The Bwy Hir Complete Trilogy (28 page)

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

Dai woke with a crick in his neck. The sofa had not made a comfortable bed. Dai sat up and stretched his muscles, leaning his head from one side to the other, working out the knots.

With a yawn he made his way to the kitchen. It was well past dawn and the grey morning light filtered through the windows. It would rain today
, Dai could feel it in his bones. He set to making breakfast, he put the kettle on the hot plate and flicked the radio on, shuffling from side to side to the music as he began to fry sausages and bacon in a pan.

The music was interrupted by a crackling hiss and
Dai removed the kettle and pan from the hotplate. The interruption to the music meant one thing: a Druid had arrived. Dai went into the front room.

‘Ah, Dilwyn Jones.’ The
Druid bowed, ‘I have glad tidings. We have retrieved Dafydd Morgan’s amulet and so return both to the Ty Mawr household.’ He outstretched his hand and Dai accepted them both.

‘They will be pleased.’
Dai meant it. It was good that the Morgans had their full status returned. ‘Any news on the women?’ Dai knew the answer, Gwyn had told him everything and this morning Dai looked upon the Druids in a new light.

‘I am afraid not.’ This
Druid at least looked genuinely concerned. ‘They cannot be traced. Strange is it not?’

‘Strange indeed
.’ Dai tried to look as concerned as the Druid. ‘I’m sure they will turn up. Did you find them in Criccieth?’

‘Not as yet. Our Seekers have not long returned. If we discover anything we will inform the Morgan men immediately. We have found no trace of them and I believe that is a good thing. The
Helgi would have uncovered the bodies within the first search. They are not dead, and although they picked up a trace of the young girl above Betws yn Rhos, she is long gone. Perhaps you are right, perhaps they have just gone their separate ways, maybe after an argument?’

‘I don’t know about that, although the women weren’t the closest of friends, but they were family. They’ll turn up. Thank you for all your help.’
Dai returned the bow and the Druid left the way he had come, through the mirror.

Dai
put the amulets on the kitchen table and continued with preparing breakfast. The phone rang and Dai swore under his breath before removing the pan and kettle for the second time.

‘Yes?’ he said down the phone. It was his wife and she was close to hysterical. ‘Ellen’s called the engagement off?
... Oh, dear. Why’s that then? ... She’s in love with who? ... PC Mallard, you say? ... Well I never … Gary will get over it … I’m not being insensitive! ... Yes, I’ll be home soon … soon as I can … okay … ta-ra.’

‘How’d you pull that one off?’ Gwyn yawned as he stomped down the stairs.

‘Had a quiet chat with her dad on the phone last night, explained what had been going on, he agreed that we can’t take a chance of mixed blood. Whether the babe’s Gary’s or James’, PC Mallard has made his bed and now he’ll lie in it. Will Richards was very understanding, besides, he has other daughters and a son, his line will continue.’

‘It all comes down to blood, eh, D
ai?’ Gwyn followed Dai into the kitchen.

‘It’s thicker than water, Gwyn, it’s thicker than water.’
Dai started the breakfast for the third time. ‘Oh, there’s a present for you on the table, one for your dad too.’

Gwyn picked up the amulets with mixed feelings. He put his over his head.
He knew it was his as it still looked shiny and new. His father’s was duller, more worn – he left that one on the table.

‘What time you visiting your dad?’
Dai shuffled along to the radio.

‘This morning, as soon as I’m ready.’ Gwyn’s stomach growled as the smell of the bacon hit his nostrils. The phone rang for a second time and
Dai swore out loud.

‘I’ll get it.’ Gwyn rushed to the phone
. ‘Hello?’

‘Gwyn?’ It was Anwen.

‘Yes, yes, it’s me. You okay?’

‘Tired and cold, but I’m okay.’ Anwen’s voice was shaky and feeble.

‘I need you to listen, Anwen, you have to get on a train and get to London. Do you have enough money?’

‘Yes, but why? I want to come home!’ she wailed.

‘You can’t. You know you can’t. Not yet.’ Gwyn felt a lump in his throat. ‘I need you to listen now, get on a train and get to Euston Station, there will be someone waiting for you, someone who will help you.’

‘Who?’ Anwen was crying.

‘A friend. Just do it Anwen.’ Gwyn was crying too, ‘And there is something else. Don’t go over the sea. Not on a bridge or a boat, or nothing, just stay away from it. It’s important, I don’t know why, but you can’t cross the sea, okay?’

‘I know why, Gwyn and I won’t, but when can I come home?’ she pleaded.

‘Soon, Anwen. Soon. We’ve just got to sort things out this end. Trust me Anwen, you’ll be home soon.’

‘I trust you, Gwyn. Is
Dad okay?’

