The Bwy Hir Complete Trilogy (64 page)

‘I still don’t understand.’ A Druid
said shaking his head. ‘How are we to do this? Where will the salt go? Y Gwag?’

‘The salt will lie
between
the two mirrors and form a protective barrier ...’ Celyn-Bach was interrupted as the doors clicked open again and Elder Tomas bustled in.

‘We have Seekers guarding the doors – trustworthy Seekers. They have their orders; none but these Druids, myself and the Host may pass
… of course. I’m afraid this means that at least for now, these Druids here will be sorely pressed in ensuring the mirrors are constantly monitored.’

‘We can manage
,’ Pedr piped up, ‘but, Elder, please, if you will, is the Triskele in danger? Are there truly those among us who have deflected to his side? Despite all the brethren who were killed when Maen-Du was attacked?’

Elder
Tomas clasped his hands together and pressed his lips tightly together before exhaling. ‘I did not want to believe it myself.’

Celyn-Bach touched Aeron’s arm
. ‘Let us be away, the Druids have much to discuss. Sunset approaches and we should speak with our brothers too.’ The Druids bowed in unison as the Bwy Hir departed.

CHAPTER TWELVE

‘Repeat it one more time.’ Awel leaned back on her stool and waited. Gwyn huffed and rolled his eyes a
t Gwenllian who glared at him as she washed the stew pan at the kitchen sink.

‘Alright
,’ he grumbled as he glared back at Gwenllian. He had taken a dislike to the old woman and she equally disliked the “overly familiar tone he used when speaking to one of the Bwy Hir.” He didn’t care what she thought; he’d speak any way he chose, although he had found himself saying please and thank you more often. Flamin’ woman.

‘Okay,’ he
said, running his hands through his hair, ‘I’m to not let the dowsing rods out of my sight for a moment, they are the only thing that will help me locate Anwen.’

‘Good. Go on.’ Awel folded her arms beneath her breast as he continued to recite her instructions.

‘Two witches – I mean two sisters – will be arriving and I am to put on a cloak, pull the hood up and immediately leave with the other … she’ll drive me to another location – a pub. I’ll be taken inside and I’ll be immediately taken out the back and into the back of a van. If the van is not being followed – which it shouldn’t be – I’ll switch places with the driver and leave him at the wayside. Then I go straight to Cardiff where I’ll use the rods to find Anwen.’

‘And?’ Awel leaned forward, piercing him with her stare.

‘And I am to tell no-one – not one soul – where I am going or why.’

‘Good.’ Awel was satisfied. ‘The minute you locate Anwen and the child, you drive them as fast as you can to the address written on the note I gave you. Once you arrive, I will be informed and you will be taken to meet me.’

Gwyn looked to Gwenllian who was scrubbing vigorously on the inside of the pan. He could see she was dying to know the address Awel had given him, but that was for his eyes only. He smiled inside on getting one up on the old crone.

‘Keep your head down, Gwyn Morgan, and your wits about you. I will not be able to help you until we are together again.’ Awel hated having to be separated from Gwyn, but there was nothing for it. He had to continue alone and she had to draw the
Cwn Annwn and the Watchers away from him.

‘You’ll look after Bara, won’t you?’ Gwyn felt a lump in his throat. He didn’t want to be separated from her, he didn’t want to be separated from Awel either; he felt alone, vulnerable
and unsure.

‘I will
,’ Awel assured him, ‘she will return to Cymru with me and I will see her safely delivered into Dai Jones’ care. I am sure Liz Jones will spoil her to the point of ruin until you return.’

Gwyn’s bottom lip threatened to wobble and so he dipped his head and cleared his throat as he knelt down to hug Bara and ruffle her ears. ‘Now you behave for Awel, no messing about. This is serious business.’ Bara wagged her tail and licked his face.

They heard the car approach. Night had already fallen and the curtains to the kitchen had been closed and the doors locked. Gwenllian peeped through the curtain. ‘It is them. Are you ready?’

Gwyn swallowed hard and Awel gave a sharp nod of her head. An air of nervousness filled the room as Gwenllian opened the door allowing two cloaked figures to enter the house.

