The Oak Lord

by Catherine Cooper

  ‘There’s no need; they’re going to the Meadow Mound with the Fairies. Raggs will keep Orin safe. We’ll see you on the other side.’

  Motley bowed low and then spoke to Jack.

  ‘It is a great honour to have been invited to your coronation. Until we meet again…’

  Motley bowed again, turned and bounded away.

  ‘It’s time to go,’ said Nora.

  GLASRUHEN MOUND

  Raggs and Orin stood either side of the entrance to the Meadow Mound while Jack and Nora helped the Fairies out of the cauldron. Jack looked wistfully over at the other entrance. He knew it was pointless knocking on the door because the Dorysk wasn’t at home. He’d missed his company these last few days, but at least it wouldn’t be long now until they’d all be together again in Annwn. By next week, everything would be back to normal. Jack almost laughed out loud. His whole world was about to change again and now he was immortal his life would never be normal.

  The climb up to Glasruhen Mound didn’t take as long as Jack had expected. He’d been lost in thought as they walked quickly through the yew tree tunnel. When they stepped out into the forest, they saw a bright moonlit sky. Two Dryads peeped from the trees on either side of the path. They stepped out and bowed their heads as Jack and Nora passed and then began to sing. Their pure voices rang through the forest. More and more tree nymphs appeared and added their voices to the growing throng. The moon lit their way as Jack and Nora led the long procession to the entrance of the Mound. Nora lowered the cauldron and signalled for Jack to do the same. He’d been expecting to go straight into the tunnel, but Nora crossed over to the other side of the entrance and stood opposite him. She waited for the song to finish before addressing the Dryads.

  ‘By the law of all three lands, now Samhain has begun, you are welcome to enter Annwn. Before the sun goes down tomorrow night, Annwn will have a new king.’

  The song began again. As the Dryads entered the tunnel, each one bowed her head as she passed Jack. When the last Dryad had disappeared from sight, Nora closed her eyes. They stood in silence until the song could no longer be heard. Eventually Nora spoke.

  ‘I want you to remember that no matter what happens tonight, we will be eternally grateful for what you’ve done. You have helped us in more ways than I ever thought possible. Without you, the portals would still be sealed. You’ve helped Annwn become again the beautiful place it once was. Now, thanks to you, the Hamadryads are safe and will once more protect the forests. The Queen has been reinstated and the old order has been restored. Soon you will once again speak with your ancestor and be able to finish your conversation with him. Do as you did before, speak his name and he will hear you. Put your hands on the boss of his shield and ask for his guidance. Open your heart to him and listen well to the advice he has to give.’

  Nora paused. Jack realised she was waiting for him to respond.

  ‘I will… I promise.’

  Nora seemed satisfied and stepped over to the cauldron. They picked it up and entered the tunnel, which was illuminated by a soft light. It made it easier for Jack to see the beautiful carvings that covered the walls. Nora spoke again.

  ‘Trust your judgement and be true to yourself. You already have all the qualities to be a good king. Do not let anyone sway you from what is rightfully yours. When we reach Alindyne’s tomb I will have to leave you, but Gwillam will be waiting. He’ll instruct you on the things you must do before you enter Annwn. He will answer any questions you may have and then you’ll be left alone with your ancestor. You will know when the time is right to leave the tomb and enter Annwn.’

  Jack looked to his right. He knew they were nearly at the entrance to the inner chamber, as he recognised the forest of oak trees that decorated the wall. Jack could see the face of the leaf-covered man. He remembered his conversation with Alindyne. Should he have told Nora he’d already asked his ancestor to be the Oak Lord? His conversation had been cut short and he didn’t know for sure if his request had been heard or accepted. It had also crossed Jack’s mind that the Blessed Council might have other suggestions that he should have considered. It wouldn’t be long now until he found out.

  They stopped outside the entrance to the chamber. The arched door was open. Jack read again the words that had been inscribed into the stone above:

  No one may ever pass through here,

  Except at Samhain every year.

  This time he would be passing through the tomb into Annwn. He swallowed hard and resolved to show everyone on the other side of the portal that he was their rightful king. He felt a tingle of excitement run down his spine. This was the moment he’d been waiting for since he’d found the King’s torc. He took several deep breaths and tried to stop his heart from beating too quickly. The final part of his journey lay ahead. Nora turned to look at him.

