by Kit Berry
Afterwards Sylvie cleared the dishes back into the dumb waiter and pressed the switch for the lift to descend to the floor below, whilst Magus switched on the huge television screen.
‘Come and sit next to me,’ he said, patting the soft leather sofa. ‘I mentioned that I wanted to show you something. This is distressing and I’m sorry to break the pleasant mood but I think you should see it. Your injuries have upset me a great deal.’
‘Really, Magus, I’m absolutely fine,’ she protested, sitting down next to him at a safe distance. She felt very strange being alone like this with him, although he was as weak as a kitten and not threatening or overbearing at all.
‘I’m sorry, but nobody at Stonewylde can behave the way Yul did with impunity. You may remember I banished Buzz because of what he did to you? That Village boy and the way he’s abused you have been preying on my mind all afternoon. You need to understand why I’ve been so adamant, ever since you arrived, about your having no contact with him. I know you always thought I was being high-handed, Sylvie, when I forbade you to fraternise with him. But you really don’t know the full picture. That’s my fault – I should’ve told you more, but I’m just not used to having to explain myself. I’m so sorry, Sylvie, that you’ve been assaulted twice and on both occasions by my sons. I’m ashamed to have fathered such monsters.’
Sylvie glanced at him, noticing his serious expression and the way his hands shook slightly. She felt a sudden rush of pity for him – this was a different man to the golden god-like figure who demanded obedience so forcefully. This Magus was quiet and almost humble, clearly suffering in his weakened state.
‘These are photos of Buzz,’ he continued, ‘taken after his fight with Yul in August. I’m sure you remember the incident well, as it wasn’t long after this that Buzz assaulted you. Buzz was admitted to the hospital wing and Hazel photographed his injuries, recording these images almost daily as he began to heal. I wanted a record of Yul’s brutality because it was so very shocking.’
‘I heard that Yul was defending his sister.’
‘Just so – and one can understand that of course.’
‘So why take photos? I don’t understand.’
‘Because at that point I wasn’t intending to punish Buzz further – Yul had already done that very thoroughly, as you’ll see. Buzz had only kissed the Village girl and fumbled about with her blouse – nothing more had taken place, by the girl’s own admission. Yet the Villagers were up in arms about it and wanted Buzz whipped or even banished. I’d hoped that by showing them these photos of Buzz’s injuries, they’d see that he’d had punishment enough for his misdemeanour. It wasn’t until he also attacked you that I realised he’d intended to take it further with the Village girl too. That young man had no idea about self-control or how he should conduct himself.’
Magus paused, the control in his hand and regarded Sylvie steadily.
‘Anyway, now perhaps it’s lucky I have this record to show you. I want you to look carefully, Sylvie, however upsetting it is. I want you to see what sort of a beast lies beneath Yul’s boyish charm. Remember that Buzz was much larger and heavier than him. Try to imagine the sheer viciousness and violence of this attack, to cause such uncalled-for damage. Yul isn’t normal, that’s for sure. He has the brutality of someone with a severe personality disorder and he fought like someone mentally unhinged. Buzz never had a chance to fight back, that’s how sudden and ferocious Yul’s attack was. Yul was totally unharmed in the fight, other than his hands, and you’ll see only too clearly why they were damaged.’
On the enormous screen that showed everything in great detail, Sylvie watched a progression of the most terrible series of injuries she’d ever seen. Hazel had catalogued Buzz’s suffering meticulously and Sylvie looked at each photo in horrified fascination. She saw how the passage of time had created an animation of vivid discoloration and grotesque swelling, before finally beginning to heal the damage. She’d had no idea of the extent of Buzz’s disfigurement, only seeing him a month later when many of the visible injuries had all but healed.
She was sickened at the sight of his face: the eyes puffed-up like dark plums, his nose bent and swollen, his mouth looking like a piece of raw meat. His body was mottled with a camouflage pattern of deep bruising that passed through every shade before eventually fading to a dull, dirty yellow. The bruising was all over his torso, revealing injuries to his ribs and on his back, especially around his kidneys. Finally Sylvie could stand no more and turned away in distress. Magus switched off the slide show before it moved on to another injury and looked into her eyes.
