The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  Coragwenelan

  Queen of the Fair Folk,

  Guardian of the Gateways of Annwn,

  Immortal Nymph and Shape Shifter.

  It must be important information or the book wouldn’t have shown him. Would he have to meet the Guardian of the Gateways of Annwn if he succeeded and the portal was opened? Was the Queen of the Fair Folk as tall as Arrana or as beautiful as Jennet? Now he knew Nora was a Shape Shifter it wouldn’t be a shock if it happened. It seemed the more he learnt the more questions he needed answering. He’d only two more questions left on Nora’s list when Grandad called him down for supper. As soon as Jack put his wand down the book snapped firmly shut. He left them both on the bed and decided to carry on and finish the questions after he’d eaten.

  Grandad told Jack all about his new potatoes and spring onions while they ate.

  ‘Did you have a good day?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes thanks,’ replied Jack. There wasn’t much else he’d be able to tell Grandad, and then he remembered Gerda’s island. ‘Nora’s got a lake and a boat. Elan took me to see it this morning.’

  ‘It’s a big place, Ewell House, all right. I did some work on Nora’s kitchen garden a few years back. I saw the lake then.’

  ‘Is it all right if I go back again tomorrow? I’ve been invited.’

  Grandad gave him a knowing look. Jack suddenly felt his cheeks burning. Grandad obviously thought Elan was his girlfriend. But maybe it was easier for him to let him think that than for Jack to try and explain what Nora was planning to do.

  ‘That’s fine Jack. I’m glad you’re having a good time. I was worried you might be bored living here.’

  Jack smiled. He hadn’t had time to be bored, not since a golden acorn had bounced off his head.

  After dinner he went back to his room. As soon as he stepped inside he knew something was different. His things had been moved slightly but his backpack had been ripped open and discarded on the floor.

  It had to be Camelin. He’d probably been back looking for food. He only had himself to blame. Elan had told him to close the window and he’d forgotten. He ought to close it now. As he crossed the room he saw a bent black feather on the floor by the window. He’d have to speak to Camelin in the morning but he wouldn’t tell Nora. He didn’t want to get the raven into any more trouble.

  As he lay in bed he thought about the things he’d seen and heard in Newton Gill Forest. He would go back and visit the Gnarles again. They were so sad. He couldn’t let that happen to Glasruhen. He’d have to be careful not to let the angry little man see him. He certainly didn’t want to bump into him again. Suddenly Jack sat bolt upright. He remembered the little man had a bent feather in his hatband, a black feather. He suddenly felt afraid. There was a bump outside the window. He grabbed his wand so he’d have some light and pulled back the curtain. Jack gasped. Two hands clung onto the window ledge. Slowly a red hat without its bent feather, an angry face and the long nose of the little man he’d met in the woods came into view.

  ADDERGOOLE PEABODY

  Jack was frightened. He was glad he’d closed the window. At least the little man couldn’t get in. Should he call Grandad or try to use his wand? He was unable to move or call out. The little man bared his teeth and shouted. Jack heard his muffled snarl through the window.

  ‘I’ve come for my gold!’

  A sudden movement in the sky made Jack look up. A dark shape with its wings tucked in, twisted and spiralled down towards the window. The little man was making too much noise to notice the attack from above. At the last minute before it crashed into the window the bird levelled out, rapped its beak on the little man’s head then opened its wings and flew into a nearby tree.

  ‘Camelin!’ exclaimed Jack.

  ‘Ow!’ the little man screamed and instinctively put his hands on his head to stop the pain.

  Jack saw the look of horror in the little man’s eyes when he realised he’d let go of the window ledge. He plummeted out of sight. A great wailing began. Jack knew he’d landed in the holly bush. Grandad must have heard the commotion. With his nose pressed flat on the window he craned his neck but he’d lost sight of the man. Everything went quiet. Jack peered into the darkness to try to find Camelin. He waved his wand to get his attention but sparks began to fly everywhere. As Jack raised his wand the little man was tossed out of the bush and somersaulted in the air. Camelin swooped and chased him in a circle around the lawn. The little man stopped running and looked up. His spindly legs started to shake when he saw Jack open the window. He turned in an instant and ran off at a great speed through the vegetable garden. Camelin flew over to Jack.

