by Kit Berry
Yul, however, was not safely tucked up in his bed. When he’d arrived in the grey light of the misty August dawn, falling through her front door and shivering without his clothes, Mother Heggy had been waiting for him. She’d wrapped him in a mouldering blanket and laid him on a narrow truckle bed at the back of the cottage. She made him drink from her stone mug and then left him to battle it out. He had a high fever but she knew he was strong and in good health. He tossed and turned for two days and nights, his black curls plastered to his head, cheeks flushed and eyes glassy. He was delirious and unaware of where he was. Mother Heggy took good care of him. She forced him to drink, sponged him down with tepid water, covered him when he shivered with cold. She sent a message with a passing Villager to Maizie telling her of Yul’s whereabouts. On the fourth night Mother Heggy judged him recovered from the chill and let him leave, wrapped in the blanket and with stern instructions to bring Sylvie to her well before the next full moon.
September began as warm and balmy as August had been. The sun was hot, and in the afternoon Sylvie decided she felt strong enough to go outside. She’d recovered so much quicker from her ordeal this time, although she still felt a little weak. She wandered around the lawns and flower gardens, watching the newts in the great ornamental pond for a while. Then she went to the formal garden with its raked gravel paths and clipped hedges. She’d never been here alone before and strolled around looking at the stone ornaments carved to represent mythological creatures.
Sylvie was deep inside the maze-like garden when she heard the gravel crunching behind her. She turned to see Buzz approaching and her heart sank. She’d managed to avoid him so far as he’d been keeping to himself because of his injuries, which were the talk of the Hall. But it was now a month since the fight with Yul and he was on the mend. His nose was out of the splint, although swollen and unsightly. The bruising around his eyes had faded to a nasty yellow and his split lip was almost healed. The tooth was still missing; soon he’d have to face the dental work necessary to restore his smile.
He quickened his pace and waved for her to stop.
‘Hello, stranger! I saw you coming into this garden from my bedroom window. I’ve wanted to catch you alone for ages.’
‘Hi, Buzz. Are you feeling better?’
‘Yes thanks, though it’s taken me a long time to recover. I expect you’ve heard all about how I was viciously attacked by that Village thug? He thought I was having a go at his bloody sister, though she was willing enough, believe me. I mean, do I look like I have to force myself on girls? But he hasn’t heard the last of it …’
‘Really? I thought we were all waiting to see what punishment Magus decided on. It’s a serious crime, trying to force yourself on anyone, but especially an under-age Village girl.’
He looked at her sharply.
‘No, Sylvie, that’s just malicious gossip. It’s a horrible misunderstanding and I know Magus’ll sort it out. That boy has got it in for me and it was all his doing.’
He ignored her look of scepticism and put an arm around her shoulders, giving her a hug.
‘Anyway, forget about that half-witted bastard. Did you hear about my exam results? I got straight A’s!’
‘Congratulations. But Yul’s not a half-witted bastard. From what I’ve seen he’s very intelligent.’
‘You’re not still keen on him after all he’s done? I warned you about his violence before, remember? And the consequences of getting involved with a Villager. Do you know what my father did to him in June, while I was away sitting my exams? That proves just how far Magus will go to keep him in line, and that’s why I know he’ll sort this mess out. He won’t take Yul’s side over mine.’
Sylvie shrugged miserably. She’d been worried about exactly that outcome.
‘And how can you say he’s intelligent? Pig ignorant, more like. I wonder how many A’s he’d get, if he was even capable of taking any exams. He’s illiterate, for Christ’s sake.’
Sylvie turned on him angrily.
‘And just why is he illiterate? Because your father doesn’t allow Village children to learn to read and write! If he’d been educated properly, he’d outstrip you in every way. Leave me alone, Buzz! I don’t like your attitude or your values.’
He stopped and looked at her hard. Then he shook his head and took her elbow quite gently.
‘I’m sorry, Sylvie. I always seem to go crashing in and upsetting you. Can we start again? Forget Yul and what he did to me and let’s talk about something else. Please?’
