Raven's Gate, The Graphic Novel ( PDFDrive )

Government – Ministry of Defence perhaps? I need to get a closer look – maybe I can find a – – Ah. What are This’ll do. you doing? you!

I got lost. I saw lights What is this in the forest last night, I place? wondered what A power they were. station – you shouldn’t And I heard be here. strange noises – a sort of humming. What were What’s going on you looking here? You warned for? me to go away! Why didn’t I tried. you? What were you warning me about? Why is everyone in Lesser Malling so weird? Who are you? I’m Tom Burgess. I didn’t I’m a farmer – I own hear any Glendale Farm, along the Greater Malling shots. road. I didn’t see any Are you guarding foxes. this place? No – I’m hunting – I’m after some foxes that come for my chickens in the night.

You said a power it was station – a nuclear experimental, put here long power station? ago – before they started building What the real things. the hell is it doing here? They were it’s empty looking for – nobody’s alternative sources been near it of energy – when for years. they finished their experiments, they shut Omega One down. They were here last night – I heard them and saw lights. Maybe you were imagining I things. don’t have that much imagination. Look, why don’t How could you tell me what you begin to understand? if you know? it’s safe here! I’d known – – if I’d even had the faintest idea… if only Mrs Deverill What about you’d known and the rest them? What are what? of them– they doing? it’s all right, it’s just the cat. He must have followed me here.

What it wasn’t a did you do fox! it’s just that for! the farm cat! Just a There are things cat? it was happening – things Asmodeus! you wouldn’t Mrs believe. Deverill’s Come to my farm cat! tomorrow morning, ten o’clock. Turn left We can’t when you come out talk here! Not now! of Hive Hall! I’ve tried finding my way around these lanes – they just end up where I began. That’s right – you can only go where they want you to. it’s too difficult to explain… Wear this. you won’t get lost if you’re wearing it. Come to my house tomorrow and I’ll tell you everything you want to know.

Why not Look under now? your feet – you’re it’s not safe – standing on for either of us. the road. I have a car. Come to my house and we’ll I’ll never find this place leave together. again without But I don’t a marker. know how to get out of the woods! There. it’ll be almost I don’t time for lunch… believe it! Asmodeus? Alive?

So what happened to you yesterday morning? I went for a walk. A walk? Where? Just around. The next morning. I can’t say I’m used to being I don’t spoken to in that remember you asking way. I was only permission. thinking of you. I don’t it says in remember you the LEAF booklet that I’m supposed telling me I had to. to know your whereabouts at I’d hate The tractor to report needs hosing all times. that you broke the rules. down – and Whatever firewood needs you say, Mrs You can to be chopped. report what Deverill. you want. There’s a lot of work to be done today. Exactly. Whatever I say.

That was What is this too easy. is she talisman? playing with me? Hang on – I should have hit the crossroads by now! Mister Burgess! This is new! How did I miss this two nights ago? Oh no. Mister Burgess?

–Hhnn– Get out. Maybe Tom’s still asleep. Yeah, right.

What’s the point of running? I’ve got no family and friends… Run. Get out of here. I’m going to die here and nobody will care. Stop!!!

You all There’s been right? a murder! Shouldn’t you be in school? You saw him? A man named What were you Tom Burgess! He’s a farmer – lives at doing there? What’s your Glendale Farm! name? I’m Matthew Freeman – I’m staying with Mrs Deverill. I met Tom Burgess. He asked me to visit him. I was there just now. And he’s Dead. All right – you’d better come with us. I don’t Where did Upstairs – in want to go you see him? the bedroom! back there! You can There’s wait in the someone car. You’ll be here. all right.