‘Do you understand a little better now, and appreciate why your injuries have upset me so much? They’re nothing compared to Buzz’s, but nevertheless they indicate that Yul has no qualms about hurting you too, if he thinks it warranted. Has he done anything else to you, Sylvie?’
She swallowed, wanting to defend Yul but feeling unable to, given the appalling photos she’d just seen. She couldn’t believe he’d deliberately inflicted such dreadful damage on another person.
‘My upper arms and ribcage are quite painful too. He pinned me to the ground and crushed me, I think. I don’t remember it too well; the moon was close to rising and I was frantic. I’m scraped all down the side of my body, not just my leg. And he gagged me. My mouth was sore for a while, although there weren’t any marks. That’s all, I think.’
Magus nodded slowly.
‘And what about … how can I put this … in passion? Has he done anything to violate you? Anything of a sexual nature.’
Sylvie blushed scarlet. She thought of their kisses, of the increasing desire she felt for him, and recalled the tentative caresses they’d shared. She remembered the night when he’d come to her bedroom and pulled her down on top of him on her bed and she’d wanted him so badly it hurt. But she shook her head, avoiding Magus’ eye. Yul had never done anything she hadn’t wanted; he’d always been the one to hold back when her emotions overwhelmed her natural reticence.
‘I can see that something has gone on between you,’ said Magus quietly, shaking his head sadly. ‘I do hope it hasn’t gone too far, Sylvie – that would be terrible, for more reasons than I can say at this point.’
‘No,’ she whispered, horribly embarrassed. ‘Nothing much has happened. And … Yul has never made me do anything I didn’t want to.’
‘Yes, I imagine you believe it was all mutual and Yul wasn’t forcing himself on you. Maybe it was, but just remember the power of the Earth Magic. I know only too well the effect it has, not only on the recipient but on all who come into contact with it. It’s extremely powerful stuff, the very essence of Stonewylde and nature’s wild, procreative forces. Yul will use the Earth Magic to overcome any shyness or reluctance you may feel. I speak from experience here, Sylvie. I’ve never been turned down by a woman, ever. In fact I often turn them away. You’ve seen how your mother behaved with me. Was she ever like that before, with anyone else?’
Sylvie shook her head, knowing that what he said was true. The change in Miranda had been profound and had happened almost overnight.
‘I’m not fool enough to imagine it’s just my charm and good looks that excite women,’ Magus continued. ‘I know it’s the Earth Magic and it can almost be a curse at times, attracting too much adoration and attention. So just remember that with Yul. Since he’s stolen my Earth Magic, he has access to all that sexual energy and if he made any advances you’d find him impossible to resist.’
Sylvie swallowed hard at this, again knowing it was true. She’d felt the compelling force in Yul after the ceremonies and his rituals at sunrise and sunset. But surely there was more to it than that? He loved her and wanted her so much, and that was nothing to do with any green magic of Stonewylde. She felt the same about him and had done since before he started to receive the Earth Magic. She shook her head and turned away from Magus, staring into the blazing fire. He got up slowly and turned off the screen. Pouring them both a small glass of mead, h
e sat quietly next to her on the sofa whilst they sipped at it.
‘I’m sorry, Sylvie. I’ve upset you. But you need to be in possession of the facts. Go and think about it tonight. Will you visit me again tomorrow if I ask for you? I feel so much better for seeing you today, and at last I’ve managed to eat something. I’m feeling stronger already and I’m grateful to you. Thank you for helping me like this.’
Back in her room, Sylvie found it impossible to concentrate on her pile of homework, and the angry notes from teachers about the afternoon’s missed lessons upset her. The mead and heat of the fire had made her body relax, but her mind was reeling with the horrific images she’d seen on the screen and Magus’ words of warning about Yul’s passion. Eventually she pushed the books away, unable to concentrate, and went to bed. She moved about restlessly for hours as sleep eluded her. She was worried that Magus was manipulating her, and more worried that he spoke the truth. If only she could see Yul and talk to him.