They shook off the raindrops from their cloaks before removing their hoods. One of the women was petite, dark haired and fair skinned. Gwyn’s heart skipped a beat as he stared at her beautiful face. The other, who was already stripping off her cloak, was as tall as Gwyn. Her hair was cropped short and she carried a bulk that threatened a bone-crushing blow should she be so roused. Gwyn grimaced at her manly features.

‘Quickly now.’ Gwenllian interrupted his thoughts
. ‘Put on the cloak and draw the hood as far forward as you can.’ He threw it over his shoulders and pulled up the hood, shuddering at its clammy touch.

‘You have your bag?’ Awel had her hands pressed to her face. She looked worried. Gwyn nodded and his stomach fluttered nervously. ‘Then go. And Gwyn Morgan
… look after yourself.’

Gwenllian opened the back door again and Gwyn followed the pretty woman out into the rain a
nd straight into the passenger seat of the car. She revved the engine and they took off down the lane.

Gwenllian closed the door and locked it. ‘May luck travel with him.’

Awel felt like a coiled spring. All her instincts were to keep him with her, keep him safe, but she had had to let him go and give his fate over to chance – to give the fate of the Bwy Hir over to chance. ‘Let us hope the Cwn Annwn do not see through our masquerade.’

‘We saw none as we came,
my Lady.’ The sister who had switched places with Gwyn bowed to Awel before taking a seat at the kitchen table. ‘But they are out there, they are always out there skulking on the edge of sight.’

Awel’s interest was suddenly piqued, something had just occurred to her
. ‘Tell me, when did you first begin to see the Cwn Annwn?’

‘They have been snooping for months now. All the
Cerdd Carega along the borders are being watched, but the first sighting was nearly two years ago, a sister from Pengwern was the first to see them.’

Awel had a sudden sinking feeling as lose strands of thoughts began to weave into a clearer picture
. ‘Gwenllian, how many Cerdd Carega are along the borders?’

She thought for a moment
, then said, ‘Thirty three.’

‘And how
many Cwn Annwn are seen together at one time?’

‘Usually two or three.’

Awel closed her eyes. Cadno claimed to have stolen a female Helgi from Atgas. The first female Helgi in living memory, but Awel knew from study of the Chronicles that the first female Helgi was originally created by Arawn himself and from his creation were spawned the Cwn Annwn, his own hunting pack, bred from Helgi and rebred to result in the fiercest, most aggressive and cunning hunting dogs that ever cursed the land.

When Arawn was slain by his brother Artur, the
Cwn Annwn were slaughtered along with him and the female Helgi too. Arawn’s creations were buried in history, until now.

But the timing was off, something was amiss. Atgas could not have known the transfiguration invocation and she doubted that any invocation that complex could have been remembered over hundreds and hundreds of years by Arawn himself. No, the female Helgi came before Arawn. Why?

Awel’s eyes snapped open. Cadno had the female Helgi. Cadno had ransomed for Taliesin’s new ateb. He also swore he did not tamper with the Druid ateb on the Solstice. He swore he went to find Atgas to see if it were she who was in league with Afagddu. He swore, swore that his allegiance was to the Bwy Hir.

But Awel had seen with her own eyes; Cadno could not enter the Dell. Therefore Cadno was evil. Cadno was in league with Arawn. He was a traitor and a threat to the Bwy Hir and to Anwen Morgan.

‘Awel? Lady Awel, are you ill?’ Gwenllian came to her side, the concern obvious in her reedy voice.

Awel breathed in deeply. ‘I must return to the Pride.’

Gwenllian was astounded. ‘But you must give time for Gwyn to get away. You must wait for the call from my sisters.’

Awel steadied herself. ‘Of course you are right.’ She patted Gwenllian’s arm
. ‘We can wait until first light.’

‘We?’ Gwenllian pursed her lips.

‘Yes, my friend. You will be coming with me.’ Awel kept her hand resting on Gwenllian’s arm.

‘But I am one of
the Gwrachod. My place is here.’

‘Your sister will remain here in your absence. You are indeed Gwrachod and as such your skills are invaluable to me.’

Gwenllian raised her eyebrows in disbelief and suspicion. ‘I think maybe, honoured Awel, that I am the only one save you and Gwyn Morgan who knows the whereabouts of Anwen Morgan and therefore I am a danger to your quest.’

