The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘Why?’

  ‘For emergency supplies of course.’

  ‘How big is it?’

  ‘Dustbin size, like the one we gave Myryl.’

  ‘That big!’

  ‘It seemed a good idea at the time.’

  ‘But what’s that got to do with going to the fair in Annwn?’

  ‘I wanted to get an oracular frog. I need to know how many sweets I’ve got in the dustbin.’

  Jack laughed and Nora and Gwillam turned round.

  ‘Shhh! I don’t want Nora to know.’

  ‘What are you two laughing about?’ asked Nora.

  ‘Camelin was telling me about oracular frogs,’ replied Jack.

  ‘I haven’t seen one of them in years, they’re supposed to be really good at predicting the weather…’ began Nora.

  ‘I thought they could predict anything?’ interrupted Camelin.

  ‘You won’t find many reliable ones, especially not at the fair, they’ve only got the ones nobody else wants,’ said Gwillam.

  Camelin made a face and sighed.

  Gwillam laughed.

  ‘They’re not as good as people make out, you know. Only the males predict the weather.’

  ‘I didn’t know that,’ replied Camelin and began to drag his heels.

  ‘Never mind,’ whispered Jack when Nora and Gwillam had gone on ahead. ‘Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to have a dustbin in the loft.’

  ‘What if I don’t get to see my loft again? What if they lock me up forever?’

  Jack didn’t know what to say. What if he wasn’t allowed to go home either? He shook his feathers. He wished he were free to fly and explore Annwn. Timmery and Charkle were off now on an adventure. He thought that after the trial he’d ask to go exploring with them. Then he felt guilty – it wouldn’t be fair to go without Camelin.

  ‘I wonder where Timmery and Charkle have gone today?’

  ‘Somewhere exciting I expect, where Timmery can practice being brave.’

  ‘Are you grumbling about Timmery again?’ asked Nora.

  ‘I just don’t think it’s fair, they’re off having fun, flying around and I’ve got to walk now. I was remembering what it felt like to fly, to have the breeze ruffling my feathers, to loop-the-loop…’

  ‘Come on,’ said Gwillam. ‘We’d better hurry or we’ll be late, it’s this way to the lake. Gavin will be waiting for us with the boat.’

  There was a rustling from behind one of the trees. Jack flew up to have a better look. Jed and Teg were crouched behind it. He swooped back down and landed on Gwillam’s shoulder.

  ‘We’re being followed,’ he whispered. ‘Do you think they’ve heard us?’

  Gwillam smiled then whispered back.

  ‘That’s why I’ve been giving you the guided tour. We’ve come to the other side of the lake. There will only be one boat here. They’ll either have to swim over to the Citadel or walk all the way round to where the other boats are moored. No one uses this side of the lake anymore and the only way into the Citadel from here is through the water gate, which leads into the Queen’s garden.’

  ‘Won’t they know where we’re going?’

  ‘They might work it out, but by the time they get back to report to Velindur the trial will be well under way. They won’t be able to speak to him until after it’s over.’

  It wasn’t long before Jack could see the water’s edge. Gavin waved as they approached.

  ‘To the Citadel, boatman,’ Gwillam said loudly as he fished into his robe and brought out a large coin. ‘Here’s your donar.’

  Gavin held the boat still while they got in. As soon as they were out of sight of the shore he handed Gwillam the donar back.

  ‘We’ve only got the one,’ he laughed. ‘We’re hoping that soon we won’t be needing donars at all.’

  As they got closer to the island Jack could see an archway in a high wall. It was big enough for the boat to go through.

  ‘That’s the water gate,’ explained Gavin. ‘On the other side is a small lake and the Queen’s garden is a short walk from there. All the boatmen were forbidden by Velindur to use this entrance, but we’ve had permission from the Queen herself.’

  As the boat drew alongside the jetty two white ravens swooped down from the tree they’d been perched in.

  ‘The Queen sends her greetings to you all,’ said Hesta.

  ‘Only Jack and Camelin may enter the garden,’ continued Winver. ‘She’ll see the rest of you later.’

  Jack and Camelin got out of the boat and waved goodbye. Jack could hear the two ravens tittering. Hesta hopped forward.

