The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

This wasn’t the news Jack wanted to hear. He’d thought Velindur had been destroyed. He hoped the crystal magic had transported him a long way away. He didn’t ever want to see him again.

  ‘Time to go,’ said Elan turning to Camelin and the dragonettes. ‘Fly on ahead and let everyone know we’re on our way.’

  ‘I’ll come too,’ piped Timmery.

  As soon as he crossed the entrance he changed into a beautiful hummingbird.

  ‘Wait for me,’ said the Dorysk as he transformed into a hummingbird too, identical to Timmery except for the glasses.

  Elan bent down and let Motley scamper up her arm. He sat proudly on her shoulder as they said their goodbyes to Mortarn. As Nora passed Jack she held out her hand and said, ‘I think I’ll take charge of Camelin’s wand for now.’

  Jack handed her the wand. He watched as she and Gwillam set off for the palace. As Elan joined him at the entrance, Jack turned and took one last look at the cave. They waved to Mortarn before following Nora and Gwillam down the path.

  ‘Ember wasn’t able to melt the ice then?’ he asked.

  ‘No, she tried her best but as you’ve seen, crystal magic is very powerful.’

  Jack yawned.

  ‘It’s been quite a night, I’m glad I don’t have to get up for school in the morning.’

  ‘We’ll celebrate before you return.’

  ‘You mean you’re not coming with us?’

  ‘I’ll be back soon, really soon, I promise. Winver and Hesta will be pleased to see you both.’

  Jack didn’t answer. At least he was a boy this time. With any luck they’d be more interested in Camelin.

  ‘Do you think Nora will be cross with me for giving Camelin his wand back? Only, without his help we wouldn’t have rescued Raggs or found the crystal key.’

  ‘I’m sure she’ll be fine once you’ve explained. From what I hear Camelin’s only learnt one spell.’

  ‘He has, but it came in very useful tonight.’

  Jack could see the tips of the four glass turrets coming into view as they wound their way down the mountain.

  ‘Is the glass palace crystal magic too?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ replied Elan. ‘It might be made from the same crystals. I don’t ever remember a time when it wasn’t there. You can look it up in the palace library. Everything that’s ever been written about Annwn is in there.’

  ‘Maybe another time, I’m a bit tired now.’

  ‘Nearly there, after you’ve rested we’ll celebrate.’

  Jack smiled. He hadn’t anticipated being back in Annwn so soon.

  When they reached the Druid’s village Gwillam was waiting for them. He was leaning on his staff, by the open door of his house.

  ‘You look tired out Jack, why don’t you sleep here for a while, I’ll wake you when it’s time to go.’

  Jack looked at Elan.

  ‘It’s alright, I’ll see you later. I’ll tell Nora where you are.’

  As Gwillam stood aside Jack entered the house and crossed the circular kitchen to the room he’d shared with Camelin when they’d stayed here before. As he opened the door he heard snoring. There on the straw pallet, lay Camelin, with his feet in the air. He didn’t wake as Jack flopped down beside him. As soon as his head hit the pillow he fell fast asleep.

  Jack heard someone calling. He struggled to open his eyes and was just drifting back to sleep when the door opened: ‘Wake up sleepy head. Everyone’s waiting for us at the clearing.’

  Jack squinted at Gwillam as sunlight streamed in through the window.

  ‘Where’s Camelin?’

  ‘Winver and Hesta came for him. Nora wanted to see him, something about his wand I think.’

  ‘That was my fault, I ought to go and explain.’

  ‘Not until you’ve had a wash and made yourself look respectable.’

  ‘How’s Raggs?’

  ‘Nora’s dressed his wound, he’ll be fine but she thinks he might have a limp for the rest of his life. He didn’t seem too pleased when she said he ought to retire from the Night Guard, and Motley made it worse when he asked if the Dorysk could join them. Nora’s asked Raggs to take on sole responsibility for guarding the herborium, she said he could have a hammock in there with a feather mattress if he liked. I’m sure he’ll enjoy not having to patrol the forests and he certainly seemed to like the feather bed he slept in last night. Now come on, get a move on.’

  Jack washed quickly, tried to make his hair lie flat and then hurried through the circular rooms to the kitchen.

  ‘That’s much better,’ said Gwillam as he walked around Jack. ‘Are you hungry?’

  Jack’s stomach growled loudly.

  ‘I think I must be!’