‘Yes, he’s fine, honest.’

‘Nerys?’

‘She’s still missing Anwen, so you need to stay away, you listening?’ Gwyn’s voice broke.

‘Okay. I’ll get on the next train … tell Dad I’m sorry.’ Anwen sounded heartbroken.

‘No need to be sorry, Anwen. Just look after yourself and listen, if anyone but me or dad answers the phone, you’re to hang up, okay? You hang up.’ Gwyn was boiling up inside.

‘I will. I love you, Gwyn.’

‘I love you too. You look after yourself.’ Gwyn wiped his eyes and nose with his spare hand.

‘Bye, Gwyn, and happy birthday for yesterday…I’m sorry if it wasn’t happy, I’ll make it up to you … Give my love to Dad.’ Anwen sounded so far away.

‘Bye,
Anwen. Bye.’ Gwyn waited until the line went dead before hanging up. He felt that if he held onto the phone he was somehow still connected to Anwen. He shuffled back into the kitchen.

Dai
took one look at Gwyn’s face and opened his arms. Gwyn embraced Dai and heaved a huge miserable sigh. ‘You did good, Gwyn.’ Dai patted his back. ‘If Awel’s watching over her then she’ll be fine. Now, get your arse sat at the table and get some food down you before you go and visit your dad. Oh, and get a shower and a shave will you? You stink!’

Gwyn snorted as he pulled away from the embrace
. ‘I will.’ He sat down at the table and Dai produced a fair breakfast, not as good as Anwen’s but better than Gwyn could produce.

They ate in silence, listening to the radio and enjoying the peace and quiet.
Dai had promised to return to visit Ty Mawr that evening, to prepare Gwyn for the Solstice, and Gwyn would be glad for the company.

Tomorrow evening was going to be a big event for Gwyn and his father would not be with him. He needed all the support he could get, and he trusted
Dai implicitly.

Dai put his knife and fork down
. ‘Gwyn, you took a risk telling me everything last night, and I appreciate your trust, but do not mention this to anyone else, except your father of course. It’s just I’m beginning to doubt who we can and can’t trust. I think it would be better to keep this as quiet as possible. What do you think?’

‘I agree, D
ai, I’ll keep my mouth shut, unless …’

‘What?’

‘Unless I find the bastard who did away with Nerys, then I’ll be shouting at the top of my lungs.’ Gwyn’s voice was full of anger.

‘Nothing rash, mind,’
Dai cautioned, ‘you don’t want out of the frying pan and into the fire.’

Gwyn gave a tight nod
. ‘Awel warned me to be careful and I will, but no-one hurts my family and gets away with it.’

Dai
remained silent, he couldn’t see a bright future for the Morgans, only a sad one, and that alone made Dai a staunch ally and friend, at least until there was no choice but to cut ties and protect his own family.

CHAPTER FORTY

‘I don’t like it, Awel.’ Mab was pacing the floor of her pavilion. ‘Everything is unravelling … I don’t know what to say to the Pride.’

Awel sat tiredly on a cluster of cushions, she was growing weary
. ‘You called them, so you decide. And what should you tell them? Taliesin has sired a Halfling. There is a murderous Druid, or Druids, culling the Chosen. Olwyn is pregnant with Gwrnach’s child. A new ateb has been created and used without consultation or permission and to complete the chaos, Cadno has chosen to blackmail their queen!’ Awel snorted.

‘We stand upon a cliff edge, Awel. A cliff edge that is about to crumble beneath our feet, surely it is better to reveal the truth before it is too late.’ Mab wrung her hands.

‘Too late? Too late?’ Awel was exasperated. ‘The Solstice is tomorrow, we are already too late! Tomorrow we will withdraw to slumber, Aeron already has control. There is no worse time to reveal anything! You should have waited Mab, waited until Spring, when you’d be strong enough and held full control of the Bwy Hir. You should have waited!’ Awel was determined; her voice was clipped and strained.

Mab was just as unwavering
. ‘The Chosen are being slayed, Awel, the Morgans are being targeted. The boy suffered a near miss by the hand of a Druid, our guardian has vanished, the head of the house lies injured by our hand and the girl has fled, carrying Taliesin’s child within her!’ She threw up her hands. ‘I must consult the Pride, they must help protect the Chosen, and as for our own, Olwyn is pregnant, they must be told!’

‘They cannot help!’ Awel raised her voice
. ‘We are on the eve of slumber, Mab! None of us will be able to help, the Host have control, if you reveal what you intend now, you will unleash a chaos in the control of the Winter King. Who knows how he will react, but whatever he decides will be quick and cruel, no good will come of this, Mab, you mark my words!’

‘So I tell them nothing? They are waiting for me!’ Mab retorted.