Can I’m Sergeant Matthew? You left your I help Rivers, this is You haven’t bicycle here you? Police Constable got yourself – I thought into trouble, Reed. Who you must have are you? have you? been visiting. Joanna Creevy. That’s I help Tom Burgess impossible. with his housework. I saw Tom ten minutes ago. What’s wrong? He’s gone Matthew claims that to see the Mister Burgess might sheep in the have been involved in far paddock. some accident– it was no accident! He’s been killed! Cut to pieces! Yes – you You’ll have to She’s lying! I was here ten do that. excuse the mess – Tom’s minutes ago – and he was dead! Go look been redecorating and in the bedroom! I haven’t had a chance What the– to start work yet…

Good morning. How long Since about I’m Ken, Ken have you half past eight. I’m Rampton. been here? helping Tom with Can I the decorating. help you? He looked in about fifteen minutes ago to see how I was doing and then left – something to do with a sheep. He’s lying! And they’ve painted over the message! We won’t waste any more of your time, sir. And as for you – I think we should have a word outside. Could I have a private word with you, officer?

You ought to know that wasting police time is a very serious business. I’m telling the truth. I understand if you had you’ve been in any sense, you’d be trouble a few grateful and stop trying times before. to draw attention You’re with the LEAF project. to yourself. Go back I don’t want to Hive Hall. to see or hear Mrs Deverill from you again. is waiting To hell You can’t for you. with her! escape from us, Matthew – there’s nowhere you can go! “Nowhere!”

You know – I specialize in juvenile crime – I’ve seen many children like Matthew Freeman – – And yet there’s something missing. Ipswich. the office of Stephen Mallory. How do you mean? The boy I met was nothing like the one I’d read about. So I went to records and pulled the files on the accident that killed his parents. I spoke to her. it all reads as incredible as it as I was told – sounded, she still apart from one stuck to the story – witness statement. six years later. A Rosemary Matthew knew Green. somehow that the accident was going And then I saw the paper. The to happen. bizzare suicide in Holborn, the day of his hearing.

Will Scott? Witnesses it could He was a thief and saw him follow have been her, a mugger. What has a middle-aged it may not he got to do woman – grey suit, have been – with this? silver lizard-shaped brooch – before his death. Mrs Deverill wore the exact same suit and brooch – and was late to the hearing. – But the more Mallory – I think of it, the we’ve picked more I wonder up a routine whether Matthew transmission Freeman should from York you’ll be interested be in her care. in. There was a death reported – but then it was apparently a hoax. So? Why bring this to me? Because it’s from Lesser Malling. And the call was from a fourteen- year-old boy from the LEAF project.

Greater Malling. There has to “Rambles Around be something Greater Malling” Three hours to kill until the that can by Elizabeth help me. Ashwood. next bus… Maybe I can work out what’s going on around here. Excuse me, I need Chapter Six to use the internet – Raven’s … for a school project, to find out something Gate. about Raven’s Gate. You’re Never heard kidding me. of it. Someone removed the whole chapter! Nor have I – that’s why I want to go on the internet.

Let’s search for “Raven’s Gate” then. Over twelve if I have to scroll through that thousand entries? many entries – it’ll Great. take me hours! there has to be another – – What the… Who am I? Who are you!

I want to Can … You … know what it is. help me? My name is Matt. Come on – How did I are you still even get this? there? Did I trigger some kind of net alarm?

Goodbye? is there a A Nothing newspaper in newspaper? Greater Malling? more? There’s the Where’s it’s in York. They’re in Gazette – I’d hardly the Yorkshire if you want a local Farrow Street call it a newspaper. newspaper office, – but I doubt Post? you’ll have to try they’ll be able Otherwise there’s to help you with the Yorkshire Post. the Gazette. your project. I can try.

Can I help Yeah – I you? want to talk to someone who knows about local affairs. Lesser Malling. Richard! There’s someone here to see you! This kid! What? Yeah – all right. What do you want? Help. I’m trying You don’t Well I was. to find out about look busy! Busy being something. it’s – it’s for a school busy. project. Try the library. I’m busy. Ok – you’re a journalist – maybe I’ve got a story. A story? All right. come upstairs.