Against her better judgement, and mostly because he looked so ugly with his broken nose and missing tooth, Sylvie nodded.
‘Let’s go in here, shall we?’ he said smoothly. ‘I like this part of the garden – it’s very private.’
He led her into a hidden section of the formal garden she’d never seen before. It was concealed behind a tall yew hedge with a trick entrance and exit that fooled the eye into the illusion that it was solid. Inside, the dark hedges were tall and impossible to see over. There were more alcoves with benches and she could hear the sound of water. It was a maze within a maze. They walked around the endless short paths, hemmed in by the high, over-powering hedges and Sylvie felt trapped. She glanced at the large stone ornaments that decorated this inner maze.
‘Oh!’
She blushed scarlet. The statue was obscene, and so was the next one. Buzz laughed at her embarrassment.
‘Great, aren’t they? I believe my grandfather or maybe great-grandfather had them carved. They were both rogues, apparently, and loved their wine, women and song. I think I must take after them!’
She grimaced, wanting more than ever to get out of the horrible place.
‘Come on, we’re almost in the middle and there’s an incredible fountain I’d like to show you. I bet you’ve never seen anything like it! I hope you’re not a prude, Sylvie – you’re far too gorgeous for that. And I’ve heard all sorts of gossip about you since I got back at Lammas.’
‘What gossip? And I’m not a prude but I really don’t like vulgar or obscene things.’
‘Let’s sit down here then,’ he said, patting a large, comfortable bench. ‘Come and tell me what you’ve been up to lately, since I last saw you in May. I can’t believe it’s September already.’
She sat down reluctantly, trying to keep a distance between them. He placed himself close, trapping her in the corner of the bench.
‘Nothing much. I haven’t been very well for some of the time.’
‘Oh? Holly tells me you’ve been spending a lot of time with Magus.’
She began to tremble.
‘No, not really.’
‘Holly said you were keen on him. She said you’ve been going up to Mooncliffe with him at the Moon Fullness. Is that right?’
‘Yes,’ she replied, shuddering, ‘I love to dance on the stone for Magus.’
He laughed at this and it was not a pleasant sound.
‘I bet you do! You’re a dark horse, Sylvie. You seem so sweet and innocent, but there you are – my mistake. And I thought you were fifteen at the Summer Solstice, not sixteen. Or am I wrong about what goes on at Mooncliffe with Magus at the full moon?’
She looked away, her cheeks burning again.
‘I don’t know what you mean. Can we talk about something else? Tell me what you’ve been doing in the Outside World.’
‘Oh, this and that. I stayed with my mother after the exams and we went abroad – I hadn’t seen her in ages. It’s odd when you leave here and go into the Outside World. Everything’s so different and I always find it hard to adjust when I come back here again.’
‘And what are you planning to do now?’
‘Well, begin study for my next exams of course, as I certainly intend to go to University one day. I’m very excited about the subjects I’ve chosen – can’t wait to get stuck in. And we’ll all go skiing as usual this winter, after the Solstice, so that’s something to look forward to. You’ll come, won’t you?’
&n
bsp; ‘I don’t know … I’ve never skied before and Magus hasn’t mentioned it,’ she said doubtfully.
‘Don’t worry – I’d love to teach you! We stay in a gorgeous, very grand place in the Alps and have a ball. Superb skiing and snow-boarding there. Stonewylde’s grim at that time of year, cold and grey, and it’s a relief to get away and have some fun. Leave it to the peasants to toil away in the mud while we hit the snow, that’s what we always say. Give me the piste any day.’
‘I think I’ll be getting back now,’ she said tightly, moving to get up. He pulled her down on the bench.
‘Don’t go yet, Sylvie – we haven’t even started. I really missed you when I was away. I thought about you a lot, and I’ve never done that before over any girl. I’ve been looking forward to picking up where we left off.’
