The Oak Lord

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘I’m glad Camelin found you. I’d like you to come back with us to the forest’s edge. At some time tonight, the Dorysk and Dragonettes will return from Elidon and I need you to find out if everyone is ready for tomorrow night. Bring the message back to me, no matter what time it is, as I need to know if all has been accomplished. The Dorysk has other duties to perform, so if you could bring the message it will save him a journey to Ewell House.’

  ‘Oooh! Does that mean I’ll see the Horned One, Protector of the Wildwood?’

  ‘It does if he arrives, and if he reveals himself to us. The veil between Earth and Elidon is thin at the forest’s edge and Kerne has the power to breach the shadows, especially since we requested an audience, but only if he so chooses. Now, I think it’s time to set off. Are we ready?’

  ‘Ready,’ they all replied.

  DISTURBING NEWS

  As they stepped out into the garden, Jack pulled up the hood of his coat. It felt colder than it had earlier and he wished he could still see the stars. A band of dense, low clouds obscured the night sky and the whole of Glasruhen was shrouded in darkness. Nora lit the tip of her wand to light their way. She stopped outside the Herborium door.

  ‘I need to see if Arin will come with us. She’s an eyewitness to the recent events in Newton Gill. If she tells Kerne everything she’s seen, it will strengthen our case and justify our request for an audience.’

  Nora lifted the latch and entered. Jack watched from the doorway as she went over to Arin’s tiny bed and spoke softly to the little Wood Elf. When she returned she looked pleased. Jack understood why when she opened her hand. Arin was sitting, with her knees under her chin, on Nora’s palm. Timmery fluttered around Jack’s head.

  ‘Arin can ride on my back, if she wants.’

  Nora smiled but shook her head.

  ‘That’s a very kind offer, Timmery, but once we leave the garden we all need to stay close together. That includes you too, Camelin.’

  Timmery darted to and fro in front of Nora.

  ‘I’m not afraid and I’m wearing my crystal.’

  ‘You’re a very brave little bat, but for my own peace of mind I need to know everyone is safe, and Arin hasn’t got a protector.’

  Camelin humphed but he didn’t leave Jack’s shoulder. Once Timmery was securely attached to Nora’s cloak, they set off for the forest. Everything looked eerie and strange as they made their way to the meadow. Familiar trees looked menacing now their leaves had dropped. Bare outstretched branches loomed out of the shadows, as if poised to grab them. Jack didn’t feel scared, but he couldn’t shake off a sense of foreboding, which seemed to be getting worse with every step they took. He wondered if Camelin felt the same. He was sure he’d felt him shudder a couple of times since they’d left the grounds of Ewell House.

  As they passed the Meadow Mound, he heard the first chime of midnight from the church clock. The bell rang clearly through the still night air. Jack began counting in his head and by the ninth stroke they’d reached the first trees of Newton Gill. As the last peal of midnight faded, they’d reached the edge of the forest. They huddled together. There was a chill in the air against which Jack’s warm coat offered no protection. He hoped they wouldn’t have to wait long before Kerne arrived. As if in answer to his thought, a burst of activity rumbled through the forest. There was a rustling and cracking of branches, followed by the unmistakable sound of galloping hooves. A sudden break in the clouds allowed moonlight to shine through a gap in the trees. The sound stopped abruptly, but Jack was left in no doubt that Kerne was on his way when a hazy form began to materialise in the pool of light. Within seconds, a pure white stag appeared. It stood very still for a moment before raising its head majestically. It bellowed loudly at the moon. The forest filled with a deep baying sound. Jack felt a tingle run down his spine. He held his breath as the Lord of Elidon advanced slowly towards them. Kerne transformed with each step he took. By the time he reached the forest’s edge, he stood before them as an antlered man. They all bowed their heads. In the silence that followed, Jack could hear his own heart beating. Kerne looked at them intently before speaking.

  ‘Permeris has advised that I grant you this audience. He says you would speak with me about a matter of some urgency and importance.’

  Nora stepped forward and held open her hand. Arin rose and bowed to Kerne. He looked surprised.

  ‘A Wood Elf!’

