The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  Hamadryads – Are the Dryads of any oak tree. Unlike other dryads, if the oak tree dies, the Hamadryad also dies. They are part of the tree and are unable, like other Dryads, to move from tree to tree. All Hamadryads began life as an acorn from the Mother Oak in Annwn. They grow and develop rapidly and once fully grown, they give their protection to all the trees and Dryads living in their forest.

  Herborium – This is a special room at Ewell House where Nora keeps all the ingredients for her potions. It’s also where she keeps her herbarium, a collection of dried herbs and pressed flowers that have been studied, labelled and written about in one of her many books. Nora also has books about plants, spells and potions in the herborium. (I’m not always allowed in the herborium but Jack is.)

  Hudlath – A magic wand transformed from a lath. Once the wand has been empowered it will appear smooth. You have to be very careful how you use a magic wand. Sparks can erupt from the end. (Jack singed my tail feathers the first time he used his wand but I got my own back when I used mine for the first time.)

  King of Annwn – The rightful king of Annwn is buried deep with The Mound; he chose mortality instead of eternal life. Velindur is the self-appointed King in Annwn.

  King of the Forest – Jack Brenin is to be crowned King of the Forest when the new Hamadryads are grown as foretold in the last two lines of the Prophecy:

  When all is equal, all is done,

  And joy is brought to everyone,

  The Brenin will be crowned again,

  Over the Forests he will reign.

  Lath – A wand. A lath is a twig with magical properties that can be transformed into a hudlath. To empower the lath it has to be taken to one of the sacred wells where the keeper of the well, a special kind of Water Nymph called an Undine chooses your magical symbol. Once you have touched the symbol with your right hand it glows and becomes very hot, the symbol then appears on your fingertip. When you take your wand in your left hand it appears as a twig. But after you’ve been given your symbol, if you put it in your right hand the wand will transform into a hudlath (a magic wand).

  Mother Oak – This is the oak tree on which Hamadryad acorns grow. The Mother Oak will shake her branches and grant the Druid some of her acorns. She is called: Sylvana, Mother of all Hamadryads, Guardian of the Oaks and Bearer of the Sacred Mistletoe. The Druids in Annwn, and two Dryads, called Fernella and Fernilla, care for the Mother Oak.

  Night Guard – A band of eight rats, led by Motley, who keep watch over Glasruhen and report to Nora. The rats in the guard are: Motley, Podge, Midge, Lester, Morris, Raggs, Fergus and Berry.

  Not So Fair Folk – These are usually the little people of this world and some of the larger people of Annwn. They are unable to fly, they don’t have magical powers and they can’t shape shift. They may be vindictive and don’t mind causing harm. Unless you have special sight you’d find it hard to see any of the not so fair folk.

  Nymphs – There are lots of different kinds of Nymphs. Some inhabit the trees and are called Dryads or Hamadryads. Others inhabit the hills and meadows. Undines are a type of Water Nymph and the Nymphs of the air are called Sylphs. They have the ability to fly and shape-shift.

  Oak Well – This was the well tended by Gwillam in the centre of the Sacred Grove. The oak cauldron plate used to hang on the branches of the oak tree next to the well. (This was my home before the Romans came.)

  Oracular Frogs – Only found in Annwn. The males predict the weather but female oracular frogs have other prophetic abilities. (Gavin bought one as a present for me.)

  Otherworld – Another name for Annwn.

  Prophecy – this is the prophecy, which Jack Brenin is destined to fulfil:

  A Brenin boy you’ll need to find

  Born at Samhain of humankind.

  The One you seek is brave and strong

  And his true heart will do no wrong.

  The Golden Acorn he will see

  And listen to the Dryad’s plea.

  Underneath Pengridion Hill

  He’ll make a promise he’ll fulfil.

  When all is equal, all the same

  That which was lost is found again.

  Queen of Annwn – Her name is Coragwenelan and her full title is: Queen of the Fair Folk, Guardian of the Gateways of Annwn. She is also an immortal Nymph and Shape-Shifter.

