by Kit Berry
‘Are you complaining, Holly?’ Yul asked, his voice slow and cold.
‘I—’
‘Don’t you dare start questioning her! Or questioning my authority! You—’
‘You’ve only just become an adult. Why should I do what you say?’
‘Because I’ll beat the crap out of you if you don’t! Just like I used to.’
Yul laughed tauntingly at this, darts of anger shooting about inside his chest.
‘I don’t think so. Not any more.’
Buzz yanked at Yul’s arm, raising his other hand into a fist. But Buzz was small fry compared to Alwyn. With a sudden twist Yul wrenched himself free and started to run. The others followed, yelling taunts and threats. As he ran, Yul realised he couldn’t go back home. None of the cottages in Stonewylde had locks and they’d just follow him inside. So he raced on past his home and headed out of the Village. He heard Holly and the other girls shouting from some way back, calling for the boys to stop and come back to the Great Barn.
Yul guessed that all five of the Hallfolk boys were chasing him, for there was a lot of gasping for breath and shouting. They were young and reasonably fit but Yul was fitter. Unlike them, his life was spent doing physical work. He soon gained a lead and slipped through a gap in the hedge into a field. He flew across the damp grass, his feet hardly touching the ground, thankful now that he wasn’t wearing long robes. The boys, further behind now, yelled insults and commanded him to stop.
Yul had no intention of stopping. He’d have fought one of them, or maybe even two. But five was impossible and he didn’t want to get beaten up, especially not in front of Holly. He crossed the field and turned back into the lane further up the hill, heading for the woods he knew so well. But one of the boys must’ve stayed in the lane for he felt an arm shoot out of nowhere to grab him. He pulled away and sped on, finally turning into the shelter of the woods.
‘Quick! He’s just out of the lane! I nearly had him!’
It was Fennel. Yul turned to yell an insult and failed to see the tree stump ahead. He went flying and his knee slammed hard into the ground. He cried out in pain but struggled up and started to run again, dragging his leg. Buzz threw himself at Yul, knocking him face-down onto the ground. All the breath was forced out of his body and Buzz sprawled across him, pinning him to the earth. Yul’s chest heaved but with Buzz’s weight full on him he could hardly breathe.
‘Got you, you bastard!’
The other four crowded round the prone figures, gasping for air and laughing at the same time.
‘Nice one, Buzz! Great tackle!’
‘Let’s really teach him a lesson!’
Buzz pushed himself upright, the heel of his hand forcing Yul into the ground as he knelt up. He straddled the boy, sitting astride his back. Yul couldn’t fill his lungs under the weight of the heavy youth and started to panic, wriggling and kicking frantically.
‘Bloody hell, he’s still fighting!’
Buzz put his hand on the back of Yul’s neck and shoved his face down hard, into the wet earth.
‘Keep still or you’ll suffocate. You won’t get me off.’
Yul stopped struggling, trying to get a proper breath. Buzz shifted his weight so it settled more firmly onto the boy’s back. Yul grunted as the air was forced out again.
‘Just like old times, isn’t it, Yul? I’d forgotten how good it feels to put you in your place.’
The other boys laughed and jeered.
‘Not so cocky now, is he?’
‘Pity the girls aren’t here to see him get his come-uppance. Holly would kill herself laughing.’
‘Ah yes … Holly.’
Buzz had recovered from the exertion of the chase and was enjoying himself.
‘I was in the middle of advising you to stay away from Holly. What have you got to say to that now, boy?’
Yul tried to answer but his face was pushed into the ground and he got a mouthful of earth.
‘Hah! He’s eating dirt!’
‘Very fitting,’ crowed Buzz. Yul’s face was thrust harder into the ground and he spluttered and choked, still unable to breathe under the dead weight.
‘Tempting though it is, I’m not going to beat you tonight, Yul,’ laughed Buzz. ‘It’d be too easy and I don’t want your blood on my new robes. And you wouldn’t be fit for work if I smashed you to pulp. We can’t have you unfit for work, can we?’
Yul spluttered again and Buzz brayed with laughter.
