by Kit Berry
‘You’re a fool, Clip. This moon magic is part of Stonewylde too, as much a part as the Earth Magic. Look at you this morning – worn out, old and tired. And look at me! Come up to the rock now and you’ll see just how good it makes you feel.’
Miranda held a glass of water to Sylvie’s lips, her other arm supporting the girl as she lay propped up in bed. She took a few sips, then her head fell back weakly against the headboard.
‘Try to drink a bit more, Sylvie. It’s nearly lunch time and you’ve had nothing today. You didn’t eat last night either, did you? You know you must look after your health or you’ll end up as ill as you were in London. Please, darling.’
‘I’m sorry, Mum,’ whispered Sylvie through pale lips. ‘I just want to sleep.’
Sighing, Miranda gently laid her down, making sure she was warm enough. Where was Magus? She couldn’t leave Sylvie to go and find him. She wished now she’d asked Yul to take a message to the Hall when he’d called earlier. Why was there no phone in this place? She thought of her old mobile phone lying useless at the bottom of a cupboard; there was no signal at Stonewylde. Why didn’t Magus come?
Clip lay spread out on the huge round stone, the midday sun beating down. Magus towered over him impatiently.
‘Well?’
‘It’s unbelievable, Sol! I’ve never heard of anything like it, but I can see how it’s possible. If a battery works by converting chemical energy stored inside it, why not a stone storing magnetic or maybe gravitational energy from the moon? What a wonderful sensation! I feel completely re-energised.’
‘What we need is to find out exactly what this stone is,’ said Magus. ‘I’ll bring up a mallet and we can send a piece of the rock for analysis.’
‘You can’t just knock chunks off it! It’s an ancient stone placed here thousands of years ago by our ancestors. Look, they even made it disc shaped like the full moon, and smoothed it out. They must’ve been able to channel the energy too.’
‘Yes, it does make me wonder whether it’s only Sylvie who can do it, or if others could too. Remember our mother? She was moongazy, wasn’t she? I don’t remember too well, but now I come to think of it I’m sure there were tales about her and this stone.’
Clip frowned, sitting up on the rock.
‘Yes, you’re right. I’ve heard she used to dance and sing at the Moon Fullness.’
‘That’s what Sylvie was doing!’
‘And I know Magus – I mean your father, not mine – would bring her up here every month. I followed them once but he saw me and shouted at me to go home. So maybe our mother could channel the energy too. And maybe he used it to power himself up. I wonder if my father brought her here too? We’ll have to find out – some of the older Villagers might remember.’
‘That crone Heggy would know,’ said Magus speculatively.
‘You can ask her if you’re so curious – I’m not going anywhere near her! You know how she hates us and she terrifies me. Maybe Violet could tell us? Ask her next time she bakes the ceremony cakes. It’d be interesting to know if both our fathers brought Raven here and whether she channelled the moon magic for them.’
‘I’ll speak to Violet soon. Get off now, Clip, or you’ll use it all up.’
‘Oh come on, Sol – just a few more minutes.’
He lay down again and stretched out. Magus sat next to him and closed his eyes.
‘I must have a sample but I’ll take it from the underside, so it won’t show. When we know what the rock is we can do some geological surveying of the estate and find out if there’s any more of it. It’s an unusual stone, isn’t it? It sparkles, which may mean that there’s quartz in it. It’s certainly different to the stones at the Stone Circle, and the dolmen stones, and even that single one up on the hill by the woods, the one where the hares run wild. Can you think of any others?’
‘Near the dolmen there’s another small stone circle but I can’t remember what sort of rock they are. And at the quarry – there’s that enormous stone at the cliff end looking down over the place. Remember we used to climb on it and you’d threaten to push me over the edge? Goddess, I used to hate it there!’
‘Oh yes! I’d forgotten that one – the serpent rock. D’you know, I think it may be the same composition as this! I remember it glittering in the sun in the same way. I’ll phone the Gatehouse and leave a message for Jackdaw. He can get one of the men to chisel a piece off and then we’ll compare it.’
