Magus of Stonewylde Book One Read Online Free PDF Page A

Magus’ dark eyes watching her in the mirror and they shared a moment of understanding.
    ‘Welcome home, Sylvie,’ he murmured.
*
    Miranda and Sylvie were to live in a tiny cottage tucked away beyond the Hall and secluded by woods. The cherry tree in their front garden was in full blossom and they walked to the front door under a shower of white-petal confetti. Sylvie laughed as it settled all over her mother’s glossy red hair, teasing her that she looked like a bride.
    Inside the cottage they stared around in wonder. The furniture was crafted from natural materials and the polished floorboards scattered with rag rugs. There was no central heating, no boiler, no fitted kitchen or bathroom and no electricity. It could have been a home from the Victorian age or even earlier.
    ‘You’ll find it strange at first,’ said Magus as he showed them around. ‘When you’ve integrated into the community you may like to move up to the Hall and I’ll arrange a suite of rooms for you. We have all the mod cons there. But I thought at first you’d prefer some privacy while you settle in, and while Sylvie regains her health.’
    ‘It’s amazing!’ said Miranda, gazing at the simple whitewashed walls and old beams. ‘About as far away as you could get from our grotty flat in London.’
    Sylvie wandered around in a dream, opening the back door wide and gazing out at the woods beyond.
    ‘Normally you’ll join us in the Dining Hall for your meals, but keep some food here as well, and for the settling-in period, Cherry my housekeeper will call daily to look after you.’
    ‘Thank you. I feel a bit … overwhelmed, to be honest,’ gulped Miranda.
    He smiled at her.
    ‘Understandable. Living here will require quite some adjustment for you both. If there’s anything you need, anything at all, don’t be afraid to ask. As part of our community you share whatever we have. And as Hallfolk you have access to many things. There are computers, televisions, a library and stables up at the Hall.’
    ‘Stables? Wow – we’ve never ridden horses before,’ said Miranda. ‘I hope it’s not compulsory!’
    Magus laughed, towering over her in the small sitting room. Sylvie had sunk onto a chair, her face pale and eyes drawn. She pulled out her inhaler and took a quick puff.
    ‘Of course not! And Sylvie, as your health improves I’m sure you’ll make friends with the other young people there. You’ll find we have a thriving social life at Stonewylde, but it’ll seem odd to you at first, I warn you. In fact we have a big event tomorrow, but I think you need a little time before you start joining in our celebrations, don’t you?’
    ‘Oh absolutely,’ agreed Miranda. ‘We’d feel awkward not knowing anyone and Sylvie’s not strong enough yet. Magus, you haven’t said when you want me to start teaching. I could—’
    ‘Not yet. Our priority is to get Sylvie healthy again. I want you to treat these first few weeks as an extended holiday, one that you both need very much. Enjoy the countryside and spring weather and reconnect with nature. Many of the students you’ll be teaching are away in Europe anyway. They won’t be back until Beltane, so there’s plenty of time to really settle in.’
    ‘Beltane?’
    ‘Sorry,’ he smiled, ‘I forget how different it is here. We celebrate Beltane at the beginning of May. Lots of rural places do, though some call it May Day.’
    ‘Maypole dancing, with a May Queen and Morris dancers you mean?’ asked Sylvie in delight, perking up again. ‘I’ve heard of that. I hope I’ll be well enough by then to come and watch.’
    ‘I’m sure you will, and it’ll be a lovely introduction to our customs. Beltane is my favourite festival of the year. Now I’ll leave you to unpack and I’ll send Cherry over shortly. Just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Stay in the gardens of the Hall until I get a chance to show you around properly.’
    ‘We will, Magus. And may I say,’ said Miranda a