to factory workers, sitting all day at production lines to churn out stuff for rich Outsiders?’
‘Sylvie, we weren’t—’
‘Hear me out, Yul. Stonewylde.com is great and the profits are very welcome. But we mustn’t forget the principles of Stonewylde itself, our values and our whole philosophy. Mother Earth provides for us, but she’s not there to be exploited and neither are our people.’
There was a stunned silence and then Miranda clapped slowly.
‘Bravo, Sylvie – well put. I agree with you.’
Maizie nodded vigorously.
‘Sylvie’s right! The business is taking over. It comes before us Stonewylders. Just last week I went to get a new pair o’ boots for winter, and Larch the cobbler told me I’d have to wait till after Yule because they were all busy making boots and shoes for the warehouse orders! I can’t wait seven weeks with holes in my boots. I did wonder what were going on.’
‘Aye,’ said Edward. ‘My wife was told we couldn’t replace our old bedstead till Spring Equinox at the earliest as they’re rushed off their feet in the furniture workshop making four-poster beds for the Outside World. I’ve mended our bed as best I can but it’s done for, and we’ve never had to wait so long before when something’s broke. So I agree too – Stonewylde first, then Stonewylde.com. Not the other way round.’
Yul glared at them all, a flush staining his cheeks. Sylvie watched detachedly as he calmed himself down and smiled coldly.
‘I’m sorry to hear about your problems, Mother and Edward. If anything like that ever happens to anyone, let me know and I’ll deal with it personally. Of course our folks’ needs will always come first. Thank you, Sylvie, for so eloquently explaining the point that Clip was attempting to make. In fact this leads me on to the final thing I wished to say. I’m sure we’ve all had enough today and need to conclude this meeting. What I’m about to tell you is of great significance to all of us in the community.’
Everyone sat up and focused on Yul, the ethics of Stonewylde.com now completely forgotten. He smiled again, scanning the faces until he had everyone’s total attention.
‘Yesterday Clip told me that after this Samhain, in the new year, he intends to stand down from leading the community. He’ll be signing everything over to me – and to Sylvie of course – as he feels the need for rest after all these long years.’
There was an instant babble of noise. Sylvie stared across at Clip, a sharp prickle of hurt in her throat. Why hadn’t he told her first instead of letting Yul announce it to the Council? But then she saw Clip’s expression and it was clear this wasn’t what he’d intended. As she wondered what’d been said before, Yul continued.
‘When Clip retires he’ll be leaving Stonewylde for good so he can extend his travels. He told me that he has full confidence that I’m ready to lead the community. With the help of my wife, of course.’
He smiled across at Sylvie, who was surprised by how annoyed she felt.
‘This is not confidential so please feel free to spread the word throughout the community. It is, after all, what Mother Heggy predicted.’
There was a buzz of approval at this.
‘Oh – and one more thing. This’ll be the last time that we build the labyrinth in the Stone Circle. You all know how much I despise the custom, and why. In future any Stonewylders who wish to meet the Dark Angel at Samhain may hold a private ceremony at the Yew of Death. It’s a more appropriate place than the sacred Circle, which is a place of life and energy. Please explain this to the folk.’
‘That’ll be difficult,’ muttered Martin, shaking his silver-grey head. ‘Many of the old ones feel very strongly about the Dance of Death. They hold on for months to die at that special time.’
‘They can still die at that special time,’ replied Yul. ‘Just not in the Stone Circle. That’s all – the meeting is now closed. Bright blessings to you all for Samhain. These are exciting times for Stonewylde and I know it’ll be a very good year ahead.’
6
Leveret sat rocking in Mother Heggy’s ancient chair, her woollen cloak wrapped tightly around her against the cold. She’d been looking forward to this special day for so long, ever since she realised that the Dark Moon would fall at Samhain. She’d always felt drawn to the magic of the Dark Moon, always felt