Alfie Bloom and the Secrets of Hexbridge Castle by Gabrielle Kent

Author:Gabrielle Kent
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic UK
Published: 2015-05-17T16:00:00+00:00

It had been horrible for Alfie to see his dad turn so pale as they had staggered into the castle dripping wet, covered in scratches from the iron bars and coated in mud after scrambling up the hill. He patched up their scrapes and made it very clear that they were never to go down into the lower cellars on their own again. From the tone of his voice, Alfie knew better than to try and argue.

Granny had called for help with the festival preparations that afternoon. Alfie’s dad hadn’t told her about their close shave, but sent them straight down to the village hall to be put to work. They found Granny standing amidst strings of bunting, directing the men and women of the organizing committee. Alfie watched with admiration as she sent them all about their allocated jobs, painting or renovating props and stages. The hall was a hive of activity.

“About time, boys,” she called. “I was about to come and drag you out of bed myself. Now, into the kitchen. You’re on pumpkin-carving duty.”

Before Alfie could say a word, she had swept them into the big catering kitchen with its huge ovens and tea urns. Every surface was covered in pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. There was a horrified gasp from the far corner and they turned to see Madeleine staring at them amidst a sea of stringy pulp and seeds. She leapt up and made a dash for the door but it slammed shut before she was even halfway. She let out a yell and pounded on the door as a key turned loudly in the lock. Seconds later, the serving hatch snapped open and Granny’s head popped through, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“This door won’t open until you three sort yourselves out. Madeleine has been driving me crazy, moping around my cottage for days. Hopefully some creative hard work will get you three on good terms again. Drinks and sandwiches are in the fridge. Now, get busy!” The hatch snapped shut.

“What if we need the loo?” called Robin.

“Then you’d better make up sooner rather than later,” called Granny’s distant voice.

“I should have guessed she’d try something like this,” said Robin, slumping against a cabinet and picking up a large pumpkin. She means it – she’ll leave us in here all night if she has to.”

“What about it, Maddie?” asked Alfie hopefully. “Friends?”

Madeleine continued carving, showing no sign of having heard him. Alfie shrugged helplessly at Robin then sat down on the floor and got to work on a pumpkin. Robin sighed and joined him.

Halfway through hollowing out his third pumpkin, Robin brought up the subject of the huge sealed door in the lower cellars. As he spoke, Alfie noticed Madeleine slowing down in her work. She didn’t look their way, but he could tell she was listening intently.

Alfie pulled the talisman out of his shirt and showed it to Robin. “There’s no way I’m opening that thing until I’ve asked Caspian about it, but I’m sure that this is the key – it matches the markings exactly.

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