The Bwy Hir Complete Trilogy (9 page)

Come
Winter the weather took a nasty turn for the worst; gales and flooding battered the valley, followed by hail, sleet and snow. Vicious frosts stalked the night, crusting the snow already blanketing the fields, making the feeding of the sheep and cattle a constant battle. Emily was nearly at full term and had asked Nerys to return to stay at the farm and help with looking after Gwyn as Emily felt so unwell.

When Nerys arrived she
had been shocked at how poorly Emily had looked. Her skin was pale, there were dark circles under her eyes and an ugly swollen cold sore disfigured her bottom lip. Nerys was worried and the doctor was called.

‘She needs to eat more red meat and get plenty of rest
,’ said the dismissive doctor as he listened to the baby’s heartbeat through an ear trumpet before declaring “all was well” and departing, but Nerys had a feeling the doctor was wrong.

Dafydd fussed around his ailing wife, plumping her pillow and checking in between his work on the farm while Nerys took care of the boy and the housework, cooking and cleaning between walking Gwyn to and from school wrapped up in their warmest clothes.

Emily’s condition improved only slightly, she was still pale and tired and so they all were relieved when early Spring finally arrived, melting the snow and bringing life back to the land and making the call to the midwife a less worrisome task, at least she would now be able to reach the farm. Emily had reached full term, her swollen belly making her waddle as she went from room to room preparing her nest.

Emily’s waters broke early one
Spring morning and she took to her bed. The midwife was called immediately and they all presumed the labour would be quick with this being her second. They were wrong.

Hour after terrible hour Emily battled, sweating and screaming as she fought. Dafydd and Gwyn waited fearfully downstairs as Nerys and the
midwife urged Emily on. By late afternoon Emily was nearing exhaustion and Nerys went downstairs to advise Dafydd of the situation that was becoming increasingly dire. Dafydd received the news numbly before snatching his cap and flying through the door into the onset of evening.

He was gone less than an hour and returned demanding that the midwife leave immediately. He bundled her out of the house and ordered Nerys to take Gwyn into the kitchen and stay there until he called. Nerys was outraged and fought Dafydd tooth and nail while he practically carried her and a tiny Gwyn into the kitchen before slamming the door. Nerys was incensed
; he had obviously lost his mind. What the hell did he think he was doing?

Nerys could hear Emily’s painful cries, Dafydd’s low voice, and another? Could she hear someone else? Gwyn began to bawl and Nerys cuddled him until he was mollified. It had gone quiet upstairs and Nerys let her tears fall too.

Suddenly a thin wail pierced the silence, the child had been born! Nerys ran to the door and threw it open, racing up the stairs two at a time with Gwyn clambering behind her. She burst into the bedroom and met a scene that will be etched in her memory forever: Emily was sitting up in bed nursing her baby to her breast, her cheeks were rosy and Nerys had never seen her look more beautiful. Dafydd was kneeling at the bedside looking relieved and content. Gwyn slipped past Nerys’ legs and joined his family at the bedside peering at the new arrival. Nerys had never seen a more perfect picture.

‘Come and greet your great niece, Nerys, we
’ve named her Anwen.’ Emily beckoned her over. She tiptoed over and stared at the tiny little girl nestled in Emily’s arms. She was small and wrinkly with a few wisps of red hair stuck slick to her precious head.

‘I thought we’d lose you both!’ Nerys suddenly sobbed.

‘We were safe once Dafydd took over.’ Emily’s eyes were calm, almost serene. ‘Dafydd has delivered far more souls into this world than that midwife ever has … he saved our lives, Nerys.’

Only Emily’s life hadn’t been saved,
just prolonged. She died a few days later still holding her tiny daughter in her arms. Nerys’ heart broke that night and never truly mended, she stayed at Ty Mawr for the funeral and until Anwen was feeding properly and sleeping through the night, she left and hadn’t returned until now.

Nerys roused herself from her reminiscing and scolded herself for not returning sooner
. The damn girl was almost feral
. She set about putting the rest of her belongings in place before she went down to the kitchen to prepare a nice casserole for the evening meal. She deliberately rearranged the cupboards and reshuffled the spices huddled in their rack. Anwen would soon learn that when it came to being obstinate Nerys was way out of her league. Anwen would need to submit to Nerys sooner rather than later; struggling would only prolong the misery.