  ‘Do you want to fly on ahead with me, Jack? Winver will bring Camelin.’

  ‘Er… er… I think I’d rather we all stayed together.’

  ‘Thanks,’ whispered Camelin.

  The two white ravens hopped and skipped ahead towards a beautifully decorated silver gate. As Jack and Camelin approached it swung open. Inside, flowers bloomed everywhere. He could smell honeysuckle. Bees hummed noisily around a plant that cascaded over the tall wall surrounding the garden. In the centre, a black rock stood in a large fountain, water playing over its smooth surface. A group of apple trees provided shade for two stone benches. Hesta and Winver hopped onto one of them.

  ‘Won’t you come and sit with us while we wait for the Queen?’ croaked Winver.

  Jack flew up onto Camelin’s shoulder.

  ‘I think I’ll stand if you don’t mind,’ Camelin replied as his looked down at his feet.

  A movement from an open door caught their attention. A tall, slender young woman stepped out of the room into the garden. She held out her arms and Hesta and Winver immediately flew onto them and then hopped onto her shoulders. She looked at Jack and Camelin as she spoke: ‘You are most welcome. Annwn will be forever grateful to you both for restoring the cauldron and opening Glasruhen Gate. We have waited a long time for this moment.’

  Jack felt unsure what to do. This must be the Queen, but she looked serene and very beautiful and didn’t have the three heads he’d expected. He swooped to the ground and bowed his head. Camelin bowed too.

  ‘Today will be a turning point in our history. I am restored to my former power thanks to you both. After today, Annwn will once again be the happy place it always used to be, and you two are going to help us to achieve that goal.’

  ‘But how?’ asked Camelin then added quickly, ‘Your Majesty.’

  ‘By being yourselves and answering any question you may be asked truthfully. Only the truth will set you and the people of Annwn free from Velindur’s misguided tyranny. No one, apart from you and my two ravens, know I’m whole again. I doubt any of the people would believe you if you said you’d seen me, but no matter, all will be revealed in time.’

  Jack didn’t understand what the Queen meant but she spoke so calmly and confidently that he believed every word she said. She reminded him a bit of Arrana in her flowing robe. She was about the same height as Gwillam with a kind face and long chestnut hair. He remembered his Book of Shadows had called her Coragwenelan, Queen of the Fair Folk and Guardian of the Gateways of Annwn. She wasn’t wearing a crown or the sort of luxurious cloak Velindur wore. Maybe the robes and crown Velindur had belonged to the Queen. His question was answered when the Queen spoke to Hesta and Winver.

  ‘It’s time to get ready for the trial. Bring me my things, then you can escort Jack and Camelin to the Council Chamber.’

  Hesta and Winver bobbed twice before swooping through the doorway. They came back carrying a fine white cloak embroidered with silver knot-work designs between them in their beaks. They draped it over the Queen’s shoulders and she tied it securely. Next Hesta appeared with a silver girdle. Coragwenelan took it and tied it around her waist. A long black velvet bag hung from one of the branches of the nearest apple tree; she unhooked it and took out a wand, which she tucked into the girdle. Lastly Winver brought a beautiful silver crown encrusted with small pearls. It was interlaced with knots and had an o
val moon in the centre. On either side of the moon, facing away from each other were two crescent moons. The Queen slowly put the crown on her head.

  ‘Now we are ready, it’s time for you to go. Gwillam will be waiting for you by the Council Chamber. Farewell for now.’

  Jack and Camelin bowed low but when they looked up the Queen had gone. Hesta and Winver hopped over to them.

  ‘Come on, follow me Jack,’ Hesta coaxed.

  Before Camelin could do anything Winver landed on his shoulder and brushed her feathers on his cheek.

  ‘Shall we follow the others?’

  They made their way through the Palace garden until they came to a high gate. It swung open as they approached and closed behind them. The noise coming from the crowd gathered around one of the glass towers got louder and louder as they approached. Hesta hopped into a sheltered passageway and rapped three times with her beak on a wooden door. Gwillam opened it.

  ‘Thank you,’ he said to the white ravens who bobbed up and down. ‘I will deliver Jack and Camelin to the chamber. Tell the Queen all is ready.’

