Shadows at Stonewylde

24



As Yul had predicted, it was a disaster. When the Dance of the Maidens began and the girls started to move in a white cloud around her, Leveret gripped her chair and shut her eyes. Somehow the performance went ahead, mostly thanks to Celandine dancing like a dream in her new white satin ballet shoes. The little girl managed to give the impression that Leveret was part of the ceremony, constantly dancing up to her and acting as if she were merely doing the Bright Maiden’s bidding. She wove Leveret’s dance moves with the Green Archer together with the special solo that she’d worked on so hard, whilst Leveret sat like a carved figure gazing out at the crowd, her dilated eyes eerily vacant.

The chants and songs, poetry and drama took place without her and everyone coped using the photocopied sheets and stumbling through Leveret’s major part. It was obvious to all that something was terribly wrong; these rituals were very old and everyone knew how they were supposed to be performed. The Bright Maiden should’ve been the central figure leading the whole performance, and instead she sat there like a statue, silent and unmoving. Kestrel was furious; rather than having a manful role as the Green Archer to a beautiful and nubile Maiden, he had to dance with a six year-old. She may’ve been lovely in the white dress with her white-blond curls cascading from beneath her snowdrop head-dress, but he felt a complete fool. Several times he caught Faun’s eye and she smiled in sympathy.

All the other girls of Leveret’s age who could’ve been chosen as the Maiden were up in arms, angry that not only had Leveret messed it up but also that Celandine had been chosen to step in. They didn’t realise she was the only one capable of improvising a complicated dance at short notice with no practice. They only saw the apparent unfairness of the situation – Yul’s family being favoured yet again.

Sweyn and Gefrin stood near the back and smirked throughout. Leveret was like an automaton and Yul’s dark face was a picture. Jay stood with the three women who muttered and cackled amongst themselves the whole way through. At one point, much to everyone’s bemusement, Violet and Vetchling lit their pipes and glared and cursed at anyone who dared to comment. Starling managed to find a great dish of sausages which she enthusiastically worked her way through with belches of satisfaction. Jay watched the whole scene with a twisted smile on his face, enjoying every moment of Leveret’s disgrace. He didn’t know why he hated her so much – it wasn’t a logical thing and he wasn’t one for self-analysis. But he knew that there was something about the girl that he wanted to crush; a magical spark he longed to douse. Poor Maizie had taken refuge in the kitchen with Rosie and was crying her eyes out. She’d never felt so humiliated or furious in her life.

Finally the dancing and chants came to an end. Sylvie stood to close the ceremonies and send everyone home for a few hours so the Barn could be cleared for the food and dancing tonight. She was relieved the whole terrible day was over but still dreaded having to deal with Yul. He was enraged, his face like thunder, and she knew he’d blame her. Leveret should’ve been such a lovely Maiden and it was such a shame; instead of boosting the girl’s self-esteem as she’d hoped, there’d now be even more censure and punishment. She could see how angry he was and he’d make very sure that Leveret suffered the consequences.

Just as Sylvie rose and raised her hands for quiet, Leveret stood up. Unsure what she intended Sylvie sat down again, thinking that maybe the poor girl felt a little better now and wanted to say a few words of apology. Leveret stood on the small stage in the centre of the Barn straight-backed, her clinging white dress beautiful and her dark curls wild and free beneath the silver headdress. There was absolute silence and stillness, everyone eager to hear what she was going to say.

Leveret slowly surveyed the vast area, scanning the faces with wide-open eyes, turning to make a complete sweep of everyone present. Then she raised her arms almost in a gesture of supplication, her palms spread to the people, and started to speak in a strange and slow voice.

‘Folk of Stonewylde, there is darkness ahead! There are shadows at Stonewylde, shadows that will engulf us all. We must be strong. We must fight the darkness and evil that is coming. The birds are gathering, the dark birds who smother the brightness. The viper is among us! The raven has spoken—’

In one fluid motion, Yul strode across the empty space to her side.