‘But why do you want to find more stone like this? I don’t understand. You can get the girl to channel the moon energy here every month and then we’ll come and soak it up,’ said Clip, still lying sprawled on his back, eyes closed in the sun.
‘So you do want to be part of it now?’ Magus’ voice was cynical. ‘Changed your mind about joining me, have you?’
‘No, this is different. This is Stonewylde magic, not your scheming, and of course I want some of it. It’ll help me on my journeying into other realms, this moon magic.’
‘I thought you used Violet’s cakes for that?’
‘Well yes, but we both knew all along that Sylvie had come here for a purpose and now we know what that purpose is. Clearly it’s to channel the moon energy for the two of us. But I don’t see why you want to find more stone like this. Surely this is enough.’
‘I’ve been thinking about it all night!’ said Magus excitedly. ‘This is fine in the summer, but what about in the winter, or when the weather’s foul? Sylvie was ill last month after getting wet in the rain and she’s not really that strong, despite the healing. So I thought if we had small pieces of the same rock, we could make her channel the energy into those to make a portable power source.’
‘That’s brilliant, Sol! Absolutely brilliant. But be careful with Sylvie, won’t you? I don’t want her to suffer – she’s a sweet girl and it wouldn’t be fair.’
‘No, we don’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg, do we? Now I must go and see how she is today, and Miranda too. You know she’s pregnant?’
‘Already? You didn’t waste any time, did you! So you really have gone for it, then … what you said about producing more heirs?’
‘Seemed like a good time, fresh blood and all that.’
‘And has Miranda told you who Sylvie’s father is yet?’
‘No, there’s some dark secret that she’s hiding. But I’ll put pressure on her and find out, now I’ve got her where I want her. Sylvie’s father must be Hallfolk – there are a lot of them out there. And what about Sylvie’s amazing likeness to our mother? Do you remember when you first saw her, how struck you were by the resemblance?’
‘Yes, at the Story Web back in March. She’s got to be related to us. You must find out from Miranda.’
‘I will. Come with me, Clip, down to the cottage. I need to check on Sylvie – she was a little weak last night after the moon dancing.’
‘Of course!’ He sprung off the stone and followed his brother towards the path leading down from Mooncliffe. ‘D’you know, an hour ago all I wanted was to crawl off to bed and sleep? But now I feel I could run a marathon. That moon magic is powerful stuff.’
Miranda almost wept with relief when Magus arrived at the cottage, although she wasn’t so pleased to see Clip standing behind him. The two men were bursting with brightness and energy as they entered the small sitting room.
‘She’s in a terrible state, Magus,’ she said. ‘Come and see for yourself. She won’t wake up, won’t drink anything, and she’s been whimpering in her sleep. What on earth happened last night? I’ve never seen her like this before. And there’re awful bruises on her wrists too, and a mark on her cheek.’
‘We’ll talk in a minute when I’ve seen her,’ he said, brushing past her. ‘You stay down here, Miranda. There isn’t room for all of us in that tiny bedroom.’
The two men filled the room as they stood one each side of the narrow bed looking down at the sleeping girl. Her skin was translucent and the dark shadows under her eyes were shocking.
Her arm lying on the white coverlet looked frail and delicate, the bruising round the wrist stark. Her breathing was quiet. They could almost have been looking at a corpse.
‘This is no good at all, Sol! I won’t be a part of anything that harms her. Why is she bruised?’
‘I had to restrain her when she tried to run off and meet that damn boy again. But she’s alright – she’s not harmed, just tired.’
Magus sat on the side of the bed and picked up Sylvie’s limp hand.
‘Sylvie, Sylvie, wake up. Wake up!’
He shook her slightly.
‘I know you can hear me. Wake up!’
With a visible effort she opened her eyes and looked straight into Magus’. She flinched slightly as she recognised him, but he leant over and kissed her cheek.
‘That’s a good girl. How are you feeling?’
‘Tired,’ she whispered.
‘See, Clip’s here to visit you too.’
