Magus of Stonewylde Book One Read Online Free PDF Page B

last, she might be absolved.
    Yul’s heart beat slow and hard as he watched Buzz strutting about by the cider table surrounded by his gang. Only minutes earlier Yul had been dancing with Holly, admiring her bright eyes and animated face as they tore around the Great Barn together. And now he stood alone, his fists clenching with a strong urge to punch Buzz’s smug face.
    He’d had a good feeling about this evening and up until the moment when the adults joined them, everything had beengoing well. The Barn was decorated with spring flowers and greenery in honour of Eostre, the tables were laden with food and the musicians on the dais were playing their hearts out. The effects of the ceremony cakes and mead still tingled through their bodies as Yul and Holly danced, their feet skimming the flagstone floor. But as soon as the adults had arrived, their additional ceremonies and rituals in the Stone Circle completed, everything had changed.
    A group of young Hallfolk, several of whom had just undergone their Rite of Adulthood, had swaggered into the Great Barn showing off their new robes and necklets and boasting of their initiation. Holly’s head had swivelled round and then she’d dragged Yul off the dance floor.
    ‘Thanks for the dance,’ she said breathlessly, her cheeks flushed. ‘Got to go now. My friends are here.’
    ‘But … is that it? I thought we were going to spend the evening together.’
    ‘No!’ she laughed. ‘Whatever made you think that? I’m joining them.’
    She nodded towards Buzz and his group, who’d already attracted a gaggle of girls. Yul glared at her, his grey eyes smouldering.
    ‘Why do you want to be with them? They’re all idiots. Especially Buzz.’
    ‘I wouldn’t speak about Buzz like that if I were you,’ she said sharply. ‘And they’re not idiots. They’re all very clever, unlike you, Yul.’
    His face tightened at this and he released her hands.
    ‘It’s your choice, Holly. You’d have much more fun with me. But go and join the herd if that’s what you want. If you’re lucky Buzz might just notice you, although you’ve a lot of competition by the look of it.’
    ‘You really should watch your tongue! For a Villager you’ve a very high opinion of yourself. How could I possibly have more fun with you? You’re nothing but a dumb peasant, Yul, and you’d do well to remember that before you start insulting Hallfolk.’
    Holly had turned and threaded her way through the noisy crowd. Yul’s hands shook as he watched her go. He’d lost sight of her for a minute and when he saw her again she was near the cider table and surrounded by the group. She threw her head back and tossed her hair. The Hallfolk boys closed round her, all vying for her attention. She was obviously very popular with the boys, and she stood on tiptoe and spoke into Buzz’s ear, holding onto the collar of his new robes. Yul saw Buzz, the leader of the group, look across at him and then laugh loudly.
    Now Yul’s heart thumped in his chest as the anger rose. He turned and pushed his way through the throng of people towards the open doors. He was sure the whole crowd around Buzz and Holly were watching him and laughing, and all he wanted was to be outside, away from the lot of them. He passed his sister Rosie near the door and she tried to stop him, but he shook her off angrily.
    Once outside in the cool night he took gulps of air, trying to steady his heartbeat. He hated Holly, stuck up little cow. He’d never dance with her again. And as for his Rite of Adulthood … she was the last person he’d want to partner. He hated Buzz and his gang of friends more than anything. In fact he hated all the Hallfolk, he decided, with their pale hair and stupid way of talking. They were useless. As far as he could see they provided nothing for the community and leeched off the hard-working Villagers. He hated every one of them. If he had his way there’d be no Hallfolk at Stonewylde.
    Yul stomped off down the