Magus was as gentle and charming again the next day, sending for her mid-morning during a history lesson. Holly hissed with spite as Sylvie bundled up her things and left the school room. She followed Martin up the stairs, not dreading the encounter as she’d done the previous day, but still wary of Magus and any further revelations he might make today. She needn’t have worried. He seemed a little brighter and they ate lunch together at the dining table looking out over the grounds. He reminisced about his early days of leadership at Stonewylde and some of the difficulties he’d faced trying to set right the years of neglect. She felt a grudging respect for him as she understood more fully what he’d achieved as magus.
‘Stonewylde is my life,’ he said softly, sipping at his glass of water as the meal lay largely untouched on his plate. ‘I’d never voluntarily give up my guardianship of the place.’
‘Can’t you manage a little more of your food?’ Sylvie asked, not wanting to discuss anything to do with the forthcoming conflict. Magus was still pale and drawn and his eyes were weary. His hands trembled as he pushed the plate away and she felt a pang of pity for him. The sun glinted suddenly on his blond hair and she almost choked as an image of the tiny lock of child’s hair rose unbidden into her mind. She wondered if there was any way to reverse Mother Heggy’s awful spell. It was one thing going along with all the talk of ousting Magus, but quite another to see the weakness and suffering of the man himself as he sat quietly in the sunlight, talking of his hopes and dreams for Stonewylde.
‘No, I can’t,’ he said. ‘I can’t face it.’
He lay on the sofa after lunch and closed his eyes. Sylvie sat in an armchair fidgeting, worried about her lessons. It was maths again this afternoon and she didn’t want to arrive halfway through. Not after leaving early yesterday before William had finished his daily bout of mortification. He’d be angry enough without her being late today, and she hadn’t managed to finish the homework last night either. She wondered if she should creep off to the lesson now, whilst Magus slept.
‘Do you want to go, Sylvie?’ he asked, opening his eyes.
‘Oh, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I’m just worried about my classes this afternoon. If I don’t go now I’m going to be late and I’m in enough trouble as it is.’
‘What have you got next?’
‘Maths.’
‘Would you rather go to maths or stay here with me?’
She laughed harshly at this.
‘I’d rather walk across hot coals than go to maths!’
‘It’s that bad? Stay with me, then. I feel much better when you’re here. I’m so weak since that terrible last Moon Fullness when Yul prevented you from helping me like you’d promised. Perhaps I’m picking up some of your energy now?’
‘I don’t think it works like that,’ she said doubtfully. ‘It’s not like the Earth Magic.’
‘Then maybe it’s just your presence. Whatever the cause, I don’t feel so terribly depressed when you’re here. Would you mind staying?’
She needed little persuasion to miss another session on standard index form, or whatever new horror William might humiliate her with. She spent a peaceful afternoon sitting on the long sofa working on an essay for the history lesson she’d missed that morning, whilst Magus rested beside her. He lay with his head on a cushion against her leg, saying that being close to her helped his recovery. He was so weak and listless that he no longer seemed a threat, and she found some comfort in knowing she was helping him; anything to lessen her guilt over the spell.
As the afternoon grew dark she fed the fire and lit the lamps, pulling the huge oak shutters across the long expanse of windows. It was cosy in the great room and Magus watched her moving quietly about.
‘I like you being here with me, Sylvie,’ he said. ‘I’m feeling much better. Would you mind missing school for a few days?’
She came over and sat down on the floor, hugging her knees and gazing into the fire.
‘Would I mind missing school?’ She laughed bitterly at this. ‘I hate school! Of course I wouldn’t mind – you’re the one who was so cross about my absences and my lack of progress.’
He chuckled.
