The Jack Brenin Collection

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘Circle?’ said Jack. ‘Are there standing stones in the wood like the ones on Glasruhen?’

  ‘There are stones, but not like any you’ve ever seen before,’ replied Elan. ‘This is a very special place that contains four carved chairs, each one representing an element.’

  ‘You mean fire, earth, air and water?’

  ‘Precisely. We have to bring all four elements together in order to perform green magic.’

  ‘Could the Oak Lord command all four elements on his own or would he need help?’

  ‘He has very special powers to harness all the elements, but we’re going to have to work together and use our own magic to create the safe haven. I think you should represent the earth, Camelin the air, Nora fire and I’ll be water.’

  Jack’s heartbeat quickened. What they were about to do felt very special. He wondered what the stone chairs would be like but he didn’t ask any more questions. As they walked through the yew tunnel, something was bothering him but he couldn’t put his finger on what. For some unknown reason his thoughts went back to Elidon and his meeting with the river nymph, Sabrina. Their conversation came flooding back. She’d been impressed that he’d got the power of Arrana within him and she had called it green magic. Was this the same kind of force the Oak Lord possessed? In Elidon, he’d been able to make the hazel tree grow and bear fruit but he’d not knowingly called upon the four elements. A rustling from one of the trees made Jack look up. Camelin’s head appeared.

  ‘There’s no one here, it’s safe to come through.’

  Nora stopped and raised her arms. The yew tree rustled and moved to create a small gap, which closed as soon as they’d stepped through it. Jack could see a grassy area enclosed by a complete circle of yews. Directly in front of him were several narrow paths all radiating from a smaller circle at the far side of the clearing. Beyond that was another stone stairway, which disappeared into the mist.

  ‘Are the stone chairs near here?’ asked Jack.

  Nora took a step forward, turned and then spread out her arms. Jack went and stood next to her, looking first left, then right. At the end of each narrow path, almost hidden under the trees, stood a large chair. Each had been carved from what once must have been huge blocks of stone. He went over to the first. Four large feathers formed the back, and their points joined together to form a triangular seat. The next chair was more like an armchair and from its seat rose several carved flames that curved to form the back. A similar shaped chair was to the right, only its back was formed of carved leaves. The final chair was triangular, its back composed of four carved waves. Nora was right. Jack had never seen anything like them before. He wanted to go and sit in each one but he didn’t think that was the right thing to do. Nora held out Camelin’s wand. He shuffled over to her and gripped it firmly in his beak.

  ‘Take the first chair,’ Nora told him, ‘the one with the feathers. Yours is the third one, Jack, the one with the leaves that represents earth.’

  Jack went over to the seat. He felt strange as he sat down, not only because the chair was far too big for him, but also because the stone wasn’t cold. He watched Nora cross over to the chair with the flames and Elan to the triangular seat with the waves. Camelin looked very small as he perched on the tip of the other triangular seat. When they were all in position, Nora and Elan raised their wands. Jack and Camelin did the same.

  ‘Now, Jack,’ said Nora, ‘we need you to summon your crystal and ask for its help. You know the problem; we need to make Steaple Lacy into a safe haven. If crystal magic can help, it will speed things up a bit.’

  Jack closed his eyes and held out his hand. He’d been told crystal magic would come to his aid if he were ever in need. He concentrated hard and thought about all the creatures in Newton Gill Forest. He recalled the image he’d seen of the Fairies that had been imprisoned. They were all in need of protection. He visualised his crystal and asked for its help.

  ‘Look, Jack! You’ve done it,’ cried Elan.

  Jack opened his eyes but no crystal hovered above his palm. It just wasn’t there. He looked over at Elan but she was looking towards the small grassy circle; they all were. Jack followed their gaze. He could see a small crystal sphere.

  ‘That’s not mine. What is it?’

  ‘Something very special,’ replied Elan. ‘It’s an orb of power that only you could have summoned. Once we release the green magic from within the sphere, it will give us the help we need. We must all direct our wands at the orb and think about the element our chair represents.’

  ‘How will we know if it’s working?’ asked Jack.

