Camelin took a deep breath.
‘Jack put the three cauldron plates into Jennet’s hand. She didn’t like the look of them and dropped them in the spring. Then she saw the Camp Prefect in all his shiny armour. She got really excited. One minute he’s there, the next he’s gone. Then he’s back again, all dripping wet and dressed only in his tunic. You should have seen his face after Jennet stripped him of every bit of shiny metal he possessed. He was shaking all over.’
They all laughed, except Nora.
‘You promised you’d come straight back through the window in time if you were in any danger. I thought you always kept your promises Jack.’
‘I do. But I also promised to help find the missing cauldron plates.’
‘You should have left the plates.’
‘How could I when so much depends on you remaking the cauldron?’
‘If I’d known you were going to end up in Viroconium I’d never have asked you to go in the first place.’
Camelin pulled a face.
‘The prophecy said we’d succeed, remember? That which was lost is found again. Jack’s The One. You said so yourself.’
‘But you could have been hurt.’
No one spoke. Jack thought he’d better try to change the subject.
‘Can we go and see Arrana soon?’
‘We can, but there’s something we have to do before we go into Glasruhen,’ Nora replied. ‘We need to lay the cauldron plates out in order so I can lace them all together when we bring the others back.’
She led the way out of the kitchen to the herborium.
‘This won’t take long, and then we’ll go to collect the three plates from Arrana. On the way back we’ll make an exchange with Jennet for the ones Jack gave her.’
Jack searched his pockets.
‘I haven’t got anything to give Jennet for the exchange.’
Elan laughed and pulled a small bottle out of her pocket before handing it to Jack.
‘Don’t worry. We’ve given this a great deal of thought. I don’t think she’ll be able to resist this.’
Jack examined the bottle.
‘It’s nail varnish!’
‘It’s very special nail varnish, look.’
Elan wriggled her fingers. The varnish was dark green, about the same colour as Jennet’s hair. Her nails shone and sparkled as tiny specks of glitter caught the light.
‘Oh wow! She’ll love that.’
‘Here we are,’ Nora announced when they were all gathered around the long table in the middle of the herborium.
At one end Jack could see a pile of leather thongs. At the other end was a pile of cauldron plates similar to the ones he’d had in his hands only hours before.
Nora took a book from the shelf and flicked through the pages until she found what she was looking for. Jack felt excited. He realised it wouldn’t be long before he’d see the whole cauldron. Elan put the large round base plate, embossed with the yew tree, in the centre of the table.
Nora offered the book to Jack.
‘Maybe you could read this while Elan and I arrange the plates we’ve got.’
The book was heavy, and like all the other books at Ewell House it was handmade. The page he was looking at was beautifully decorated and showed all thirteen plates laid out around the circular base plate. He read each name in order, starting at number one, which was the pine.
Nora and Elan sorted through the six plates and laid them around the base as Jack read their names. They left spaces for the ones they hadn’t got. When they’d finished Nora smiled.
‘I’d almost given up hope of ever seeing the cauldron whole again. We’re going to be able to use it for the feast at Samhain now. Shall we go?’
Without waiting for an answer, Nora strode out of the door and made her way to the bottom of the garden. Jack and Elan followed, while Camelin flew on ahead.
Jack had first gone into Glasruhen Forest only a few weeks ago, but it felt like he’d known it for years. He watched the now familiar sight of Nora standing before the blackthorn hedge. As her hands came together she raised them in a circular motion. This time, when the hedge parted, Jack’s knees didn’t tremble. He was eager to speak to Arrana. Desperate for her to know that he’d kept his promise and succeeded. Now the forest would be saved. Once the cauldron was remade, they could go into Annwn. Nora could collect acorns from the Mother Oak for Arrana and leaves from the Crochan tree for the elixir. Arrana could pass on her knowledge and a new Hamadryad would take her place in the sacred grove. Nora would be fine once she’d drunk the elixir again.
