Silver Hill (30 page)

Jack didn’t recognize the old man who stepped out into the light.

‘Let me introduce myself. My name is Mortarn, Gatekeeper of the Caves of Eternal Rest and Guardian of the Crystal Key.’

The old man bowed low and then held out his hand to Jack.

‘If you’d be so kind, I can now put this back in its rightful place and let the others in.’

‘I thought you were all asleep and couldn’t be wakened,’ said Jack.

‘The others sleep on. My awakening is due to the return of the crystal key. I would have helped you sooner if I’d been able to. I felt the crystal’s presence as soon as you came through the fifth gateway but it took time for my strength to return.’

Jack handed Mortarn the diamond-shaped crystal and watched as he went over to the entrance. He placed it carefully into the empty socket and turned it slowly three times then held his hands above it and began chanting. When Mortarn stopped he bowed to Jack.

‘It won’t be long now, the entrance will open shortly.’

They all watched as the ice rapidly thawed. Nora, Elan and Gwillam ran into the cave.

‘We were so worried,’ said Nora. ‘What happened?’

‘We found the crystal key in Velindur’s room and came in through the fifth gate,’ explained Jack.

‘It’s a Druid’s dwindling door,’ said the Dorysk, ‘but Jack’s key opened it.’

‘The same key?’ asked Nora. ‘The magic key?’

Jack nodded.

‘What happened to Velindur,’ Elan asked.

‘I don’t know,’ replied Jack. ‘I held my acorn and wished he’d disappear, and he did.’

Mortarn walked over to Jack and placed his hands on his shoulders.

‘I think you’ll find crystal magic was responsible for Velindur’s disappearance. It’s the most powerful magic of all. It has a life of its own and can’t be controlled by anyone. I’ve spent my life in these caves as their Guardian and I still don’t understand how it works. It chooses its own path. The crystals have always given rest and refuge to any who came to the caves. Now the crystals are gone, I fear those who have chosen to rest here will never awaken. It is I, not you, who has failed.’

Mortarn sat on a ledge and put his head in his hands.

‘It wasn’t your fault,’ said Elan. ‘Velindur must somehow have found out about the gateway.’

‘He’s had a Bogie and Spriggans stealing the crystals,’ said Jack. ‘I don’t think they even know they’ve been into Annwn.’

‘They’d never have taken them if they did,’ agreed Nora. ‘I suspect Velindur convinced them they were free for the taking.’

‘What are we going to do now?’ Mortarn asked Gwillam.

‘Don’t worry, all is not lost.’

The sound of beating wings made everyone turn and look at the cave’s entrance. Three dragonettes flew into the cave, each grasping a bulging sack which they carefully lowered at Mortarn’s feet.

‘Look inside old friend,’ said Gwillam.

Mortarn opened one of the sacks. A ray of warm light burst from within.

‘The crystals! But how?’ he cried.

‘It’s a long story but thanks to an old legend about a place called Howling Hill, some lost dragonettes and some very brave deeds, the crystals have been saved,’ replied Nora.

‘I think it’s time we got them back to where they belong, don’t you?’ said Gwillam.

Nora opened the other two sacks and stood back.

‘Can we help?’ asked Jack.

Gwillam laughed.

‘No, but thank you for asking, this won’t take long, stand back everyone.’

He pointed his staff at the sacks. A shaft of white light illuminated the cave. The crystals rose and hovered in mid-air before dispersing themselves over the walls. Soon the whole cave was transformed. Every inch glowed with a warm light.

‘Magnificent,’ said Motley as he looked around.

‘Truly amazing,’ added the Dorysk as he flitted around the cave.

‘I think it’s time we left Mortarn to sort things out here,’ said Nora.

‘Shall we go back to the palace?’ asked Elan.

‘Palace!’ said Raggs sleepily. ‘Where am I?’

‘Raggs!’ cried Jack and ran over to the little rat. ‘Are you alright?’

‘My leg hurts.’

Nora went over and examined him.

‘I need to put something on this leg of yours to stop the pain and help it heal.’

She gently lifted Raggs and cradled him in her arms.

While everyone made a fuss of Raggs Jack went over to Mortarn.

‘What do you think the crystal magic did to Velindur?’