  ‘You will be able to see the effects. Once the sphere is full, green magic will do the rest. Are we ready?’

  ‘Ready,’ they all replied.

  Jack lifted his wand and pointed it towards the orb. He could see the others had done the same too. He had no idea what would happen. He concentrated hard and thought about all the trees in the forest, the Dryads and Hamadryads. He was surprised when the small sphere began to grow. He thought about the fields, hills and mountains, the sights and smells of Nora’s and Grandad’s gardens. With each new thought the crystal globe grew bigger. Finally, Nora and Elan began to chant.

  Fire, Earth, Water, Air,

  Send your power from each chair.

  Air, Water, Earth, Fire,

  A safe haven we require.

  Both Camelin and Jack joined in. Each time they chanted, the globe grew brighter. Small blue lights began to appear from deep within the sphere. Jack felt his wand growing hotter. Sparks burst from the tips of each wand. They crackled and fizzed as they sped towards the globe. On impact, an explosion of light burst from the crystal. Jack peered through half-closed eyes to see what was happening. The globe of power crackled. Each tiny blue light from within grew brighter. It looked like an electrical storm was brewing inside the sphere. There was a loud crack as bright blue lights exploded into the air. They left the globe and spread outwards in all directions, touching the trees as they sped through the air. From within each trunk glowed a green light. It spread quickly through the branches, flowed out of the leaves and filled the air with a green mist. Once the sparks had visited all the yews surrounding them, they darted beyond the circle and disappeared from sight.

  ‘Don’t drop your wand until the lights return to the globe,’ Elan told them, ‘keep them steady.’

  For what seemed like an age, Jack tried to keep his wand from wobbling. His arm ached and he longed to lower it. Just when he thought he couldn’t hold it steady any longer, a pale spark of light danced into the circle and fell into the globe. One by one, more and more returned. Jack wondered how they would know when the last spark was back and it was safe to lower their wands. His question was answered when the globe began to shrink. The crackling storm within subsided. When the crystal was clear again, it disappeared altogether.

  ‘That’s it,’ announced Nora, as she lowered her wand, ‘we have created a safe haven and the evacuation of Newton Gill Forest can begin.’

  Jack transferred his wand into his left hand. It immediately took on the appearance of an ordinary twig. He shook his aching arm.

  ‘What exactly happened?’

  Elan stood and patted the chair.

  ‘These are ancient stones of power, carved into chairs to represent each of the four elements.’

  Nora held a finger to her lips. Jack knew this was a sign she was about to let him into a secret, one he thought the others probably already knew. She looked at Jack, and smiled before whispering…

  When wands are wielded from these chairs, great magic travels everywhere.

  ‘Crystal magic did the rest,’ said Elan. ‘You found the right crystal to help us direct the power of your green magic from the chairs to the whole of Steaple Lacy Wood.’

  Camelin skipped over to Jack.

  ‘It’s simple. We sent the power to the globe and it sent it round to each tree in the wood. Only friends can enter now. Isn’t that right?’

/>   Nora nodded.

  ‘Only those who respect this wood and the creatures who dwell within it will be allowed past the first trees. All the trees and living creatures will be protected. Steaple Lacy Wood is now a safe haven for eternity. Now I think it’s time we were getting back. As soon as it’s dark we can begin the evacuation.’

  They didn’t retrace their path through the secret tunnel inside the yew trees. Instead, Nora led them through the hedge and down the stone stairs. It led them along a path by a small meadow and down a second flight of steps. Once they had reached the bottom step, the mist began to clear. It wasn’t long before they reached the black gate.

  ‘Thank you, Jack,’ said Elan, as they walked over to the car. ‘Without your help we could never have achieved that.’

  A loud cough made them both turn around. On top of the gate was a new black shape, a very familiar one.

  Elan laughed.

  ‘We couldn’t have done it without your help either.’

  Nora opened the passenger door.

  ‘Are you coming with us or are you flying back?’

  Jack smiled. He’d already anticipated Camelin’s answer.

