Isle of Winds (The Changeling Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

along, bristling slightly at the sound of the other man’s voice.
    On the other side of Barrowood’s train station, he bundled Robin into an ancient car. “Careful who you talk to, son,” he said. “It’s not just your big cities full of dangerous folk, you know.” He climbed in and started the engine.
    That was the second time that day he had been given that same advice, but Robin didn’t say anything. He glanced back at the station as the car pulled away, but from what he could see the platform was now empty.
    “You don’t want to go throwing your name about to just anyone,” Drover continued, though his voice was good-natured. “Did you have a good trip up?”
    “Yes,” Robin replied, watching the wooded hills and fields pass by as they drove out of the village. He fiddled with the horseshoe charm through the fabric of his t-shirt, wondering vaguely if it was just a coincidence. “… Interesting anyway.”

 
    Chapter Three – The Locked Room At Erlking Hall
     
    The village was tiny and they were soon out of it, driving through tiny country lanes. The car slowed as it approached a set of tall iron gates, each mounted by a strange type of gargoyle. Beyond, a long curving avenue climbed a steep slope. The tall trees lining the road were huge and gnarled, the branches interlocking above, making a sun-dappled tunnel of autumn leaves.
    At the very top of the hill, the Hall itself.
    It was huge.
    Robin, who was used to living in a small bungalow, found it hard to believe that anyone could live alone in such a large house. It had four vast floors of leaded glass windows, a steep slate roof dotted with attic windows. An expanse of pedimented wings sprawled to the side. It even had a stubby tower. Columns flanked the dark double doors, in front of which Mr Drover’s old car lurched to a halt, wheels crunching gravel.
    “There she is, lad,” Mr Drover said proprietarily. “Erlking Hall, in all her glory.” He gave a gruff chuckle and climbed out of the car. Robin followed, peering up.
    “Does all of this belong to Aunt Irene?” he wondered.
    “Erlking belongs to itself. But your great aunt watches over, aye.”
    This had to be some kind of a joke. He couldn’t really be coming to live in a stately home like this. Any minute now, Gran was going to jump out of a bush, crying “I got you! Snakes and ashes!”, and they would go home again.
    But of course, being dead, she didn’t do that.
    Robin felt bad then, about feeling excited about this place, and guilty as if it was his fault Gran had died, when secretly he knew Dolly Parton was to blame.
    Mostly though, he just felt confused.
    When he approached the doors though, confusion disappeared. This is where you belong , Erlking seemed to say. He shivered as the odd feeling washed over him.
    “Well,” said Drover, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s get you inside, lad. Then, if nothing else, at least you’ll be home.”
    The door knocker was an eagle’s talon gripping an egg. Above the huge oak doors was a carved stone circle, where a man’s cheerful face sat amidst swirling leaves.
    Drover noticed Robin peering up at the sculpture as he looked for his keys.
    “That there’s the green man,” he said, by way of explanation. “Oak king, nice fella.”
    “Okay,” Robin replied, without understanding. “It’s … weird.”
    Drover chuckled.
    “Good though,” Robin said hastily, in case he’d said the wrong thing. “Weird in a good way.”
    “Well, he’s good enough I suppose, when the mood takes him,” Drover shrugged, slotting a large key in the lock. “You wouldn’t want to run into t’other one though. Holly king, he’s a bugger.”
    Before Robin could question this, Drover opened the door and stood aside so he could enter. He pointed Robin through a set of double doors to the right.
    “Best go in, lad. Don’t keep a lady waiting.” He patted Robin roughly on the shoulder. “I’ll take your stuff up to your room for you. But