The Oak Lord

by Catherine Cooper

Jack turned the large doorknob and pushed it gently. Moonlight streamed in through the circular glass walls. He rushed over to the seats that curved in front of the windows. Elan had not been wrong. He could see the whole of Annwn, from the tips of the mountains to the Crannog on the lake.

  ‘Wow! What an amazing room.’

  ‘Happy birthday! I’m glad you like it. I knew you would. You can see the rest later.’

  Jack looked at the bed. There was only one.

  ‘What about Camelin? He’s been sleeping at the bottom of my bed for the last week, although it wasn’t supposed to be a permanent arrangement.’

  ‘The door next to your wardrobe leads to an adjoining room. Camelin’s bed is in there. He’s got his own window through which he can come and go as he pleases.’

  ‘I know he’ll love that. Thanks, Elan.’

  ‘There’s a stand for your crown on the dressing table and your robes have been hung inside the wardrobe. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we have some official business to attend to but once that’s done, we can all go and have some fun.’

  When Elan had gone, Jack took off his belt and opened the pouch that Gwillam had given him. He took out his wand and smiled. It wasn’t that long ago since he’d held it in his hand for the first time. He aimed it at the adjoining door.

  ‘Foro!’ he commanded.

  A raven flap appeared, exactly like the one at Ewell House. Jack flopped onto the bed. This had been the best day of his life. Not everyone gets to be crowned King on their twelfth birthday.

  THE OAK LORD

  When Jack woke the next morning he yawned deeply and then listened for any sounds of movement in the palace. The sudden banging of the raven flap made him jump. He groaned when Camelin hopped onto the bed and started tugging at his sheet.

  ‘Come on, Jack. It’s time to get up. You need to come and see what we’ve got for breakfast.’

  Jack tugged the sheet back and rolled over. Camelin hopped up and perched on his shoulder.

  ‘Just because you’re King doesn’t mean you get to have a lie-in and besides, we’ve got a meeting to go to and you really don’t want to miss breakfast.’

  ‘Are you coming to the meeting too?’

  ‘I’ve been asked… and Nora.’

  ‘I’ll get up when someone calls me.’

  ‘JACK!’ Camelin croaked.

  ‘All right. Anyway, what’s the hurry?’

  ‘I’ve been down to the kitchen and breakfast’s ready. We’ve got visitors too.’

  Jack sighed and sat up. Camelin tumbled off his shoulder onto the soft mattress. He bounced up and down and half-fluttered his wings.

  ‘My bed’s just the same. I’m going to get some springs in my mattress when we get back… I’ll see you in the banqueting room.’

  When Camelin had gone, Jack realised he had no idea where the banqueting room was and hadn’t asked for directions. He didn’t know where the kitchen was either. Still, he was sure someone would show him the way if he got lost.

  He was almost ready to go when he heard a knock on the door. When he opened it, Nora stepped in.

  ‘Good, you’re up. We can go down for breakfast.’

  She led Jack along a corridor and then down a spiral staircase, into what looked like a ballroom. Their footsteps echoed as they crossed the empty room. Once they’d reached the far side, Nora opened a door. A round of applause greeted Jack when he entered. Apart from the grand surroundings, he could have been in the kitchen at Ewell House. All his friends were seated at, or on, the table. The rats and Dragonettes were at one end, with the Dorysk, Timmery and Camelin at the other.

  Once Jack and Nora were seated, Coragwenelan rang a bell and another door swung open. Three of the household staff entered carrying large silver platters. Two were covered in cupcakes, while the third held Jack’s coronation cake. He’d not been able to examine it closely at the feast but he could see now how exquisitely it had been made. It was a topsy-turvy cake. The bottom layer stood on a tree trunk surrounded by a woodland scene. The whole cake had been made into a Fairy house, complete with a door, windows and a tiny chimney on the top.

  ‘Do you like it?’ asked Nora.

  ‘It’s amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it before. It looks too good to eat.’

  ‘Nothing looks too good to eat,’ said Camelin. ‘What are you waiting for? Hurry up and cut it. We don’t get to have cake for breakfast every day.’

  ‘This is the only day you’ll be allowed to have it,’ Nora told him.