  ‘That’s good. If we hurry we’ll see the barbecue being lit.’

  Jack and Gwillam chatted as they made their way to the clearing. Tables and chairs had been dotted around the Monolith and a great crowd of people stood talking near the great stone. Jack didn’t recognise any of the tall, cloaked men who bowed their heads slowly as they passed.

  ‘You should be proud of yourself Jack,’ said Gwillam. ‘Without your help they wouldn’t have survived.’

  ‘Are they Druids from the Caves of Eternal Rest?’

  ‘They are, at least they’re the ones who’ve chosen to awaken and help the Queen. There are a lot of things that need doing before our land is restored to the happy place it once was.’

  ‘Where’s Camelin and the others?’ asked Jack, as he looked around the crowd.

  ‘They won’t be long. Have you seen who’s up there?’

  Gwillam nodded towards the three great hills that formed the back of the amphitheatre. Ember was at the top of the middle hill. Her great twisted, silver horn glinted in the sunlight and her red scales flashed like burnished leather. As she raised her front claw, Jack could see her long talons had been polished. She really did look magnificent now.

  ‘Do you think she’s happy?’ asked Jack.

  ‘I’m sure she is. She’ll be safe here and there are lots of caves in the mountains where she can make a new home. We’ll make sure she’s alright.’

  Jack smiled and waved but Ember’s head was turned towards the palace.

  ‘The Queen!’ someone in the crowd shouted.

  Jack stood on tiptoe but he couldn’t see much until the crowd parted. Everyone bowed as the procession from the palace approached the Monolith. Leading it was Coragwenelan, wearing the silver crown with the three moons that Jack had seen her wearing before. Her long forest green dress swept the floor. Her wand was tucked into a silver girdle and her embroidered white cloak billowed in the breeze, the silver knotwork designs sparkling in the sunshine. Winver and Hesta sat proudly on her shoulders. The crowd bowed as she passed and Jack bowed too. Twelve hooded figures followed behind. The first two stopped when they reached Gwillam and he stepped out in front of them.

  ‘Come on Jack, you need to walk with me before the Blessed Council.’

  Jack joined Gwillam and they walked behind the Queen towards a long table. Nora was waiting for them with the two rats on her shoulders. When Coragwenelan was seated in a beautiful carved chair at the head of the table, a dazzling array of colours burst before their eyes as two hummingbirds and three dragonettes darted about. Their iridescent scales and feathers changed colour as they caught the light. Everyone clapped and the Queen signalled for the crowd to be seated.

  ‘Let the entertainment begin,’ announced the Queen.

  A storyteller walked amongst the tables and retold the legend of Howling Hill. When he got to the end of his tale Raggs stood up with the aid of a stick, and told the story of the adventure they’d had inside Silver Hill. When he reached the part Ember Silver Horn had played he directed the crowd’s attention to the magnificent dragon perched on top of the hillside. Everyone clapped and cheered. A mighty roar from the hilltop silenced everyone. Ember Silver Horn the Magnificent opened her wings and swooped towards them. She breathed out a great flame and aimed it
towards the barbecue. The charcoal instantly glowed brightly. Jack had never seen such an amazing sight. He’d felt Ember take off from the pit, inside Silver Hill, but it had been dark and he hadn’t seen her in flight. Her great wingspan cast a shadow over the whole clearing. The crowd held on to cups and plates so the draught from her wings wouldn’t blow them away. Ember circled the crowd once before flying off towards the mountains. There was silence as everyone watched until she disappeared completely from sight.

  ‘My turn now,’ said Camelin as he took off.

  He performed the most complicated routines he knew, diving, spinning, looping-the-loop and flying on his back. The three dragonettes joined in and blew circles of fire for Camelin to fly through. The crowd clapped loudly in appreciation. When he returned to his perch, Winver made her way over to him and shuffled up close. Camelin looked pleadingly at Jack who grinned back. He stopped smiling moments later when Hesta swooped down and landed on his shoulder.

  After everyone had eaten their fill and chatted about their adventures Nora stood and announced that it was time to go.

  ‘Aw, can’t we stay a bit longer?’ said Camelin.

  ‘I’m afraid not, Jack’s Grandad will wonder where he is if he’s not back at Ewell House when he comes to collect him. And there’s the little matter of a loft inspection too.’

  Camelin looked at Jack.