  Raven Boy – I’m a raven boy and have been for most of my life. Nora and I helped Jack to become a raven boy too. When we touch foreheads he transforms into a raven. Jack needs to touch foreheads with me again to change back into a boy. (Being a raven boy has its advantages: you can fly and eat as much as you can get.)

  Romans – In AD 61 the Romans were ordered to kill all the Druids in Britain. The Romans at the Viroconium camp were the XIV Legion. Quintus Flavius Maximus was the Camp Prefect, in charge of the camp when the main body of the XIV Legion were away. Titus Antonius Agrippa was a Centurion in charge of a marching party of eight soldiers. Marcus Cornelius Drusus was a soldier. Gaius Rufus Octavian was the messenger who brought the news from the XIV Legion to Viroconium. (I don’t like Romans.)

  Runes of Annwn – The ancient writing of the Fair Folk of Annwn.

  Sacred Grove – A forest of oak trees, which used to cover the whole area around Glasruhen, Newton Gill and beyond.

  Samhain – One of the four main festivals, celebrated on October 31st, which was the beginning of the Celtic New Year. (It’s also Jack’s birthday.)

  Seanchai (pronounced shawn ack ee) – A Druid who remembers and keeps important information safe. (Nora knows just about all there is to know.)

  Shape-Shifter – Someone or something that can change its shape at will. It is different to transformation, which needs a spell or potion. (Nora and Elan can shape-shift and so can the Dorysk. Jack can only transform.)

  Spear of Justice – One of the Four Treasures of Annwn, it is needed for the ritual to open the northern gateway. It was used to determine if someone was speaking the truth.

  Spriggans – These tiny men (about 60cm tall) live underground. They are miners and think that everything that comes from the Earth belongs to them. They must always be roped together because a loose Spriggan can grow into a giant.

  Staffs – Druids in Annwn carry staffs of power. They use them to perform magic.

  Stone of Destiny – One of the Four Treasures of Annwn, it is needed for the ritual to open the eastern gateway. Some say that if you look into the stone you will see your future.

  Sword of Power – One of the Four Treasures of Annwn, it is needed for the ritual to open the southern gateway. The sword would protect anyone using it for good from harm.

  The Blessed Council – Those who were left live together in the Druid’s Village. Thirteen of these Druids, who make up the Blessed Council, were chosen to work alongside the Queen of Annwn. Gwillam was unanimously voted their leader. They meet together in the Council Chamber, which is on the ground floor of one of the circular turret rooms in the Glass Palace. Each member of the Blessed Council has his own seat at a semi-circular table. The thirteen members of the Blessed Council are: Gwillam, Nesta, Berwin, Elgan, Geraint, Nerys, Tirion, Gunnoda, Tegwen, Brid, Maddock, Gwenda and Kireg.

  The One – Jack Brenin is the chosen one who is expected to help the inhabitants of Glasruhen. He’s not sure why he’s been chosen, how he can help or if he really wants to. (There is a Prophecy about Jack and how he will save everyone.)

  Undines – A type of Water Nymph that likes to live in ponds, lakes, waterfalls, springs and wells. Several Undines live in the Glasruhen region. Their names are Jennet, Isen, Nymet, Myryl, Kerrin, Coriss, Uriel and Lucie. (Make sure you take a gift with you if you need help or information or they won’t even talk to you.)

  Uriel’s Well – A well inhabited by a Water Nymph called Uriel in a desolate place on the south side of Glasruhen Hill. (This place makes all my feathers stand on end.)

  Wands – The greatest wands are the ones from the Hamadryad oak and contain a special magic f
rom Annwn. A wand is gifted to a new Druid by a Dryad or Hamadryad. Acolytes need a lot of training to be able to master their wands. (Jack got me my wand but I keep getting it confiscated, apparently I’m not using it responsibly.)

  Water Nymphs – There are different kinds of water nymphs. All of them are great collectors. They love shiny objects and will trade information or grant a favour to obtain a special gift. Never give a water nymph a reflective surface or they might see themselves in it. They would be very angry if they saw their reflection, they consider themselves very beautiful, which they aren’t. They are incredibly strong. (An angry water nymph is something to be avoided.)