‘That’s enough, Leveret!’ he said clearly. ‘Stonewylders, please forgive my sister. She isn’t well. I want—’

‘You will be overshadowed!’ she cried. ‘The darkness is already blackening your soul. The shadows are—’

‘Enough!’

He picked Leveret up bodily and flung her over his shoulder. Her head-dress fell to the stage and bounced off, rolling right across the floor in the shocked silence. She struggled and kicked but Yul held her tightly and moved towards the great doors, desperate to get her out of the building before she humiliated him any further. The Stonewylders stared in absolute astonishment at the spectacle of their magus carrying their Bright Maiden out in disgrace. Then the voice of Old Violet rang out, audible to all.

‘Eh, sister, that were the worst Imbolc I ever seen! ‘Tweren’t like that in our Magus’ day – he always ran things properly!’

‘Come on, lad – have your wash and get up to bed,’ said Marigold, busy laying the breakfast table for the morning. Magpie hovered near the door staring at her pleadingly.

‘No, Magpie. ‘Tis past your bedtime and it’s been a long day, a terrible day. That poor little maid.’

Still he hovered, his hand now on the latch.

‘No, I said bedtime. You must be tired and you can’t go dancing in the Barn. ‘Tis not for you this year, Magpie. Jay’s down there and we don’t want him doing nothing nasty, do we? You’re safe here with me, safe and warm. Be a good boy now and get washed.’

He loped over and took her hand in his, staring into her eyes desperately.

‘That don’t work with me, boy, you know that. ‘Tis only Leveret as can understand you like that.’

She saw the light appear in his eyes and he nodded eagerly.

‘Leveret? Oh I see – you want to find Leveret?’

He was almost comical in his affirmation, running back to the door again. Marigold sighed and came over, taking his arm and leading him gently back into the sitting room.

‘No, Magpie, you can’t go to Leveret. I know you love her, but now ‘tis not the right time. There was something badly wrong today and she’s not well. You remember Yul telling us he took her back to her cottage, don’t you? She’s been put to bed and she’ll be sleeping now. We can’t go and disturb her.’

Magpie held her hand against his cheek and pleaded with his eyes.

‘No, Magpie! You be a good boy and in the morning when I done the breakfasts at the Hall we’ll go down to the Village, you and me, and call on Leveret. How’s that? ‘Tis my final word, Magpie – you’re not going there tonight.’

He stared sadly into the fire, his shoulders drooping. Then he stroked Marigold’s plump arm briefly, his way of showing affection, and slowly climbed the wooden stairs to his bedroom.

The gang of boys stood in corner of the Great Barn steadily drinking cider. For Sweyn, Gefrin and Jay it had been a very good day indeed and they toasted each other and grinned with delight. Everything had gone perfectly, even better than they’d planned, culminating in their wonderful triumph when Leveret had stood up and spouted all that rubbish before being carried out in disgrace by Yul. The only blight on the day, for the brothers at least, was that their mother was so very upset.

Maizie was sitting at a small table with Rosie and Robin. She’d been persuaded to stay and have a few drinks as there was no point in her going home feeling lonely and unhappy, with Leveret asleep upstairs. As Rosie had wisely pointed out, it was better not to hide away tonight but to brave it out now and show the world she could cope. Maizie had reluctantly agreed and was beginning to care less about it as the rhubarb wine kicked in. Sweyn looked across at his mother, her cheeks flushed and eyes a little too bright. With a complete lack of guilt for the part he’d played in today’s fiasco, he vowed to get Leveret back for what she’d done today.

Kestrel had joined them and was rapidly becoming roaring drunk. He’d fulfilled his assignation with Honey earlier on in the hayloft, although he’d been too angry to do the lovely girl justice and would have to make it up to her another time. Now he just wanted to blot out the whole ghastly day and have a serious drinking session with his mates. They were full of sympathy for him, agreeing with his every complaint about the mad girl who’d been mistakenly chosen as Maiden. Sweyn and Gefrin tried to cheer him up with tales of the tricks they’d played on her over the years. They’d decided with Jay not to enlighten Kestrel as to the cause of Leveret’s bizarre behaviour all day. They didn’t think he’d see the funny side of it at all.

