Raven's Gate, The Graphic Novel ( PDFDrive )

They left me everything – so Gwenda got hold of the money. They spent it on cars and holidays. And when it ran out they turned nasty. Anyway you Why do you know the rest – think she how I met Kelvin, wants you? the security guard, the LEAF project, I don’t know – but I think Mrs Deverill – I know what they all are. – And what I told you at the paper? it’s all true. Witches! And I think what about they’re You saw the witches. dogs! I saw how this? she created them Yeah. all right – – they came out Yorkshire used to be full of them – of the fire! but that was five hundred years ago!

if there The cat was And Detective They might think were witches five killed and came Mallory was they’re witches – hundred years ago back. Tom Burgess killed on the but they’re not, – why can’t there be died, but I heard his voice on the motorway. Matthew. witches now? phone. Whatever’s going on at Lesser Malling – that’s something to do with the power station. And that’s science, not magic. What about the dogs? Genetically You can have – But at least we can modified. I the spare room check into Omega One. don’t know. I’ll call Michael Marsh upstairs for a I enjoy couple of days. tomorrow. magic. But do I believe I must be crazy, Goodnight. in it? No. because the last two people who Wait – there tried to help seem was something I to have ended didn’t tell you. up dead – You might as well know all of it.

I can’t explain When I woke You won’t believe it, but I’m meant up, I knew they me – but I can break a to be here. I don’t would never make jug by looking at it. I know when something know why. the wedding. bad is going to happen The My dad was like before it does. night before you – he didn’t my parents died, I believe in magic. So And maybe it enabled had a bad dream. I said nothing. But I me to call you. it’s I saw the bridge. was too scared to I saw the tyre get into the car. I like I have some sort pretended to be ill. of power, but I can’t burst. control it. I told Mrs Green Each day I about my parents wake up knowing – but she wouldn’t I’m to blame – believe me. She didn’t want to. Almost every hour of every day I was there since, I ask myself when the police why I didn’t try to arrived to tell her – she was actually warn them, to sick. Horrified and save them. sick because of me.

“– it’s my fault they’re Hmm. no longer here.” –yawn– Come Come – on… on, vase – break. Damn you … break! Who am I I was Yes, thanks. kidding? I’m no wondering Where did X-Man. More like when you’d get up. Sleep you get the a zero kid. clothes? ok? Shop down the road. I had to guess your size.

We have to Why? be careful. Mrs Deverill and her When you came friends will be to the newspaper you looking for you. mentioned a book by Elizabeth Ashwood. While you were asleep, I made some She’s quite well calls – the first was known – she writes to Sir Michael Marsh. about black magic he’s agreed to see us and witchcraft. at eleven thirty. After that – we travel to Manchester. I called a Thank I’ll throw researcher who you. you back in gave me an address Don’t thank me – the bog. for her. if this leads to a story, I’ll be the one No phone number, unfortunately – but we thanking you. can drive over and see what she says. And if it doesn’t?

You say there And that he Matt couldn’t were lights on at the saw a lorry see in the dark – unloading some but he said they power station – and sort of box? were wearing bulky that the boy heard a clothes – humming sound? STHirE MHiocmhaeeolfMarsh – I wondered You think Not a Then if they may have that somebody lot. let me tell been radiation is trying to start you a little up Omega One? suits. about it. Impossible, I’m afraid. How much do you know about nuclear power? A nuclear bomb – and that energy contains devastating comes from splitting power. it can destroy an entire city. The power the atom. A nuclear power station works of the bomb is the energy released in in the same way – the explosion – – but instead of producing an The heat uncontrolled turns water explosion, the to steam, which energy is gradually drives the turbine released in the of an electricity form of heat. generator. Except it would kill you – if you held it in your hand. Uranium is incredible stuff. One tiny piece in your hand can power a million electric heaters for a day.

indeed – which Like Fifty years ago, I helped design is why, when it is the box the government and build it. After moved, it is carried set up a number eighteen months we in heavy, lead-lined I saw! of experimental shut it down and stations. Omega One left it to rot in the boxes. was one of these pine forest that stations. surrounds it. Maybe someone They couldn’t. I last wants to get it visited Omega running again? Even dictators One twenty years ago – and have found it difficult we dismantled everything. to get hold of The box uranium. Matt saw could have contained a picnic, for all we know. Why did it had to be you build somewhere out of it in the the way. And there’s woods? an underground river that runs through the forest. A nuclear power station requires a constant supply of water, you see.