Jack stepped into the tunnel. There was rustling. Without looking back he knew that the hedge had sealed itself.
‘Don’t be long,’ Camelin croaked as he flew overhead before disappearing out of sight.
The dense yews blocked out the sunlight and made the forest look gloomy. It was stuffy inside the tunnel but the swaying branches created a slight breeze. Needle-like leaves brushed Jack’s shoulders. Was it his imagination or were the great yews reaching out to touch him? He was so deep in thought that he didn’t see Elan stop and he nearly bumped into her.
‘Something’s wrong,’ she whispered.
‘What is it?’
‘Over there. Look.’
In the distance Jack could see a group of Dryads. They were swaying from side to side. When he got closer Jack could see that they didn’t look happy. The nearest nymph stepped forward and bowed her head before speaking to Nora.
‘Oh Great Seanchai, Keeper of Secrets and Guardian of the Sacred Grove, we cannot deliver our messages. Arrana the Wise, Protector and Most Sacred of All will not awaken.’
‘This isn’t good news,’ Nora muttered.
The Dryads clung to each other.
‘It took us ages to wake her up the last time Camelin and I came to see her,’ said Jack.
The tallest Dryad stepped forward.
‘We’ve already tried singing to her.’
Nora looked worried.
‘I don’t think we have much time. As Arrana fades my magic will weaken too. We must hurry.’
The Dryads moved quickly, it was impossible to keep up with them and they were soon out of sight. As they neared the centre of the forest they heard a low mournful sound.
‘Hurry,’ urged Nora.
They came to an abrupt halt in the clearing. The sound was coming from the Dryads who had surrounded Arrana. Worried faces turned towards them but they didn’t stop their sorrowful song. The circle parted to let Nora through, Jack and Elan followed. Camelin flew down to join them.
‘Shall I sing?’
‘No Camelin, I don’t think that’s going to help,’ replied Nora kindly. She stood in front of the great Hamadryad and raised her head.
‘Arrana, The Wise, Lady of the Wood and Most Sacred of All, we have good news for you.’
The forest was silent. Every face turned towards Arrana. Nora tried again but the great oak didn’t stir so she took out her wand.
‘I was hoping I wouldn’t have to use this,’ she muttered to herself. ‘Come help me Jack. Take the golden acorn and hold it in your palm. When it begins to glow, try to direct the light towards Arrana.’
Jack opened his hand. The golden acorn felt warm and heavy. Tiny red sparks spluttered from the tip of Nora’s glowing wand.
‘Deffro hun,’ she commanded.
A shaft of golden light burst from the acorn. He heard a gasp from the Dryads. His hand trembled as he tried to control the light. Nora raised her wand and pointed it directly at the Hamadryad’s branches. Again, she repeated the words.
‘Deffro hun.’
A green flash from the wand lit the grove. A slight movement from Arrana’s trunk made them all hold their breath.
‘Deffro hun,’ repeated Nora.
This time the trunk began to waver. It shimmered and shook as it gained momentum, until at last, Arrana stood before them. As she shook her hair, leaves cascaded to the ground. They all bowed.
&
nbsp; Jack could see the concern in Nora’s eyes. Arrana looked so thin you could see right through her. Almost all of her leaves had fallen. Her long hair looked thinner too. When she spoke her voice sounded weary.
‘You have news?’
‘We do,’ Nora replied. ‘That which was lost has been found again. We are ready to remake the cauldron.’
There was rustling and whispering. The Dryads and trees all seemed to be talking at once. Arrana listened to what they had to say before turning to Jack.
‘You did well Jack Brenin. Come nearer.’
Jack obeyed.
‘We are all very grateful to you for finding the lost cauldron plates. Because of your courage the forests will be saved. I still have strength enough to grant you a reward.’
Jack bowed low to Arrana before speaking.
‘I don’t need a reward. I wanted to help.’
He could feel the colour rising in his cheeks. He didn’t want to take all the credit.
