by Lowri Thomas
‘You look formidable in your vigour, my King.’ Mab gave a mock bow and smiled modestly.
‘And you, as always, look magnificent Mab. Has your reign been … fruitful?’ Aeron inquired with a mocking side smile.
‘Your reign would be a hungry one if it had not!’ Mab laughed.
‘Indeed it would, Mab!’ He joined in her laughter. ‘I would loathe to be forced to devour all your woodland friends to sate my appetite.’ His smile remained but his eyes were cold, Mab’s laughter died in her throat as she scowled at him.
‘So tell me,’ Aeron changed the subject, ‘how fared our son this Summer? I’ve had little chance to talk with him, our preparations for my forthcoming reign consumes all my time.’
‘He fared well, Aeron.’ She would not call him King again this Autumn. ‘He is a joy to cosset. I hope you discover that for yourself one day.’ Barb imbedded, she thought with satisfaction.
‘When he blossoms I will no longer have to share him, Mab. He will belong to the Winter Realm and join the Host proper,’ Aeron retorted spitefully.
Mab chose to ignore him and instead searched for her son’s face among the crowd of Bwy Hir. Aeron tracked her gaze until they spotted him surrounded by half the Pride. Oli was leaning down to ruffle his hair as if he were a child, which to the Bwy Hir he was and would remain so until he blossomed into his full stature.
‘It won’t be much longer,’ Aeron observed. ‘You may wake to find our son all grown, Mab. Wouldn’t that be splendid?’
‘I will be sad to lose him, but I am proud of the way he’s developing, I trust you will not ruin him?’ Mab’s glossy eyes flashed dangerously.
Aeron threw his head back and laughed. ‘Of the two of us, you are guiltier of that crime, much more than I!’
‘Peace, Aeron.’ Mab was tiring of clashing blades. ‘Let us be about our business, I have much left to do before the Solstice.’
‘You are right, let me escort you to your seat and we shall begin.’ Aeron offered his hand and she placed hers lightly upon it, cringing inwardly at the touch of his cold skin.
The procession to their seats signified the rest of the Bwy Hir to take their places in readiness to begin The Ransom.
This was always a heated and fractious time, so much so that weapons were not permitted in the gathering, although Awel always kept a sharp blade tucked beneath her robes and presumed there were many others who did the same.
They slowly gathered either side of the circle. Mab sat at the front of her side with the Pride sitting in two rows behind her and Awel at her side. The Host sat haphazardly and informally, Aeron sat dominantly and nonchalantly in the middle.
And so it began …
‘I have spent all my energy ensuring the grass stayed green and the sheep well fed, I would be grateful if Winter’s snow did not kill most of them off this year.’
‘Granted.’
‘The berries are heavy on the boughs; grant us the clemency of receding ground frost in February latest.’
‘Granted.’
‘I demand the foxes are left in peace this Winter after the heavy culling during the Winter hunt past.’
‘Not granted.’
A hue and cry went up. The Pride were jumping and jeering in their seats.
‘May I ask why?’ Mab’s voice dripped scorn.
‘Because I desire it otherwise,’ Aeron replied, matching steel with steel.
‘We concede.’ The Pride fell silent. ‘However,’ Mab added, ‘do not cull too sharply, I would hate for you to go hungry next Winter.’ The Pride grinned smugly.
Cadno leant over to his king and whispered in his ear. All knew Cadno’s affection for the woodland foxes and so they waited expectantly for Aeron’s next words. ‘Cadno has persuaded me to grant this concession: the fox will be no more targeted than any other animal during the hunt. Do you concur?’
‘We concur,’ answered Mab, after a mock consultation with the rest of the Pride.
And so The Ransom continued well into the late afternoon, matters being batted between the two parties, back and forth, back and forth, jeers and approvals, anger and acceptance until all concerns were addressed, only then did they move on to the less arduous task of sharing information.
‘Do the borders hold?’ Aeron asked.
‘They do, my Lord,’ Awel answered, ‘the Tylwyth Teg keep us hidden from the prying eyes of the Lost.’ The Lost was the label given to all Humans who were not Chosen.
‘Do our lands hold?’ Mab shot back.
‘They do, my Lady,’ Aeron replied. ‘Our Druids hold sway in the Councils of the Lost. None shall touch these lands.’