  ‘Put that down before you do any damage.’

  Jack put his wand in his left hand. Everything went dark and it took a few moments for is eyes to adjust. Camelin hopped into Jack’s bedroom.

  ‘I think he was after the acorn. Who is he?’

  ‘A Bogie.’

  ‘Ergh, where?’ said Jack, checking his nose.

  ‘No, he’s a Bogie,’ explained Camelin, nodding in the direction the man had gone.

  ‘What’s a Bogie?’

  ‘Someone you should never talk to. They learn all your secrets then trade them for something they want.’

  ‘I spoke to him in Newton Gill Forest.’

  ‘I hope you didn’t tell him anything.’

  ‘I don’t think so.’

  ‘That’s good,’ laughed Camelin, ‘because I’ve just told him you’re a great wizard and if he comes here again you’ll turn him into a Brownie.’

  ‘But… I’m not a great wizard.’

  ‘He doesn’t know that; he didn’t like what you did to him with your wand.’

  Jack realised his hands were trembling and he was glad his wand was safely in his left hand.

  ‘What’s a Brownie?’

  ‘Don’t you know anything? A Brownie is about the same size as a Bogie but the complete opposite. They’re helpful and kind and have tiny noses.’

  ‘So why was the Bogie afraid?’

  ‘Bogie’s are very proud of their long noses. The longer it is, the more important they think they are.’

  ‘Do you know who he is? Does he have a name?’

  ‘Oh yes, he’s got a name. Addergoole Peabody. A nasty, mean, sneaky, thieving Bogie.’

  Jack took the bent feather off the table.

  ‘I found this in my room earlier. I think he must have been in while I was having dinner. My rucksack was ripped and my things had been moved.’

  ‘That’s why Elan told you to keep the window closed.’

  Jack didn’t mention he’d suspected it had been Camelin who’d been through his things.

  ‘That’s one of my feathers you know. Sneaked up on me and pinched it when I wasn’t looking. Ripped it right out of my tail. I’ve been wanting to get my own back on him for ages.’

  ‘There was a break-in at the Cricket Club. Was that him too? They thought I’d stolen the tea money.’

  ‘Probably. He’s been breaking into lots of places and stealing things.’

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘Nora’s been getting reports from the Night Guard for a while now about things going missing.’

  ‘Night Guard?’

  ‘They’re like security guards. Of course they’re under my command. I give them their orders.’

  Jack wondered who the Night Guard could be. He watched Camelin lean out of the window and give a long, low whistle. It was answered immediately by a short, shrill sound.

  ‘Come up. It’s OK,’ he whispered into the darkness below.

  It wasn’t long before a brown, furry face appeared at the window. The creature hopped nimbly into Jack’s room and leapt onto the table. It stood on its hind legs balancing gracefully on its large feet. Its long tail trailed behind.

  ‘It’s a rat!’ exclaimed Jack.

  ‘It’s no ordinary rat. This is Motley.’

  The rat tipped his head onto one side and bent slightly forwards. Hi
s nose and whiskers twitched several times before he began squeaking rapidly. Camelin listened and nodded as he followed Motley’s conversation.

  ‘Why can’t I understand him?’

  ‘Because you’re not a raven. Put your wand back in your other hand. You’ll be able to understand him then.’

  The room lit up as Jack moved the wand.

  ‘Not so bright… not so bright if you don’t mind,’ complained Motley. ‘Can’t you turn it down a bit? Cut the dazzle.’

  ‘I’m sorry, it’s new. I haven’t got used to it yet.’

  ‘Just think about something dark,’ Camelin advised.

  Jack remembered the gloom of Newton Gill Forest and immediately his wand dimmed to a pale glow.

  ‘Not bad,’ said Motley. ‘A natural.’

  ‘Beginner’s luck,’ Camelin grumped.

  Motley didn’t take any notice of Camelin and gave Jack an encouraging nod.