  After breakfast, the Queen led the way to the Council Chamber. The palace was vast and their footsteps echoed as they walked along the corridor. When they entered the room, the Blessed Council had already assembled around the semicircular table. Two large, intricately carved chairs had been placed opposite the Council, with benches to the sides. Coragwenelan crossed to one of the throne-like chairs and indicated for Jack to sit next to her. Nora took Camelin to the side where Gwillam stood. The Queen slightly raised her right hand and the room became silent.

  ‘Please be seated. We have official business to attend to this morning. Eleanor and Camelin have been invited to join us.’

  The Queen paused. Jack glanced over at Nora. He wondered if she’d already told Gwillam and Elan about his immortality. He suddenly felt guilty when he remembered there was something he still hadn’t told everyone. He knew he was going to have to explain to the Queen and Blessed Council that he’d already asked Alindyne to be his Oak Lord, but what could he tell them? He wasn’t sure if Alindyne had accepted or not. Should he speak now? The decision was made for him when Coragwenelan began speaking again.

  ‘The Blessed Council have remained faithful to the people of Annwn in my absence. They have waited patiently for this day. It is time they introduced themselves to you.’

  Gwillam lowered his hood and spoke. His powerful voice filled the chamber.

  ‘Gwillam, former High Druid and Guardian of the Oak Tree Well and now Leader of the Blessed Council.’

  He bowed to Jack and Coragwenelan before sitting down. One by one, the rest of the Blessed Council did the same. Jack was surprised to learn that each had been the guardian of a well on Earth. The last Druid to speak introduced himself as Berwin. He had been the custodian of the yew well in Nora’s garden. Jack had been given a lot of information. He knew he wasn’t going to remember all the Druids’ names until he got to know them better. When the last member of the council was seated, the Queen nodded to Nora. She rose and bowed before speaking.

  ‘Eleanor, Druid, Seanchai, Healer, Keeper of Secrets and Ancient Rituals, Guardian and Custodian of the Sacred Groves and Wells.’

  Once Nora was seated, all eyes turned to Camelin. The Queen rose.

  ‘Please come and stand before us,’ she said.

  Jack could see Camelin was surprised. He seemed nervous, and reluctant to leave Nora’s side. Jack smiled encouragingly at him as he hopped down from the bench and shuffled towards them. The Queen bowed her head slightly in Camelin’s direction.

  ‘We would like to bestow a title upon you, as a token of our gratitude for the invaluable help you have given to our King. Has anyone any suggestions as to what it should be?’

  ‘Page to the King,’ suggested one of the Council.

  ‘Servant,’ another offered.

  Jack glanced over at Nora. He could see she was trying to suppress a smile. Jack tried not to laugh too when Camelin narrowed his eyes.

  ‘Loyal Friend and companion of the King,’ said Jack.

  The Queen held up her hand for silence.

  ‘I think that’s a most appropriate title. What say the rest of you?’

  There was a resounding Aye from the Council. Camelin raised his head, puffed out his chest and gave Jack a look of approval. The Queen nodded to Gwillam, who crossed over to the side of the chamber and drew a sword from its scabbard. He brought it over to Jack.

  ‘The King’s sword,’ he explained, ‘which is now yours. You must use it to bestow the title
upon the Raven-Boy who stands before you.’

  Jack recognised the sword as soon as Gwillam had offered it to him. It was from Alindyne’s tomb, the one that lay in the scabbard by his side. It was the same sword Velindur had wielded inside the Mound. Jack knew it was going to be heavy. He wished for the strength to lift it as he rose and put his hand around the hilt.

  ‘Watch what you’re doing with that sword,’ grumbled Camelin. ‘Just be careful.’

  Jack smiled. The sword shone from within and he knew crystal magic had once more come to his aid. He lifted the sword with ease. As he looked down at Camelin, he realised how lucky he was. In the loudest voice he could muster he made his first proclamation.

  ‘Camelin, Raven-Boy, former acolyte to the High Druid Gwillam, as King of Annwn I bestow upon you a new title. From this day forth you will be known as The Loyal Friend and Companion of Jack Brenin, King of Annwn.’