His arm on the back of the bench slid down around her shoulders, his hand stroking her arm. She noticed the bristly blond hair on his thick fingers and a new signet ring to match the heavy gold bracelet. He was sweating and she could smell his anti-perspirant as he squeezed her warmly. She’d forgotten just how insistent he was and bitterly regretted allowing herself to be persuaded into this situation. She should never have come into this secluded part of the garden alone with him. He was bigger than ever and had that gleam in his pale blue eyes which she remembered of old. She began to feel frightened.
‘Did you miss me, Sylvie?’
‘To be honest, Buzz, no I didn’t. I—’
‘Oh come on, Sylvie, stop playing hard to get! You know I want you. I meant what I said – I really have been thinking of you. It’s been hell stuck up in that bedroom and not being able to see you. I’ve been dying to spend some time with you and tell you how I feel.’
‘I’m sorry Buzz but I don’t feel that way about you at all.’
‘That’s okay, give it time. I know you like me and that’s a start.’
‘No! No, I don’t even like you. I’m sorry.’
She felt him stiffen next to her and swallowed hard. Maybe she should just pretend until they were somewhere less isolated. She glanced at his battered face and shuddered as he glared down at her.
‘I see – so you’re after the bigger fish, eh? You’re a scheming one, Sylvie, and I misjudged you there as well. Well let me tell you this – you might’ve set your sights on Magus and he may seem interested now, but it won’t last.’
‘No!’ she said, her cheeks burning. ‘I don’t—’
‘Just hear me out please! Magus never stays with one woman for long, not ever, and by the next full moon he’ll have moved on to someone else. But I’m different. One day all this will be mine and you’d do well to remember that. You and I could have a future together if you play your cards right.’
‘No! I can’t—’
‘Oh Sylvie,’ he groaned hoarsely, reaching to stroke her silky hair. ‘Please stop saying no to me – I’m crazy about you! There’s something about you – something special. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything. Just give me a chance, please!’
She shook her head and tried again to stand but his arm held her fast. He shifted his weight so she was wedged even more tightly into the corner of the bench. With his free hand he turned her head towards his and clamped his lips onto hers, trying to thrust his tongue between her teeth. She pulled backwards but there was nowhere to go. His hand began to roam over her T-shirt, grasping and kneading at her. She struggled and hit out at him but he was heavy and persistent and she couldn’t push him off. She tried to scream but he took the opportunity of pushing his tongue deep into her mouth. She started to gag, repulsed by him, and as he pulled back she bit his split lip. He jerked away, eyes blazing with a strange light.
‘You little bitch – that hurt! What are you playing at?’
He put his hand to his mouth and it came away covered in blood. Again she tried to get up and make a dash for it. He grabbed her and pulled her down, shoving her hard against the bench and thrusting his hand roughly up the front of her T-shirt.
‘Bite me again and I’ll hurt you back! Really hurt you. We can both play rough if that’s how you like it. Now kiss me properly, Sylvie. I don’t care if I’m covered in blood – that’s your own fault.’
He closed in on her again and the taste of his blood made her retch. He pushed her onto her back on the seat, using his weight and bulk to pin her down, easing himself on top of her. He was crushingly heavy, his breathing hoarse, his hands insistent. Sylvie punched up at him wildly and caught him hard on the nose. An arc of blood spattered across her, hot and wet on her face. He yelled with pain and closed his hands round her neck as he shook her, screaming at her frenziedly. She shut her eyes against the horror of his face so close, blood streaming from his nose and mouth, his pale blue eyes manic. This, thought Sylvie, was the last thing she’d ever see. He’d lost control and there was nobody to stop him squeezing her soft throat, squeezing hard …
14
Buzz sat white-faced in Magus’ office, a towel on his lap to catch the blood that still oozed from his nose. His hands trembled and his head hung in despair. Magus sat opposite in a large leather chair, his mouth curled in disdain at the spectacle before him.
‘I’m formally banishing you from Stonewylde, Buzzard. You’ve an hour to pack your belongings and then you’ll be driven to your mother’s house, where you’ll make your home permanently. Your mother will receive a single, generous payment that will sever any need for future contact between us. I’m formally cutting all family ties between us. You’re no longer a member of the Hallfolk, nor part of the community of Stonewylde, and you’ll never be permitted to return here.’
