The Lost Treasure of Annwn (20 page)

Jack's mind went back to their unexpected visit through the Caves of Eternal Rest. At least this time they'd be going into Annwn through Glasruhen Gate. He didn't want to think about the last time they'd been through the portal either… that visit had ended with a trial. He hoped his visit to the Council Chamber wouldn't be as gruelling this time.

‘Ready?' called Nora from the garden.

‘Ready,' they replied.

‘Camelin's flown on ahead. The portal is hidden in the clearing near the standing stones. He'll wait for us there.'

Jack wanted to ask Elan some questions but Nora chatted all the way about the arrangements she'd made at the meeting earlier. Jack suddenly remembered he was supposed to tell the Flying Squad they were to report to Motley.

‘Should I have come to the meeting?' he asked Nora.

‘No need, it was only to make sure everyone knew what to do while we were away.'

‘I promised Motley I'd speak to the starlings and I didn't.'

‘I did,' said Elan, ‘Orin told me what Motley had said and I called them all over while you were out.'

‘Thanks, I completely forgot.'

Elan giggled.

‘Camelin won't recognise them when he gets back, Motley will have them trained up into an efficient squad in no time.'

Jack thought Motley really would have his work cut out. The starlings didn't seem to have very good memories. They'd probably forget everything in a couple of days.

It was a short climb to the edge of the bushes that surrounded the standing stones. Three Dryads were waiting for them. Jack recognised Cory but he didn't know the other two.

‘Is all well?' asked Nora.

‘All is well,' replied Cory, as she touched one of the leaves on the nearest bush. ‘We knew you were on your way and thought we'd come to meet you.'

The bushes parted and Jack could see the ring of stones in the centre of the clearing. Camelin was just outside the circle.

‘This way,' called Nora.

Jack turned round to say goodbye to Cory but the bushes had already closed and all three Dryads were gone. He followed Nora up to the top of the meadow.

‘Would you like to open the portal?' Nora asked Jack as she gave him her Book of Shadows.

Jack looked at the page and read aloud.

To open up a Portal wide,

Into Annwn's fair countryside,

Hold the Treasure from the shrine,

Then let the golden acorn shine.

The words were slightly different. Last time Elan had laid branches and Nora had performed a ritual before the two sentinel oaks.

‘Hold your acorn in one hand and your wand in the other,' Nora told Jack as she and Elan held up the cauldron.

Jack took his chain off and laid his golden acorn on his palm before picking up his wand. A blaze of golden light burst from the acorn. As the beam of light extended in the direction of the cauldron, two gnarled oak trees began to appear.

‘Now, point your wand between the trees, keep a steady light,' said Nora.

Last time Jack had aimed his wand between the sentinel oaks his hand had trembled. This time was different; he felt in command of both his wand and emotions. He closed his eyes before the blinding flash appeared. He felt the explosion of light through his eyelids. When he opened his eyes the tall arched doorway had materialised. The golden leaves and acorns on the green door shone in the light from his acorn.

The door fascinated Jack. It was incredible to think something so big could be hidden from sight.

‘Shall we go through?' asked Elan.

‘About time,' grumbled Camelin, as he shuffled towards the closed door. ‘If you hadn't hidden it I could have been through half an hour ago.'

Nora frowned at him.

‘Tonight Jack must go through first, he's the one with the invitation, you're just here as a guest, as I am.'

Camelin looked annoyed but he stood away from the door. Jack took one step forward and extended his hand. He was about to push when a low rumbling noise began. The two halves of the door parted before he touched the wood. A glowing green light shone beyond the portal. Jack took a deep breath and stepped into Annwn.

 

 

THE COUNCIL MEETING

With each step Jack took, the glowing green light faded. He screwed up his eyes in anticipation of bright sunlight but Annwn was in darkness. As his eyes became accustomed to the dark, he turned and watched Elan and Nora step through the portal followed by a disgruntled looking Camelin. Nora reached into the cauldron and brought out her wand. She held it above her head and sent a blaze of golden light high into the night sky. It exploded into a shower of tiny sparks that cascaded to the ground. As the first landed on the grass in front of Jack's foot a low sound began. It filled Jack's head, and seemed to echo around the hills. Another sound, slightly higher than the first joined in, followed by two more. Four columns of golden light from different locations rose into the night sky, before each exploded into showers of red, blue, green and silver. As the last faded, the sound stopped. Jack turned to Nora; he knew she was smiling.

‘Your welcome has begun. This is how expected visitors used to be received. The old ways have returned once more to Annwn.'

‘What happens next?' asked Jack.

‘We'll make our way to the top of the hill that overlooks the citadel. By the time we get there we won't have long to wait.'

Jack could see Camelin was swaying impatiently from side to side but he couldn't see Elan.