  The Blessed Council clapped loudly. Jack lightly touched each of Camelin’s shoulders in turn with the tip of his sword.

  ‘Thanks, Jack,’ said Camelin, as he raised his head and puffed out his chest feathers even more. Jack thought he was about to break into his shuffle dance but he stopped abruptly and bowed his head so it almost touched the ground. ‘I’m sorry, I forgot, I was supposed to say Sire.’

  Both Camelin and Jack looked over at Nora, who had lost her composure and was now laughing. The rest of the Council laughed too. Camelin suddenly did a backflip and did his shuffle dance all the way back to his seat. Everyone clapped again. Jack wondered if the new title was a good idea. He had the feeling Camelin would be using it at every opportunity.

  Coragwenelan signalled for silence. She held out her hand and one of the Druids brought over a parchment scroll. She opened it and began to read the long list of duties Jack would need to fulfil as King. He felt overwhelmed and was grateful when the Queen presented it to him when she’d finished reading. At least he’d be able to refer back to it when he needed to. Gwillam stood and banged his staff.

  ‘In accordance with the law, the King may choose an Oak Lord. One who was once a man and is now no more. One who will agree to leave his resting place and return to Earth to care for and protect the Hamadryads and all who dwell in the forests.’

  Jack rose from his chair.

  ‘I have already asked the one who lies inside the Mound to be the Oak Lord.’

  Jack related everything that had happened between himself and his ancestor. When he had finished, he sat down.

  ‘You had better summon him so we can hear his answer, Sire,’ said Gwillam.

  Jack couldn’t tell if he was pleased or annoyed by what he’d done. At the time he’d acted on instinct and trusted his own judgement, something Nora had told him to do.

  ‘How do I summon him here?’ he asked Gwillam.

  ‘When you touched the boss of the shield you forged an unbreakable bond between you. Whenever you call he will answer, wherever you may be.’

  Jack closed his eyes and thought about the carved figure that lay on top of the stone coffin.

  ‘Alindyne Brenin,’ he called.

  There was a rustling sound in the chamber. Jack felt a change in the temperature of the room and a gentle breeze ruffled his hair. He opened his eyes. He wasn’t quite sure what he’d expected to see, but he certainly wasn’t prepared for the sight of a completely green man bowing before him.

  ‘You are welcome here,’ Coragwenelan told him. ‘Our King asked you to be the Oak Lord and, although he was unsure of your answer, I can see by your appearance that you’ve accepted.’

  Alindyne bowed again.

  ‘Your Majesties, it was a great honour to be asked and, as you can see, I most readily agreed. I will gladly return to Earth and tend the Hamadryads. I am aware of Arrana’s fading and I promise to do the work of the young Hamadryads until they are strong enough to protect the forests and all who dwell in them. Once they are fully grown I will watch over and tend them.’

  While Alindyne spoke, Jack was able to study the Oak Lord. He had the form of a man, clothed entirely in green foliage. Only his face and hands resembled anything human but they too were green. Through the oak leaves that covered his body, Jack could see twigs and acorns too. There was a kindness in his voice and, although he looked strange, Jack felt at ease in his company.

  The Queen looked at Jack.

  ‘As I am sure you are aware, the appointment of the Oak Lord lasts for the duration of your reign. Given that you are now immortal, this means the Oak Lord can never again lie at rest. You must ask him once more to make sure he is willing to undertake these duties, in the knowledge that they will be for eternity.’

  Jack shot a glance at Camelin. His friend looked very surprised. He became aware that everyone was waiting for him to speak. He rose from his chair. His ancestor towered above him.

  ‘Alindyne Brenin, are you still willing to accept my request to be the Oak Lord, knowing that you will be tending the trees on Earth forever more?

  The green man bowed low.

  ‘I am, Your Majesty. I can think of no greater honour.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Jack. He felt as if he’d come full circle. He’d begun this journey by trying to save the Hamadryads and now he had achieved a lasting protection for them. He knew Arrana would have approved. He made a promise to himself to visit the Mother Oak before he returned to Earth and to present the Oak Lord to her. He was sure she’d be pleased to know that her daughters would always be safe. The green man bowed once more.

