The Bwy Hir Complete Trilogy (50 page)

As they approached
the Cerdd Carega the Tylwyth Teg stopped in their tracks and turned to face the way they had come, filling the tunnel and forming a defensive wall.

‘What is it?’ Mab called to Awel. ‘Why do they stop?’ Awel swung round and listened intensely.

‘Go,’ she cried in alarm, ‘the Ysbrydion are coming!’ The Pride needed no further encouragement, they threw themselves at the Cerdd Carega and vanished one by one. ‘Take Anwen,’ Awel called to Mab, ‘Artio to me.’

Artio understood and passed Anwen to Mab’s outstretched arms. ‘Awel, come!’ Mab pleaded.

‘I will follow,’ Awel said, turning to face the approaching Ysbrydion, ‘but I will not leave the Tylwyth Teg defenceless.’ Mab nodded and aided Anwen to the huge stone and they vanished together.

‘Aim at the tunnel ceiling when they enter, shoot hard and fast and then we leave.’ Awel braced herself and Artio lifted her hand ready to fire. They could hear the whistling and whining of the approaching spectres as they darted through the tunnels. ‘Ready yourself!’ Awel shouted, as fire erupted from her outstretched hands, engulfing the first wave of
Ysbrydion. Artio joined the fight, shooting again and again above the heads of the Tylwyth Teg.

The Tylwyth Teg sprang into action the moment there was a pause in the Bwy Hir’s fire. They simply sprang into the air, one after the other and caught the Ysbrydion in a tight body grip and pulled them to the floor, holding them fast as Artio and Awel made their escape.

Awel was first through and she stumbled headlong into the snow covered grass in the Dell. ‘Are all safe?’ she yelled, jumping to her feet. ‘Are all through?’

‘All but Artio.’ Mab came to stand at Awel’s side.

‘She comes behind me,’ Awel panted, noting she’d lost her staff. They turned to the Cerdd Carega and waited for Artio’s appearance.

A flash of light announced her entrance and Artio stumbled to the snow, face down and unmoving. Awel gently turned her over. A wicked slash cut across her throat and along her neck, razor thin slashes marked her chest and arms, her blood staining the snow ruby red. Artio’s eyes were already lifeless. ‘No!’ Awel shook Artio’s shoulders. ‘No, please!’ she cried, clinging to the lifeless body sprawled in the snow. ‘Please!’ Awel’s anguished voice rang through the Dell and the Pride fell silent. One of their own was dead.

‘Gwrnach!’ Mab called over Awel’s wailing. ‘Help me, carry Artio, we must leave.’

Solemnly, Gwrnach knelt beside Artio and gently lifted her body into his arms. ‘No …’ Awel kneeled back and wept. Gwrnach stood and began to walk towards the
Cerdd Carega that led to Gwydir forest, all were silent as he passed, mourning for the loss of a Bwy Hir.

‘Come.’ Mab gently lifted Awel to her feet. ‘We must go.’ Mab gently pulled her along, following the others. ‘Taliesin,’ Mab said to her son, ‘you must help Anwen Morgan, she is sorely hurt.’ Taliesin nodded silently and offered his support to Anwen who accepted gratefully.

They reached the other end of the Dell without incident. Awel kept checking behind them, but of the Ysbrydion or the Tylwyth Teg there was no sign. ‘We go together,’ Gwrnach said, holding onto Artio’s lolling form. They all linked hands and Gwrnach nodded to Oli to begin the journey. She linked her arm through his and they vanished together.

The swift journey felt longer to Anwen as they re-emerged in a tangled bunch in the Gwydir forest. Perhaps it was because they travelled together or perhaps it was simply because she was bone weary. She instinctively turned her head towards the farm. ‘You must stay with us,’ Taliesin said as he helped carry her weight. Anwen glared at him but said nothing as they all made their weary way towards the
Cerdd Carega that led to Maen-Du.