His grey eyes watched her more compassionately than Magus’s and she smiled weakly at the brother whom she’d always preferred.
‘Do you remember what happened last night, Sylvie?’ asked Magus softly.
She nodded slightly.
‘Tell me then.’
‘I was dancing up at Mooncliffe. And then …’
‘And then what?’ he prompted.
‘And then I went on the great round stone and I couldn’t move.’
‘And do you remember anything else?’
She looked into his handsome face, glowing with vitality. It all came back to her.
‘You lay on the stone and you made me stay there. You knew it hurt but you wouldn’t help me.’
She began to cry. She had no energy to sob, but tears spilled onto her cheeks. Magus frowned down at her.
‘For Goddess’ sake, man!’ said Clip, fishing a piece of cloth from his pocket. ‘Show some human kindness.’
He leaned over and awkwardly dabbed at her tears.
‘It’s alright, Sylvie. It wasn’t Magus’ fault. He was frozen too, just like you were.’
‘No he wasn’t,’ she whispered. ‘I remember – he loved it. It was awful and I’ll never go up there again.’
‘You’ll do as you’re told!’ said Magus, his eyes glittering. ‘You’re making a fuss about nothing. Isn’t she, Clip?’
‘Well … she does look tired—’
‘Nonsense! Come on, Clip – remember how special that moon magic is? You know this is why she came here – you said so yourself!’ He glared at Sylvie, who shrank further into her pillows. ‘I’m telling you now, Sylvie, I won’t—’
‘Ssh, leave this to me,’ said Clip. ‘I think I can help her with this. There’s no need to bully her.’ He sat down on the narrow bed. ‘Sylvie, what you did last night was amazing. You’re such a clever girl and we’re so proud of you.’
She closed her eyes, shutting them both out.
‘You’re a magical girl, Sylvie, but you must share your magic. It’s wrong to keep it all for yourself.’
She opened her eyes and gazed at Clip, who was staring at her intently.
‘I don’t keep it for myself,’ she mumbled. ‘I give the magic to Stonewylde.’
‘And we’re Stonewylde,’ said Clip gently. ‘We need to share the magic too. That’s why you must dance at Mooncliffe for us.’
She shook her head slightly and shut them out again. She couldn’t bear the pair of them staring down at her, overwhelming her with their intensity and urgency.
‘I won’t go up there again,’ she croaked, her face paler than ever. ‘It’s horrible and wrong and I won’t do it.’
‘Sylvie—’ began Magus, but his brother waved him to silence.
‘Open your eyes, Sylvie,’ Clip said softly. ‘Just look at me for a minute.’
Reluctantly she gazed at him. His grey eyes shimmered before her, luminous and strange. She felt herself drawn to him, pulled in to his will. She tried to look away but found she couldn’t. He took her unresisting hands in his and she sensed his power, a gentle but insistent force that locked her into his command. She felt her free will melt away under his unrelenting eyes.
‘You love to dance at Mooncliffe,’ he said. ‘At the Moon Fullness, you love to dance at Mooncliffe.’
‘No,’ she moaned. ‘I want to be with Yul …’
‘Sylvie, you know you love to dance at Mooncliffe. Look at me, Sylvie. That’s better. We understand each other. You’re a special moongazy girl and you want so much to serve Magus. It’s why you were brought here and you know this in your heart. You love to dance at Mooncliffe.’
Slowly she nodded, and Clip felt Magus twitch with barely controlled suspense. Ignoring this, he smiled kindly, holding the girl in his thrall.
‘You love to dance at Mooncliffe for Magus. You want to give him your magic on the great stone. Isn’t that right, Sylvie?’
She nodded again, her face impassive. Clip sighed.
‘Good girl. We’re very pleased with you. This is the right thing and you know it. You’re going to rest now and you’ll feel much better when you’ve had a sleep. There’s no problem at all. You’re not ill.’
‘No, I’m fine,’ she whispered. ‘Only tired.’
‘Before you go back to sleep, Sylvie, tell me something. What do you like to do at the Moon Fullness?’