  Westwood Roost – Was once home to a family of dragonettes. It used to be at the back of the cave where Finnola Fytche now lives. (It’s the worst place I’ve ever been, a total mess and smells revolting.)

  WHERE IS IT?

  The Map of Glasruhen – (pronounced glass-rue-hen

  meaning ancient green hill) From The Golden Acorn

  – The Adventures of Jack Brenin Book One.

  Back Lane – This is a short cut from Forest Road to the market town of Newton Gill. It’s a footpath and not a road. Brenin House, and the back gate of Ewell House, can be reached by going past the playing field.

  Brenin House – The house where Grandad and Jack live. It’s been in the Brenin family for generations.

  Ewell House – Where I live with Nora. I have my own loft above the attic with my own window. Elan and Jack have their own rooms here too for when they stay. The house is very big and surrounded by trees and bushes. There are lots of statues in the garden and it’s got a lake which is where Gerda and Medric live. Nora has herb, flower and kitchen gardens. There’s a secret entrance at the bottom of Nora’s garden which leads up to Glasruhen Hill or along to the bottom of Sam Brenin’s garden.

  Forest Road – If you follow Forest Road it joins Salchester Road. Salchester is the modern name for Viroconium, which used to be the fourth largest Roman city in Britain.

  Glasruhen – A small hamlet in the shadow of Glasruhen Hill. The two main houses in the hamlet are Ewell House, where Nora lives, and the Brenin House, where Jack lives with his Grandad.

  Glasruhen Cricket Club – This is where Sam Brenin used to play cricket and now looks after the grounds and pitch.

  Glasruhen Forest – An ancient forest mainly of oak trees, in the middle of which lives Arrana, the last Hamadryad left on Earth.

  Glasruhen Hill – A large hill that looms above the hamlet of Glasruhen. The ancient Celtic Cornovii tribe constructed a settlement and hillfort on top of the hill.

  Hawthorn Well – Can be found above Ewell House on the slopes of Glasruhen Hill. Jennet, a Water Nymph lives in the well. The hawthorn cauldron plate once hung on the hawthorn tree next to the well.

  Hillfort – At the top of Glasruhen Hill there was once a fortified hillfort. It was built by the Cornovii tribe. The window in time can be found at the exact midpoint above the hillfort.

  Newton Gill – A small market town at the foot of Glasruhen Hill.

  Newton Gill Forest – Once a great forest of oak trees but now most of the trees have become Gnarles. The Dryads no longer live in the trees and the whole forest is slowly dying.

  Playing Field – If you turn off Forest Road and walk along the back lane you come to the playing field.

  Raven’s Bowl – Located on an outcrop of rock at the summit of Glasruhen Hill is the Raven’s Bowl. There are lots of legends about the place but this is where Nora performed the ritual to make Jack Brenin a raven boy, just like me.

  Salchester – The modern name for Viroconium, which used to be the fourth largest Roman City in Britain. A few ruined remains of the once great city can still be seen in the fields around Salchester.

  Standing Stones – These stones form a circle. The tallest stone in the middle has a hole near the top, big enough to put your arm through. They are hidden by deep magic and you can only enter the area with permission from Arrana.

  Viroconium – A small fort in AD 61 which went on to become the fourth largest Roman City in Britain. It was the Latin name for what is now the small hamlet of Salchester. A few ruined remains of the once great city can still be seen in the fields around Salchester.

  The Map of Annwn – (pronounced an-noon also

  known as the Otherworld). From Glasruhen Gate –

  The Adventures of Jack Brenin Book Two

  Amphitheatre – A semi-circular stage at the foot of three hills near the Eastern Portal of Annwn. Seating has been cut into the hillside and the inhabitants of Annwn meet there to celebrate together.

  Annwn – A land in another world, sometimes called the Otherworld. It’s a place of peace and happiness, where it’s always summer. There used to be portals on Earth, secret gateways, which could only be opened in certain ways at special times of the year. Only Druids had the knowledge and skill needed to perform the rituals that opened the gates. Mortals were only allowed into Annwn at Samhain.