Gwrnach scanned the darkening sky overhead and the Pride scanned the forest for any sign of danger, hands held open ready to strike. They reached the standing stone without interference and they gathered around its base. Gwrnach laid Artio gently to the ground. ‘I shall go first.’ Gwrnach stood. ‘I shall return if it is safe. If I am not back within moments, you are to take cover and wait.’ He vanished.

Awel began to count. One minute, two then three, still he did not return and the Pride became worried. ‘We take to the trees,’ Awel said, raising her voice, ‘take cover!’

They carefully carried Artio and hid themselves among the stands of pine trees to wait for Gwrnach’s return. The sky grew darker and thick snowflakes began to slowly descend. Anwen was becoming cold and dizzy and Taliesin gathered her to him. She tried to pull away but his arms firmed until she accepted his hold. They waited in silence.

Mab watched her son from a distance. ‘Does he believe her Bwy Hir now?’ she asked Awel quietly. Awel looked to where Taliesin was standing holding Anwen in an embrace. ‘No. He is no fool and neither is his father. She must be protected, Mab.’ Awel returned her gaze to the Cerdd Carega and Mab nodded while biting her lip.

‘
Helgi and Seekers!’ called a Bwy Hir behind them in warning as a small troupe of Druids entered the forest, Awel stood to greet them. They were a sorry band of men and even the Helgi were panting, their heads dropped low.

They bowed in unison as she made herself seen. ‘My Lady,’ the first to reach her said, ‘you are awake.’ He sounded pleased, relieved.

‘What has happened?’ Awel cast an eye over each of them; none were injured but they were dishevelled and tired.

‘We were instructed to protect the Chosen from
Ysbrydion, my Lady.’ He leaned over and coughed before continuing. ‘We travelled far and wide, to many farms and manors, yet we found no Ysbrydion, only Chosen gathered to their mirrors prepared to fight.’

‘Are any Chosen hurt?’ Awel asked worriedly.

‘No. The Ysbrydion have not entered the houses of the Chosen.’ He clutched at his side. ‘They had the good sense to send their women and children away, the men were all prepared to fight whatever came through the mirrors, armed with runes, herbs, salt and even crucifixes, yet no Ysbrydion came.’

‘Are you hurt?’ Awel spoke with genuine concern.

‘No, just winded, my Lady, we were the furthest away when we heard the call to return.’

Awel did not voice her concern:
Is there a Maen-Du to return to and where is Gwrnach?
‘We await news from Maen-Du. Take your Helgi and conceal yourselves, you may return with us.’
Where is Gwrnach?
she thought.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Gwrnach could not believe his eyes. The destruction and devastation was horrendous. He had arrived in the Reception Hall and practically stood on the injured Druids that littered the base of the Cerdd Carega. The injured lay with the dead, moaning and groaning, waiting for help to find them.

‘Where is Aeron?’ Gwrnach helped a scorched Druid to his feet. ‘Where are the Host?’

The Druid shook his head. ‘I do not know.’

Gwrnach patted the little man’s shoulder as he left him to seek the king. Gwrnach entered the hallways and saw further devastation, scorches and scars marked the walls, Druids littered the floor, some tending to the injured, others simply sitting in shock, staring into space. ‘Where is Aeron?’ Gwrnach’s deep voice echoed through the wreckage. All shook their heads in reply.

Gwrnach continued searching, entering the Hall of Mirrors where Elder Tomas was gathered with a group of Seekers and Helgi, defending the mirrors in case of a further attack. The Seekers looked in far better condition than the Druids wandering the hallways. ‘Elder Tomas,’ Gwrnach called, ‘where is Aeron? Where are my brothers?’ Elder Tomas turned and rushed to meet Gwrnach. ‘Thank goodness you have returned Lord Gwrnach, but where are the Pride?’

‘Waiting at
the Cerdd Carega in the forest, I came through first.’ Gwrnach stared disbelievingly at the carnage all around him. ‘What happened Elder Tomas? Where are my brothers?’ Gwrnach felt the bitter sting of guilt; he should have been here.

