There was much speculation about which Magus would favour; whipping or banishment. Most agreed that whipping was more likely, for Buzz hadn’t actually forced Rosie and he was after all Magus’ eldest son. Yul had his doubts and wasn’t convinced that Magus would do anything at all, despite his reputation for justice. In which case, Yul decided, he’d have to take matters into his own hands. Amongst the young Hallfolk the sympathy naturally lay with Buzz, particularly after the beating he’d received at the hands of a Villager. Buzz had locked himself in his room, taking his meals in there and seeing only Fennel. ‘I think it should be both,’ said Marigold firmly as she dished up the servants’ lunch early one afternoon. ‘A good whipping and then banish him. What that young man done was terrible.’ ‘You’re right, my dear,’ said Cherry, sitting at the head of the table. ‘Why should he get off lightly?’ The sun streamed into the cavernous kitchen, gilding the heads of the troupe of servants as they ate.