‘I love to dance at Mooncliffe for Magus.’
As they clattered down the stairs, Magus turned to Clip.
‘You’re a bloody genius, brother.’
Clip grinned ruefully.
‘No, Sol, I’m no genius. Just a good shaman.’
4
After the full moon, Magus left Stonewylde with a group of older students. They all stayed in his London residence and were treated to visits to the theatre and galleries, as well as social functions and shopping trips. Magus knew that the Hallfolk were vital to Stonewylde’s economy, and carefully prepared each generation of high-achievers for life in the Outside World. He knew where their loyalty would lie in the future and considered this time spent with them a worthwhile investment.
Whilst he was gone, June slipped into July and the weather at Stonewylde grew even hotter. The hay harvest continued in earnest and scores of beehives were moved around the estate following the nectar in bean fields, wild flower meadows and grassland clover. The Meadery was inundated with fragrant honey sent in daily.
The Villagers spent every hour of daylight bringing in the crops as they ripened; day by day all the soft fruits and many vegetables were picked and preserved. The older Village children were pulled out of school and trooped around the estate to help with the harvest. Every evening the Village boys went out with snares, cudgels and slingshots to the warrens on the downs. The ripening crops mustn’t suffer and it was every boy’s duty to cull the rabbits that thrived in their thousands. Nothing was wasted as rabbit meat was a staple for the Villagers, the bones were processed into glue and building materials and the fur made into warm winter covers and linings. Rabbits were an important harvest at Stonewylde, and despite the boys’ enthusiastic efforts their numbers seemed to remain undiminished.
This was also the time of year for harvesting the flax, which was grown extensively at Stonewylde and spun and woven into linen. Along with wool and leather, this linen provided most of the Villagers’ clothing and bedding and was also used by the resident Hallfolk. By July the flax was over a metre high and the fields of pale-blue flowers were beautiful. It was a labour intensive crop that couldn’t be harvested in the usual way by cutting, which would damage the fibres. Instead, wearing strong leather gloves, the workers pulled it from the ground by hand. Every Villager young and fit enough was taken from their normal duties for the back-breaking task of pulling the flax. After the flax harvest and retting, all women and girls in the Village were kept busy at home spinning thread for dyeing and weaving into cloth. Most families had their own loom, and men and women shared the weaving when the autumn nights started to draw in.
The fields gi
ven over to cereal were rippling with wheat, corn, barley and oats. The oil seed rape had been harvested and the sunflowers turned their glorious heads to track the blazing sun each day. The hemp had been gathered in and the fibres would be twisted and laid in a rope walk, set up in the Great Barn during the winter months. The smaller, more specialised crops such as woad and madder for dye were all ready for harvest, as were the unusual poppies which contributed to the exotic ingredients in the ceremony cakes. Women gathered in their medicinal herbs too, making tinctures and elixirs in their kitchens.
The harvesting was co-ordinated by a band of trusted Villagers who organised the farming system at Stonewylde. Magus left the smooth running of the estate entirely to these farm managers and at this time of year they worked from dawn to dusk and often beyond. Magus had long since seen the economic sense in abandoning the old horse-drawn methods of farming, and tractors, combine harvesters and any other essential machinery were always used.
Because nothing that could be grown in the fields of Stonewylde was imported, it was vital that farming was productive and efficient. But even with mechanisation and the need for high yields, there was no exploitation of the Earth Mother. There was no bleeding the land dry of all goodness and then pumping it back artificially with infusions of chemicals. Stonewylde used traditional organic methods, and the ultimate testimony to its success was the good health and fitness of all the people who lived there.
Clip had left Stonewylde to stay with an alternative community in Ireland, where he was always in demand as a storyteller. The visitors who’d come for the Midsummer Holiday had now gone, and from being crammed full and bursting at the seams, the Hall was suddenly very quiet. With both Magus and Clip absent and many of the resident Hallfolk away on holiday in the Outside World, the atmosphere at Stonewylde was relaxed, despite the extra work in the fields.