Elder Tomas shook his head woefully. ‘Oh, my Lord, it was terrible! The
Ysbrydion attacked the mirrors, and then … and then …’ He swallowed and shook his head, clasping his hands in front of his paunch. ‘Then they broke through, but that was the least of it.’

‘What do you mean? Elder Tomas where are my brothers?’ Prickles of panic ran up Gwrnach’s spine as he stared down at the little Councillor.

‘King Aeron is in Dduallt, Lord Celyn-Bach and Llud are with him, as is Cadno of course.’ Gwrnach turned to leave, but Elder Tomas called after him, ‘Lord Gwrnach, you must know: Arawn is risen.’

Gwrnach stopped in his tracks. ‘What did you say?’ He must have misheard, but by the anguished expression on Elder Tomas’ face, he had not. ‘What do you mean? You talk in riddles, Druid.’ Elder Tomas closed his eyes for a moment before saying, ‘I saw it with my own eyes. Arawn’s spectre came through the mirror and vanished into Maen-Du before escaping into the lands of the Chosen. Arawn is risen and residing in the lands of the living.’

Gwrnach’s brows knitted together and his mouth pulled down into a grim frown. ‘I must find my brothers.’

As fast as his feet would carry him he bounded towards Dduallt only stopping to carefully pass the injured or step over broken rocks that strewn the floor. Gwrnach looked up as he passed a large rock fall; he could see into the floor above and the floor above that. It would take years to repair the damage.

He ran through the door that lead to Dduallt calling as he came. ‘Aeron, Celyn-Bach, Llud, where are you?’

‘Here,’ Celyn-Bach’s voice called back as Gwrnach ran headlong into the caverns of Dduallt. Celyn-Bach waved a weary greeting as Gwrnach bounded along the narrow pathway to where his brothers were gathered. He clasped them all in a bear hug filled with relief. ‘What has happened?’ Gwrnach panted.

‘The destruction of Maen-Du,’ Aeron replied through tight lips. ‘Where are the Pride?’

Gwrnach pulled his beard as he spoke. ‘They await my return in the forest. I came through to make sure it was safe and I came across all this.’ He waved his arms around the cavern.

Aeron  patted Gwrnach on his shoulder, a rare display. ‘Celyn-Bach, Llud, fetch the Pride, see them safely here.’ They bowed and left in unison. Aeron tilted his head to Gwrnach. ‘So, the little woman got through to the Pride’s lair?’

Gwrna
ch nodded. ‘She can travel through Cerdd Carega. She is a brave soul, Aeron.’

Aeron’s expression was unreadable. ‘She is still with the Pride? What of Taliesin? Is he safe?’

‘Yes. Taliesin is fine, he and Anwen Morgan are with the Pride, but Aeron … we have lost Artio … the Ysbrydion killed her.’

Aeron bunched his fists, a loss of one of the Pride was a foul blow to all the Bwy Hir. ‘I swear that Arawn will pay dearly for her death.’

‘So it is true?’ Gwrnach said in amazement. ‘Elder Tomas said, but I thought him mistaken, battle weary.’

‘It is true, although I can hardly believe it myself. Cadno will tell you his tale and there is more besides.’ He waved to Cadno still trapped behind the bars of his cell. Gwrnach could see the genuine alarm Cadno felt.

‘Gwrnach, it is true.’ Cadno pushed his hands through the bars, extending his hands towards Gwrnach. ‘He was here, Arawn himself. He is no longer spirit. He has possessed Afagddu – I watched him enter his body and become flesh, Afagddu is no more, Arawn is alive.’

‘You saw it?’ Gwrnach stepped towards Cadno’s cell to stare into his eyes.
Is this truth or another one of Cadno’s lies?
thought Gwrnach. ‘You speak the truth, Cadno?’ he asked suspiciously.

‘Yes. Why would I lie? I saw it, saw him as he became flesh.’ Cadno swallowed hard, feeling bile burn his throat. ‘Even his horns, Gwrnach, I watched them, heard them break through Afagddu’s skull, it was disgusting. He also had a message.’ He turned to Aeron to seek his approval before continuing. Aeron nodded. ‘He told me to tell Aeron this:
“
Arawn the Horned King has returned, the Lost are found, there is only one king and he is it.”’