‘Oh, that too.’ Awel patted Gwenllian’s arm again
. ‘That too … We leave at first light,
Gwenllian
Gwiddon.’

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Taliesin had been sent ahead of the Host with Gwrnach as company, although Taliesin thought of Gwrnach as more of a warder; Aeron had made it clear that no detour was to be tolerated.

Gwrnach walked with a spring in his step, keen to visit his daughter and Olwyn. ‘She’s grown a little more every time I see her, my little Blodwyn,’ he said, smiling whimsically. ‘Who’d have thought that I could father such a beautiful thing.’

Taliesin raised his eyebrows mockingly
. ‘Hmm, who’d have thought.’ Gwrnach play-cuffed him as they walked side by side through the tall grass towards the Dell. The sun slid towards the horizon, casting long shadows as they entered the quiet of Gwydir Forest.

‘Do you think Awel will find them?’ Taliesin asked as they stepped over mossy boulders poking through the dried pine needles that littered the forest floor.

Gwrnach patted Taliesin’s shoulder. ‘If anyone can, Awel will succeed; she is more tenacious than a hungry otter and wiser besides.’ Taliesin smiled weakly. ‘Come on, Tali, let us go and inform your mother that the Winter King cometh!’

‘I’m sure she will be thrilled.’ Taliesin ducked another side swipe and ran the rest of the way to the
Cerdd Carega
that would take them to the Dell. Gwrnach huffed and puffed in pursuit, but none save Bran could outrun Taliesin.

Arriving at the
Cerdd Carega, they were surprised to find Cadno loitering at its base. ‘Ho, Cadno!’ Gwrnach called out, ‘Should you not be with the rest of the Host?’

‘I was out hunting with the foxes,’ Cadno replied
, as he leaned heavily on the spear he carried with him. ‘I lost track of time, I thought I would meet you all here. Where are the rest?’

‘Coming after us. We’re the Advance.’ Gwrnach came to stand beside Cadno, leaning on his knees as he caught his breath. ‘Come with us,’ he suggested, ‘save you waiting outside like a lost lamb.’

Taliesin outstretched his arm and vanished. ‘After you,’ Cadno offered, and placed an encouraging hand on Gwrnach’s back as he stepped up to the stone. Gwrnach arrived on the other side where Taliesin was waiting. Unusually, three Tylwyth Teg were gathered around the stone, heads tipped to one side as if listening. ‘We have a welcoming party, Cadno.’ Gwrnach looked behind him, but Cadno was not with him. ‘He was right behind me.’

Taliesin rolled his eyes
. ‘He probably saw the Host coming and waited on for them. Come, my mother waits.’

They left the
Tylwyth Teg staring at the Cerdd Carega and walked the short distance to the centre of the Dell. Gwrnach caught sight of Olwyn and his daughter and split off to greet them with a hearty laugh and open arms. Taliesin continued his walk to his mother’s pavilion.

‘Mother?’ Taliesin called out as he slipped through the tent flaps. Mab rose to greet him, throwing her arms around him. ‘It is good to see you.’ He reluctantly pulled away from her embrace.

‘How are you here, Taliesin?’ Mab motioned towards the couch and they sat side by side. Mab studied her son’s face. He looked tired and harder somehow. ‘Are you well, my son?’

Taliesin was elated to be back in the Dell
– back with his mother and away from Maen-Du. ‘I am very well, Mother.’ He patted her outstretched hand. ‘I am here on my father’s request; the Host are on their way here from Maen-Du as we speak.’

‘All of them? Your father also?’ Mab was as surprised at the news as she was irritated
. ‘Why? What does he want?’

‘He wishes the Bwy Hir to gather and discuss many things
,’ Taliesin replied elusively, ‘It is safer to meet here than upon Mynydd y Gelli.’

‘Indeed.’ Mab withdrew her hand suspiciously. She recognised the hardness around Taliesin she had noted earlier: he was becoming more like his father.

A short horn blast reverberated through the Dell announcing the arrival of the Host. Mab arose regally and Taliesin followed her out of her pavilion. ‘And you have no idea what he wishes to discuss?’

‘Many things, Mother. A lot has been happening.’

‘Does he wish to speak of Anwen Morgan?’ She hurled that barb and was satisfied when it pierced his defences.

