The Lost Treasure of Annwn (30 page)

‘Where do you want to look?'

‘Follow me.'

Jack could see Camelin was reluctant to go any further. At first glance there didn't appear to be anywhere for Sabrina to live, but Jack wasn't about to give up so easily.

He led the way towards the clump of trees. As they got closer, Jack could see they formed a circle. He knew they were in the right place when he saw the pool in the middle.

‘This is it, look, over there, a perfect place to find a water nymph.'

‘And what have you brought with you to exchange for information. You did think about that didn't you?'

Jack swallowed hard. He could feel a rush of panic flood through his body. He had nothing to offer Sabrina.

‘You forgot, didn't you?'

‘I didn't know we'd be visiting a water nymph.'

‘There's no excuse for bad planning, you should always be prepared for every eventuality.'

‘I'll try to ask the crystal.'

‘No need.'

‘Why? Did you bring something?'

‘I did.'

Jack's jaw dropped. He was amazed Camelin had thought that far ahead.

‘How?'

‘When I changed my outfit I also visualised a few things from my collection of shiny bits, you know, just in case you hadn't thought about it.'

‘But they won't be real.'

‘They look and feel solid to me.'

Jack watched as Camelin half opened his umbrella, turned it upside down, and gave it a shake. Onto the grass fell a small sparkly stone, a large sea-green marble, and an ordinary looking shell.

‘Did you mean to bring the shell?' asked Jack.

‘Pick it up and turn it over, you'll see.'

Jack turned the dull looking shell over. The inside was completely different; it was smooth and colourful. As Jack moved it around he could see the colours change, even in the dim light of Elidon. The deep blues, greens and purples fascinated him, as they shimmered and shone.

‘This is beautiful, I think I'd love this if I were a water nymph, we'll offer her this.'

‘See, I told you an umbrella always comes in handy.'

Jack didn't reply. The objects could have been carried, just as easily, in Camelin's pocket. He handed the stone and marble back and watched as Camelin dropped them safely into the umbrella before closing it again.

‘I'd better try calling her,' said Jack, as he knelt by the edge of the pool. He put his lips to the water and spoke as clearly as he could. ‘Sabrina, Wise One, Lady of the River.'

Jack remained kneeling. He scanned the water for any sign of movement. He'd just decided to try to call Sabrina again when a ripple began spreading out from the middle. By the time it lapped the water's edge Jack could see a dark shape below the surface swimming towards him. He'd seen several water nymphs before and was prepared for a green-skinned woman to appear. It was quite a surprise when a pale-faced nymph with luminous skin broke the surface. Her hair was silvery and looked like silk. Unlike Jennet's hair, Sabrina's was well looked after. Although she looked very different there was no mistaking what she was. Jack thought she looked sad. He bowed his head and immediately held out the multicoloured shell towards her.

‘You need my help I see.'

Sabrina spoke softly, in a voice unlike the harsh, sharp tones of some other water nymphs he'd met. Jack also heard sadness in her voice.

‘I need some information. Could I exchange it for this please?'

Sabrina took the shell from Jack and examined it carefully. A faint smile crossed her lips before she spoke.

‘You'll be wanting to know where to find the missing torc pieces, I presume?'

‘I do. My quest is to find the Lost Treasure of Annwn. If I can find the pieces and remake the torc, I'll be crowned king at Samhain.'

‘I will gladly tell you all I know in exchange for this beautiful shell, but alas, a long time has passed since the torc was broken. One part of the golden band was kept for safety in the darkest cave at the foot of the hill you call Glasruhen, but that was before a Hag arrived in Elidon. As I'm sure you know, Hags seek out the dark places in which to make their homes. This Hag did just that. She found the piece of torc in her cave and mistook it for a hair band, which she now wears to keep her long hair out of her eyes. It's safe where it is and would probably be the last place anyone would think of looking but it will be a hard task to persuade her to part with what must be her greatest treasure.'

Jack's heart sank. He had hoped Sabrina's information would help him to find the torc without too many problems.

‘Do you know anything about the other piece? The one I have to look for on Earth.'

‘Again, it is so long ago. I live in both worlds but choose to spend most of my time here in Elidon. The world of men is not the place it once was and I grow weary of change.'

‘I'd be grateful for any information you might have.'

Sabrina didn't speak. She had a faraway look in her pale green eyes. Jack took Camelin's umbrella, opened it a fraction and pulled out the marble.

‘I have another gift. I don't know who else I can ask. I was told you would have the information I need.'

Camelin frowned and pulled his umbrella back from Jack. Sabrina extended one of her long arms and stroked the marble in Jack's hand.

‘You mistook my silence; I was not awaiting another gift. I have a very long memory for I have seen many things. The reason the torc was broken was to keep it safe. Your world has had a tempestuous history but not all the secrets of ancient times have been forgotten. The knowledge was given to the Hamadryad and myself. Alas, Arrana is no more.'

‘Before she died, Arrana gave me her power. Do you think she gave me the knowledge to find the missing torc too?'

‘You have the power of the Hamadryad within you?'

‘He can make trees grow,' explained Camelin.