  ‘Back to important matters… my report… we’ve sent Peabody packing or, rather, you did Jack when you tossed him out of the bush with your wand… the Night Guard were following him to see where he’d holed up…’

  ‘I know where he’s been,’ interrupted Jack.

  Camelin and Motley looked surprised.

  ‘He said the Gnori in Newton Gill Forest was his tree now, if that’s any help.’

  ‘Nora won’t be pleased,’ said Camelin.

  ‘Dead wood don’t talk,’ explained Motley.

  ‘You mean he’s in the dead wood so nobody knows he’s there?’

  ‘Spot on,’ confirmed Motley and Camelin together.

  Motley began pacing up and down on the table before he spoke again.

  ‘Camelin… go and stop the Night Guard… that Forest’s not a good place to be after dark… I’ll report back to Nora… she needs to know what’s happened.’

  Camelin gave an embarrassed cough. It was obvious to Jack who was really in charge.

  ‘Meet you back at headquarters,’ announced Motley.

  ‘Yes, OK. See you later,’ Camelin agreed before flying off in the direction of Newton Gill Forest.

  ‘Can’t stand around talking all night… got responsibilities… rounds to be done.’

  Motley leapt nimbly onto the window ledge.

  ‘Thanks,’ replied Jack, because he didn’t know what else to say.

  ‘Don’t forget to close the window,’ Motley squeaked as he scampered down the thick ivy that grew everywhere on the walls of Grandad’s house.

  Jack made doubly sure the latch was down on the window before putting his wand on the table. He felt very tired as he climbed back into bed but he lay awake for ages, too excited to sleep.

  It was nearly one o’clock the following afternoon when Jack eventually woke up. He’d heard Grandad shouting upstairs to say he’d left Jack’s breakfast on the table but that was hours ago. He drew the curtain a fraction. Grandad was still busy in the vegetable garden. If he hurried up he could get downstairs and clear away the breakfast things before Grandad came back in. He didn’t want him to know he’d overslept. He was curious to know if anything else had happened. He checked his Book of Shadows; there were no messages.

  As soon as Jack got downstairs he quickly put the breakfast things away. He was closing the pantry door when Grandad came into the kitchen.

  ‘That’s a good lad. You’ve washed up and put everything away.’

  ‘Is it lunch time now?’

  ‘I should say. I’ve worked up quite an appetite this morning. There must have been a fox in the garden last night. It’s bashed all my spring onions down. It’s taken me ages to sort them out.’

  Jack knew exactly who’d been in Grandad’s garden but couldn’t tell him.

  ‘Are you off to Ewell House this afternoon?’

  ‘Yes, if that’s alright. I’ve been invited.’

  After they’d eaten Grandad got up and took an envelope from the mantelpiece. ‘I nearly forgot. This came for you this morning.’

  Grandad handed the envelope to Jack. He thought it might have come from his Dad but it didn’t have a stamp. There was a card inside.

  ‘It’s from Elan. She’s having a party on Friday night. There’s a note in here for you too.’

  Grandad took the note from Jack.

  ‘Nora’s inviting you to stay for the weekend. Now you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.’

  ‘I think I’d like to go,’ Jack said after he’d pretended to think about it for a while.

  ‘Will you need a present?’

  ‘It just says a party. It doesn’t say it’s her birthday.’

  ‘I’ll make up a bouquet of flowers for you. I bet she’ll like some Lily of the Valley. I’ve got pink ones as well as white.’

  Jack thanked his Grandad and went back upstairs. This time his room was as he’d left it; nothing had been disturbed. Before he was ready to leave he wet his comb and tried to make his hair sit down. It didn’t.

  Grandad was back in the garden.

  ‘I’m off now,’ Jack called as he made his way towards the gap in the hedge.

  Nora and Elan were sitting at the kitchen table making cheese sandwiches when Jack arrived.

  ‘Isn’t Camelin here?’

  ‘Still in bed. He had rather a late night,’ laughed Nora. ‘Motley tells me you gave our Bogie quite a fright.’

  ‘I didn’t mean to; it just happened.’