‘And the cost?’ Mab pressed.
‘Remains unaltered, they still crave coal and metals and we still consent to their quarrying,’ Aeron answered offhandedly.
‘And the Druids?’ Awel leaned forward.
‘They remain ever faithful.’ Aeron’s brow furrowed at the implied offense. ‘But thank you for your concern, I know how well you care for our servants.’ That brought a swell of mirth from the ranks of the Host. Awel leaned back and snorted.
‘And what of Ty Mawr?’ Mab absently brushed an imagined speck of dirt from her gown feigning boredom. ‘I understand there had been a fire, a Helgi’s corpse, and a boy fresh for initiation …’
‘Coincidences according to our servants, as for the hounds, there are none missing from our ranks and therefore it must be a Human’s stray hound.’ Aeron was frustrated. ‘It is of no great concern. Why ask of Ty Mawr, do you want the new blood?’
‘I presume you want it more.’ Mab tilted her head slightly. ‘You may have it. But are you sure it was a Human’s animal and not a Helgi? Do the Druids have an agenda of their own? Can we trust them, Aeron? You know how the transfiguration upsets them.’
Many heads nodded in agreement. All knew that a Druid’s fate was not a pleasant one; to die but then to live in a different form had always been upsetting for them. The Helgi was one of the many Bwy Hir transfigurations. They were forbidden to create, but they were free to transform, to alter and manipulate at will. The Heavens had not obstructed them, but their transfigurations were rarely a success.
All the early creatures had failed one way or the other. The unicorn, although a magnificent creature, would not tolerate the presence of another unicorn. Usually a docile creature, they would immediately attack one another using their horns as wicked weapons. This made mating practically impossible and their self-destruction was sealed.
Dragons were another disappointment but still useful. They were formed to serve one purpose: formidable battle foe and unrivalled steed, and in that they served their purpose well. The only problem was they were intelligent and inquisitive and would often stray into the lands of the Lost wreaking havoc and stealing livestock. The Lost had deemed them evil and hunted them mercilessly. The Bwy Hir had no option but to chain them beneath the mountains for their own protection, and there they remained redundant prisoners until y R’hela: The Hunt that followed the Solstice.
Dragons were not how Humans depicted them. Presumably their description had been gathered from the view of a horror-filled yokel who’d witnessed a marauding dragon and had exaggerated and embellished his recall. A dragon’s stature was similar to a shire horse, they did not have scales except on their shanks. They were feathered creatures, their contour feathers black and sleek, the males have additional iridescent plumage on their hackle and breast. Nor are their tails long and lizard-like, they are feathered, akin to an eagle’s. They also have large serrated beaks and sharp intelligent eyes. In battle their chests are protected with chain mail and their weighted jesses are removed, no bridle or saddle is necessary; the Bwy Hir guides mount with their knees. Dragons do not wield fire, but the Bwy Hir do.
Bwcas were the most terrible failure and were on the other end of the spectrum from the dragon. They stand no more than two feet tall. They have hard, leather-like mottled skin with a short furry crest that runs from the top of t
heir skull to the base of their tail bone. They are short-sighted, keen eared, sharp nosed, and they have also developed speech.
The Bwca was at first considered a valuable and useful conception. They were designed as miners to quarry the earth for gold, metals and precious stones to trade with the Lost and Chosen, and diligent workers they were … at first. It didn’t take them long to balk at their tasks and they began to steal and horde the nuggets for themselves. Only when the Bwy Hir attempted to quell a revolt did they realise the Bwca had a poisonous bite, many Bwy Hir were injured that day, and one youngling was even killed when overrun by a pack of wrathful biting Bwca, sealing the Bwca’s eradication.
The purge was swift and brutal, most were destroyed by the Bwy Hir, but a few escaped to hide deep underground and so their total extermination had not been completed, but any Bwca to surface is swiftly dealt with if caught, although they are rarely seen now, another myth to add to the Lost’s stories.
