The Raven Riddle by Vashti Hardy

Author:Vashti Hardy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barrington Stoke Ltd
Published: 2022-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

“We’re sorry,” said Grace.

“Honestly – trespassing, tampering, snooping!” the old woman went on.

“We didn’t mean to cause trouble or to set off … well, whatever that was that happened to your house,” Grace said. “We’re wardens of the Griffin map from Copperport. We received a call about ravens attacking the villagers of Brook Hollow for no reason, and we’re here to investigate.”

The old woman cackled with laughter. “Attacking for no reason, eh?”

“Well, none that we’ve managed to figure out yet,” Grace said.

“You’re wardens, you say?” the old woman asked. “Never heard of the likes. Sounds like you’re mischief-makers to me.”

“Honestly, we’re not,” said Tom. “We just want to stop the ravens attacking people.”

Hundreds of black raven eyes stared at them suspiciously from the roof.

“Well, I’ll likely be moving off again soon,” the old woman went on. “The ravens will follow me, so the villagers won’t have to put up with them for long.” She sat down heavily on the step.

“But don’t you live here?” asked Grace.

“Here, there, everywhere.” The old woman started searching her pockets.

Grace noticed she looked hot after all the effort of rescuing the house. “Here,” said Grace, passing her a hankie.

The old woman wiped her brow.

“You’re very active for …” Grace stopped herself.

“Say it. For an old lady?” The woman laughed.

Watson flew to land on Grace’s shoulder and whispered, “It’s rude to be ageist.”

“Well, well!” The old woman’s glassy blue eyes lit up at the sight of Watson. “What have we here?”

“This is Watson, a robot raven,” said Grace. “Robots are mechanical animals which—”

“I know what robots are,” the old woman interrupted.

“Really?” said Tom. “The villagers of Brook Hollow hadn’t come across such a thing before.”

“Well now, they wouldn’t, would they?” The old woman tutted.

“What exactly just happened with your house?” asked Grace. “It seemed to be elevating and trying to … walk?”

“That’s right,” the old woman said. “It’s full of cogs, pistons and all sorts of mechanics. The corners have extra-thick walls that hide the extending legs. It can go as high as the treetops and I can steer it from place to place. That way I can travel wherever I like and stay away from pesky people like you. There’s even a hidden hatch so I can pull heavy things up through the floor instead of using the steps.”

“Amazing!” said Grace and Tom together.

“You’re definitely not a mountain witch like they say, are you?” said Grace.

The old woman laughed. “No, I’m Nellie Grey, this is my clockwork house and these ravens are my friends. My only friends,” she said, sounding sad.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Tom.

Nellie shrugged. “I’m used to it. I’ve not had human friends since I was a girl.”

“Really?” said Grace. She thought Nellie seemed nice and rather interesting now that everything had calmed down. “Why ever not?”

Nellie paused and looked between Grace and Tom. Instead of answering, she said, “Now, are you two going to tell me your names and go inside and make me a nice cup of tea or what? I think you owe it to me after causing such trouble.

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