You said I’ve been Lesser through. Malling? I’m meant to cover it. We all Yes. You have our own know it? territories. I got Lesser Malling. Lucky me! Nothing ever How can Nothing ever happens there. bad eyesight happens. One week I’m twenty-five years it’s “Vicar opens fete” old. I’ve been working kill you? and the next it’s in this dump for eighteen months. She fell in “Surgeon opens the river. vicar”. And the biggest news event We had a dog A story’s my I’ve covered so far? show last week – ticket out of here. the fleas were more Give me a scoop and “Bad Eyesight Kills interesting than the Old Lady”. dogs. I had a parking I’ll give you any ticket – I almost help you need. put that on the front page. I’m not sure you’ll believe me. Try me.

Twenty minutes later. Look – I’m sorry … it’s obviously Matthew, but – is complete important – everything crap! lanes that Tom Burgess you’ve told loop in circles! died trying to me – Farmers that warn me. die and then He died – disappear! but his body disappeared. I know I I know about An empty shell said I wanted Omega One – but it that Tom Burgess a story. But a was closed before was guarding! He fairy story… I was born. it’s an knew something – empty shell now. What about and he was the lights at killed! the power station? You seem I imagined I’ve never like a nice kid, the dead body? heard of but maybe you The words “Raven’s Raven’s Gate– imagined the Gate” on the whole thing? wall? Well, then it obviously can’t exist! I’ve wasted my time coming here.

Nothing ever – I won’t happens in Lesser have died of Malling – but if it bad eyesight… did, you wouldn’t I think notice! you’d better So maybe one come back with us, my dear. day, when I turn up floating face down in a You’ve already river, you’ll investigate, caused enough because I tell you – trouble for one day. What are you doing, I don’t Matthew? want to come with I don’t think you have you! any choice. “I think you and I need to have a talk, Matthew.”

You and I You’re not don’t seem to quite meant to like it. You were sent here understand each as a punishment, other. I get the feeling not a holiday. you’re against me. What were I don’t you thinking of, know why – I Matthew! Telling lies haven’t hurt you. about me! Did they What exactly is believe you? wrong? Did you tell I don’t them about like it here. Tom Burgess? Yes. That’s precisely the point I’m trying to make. First the police – then the press – and all the time you’re completely mistaken. I know what I saw! I don’t think you do. it’s my own fault – I got you to clean out the pigs and some of the chemicals are very strong. They get into your brain. What are you saying? are you saying that I imagined what I saw? That’s exactly what I’m saying. I think you’ve probably imagined all sorts of things since you arrived here.

Exactly on time. I think you’ll find it’s for you. Why don’t you answer it? Hello? Matthew – is that you? I’m going to be away for it’s Tom. a couple of weeks but I’ll come round I wanted to say I and see you when was sorry I missed you this morning – I had I’m back– to go down to a market in Cirencester. That wasn’t very friendly. That You should be wasn’t Tom careful before you Burgess. tell any more of these stories. I asked him to call you. I Anyone who knows thought it best anything about you is he talk to you unlikely to believe you. And the last thing you need – himself. I hope this is the end of the matter, Matthew.

“– is to get into any more trouble with the police.” Thank you for coming, Professor Dravid. London. The Nexus. I’m very glad to As you are all aware, see you, Miss Ashwood. Miss Ashwood called As a matter of fact, I was an emergency session of the Nexus three in England anyway – at the Natural History nights ago. Museum. But I’m grateful to everyone else for coming. This meeting was called at short notice and some of you have travelled a long way – even as far as Sydney. Seven months have passed since we last met – at that time, I told you I was aware of a growing danger. We agreed that we should monitor the situation. We are the eyes of the world – although I, of course, have other ways of seeing.