Gwrnach looked to Aeron and he gave a grim nod. ‘There is more.’ Aeron inhaled before saying, ‘The Chronicles have been stolen, as has my torc and the female
Helgi Cadno brought to us. The Druid in the cell with Afagddu has been transfigured and is now a Helgi. It would appear that Arawn intends to breed his own pack.’

‘I told you, Gwrnach,’ Cadno said, pressing against the bars, ‘Atgas is crazy, she is in league with Arawn. He came looking for the Helgi and called Afagddu by name. She is to blame for all this! I told you. I told you all.’

‘Enough, Cadno.’ Aeron slammed his first against the cell bars and Cadno sprang back. ‘Your own involvement is not yet known.’

Cadno rolled his eyes. ‘I have told you, Aeron. I knew Afagddu could not be working alone. I went to check on her and was caught, practically kidnapped by the crazy hag. I had to do some smooth talking to keep my head. I spied on her, saw her using a bowl to pour blood into
y Gwag – lots of blood and electricity. When I escaped, I brought the Helgi she had with her, the female included. Why else would she have shot me? I was coming back to the Host when Celyn-Bach found me.’

‘And what of the
ateb?’ Aeron raised a single eyebrow.

‘What of the
ateb?’ Cadno leaned against the bars. ‘I did not know of the ateb’s destruction. It must be another Druid in league with Afagddu and that Madog. Aeron, you must believe me! I had intended to return for the Solstice only Atgas had me under lock and key – I barely escaped with my life!’

‘His story rings true, Aeron.’ Gwrnach said grudgingly. ‘Release him, I’ll keep an eye on him. We need the Bwy Hir united.’

Aeron studied Cadno’s beseeching face through the iron bars. ‘He will be released in your care.’ Aeron glared at Cadno. ‘But mark my words; one step out of line and I will kill you myself.’

Cadno nodded eagerly. ‘Understood. Thank you, Aeron. You can trust me.’ Aeron’s expression showed how much he doubted Cadno but Gwrnach released him.

‘Let us return to the Druid Halls, I am keen to welcome the Pride.’ Aeron strode off ahead, Gwrnach and Cadno followed. Cadno was relieved to finally be free.

‘Cadno, where did Arawn go?’ Gwrnach asked as they walked together through the empty cavern of Dduallt. Cadno pointed to a gaping hole in the side of the mountain. ‘That way,’ he said, pointing, ‘they stole the dragons too.’

‘They?’ Gwrnach had a lot of catching up to do. Cadno nodded. ‘There was an explosion, several in fact, Arawn had a small army with him; not just the Ysbrydion but more substantial beings, warriors all of them. They came here on a mission, not just to cause havoc, but to steal from us.’

‘But why? What does it all mean?’ Gwrnach was dumbfounded; the Halls were in ruins, the Bwy Hir had lost a member of the Pride, countless Druids had been killed or injured, and what of the Chosen? Were they all safe?

The scenes in the Druid Halls were exactly the same as Gwrnach had left them. The Bwy Hir gingerly stepped past and over the Druids, offering words of comfort and commending bravery as they made their way to the Reception Hall. Cadno could not believe his eyes.

Aeron was hiding his concern for the Host he’d sent to the lakes to contain the
Ysbrydion leaking into the lands of the Chosen, they had yet to return. Were they safe? His fears were set to rest as he stepped into the hallway. Bran and Gwydion were talking over each other, waving their arms excitedly as Gryff, and Brenig tried to interrupt their brothers and tell their news.

Aeron’s relieved face took in the sight of his brothers; they were dishevelled and battle-worn but unharmed and Aeron was contented at their return. ‘Brothers,’ he called, and they swivelled their heads in unison. ‘Your return is well timed, the Pride are on our doorstep, join with us to greet them.’