‘I couldn’t have done it without Camelin.’
‘And he couldn’t have completed the quest without you. You may ask for anything that it is within my power to grant.’
Jack shook his head. He really had been glad to help. It wouldn’t be right to take something for himself.
‘Could I ask for something for someone else?’
‘You may.’
‘Could you give Camelin a lath?’
Everyone looked at Jack. Camelin’s beak fell open and his eyes grew as big as saucers.
‘It would be my pleasure, but what use would a lath be to an acolyte who never finished his training? Camelin may have his lath when he can read and write.’
Jack smiled as Camelin shuffled in front of Nora. He picked up a stick in his beak and wrote his name in the soft loam.
‘Camelin,’ he read, and then puffed out his feathers.
Arrana looked at Nora.
‘Jack’s been teaching him to read but I didn’t know he could write as well.’
‘Your wish is granted Jack.’
Arrana turned to Camelin.
‘Take this twig and use it well. A part of Annwn will always be with you.’
Camelin took the gnarled twig from Arrana and bowed low.
‘Thank you,’ said Jack.
‘Now is that all? I grow weary. You have many things to do and so little time.’
‘We need the plates you’ve been keeping safe,’ said Elan.
‘Oh yes. The plates.’
Arrana turned her head slowly and pointed towards a tall willowy Dryad with pale green skin and long chestnut hair.
‘Cory will show you where the plates have been hidden. I need to rest now.’
Arrana sighed deeply as her bark began to shimmer and shake. When she had disappeared they stood in silence before the gnarled trunk of the ancient oak until Cory stepped forward.
‘Will you follow me?’
She quickly led them across the hillside. They had to hurry to keep up with her.
‘We’re here,’ she announced when they were standing before a group of bushes with strange twisted branches. They were so thick it was impossible to see anything through them.
Cory stepped into the first bush and disappeared. Jack wondered if they were expected to do the same but no one made any move to follow. Two more Dryads appeared and touched the leaves of the bush Cory had entered. The branches swished from side to side until an opening appeared.
‘Come through,’ Cory said from the other side.
They stepped into a circular clearing. A large stone stood in the centre, and there were smaller ones around the edge.
‘This place is protected by the deepest magic. None may enter without Arrana’s permission,’ Cory explained as she led them towards the centre.
Jack could see the stones had been carved with strange markings. They were different from the ones he’d seen around Jennet’s well. These were more like lines, scratched deeply into the stone. The tallest stone had a hole through the middle. Cory put her hands inside the hole and spoke to the stone. There was a loud crack as the ground split open at its base. She bent down and removed something large that was wrapped in cloth. Then the ground closed again.
‘I believe these are what you need?’ she said as she offered Nora the bundle.
‘Thank you, Cory. Please thank the trees for looking after my plates so well. Soon the cauldron will be remade and we’ll make all speed into Annwn to collect the acorns. We will have Hamadryads in the forests again to protect you all.’
Cory bowed and signalled for them to go back through the strange bush. Once they were in the forest Nora opened the package and spread the plates out on the ground.
‘That’s the rowan, ash and birch. Only three more to collect. Shall we go and see Jennet now?’
As they made their way to the Hawthorn Well, Camelin hopped and skipped around the meadow with his lath held firmly in his beak.
‘Thanks Jack. I can’t believe I’ve got a wand at last.’
‘It’s alright. You deserve it.’
Nora frowned at Camelin.
‘When you’ve empowered it you’d better join Jack for wand practice. I don’t want you misusing it.’
They walked the rest of the way through the meadow in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Even though he should have felt elated Jack couldn’t stop thinking about Arrana.
Nora had already got her lips to the water and was calling Jennet’s name by the time Jack and Elan arrived at the well. They watched as the water began to bubble. A column of water rose. Green matted hair appeared, followed by a very cross-looking water nymph.
‘It’s not two minutes since you were here last. What now?’