‘Crystal magic never destroys it only ever protects or gives life.’

‘You mean Velindur isn’t dead?’ croaked Camelin as he waddled over from the doorway to join Jack.

‘Oh no, he won’t be dead but the magic could have taken him anywhere.’

This wasn’t the news Jack wanted to hear. He’d thought Velindur had been destroyed. He hoped the crystal magic had transported him a long way away. He didn’t ever want to see him again.

‘Time to go,’ said Elan turning to Camelin and the dragonettes. ‘Fly on ahead and let everyone know we’re on our way.’

‘I’ll come too,’ piped Timmery.

As soon as he crossed the entrance he changed into a beautiful hummingbird.

‘Wait for me,’ said the Dorysk as he transformed into a hummingbird too, identical to Timmery except for the glasses.

Elan bent down and let Motley scamper up her arm. He sat proudly on her shoulder as they said their goodbyes to Mortarn. As Nora passed Jack she held out her hand and said, ‘I think I’ll take charge of Camelin’s wand for now.’

Jack handed her the wand. He watched as she and Gwillam set off for the palace. As Elan joined him at the entrance, Jack turned and took one last look at the cave. They waved to Mortarn before following Nora and Gwillam down the path.

‘Ember wasn’t able to melt the ice then?’ he asked.

‘No, she tried her best but as you’ve seen, crystal magic is very powerful.’

Jack yawned.

‘It’s been quite a night, I’m glad I don’t have to get up for school in the morning.’

‘We’ll celebrate before you return.’

‘You mean you’re not coming with us?’

‘I’ll be back soon, really soon, I promise. Winver and Hesta will be pleased to see you both.’

Jack didn’t answer. At least he was a boy this time. With any luck they’d be more interested in Camelin.

‘Do you think Nora will be cross with me for giving Camelin his wand back? Only, without his help we wouldn’t have rescued Raggs or found the crystal key.’

‘I’m sure she’ll be fine once you’ve explained. From what I hear Camelin’s only learnt one spell.’

‘He has, but it came in very useful tonight.’

Jack could see the tips of the four glass turrets coming into view as they wound their way down the mountain.

‘Is the glass palace crystal magic too?’

‘I don’t know,’ replied Elan. ‘It might be made from the same crystals. I don’t ever remember a time when it wasn’t there. You can look it up in the palace library. Everything that’s ever been written about Annwn is in there.’

‘Maybe another time, I’m a bit tired now.’

‘Nearly there, after you’ve rested we’ll celebrate.’

Jack smiled. He hadn’t anticipated being back in Annwn so soon.

When they reached the Druid’s village Gwillam was waiting for them. He was leaning on his staff, by the open door of his house.

‘You look tired out Jack, why don’t you sleep here for a while, I’ll wake you when it’s time to go.’

Jack looked at Elan.

‘It’s alright, I’ll see you later. I’ll tell Nora where you are.’

As Gwillam stood aside Jack entered the house and crossed the circular kitchen to the room he’d shared with Camelin when they’d stayed here before. As he opened the door he heard snoring. There on the straw pallet, lay Camelin, with his feet in the air. He didn’t wake as Jack flopped down beside him. As soon as his head hit the pillow he fell fast asleep.

Jack heard someone calling. He struggled to open his eyes and was just drifting back to sleep when the door opened: ‘Wake up sleepy head. Everyone’s waiting for us at the clearing.’

Jack squinted at Gwillam as sunlight streamed in through the window.

‘Where’s Camelin?’

‘Winver and Hesta came for him. Nora wanted to see him, something about his wand I think.’

‘That was my fault, I ought to go and explain.’

‘Not until you’ve had a wash and made yourself look respectable.’

‘How’s Raggs?’

‘Nora’s dressed his wound, he’ll be fine but she thinks he might have a limp for the rest of his life. He didn’t seem too pleased when she said he ought to retire from the Night Guard, and Motley made it worse when he asked if the Dorysk could join them. Nora’s asked Raggs to take on sole responsibility for guarding the herborium, she said he could have a hammock in there with a feather mattress if he liked. I’m sure he’ll enjoy not having to patrol the forests and he certainly seemed to like the feather bed he slept in last night. Now come on, get a move on.’