Jay was as drunk as Kestrel and on a high, feeling victorious and omnipotent. He thrilled with pleasure and power remembering how Yul had carried Leveret off screaming and kicking. That was his doing, putting her in her place like that – him and his great-aunt, Old Violet. They made good allies he decided; she had the knowledge and the potions, he had the muscle and cunning. Swift stood drinking with them too, sober compared to the other four but drinking more than he usually permitted himself. He too thought it had been a brilliant day; Yul had been totally humiliated.

‘And what about Old Violet then, when she said how Magus had always run things properly?’

They shouted with laughter.

‘Did you see his face when she said that? I thought he were going to explode!’

‘He looked such a bloody idiot, didn’t he? Black-haired bastard!’

‘Did you hear what people was saying? They agreed with Old Violet – I heard ’em all muttering.’

‘Well, boys,’ said Kestrel, swaying alarmingly and trying to drag them all into a huddle, ‘today has shown us that he ain’t the king he thinks he is. He makes stupid mistakes like allowing his whacky sister to be chosen as Maiden. What a bloody idiotic choice! I tell you, when his time comes I’ll be ready. I’d like to see him fall, I really would – especially after what he put me through today.’

Swift nodded at this.

‘Me too! He’s an arrogant bastard and he shouldn’t be in power here. We’re ready! Father said … well, never mind what Father said … anyway, the sooner Yul’s brought down, the better!’

‘He killed our dear father, you know,’ said Sweyn mawkishly. ‘Hexed him. I’ll see him finished, I will!’

‘Made a widow of our mother, he did,’ added Gefrin. ‘All those years we thought ‘twas an accident.’

‘And my father too! ‘Tis all Yul’s fault,’ said Jay.

They chorused their intense desire to see him get his comeuppance.

‘We’ll have to get together and make plans,’ said Swift. ‘Form a sort of alliance to bring him down and make it happen, not just sit around talking about it.’

‘Brilliant!’ slurred Kestrel. ‘I like it – we’ll do all sorts of things behind the lines like agents who sabotage their enemies undercover.’

‘Yeah – smash it up! Destroy it!’

‘When our gang’s done, Yul will be history!’ cried Swift and they all drank to that.

*

Clip sat alone in his tower in his white and silver robes and stared despondently into the fire burning in the hearth. He thought sadly of Leveret, his little protégée, who must now be asleep at home. This should’ve been her big day, the day she’d remember for the rest of her life. She’d certainly do that, he thought wryly, but for entirely the wrong reasons. If only he’d gone down to the Village earlier maybe he could’ve helped. It was obvious she’d been drugged and he was sure it was no coincidence that the three hags had chosen this event to mark their return to Village life, wanting to see the effects of their handiwork.

Clip had arrived just as the afternoon’s performances were about to start, slipping in to the Great Barn and standing quietly at the back of the crowds. He’d wanted to see Leveret starring in her role, overcoming her fears as he knew she would and fulfilling her promise as Maiden. She had no idea of the true significance of the role but Sylvie must’ve known it instinctively when she chose Leveret for the part. The spiritual aspects of the role – the celestial spark of intuition, feminine creativity, divine inspiration – were Leveret’s by destiny and right.