‘Jack has something to ask you,’ said Nora.
Jack stepped forward and shuffled his feet as Jennet sniffed the air impatiently.
‘Come on, come on, I haven’t got all day.’
‘I’ve come to collect the cauldron plates.’
‘And if I’ve got any, what do I get in return? Cauldron plates are very precious. Not many about these days.’
Elan stepped forward.
‘We have some very powerful magic. It can make you look even more beautiful than you already are.’
Jack could see Jennet was interested. Elan showed her the bottle.
‘The magic is inside.’
Jennet thrust her head forward and peered at the glass.
‘What kind of magic?’
‘Green magic.’
Camelin chuckled and Jack tried his best not to laugh.
‘Show me,’ crooned Jennet.
Elan opened the bottle. The powerful smell of the nail varnish filled the air. Jennet sniffed then put her tongue out and tasted the pungent aroma.
‘That’s powerful magic indeed. How does it work?’
Elan wriggled her fingernails then demonstrated the magic by painting one of Jennet’s nails.
‘Oh most acceptable. I’ll go and find you some plates.’
They all laughed after Jennet had disappeared into the well. They could hear crashing and banging coming from deep under the water. Occasionally bubbles rose to the surface. Finally Jennet reappeared with a whole collection of old cauldron plates. Nora didn’t look happy.
‘These are not the right ones Jennet. Jack gave you three plates, and all of them had trees embossed on them. Don’t you remember? One of them used to hang next to the well, it had a hawthorn tree on it. The other two are similar. One has the oak, the other a willow.’
‘This is all I’ve got. I’ve gone through my whole collection down there. If I’d had the well plate I’d have put it back a long time ago. Besides, Jack never gave me any plates to look after.’
‘I did, I gave them to you and you threw them into the spring.’
‘Spring?’
‘The one at Viroconium.’
‘Wasn’t me. Now I’ll just be taking my bottle and be off. I’ve got lots to do today.’
Nora unwrapped the bundle s
he was carrying.
‘Take a look Jennet, they’re like these.’
‘Nothing like them down below. Come and look if you don’t believe me.’
‘Could you just go and take one more look?’ Jack pleaded.
‘I know what I’ve got in my cupboards Jack Brenin and what’s more, I know you never gave me any cauldron plates. I would remember.’
The water began to gurgle and boil and Jennet abruptly disappeared.
‘I’m sure it was Jennet. You thought it was her too, didn’t you Camelin?’
‘It was dark, could have been any water nymph, they’re all bad tempered. Seen one, seen ’em all.’
‘What happens now?’ Jack asked Nora.
‘She’ll be back. She’ll want the bottle now she’s seen it.’
‘How long will we have to wait? You said we were running out of time. We need to get the plates back as soon as possible, don’t we?’
PROBLEMS
‘What about my symbol?’ asked Camelin as he looked around the base of Jennet’s well.
‘I’m afraid that’s going to have to wait. Recovering the plates is far more important,’ Nora told him.
Camelin frowned.
‘But I’ve waited a long time for a lath.’
‘Waiting a little longer isn’t going to make much difference is it?’
Camelin sighed deeply.
‘Couldn’t you just…’
‘No and that’s an end to the matter. You’ll get your mark eventually.’
Jack paced up and down in front of the well.
‘Do you think she’s forgotten about the plates?’
‘Water nymphs can be forgetful,’ said Elan. ‘It might help if you remind her what happened, when she comes up again.’
‘She will come up again, won’t she?’
Before Elan could reply the water in the well began to bubble. Nora stood by the water’s edge and was ready as soon as Jennet reappeared.
‘I don’t believe we finished our conversation, did we? Jack has something he’d like to ask you.’
‘I’ve already told you. There aren’t any more cauldron plates.’
‘Do you have any armour?’ asked Jack.
‘Armour! What would I be doing with armour?’
The Jack Brenin Collection Page 23