  ‘We had an accident with one of the raven baskets and didn’t have time to clear it up,’ explained Jack. ‘We were in a bit of a hurry last night.’

  Nora didn’t reply but Jack could see she and Coragwenelan were smiling.

  ‘I believe this is yours?’ said Gwillam as he pulled Camelin’s raven basket out from under the table.

  ‘Aw great, now we won’t have to fly back, we can use the basket.’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ said Nora as she pointed her wand at it. There was a sudden pop as it shrank to the size of a small plate. ‘It’ll be easier to carry home like this.’

  Camelin pulled a face but didn’t complain.

  Jack suddenly remembered Nora’s key. He took the chain off and offered it to her.

  ‘This isn’t my key Jack, it’s yours.’

  ‘But it was in the drawer in the herborium,’ he replied.

  Camelin scowled at Jack.

  ‘You had it all the time?’

  ‘He did,’ said Nora. ‘And he was right not to use it for the wrong reasons.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ said Jack. ‘It’s a magic key, it shrinks and grows to fit any lock.’

  ‘It’s not the key,’ said Nora. ‘You’re the one making it change shape, the magic is coming from inside you.’

  ‘Oh my!’ said Timmery. ‘Jack can do real magic.’

  Camelin humphed.

  ‘How?’ asked Jack.

  ‘The power of Annwn is within you,’ explained Gwillam. ‘Each time you come here it grows stronger. A time will come when you won’t need your wand any more.’

  Jack was amazed. He didn’t know what to say. He would have liked to ask Gwillam more but he didn’t get a chance. Gwillam went over to a group of hooded figures waiting by the path that would lead them to the Western Portal. Coragwenelan thanked them all for what they’d done and Jack had a lump in his throat as he said his goodbyes. He wished his visit to Annwn could have been longer.

  ‘We’ll be in touch soon,’ Gwillam whispered to Jack. ‘It won’t be long before Elan is back in Glasruhen.

  Everyone waved as they started out along the path towards the Western Gate.

  ‘We’ll be home in no time,’ said Nora.

  ‘We’d have been there in half the time if you hadn’t shrunk my flying basket,’ grumbled Camelin.

  When they got back to Ewell House Nora went straight to the herborium to make Raggs comfortable.

  ‘Don’t disappear,’ she called to Camelin. ‘Remember, you have a loft inspection.’

  Camelin flew around the corner of the house and Nora and Jack climbed the stairs. When they looked inside the loft, Jack’s mouth fell open. The floor was spotless. There wasn’t a single oversized polystyrene ball anywhere to be seen. Camelin sat on the window ledge with his beak open too.

  ‘How did this get so tidy?’ asked Nora.

  ‘We helped,’ squeaked Fergus, as he and Berry appeared beside Camelin.

  ‘It was the least we could do since you’d gone to rescue Raggs,’ added Berry.

  Jack smiled. This time Camelin could find something nice to give the little rats as payment. He owed them.

  ‘What happened to the window?’ asked Nora.

  Camelin shuffled from one foot to the other, ‘If I hadn’t bigged it we wouldn’t have been able to fly through it.’

  Nora pointed her wand at the frame and shrank it back to its original size.

  ‘That’s better, everything’s back to normal now.’

  ‘I’d better get my things together,’ said Jack. ‘Grandad will be here soon.’

  ‘We all owe you a great deal,’ said Nora. ‘We couldn’t have saved the Druids without you both.’

  Camelin coughed and looked pointedly at the wand sticking out of Nora’s pocket.

  ‘Yes, you can have it back now, but if I hear that you’ve misused it, you know where it’s going.’

  Camelin jumped onto the floor, and hopped, skipped and jumped over to Nora. ‘I’ll be good,’ he promised as he carefully took his wand back.

  Nora smiled.

  ‘No more bigging. Unless it’s an emergency! I think you and Jack ought to have some wand practice tomorrow. One of you has a lot of catching up to do.’

  Before Jack went down to the kitchen he went back to the loft to say goodbye to Camelin. He was surprised to find him on his back with his legs in the air, on a raven-sized beanbag.

  ‘Where did that come from?’

  ‘Do you like it? I didn’t think you’d mind me shrinking your beanbag, only I wanted something a bit more comfortable than a raven basket.’

  ‘Does Nora know?’

  ‘She said no bigging, she didn’t say anything about shrinking.’

  ‘I thought you only knew one spell.’