The danger has What evidence You know my become more acute – do you have, evidence very well, and I can’t leave it any Miss Ashwood? Mister Fabian – you longer. I am certain in my heart that our know why I was worst fears are to invited to join the Nexus. be realized. The darkness Raven’s Gate is coming, taking is about to shape. You have open. to trust me. I’m very aware of your abilities, and have great respect for them. But to accept that something is the case because you tell us so? I thought that The Christian was what faith faith is written was all about. down. Nobody has ever written a That’s not history about the true – you’re forgetting the Old Ones. Spanish monk. St Joseph of Cordoba? His book has been lost – and he was discredited centuries ago! You must remember that officially the church does not believe in your Old Ones.

if it was known I did notice that I was part of something very the Nexus, I would recently – it was very minor, so I have to resign. didn’t report it to We both have the you, but in light same aims, afraid of the same thing – no of what you matter what you are saying… call it. But we need more evidence! Maybe I can be of assistance. A drug addict What’s called Will Scott was so strange about that? following a woman into an alleyway near I saw his Holborn. He had a knife, face. The look and a record of of terror. armed violence – He’d tried – But it was to fight it. He Scott who was didn’t want found dead. He pushed the knife to die. into his own heart. Why should one I agree. But there death in Holborn is something else, and have anything to do with the Old it happened only this morning. Ones? I was online at the museum – and my computer picked up an enquiry into Raven’s Gate.

I have a program – Twice before And more whenever somebody it’s happened – importantly – academics – but puts those words this time it was a – the enquiry came into a search engine, teenager – he used from the library of “r” and “u” – called Greater Malling. I hear about it. Matt. He will find Maybe we should his way to us. try to find this “Matt” – and discover what he knows. We said from the start that we couldn’t get involved – that’s not our role. we exist to watch – – And if and when the time comes – to fight back. it is meant to happen. Everything is prepared for this moment – for the return of the Five and the final struggle. if we don’t see that, we lose one of our greatest weapons. Matt. Let’s just pray he finds us soon.

How long have you been here, Noah? Where did Mrs Deverill find you? Were you born here – or did you escape from a lunatic asylum? You shouldn’t I don’t make fun of me. like girls. Why not? it’s the only fun I have. Why don’t you go anywhere? Don’t you have a girlfriend or something? Do you prefer You don’t pigs? I know know. one or two of them fancy Sometimes Mrs Deverill lets me kill you – hey! one. A pig. I put the knife in and I listen to it squeal. We’ll do the same to you. You laugh at Noah – but in the end it’ll be Noah who laughs Get off! at you. Get off me!

Matthew! How I have to say – I don’t want are you? You’ve it wasn’t an easy to stay here – lock lost weight! place to find. me up in Alcatraz if you want – but What are you doing I want to go. here? I was at a You think it’s What were conference in hard getting in, you doing when I Harrogate – thought you should try arrived? Have you I’d look in and started school see how you were getting out. yet? getting on. What? I was Nothing. chopping wood. She Can I help you, Mr Mallory? if I hasn’t recall correctly – started me you were supposed to at school. give me twenty-four hours’ notice of any Do something about it – get official visit! me out of here. You have Oh yes. Matthew something and I have already to hide, Mrs spoken about that. in the end there was Deverill? no harm done. I picked up a report – something about a false alarm at Glendale Farm.

Why isn’t Matthew at school? it’s my feeling it’s too early. We’ll send him to school when he’s ready. Perhaps I could offer you a cup of tea? I haven’t seen very much – but it’s obvious that the living conditions here are entirely inadequate for Matthew’s needs. He looks like he’s been worked to the bone. You’ve actually broken the law by keeping him out of school. I’m going I wouldn’t back to London do that if I – and I’ll be was you. recommending Are you Matthew is threatening removed from your care with me, Mrs Deverill? immediate effect. Listen, Matt – I’d put – I promise you in the car and take you Mrs Deverill you with me if I could will never get – but I can’t. custody of anyone again. give me twenty four hours and then we’ll get you out of this dump, ok? Whatever happens –

…you’re listening to Classic FM. Next up … Recital What the by … skkkrrsshh hell? … emany … nevaeh … nitra … oh … wrehtaf … emany … I’m nevaeh … speeding nitra … oh … wrehtaf … up? The brakes – why aren’t emany … my brakes nevaeh … nitra … working?! oh … wrehtaf … emany … nevaeh … nitra … oh … wrehtaf …

“Matthew, wake up.”