The sun was beginning to set by the time The Ransom was complete, and so with no more words to exchange, the Bwy Hir abandoned the hill mutely, the Pride returning to their hollow and the Bwy Hir to the Halls of the Druid. Only Taliesin broke away to give his mother a last embrace. He whispered in her ear and she whispered back before going their separate ways. None would return until the Solstice, where Druid and Chosen would be waiting for them.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The Pride were in low spirits as they returned to their hollow, but the Tylwyth Teg had performed their duties well and a welcome sight greeted the return. All the lanterns and torches had been lit, a roaring fire was dancing in the pit and a haunch of venison was slowly roasting on a spit filling the hollow with a mouth-watering aroma.
The Pride split apart, each going about their own business until the gong was sounded to announce the evening meal. Awel followed Mab as she stalked to her pavilion. Mab’s irritation was palpable. If she had a tail, it would be lashing, Awel thought to herself.
Mab seized the door flaps and threw them aside, vanishing behind them in a flurry of fabric. Awel took a deep breath before gently slipping inside. ‘Why do you let him irk you so?’ Awel sighed as she sat down, leaning her staff against the wall of the tent. She could never understand why Mab let Aeron get her so riled.
‘I hate him, Awel, I hate him.’ Mab spoke through clenched teeth. ‘Arrogant, boorish, hideous snake!’
‘Yes, yes.’ Awel flapped her hand. ‘We all know Aeron’s qualities, but why do you let it upset you so? He will never change, he is what he is Mab, and no amount of dander will change that.’
‘I know, I know!’ Mab wailed. ‘But I still hate him, as much as I do the thought of my Tali stuck in the Winter Kingdom with him until Spring. Every time he returns to me, Tali is a little bit colder, a little more distant, a little more like his father.’
‘And when he blossoms he will remain in the Winter Kingdom forever Mab, so get used to it … but he is not his father and you have taught him well … so what is this really about?’
Mab let a tear slide down her beautiful face, ‘I can’t bear the thought of the Solstice, Awel … his touch, his cold body penetrating mine … I can’t.’
‘I thought as much.’ Awel embraced her, smoothing down Mab’s hair and murmuring reassurance as Mab wept. ‘The Tylwyth Teg are already gathering their supplies from the hedgerows, it will help numb the ritual, as always, so do not fret. Now come,’ Awel said, drying Mab’s eyes, ‘you are a queen and you will perform your duties with dignity as you always have done, so let us talk of other things … I have spoken with Gwrnach.’
‘And?’ Mab sniffed as she composed herself.
‘I have arranged to meet him outside the hollow this very night. I will take Tali’s ateb with me and witness what transpires and ensure no-one spies upon our errand … I am yet to inform Olwyn of her quest but I will tell her only once we leave the hollow. I would not have you involved in this Mab, if this blows up in our face I will take the forfeits, you will deny any knowledge.’
‘We stand together, Awel.’ Mab was adamant.
‘Yes, Mab, we stand together, but we fall alone. I would not have it any other way, my friend.’ Awel waited for Mab’s nod of agreement before grabbing her staff and heading for outside, ‘Time is running short, I must find Olwyn … Is there a message you would have me take outside?’
‘Nothing gets past you, does it?’ Mab smiled. ‘Yes, pen a message for Anwen of Ty Mawr, tell her this, word for word: “The Bard’s sun is dawning, stay steadfast and let not the black fires burn.” I would also see she receives this.’ Mab handed Awel a small bracelet with a tiny acorn adorning the chain and a small mirror, no bigger than her hand.
‘I’ll ensure she receives them.’ Awel recited the message in her head committing it to memory and left with a wave of her free hand.
‘Olwyn!’ Awel called, as she entered the base of the hollow. The aroma of venison made her stomach growl, but she had no time to eat yet. Oli-Gin was sitting in her usual spot by the fire juggling a goblet in one hand and a juicy slab of meat in the other.
‘Awel, you should try the meat, the Tylwyth Teg have excelled themselves once again.’ Oli spoke whilst licking the juice that ran through her fingers.
‘Later, Oli, later, I would speak with you.’ Awel lifted Oli by the elbow and steered her from the clearing. ‘I have need of you, Oli …’
‘You want me to what?’ Oli spluttered as she was steered towards the Cerdd Carega.
‘Keep your voice down, Oli,’ Awel hissed. ‘I told you this must be kept secret.’
‘With Gwrnach?’ Oli lowered her voice to a whisper.