I’m sorry, Sir At the very least, it Are you Michael – we seem would seem someone is interested in trespassing – and I shall phillumeny? to be wasting your time. certainly contact the appropriate authorities. Not at all – I’ve found what However, let me assure you – you you and your couldn’t spark a fire young friend have in that damp place – let alone a nuclear told me quite disturbing. reaction. in what? The collection I find it Do let me of matchbook rather wonderful know how that anything so you get on. labels. ordinary can be And I’ll so beautiful. call when I’ve spoken to the police. I’ll tell you if there’s any news.

Didsbury, Manchester. Yes? Are you I am Susan Elizabeth Ashwood? Ashwood. – She died a Elizabeth was year ago. Who my mother – are you? My name is A boy… Richard Cole – I’m a journalist I’ve come from from the Greater Lesser Malling – we Malling gazette in Yorkshire. wanted to know about a book your There are two mother wrote. of you. Where have you come from! Why are you here! Come into the house. I can help you – but first you must come in.

Which of my We need to mother’s books know about brought you all Raven’s this way? Gate. it was a So you’ve book about found me. Lesser Malling. is your name … Matt? Yes – how did you know that? I knew you would come. I knew you would find me. it was meant I know. She to happen this way. told me you’d seen her book. I’m glad you’ve arrived in time. What are you talking about? We came to see your mother!

I thought A what? Miss Ashwood you said she talks to ghosts. You’re a was dead? medium. Or that’s what she believes. You don’t know who I am? You haven’t heard of me? I speak to the dead in the same way I am talking to you. And if you could hear them, you would know there is a great upheaval in the spirit world. Terrible things are already happening. That is what brought you to my house. What brought us to your house was the M62 motorway from Leeds. Let’s go, Matt.

if you leave this room without hearing what I have to say – you will be making the biggest mistake of your life! You’re involved I’m going in something bigger back right and more incredible than anything you now. can imagine. You have begun a journey – and there is no going back. You can make light I belong to if you meet of it, but you have no an organization – a the Nexus, we idea what is happening. secret society called can help you. the Nexus. As much as I it is like looking at want to, I cannot speak You want a mirror – that to you on my own. to know about Raven’s Gate? We’ll suddenly becomes You have to tell you everything transparent. come with me to you want to know – London. You must Nothing will meet Professor and more. be the same Sanjay Dravid. for you. Dravid!

You believe me Where is don’t you, Matt? Professor I felt your power the moment you Dravid? came here. We’ll send you a I’ve never postcard. felt such strength before. He is at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. Actually, a We’re not man called Dravid going to London, Matt. contacted me when I can’t believe I drove all the way from York I was in the to talk to a woman who library. was obviously out A message of her tree. popped up on the screen – I was doing a search on Raven’s Gate and he wanted to know why. You’re not going to tell me you believed her, are you? Well, you can I wonder… forget about seeing him.

Natural History Museum. London. I don’t know how I let you talk me into this. I didn’t say anything. You were the one who wanted to see Dravid. You were the one who called him. Well, it turned out Ah yes, he had an international the professor is expecting you. reputation. And over a hundred websites His office is on the first featured his name. floor. I only called to be polite. I didn’t expect him to be so eager to see us. I’m sorry – but you’re too late. We closed at six. We have an appointment with Professor Dravid.

You know – it seems bigger and more mysterious now it’s empty. Professor You’re Dravid? Richard Cole? Susan Ashwood telephoned me after she met you. I’m glad you decided to get in touch. I’m just Matt. What’s the exhibition about? You must be it’s the most Matt. Nobody’s remarkable exhibition told me your of dinosaur fossils full name. ever assembled in London. You saw the diplodocus as you came in? Very hard to miss it. One hundred and fifty million years old and probably the largest land animal that ever lived. it would tear you apart in seconds. But of course that’s not why you’re here. You want to know about Raven’s Gate.