‘Green magic is a precious gift. It is rare for a mortal to have such power.'

Jack could see Sabrina was impressed. He could also see she liked the marble. Camelin might not be pleased if Jack gave it to her but he liked the nymph and he felt sorry she was so sad.

‘Please take the gift. I'd like you to have it.'

‘You have a kind heart, Jack Brenin. When you return to Earth you must visit the King's stone. Look through the eye and you'll see where you need to go. When you have journeyed to the destination you'll find a similar standing stone. Read the inscription, and it will lead you to the place where the torc was hidden for safekeeping. Arrana would have been able to tell you more had she still been with us.'

‘Thank you,' said Jack, as he bowed his head. ‘We are very grateful for all your help.'

Camelin also bowed. Jack passed the marble to Sabrina. Her whole expression changed as she held it tightly in her long fingers.

‘I shall treasure this. You and your companion will always be welcome. There will never be any need for gifts again. If I can ever help you I will. I bid you good fortune in your quest.'

They watched Sabrina as she sank gracefully into the pool. A large ripple travelled across the surface once she'd disappeared completely.

‘Well,' said Camelin, ‘it's a good job we've got these Hag stones, looks like we're going to be needing them.'

‘I'm sorry about your marble but it seemed the right thing to do.'

‘Aw! It's fine. I've got plenty in my loft. Be nice if Jennet was as sociable.'

‘Sabrina wasn't what I expected. She was calm, and very beautiful, in an unusual way.'

‘Unlike the other water nymphs we know!'

Camelin laughed loudly. Jack thought Nora would probably have given him a disapproving look.

‘We'd better get back to the coracle,' said Jack.

‘Yeh, we can have some fun now that's over with.'

‘I think we'd better get home; look, the sun's about to rise,' replied Jack as he pointed to the horizon.

‘That's not fair. I get my body back and as soon as there's a chance to have a bit of fun it's time to go home.'

Jack ignored Camelin's moan. They both knew they'd have to go.

‘Do you think we need to hold hands when I wish us back?'

‘No! You can hold the end of the umbrella, and don't forget to make sure Nora knows it wasn't my fault I was here.'

‘I promise. Ready?'

‘Ready.'

Jack held onto the end of the umbrella, closed his eyes and wished they were each back home. He waited for a rushing sensation but nothing happened. When he opened his eyes he was in his bed at Brenin House. It was as if nothing had happened. Had it been a dream? He instinctively put his hand to his neck. The thong was there. He ran his hand down the leather until he felt the hag stone at the end. His quest really had begun but he'd only got two more visits to Elidon in which to find the missing piece of torc. Jack leapt out of bed. He washed and dressed quickly; there wasn't a moment to lose. The sooner he got to Ewell House and spoke to Elan and Nora about the King's stone the better. He could start looking for the next piece of torc as soon as he knew where to find the standing stone.

 

‘Hello,' Jack called as he reached the open patio doors. He bent over and put his hands on his knees as he fought to get his breath back. Maybe running all the way to Ewell House hadn't been a good idea. ‘Hello, is anyone up?'

‘Of course they're up,' grumbled a familiar voice. ‘But too busy to bother about me, I've had to get my own breakfast.'

As Jack stepped into the kitchen, Camelin shuffled out of the pantry.

‘Does Nora know you've helped yourself?'

‘Had to, she won't be back for ages, they've got a visitor. It's that new friend of yours. They're all in the shed.'

‘Techno?'

‘Yes, him.'

Jack sighed loudly.

‘Humph! Thought you liked him?'

‘It's not that; I wanted to talk to Nora about last night. Did you tell her what happened?'

‘You promised you'd tell her so she'd know it wasn't my fault. She knows something's up… said she'd speak to me later. I bet one of the trees told her.'

‘I will sort it out, but I'm not going to be able to say anything while Techno's here and Grandad will be here to help soon.'

‘Why'd you have to get involved with all this buggy making in the first place?'

‘It just sort of happened.'

‘I'll be glad when it's finished. Do something useful and give me a hand upstairs with this lot, I'm starving after all that excitement last night.'

Jack watched as Camelin used his beak to drag a canvas bag through the pantry door.

‘Won't Nora miss all that?'

‘Naw, the trick is to just take a bit from everything. Trouble is, there's nothing interesting in Nora's pantry… it's all healthy stuff.'

Camelin stopped pulling once he'd reached Jack's feet.'

‘Bring this lot up to the loft for me. It'll save me having to find places to stash it all.'

Before Jack could protest, Camelin was already heading for the open patio door.

As Jack struggled up to the loft with Camelin's bag of supplies he tried to think of a way to get Nora on her own so he could tell her about the visit to Elidon. Surely she'd know about the King's stone or maybe have a book about it. He'd tried to ask his Book of Shadows but he'd not got any answers. He was sure he'd be given the information if he asked the right questions.

‘You took your time,' grumbled Camelin, as he looked through the trap door.

Jack didn't answer. He managed to get the bag up the ladder and push it towards Camelin's emergency ration dustbin.

‘Ah thanks Jack! I can take it from here.'

‘See you later.'