But it was all in ruins, sabotaged by the dark forces at work in Stonewylde, and poor Leveret was now in deep trouble. He’d wanted to intervene but hadn’t really appreciated what was happening until it was too late to do anything. If only he’d come earlier and realised. Clip shuddered at the memory of Yul’s face, so very like Magus’ in his dangerous anger. Yul was not sadistic like his father had been – there’d be no torture in the stone byre – but his anger was almost more frightening for that. Leveret would pay a steep price for the fiasco today for Yul had been humiliated in front of the whole community and was far too proud to let that pass unpunished. Clip had heard the mutterings and complaints as folk wondered why Yul’s sister had been allowed to ruin the whole afternoon ceremony with her crazy behaviour. He also heard some whispering about the lack of Earth Magic at the sunrise ritual and guessed that this would be the real source of Yul’s humiliation, though doubtless he’d take it all out on Leveret. Clip would have to step in and intervene if he didn’t want to see the girl crushed.

Clip sighed deeply. Leveret had been right when she’d stood and made her prophecy – he didn’t know whose voice she was echoing but it was one of truth. There were shadows at Stonewylde and the darkness was gathering. He’d sensed a collective chime of affirmation amongst the community as she spoke. They’d all felt it – their instincts told them something was wrong in the heart of Stonewylde and troubles were building like dark storm clouds towering higher and higher in inky blackness until eventually – soon – they must erupt into a torrent of destruction.

Poor Leveret – she was so young and fragile to be bearing this enormous responsibility. More than ever Clip was convinced that she’d been given a gift. She was the one who must channel the forces of creativity and light to counteract the shadows and destruction that were looming. He’d help her in every way he could but he shuddered to think what lay ahead. He couldn’t be part of it; staying at Stonewylde was no longer an option for him. It was as if by announcing his intended departure Clip had made it an irrefutable fact. He had to leave Stonewylde. Now, more than ever, Yul would make sure he did – and as he thought that the serpent in his belly twisted, making him writhe again in agony.

Martin stood silently on the wide staircase, the entrance hall in near darkness below him and the upstairs landing only dimly lit. The shadowy staircase was a space between worlds and Martin was a part of the shadows, only his silvery Hallfolk hair glinting slightly as it caught the faint light. Most people who lived in the Hall were still drinking and dancing down in the Great Barn, trying to make the most of a bad day. What a shambles it had been, Martin thought bitterly. His mother, Old Violet, had been absolutely right although her outburst had been a little embarrassing. Things had been done properly in Magus’ time – everything ran like clockwork, everyone knew their place and they were content with it. There was none of this grumbling and moaning that he encountered now in the Village, none of the rudeness and disrespect amongst the young. Magus would never have stood for it; a public whipping or two to make an example and everyone would’ve knuckled down again and been grateful for what they had. But times had changed and they’d changed for the worse, with only more problems to look forward to if things continued as they were.

He heard something from upstairs and silently climbed the rest of the steps up to the landing. The noise was coming from Yul and Sylvie’s rooms – Magus’ apartments as he still thought of them. They were arguing again. There’d been a lot of that in recent months and tonight’s row sounded like a heated one. Martin knew what was going on; they made so much noise it was impossible not to. Yul was too weak. The magus shouldn’t stand for that sort of behaviour in his wife. Martin smiled slightly at the very thought of Magus letting any woman argue back or try to run things her way. He would never, ever have permitted it! Martin wouldn’t either – neither his first late wife nor his younger second wife, Swift’s mother, would’ve dared to speak to him the way Sylvie spoke to Yul, as if she were his equal. The magus was the leader of Stonewylde – always had been, always should be, but not anymore. Things were falling apart and it was time to call a halt to it. Stonewylde deserved better than this.

Martin winced as he heard Sylvie’s voice rising. How could Yul permit such lack of respect? He shook his head and moved away without a sound, unable to bear any further eavesdropping. They deserved each other, the pair of them. They deserved everything that was coming to them too. It’d be a while before the rowdy youngsters returned and Martin must make the most of this peace and quiet, this lull before the storm. He silently padded back downstairs towards his office. Others might be out there enjoying themselves or arguing with recalcitrant wives but Martin was dedicated and loyal. Stonewylde was his life. There was very important work to be done and it must happen tonight, if everything were to be set in motion. Martin rubbed the scar on his temple and smiled.