Nerys tasted the rich meaty sauce with a teaspoon, added a bit more pepper and returned the pot to the oven. She would give Anwen another hour and then go and find her herself, dragging her back if necessary. She could not afford to upset Dafydd too much and risk being thrown out of the house all because of a cosseted little minx.
I’m getting too old for this,
she thought to herself and she prepared another tray of tea to take outside to keep the men out of the house until Anwen returned
or was fetched
. Nerys pursed her lips as she slammed the teapot lid into place.

Judging an hour had passed Nerys checked on the men through the kitchen window and made to sneak out of the front door in search of Anwen. As her fist clenched the handle she felt the door push inwards and Anwen barged her way through. They eyed each other for a moment, before Anwen caught the smell of cooking and with a hiss
, stormed upstairs and slammed her bedroom door shut.

Nerys
sighed and closed the front door. Smoothing her dress over her hips she slowly climbed the stairs and slipped into Anwen’s bedroom, closing the door silently behind her.

‘Get out of my room!’ Anwen screeched from behind the pillow she hugged in her lap as she wriggled on her bed
. ‘You’ve no right being in my room! You’ve got no right to be in my kitchen either.’

Nerys raised a single eyebrow at the tirade and then plonked herself down on the edge of her bed. Anwen was livid.

‘Firstly madam,’ Nerys began quietly and calmly, ‘if you choose to vanish from the house without telling anyone where you’re going or when you’ll be back, how can anyone know whether you will be returning to prepare a meal. Secondly, it is not
your
kitchen, it is your father’s and then it will be Gwyn’s, it will never be yours. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, you need to consider
why
I am in this house and who requested my presence … little girls who play with fire often get burnt.’

Nerys waited until she was sure Anwen didn’t
intend to answer back and then she hauled her considerable bulk off the bed and left as silently as she’d arrived, leaving Anwen to ponder her words.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

‘It is time
,’ announced Awel, as she entered Mab’s pavilion dragging her ceremonial staff behind her. ‘We are gathering at the Cerdd Carega, the
Tylwyth Teg
carry the Chronicles to surrender to the Host.’

‘Host,’
scoffed Mab, ‘they are a Decagon! Long gone are the ages they could have been named Host. We are diminishing Awel. I can see an age when the Bwy Hir will no longer roam these lands.’

‘Do not speak so!’ Awel snapped
. ‘The Bwy Hir will endure. I too felt the same as you, but that was before. Taliesin has brought us new hope.’

‘It’s a slim hope, Awel. What would you have us do? Poison all the pregnant
Chosen with our blood, use their bodies as hosts to breed Halfling women capable of carrying Bwy Hir seed? Or do you believe Taliesin’s
ateb
can replace the Druids’ brew and help us sire more children of our own?’ Mab’s questions demanded answers.

‘I would not have the
Chosen used so, Mab, you know me better than that. I worry the Chosen are dwindling as swiftly as we are.’

Awel thought that someone or something was slowly killing off the
Chosen. Too many deaths in recent years had plagued the Chosen. Many of the Chosen’s women had suffered untimely deaths. She couldn’t prove it but she suspected the Druids’ hands in it somewhere. ‘But what if Tali’s ateb is a better one? What if the Druids’ vile brew had something in it to cause our seeds to fail? What if Tali’s ateb does not cause the violence the Druids’ one does? What if Tali’s ateb actually works and we could cut one more Druid bond?’

‘What if, what if!’ Mab retorted, ‘
what if it doesn’t work at all?’

‘It worked for Taliesin
,’ Awel pressed.

‘Taliesin is not yet full grown. What if it doesn’t work on the fully matured? Taliesin hasn’t even gained his height yet, never mind his powers
,’ Mab pointed out.

‘But what if it does?’ crooned Awel
. ‘What if it does?’

‘And how do you propose we find out?’

‘Gwrnach could be persuaded to put it to the test, I know that Oli would be more than willing to offer her services too, she has a soft spot for Gwrnach and it has been a long time since she was chosen to couple at the Solstice.’

‘There is good reason for th
at, Awel!’ Mab pointed out, ‘Oli is rarely sober!’

‘Perfect, then should she spill the beans on our little experiment, all wi
ll think it's just drunken rambling.’ Awel grinned.

‘And you sure you can persuade Gwrnach? You can trust his discretion?’ Mab was warming to the idea.

‘Gwrnach will hold his tongue. If the ateb works we can reveal it to the others. If Oli actually becomes pregnant, well, it would change everything.’