Matthew – – What wake up. is it? Whu – I just heard it on the radio – I thought you ought to know. I’m afraid it’s bad it seems there news, Matthew. was a multiple pile up on the motorway last night. Six people were killed. Detective Superintendent Mallory was one of them. it’s a terrible shame, really terrible – – but it looks like you won’t be leaving after all.

Jayne tells me you have been missing school. I haven’t been, because she won’t let me go. I have to work here. Modern children – no respect, have no real education. no intelligence, no taste. And they You see them in their think the world shapeless clothes, belongs to them! listening to what they call music – They’ll soon find out! The car’s Oh no – Mr Mallory ready. won’t be coming We’re still back. eating. Wait for us outside. Now get it down it’s you – it’ll help raining. you relax. Then wait in the car. We might be. I’m making you a cup of herbal tea. I want you to drink it all, Matthew – Are you going out? – you’ve Are you going been on to arrange for edge since the him to phone me death of that detective. tomorrow?

Not for me, thanks. You’re not Well, if I do– leaving the you insist. table until you do. Asmodeus! Tired, –yawn– Matthew? Why I think I’ll don’t you go do that. to bed? He’ll sleep Then let’s go. twelve hours and wake up with Yes. a chainsaw of a headache. Are you ready?

What the…

Looks like the whole village is here. I wonder what’s in the box–

Oh crap.

Whumph! Come on! Ahhh! –Hnf–

–Hf– –hf– –hf– –Hnf– Oh god. They’ve got through! Need – a stream – something to disguise the scent – – Too open. But which way? Moorland, River or a stream?

Hey! Oh no – a bog! Try not to move … perhaps I can pull myself out … … Heh. At least the dogs won’t find me– Don’t move! I have a rope!

Hurry! I can’t stay… Gah! –gasp- You! What the Not now. We have hell? What are to go. you doing? All right – can you get to the car?

Look out! There. Get in Nice dogs! the car. Stay! I’m going to put them down. What are you going to do?

Gah! Hold on! Where’s the other one?

So – do you mind I think telling me what all something is happening in that was about? Lesser Malling. You – I think know – you might be right.

Richard’s flat. I was lucky to get it. it’s The Shambles, York. very cheap. Nice place. Not that I’m here much, I usually eat down the pub. You live on I had a girlfriend Now she’s your own? until about a week going out with an ago. unfortunately she took a liking to opera singer. classical music. Want anything to drink? What’s so wrong with that? How did Well – after you find me you left, I thought about what you’d said. it tonight? sounded pretty stupid, but there were parts of your story… And I had nothing better to do. Let’s just say I happened to be passing Omega One. The man who built it still lives in York. he was a scientific advisor to the government back in the sixties, but he’s retired now. Man by the name of Sir Michael Marsh.

Did you Worst comes to That’s not meet him? the worst, I may give possible – I him a call. He may be didn’t shout I did a story about six months able to help. for help. ago. Unbelieveably boring man. Lives in So you decided I didn’t a big house by the to visit Omega One even hear your river and collects in the middle of car. You were matchbook the night? suddenly just labels. I was returning there. from the pub. I heard someone shouting and found you. How fast were Then even if you driving? I had shouted – how could you About fifty. have heard me? it’s not I don’t know. possible. Were the so how do windows you explain how I swerved off the road open? at exactly the right point to find you? No. I can’t.

Well, anyway – I don’t remember now you’re here, much about my maybe you should tell me a bit more parents. They died about yourself. it six years ago. might help me work My dad was a out what to do. doctor. I don’t think my mum worked. We Start at the had a nice house and beginning – what a bit of money. But happened to your we weren’t rich. parents? No. My dad was born in New Zealand Brothers? and his family’s still Sisters? over there. Mum had a half-sister – Gwenda. Anyway – my mum and dad were killed. They were driving to a wedding in Oxford. I was supposed to go but at the last minute I didn’t feel well. There was an accident. A tyre burst as they were crossing a bridge. My dad lost control and they went over the side. They drowned. I was then sent to live with Gwenda and Brian. You’re not going to write about this, are you? I won’t write about anything unless you let me.