‘Sorry, didn’t quite catch that. Never mind, probably drivel anyway. Just remember, Yul, that I chose to let you off tonight. Stay away from Holly and any other Hallfolk girl in future. They’re way too good for a dirty Villager like you. And next time I give an order, make sure you jump to obey me.’
With a final shove of Yul’s face into the earth, Buzz got up, jabbing his knee viciously into the boy’s back as he did so. Yul groaned loudly despite himself. Still cracking jokes, the Hallfolk boys turned and left. Yul remained where he was on the ground, the tears welling up. Before he knew it, his body was racked with harsh sobs. He spat out the soil and tried to sit up. His back and ribs were agony and his knee throbbed badly. But he had to get back before the celebrations ended and his father returned home. He started to hobble back the way he’d come. Angry tears streamed down his grimy face forming rivulets in the dirt.
As he let himself into the shadowy cottage, a figure stood up from one of the armchairs. Yul jumped but then realised it was only his sister Rosie.
‘What’s happened, Yul?’ she gasped, peering at him in the soft light from the single lamp.
‘Nothing. Never mind.’
He tried to push past her to go upstairs.
‘Oh Yul, stop! You’re hurt and you’re covered in dirt. Was it Buzz and his gang? I saw them leave just after you.’
He nodded, hanging his head. His thin cheeks were streaked and his mouth was caked with bits of earth. He felt so ashamed, even in front of Rosie.
‘I don’t want to talk about it, Rosie. I must get to bed before Father comes back and sees me like this.’
They both eyed the leather strap hanging from its hook on the door, but Rosie shook her head.
‘Don’t worry, he won’t be home for ages. I only came back because Geoffrey and Gregory were so tired. They’re in bed now and the little ones are sleeping down in the Nursery. But Mother was still enjoying herself and Father was going strong at the bar when I left. Sit down, Yul. You can’t go to bed like that. I’ll clean you up.’
He sat on one of the hard chairs at the table while she brought a cloth and bowl of warm water from the kettle. Very gently she washed his face and hands. She noticed his swollen, grazed knee and bathed that as well.
‘You need to go to the bath house tomorrow, Yul. You’re filthy. What did they do?’
‘Not much really. It could’ve been a lot worse.’
‘Why? Because of Holly? She’s not worth it!’ spat Rosie.
‘I know that now.’ He stood up stiffly and ruffled her hair. ‘Thank you, Rosie.’
She smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. He followed her into the kitchen and watched as she made them both a mug of tea.
‘You seem greedy for trouble, Yul,’ she said. ‘Why do you do it?’
He shrugged and took the mug from her.
‘I don’t mean to. Everyone’s on my back all the time.’
‘It’s the way you look at folk, as if you’re challenging them.’ She traced the pink slash on his cheek. ‘You must be careful, Yul. Swallow your pride and keep your eyes down. If you do as you’re told and look humble, they’ll leave you alone.’
‘I can’t, Rosie. I’ve tried but I just can’t do it. There’s something in me that gets so angry and I can’t back down, even if it means taking a beating.’
She shook her head sadly, her eyes full of love.
‘Mother and I worry about you, Yul. All these people crying for your blood. The way you’re going, we wonder if you’ll even make it to you
r sixteenth birthday at the Winter Solstice.’
3
The morning after the Equinox, Miranda and Sylvie had just finished breakfast when there was a knock at their front door. Magus’ body filled the door frame and the sun gleamed on his ash-blond hair.
‘Bright blessings, Sylvie! Put your shoes on. I’m taking you out for a walk.’
‘Okay. I’ll get Mum.’
‘No, just you and me. That’s alright with you, isn’t it Miranda?’
She’d followed Sylvie out of the kitchen and looked a little surprised at this.
‘Er, yes, of course it is. Get your coat, Sylvie, and make sure—’
‘No fussing now. It’s a beautiful warm morning. Remember, Miranda, this is the beginning of a new way of life. Sylvie needs fresh air and exercise.’