‘Yes, I was, because I thought you were malingering. But now I know better. Now I’d be a hypocrite to chastise you for taking to your bed for a week and not eating – it’s exactly what I’ve done. Have you caught up with the schoolwork yet? I heard you’d been putting in a lot of effort recently and I saw how diligently you worked this afternoon.’
She shook her head, feeling a welling up of the despair that any thought of school inspired.
‘I’ve tried so hard. I’ve worked and worked, but there are so many gaps. It’s not just since I started moondancing for you – I missed almost two years of school in London because of the bullying, my illness and all the time in hospital. I’ve tried to study by myself and fill in the gaps but there are so many, and none of the teachers have been very supportive or offered any extra help, even when I’ve asked. I guess they can’t be bothered with someone who’s just not worth the effort.’ Her voice started to crack and she swallowed hard. ‘I hadn’t realised how little I knew until all this revision started. I’m so stupid and slow and I’d always thought I was alright.’
‘Don’t be silly, Sylvie – you’re not stupid at all.’
‘Well that’s how the teachers have made me feel – completely useless. And the others, Holly and her gang, they tease me about it and laugh every time I can’t answer a question or get a poor mark in a test. I can’t …’
To her dismay she burst into tears, bowing her head over her knees and sobbing. Magus leant over to stroke her hair.
‘Don’t cry, Sylvie,’ he said gently. ‘It’s really not the end of the world. It’s only school work.’
‘But I’m useless!’ she sobbed. ‘I can’t do anything. They all laugh at me, William picks on me and I can’t bear it any longer!’
The frustration and misery of the last few weeks and the pressure of all the work came flooding out and she couldn’t stop crying. Magus slid down onto the thick, velvety rug next to her, sitting with his back against the sofa. He put an arm around her shaking shoulders and pulled her in close to him, enfolding her in soft linen and heavy scent. Gradually she relaxed into his embrace and felt the unique comfort of being held by someone big and strong. He gave her a clean handkerchief and stroked her hair gently, a small smile on his lips.
‘Sylvie, calm down a minute and listen to me. Maybe I can help – listen.’
She managed to stop crying and sat quietly, shaken by the occasional gasping sob.
‘If you like, I can make a call to your tutor who I imagine will be in his room changing for dinner. I can tell him that we’ve decided to defer your final year of secondary education. You could take some time off lessons now and catch up with everything you’ve missed, and then start this year again next September. You’d still have a lot of work to do, but it would give you a chance to really get to grips with everything you’ve missed and I’m sure you�
��d achieve much better results, even if they are a year late. You’ve been very ill and it’s entirely acceptable to defer your exams and course-work. Would you like me to do that?’
She stared at him incredulously, hope flaring inside her.
‘Won’t the teachers mind? Are you allowed to do that?’ she gasped, her throat constricted with disbelief.
‘Sylvie, I can do anything I want. I’m in charge here, not the teachers – they work for me. Shall I make that call?’
She nodded, unable to believe that at a single stroke he could remove the relentless and crushing stress that had blighted her life since Samhain.
‘But Sylvie, there’s one condition.’
‘Yes?’
‘You’ll keep me company until I’m better again. You’ll look after me and come here every day to cheer me up and help me get well. Is that a deal?’
She smiled, sniffing and gulping back the tears, her heart soaring with relief. She nodded again happily and he bent to kiss her forehead.
‘Silly thing,’ he said fondly. ‘If you’d only told me how much you were suffering I could’ve done this long ago. I want you to be happy, Sylvie, and I’ll do whatever I can to make it happen. You’ve been so good to me the past couple of days and I won’t forget it.’
Martin stoked up the fire and turned to his master, who sat at his desk tapping away at a keyboard.
‘Are you ready for that steak now, sir?’
‘Is she back in her room?’
‘Yes, sir, all tucked up for the night, I’d imagine.’
‘Fine, send the food up then. Goddess, but it’s been a long haul! A decent bottle of wine too. And Martin …’
‘Yes sir?’
‘When I’ve finished eating, bring me a woman.’