Jack washed quickly, tried to make his hair lie flat and then hurried through the circular rooms to the kitchen.

‘That’s much better,’ said Gwillam as he walked around Jack. ‘Are you hungry?’

Jack’s stomach growled loudly.

‘I think I must be!’

‘That’s good. If we hurry we’ll see the barbecue being lit.’

Jack and Gwillam chatted as they made their way to the clearing. Tables and chairs had been dotted around the Monolith and a great crowd of people stood talking near the great stone. Jack didn’t recognise any of the tall, cloaked men who bowed their heads slowly as they passed.

‘You should be proud of yourself Jack,’ said Gwillam. ‘Without your help they wouldn’t have survived.’

‘Are they Druids from the Caves of Eternal Rest?’

‘They are, at least they’re the ones who’ve chosen to awaken and help the Queen. There are a lot of things that need doing before our land is restored to the happy place it once was.’

‘Where’s Camelin and the others?’ asked Jack, as he looked around the crowd.

‘They won’t be long. Have you seen who’s up there?’

Gwillam nodded towards the three great hills that formed the back of the amphitheatre. Ember was at the top of the middle hill. Her great twisted, silver horn glinted in the sunlight and her red scales flashed like burnished leather. As she raised her front claw, Jack could see her long talons had been polished. She really did look magnificent now.

‘Do you think she’s happy?’ asked Jack.

‘I’m sure she is. She’ll be safe here and there are lots of caves in the mountains where she can make a new home. We’ll make sure she’s alright.’

Jack smiled and waved but Ember’s head was turned towards the palace.

‘The Queen!’ someone in the crowd shouted.

Jack stood on tiptoe but he couldn’t see much until the crowd parted. Everyone bowed as the procession from the palace approached the Monolith. Leading it was Coragwenelan, wearing the silver crown with the three moons that Jack had seen her wearing before. Her long forest green dress swept the floor. Her wand was tucked into a silver girdle and her embroidered white cloak billowed in the breeze, the silver knotwork designs sparkling in the sunshine. Winver and Hesta sat proudly on her shoulders. The crowd bowed as she passed and Jack bowed too. Twelve hooded figures followed behind. The first two stopped when they reached Gwillam and he stepped out in front of them.

‘Come on Jack, you need to walk with me before the Blessed Council.’

Jack joined Gwillam and they walked behind the Queen towards a long table. Nora was waiting for them with the two rats on her shoulders. When Coragwenelan was seated in a beautiful carved chair at the head of the table, a dazzling array of colours burst before their eyes as two hummingbirds and three dragonettes darted about. Their iridescent scales and feathers changed colour as they caught the light. Everyone clapped and the Queen signalled for the crowd to be seated.

‘Let the entertainment begin,’ announced the Queen.

A storyteller walked amongst the tables and retold the legend of Howling Hill. When he got to the end of his tale Raggs stood up with the aid of a stick, and told the story of the adventure they’d had inside Silver Hill. When he reached the part Ember Silver Horn had played he directed the crowd’s attention to the magnificent dragon perched on top of the hillside. Everyone clapped and cheered. A mighty roar from the hilltop silenced everyone. Ember Silver Horn the Magnificent opened her wings and swooped towards them. She breathed out a great flame and aimed it towards the barbecue. The charcoal instantly glowed brightly. Jack had never seen such an amazing sight. He’d felt Ember take off from the pit, inside Silver Hill, but it had been dark and he hadn’t seen her in flight. Her great wingspan cast a shadow over the whole clearing. The crowd held on to cups and plates so the draught from her wings wouldn’t blow them away. Ember circled the crowd once before flying off towards the mountains. There was silence as everyone watched until she disappeared completely from sight.

‘My turn now,’ said Camelin as he took off.

He performed the most complicated routines he knew, diving, spinning, looping-the-loop and flying on his back. The three dragonettes joined in and blew circles of fire for Camelin to fly through. The crowd clapped loudly in appreciation. When he returned to his perch, Winver made her way over to him and shuffled up close. Camelin looked pleadingly at Jack who grinned back. He stopped smiling moments later when Hesta swooped down and landed on his shoulder.