  ‘I’m scared,’ whispered Jack as he flew up onto Camelin’s shoulder.

  ‘So am I,’ he replied.

  Gwillam smiled encouragingly at them.

  ‘I have to leave you both now. The guards will take you to Velindur.’

  A guard, dressed in a yellow and red uniform stepped forward and clamped Camelin’s wrists again with the iron cuffs. He tugged hard on the chain to make him walk. Jack heard the door slam and the footsteps of another guard following behind.

  TRIAL AND TRIBULATION

  It was silent in the Council Chamber except for their footsteps, which echoed around the empty room. Crowds of people had gathered on the other side of the glass walls and Jack felt as if they were in a large goldfish bowl. Camelin and Jack were pushed into the silver cage next to the platform, where Velindur’s throne had been placed. The muffled voices from outside grew louder and Jack thought he could hear someone shouting thief. Neither of them spoke, but both turned round when a door opened and Velindur strode into the room. His heeled shoes tapped their way across to the cage.

  ‘So we meet again. I hope that whoever is representing you knows they’ve got a hopeless cause.’

  Jack saw Camelin gulp. Neither of them had given a second thought as to who would be defending them at the trial. No one had been to see them or spoken to them. They didn’t even know what was going to happen. Velindur must have seen the despair in Camelin’s eyes. He started to laugh.

  ‘You haven’t got anyone have you? No one’s come forward to represent a thief and a shape-shifting spy. No one’s willing to make a fool of themselves trying to defend a pair of guilty trespassers. I’m going to enjoy this, what a day I’m going to have. Since I can’t lose, I’m going to accuse you both myself. The Blessed Council will have no other choice than to pronounce you guilty when they hear the evidence against you. Then I’ll be able to demand justice and choose your fate.’

  Jack and Camelin exchanged glances. Velindur walked over to the gathered crowd and raised his arm. The shouts grew louder. As he walked back across the room he muttered to himself: ‘It’ll only be a matter of time before I can rid myself of those meddlesome Druids for good. I never thought the opening of Glasruhen Gate would bring me such good fortune.’

  The door slammed and the noise from outside grew even louder.

  ‘What do we do now?’ whispered Jack.

  ‘We’re doomed. I’m so sorry I got you into all this. I don’t think there’s anything Gwillam will be able to do to save us.’

  ‘What about Nora, couldn’t she represent us?’

  ‘The guards are still looking for her; she’s going to have to stay hidden. She’d be in big trouble if she spoke up for us, he’d probably have her arrested too.’

  Camelin sank down to the floor and leant his back against the cage. Jack shuffled over to him and put his head on his knee. Camelin stroked Jack’s feathers.

  ‘I am sorry.’

  ‘I know.’

  All they could do now was wait until the Blessed Council arrived.

  A loud banging on the main door announced the arrival of the thirteen Councillors. Two guards strode over to the door and opened it wide. Once more, the members of the Blessed Council, each dressed in a hooded robe, filed in and made their way to the high-backed chairs around the crescent-shaped table. When they were all in position, the guards closed the doors and marched over to the other side of the room.

  ‘The King,’ one announced as the other opened the door.

  Velindur walked slowly across the room, his scarlet cloak brushing the floor and his emerald and ruby crown sparkling as he turned his head. He made sure every eye was upon him before he mounted the platform.

  ‘Be seated,’ he said to the Councillors and then turned to face Jack and Camelin. ‘The prisoners must stand and be brought to the bar.’

  Camelin was pulled out of the cage and made to stand in front of a wooden rail, which faced the Blessed Council. Jack was brought out and allowed to perch on it.

  ‘Let the trial commence,’ announced Velindur.

  The hooded figure at the end of the table stood and addressed the room. Jack recognised Gwillam’s voice.

  ‘As the people are a part of this trial, we’d like to open the Chamber.’

  Jack could see this idea appealed to Velindur. He was smiled.

  ‘Proceed,’ he commanded.

  Gwillam pointed his staff at the walls. A bright light hit the glass and there was a gasp from the people as the walls evaporated. The noise was deafening, they all began to speak at once. Velindur held up his hand and the noise stopped.

  ‘Silence for the trial! Who represents the accused?’