The Host embraced and tried to tell their stories of battle on dragon-back, but Aeron spoke over their chattering. ‘Later brothers, later, it is enough you have returned unharmed, we must welcome the Pride with hearts of joy and sorrow … we have lost Artio.’

‘What? How?’ Bran’s gruff voice cut through the shocked silence.

‘Ysbrydion cut her throat.’ Gwrnach’s voice cracked and he swallowed hard. ‘Celyn-Bach is bringing the Pride here and Artio’s body with them. I carried her from the Dell and came through here …’

Aeron placed a hand on Gwrnach’s arm. ‘Enough, Gwrnach. We will all tell our tales.’ Gwrnach nodded and they trooped in silence to the Reception Hall.
‘Clear the area,’ Aeron ordered, as he entered the Reception Hall, ‘make way for the Pride.’

Cadno and Gwrnach helped lift the injured Druids and carried them into the hallway, away from the
Cerdd Carega and awaited the arrival of the Pride. They arrived in twos and threes, some bringing with them the last of the straggling Seekers with their Helgi tightly in their hands. Taliesin and Anwen came through hand in hand.

Last to come through was Celyn-Bach carrying the body of Artio slumped in his arms. The Hall became hushed as he stood silently holding her close to his chest. She looked almost asleep, but her blood soaked clothes divulged the truth: one of the Bwy Hir was dead.

‘Come,’ said Aeron, his words considered and compassionate, ‘let us seek refuge in the Host chambers where we can grieve together as one.’

Mab’s glossy eyes conveyed surprise and gratefulness at Aeron’s understanding words. She had expected fury or at least words of retribution for their loss, she had not expected sympathy and compassion, not from the Winter King. ‘Thank you, Aeron.’ Mab signalled for the Pride to follow and the Bwy Hir gathered as one, Celyn-Bach leading the way, gently, reverently holding Artio before him. The Druids all pulled back against the walls and bowed their heads as the procession passed through the halls.

Through the hush came the haunting sound of a bard’s voice in song, it resounded through the hallways, echoing and rebounding, a solitary voice commencing the lament of Artio’s passing. Another voice joined in unison and then a third, and then another, all singing a poignant marwnad of mourning:

‘Death shall have no dominion,

Death shall hold no key,

Death shall have no dominion,

For one as fair as she.

Through bough and berry,

Leaf and earth, moonlit waters,

Behold dawn’s rebirth,

She reigns eternal, beauty splendour,

No sway of time can teeth ravage,

The perfect of her majesty,

Death shall have no dominion,

For one as fair as she.’

Anwen let her tears flow unashamedly as she trailed behind the towering procession of Bwy Hir. Taliesin walked at her side, his eyes were dry but his face was ashen, his mouth set in a tight, grim line.

She had never before heard a marwnad sung
,
the passionate expression of grief pulled at her heartstrings and she found herself sobbing uncontrollably. She felt such a fool; she did not even know Artio, in fact Anwen had nearly been skewered by her only hours before. Yet the grief at Artio’s death was palpable and moving. Anwen felt herself being swept along in the surge of mourning voices until one unmistakeable voice, heard above the swell stopped her in her tracks. ‘Anwen.’

Anwen spun around and pulled her hand away from Taliesin’s.

‘Dad?’ she called back, ‘Dad?’ She saw him pushing through the crowds of Druids and despite her painful leg she rushed to embrace him. ‘Oh, Dad!’ she exclaimed, beginning to cry as he folded her into his arms.

‘Don’t cry, Anwen,’ he soothed, ‘I’ve got you now.’ Gwyn joined in the reunion and Glyn-Guinea wiped away a tear of joy as he watched a family united. Bara was ecstatic, she jumped up at the huddle, wagging her tail and pushing with her paws. Gwyn was elated; they were back together at last. Anwen was laughing through her tears and Gwyn’s eyes were as wet as his fathers. ‘Bloody hell, I’ve missed you Anwen.’ She looked up at her brother. ‘What the hell happened to your head?’ he blurted.