  ‘Naw, I’ll see you later,’ he croaked. Before Nora could reply, Camelin was airborne and heading off in the direction of the shops.

  PROTECTORS

  It wasn’t late, but the light had already faded and by the time they reached Ewell House the garden was in darkness.

  ‘I wish I could come with you tonight,’ Jack told Nora and Elan as they made their way back to the kitchen.

  Nora sighed.

  ‘If it wasn’t urgent we could have waited until tomorrow night so you could have come with us, but I don’t want to leave it a moment longer than necessary to get those poor creatures to safety.’

  Jack smiled weakly.

  ‘I know. I just wish I could help in some way.’

  There was a slight crackling sound which made them all stop and listen.

  ‘What was that?’ said Elan, as she strained to locate the sound.

  Jack held out his hand.

  ‘I think it’s me! Look!’

  The crackling grew louder when Jack raised his other hand. Sparks danced around his fingers. They were bright enough to light up the part of the garden where they stood. Jack turned his hands over and shook them. The sparks made an erratic pattern as they followed the movement of his hands.

  ‘What did I do?’

  Nora and Elan exchanged a look.

  ‘I think this is something to do with crystal magic. You just made a wish and I think it’s about to come true,’ said Elan.

  ‘I only wished I could help.’

  ‘The greatest help we need tonight is to keep everyone safe,’ said Nora.

  Jack closed his eyes. He thought about the Night Guard, the Flying Squad, Timmery and Camelin. They’d be the ones leading the evacuation from Newton Gill. He wished he could keep them safe. An ear-splitting crack made Jack jump and lose his concentration. He reluctantly opened his eyes. He’d expected the light to have faded but, instead, at his feet lay a pile of glowing crystals. He bent down and scooped some up. Each was shaped like a teardrop. Their facets sparkled but they were unlike anything Jack had ever seen before, for embedded deep inside each one were what looked like frozen crackles of light.

  ‘What are they?’ he asked.

  Nora picked one up and examined it.

  ‘I think they’re protectors. If everyone entering Newton Gill Forest tonight wears one of these around their neck, it should keep them safe. I’m not sure how they work but I am certain your crystal magic has come to our aid.’

  Jack looked carefully at the crystals.

  ‘They’re not going to be any use. They’re all the same size, they’ll be far too big for the Flying Squad and Timmery.’

  ‘I don’t think that’s a problem,’ said Elan, as she collected the rest of the crystals. ‘With a little bit of magic we can make them the right size. I’m sure reducing them won’t lessen their power. We’ll gather everyone together and sort it out before you go home.’

  Before long, the kitchen at Ewell House was filled with excited chatter. Nora, Elan and Jack transformed the large teardrop crystals to fit the rats and starlings. Soon they each wore one around their necks.

  ‘What’s going on?’ asked Camelin, as he skipped in through the half-open patio door.

  The members of the Night Guard and Flying Squad stood to attention. Raggs held out his crystal for Camelin to see.

  ‘Jack’s made protectors to keep us safe tonight.’

  Camelin humphed loudly.

  ‘Well I won’t need one because I’ll be co-ordinating the distribution of the evacuees in Steaple Lacy.’

  Nora laughed.

  ‘That’s what Elan and I will be doing.’

  ‘I’ll guard the house then. I’ve got a great view from my loft and if there’s a problem I can raise the alarm.’

  Camelin threw back his head but before he could make the call of the Raven-owl, Nora slipped one of the crystals around his neck.

  ‘I’m afraid you’re going to have to help in Newton Gill like everyone else tonight.’

  ‘Is Jack helping?’

  ‘Jack has done more than enough already.’

  Camelin glowered at Jack before nodding towards the small crystal left on the table.

  ‘Who’s that one for? Don’t tell me it’s for Timmery! What would a very brave bat need that for?’

  Nora picked up the small crystal.

  ‘I want you all to be safe, and that includes brave little bats. Which reminds me, you’d better go and let him know we’re ready to start the evacuation. It’s time you were going too, Jack. We’ll start the evacuation when Timmery arrives.’

  Camelin mumbled to himself as he shuffled towards the door. He waited for Jack to put his backpack on.