‘Come
.’ Mab grabbed her cloak. ‘The Host awaits, let the Bwy Hir unite … and Awel, see to our plan. I would have this trial over and done with this very night.’

They both left the pavilion and made their way to the Cerdd Carega
to join the rest of the Pride. ‘Pray this works Awel, for the sake of all,’ Mab whispered.

‘To whom, Mab? Our prayers do not reach the ears of heaven. But I will keep my fingers crossed and my hopes high for the sake of all
except the Druids. To bring them down would be a blessing beyond measure.’

The
Pride parted as Mab and Awel approached the Cerdd Carega. Mab took her place at the head of the assembly as Awel approached the centre stone, raising her staff to touch the spiral with its tip. The stone sprang into life, the white-blue spiral pulsing with energy. A lone
Tylwyth Teg
came forward lifting a curled horn to his lips and blew a perfect single note, a twin horn sounded in reply from w
ithin the Cerdd Carega and the Pride began their procession, disappearing one by one to meet their counterparts at Mynydd y Gelli
,
the sacred meeting place of the Bwy Hir.

One by one the Bwy Hir entered the ring of ancient stones adorning the grassy windswept hilltop, silently taking their rightful places within the stones until all had entered and the portals closed. Members of the Pride outnumbered those of the Host as they stood facing each other in a ring with Mab and Aeron st
anding opposite each other in the centre.

‘We have come! We have come!’
Mab Rhedyn, Queen of the Summer Realm’s
voice echoed through the vale. ‘Let the mountains quake and the seas recoil, the Pride is come.’

‘We have come! We have come!’
Aeron Ddu, King of the Winter Realm intoned
with a strong deep voice. ‘Let the lightning strike and thunder crash, the Host is come.’

‘We have come!’ all the Bwy Hir called in unison. Once the incantation was complete the assembly relaxed and moved forward to greet each other.

‘And so ends the sway of Summer,’ Mab intoned, as she presented the Chronicles to her opposite.

‘Let every leaf and stone, beast and fowl, fish and crawling creature bear witness to the advent of
Autumn.’ Aeron reverently took the leather bound tome and bowed solemnly.

‘Let us come together, Pride and Host to swear our steadfastness to the Covenant.’ King and Queen spoke as one.

The Bwy Hir recited the covenant 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 accept 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 voices echoed through the valley and died upon the wind, leaving silence in its wake.

‘And so the Bwy Hir stand fast
.’ Aeron’s eyes sparkled like beacons in the darkening sky. ‘Until we are absolved of our father’s sins … Let us now rejoice at the reunion of the Bwy Hir, long may we reign!’

‘Amen
,’ they shouted in unison as they broke from their positions and came together in greeting, a chattering of salutations filled the circle. The Bwy Hir were one again.

The preamble of these greetings was an important element of the Bwy Hir society: friendships rekindled, alliances re-forged and objectives established. Awel made a beeline towards
Gwrnach, taking his elbow and steering him towards a quiet corner while Mab entertained her King and eternal mate.

There was no such thing as true love among the Bwy Hir. They mated, the
King and Queen would mate for life, the others were free to choose at each Solstice, not immediate brother and sister, but other than that close bond, they were free to choose whomever they wished, but there was no love involved in coupling, only the desperate need to reproduce.

‘You look formidable in your vigour, my
King.’ Mab gave a mock bow and smiled modestly.

‘And you, as always, look magnificent Mab. Has your reign been
… fruitful?’ Aeron inquired with a mocking side smile.

‘Your reign would
be a hungry one if it had not!’ Mab laughed.

‘Indeed it would, Mab!’
He joined in her laughter. ‘I would loathe to be forced to devour all your woodland friends to sate my appetite.’ His smile remained but his eyes were cold, Mab’s laughter died in her throat as she scowled at him.

‘So tell me,’ Aeron changed the subject, ‘how fared our son this
Summer? I’ve had little chance to talk with him, our preparations for my forthcoming reign consumes all my time.’

‘He fared well, Aeron.’ She would not call him King again this
Autumn. ‘He is a joy to cosset. I hope you discover that for yourself one day.’
Barb imbedded,
she thought with satisfaction.

‘When he blossoms I will no longer have to share him, Mab. He will belong to the Winter Realm and join the Host proper
,’ Aeron retorted spitefully.