  ‘A Wood Elf from Newton Gill Forest,’ Nora informed him, ‘one who has something terrible to report to you.’

  Kerne smiled encouragingly at Arin, who began speaking in a very shaky voice.

  ‘A great wrong has been committed. Flyers, crawlers and Fair Folk have all been snatched by a great hand that came out of Elidon.’

  ‘And do you know who this hand belongs to?’

  ‘It was a man but I couldn’t see his face, for it was shrouded in darkness by the hood of his cape.’

  ‘There are many men in Elidon, none here of their choosing, but I cannot think why a man would want to capture small creatures or Fair Folk. Is there anything else you remember about him?’

  Arin closed her eyes for a moment before speaking again.

  ‘I was trying to leave Newton Gill on the back of my beetle but from out of nowhere a great hand appeared and tried to grab us. I was thrown to the ground and injured both my ankles, but my poor beetle friend was crushed.’

  Arin fought back her tears. She swallowed hard before continuing.

  ‘I can’t be sure, but I thought I saw a Bogie heading for me. I tried to stand but couldn’t. When I woke I was inside Nora’s Herborium.’

  ‘I told you the Bogie was a double-crossing sneak,’ grumbled Camelin.

  Kerne gave him a disapproving look before addressing Arin again.

  ‘The only Bogies I know of in these parts are Addergoole Pyecroft and his brother Peabody. Was it either of them you saw?’

  ‘I’m sorry, it all happened so fast. I know Peabody, and know of Pyecroft, but I can’t be sure who it was. Someone Bogie-sized was with the man and was calling him Sire.’

  ‘Sire! There is only one man I know who would dare to think he deserved to be called Sire. His name is Velindur, probably the least worthy person of all to ever think he could be a king. This isn’t good news. I fear he is up to no good. You have spoken well, little one. Does anyone else want to add anything?’

  Nora passed Arin to Jack before she began speaking with Kerne. She told him everything she knew about the disappearances, about the creation of the safe haven and the evacuation of all the living creatures from Newton Gill to Steaple Lacy. Nora expressed their concerns about Velindur and explained he’d stolen the Book of Sorrows. When she had finally finished, she looked over to Jack.

  ‘We think he is planning something terrible to prevent Jack from being crowned tomorrow night.’

  Kerne paced up and down in front of them.

  ‘This is very worrying. I know little about the ways of Druids but I’ve heard of the Book of Sorrows. I’m not sure what harm he thinks he can do with a book.’

  Jack felt compelled to speak. He blurted out everything they’d found out about the Book. Nora put her hand gently on his shoulder and almost whispered her next words.

  ‘The Book of Sorrows seems to have been part of a plot Velindur has been hatching for many years, long before the trial that expelled him from Annwn. He will have free passage through any portal tomorrow night when Samhain begins. We need your help to rescue all those he has taken against their will. He must be holding them for a reason.’

  ‘Is the torc of kingship safe?’

  ‘It has been hidden in a very safe place.’

  Kerne paced once more. He rubbed his chin and shook his head.

  ‘This is more serious than I had imagined. Your news is very disturbing and there’s not much time before Samhain. I assure you I will find the Fair Folk, the flyers and the crawlers and return them to you, here, at dawn. Whoever is responsible for their disappear
ance will be punished.’

  ‘Thank you,’ both Nora and Jack said together.

  ‘Until dawn.’ said Kerne.

  Camelin coughed loudly. Everyone turned and looked at him. Kerne tilted his head to one side.

  ‘Is there something else that needs to be said?’

  ‘There is,’ replied Camelin, ignoring Nora’s black look. ‘The Bogie is a thief. He’s taken something of mine, something very precious, and I’d like it back.’

  ‘And what might that be?’

  ‘My dustbin.’

  Kerne looked puzzled. Nora tutted at Camelin before speaking again.

  ‘It is of no consequence, we can find another one for Camelin.’

  ‘It’s very important,’ grumbled Camelin. ‘He stole something from me. He’s a thief. He needs to give it back and be punished.’

  ‘I think I’m inclined to agree,’ said Kerne.