Buzz began to cry; piteous, mewling sobs which made everything bleed more.
‘Please, Dad, please!’ he snivelled, his voice cracking. ‘I beg you, don’t do this! It was all a misunderstanding.’
‘Whatever your previous actions, there’s no misunderstanding about this latest assault. You tried to strangle Sylvie. Maybe I should call it attempted murder rather than assault. If those gardeners hadn’t heard you and stepped in so quickly, you could’ve killed her.’
‘But she led me on! She—’
‘No she did not,’ said Magus coldly, his expression implacable. ‘Sylvie would never do that.’
‘Alright, she didn’t. But I wanted her so badly! I’ve wanted her since she got here and she couldn’t stand me. She treated me like I was dirt.’
‘I’m not surprised. You are dirt.’
‘No I’m not – I’m your son! Anyway, if you can have her, why can’t I?’
‘I haven’t had her, as you so crudely put it. She’s still a child. I thought I’d made it clear how important it is never to break that law.’
‘But you take her up to Moo—’
‘Don’t you dare suggest such a thing! You’re the one who’s done wrong,’ barked Magus, his face twisted with distaste. ‘She’s not for you and never would be. Sylvie’s very special and she’s out of your league.’
‘But she’s Hallfolk! You said I mustn’t have a go at Village girls, but Hallfolk were alright. You said—’
‘Oh be quiet, Buzz,’ Magus said wearily, shaking his head. ‘You don’t have a clue. We do not force ourselves on any woman, be they Villager, Hallfolk or Outsider. Not ever. We don’t need to.’
‘Don’t tell me you’ve never forced anyone!’
‘Of course I haven’t! Why would I? Now that’s enough – you sicken me. Go and pack. You’ve only got an hour and I really can’t wait to be shot of you for good.’
Buzz started to cry again. Magus hauled him roughly out of the chair by the back of his collar, propelling him to the door.
‘No, Dad! Don’t do this! I’ll do anything—’
‘Get out of my sight! You’re pathetic and disgusting. When I look at you, I feel ashamed to have fathered something so worthless.’
‘But I’m your son! You must love me!’
Magus laughed harshly at this, pausing at the door wh
ere Buzz tried to cling to the frame, his face convulsed with weeping and blood still flowing down his front.
‘For Goddess’ sake, stop this blubbering and have some dignity!’ spat Magus. ‘And don’t you dare get any blood on the Aubusson carpet!’
He bundled the towel under Buzz’s face, wrenching his hands away from the door-frame.
‘Please, Dad! I beg you!’
But Magus opened the door, his face contemptuous.
‘I’ll tell you something, Buzz; for all that boy Yul has been a thorn in my flesh, he’s worth ten of you. I’ve seen him take more punishment than I’d have believed possible, yet I’ve never once seen him cry like this. Yul has something that you utterly lack – he has pride.’
The talk in the Village pub and on the Green was all of Buzz’s banishment. The Villagers were delighted that Magus had acted so strongly, particularly as Buzz was his own son and the rules could’ve been bent. Some would’ve liked to see him publicly whipped too, because Buzz had not been popular. He was arrogant and rude, and many in the community had been slighted or upset by him in the past. Rosie was hailed as a heroine for standing up to him and fending him off. Yul was everyone’s hero for beating the Hallfolk at cricket and then for thrashing Buzz so soundly in his sister’s defence. And Magus was once more the benign master who could always be relied upon to mete out justice fairly.
When Yul met Sylvie a couple of days later in the woods, he told her how happy he was that Magus had taken the matter of Rosie’s assault so seriously. He’d never expected Magus to actually banish Buzz and was impressed by his decision. Sylvie looked at him sadly.
‘Sorry to disillusion you, Yul, but I don’t think that’s why Magus banished him at all. You obviously haven’t heard what happened, and I think it’s being hushed up because Magus told me not to talk about it to anyone.’