  ‘I’ll see you all tomorrow,’ said Jack as he opened the door.

  ‘Not too early,’ replied Camelin. ‘Some of us have got a long night’s work ahead.’

  ‘After lunch, then?’ said Jack.

  Nora nodded.

  ‘After lunch will be fine.’

  As soon as Jack opened the back door at Brenin House, he was engulfed by an enticing aroma coming from the pot bubbling on the stove. It was the unmistakable smell of lamb stew. Jack smiled when he saw the flour and suet on the table. They’d be having dumplings too, not something he’d be telling Camelin about.

  ‘You’re just in time,’ said Grandad, as Jack hung up his coat.

  ‘Smells good enough to eat,’ said Jack.

  Grandad laughed.

  ‘It should, it’s a very old Brenin family recipe, been passed down from one generation to another. Even your dad knows how to make it.’

  While they ate their dinner, Grandad told Jack all about the stew. It was a detailed and lengthy explanation and Jack hoped Grandad didn’t expect him to remember it all. He was finding it hard to concentrate on the recipe, as his thoughts kept returning to the evacuation. He desperately wanted to know how it was going. He wondered how long it was going to take and if the crystals he’d materialised would give everyone the protection they needed. It was quite a relief when they’d finished the washing up and Grandad told Jack to go and pack the bag he’d be taking with him for his stay at Ewell House.

  ‘You can always come back if you forget anything,’ Grandad told him. ‘I’ll pull you some root vegetables to take with you, but don’t you go telling Nora our Brenin family recipe.’

  Jack laughed as Grandad winked and rubbed his belly.

  ‘I won’t,’ he promised. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’

  He took the stairs to his room two at a time. He was out of breath as he shut his bedroom door but he didn’t put the light on. He could see Orin on the windowsill, peering out into the darkness. He went over and joined her.

  ‘They’ve all gone to Newton Gill Forest,’ he told her.

  ‘I know. The Dorysk called.’
/>
  ‘Did he leave me a message?’

  ‘He came to read me a proclamation, inviting me to your coronation, and to tell you not to worry. He said everything was going to be fine. He was in a bit of a hurry. He said he still had a lot to do before Friday.’

  ‘Were the Dragonettes with him?’

  ‘No, but they might have been outside. He had to come in through the keyhole.’

  ‘They won’t be going to help at Newton Gill if they’re still on official business.’

  Jack peered into the darkness.

  ‘It’s a shame we can’t see either wood from here. Has anything happened?’

  Orin shook her head.

  ‘Nothing. I’ve been here since you came back. I saw the lights at Ewell House go out and it’s been like that ever since. No one’s back yet.’

  ‘I’ve got to pack my bag for tomorrow before bedtime. I’ll pull the curtain so you’ll still be able to keep watch. Call me if you see anything.’

  Jack turned on his bedside light and hurried to gather all his things together. He packed his Hallowe’en costume on top of the clothes he needed to wear on his return to Annwn. When he’d finished, he went and joined Orin at the window. Ewell House was still in darkness.

  ‘The evacuation could take all night, you know.’

  ‘I don’t mind keeping watch. I’ll wake you up if anything happens.’

  Jack stroked Orin’s soft white fur. She held her head to one side so he could scratch behind her ears, but she didn’t take her eyes away from the window. Jack knew she was worried. He went over to her cage, found her favourite cushion and put it beside her on the windowsill. She snuggled down and made herself comfortable. Jack gave the back of her head one last scratch before closing the curtains. He felt worried too, but more than that, he felt frustrated because he’d not been able to help with the evacuation.

  Jack made one final check that he’d packed everything before he climbed into bed. He whispered goodnight to Orin and turned off his bedside light. He lay very still and tried to visualise the evacuatio, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the lamb stew they’d had for supper. He wondered how many generations of Brenins had used the same recipe. A sudden thought struck him. Apart from his dad and grandad, he didn’t know any of his ancestors’ names. He wondered if they were the only three Brenins left in the world. He’d have to ask Grandad in the morning.