  ‘When we enter the tomb, the torc of kingship will be restored to its rightful form and be returned to you. Make sure it remains in your keeping, for whoever presents it to the Queen before sunrise will be crowned, whether they are worthy or not. The appointed time is upon us. Shall we enter?’

  Jack nodded. He knew Nora was trying to help and that her words had been chosen with care, but they’d filled him with apprehension. If Velindur wanted to steal the torc from him, this would be the last opportunity he’d have. Jack didn’t want to be left alone in the tomb but if he were to be crowned King of Annwn, he was bound by the laws and traditions of the land he was about to enter. This would be his final test. He could not fail after all he’d been through. The portal into Annwn, and his destiny, stood before him. Jack straightened his back, lifted his head and looked straight ahead.

  ‘I’m ready,’ he told her.

  They entered the stone-lined passage that led to the inner chamber. As before, his heartbeat quickened. The enormity of what was about to happen suddenly flooded over him. Each step closer to the tomb hardened his resolve.

  When they stepped out of the passage Jack was surprised to find the inner chamber almost in darkness. He’d expected it to be brightly lit. He could barely make out the other tunnel entrance. Although he knew the roof was domed, it was impossible to see. The only light came from four flickering candles. One had been placed on each corner of the plinth that surrounded the tomb. The dancing light distorted their shadows as they approached the stone coffin. Jack was too small to see the carved figure, but he remembered every detail of Alindyne’s face and the shield that covered his body.

  They lowered the cauldron but as it touched the ground, the handle Jack had been holding came away. He held it up for Nora to see and was about to apologise for breaking it when he realised the metal in his hand was becoming warmer. He watched in fascination as the handle transformed into the torc. The light from the candles made it glisten and glow. Nora smiled and nodded her approval.

  ‘Further proof you are the rightful King.’

  Jack looked down at the cauldron as Nora pointed her wand at the empty space where the metal loop had been.

  ‘Renovo,’ she whispered.

  The cauldron once more had two handles. Jack smiled.

  ‘That would have been the last place I’d have thought to look.’

  ‘I let it be known the torc had been changed into another object, but I didn’t say anything about it being a part of something bigger.’

  Jack was about to laugh but stopped himself when he remembered where he was. A rustling sound made them both look towards the other entrance. A cloaked figure with a long staff was making its way towards them. Jack held his breath until he heard Gwillam’s voice.

  ‘Welcome. This is a happy day for Annwn.’

  Jack expected Nora to go over to Gwillam and hug him, but instead she bowed her head to him before speaking.

  ‘Is all prepared?’

  ‘It is. The escort is waiting at the crossroads for my signal. Once I leave the tomb they will advance and wait outside the entrance until Jack is ready. Gavin came with me to accompany you to the city, where all
is ready for the coronation.’

  ‘Then I will take my leave.’

  Nora crouched down and took hold of Jack’s shoulders. She looked at him intently before swallowing hard. In the candlelight Jack could see her eyes were glistening as tears welled up in them. She gave his shoulders a hard squeeze before picking up the cauldron and, without saying another word, left the inner chamber. Gwillam walked around Alindyne’s tomb and stood before Jack.

  ‘On behalf of Coragwenelan, Queen of Annwn, the Blessed Council and the people of all three lands who have gathered here to witness your coronation, I welcome you. The torc of kingship in your hand is the symbol of your right to be crowned as our King. Once you have received the gift of knowledge and experience from your ancestor, you will know when the time is right to leave the Mound. Make your way to the entrance, where your escort will be waiting. Travel down the pathway lined with standing stones until you reach the crossroads. A tent has been erected there, inside which you will find your coronation robes. When you emerge from the tent, the procession to the Glass Palace will commence. Three boats have been specially prepared for you and your escort to take you over the lake. They will transport you to the Citadel’s water gate, where I will be waiting for you. We will enter the palace through the Queen’s apartment. I’ll walk before you to the throne room, where everyone will be waiting. Once the ceremony is over, your subjects will line the route to the feast, which you and the Queen will take. By sundown tomorrow night, your reign as King of Annwn will commence. May you continue to be wise and just, courageous and strong, compassionate and kind and a true friend to all.’