*

Sylvie glared at Yul. He stood with his back to the fire silhouetted against the flickering flames that licked the logs in the hearth. The large sitting room was shadowy, for they’d only switched on a small table lamp before their conversation had grown heated. The girls were in the crèche at the Nursery along with all the other young children, worn out from the long day. Sylvie wished that she were asleep too. She had a pounding headache as the stress of this disastrous Imbolc finally caught up with her.

They should by rights still be down in the Barn as the party was far from over, but neither of them could face any more. Yul was in such a black mood he knew he might do something he’d regret if he stayed. Sylvie was simply exhausted and the thought of any more time spent jigging around the heated and noisy Barn trying to pretend all was well was simply too much. They’d both left early and walked back home accompanied, to their dismay, by Magpie and Marigold. They’d had to keep up a pretence of normality, making conversation and concealing their irritation as Marigold chattered on endlessly about what a good boy Magpie was. But now finally they were alone.

‘It was deliberate, Sylvie! She’d been eating mushrooms. When I took her home I saw them lying there on her bedside table – she didn’t even have the wits to hide them!’

‘Why would they be lying there if she’d taken them? It doesn’t make sense.’

‘She’s obviously got a supply. We know she’s been messing about with the things – she looked drugged up at Samhain and we had that incident at Quarrycleave too. Leveret’s been experimenting with mushrooms for a while now.’

‘I just don’t believe she’d do that, not at Imbolc. Not when she had such a key role to play.’

‘Well she damn well did! Anyway, why are you defending her when she’s clearly in the wrong? What’s she ever done to deserve your taking her side?’

Sylvie sighed wearily, wishing he’d go down to his office and leave her in peace. If he thought she was up to any love-making tonight he was mistaken, especially when he was seething with unspent anger like this.

‘I feel very sorry for her. You’re always on her back and I don’t think it’s warranted. I think there’s something else going on here but you won’t even consider the possibility. You’ve really got it in for poor Leveret.’

‘That’s not true and you damn well know it! I only got involved in the first place because Mother asked me to help sort out her bad behaviour, and I’ve tried to. Leveret was a lovely little girl but not anymore – she needs discipline. She’s been running circles round poor Mother and all I’ve tried to do is provide that discipline. She’s as out of control as some Outside World teenager and you know we don’t allow that sort of behaviour at Stonewylde.’

Sylvie sat silently, too tired to argue back. He looked down at her noticing how pale and strained she looked, wraith-like in this shadowy light in her white Imbolc dress. She may seem weak, he thought bitterly, yet she was always arguing with him, challenging everything he said or did, never accepting his judgement or good sense. She was making his life hell. He felt the anger, always bubbling inside him lately, well up again. All he’d ever done was love her, try to look after her and care for her. Why had life become a constant battle with her? What had happened to their peace and harmony?

‘I’ll speak to Mother in the morning and we’ll decide what to do with her,’ he continued. ‘Leveret may have to move in here with us or perhaps into a dormitory with some of the older girls as I don’t think I want her influencing our daughters. Or better still, I could send her to boarding school in the Outside World – that’d sort her out. She won’t get away with what she did today, bloody little nuisance.’

‘Have you heard yourself, Yul? What’s the matter with you?’ Sylvie felt her voice rising but was beyond caring. ‘Leveret’s a young girl – your own little sister – it’s her birthday today, she was terrified of the ceremonies and she made a silly mistake. It’s not the end of the world, no great crime, and yet the way you go on anyone would think she’d done something awful.’

‘She has! She completely ruined everything today! One of our eight festivals of the year was spoiled for everyone because of her behaviour. That’s something awful in my books. She’ll be punished for today – she deserves it.’

‘You’re a bully!’

‘I’m the magus! It’s part of my role to mete out justice.’

‘You sound like an arrogant pig-headed brute to me!’

‘So now you’re resorting to cheap insults? This is all your fault anyway!’

She glared at him, her head pounding with pain.