  Camelin’s beak fell open. When he closed it, he gave Nora a very self-satisfied look.

  ‘We will return at first light,’ she said.

  ‘Until then,’ agreed Kerne.

  Jack expected to see the Lord of Elidon transform back into the magnificent white stag, but he simply disappeared. One minute he stood before them, the next he was gone. Jack could still feel his presence behind the veil, but he could no longer see him. Nora held out her hand for Jack to pass Arin back.

  ‘You did well,’ she told her.

  Timmery detached himself from Nora’s cloak.

  ‘Where shall I wait for the Dorysk?’

  ‘I think the safest place will be inside the meadow. The ash tree by the Mound is the tallest. You’ll have a good view from the top of its branches and will be out of harm’s way. Velindur cannot reach you there. We’ll be at Ewell House until just before dawn. The Dorysk shouldn’t be long. When he’s given you his message, please tell him to go straight through into Annwn and report directly to Elan.’

  ‘Do the Dragonettes have to go back into Annwn too?’

  ‘It would be best; they’ll be extra protection for the Dorysk. Now, it’s time the rest of us went home and got some sleep.’

  Nora had made a pot of porridge. Jack sat at the kitchen table with a steaming bowl before him. He knew it would give him a warm glow inside as they made their way back to meet Kerne, but his thoughts were elsewhere and he really didn’t feel much like eating. A thud on the kitchen door, followed by the opening of Camelin’s raven flap, made them all jump. Timmery circled twice and darted backwards and forwards in a highly excited state before he was able to speak.

  ‘The Dragonettes have brought it back, it’s outside the door.’

  Jack had no idea what Timmery was talking about. He looked at Camelin who just shrugged his shoulders. Nora held up her hand to stop Timmery.

  ‘Let’s start from the beginning. Have you seen the Dorysk?’

  ‘Oh yes, yes. He said to tell you that all had been accomplished, everything he’d been instructed to do was now done.’

  ‘And did you tell him to go straight into Annwn?’

  ‘Oh yes, yes I did, but two of the Dragonettes insisted they brought it back before they flew off to the portal.’

  ‘Brought what back?’ asked Jack.

  ‘Camelin’s dustbin; they dropped it by the front door.’

  ‘My dustbin! Why didn’t you say so?’

  Camelin swooped down to his raven flap and disappeared through it. Seconds later his head poked back through the flap.

  ‘It’s mine all right, but it’s been dented.’

  Jack went outside and retrieved the small emergency ration dustbin. He brought it into the kitchen and put it on the table. Camelin landed next to it and hopped around it. He lifted the lid with his beak and peeped inside. Once he’d replaced it he stood in front of the dent.

  ‘Look, it’s ruined.’

  Nora picked up her wand and sent one bright spark towards the metal. It seemed to melt into the side and then shimmer. When it stopped moving, the repair was complete.

  ‘There you are, good as new.’

  Camelin humphed and tapped the repair with his beak a couple of times until he looked satisfied his dustbin had been restored to its former state.

  ‘A thank you would be nice,’ said Nora.

  ‘Humph! Thanks, but it shouldn’t have been stolen in the first place. That was a mean thing to do. It’s caused me no end of worry and upset.’

  Jack could see Nora was trying not to laugh.

  ‘Do you know where it was found?’ she asked Timmery.

  ‘I don’t, and the Dorysk didn’t say anything else, except to tell you that all would be revealed later.’

  ‘Hadn’t we better be going?’ said Camelin. ‘It’s nearly dawn.’

  ‘It is,’ agreed Nora. ‘Let’s go and find out if there’s any news about the prisoners.’

  They hurried to reach the edge of the forest. A frost had fallen and the grass sounded crunchy underfoot. As Jack tried to keep up with Nora he found himself panting. He was fascinated by how his warm breath turned into billowing clouds. He couldn’t remember ever being out so early on a cold autumn morning before. As they approached the ash tree in the meadow, Jack could see a huge black shadow by the edge of the forest. Before it stood the Lord of Elidon. As they approached, Kerne turned and pointed his staff towards the shadow. It quivered and rapidly began to transform. Within seconds Judd towered above them. In the giant’s hand was a very large felt hat. Kerne turned and laid his staff on the ground. They watched as Permeris sprang to life and grew to his full size. He slithered to his master’s side.