  Gwillam paused. Jack knew he was waiting for his answer.

  ‘I promise to do my best at all times and to be a good king.’

  ‘Annwn is fortunate to have you as its rightful heir. For one so small you have a big heart, a generous spirit and wisdom beyond your years. Now, I have spoken long enough. I believe Nora has already told you how to receive Alindyne’s wisdom and counsel?’

  Jack nodded. He wanted to tell Gwillam that he’d already spoken with his ancestor, but Nora had told him not to tell anyone. Gwillam patted him on the shoulder.

  ‘Before I leave, have you any questions for me?’

  Jack nodded again and tried to find the right words. It was hard to explain how he was feeling but all he really wanted right now was his mum. He wanted her to put her arms around him, to tell him everything was going to be all right. He wanted to hear her say she was proud of him. He knew in his heart it would never happen. His mum wasn’t a part of his world, she wasn’t immortal and there wasn’t any way he could talk to her like he’d talked to Alindyne. This was something he’d not been able to tell Nora, but since his last visit to the Mound he’d felt all over again the sadness he’d felt when she had died. The sorrow inside his heart would not go away. Gwillam patted Jack’s shoulder again.

  ‘I can see there is something troubling you. This is the time to divest yourself of those thoughts.’

  Jack knew Gwillam was right. It was something he hadn’t spoken to anyone about and this might be Jack’s last chance to speak openly. He took a deep breath.

  ‘Do you still have sorrows?’

  ‘Of course I do, everyone does.’

  ‘The Druids in the Caves of Eternal Rest don’t. They used the Book of Sorrows.’

  ‘That is true, but for anyone who lives and breathes, sorrow is a part of life.’

  ‘Couldn’t you have given your sorrows to the Book?’

  ‘I would not have chosen to do so, even if it had been possible. Without memory of the bad things in life I would not be able to appreciate all the good things. Besides, not all sorrows come from bad things. When you are sad it shows you’ve cared about something and caring isn’t bad.’

  ‘I still miss my mum.’

  ‘If you’ve loved someone and you lose them, the sorrow is even greater and can last a long time. Eventually you’ll learn to replace the sorrow with all the happiness you shared and the good times you had together.’

  Jack tried to control the hot tears that were welling up in his eyes. He tried to choke them back but they trickled down his cheeks.

  ‘It hurts just thinking about her, because she’s not here any more.’

  ‘Think of a happy memory, something special you shared with your mum, and hold that image in your mind.’

  Jack closed his eyes and thought. He was on a beach with his mum and they both had spades. They were digging in the sand for buried treasure, for pirate’s gold. They were laughing. They’d dug a deep hole and found nothing, but neither of them had been disappointed. It had been fun. He could hear his mum’s laugh and see her smile.

  ‘Your mum may not be in the here and now any more but as long as you can recall the happiness you shared, she will always be with you.’

  Jack opened his eyes. He could still feel the warmth of his mother’s smile. Tears streamed down his face.

  ‘I’m sorry. I’m never going to be a good king if I keep crying.’

  ‘On the contrary, Jack, a good king must have compassion. He must love and care for his subjects through both the good and bad times. He must understand their joy and sorrow to be able to share it. You have a good heart and I know you will be a great king.’

  Jack wiped away the tears on his sleeve. He smiled weakly at Gwillam.

  ‘I won’t let you down.’

  ‘I know you won’t. A trouble shared is a trouble halved, and you can rest assured your friends will always be there for you. Now, if you are all right, it’s time for me to leave you.’

  ‘I’ll be fine now, thank you.’

  Jack watched as Gwillam walked back down the tunnel that led into Annwn. He waited until Gwillam disappeared into the darkness and then turned back to the tomb. He was glad he’d already spoken to Alindyne because it meant he didn’t feel alone in the chamber. He took several deep breaths and climbed up onto the plinth. Nothing had changed since his last visit but he didn’t feel ready to touch the boss. Thoughts of his mum were still running through his mind. He felt the need to kneel before the tomb, to collect his thoughts and calm his emotions. When he felt ready, he’d put his hands on the boss and speak with Alindyne.