  ‘Whenever you need me, speak my name and I will answer your call.’

  Jack bowed his head but when he looked up, the Oak Lord had gone. He glanced over at Camelin. He could see he was becoming impatient. Jack was also wondering how much longer they were going to be inside the chamber. A chair scraped on the floor as Gwillam stood.

  ‘We have one more matter to discuss today.’

  Nora rose and walked over to the two chairs where the Queen and Jack sat.

  ‘It is the Draygull, Your Majesties. He walked into Annwn yesterday morning and produced the one called Raggs from his pocket. Raggs was a former member of my Night Guard who sustained an injury from Velindur inside the Caves of Eternal Rest whilst coming to the aid of the King. Since then, the Draygull has been under house arrest but right now he is in the outer chamber. He has implored me to beg an audience with you both.’

  ‘Did he harm Raggs?’ asked Coragwenelan.

  ‘No, he is well and insists the Draygull saved his life.’

  Jack stood.

  ‘I was there in the tomb yesterday. I saw what happened but I thought the worst and may have misinterpreted the Draygull’s intentions. Raggs would have been dashed against the tomb if he’d not been caught. Can we hear what he has to say?’

  ‘We will admit him,’ the Queen agreed. ‘Have the guards escort him into the chamber.’

  One of the Druids rose, left the room by a side door and almost immediately returned. Behind him was the Draygull with a guard on either side. As soon as he came before Jack and the Queen, he knelt.

  ‘You may speak,’ Coragwenelan informed him.

  ‘I beseech you to reunite me with my dragon.’

  The sound of the Draygull’s voice sent a shiver down Jack’s spine. Their encounter in Silver Hill had not been one Jack had enjoyed. Coragwenelan leant forward.

  ‘Your dragon… And what dragon might that be?’

  ‘Ember Silver Horn the Magnificent. I know she’s in Annwn, for I can feel her presence.’

  Jack shuddered. He had no idea what this owl-like man with the piercing stare could want with Ember.

  ‘Why do you call her your dragon?’ Jack asked.

  ‘Because I have cared and protected her for many long years. She is the last of her kind and I have tried my best to keep her safe. She was very small when she was entrusted into the care of the Spriggans of Silver Hill. As time passed she grew into a fierce fire-breathing creature that the Spriggans found hard to control. She
was tethered for her own safety. Men have always killed dragons and had she flown from the hill, she would no longer be alive. I am the last of my kind too. Do you think I chose to spend my days underground? I was summoned to help with Ember. I could not release her but I tried to ensure that none harmed her. Alas, I failed in my duty, for one day she disappeared. Now I am lost without her. My life has no purpose.’

  Jack felt sorry for the Draygull but there was something he needed to ask.

  ‘You didn’t help the Dragonettes. Two of them were nearly roasted at the Candleless Feast.’

  ‘I could not free them from their prisons. The cages had no locks and the metal was too strong to break. I rejoiced when they escaped.’

  ‘You were in the company of Velindur. Was it your intention to help him?’

  ‘He was a loathsome man, with only one ambition in life. His greed and hatred were eating away at him. The Bogie came to Silver Hill a few nights ago to collect the crown the Spriggans had made for him. He could only have needed it for one purpose. I knew it was Velindur’s intention to be crowned King of Annwn at Samhain. I followed the Bogie and he led me to a portal where what remained of Velindur was skulking. He appeared to be more of a shadow than a man. He said that if I helped him, he would grant me what I desired. I did not trust Velindur to keep his promise, but since he was bound for Annwn I accompanied him.’

  Gwillam banged his staff on the floor. The Draygull jumped and let out an ear-piercing screech.

  ‘So… by your own admission you confess to entering our land with evil intent.’

  ‘No, I came because I wanted to be reunited with my dragon. I saved the rat and left the cave.’

  ‘You could have helped me,’ said Jack.

  ‘I never interfere in the affairs of men. Besides… you didn’t look as if you needed any help.’

  The Queen held up her hand.

  ‘I have heard enough. We must consider what to do.’

  As the Draygull was escorted from the room, the Blessed Council had already begun debating amongst themselves. Jack turned to the Queen.

  ‘Do you think he’s telling the truth?’