‘We have done all we can do,’ Awel snapped back. ‘Anwen of Ty Mawr is protected until we wake. Olwyn’s pregnancy will be hidden throughout her slumber. Gwrnach need not know until Spring. Taliesin will watch over the Morgans, he will also watch for the assassin among the Druids. We can do no more and neither can the Pride.’

‘Taliesin is a child, he is no match for the quest you set him.’

‘You underestimate your son, Mab. He is capable. He is more than capable, and besides, he must accept responsibility for his actions, he must learn to right the wrongs and restore the balance.’ Awel raised her hands to stall Mab’s further protests, ‘It is done, Mab. Time grows too short and we grow too weak to meddle further. The Solstice is upon us, your reign is over.’

Mab knew Awel spoke the truth and slowly the fight drained from Mab, leaving her shoulders slumped, her resolve spent. ‘Never in the history of the
Triskele have I ever witnessed so much turmoil. I fear for us all, Awel. I will protect my Pride and I will not keep these things from them. I pray we do not destroy ourselves with our secrets and deceits.’

‘Pray as much as you like, Mab, our prayers
do not reach the ears of heaven … we weather the storms alone, storms we have created ourselves. If you must pray, pray for strength, cunning and courage, we will all need these virtues in the coming days.’

Mab squared her shoulders
. ‘I will meet the Pride now, Awel, announce me.’ Awel stood, biting her tongue. As they left Mab’s pavilion they both felt Winter’s chill creeping ever closer, the reign of Summer was over.

Awel announced Mab to the expectant gathering in the hollow. All the Pride were present and keen to know the reason for the unexpected call.

Mab felt suddenly nervous, she had to handle this correctly or she could suffer a backlash from an angry Pride. She took a deep breath and schooled her face before she began, ‘Sisters, I must first apologize for dragging you away from your personal preparations for the Solstice, but I have many things I must share with you. As you know I am not secretive by nature and I believe a strong Pride is a united Pride.’ Mab paused for breath and stared at the faces waiting expectantly for her words. ‘I must consult with you on grave matters that have only just come to light but cannot wait until Spring and I apologise now if I send you to your slumber with troubled minds.’ There was a stir among the gathering and Mab continued over the murmuring. ‘Firstly, and most worryingly, I have been concerned over many seasons about the dwindling of the Chosen.’

‘We all dwindle, all the
Triskele wane!’ Llinos called out.

‘Yes, Llinos but I believe the Chosen’s demise is not a natural one
… they are being culled.’

Awel
sighed as the Pride erupted in shocked uproar. ‘Calm yourselves, Pride, remember who you are!’ Awel’s firm voice calmed those gathered and Mab continued.

‘We believe a
Druid or Druids are responsible for too many deaths, too many disappearances among the Chosen, too many to be coincidence, even as we speak one woman of the Chosen has disappeared and one runs for her life, she swears a Druid entered her home and fought with another woman of the family. That woman is missing, the other fears for her life. The family is well known and respected, they are the Morgans of Ty Mawr Farm.’ There was hushed silence. Mab gave a wry smile. ‘Yet, as if that was not enough, I must reveal to you something that concerns us all … A new ateb has been created, a Bwy Hir creation that not only does not have the vile side effects of the Druids’ ateb, but one that has already been tried and has delivered two pregnancies already.’

The Bwy Hir erupted once more
. Mab looked to Olwyn who stood to the side of the group, smiling up at her.

‘Who are the expectant mothers?’ someone cried
. ‘Who invented the ateb?’ cried another. The mood of the Pride was mixed and Mab had no idea how they would react to what she planned to say next.

‘There were two couplings
… one was Gwrnach with Olwyn who is now an expectant mother.’ Mab returned Olwyn’s smile, trying to gauge the mood of her Pride. Again, it was mixed, a blend of surprise and curiosity. ‘The other was without my knowledge and certainly without my approval, but the ateb was used naively by my own son while he resided here during my reign and so I must take responsibility for his actions, however innocent and guileless they were.’ The Pride all looked at each other, weighing up who Taliesin could have coupled with. Mab took a deep breath. ‘The expectant mother is Anwen Morgan of Ty Mawr Farm.’

Awel had expected a hue and cry, a monstrous surge of anger, but the Pride remained silent as they stared at each other and back at Mab.

‘How can this be?’ Artio called up to Mab, ‘It is impossible!’

‘It should be impossible,’ Mab replied calmly, ‘but it has happened and I reveal this to you first, the Host are still unaware.’

‘What does this mean?’ Llinos shouted over the murmurs, ‘It is forbidden for the Host to couple with Humans, as it is for the Pride.’

‘Taliesin is not part of the Host, he has not reached maturity yet
,’ Mab replied calmly.