  No one spoke. Velindur stepped off the platform and paced up and down.

  ‘I ask again, who will represent the prisoners?’

  Jack wanted to cry. He could see tears welling up in Camelin’s eyes too. Gwillam stepped forward, but before he could speak Velindur interrupted him.

  ‘It is forbidden for a member of the Blessed Council to speak on behalf of a prisoner.’

  ‘I have not come forward to speak on their behalf, no one has come forward. I’d like to appeal to the people.’

  Velindur nodded. Gwillam turned and spoke to the crowd.

  ‘Is there anyone willing to speak on behalf of the accused?’

  ‘I will,’ replied a tall hooded figure from the back.

  Everyone gasped. The crowd parted as the person who’d spoken moved to the front. Jack couldn’t see who it was beneath the robes.

  ‘Your name?’ Gwillam asked.

  ‘Hynad,’ the robed figure replied.

  ‘Nora!’ whispered Camelin.

  Jack shook his head, he wasn’t sure it was Nora. But who else could it be?

  Velindur approached the front of the table. He glowered at Hynad before turning and addressing the Council.

  ‘I accuse the boy of being a shape-shifting spy, and the raven a thief. Both have entered Annwn without invitation. It is against the law for any mortal to enter Annwn. I demand punishment, both for the trespass, and the other crimes they’ve committed.’

  The tall hooded woman approached the table and stood next to Velindur. She also addressed the Blessed Council.

  ‘The boy is not a shape-shifter, nor a spy. The raven is not a thief.’

  Velindur laughed.

  ‘Is that all you have to say?’

  ‘It is the truth.’

  ‘We will deal with the boy’s case first, then the raven. Agreed?’

  There was a murmur from the Council and they nodded in approval.

  ‘I call the first witness for the boy’s crimes,’ announced Velindur.

  Jack recognised the guard from the dungeon. He was hustled in front of the table.

  ‘Tell the Blessed Council what happened,’ Velindur ordered.

  ‘I took charge of two ravens and locked them in one of the cells.
No one came in or went out but when I went back to stop them making a racket one of the ravens was gone and that boy was in its place.’

  The crowd murmured. Jack could hear shape-shifter being whispered. Velindur smiled to himself then pointed at Camelin.

  ‘Did you shape-shift from a raven to a boy?’

  ‘I’m not a shape-shifter,’ Camelin replied in the biggest voice he had so the whole crowd would hear.

  Again the crowd muttered. Jack hoped Velindur didn’t ask him if he could transform.

  ‘You are a liar,’ snapped Velindur. ‘I say you shape-shifted.’

  Gwillam indicated for Hynad to step forward. She stood before Camelin then turned to face the Blessed Council and the crowd beyond.

  ‘If the boy could shape-shift, why didn’t he change back into a raven? Why did he remain a boy? Why would he want people to know he could change shape?’

  Camelin looked hopefully at Jack.

  ‘Who are you?’ she asked.

  ‘I’m Camelin, acolyte to Gwillam, High Druid and Keeper of the Shrine in the Sacred Grove by the Holy Oak Well.’

  Velindur pointed at Camelin.

  ‘Again I say you lie. We all know Gwillam, he does not have an acolyte and there is no Holy Oak Well in Annwn.’

  The crowd agreed. Hynad waited for the noise to subside.

  ‘I call my first witness.’

  Velindur looked shocked. Jack wondered who would come forward to speak on Camelin’s behalf. The crowd parted again and Gavin made his way to the table.

  ‘Name?’ asked Hynad.

  ‘I’m Gavin, former acolyte to Gwillam, leader of the Blessed Council.’

  ‘Gavin,’ said Hynad, ‘Do you know this boy?’

  ‘I do, his name is Camelin. He became Gwillam’s acolyte after me.’

  ‘He lies,’ shouted Velindur. ‘He’s making it up.’

  Gavin stood to one side. Velindur looked angry and glowered at Camelin.

  ‘How did you enter into Annwn?’

  ‘I came through Glasruhen Gate.’

  ‘I told you he was a spy. I say you broke into Annwn through the Western Portal.’

  ‘I didn’t break in, the gate was open. It was still open when we left it.’