  ‘No harm done. It will do him good to have something to think about. As a precaution I’ve doubled the Night Guard. If anything so much as moves beyond the hedge we’ll know about it.’

  Jack was still worried about Peabody going through his belongings.

  ‘I think he was looking for the acorn. He said he wanted gold.’

  ‘All Bogies want gold,’ laughed Nora. ‘He probably thought you were an easy target; he got more than he bargained for.’

  ‘But how did he know I had any gold?’

  ‘He probably didn’t, but I don’t think he’ll be bothering you again in a hurry.’

  Jack hoped Nora was right.

  ‘Thanks for the invitation.’

  ‘Are you going to accept?’ Nora asked.

  Jack nodded.

  ‘How did you get on with the list of questions I gave you?’

  ‘All done.’

  ‘That’s good because I’ve got some words for you to learn for the ritual.’

  Jack took the paper and read the words aloud…

  A feather from a raven’s wing,

  This is the token I do bring.

  As sunrise lights the darkened sky,

  Transform me so that I can fly.

  ‘You’ll need to be word perfect,’ said Nora.

  ‘I will be,’ Jack assured her.

  ‘These sandwiches are for Camelin,’ explained Elan.

  ‘All of them?’ exclaimed Jack.

  ‘He’s very partial to cheese and Nora needs one of his wing feathers for the ritual. We’re going to try to persuade him to make the right decision.’

  There was a familiar caw as Camelin swooped into the kitchen.

  ‘They smell good.’

  ‘They do,’ said Nora without looking up. ‘They’re for Jack.’

  ‘All of them?’ exclaimed Camelin.

  ‘He missed his breakfast,’ Nora replied.

  Camelin gulped and looked longingly at the pile of sandwiches.

  ‘So did I, and I haven’t had any lunch either.’

  Nora looked at Camelin and Jack.

  ‘You both realise how important this ritual is don’t you? We only have the one chance to get everything right.’

  They both nodded.

  ‘I can’t wait to see Jack as a raven,’ chuckled Camelin without taking his eyes off the plate.

  ‘We’re going to need one of your feathers.’

  ‘A feather!’ he squawked. ‘Don’t you know how precious feathers are? I’d be naked without any feathers!’

  ‘We only need one,’ said Nora persuasively.r />
  ‘I don’t want to pluck out any of my feathers. It hurts and I’d feel very faint. I’d need a great deal of food to help me feel better.’

  ‘Maybe you could have one of Jack’s sandwiches.’

  ‘I’d need more than one.’

  ‘It would need to be a wing feather so he’ll be able to fly.’

  ‘A wing feather! I’d need a whole plate of sandwiches to help me recover from losing one of those!’

  ‘I’m sure Jack wouldn’t mind.’

  Jack was trying not to laugh.

  ‘That’s fine,’ he managed to say in a very wobbly voice.

  Camelin didn’t waste any more time in negotiations.

  ‘Ouch!’ he yelled as he plucked out one of his wing feathers then staggered dramatically around the table. ‘Oh! I feel so dizzy!’

  Nora put the whole plate of cheese sandwiches next to him and took the feather. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I hope the sandwiches help.’

  ‘They will!’

  Nora held the wing feather up and examined it.

  ‘Perfect. This will do nicely,’ she said to herself before turning to Jack and Elan. ‘We’ll leave Camelin to recover and go down to the library.’

  She set off clutching the feather; they followed her down the long passage. As she opened one of the doors Jack gasped. He’d never seen a room like this before. It was full of bookshelves, each one filled with hand-made books.

  ‘Nora made all of these,’ whispered Elan.

  Jack was speechless. He watched Nora open one of the volumes and put the feather safely inside.

  ‘That’s the book Nora needs for the ritual.’

  ‘What happened to the cauldron plates? How did they get lost?’ asked Jack.

  Elan looked at Nora. Jack felt he’d said something wrong.

  ‘Am I allowed to know?’

  ‘You are, but I would rather Camelin told you. It’s his story and he’s taken responsibility for the loss but it really wasn’t his fault,’ explained Nora.

  ‘He blames himself for all of our problems,’ continued Elan.