‘I wondered when you’d bring this up!’ she yelled. ‘I knew from the minute I saw Leveret falling apart that I’d get the blame. You couldn’t wait to say “I told you so”, could you?’

‘Not at all! I went along with your decision even though I didn’t agree with it. I let you have your own way yet again. But now we both know how wrong you were. You made a serious error of judgement and clearly you should’ve consulted me about it first.’

‘Why should I? You never consult me about anything! You never, ever ask my opinion. You’re as arrogant as your father was.’

‘No I’m not!’

‘Yes you are, Yul! You’re like him in almost every way. There are days when it could be him here and not you, dominating and pushing everyone around. Sometimes I wonder just how like him you’re going to become. Will you bring back whipping for anyone who stands up to you? Will you start taking girls up to the Stone Circle on their sixteenth birthdays?’

He’d stepped forward at her tirade, towering over her as she sat on the sofa. She leapt up to stand face to face with him, refusing to give him any advantage. Now they glared at each other, anger in their eyes and their hearts. Yul took a deep breath to calm himself; rage was making his hands shake.

‘Well, Sylvie,’ he said bitterly, ‘if I ever did resort to that we’d both know why. Being married to someone so cold and unresponsive who doesn’t want you is enough to drive anyone to desperate measures.’

‘What rubbish! The only reason I don’t want you is—’

She stopped abruptly, aware too late of the crevasse that loomed suddenly at her feet. Yul smiled slightly and his voice became silky.

‘Yes, Sylvie? You were about to tell me why you’ve become so frigid – why the thought of me leaves you cold when it used to set you on fire. I think we’ve reached the heart of the matter, haven’t we?’

But she shook her head and sat down again, refusing to be drawn.

‘I’m very tired, Yul, and it’s been a long day. I’m exhausted – all I want to do is sleep.’

‘I knew today would be too much for you and I was right,’ he said firmly. ‘You should’ve let Miranda lead the ceremonies as I suggested.’

‘Oh for goodness’ sake, shut up! I’m fine.’

‘You just said you were exhausted! Getting confused again, are you, Sylvie? You need a day in bed tomorrow to get your strength back. I won’t let you become ill again.’

‘I’m NOT falling ill again! Stop using that as an excuse to keep me in my place! I’ve had just about enough of you, Yul – you’re bullying Leveret and bullying me. You’re turning into a hard, arrogant bastard! You’re not the boy I fell in love with.’

‘No, Sylvie, I’m not,’ he said quietly, an edge to his voice. ‘I’m the magus now and things are different.’

‘Too right they’re different!’ she cried. ‘You wonder why I don’t want you anymore but look at what you’ve become. You don’t even feel the Earth Magic now, do you? It’s abandoned you, just as it did your father.’

This was finally too much for Yul. His eyes were hard and cold as he grasped her chin in his hand so she had to look him in the face. The shadows and firelight danced around him, hollowing his cheeks and making his grey eyes gleam.

‘And you don’t feel the moon magic any more either, do you Sylvie?’ he said softly. ‘You’re not the girl I fell in love with and all your magic has gone. You’re over-tired and not well and tomorrow you’re to spend the day resting quietly in bed. If you argue I’ll send Hazel to deal with you. I’m sick to death of this never-ending battle between us and things are going to change, because as from tonight I’ve had enough. It’s time you remembered what your duties are here. I’ll deal with my sister tomorrow, I’ll do it as I see fit, and I don’t expect any interference from you. Is that understood?’

She gazed into his eyes and felt her will to fight him drain away. It was too much effort right now and she just wanted to be rid of him. She nodded, hoping he’d disappear into his office and she’d be free of him until tomorrow.

‘That’s more like it.’

He stood up and went to pour himself a large glass of wine. Savouring it, he watched her narrowly as her eyelids drooped with fatigue, her face almost as white as her dress.

‘Go and get ready for bed, Sylvie, and when I’ve had my wine I’ll join you. From now on I’m sleeping in our bed in my rightful place.’