ‘I need to get to the northern shore.’

  ‘Are you on your way to the Druids’ village?’

  ‘No, I’d like to speak with Sylvana before I leave.’

  ‘Hop in, I’ll have you over there in no time.’

  It was the most beautiful afternoon. The sunshine danced on the water, making it glint and sparkle. Jack sat back and enjoyed the view. It wasn’t long before they passed the now-familiar water gate that led to the Queen’s garden. Directly opposite, on the shore, was the Monolith, its tip plainly visible above the trees. Jack trailed his hands in the water. Gavin seemed to understand that he needed some time alone with his thoughts and rowed in silence. Jack should have felt completely at peace now that everything he’d been destined to do had been fulfilled. His hand went up to the torc around his neck. It was more than just a symbol of kingship. It would always be a lasting reminder of the journey he’d undertaken; of the hardships and achievements he’d experienced along the way. Without the help of his friends he would not have been able to face Velindur. He knew his life had changed in ways no ordinary boy would ever experience. He felt older and wiser. He understood now why Elan had felt no fear when Max and Tank had been bothering them. After his encounters with Velindur, Max, or anyone like him, paled into insignificance. He didn’t need magic to solve his problems at school now he had an inner strength to call upon. He might not have grown physically, but he felt as tall as Judd inside. He wished the giant could have been at his coronation but he knew Judd would never leave Elidon. It was partly his resolve to help the giant and the Gnarles that had made a visit to the Mother Oak even more important. Since his first conversation with his ancestor and the appointment of the Oak Lord, Jack had been trying to think of a way to solve Judd’s problem with the Hag. He wanted to help the Gnarles too. He now thought he had a possible solution for both problems but before he could act, he knew he needed to speak with Sylvana.

  They were nearly at the northern shore and Jack could see the round dwellings of the Druids’ village through the trees. Gavin steered the boat towards the shingle and leapt out. He pulled it up onto the shore. Jack could see the signpost and the crossroads a short distance away.

  ‘Would you mind waiting for me here?’ he asked Gavin.

  ‘Your wish is my command, Sire,’ Gavin said, as he bowed low.

  Jack didn’t think he’d ever get used to people bowing to him or calling him Sire. It seemed strange but now he was King there were a lot of things he was going to have to get used to. He smiled at Gavin as he helped him out of the boat.

  ‘Thank you. I don’t know how long I’m going to be.’

  ‘I’ll still be here when you’re ready to return to the palace.’

  Jack made his way to the signpost and took the northern path. It wasn’t long before he saw the great Oak. Her wide trunk and vast canopy was a most impressive sight. The carpet of blue and white flowers that grew around her were still in bloom. He was about to address her when Fernella and Fernilla stepped out; their long silver hair almost touched the ground as they curtsied. Jack smiled at the two Dryads. He knew they’d been at his coronation because he’d seen them amongst the other Dryads, but he’d not been able to speak to everyone.

  ‘Your Majesty,’ said Fernilla, ‘you do us a great honour in being here on the first morning after your coronation.’

  ‘We have all heard of the great deeds you have performed and adventures you’ve had since we last saw you,’ Fernella added.

  Jack bowed his head to the two Dryads.

  ‘I need to speak with Sylvana. I have a matter of great importance to discuss with her.’

  ‘Then we will leave you alone,’ said Fernilla. ‘When you call her she will appear.’

  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 t
he 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 through 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,’ sai
d 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.’