  Jack stepped down, took another step back, knelt and closed his eyes. He gripped the torc tightly in both hands and concentrated hard on the responsibilities that lay ahead of him once he entered Annwn.

  THE RIGHTFUL KING

  Jack found it hard to focus on his future role. Kingship wasn’t something he’d expected. He’d no experience or training and yet his friends believed without a doubt that he was the one: the true Brenin. They seemed confident he’d be able to fulfil the duties that lay ahead. He tried to remember what he’d felt like before he’d come to live with Grandad. The timid person he used to be was now gone. His life had changed forever the moment he’d picked up the golden acorn. Destiny had intervened. It had not been an easy journey, but he’d proved he could overcome the challenges he’d encountered.

  He planned to spend only a few moments in contemplation before calling Alindyne. He wanted to leave the chamber as soon as possible, but something still bothered him. Deep inside he knew that if he didn’t resolve the problem now it wasn’t going to go away. A shiver ran down his spine. He couldn’t get the thought of Velindur, and his belief that he was the rightful king, out of his mind. The longer he spent inside the Mound, the greater the danger, but he knew he wasn’t ready to leave yet. He should have spoken to Gwillam about it but it was too late to call him back.

  A swishing sound from the other side of the tomb made Jack hold his breath. He exhaled as quietly as he could. He was hidden from sight by the stone coffin. Until he knew what it was he didn’t want to be seen. The muffled sound of footsteps confirmed he was no longer alone. He crawled to the end of the tomb and peered around the corner. In the flickering light he saw a cloaked figure. It took a step towards the coffin. Gwillam must have returned. Had he read his thoughts? Had he realis
ed there were still things they hadn’t spoken about? Jack stood up.

  ‘I’m so glad you’ve come back.’

  When he got no reply, Jack peered into the darkness. It was hard to see the face beneath the hood, but something about the figure told him it wasn’t Gwillam. It was more of a shadow than a person. Was this Alindyne? Jack was left in no doubt who stood before him when a harsh mocking laugh echoed around the chamber. Jack froze. He shuddered when Velindur spoke.

  ‘Glad I’m back, are you? I’ve been waiting patiently in the shadows until I was sure we were alone. They kept you well hidden from me, made me believe the other scrawny brat was the Brenin. Who’d have thought, someone as insignificant as you could even begin to imagine he could be King. You’re even more irrelevant than the one I mistook for the impostor. I am the rightful King. Have you no idea what I did for the people of Annwn? I kept them safe from invasion. How dare you even think you could replace me? A mere boy with no history. I heard you snivelling and crying for your dead mother. A crybaby as King? I don’t think so. What have you done to imagine you are worthy to rule Annwn? I deserve to be acknowledged for my past achievements. It is I who will be crowned. I’ll take that honour and rid myself of anyone who gets in my way or says otherwise. Your meddling friend got me banished. When I’m King he will pay for his insolence, they all will. The Blessed Council will be dissolved. I have no use for any Druids in my kingdom. They’ll all be banished to the Caves of Eternal Rest. Give me the torc!’

  Jack didn’t answer. His whole body trembled, but not from fear. He was angry that Velindur had heard his conversation with Gwillam and now mocked his deepest insecurities, ones he’d never voiced to anyone before.

  ‘You do well to shake before me. Go back where you came from, for if I ever lay eyes on you again, I will be the last thing you see. Now, give me my torc, for you are not worthy to even touch it.’

  Jack instinctively held it more tightly. He clutched it to his chest and looked defiantly at Velindur, but still he couldn’t speak. He needed to calm himself, to rise above the feeling of anger Velindur had provoked. If he was worthy of being King he must show compassion to this man, whose own greed and ambition had ensured his banishment from Annwn. Jack knew he had the advantage. He had the power of magic to call upon and an inner strength as protection, but he also knew that Velindur would never be persuaded to abandon his goal. Jack searched for the right words. Before him lay his ancestor. Would Alindyne have raised his great sword and threatened Velindur? Jack didn’t want to fight. He desperately tried to think of a way to resolve the situation. The sound of scraping metal distracted him. At the bottom of the tunnel he could see the silhouettes of two guards with their spears crossed.