Do you know what it is? Raven’s Gate? Yes, I do. But I’m not sure I can tell you… Why is it nobody I apologize for wants to help mistrusting you, me? We come all Matt. We live in a the way here and world where we you’re not saying must be careful anything! who to trust. You live in Greater You were the one who wanted Malling– to see us – why won’t you tell us in the library at Greater what we want to know? Malling? Yes. Matt – I take it you were the boy on the internet? Lesser Malling. it’s a village. I’ve been there two, three weeks. You must tell me everything. I want to know everything that has happened to you, exactly what brought you here today. Begin at the beginning –

“– and don’t leave anything out.” Who is it? Sod this – What I quit! the hell! “Well – what do you think?”

it’s almost But what is impossible to believe happening? – from a warehouse in Ipswich to Lesser Malling – and then to here. But let me tell you, Matt – you are meant to be here. if I told anybody else There are people who what I’m about to tell believe a great civilization you now – my reputation existed before the Greeks would disappear – before the Egyptians – overnight. I’m talking about the time There is another world. of Atlantis, perhaps ten We are surrounded by it. thousand years ago… An alternative history as alive now as it was when it began many thousands of years ago… Raven’s Gate is at the very heart of that alternative history. it’s the reason you are here now, Matt. Stonehenge is four or five thousand years old – but it wasn’t the first. Raven’s Gate was the first stone circle – the rest were imitations.

“…and there was a great war.” “The first civilization was destroyed – slowly and deliberately. Creatures of unimaginable power and evil arrived in the world. They were called the Old Ones.”

“The church talks of Lucifer, Satan – but they’re just memories of the Old Ones. They thrived on chaos – spreading mass destruction wherever they went…” “…and they had a king.” The powe r of The five has been defe aTe d. You c a n noT win. L aY dow n You r arms a nd i wiLL be ge ne rous. i wiLL give You a quic k de aTh. som e of You i wiLL aLLow To se rve m e. This baTTL e has aL re a dY be e n won. “But there was a miracle – four young boys and a girl.”

“Nobody knows where they came from – but together they organized the remains of humanity and there was a single, final battle.” “They won. The Old Ones were banished and a gate was built to stop them coming back.” “The gate was a stone circle – just outside of where is now called Lesser Malling…” “…called Raven’s Gate.”

“At some time in the Middle Ages, it was deliberately taken down and smashed.” “More than that – each stone was ground to powder.” “And then the powder was “…And then poured into loaded into carts and carried the sea. it was never to the four corners of Britain mentioned again – it was – North, South, East, West…” like it never existed.” “The stones were destroyed – but not the gate.” “And the Old Ones were not dead – just waiting…” So how did you hear of it? There have been The whole some written records. purpose of the The diary of a Spanish Nexus – the reason it exists – is to help monk. Carvings on you with what you a temple. must do. And how did I hear of it? I belong to the Nexus. Twelve of us, including Susan Ashwood.

The Nexus meet That’s the last tomorrow – you thing you must do! must stay until You cannot go back to Lesser Malling! then– Forget it. Why? We’ve got day return tickets. We’re going back to York this evening. Since the barrier was built, there have been people who have been trying to open it again. They’ve had to develop … special powers. You mean We are two magic. days from the start of Roodmas – There are the most important three things they day in their will need for a calendar. black Sabbath on A day when Roodmas. dark powers Ritual – which are at their you’ve described strongest. as the whispers. The second is fire – is – which you saw. blood. There must The third – be a sacrifice. And the best type is that of a child.

They brought me there to kill me… We should go to the police! They’re lunatics – the whole lot should be locked up! Matt has already been to the police. Two of them ignored him. The one who didn’t – – Died. Why me? I think you know the answer to that. I’ll put you in a hotel tonight. The Nexus will look after you. The keys! I left This is all These five kids them in my jacket just a bad dream. saving the world – I’ll need them Nothing can to let us out. with magical powers happen to you. don’t exist. Of course they exist –

– I’m one of them. –Gah– –huh– Professor Dravid!

Wait here! Don’t say anything. I’ll Where are you going? get help. The keys! –cough- Five… Did you get them? What about Professor Dravid? I did. Let’s get out of here. He’s dead.

What killed him? I don’t Argh! know – let’s not stay to Something flew past my find out! head! Did you see what it was? No – but I felt it go past… No – it can’t be! it’s a trick! it can’t be real!