‘Yes with Gwrnach, what’s wrong with you woman, we’ve already been through this.’ Awel clicked her tongue.
‘Yes, but, but ...’ Oli was beginning to balk.
‘Listen to me, Olwyn.’ Awel spun Oli to face her. ‘When was the last time you were chosen for the Solstice? A long, long, time ago, Oli. I know you’ve always taken a shine to Gwrnach and you’ve always had to watch while another took his seed instead of you. I know how it wounds you each and every time, so here I am, practically serving him on a plate for you and how do you thank me? With questions and hesitations! Tell me now if you do not want this, Oli and I’ll go and fetch another to take your place.’
‘No, no!’ Olwyn wanted this meeting. ‘It’s just … well … a shock, that’s all. I’ve had no time to prepare!’
‘Prepare for what? How difficult is it to hitch up your skirts?’ Awel was losing patience.
‘Oh, Awel, how uncouth!’ Olwyn was genuinely shocked at Awel’s words.
‘Are you coming or not?’ Awel said, touching the Cerdd Carega spiral.
‘Yes, yes!’ Olwyn’s eyes were filled with excitement and fear as she clutched Awel’s arm. They disappeared, reappearing in the forest outside.
‘Awel is that you?’ Gwrnach whispered from the darkness.
‘Yes, we are here,’ Awel whispered back.
Gwrnach stepped from the shadows and uncovered his lantern, setting it down at their feet. ‘Olwyn, it has been a long time.’ He kissed her hand as she drew near and giggled as Gwrnach flashed a mischievous grin.
‘Oh, for the love of light!’ Awel rolled her eyes. ‘Here.’ She passed the ateb vial to Gwrnach and nodded her head towards the seclusion of the trees.
‘Will it work?’ Gwrnach held the tiny vial gently in his meaty paws.
‘You tell me!’ Awel pushed the pair of them off into the trees and settled herself down to wait with the hooded lantern. She covered her ears when she heard rustling and moaning coming from the bracken and hummed a tuneless ditty to herself, praying it would end soon.
Olwyn’s shout of joy erupted from the darkness and Awel sprung to her feet, pacing up and down while waiting for the pair to re-emerge.
‘It worked?’ she called into the trees. Her reply was more grunting and moaning and with a caper of delight she moved a discreet distance away from the lovers and kept s
ilent vigil until the tryst was complete.
They emerged hand in hand, both looking flushed and embarrassed, but pleased with themselves nevertheless.
‘It worked?’ Awel could hardly contain herself. ‘Tell me!’ she urged.
‘Oh, yes, it worked beautifully!’ Olwyn said breathily. ‘Not like the Solstice coupling at all … it was wonderful.’
Gwrnach puffed himself up with pride at Olwyn’s obvious contentment.
‘And for you?’ Awel peered into Gwrnach’s eyes. ‘How was it for you?’
Gwrnach pulled his hands through his beard and he became serious. ‘It’s not like the Solstice, Awel.’ He dropped his eyes, ashamed as he continued. ‘I know the beasts we become at the Solstice, ravaging and rutting like wild animals. We feel the rage as soon as we drink the Druids’ brew but what else could we do? We needed it to even be capable ...’ His eyes looked haunted.
‘I know,’ Awel reassured him, ‘we all know what it does to the Host, but what else was there? The Bwy Hir must procreate to ensure our continuation … but this ateb is different Gwrnach?’ Awel coaxed.
‘Completely different,’ Gwrnach whispered, ‘I didn’t feel rage or compulsion … I felt … desire … happiness and, and … love.’ Gwrnach’s bushy eyebrows flew up in amazement.
Awel was taken aback by the tenderness of Gwrnach’s words, as was Olwyn who swung from his arm like a lovesick loon.
‘I will never again drink the Druids’ poison!’ Gwrnach’s temper suddenly boiled. ‘What they have done to us with their black potions when it could have been this way. I’ll wring their scrawny necks for them, one and all!’ he bellowed.
‘Hush now!’ Awel snapped. ‘Calm yourself and think! Mayhap the Druids knew not how to make this ateb, weren’t even capable of making an ateb such as this, after all this is a Bwy Hir creation.’
Gwrnach struggled to compose himself, growling and muttering under his breath.