‘He refuses to allow me to speak of her. Have you news?’ Taliesin sounded like the child she remembered and for a moment she almost relaxed her guard, but he was now one of
the Host and thus no longer an ally to the Pride; to her. 

She did not answer her son, concentrat
ing instead on steeling herself for a meeting with the Host – on her territory, without her permission or prior knowledge. She ground her teeth, yet beneath her anger lay a cold fluttering of apprehension. Where was Awel when she needed her?

Lifting her chin she made her descent to the hollow where the Pride were already gathered. Gwrnach was among them, holding his daughter proudly in
his arms. The central fire pit blazed, a deer already roasting above the flames, ale and mead barrels tapped and ready to serve. The canopy above the hollow already twinkled with the creamy light of candles nestled in little storm lanterns that swayed in the evening breeze. The Tylwyth Teg had taken care of everything. Mab was ready.

She delicately
raised the hem of her skirts as she ascended a small dais to take her seat on a low canopy woven together to form a throne. The branches interlaced to form a magnificent arched emerald display above her head. She arranged her skirts and sat with a straight back waiting for Aeron and the Host to present themselves to her; this was her domain and they would be reminded of that.

Aeron hid a smile as he strolled into the hollow and looked upon his queen sitting resplendent on her throne. He read Mab’s message loud and clear: she ruled in the Dell. He bowed deeply, schooling his face and picking his words. ‘My queen, we are come and bring with us dark tidings. Let us call forth a Ransom,
here in the Pride’s domain and join as one for the sake of the Triskele, for the deliverance of us all.’

Mab fastened her feline eyes on Aeron. Had she detected a hint of a smile? His words were honey, but his true intentions? She paused before speaking, weighing his words, predicting his reasoning for a Ransom. ‘You seek a Ransom, Aeron Ddu? As sovereign or as a supplicant?’ There were snide titters from the Pride. Aeron bit his tongue and swallowed his pride. ‘As an equal, Mab.’

Mab tapped her finger on the arm of her throne.
Honey coated hemlock
, she thought, yet her face remained impassive. ‘I grant your request, Aeron Ddu, King of the Winter Realm, Pro-tem Arch Orphanim of the Bwy Hir.’ Again the Pride sniggered. ‘Let us come together, Pride and Host to swear our steadfastness to the Covenant.’

Mab stepped from her dais and joined her counterpart as the Bwy Hir gathered together to recite the ancient covenants together:

‘We adhere to the command of the Alpha and Omega:

Thou shalt not spill the blood of my children.

So we have obeyed.

Thou shall not cross the shallowest of seas.

So we have obeyed.

Thou shalt not suffer the creation of any living creatures except at my hand.

So we have obeyed.

Thou shall not seek out the devil or his foul minions; there is but one God.

So we have obeyed.

Thou shalt not seek the gates of heaven; this way is barred to the Nephilim.

So we have obeyed.’

Their solemn, monotone voices echoed through the valley and died upon the wind, but the spirit of antiquity, the presence of virtue remained, cloaking them with melancholic solace.

Aeron raised his head to the darkening sky. ‘And so the Bwy Hir stand fast, until we are absolved of our father’s sins … Let us now rejoice at the reunion of the Bwy Hir, long may we reign.’

‘Long may we reign.’ The Bwy Hir took their seats, settling opposite each other; Pride versus Host. Out of respect, Mab took a seat among her Pride, equalling herself with Aeron. He bowed his head towards her in gratitude.

Gwrnach was the last to settle, holding onto his daughter for as long as possible before reluctantly setting her down to run to her mother’s skirts.

To the surprise of the gathered Bwy Hir, and against tradition, Aeron was the first to speak. ‘My apologies to the Pride, but before we commence I must petition all the Pride to bare their chests.’

Stony, wide eyed silence greeted his words. The Pride, although not shy and certainly not modest, had never received such a request. Mab raised a quizzical eyebrow.

‘Before this Ransom can take place, I – we – must be sure that no one bares the mark of Arawn.’

Mab’s eyebrow snapped back in place. ‘What is this?’ she demanded, ‘What do you suggest,
scorner
?’

Aeron closed his eyes, desperate to curb his mercurial temper. ‘Please, my queen, please.’