Look out! Argh! Matt – you’ve been cut! I’m ok – I don’t think it’s deep. I think it’s gone. Yeah – but what of the others? Dravid called this the most remarkable exhibition of fossils in London – – We could be standing in an x-ray version of Jurassic Park!

Move!

Oh no. The diplodocus. The door! We need… –Hnf– Whoa!

Hold on! The door won’t budge! I need the keys! – There you are! Aha –

Crap. Take the keys! Just get out of here! I’m not leaving without you!

Come on… –Whuf– Ow. Just open the door!

You can make it! No. Oh no. Richard! I’m… What–

–Gack– Mmmphh! ARGH— No!

The barn, Hive hall. Roodmas. Richard’s dead. And later on, I’ll be dead too. But not if I can escape. Come – on! I’ll get through the floorboards, drop to the lower level… Yes! Hmm. Maybe not.

There I felt your has to be power – I have never felt such another way. strength before. My power? if I can Turn! shatter a jug – why shouldn’t I turn a lock? Turn! Turn!

Breakfast. What about a shower? Or I’d like No bath. don’t you know a bath. what one is? From the smell of you, I’d say you’ve never had one either. I’ll enjoy watching No you die. You’ll scream more food like a pig and cry. today. And I’ll You can die be there. hungry. No lunch? That just gives me more time to remove floorboards.

Evening. Time to go. They’re all waiting for you. –Cough– if this is some –hnf– sort of trick – I’ll make sure you wish you’d never been born. What’s the matter? Are you playing games? I’ll–



Good No – don’t try to speak – heavens! let’s get you into What are you the car, out of doing out here the rain. in the middle of Thank you, the night? Sir Michael. it’s Matthew What on Freeman, earth are isn’t it? you doing in this dreadful state?

Don’t worry – Hold on – – I never everything’s when we told you my going to be alL met you – surname… right now. Let me out! Please don’t We’ll be there try to move. The soon. it won’t doors are locked and there’s nowhere take long. you can go. it will all be over very quickly – – and it won’t hurt as much as you think.

Take him! No! Please – no!

Stop!

Matt? Richard! Tell me I’m My left hand dreaming. is almost free. Hang in there. I’m afraid not. I thought you were dead! Not quite. it looks like Sir Michael is part of this. Never trust anyone who works for the government. So here we all are together! Shall we take our places? The end of the world is about to begin!

Leave him alone! Matthew is not He’s just a kid! “just a kid” – he is a very special child. Let him go! One we have been watching for almost half his life. I want to You will – You let be the one do what you’re him get away! who cuts his told! You’ve A second throat. disappointed time! me, jayne – We should have locked him up from the start! I have dedicated my At one time the – your friend entire life to this moment – Old Ones ruled the Matthew is tied down the preparations alone have world – until they were banished. Ever since on the very mouth taken more than twenty then they have waited of Raven’s Gate – years. to return – – and it is about to open.

The forces For centuries that created it was unopenable Raven’s Gate knew – unmovable – until what they were now. The twenty- doing. The gate is unbreakable. first century – – The era The power of nuclear of the atom. power. Do you really think That a weapon it ridiculous to draw capable of killing parallels between a millions in a few seconds nuclear bomb and is so removed from the devil’s work? black magic? I ensured that Omega One was built here. And when it was closed I quietly rebuilt it – taking me twenty years. But how did The world has Finding the right you get the changed – wars in terrorist to do business with was uranium? the middle east, the collapse of the only a matter of time. Soviet Union…

Believe me – Only you will For centuries be – because only magicians have the reactor you will be outside painted circles like these for protection. works. Soon I will The heat will the circle. give the order for rise to critical the control rods – and the gate to be lifted. the heat, no matter will melt and how fantastic, won’t open. touch us. You’ll all be killed! The three We inherited ingredients of the rituals. the black sabbath. We created Ritual, fire – the fire. and blood. Now Matthew will supply us with the blood.

But it doesn’t it’s because of That’s enough! have to be him! who he is. it has to Let’s get on He’s a nobody! be his blood. This is with it! the moment he was Just a child! You’re born for. right – it’s time. Midnight on Time to the night of Roodmas. open the gate.

That’s – that’s the lord’s prayer backwards! Concentrate on the knife. Make it stop. Eighteen control rods … eighteen original stones! But how can they exist? They were destroyed!