Mab chose to ignore him and instead searched for her son’s face among the crowd of Bwy Hir
. Aeron tracked her gaze until they spotted him surrounded by half the Pride. Oli was leaning down to ruffle his hair as if he were a child, which to the Bwy Hir he was and would remain so until he blossomed into his full stature.

‘It won’t be much longer
,’ Aeron observed. ‘You may wake to find our son all grown, Mab. Wouldn’t that be splendid?’

‘I will be sad to lose him, but I am proud of the way he’s developing, I trust you will not ruin him?’ Mab’s glossy eyes flashed dangerously.

Aeron threw his head back and laughed. ‘Of the two of us, you are guiltier of that crime, much more than I!’

‘Peace, Aeron.’ Mab was tiring of clashing blades
. ‘Let us be about our business, I have much left to do before the Solstice.’

‘You are right, let me escort you to your seat and we shall begin.’ Aeron offered his hand and she placed hers lightly upon it, cringing inwardly at the touch of his cold skin.

The procession to their seats signified the rest of the Bwy Hir to take their places in readiness to begin The Ransom.

This was always a heated and fractious time, so much so that weapons were not permitted in the gathering, although Awel always kept a sharp blade tucked beneath her robes and presumed there were many others who did the same.

They slowly gathered either side of the circle. Mab sat at the front of her side with the Pride sitting in two rows behind her and Awel at her side. The Host sat haphazardly and informally, Aeron sat dominantly and nonchalantly in the middle.

And so it began
…

‘I have spent all my energy ensuring the grass stayed green and the sheep well fed, I would be grateful if
Winter’s snow did not kill most of them off this year.’

‘Granted.’

‘The berries are heavy on the boughs; grant us the clemency of receding ground frost in February latest.’

‘Granted.’

‘I demand the foxes are left in peace this Winter after the heavy culling during the Winter hunt past.’

‘Not granted.’

A hue and cry went up. The Pride were jumping and jeering in their seats.

‘May I ask why?’ Mab’s voice dripped scorn.

‘Because I desire it otherwise,’ Aeron replied, matching steel with steel.

‘We concede.’ The Pride fell silent. ‘However,’ Mab added, ‘do not cull too sharply, I would hate for you to go hungry next
Winter.’ The Pride grinned smugly.

Cadno leant over to his
king and whispered in his ear. All knew Cadno’s affection for the woodland foxes and so they waited expectantly for Aeron’s next words. ‘Cadno has persuaded me to grant this concession: the fox will be no more targeted than any other animal during the hunt. Do you concur?’

‘We concur
,’ answered Mab, after a mock consultation with the rest of the Pride.

And so The Ransom continued well into the late afternoon, matters being batted between the two parties, back and forth, back and forth, jeers and approvals, anger and acceptance until all concerns were addressed, only then did the
y move on to the less arduous task of sharing information.

‘Do the borders hold?’ Aeron asked.

‘They do, my Lord,’ Awel answered, ‘the
Tylwyth Teg
keep us hidden from the prying eyes of the
Lost.’ The
Lost was the label given to all Humans who were not Chosen.

‘Do our lands hold?’
Mab shot back.

‘They do, my
Lady,’ Aeron replied. ‘Our Druids hold sway in the Councils of the Lost. None shall touch these lands.’

‘And the cost?’ Mab pressed.

‘Remains unaltered, they still crave coal and metals and we still consent to their quarrying,’ Aeron answered offhandedly.

‘And the Druids?’ Awel leaned forward.

‘They remain ever faithful.’ Aeron’s brow furrowed at the implied offense. ‘But thank you for your concern, I know how well you care for our servants.’ That brought a swell of mirth from the ranks of the Host. Awel leaned back and snorted.

‘And what of Ty Mawr?’ Mab absently brushed an imagined speck of dirt from her gown feigning boredom
. ‘I understand there had been a fire, a Helgi’s corpse, and a boy fresh for initiation …’

‘Coincidences according to our servants, as for the hound
s, there are none missing from our ranks and therefore it must be a Human’s stray hound.’ Aeron was frustrated. ‘It is of no great concern. Why ask of Ty Mawr, do you want the new blood?’

‘I presume you want it more.’ Mab tilted her head slightly
. ‘You may have it. But are you sure it was a Human’s animal and not a Helgi? Do the Druids have an agenda of their own? Can we trust them, Aeron? You know how the transfiguration upsets them.’