‘She'll be back soon,' explained Nora. ‘She's gone on ahead. As Queen of Annwn she has to welcome us officially to her land. I'm afraid you'll have to help me with the cauldron now she's gone.'

Jack gripped the large metal ring. Try as he might he could not lift his side of the cauldron off the ground. Camelin tutted loudly.

‘I think we need a little bit of assistance, don't you?' said Nora, as she pointed her wand at the contents of the cauldron and whispered, ‘redigo.'

Jack found he was now able to lift the cauldron easily.

‘Better?' asked Nora.

‘A lot better, thanks.'

‘Can we go now?' Camelin whined.

‘You may fly on ahead but only to the brow of the hill.'

Camelin was airborne in a flash. He looped-the-loop twice before flying off towards the hill. Jack was surprised when he saw Camelin flying back.

‘Is there a problem?' asked Nora.

‘Two problems!' croaked Camelin. ‘Part of the welcoming party is already on its way. The raven part.'

Jack was glad Camelin couldn't see him smile. He'd wondered if Winver and Hesta would be waiting for them. This was one of the times he felt glad he was a boy.

‘I'll walk with you two, or I could sit in the cauldron now it isn't heavy any more.'

‘You'll walk,' replied Nora.

It didn't take long to get to the top of the hill. Jack gasped when he saw the sight below him. Three torch-lit processions were making their way towards them, each advancing from a different direction. It was fascinating to watch the lights as they wound their way towards a small group that stood by the foot of the hill. When they converged, an ear-splitting sound filled the night as all four notes began again. The larger group began to ascend the hill. Jack could hear giggling, of the raven kind, coming from somewhere close by.

‘We're safe for a bit,' Camelin whispered, ‘I don't think they can talk to us until we've been officially welcomed; we'll try to keep out of their way, if you don't mind.'

Jack nodded. He didn't want to speak. He was spellbound by the sight before him. As the group approached he could see the first four men were blowing into strange instruments, each was made from one long tube which extended upward, and ended in an animal head. From their silhouettes, Jack could see each one was different but it was hard to make out exactly what they were. He knew, without a doubt, that the sound was coming from the gaping mouths of the horns. Without warning the droning stopped. The men parted and a group of hooded figures, each with a lighted rush torch, filed though the gap. They walked slowly, in pairs, until they reached Jack, bowed their heads, turned sideways, and took three steps away from each other. The figures formed a lighted passageway down which Coragwenelan began to make her way; another group of hooded figures followed behind. Jack recognised Gwillam's staff and presumed the others were the members of the Blessed Council. Coragwenelan's flowing white robes made her look as if she was floating towards him rather than walking. The silver knotwork designs on her cape glinted in the torchlight. Jack could feel his heart thumping in his chest, not from fear but from anticipation. When Coragwenelan stopped she raised her arms slowly until they were above her waist. Winver and Hesta flew onto her shoulders. Jack bowed his head and kept it lowered until the Queen spoke.

‘Jack Brenin, you are most welcome here. Annwn will forever be grateful to you for your help. On behalf of myself, the Blessed Council, and the people of Annwn I bestow on you the right to enter this land at any time. From this day forth you shall have free passage throughout Annwn.'

‘I am honoured,' replied Jack as he bowed low.

‘What about me?' whispered Camelin. ‘Don't I get everything free too?'

Jack could see the glimmer of a smile on Coragwenelan's lips.

‘Camelin, you too are most welcome. The freedom of Annwn will also be yours whenever you are allowed to visit.'

Camelin bowed too. Then he made a strange face at Jack.

‘Does that mean you get to come when you want but I've got to ask permission?' he whispered.

‘It does,' Nora whispered back.

‘Humph!' Camelin grumbled.

‘We'll discuss this later,' replied Nora. ‘Now is not the time.'

‘Eleanor, Seanchai, Keeper of Secrets and Ancient Rituals, Guardian of the Sacred Grove, Healer, Shape Shifter and Wise Woman, you, as always are welcome.'

Nora tilted her head to one side and lowered it slightly before replying.

‘We are all thankful to be here and appreciate the welcome you have given us.'

‘Shall we proceed to the palace?' Coragwenelan replied. ‘A banquet awaits us.'

As the Queen turned, Winver and Hesta winked at Jack and Camelin. Each slightly shook their feathers before facing in the direction the Queen was heading. Nora and Jack picked up the cauldron and followed. The hooded figures with the lights stepped towards each other and followed too. When Jack reached Gwillam he signalled for two young boys to carry the cauldron and then extended his arm for Camelin. They set off towards the Glass Palace. No one spoke, it would have been impossible to hear what anyone was saying anyway because the four animal headed trumpets began to drone again.