They walked under the cherry blossom to the front gate and Magus led her in the opposite direction to the Hall, along the little path which wound into the woods. Early morning sunlight streamed through the branches in golden shafts. The buds were tight with green promise and sweet birdsong filled the air. They walked slowly in silence for some time and Sylvie became increasingly aware of the man by her side. He was subtly different today. He glowed with a strange radiance that she sensed rather than saw. An aura of energy pulsed around him and she felt drawn to him, as a pin to a magnet. She found it a very odd sensation.
They stopped in a small clearing just as she was beginning to tire. The dappled sunlight played upon the ground, still littered with dark leaves from last year but bristling with spiky green shoots that would later flower into bluebells. Birds flitted around in the branches and the woodland was alive with light, movement and the music of nature.
Sylvie fished in her pocket and drew out her inhaler, but Magus shook his head and smiled.
‘Just breathe deeply, Sylvie,’ he said softly, aware of her fatigue. ‘Slow deep breaths. Can you feel how pure and fresh that is?’
She nodded, but still felt the tightness in her chest.
‘You really don’t need that artificial stuff, Sylvie. Feel the air going down, deep into your lungs, then flowing into every part of your body.’
She stood motionless, the light filtering onto her upturned face. She closed her eyes and drank the air.
‘That’s better – good girl. What does it feel like?’
‘It feels like I’m tasting heaven,’ she whispered.
Opening her eyes, she found him watching her intently. He spoke gently.
‘Then that’s just what it is. You must draw that heaven deep into your body; dissolve all the chemicals and toxins, the drugs and the poisons they’ve pumped into you. You need to get Stonewylde into your veins. Can you breathe easier now?’
‘Yes, I can. You’re right, I don’t need this.’ She put the inhaler away and he smiled at her, his eyes dancing and bright.
‘I want you to go walking every day, Sylvie, whatever the weather. Drink in the fresh air and get your limbs moving. You’re very weak and you’ve wasted away to nothing. Walk a bit further each day and work up a good appetite.’
‘Yes I will – I know it’s what I need. But what about school? Will I have to start soon?’
‘We need to get you well first. We have different priorities here, remember. Plenty of time for school once you’re fit and healthy.’
She felt relieved at this, not ready yet to face a whole new regime of schoolwork, teachers and students. She smiled at Magus; he instinctively seemed to understand her fears and needs.
‘Yes,’ he murmured. ‘School can wait. I want you to be cured. I want to help you.’
He gazed down at her, the dark fire burning in his eyes, mesmerising her. She couldn’t look away and he reached and took her hands. She flinched as their skin touched, feeling a tingle in her fingertips which spread throughout her body. She gasped and almost stopped breathing, for the sensation was so strange. She was scared but he smiled, his face shimmering before her in the sunlight.
‘Don’t be frightened,’ he said softly. ‘I can help you. Take what I’m giving you, Sylvie. Take the energy and use it to heal yourself. Let it flow into you and don’t fight it. Trust me, Sylvie. Trust me and open yourself up to me.’
She stood absolutely still, trying to be calm, trying not to wheeze. Then suddenly she felt it; a flood of power that washed through her into every cell, every pore. Magus’ deep brown eyes gleamed, holding her in their thrall, piercing her soul with their intensity. Her thin body vibrated with the rush of energy surging out of him and into her. He released her hands and brushed her face with his fingertips, tracing the eczema that crusted her skin. His fingers lingered gently on her eyelids, cheekbones and jaw. Her skin prickled beneath his feathery touch.
‘You will be beautiful again, Sylvie. The Earth Magic of Stonewylde is in your soul now and your body will be healed and whole.’
He stepped back and she opened her eyes. She gazed up at him in bewilderment. Then to her embarrassment, she started to cry.
Further up the path Yul was tucked away behind a smooth beech trunk, sitting amongst the green dog’s mercury and white wood anemones. He was wolfing down a hunk of bread, grabbed as he left the cottage very early on his way to work. Birds darted around him gathering material for their nests, oblivious to his camouflaged presence for his clothes were rough-spun and brown, his hair and skin dark.
He heard voices in the clearing below. He knew Magus’ voice of course, and realised the girl must be one of the Outsiders. The whole community knew that two people had come to Stonewylde and moved into Woodland Cottage near the Hall. Everyone was curious about them but so far only Cherry had seen them.