‘You split hairs, Mab!’ Llinos shouted angrily, ‘You exiled your own sister for the same transgression as your son, yet you protect Taliesin!’ Angry shouting broke out, for and against Mab as the Pride split into factions.

‘Enough!’ Awel stepped forward, she was enraged at the scene erupting before her. ‘I said enough!’ she roared, and the crowd fell to silent, spiteful mutterings. ‘Look at us! Look at us! The first sign of trouble we turn on one another, it is pitiful, pitiful!’

‘What did you expect, bringing this t
o us on the eve of the Solstice?’ Llinos spat hostilely.

‘I expect unity! We are the Bwy Hir Pride – you forget yourselves!’ Awel spat back
. ‘You are very quick to condemn Mab for Atgas’ exile, but your memory is flawed, Llinos, we
all
voted Atgas into her exile, you included.’ She pointed a finger towards Llinos.

‘And I shall vote the same for Taliesin!’ Llinos’ eyes glittered.

‘He is not Atgas.’ Awel included all the Pride with her glower. She deliberately entrapped Human men, bedded them and drank their blood in her quest for eternal youthfulness and to satisfy her own base lusts. Taliesin is guilty of no such crime! He fell in love, a misplaced love, but love nevertheless, and with one woman, not a harem, but one woman, and she is no ordinary woman–’

‘Awel, no.’ Mab clutched at Awel’s arm, but Awel would not be dissuaded and the gathering Pride hushed expectantly.

‘Anwen Morgan of Ty Mawr carries a trace of Bwy Hir blood in her veins, which is why it is possible for her to carry Taliesin’s child.’

‘You lie to protect Taliesin!’ Llinos was unrelenting as she sought support from the gathered Pride.

‘I do not lie, Llinos but I do grow weary of your spite, so hold your tongue.’

‘Calm my sisters, calm
,’ Mab interjected. ‘Listen to me, Taliesin has given us a gift – can you not see that? An ateb with no side effects, a Bwy Hir creation, a breaking of a tie that holds us captive, this is ours, not the Druids’, an ateb
that does not turn the Host into violent monsters! Please listen to Olwyn’s tale, let her tell you how Gwrnach treated her, please?’ She ushered an embarrassed but sober Olwyn to stand before her sisters.

‘It is true
–’ Olwyn began.

‘Are you drunk again, Olwyn? Can we believe this tale?’ Llinos catcalled but was silenced by the rest of the Pride.

‘I have seen what the Host becomes at the Solstice, I have seen the terror in my sister’s eyes before they take the draught that will numb the horror of the couplings, but I have also tasted the honey Gwrnach gave me, there was no violence, no anger … just love … and now I carry his seed.’ Olwyn swallowed and smiled. ‘I have felt his gentle touch and affection, his eyes were not demonic, they were gentle and tender.’

‘You see,’ Mab urged the Pride, ‘you see the gift we have been given?’
She watched as the Pride began to confer and nod their heads. ‘Olwyn carries life in her womb, I know how it feels to long to hold a child in my arms, it has been such a long time since we have had a pregnancy within the Pride, and now there are two.’

‘One is prohibited!’ Llinos shouted again and aid came from an unlikely source.

‘You have been asked to hold your tongue, Llinos and yet you let it flap like a landed fish!’ Quiet, withdrawn Linn spoke with a passion never before displayed. ‘If what we are told is true, then a miracle has been placed in our laps. The possibility that Bwy Hir blood can survive within a Human is incredulous, but think of the possibilities, we have discovered an ateb that not only spares us the hideous couplings we have endured, but can also increase our fertility. Olwyn carries a child, how marvellous is this? Think Pride, think of the possibilities of this miracle.’ Linn’s eyes were open and honest. ‘We have two Bwy Hir children ready to be born where previously there has been naught but empty wombs … The Bwy Hir will thrive because of the gift of a new ateb, an ateb that has not been created or contaminated by the hands of the Druids. The Bwy Hir will flourish once more!’

Awel and Mab exchanged looks
– the Pride were already latching onto the possibilities of the new ateb, and Taliesin’s transgression had already been overlooked; the Pride may well accept Anwen and her child as one of them. Mab knew the Host would be more difficult to sway and she feared Aeron would seek to destroy or use the unborn child to his advantage but a huge hurdle had been jumped: the Pride were one.

Awel raised her hands once more to settle her sisters
. ‘We must discuss this further but as you have said, time grows too short. I beseech you to keep the unborn children hidden from the Host, only until Spring. This is our boon and must be kept as ours, so until Mab – until we regain power in Spring I ask for your silence.’

All agreed and Mab took a huge sigh of relief
. ‘One more thing, my beautiful Pride – I also brought to you another matter, a most grave matter, the culling of the Chosen, let me tell you what we know …’