  ‘Aw, shrinking’s easy. You just say the bigging spell backwards.’

  Jack smiled. He didn’t think Nora would mind too much as long as he didn’t start flying around the loft in it.

  ‘See you tomorrow then?’

  ‘Yeah, it’s been a brilliant weekend hasn’t it?’

  Jack struggled to find the right answer.

  ‘Different,’ he said in the end before making his way back down the ladder to wait for Grandad in the kitchen.

  It felt as if he’d been gone a whole week instead of a couple of days. There were still questions he needed to ask and he wanted to find out all he could about crystal magic. He had things he needed to discover about himself too, especially if Gwillam was right and the magic of Annwn was within him. His hand closed around the small key that hung from the silver chain. Nora had said he’d made the key special. His power had made it change shape. He had six weeks before he went back to school and he wanted to spend them finding out as much as possible about his own powers and what he could do with them. He couldn’t wait to begin.

  Now I can read and write, Nora’s asked me to make a list of everyone and everything in Glasruhen and Annwn. She thinks I’ve done this all on my own so please don’t tell her that Catherine Cooper’s been helping me. In fact, Catherine’s been helping me write my memoirs, the first three books are finished and you can read all about my adventures in, The Golden Acorn, Glasruhen Gate and Silver Hill.

  Of course, the most important bird in the whole of Glasruhen is me, Camelin. I’m the trusted companion of Nora (Eleanor Ewell) and friend of Elan. I’m also the wise and learned teacher of Jack Brenin who, it appears, is The Chosen One we’ve all been waiting for. He wasn’t much good at first but he’s getting better. I am known as: an ace stunt flyer, brilliant Dorysk hunter, food critic, inventor of the raven owl call and opera
tions co-ordinator for the Night Guard (you’ll soon find out about all of those things). I’ve added some comments of my own in brackets.

  WHO’S WHO?

  Addergoole Peabody – A Bogie, one of the Not So Fair Folk, who works mainly for Jennet. He gathers information for her, especially about the other Water Nymphs. The family name is Addergoole and Pyecroft is his older brother. (Don’t ever tell Peabody anything, he’s a snitch.)

  Addergoole Pyecroft – A Bogie, one of the Not So Fair Folk. He works alone and will trade or sell information to anyone. The family name is Addergoole and Peabody is his younger brother. (Pyecroft’s an even bigger snitch than Peabody.)

  Agye – One of the two Gargoyles that guard Uriel’s Well. (Read about how I defeated Agye in Glasruhen Gate.)

  Allana – Is now a Gnori, she used to be the Hamadryad of Newton Gill Forest when she was known as: Allana, the Beautiful, Guardian of the Grove, Most Kind and Wise.

  Arrana – The last Hamadryad left on earth. Her full title is: Arrana, The Wise, Protector and Most Sacred of All. When Arrana transforms from an oak tree into her Hamadryad form she is as tall as the tree. She contains all the magic of Annwn within her branches and protects all the trees in Glasruhen Forest.

  Berry – One of the youngest rats in the Night Guard. Berry has smooth fur, which he keeps well groomed. He’s not as big as the older members of the guard and can always be found with Fergus. (I can usually get Berry and Fergus to do odd jobs for me.)

  Camelin – The most important raven in the world. (Read all the Jack Brenin books to find out how special I am.)

  Catherine Cooper – Chronicler of Jack Brenin’s adventures. (I thought the books should have been called the Adventures of Camelin but I was outvoted.)

  Charkle – A dragonette from the Westwood Roost. As a baby he was captured by Spriggans and imprisoned in a cage. His brothers are Norris and Snook. (Charkle’s a bit of a show-off sometimes, especially when he tries to copy my stunt flying and blows fire as he circles.)

  Chief Knuckle – Leader of a band of Spriggans living underground close to Ewell House. He is the Chief because he has the biggest and best sniffer of all the Spriggans (that means he’s got a big nose). He’s brilliant at finding veins of gold, silver and precious stones. There are thirteen Spriggans in Chief Knuckle’s band. Their names are Slinger, Swiper, Scratch, Grunt, Grub, Grabber, Whiff, Wheezer, Wrecker, Pinch, Pepper and Punch. It was Slinger, Wheezer and Scratch who tunnelled up into Grandad’s greenhouse and kitchen. Whiff, Pinch and Grub were the ones who captured Orin.