  ‘We have news for you; some good, and some that has disturbed me.’

  Jack braced himself. He wished with all his might that no harm had come to any of the captives. He hugged himself tightly as Kerne continued.

  ‘You’ll be pleased to know that all who were being held against their will have now been released. For safety, Judd has helped transport them here in his hat. We thought it would be better if they were kept together to make it easier for you to take them to the safe haven you’ve created for them.’

  Jack felt a huge sense of relief as Judd carefully lowered his hat to the ground. He could see it was full of small creatures. They looked frightened and were huddled close together.

  ‘You’re safe now,’ Nora whispered as she bent down and peered into the hat.

  Jack looked up at Judd and smiled. He didn’t know if the giant would be able to see, so he called, ‘Thank you,’ as loudly as he could.

  Judd smiled back and gave Jack a small wave. Nora looked up at Kerne.

  ‘And the disturbing news?’

  ‘Neither the Bogie nor Velindur can be found.’

  Permeris raised his head and looked at Kerne before speaking.

  ‘We located the place where Velindur has been living without any problem, for many knew of him, especially since they’d seen him in the company of a Bogie…’

  Camelin nudged Jack hard and whispered loudly in his ear.

  ‘See, he’s been working for Velindur all along. I told you so, didn’t I?’

  Jack put his finger up to his lips; he didn’t want to miss what Permeris was saying.

  ‘… none were able to name Velindur, for it seems he has kept himself to himself since he’s been in Elidon, and had only one companion.’

  Jack got another hard nudge from Camelin.

  ‘Companion… what did I tell you? He’d be here now if he’d been held against his will.’

  Permeris had stopped talking and looked back at Kerne, who continued.

  ‘We have not questioned any of the little ones as they are obviously upset. We will search my realm for the two fugitives, but I fear finding Velindur will not be easy. With each misdeed he’s committed he’s lost a part of himself. Elidon is not called the Land of Shadows for nothing. If he continues to act like this he will one day become a shadow and inhabit the darkness without form or worth. He will seal his own fate.’

  Nora sigh
ed deeply.

  ‘But that may take a long time, for now he is a real threat and tomorrow night, by the law of all the lands, he has the right to enter Annwn without fear of harm.’

  Jack thought back to the judgement pronounced on Velindur. He’d been banished and would turn into a wasp if he ever entered Annwn again. The voice of Permeris entered Jack’s head.

  ‘At Samhain that judgement would not apply, but only those who understand the law of our lands would know that. I have no knowledge of any who have re-entered Annwn after being banished to Elidon.’

  ‘But Velindur has studied the law. He must know he is exempt and can enter Annwn tomorrow night.’

  ‘In that case, he will also know that if he’s crowned King he’ll have until sunset to revoke the judgement made against him.’

  ‘But surely they wouldn’t accept him as their king?’

  ‘Whoever enters Annwn with the torc of kingship at Samhain will be crowned before sunrise. That is the law, and the law will be obeyed. Even if we found Velindur, we would not be able to prevent him from entering Annwn, for that is his right. You must keep the torc safe until you are ready to step into Annwn.’

  ‘Nora has it hidden. I have no idea where it is.’

  ‘That is good. It is also good that we’ve had this conversation.’

  Jack could see Nora had also finished speaking with Kerne. She beckoned for Jack to help her pick up the hat. When they had it between them she bowed her head to Kerne. Jack did the same.

  ‘We thank you all for your help. Once we’ve transported these little ones to safety we’ll make sure Judd’s hat is returned.’

  A huge grin spread across Judd’s face. Jack smiled back, but a sudden thought struck him… there’d been no mention of the Book of Sorrows. Kerne tilted his head. It was almost as if he’d heard Jack’s thought.

  ‘There is one last thing before you go. I’m afraid there was no trace of any book. Velindur must have either hidden it or have it about his person. If we have any news for you, word will be sent. Until the next time we meet, I bid you all farewell.’