Yul shrank against the beech trunk keeping very still, his hands clutching the remains of his bread. His legs were tucked up out of sight, knees under his chin. His dark curls rested against the lichen-covered bark and he closed his eyes, praying that Magus wouldn’t discover him. Greenbough had sent him over to this part of the woods to look at some hazel coppicing, and he’d taken the opportunity to eat his breakfast. Magus would be furious if he knew Yul was there.
It went quiet and he risked a peep. He saw Magus, tall and motionless as a tree, radiating the strange power that always came to him during the festivals. His hands reached out and held the girl’s. She was like an elfchild, white skinned and almost white haired, thin and delicate. Maybe more of a fairy than an elf, he thought. In profile she was beautiful but so frail. Yul could see her glowing slightly too, and it had nothing to do with the sunlight falling on her. He knew of the magic that danced in the master but he’d never seen it shared before.
Magus touched her face as she looked up at him and Yul felt a flicker of shock at the sight. The powerful man was so very gentle, touching her as if she might break under his fingers. Then Yul saw her crumple and Magus take her in his arms and hold her against his chest. He stroked her hair soothingly as she clung to him, her body shaking with sobs. Yul pulled back behind the tree; he felt he was intruding on something private.
After a while he heard them talking again and peered round. They were walking out of the clearing up the path towards him. He stared at the lovely girl and was struck by two things; the strangeness of her silver-grey eyes and the scaliness of her skin. It looked sore and rough, and his sense of awe at such beauty was punctured with disappointment. He shrank further into his hiding place as their voices became clearer.
‘You’re very special, Sylvie. I knew it when I first saw you in London. You’ll get better, I promise you. Earth energy is the strongest force there is and it’ll heal you completely. I’ll take you up to the Stone Circle soon and then maybe you’ll understand.’
‘Is that what you did to me just now?’ she whispered. ‘Was that Earth energy?’
‘It was. And now it’s alive in your body and soul, working its magic. Now remember, you’re to walk every day in these woods. Everywhere in Stonewylde is safe. It’s not like the Outside World so don’t worry, nobody here would hurt you.’
‘I feel so peaceful in these woods. I’ll enjoy walking here,’ she said softly and her voice sounded strange to Yul.
‘I’m sure you’ve been ill because your spirit has starved. You’re a magical girl, Sylvie, and you need to be in touch with the magic of the earth and all living things. Stonewylde will nurture and nourish you and it won’t be long before you’re healed.’
Sylvie sighed, feeling secure in the cocoon of his warmth and care.
‘You’re such a kind man.’
‘I’m the magus,’ he said simply. ‘I’m the guardian. I look after Stonewylde and everyone who lives here.’
As they disappeared out of sight Yul touched the cut on his cheek and smiled bitterly.
Back at the cottage Sylvie joined her mother and Magus for a cup of tea while they discussed her diet. Miranda was worried about reintroducing wheat and dairy foods so quickly but Magus dismissed her concerns. He told her to let Sylvie eat whatever she fancied, but in moderation at first.
‘I believe, and so does Hazel, that Sylvie’s been needlessly drugged up to the eyeballs. All these food intolerances are a symptom, not the cause, of her illness. What she needs is fresh air, exercise and wholesome organic food with no chemical additives. The sooner she flushes the poison out of her system the better. We’ve made a start today with the healing process, haven’t we Sylvie?’
They smiled at each other and she nodded happily.
‘Is there actually a doctor here?’ asked Miranda, a little anxious that they’d get caught up in some alternative medicine that might do more harm than good.
‘Oh yes. Tomorrow you can come and meet him and he’ll give Sylvie a thorough check-up. He’ll be here until Hazel arrives in the summer. We always have at least one doctor at Stonewylde. Hallfolk come and go all the time and nobody usually stays for ever.’
‘I didn’t realise that. Why don’t they stay?’
‘There are a great many Hallfolk, everyone loosely related, and there’s simply not enough room for them all to live here at once.’
‘But the Villagers you’ve spoken about … they stay, don’t they? You said they never leave Stonewylde.’