there was always the risk of her telling Yul too, which Clip knew would be a disaster. So he’d told Maizie that Leveret had a fine intellect and he intended to leave his books with her when he departed from Stonewylde later that year, as she was the only person he’d encountered at Stonewylde who’d truly appreciate them.
Clip had explained that he was trying to broaden Leveret’s mind, taking her for long walks and showing her plants and rocks that would help with the book studying. Maizie had confided her wish that Leveret become a doctor one day and he’d agreed that she had the potential to be a great healer. He said her studies with him would help as every healer needed a broad and deep knowledge. Clip felt a little guilty misleading Maizie but knew the end would justify the means; Leveret would be a great Wise Woman and shaman for Stonewylde.
But he was unsure about the Dark Moon, worried about her casting and scared that with so little experience she might conjure something unwanted. Clip felt Leveret was on the cusp of something and when the time was right, all would be made clear. In the meantime she shouldn’t do anything to put herself in danger.
‘What do you feel at Dark Moon?’ he’d asked her.
‘A great excitement inside me,’ she’d replied. ‘A thrill, a sort of rush of power and magic. I tingle with it as the skies darken and the stars come out. I feel as if I could do anything and it’s growing more powerful as I get older.’
‘I think you should walk in the night,’ he’d advised. ‘Go somewhere you feel the Earth Magic and let the Dark Moon flow through you. But don’t try to channel anything yet, not until you’ve learnt more.’
So now she must broach the subject with her mother. Maizie had been fine about the Wolf Moon because Clip had said they were working in his tower for the evening. How far could she bend the truth now without actually deceiving her mother?
‘I saw Clip yesterday at school, Mother,’ she began nonchalantly, stitching with sudden diligence.
‘Oh yes? Was he pleased you were chosen as Bright Maiden?’
He’d been delighted, saying it was highly symbolic.
‘Yes, he was thrilled and wants to help me prepare spiritually.’
‘Ah, the spiritual side. We’ve been thinking of your outfit and making sure you know the rituals, but the spiritual side is important too, o’ course.’
‘I must go out this evening and Clip’s keen for me to do so. Is that alright?’
‘Yes, if Clip wants you to. I know he’ll look after you.’
Maizie had followed her trail of implication without her having to actually lie. Leveret smiled, her green eyes lighting up.
‘Thanks, Mother – I won’t be late.’
‘I’ll keep your supper under a plate on the range. I’m at the Hall with Miranda and Sylvie tonight, running through things for Imbolc so I’ll probably be late back. Oh Leveret, I’m so excited!’
‘Mmn, me too.’
In fact Leveret was dreading being the centre of attention. Despite evidence to the contrary at Yuletide, she was convinced of her ugliness and worried sick she’d forget the complex dance steps and words she must chant. And despite her crush on him, Leveret was nervous about Kes being her partner. She was scared of making a fool of herself, terrified of dancing with him and sure that he’d hoped for one of the pretty, amusing girls to be his Bright Maiden, not a boring, plain one like her. He must be feeling disappointed.
But she hid her fear and self-doubt for her mother’s sake, putting on a brave face and letting the chatter wash over her – at least she’d be out tonight celebrating the Dark Moon. Leveret felt a sudden tingle of excitement and forgot all about menstruation pains and the proximity of Imbolc. All she thought of was the night ahead and the dark joy of being out, wild and free, in the magic of the Dark Moon.
22
Yul strode into the Stone Circle, his long legs covering the distance quickly; he wanted to be here for the sunset and it was almost time. He took a great leap onto the Altar Stone and stood there, tall and powerful, both hands raking his dark hair back from his face as he turned towards the golden pool of light that was the setting sun. It was already a month since the Solstice but as yet there was little noticeable difference in the days’ length. As