  Caves of Eternal Rest – When the Romans invaded Britain, they had orders to kill all the Druids, some managed to enter Annwn through one of the gateways, but most were slain. Those that died were transported to Annwn where they had eternal life and could choose to live amongst the peoples of Annwn or go to a special place in the mountains, the Caves of Eternal Rest, and sleep in peace for eternity. Most of them chose to go into the caves.

  Citadel – The fortress that surrounds and protects the Glass Palace was built after a band of men from Earth invaded Annwn and tried to steal its Treasures.

  Clearing – A wide, open space to the east of the Glass Palace where the people gather together. The Monolith stands in the middle of the clearing.

  Crannog – A village built on stilts in the middle of wetlands in the south of Annwn.

  Druid’s Village – Can be reached by travelling northeast from the Glass Palace. Gwillam lives here along with all the other members of the Blessed Council. The village is close to the Mother Oak and the Mountains of Annwn. The crochan tree grows in Gwillam’s garden.

  Eastern Gate – Marks the eastern boundary between Annwn and Earth. The treasure needed to open this gate is the Stone of Destiny. Two sentinel oaks guard this portal.

  Glass Palace – The four glass turrets of the palace can be seen for miles around. It is situated in the middle of a lake in the very heart of Annwn. The Queen’s garden is close to the water gate. The Glass Palace can only be reached by boat, unless you can fly.

  Monolith – A large standing stone, found in the middle of The Clearing, to the east of the Glass Palace, where the people of Annwn meet.

  Mound – A burial chamber in the southwest above the swamp. It’s the resting place of the former King of Annwn who chose mortality over eternal life.

  Mountains of Annwn – Can be found in the northeast. The entrance to the Caves of Eternal Rest is high in these mountains.

  Northern Gate – Marks the northern boundary between Annwn and Earth. The treasure needed to open this gate is the Spear of Justice. Two sentinel oaks guard this portal.

  Southern Gate – Marks the southern boundary between Annwn and Earth. The treasure needed to open this gate is the Sword of Power. Two sentinel oaks guard this portal.

  Western Gate – Marks the western boundary between Annwn and Earth. The treasure needed to open this gate is the Cauldron of Life. Two sentinel oaks guard this portal.

  The Map of Beconbury. From Glasruhen Gate–

  The Adventures of Jack Brenin Book Two

  The Gelston River – This is the longest river in the county.

  The Mere Pool – The home of Coriss, the Water Nymph.

  The Mound – Myryl lives in one of the springs near the Mound.

  The Map of Silver Hill and the Crags of Stonytop

  Ridge. From Silver Hill – The Adventures of Jack

  Brenin Book Three.

  River Stype – Named after Stype Tor. It flows around Westwood and past Winberry Hill and Silver Hill. />
  Silver Hill – A large hill, Winberry Hill is its twin peak.

  Stonytop Ridge – A long ridge of strange jagged rock formations. There’s Shepherd’s Rock, Scattered Rocks, The Devil’s Chair, Manstone Rock, Cranberry Rock, Hagstone and Stype Tor. Some say the stones come to life on stormy nights and become Hags. There’s an old rhyme about Stonytop Ridge:

  When lightning flashes in a thunderstorm,

  On Stonytop Ridge a Hag is born.

  Stype Tor – The River Stype takes its name from the last rocky outcrop on Stonytop Ridge.

  The Devil’s Chair – There’s an old rhyme about the Devil’s Chair too:

  Sit upon the Devil’s Chair,

  Sit upon it if you dare,

  But if you do you must beware,

  For you might vanish into thin air.

  Westwood – An ancient woodland at the bottom of which used to be the Westwood Roost, a cave now inhabited by the Hag, Finnola Fytche.

  Winberry Hill – A large hill, Silver Hill is its twin peak.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I’d like to thank

  everyone at Infinite Ideas

  for all their help and support.

  My friends and family for their

  encouragement

  and invaluable contributions,

  and a special thank you to Ron for

  his support and veracity.

  Copyright

  Copyright text © Catherine Cooper, 2011

  Copyright illustrations © Ron Cooper and Catherine Cooper, 2011

  The right of Catherine Cooper to be identified as the author of this book

  has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents

  Act 1988.

  First published in 2011 by

  Infinite Ideas Limited