Mab was wary. Aeron never said “please.”

‘Do as he asks.’

She stood and shrugged her shoulders out of her garments, baring her breasts. One by one, in challenging silence, the Pride did the same. Aeron nodded, relieved and yet, not apologetic. The Pride were pure, none bore the mark.

Mab reclaimed her garments and retook her seat. ‘Explain yourself, Aeron Ddu. You have insulted the Pride and I hope, for your sake, it was not without reason.’

Aeron stood, taking centre stage. With one hand clasped behind his back he began to explain himself. ‘The Triskele has been infiltrated; we are being attacked from within …’ He had the Pride’s full attention as he revealed all that had been discovered.

On and on, well into the night the Bwy Hir working as one discussed, deliberated, suggested and cooperated. Maps and scrolls were ferried in and out of the hollow. Repasts were shared and a bond that had previously dissipated began to reappear.

The dawn was fast approaching and Mab called a halt to the discussions while they refreshed themselves with garlic laced venison and watered wine. The Tylwyth Teg wove silently between them, replacing platters and filling goblets. ‘Are they not a marvel?’ Aeron was captivated by the lithe, nimble figures flitting through the hollow.

Mab smiled, relaxed for the first time in many seasons. ‘Where is Cadno?’ she asked absently as she looked around the gathering. ‘I do not remember seeing him at the Ransom.’

Aeron growled deep in his throat. ‘In all honesty, I do not know. I am told he was outside the Dell with Taliesin and Gwrnach before I arrived but he did not come through with them and he was not waiting at the Cerdd Carega when we arrived.’

‘Then where is he?’ Mab held no love for Cadno, nor did she trust him. ‘He should be here, Aeron.’

Aeron discarded the dregs of his goblet into the fire pit. ‘Mayhap he will arrive later … if not, he will be found and woe betide him if he has no good reason for his absence.’

Mab dropped her voice low so only Aeron would hear her words. ‘You say those who have turned to Arawn bare his mark upon their chests … what if it is not so for the Bwy Hir?’

Aeron turned his head slowly, casting his eye over the gathering of Bwy Hir as they relaxed, talked and ate together in the early morning haze. He was about to answer Mab’s question when his attention was caught by two figures moving towards the hollow from the direction from the Cerdd Carega. For an instant, Aeron presumed it must be Cadno and perhaps a Druid, but as they came closer he realised it was Awel with a Human woman and dog trotting beside them. He recognised the dog: it belonged to Gwyn Morgan. Aeron frowned.

Mab rushed to greet them. ‘Awel, you have returned.’ She embraced her Councillor. ‘But where is Anwen Morgan and who have you brought in her stead?’ Mab looked down at the crone standing wide eyed at Awel’s side.

Awel drew her gaze back from the gathered Bwy Hir before answering formally. ‘Mab Rhedyn Haf, Queen of the Summer Realm, may I present to you Gwenllian Gwiddon, Sister of
the Gwrachod
.
Her skills in earth bound magic have aided us immeasurably and will help us further yet.
’
Gwenllian curtsied as low as her aged knees would allow.

‘Greetings Gwenllian Gwiddon,’ Mab said, dipping her head, ‘You are welcome among us.’ Mab turned her attention to Awel. ‘Your coming is timely. See your guests settled in your pavilion and return here immediately.’

Awel bowed and Gwenllian curtsied again before Awel led her off in the direction of her pavilion, Bara staying at her heel. Gwenllian twisting her head as they walked past the gathering, wide eyed and awed.

Mab returned to Aeron’s side. ‘Why has she returned? Where is Anwen Morgan?’ he asked, as he watched Awel disappear into the trees.

‘We will find out when she deposits her companions in her pavilion. It was obvious she did not wish to speak in front of her.’ Mab bit her lip with apprehension.

‘Who is she?’ Aeron asked the question all the Bwy Hir were wondering.

‘The Human? She is one of the Gwrachod.’

Aeron raised his eyebrows. ‘A witch? What use is she to us?’

‘Awel says she has helped immeasurably.’ Mab was torn whether to follow Awel so she could speak with her in private, or stay where she was and at least appear to be transparent, but her decision was made by Awel’s reappearance.