Free Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors by Jenny Nimmo Page A

"Don't worry I'll clean it up." She reached under the counter for the dustpan and brush, which had been kept handy ever since Paton's first visit to the bookstore.
    Emma's aunt, Julia, now appeared behind the counter. "It could have been worse, I suppose."
    Charlie was very surprised to see his uncle in the store so early in the day As a rule, Paton never went out in daylight. He was embarrassed about his talent and afraid that he would be seen accidentally exploding traffic lights or the illuminations in store windows — even lights in private houses were at risk.
    There must have been something very urgent to summon Uncle Paton to the bookstore. Unless, of course, it was Julia Ingledew. She was a very beautiful woman and Uncle Paton had fallen under her spell the moment he first saw her.
    "Can I help?" offered Charlie, as he watched Emma and Miss Ingledew sweep up the tiny fragments of glass.
    "Just go and talk to your uncle," said Miss Ingledew, "and keep him out of mischief." She gave a wry smile.
    Charlie made his way past the curtain into Miss Ingledew's back room. Here, shelves crammed with books lined every wall. Books were piled on tables, on the floor, on chairs, and on Miss Ingledew's large mahogany desk. The whole room glowed with the warm colors of old bindings and gold tooling; it smelled of leather and very old paper. Candles had been lit on every spare surface because the small window let in very little light, and today Julia didn't want to put the table lamps at risk.
    Uncle Paton sat on a small sofa surrounded by newspapers, folders, and yet more books. When Charlie appeared, his uncle removed his dark glasses and rubbed his eyes. "No darn use," he said in a troubled tone. “Although, I swear these glasses have prevented a few accidents." He put the glasses in the top pocket of his black corduroy jacket. "So, Charlie, your mother tells me you got detention again."
    "Yes, and Aunt Eustacia had to pick me up," Charlie said reproachfully
    Paton shrugged. "Sorry dear boy But you know I can't drive in daylight."
    "At least I'm still alive," said Charlie. "I'm surprised to find you here, Uncle P."
    "Ah! I came before sunrise," said Uncle Paton, avoiding Charlie's eyes. "Julia phoned me last night. Someone put a letter through her door, addressed to me. All very intriguing. So I came by as soon as I decently could. As a matter of fact, the letter concerns a pal of yours, Charlie."
    Which one?" Charlie sat beside his uncle.
    "Billy Raven. It's very odd." Uncle Paton pulled a crumpled envelope out of his pocket. It was addressed to Mr. Paton Yewbeam in frail, rather elegant handwriting. "I'd like to know what you make of it, Charlie."
    Paton withdrew two sheets of paper. As he did so, a small candle fell out. Charlie caught it and held it up. "This is exactly like the candles Billy has. He doesn't know where they came from."
    "Obviously from the man who wrote this letter. It proves their connection." Paton peered at the candle. "It's beautiful."
    At that moment, Emma walked in. She was told to sit down and listen. Uncle Paton cleared his throat and began to read the mysterious letter.
    “Dar Mr. Yewbeam,
    Forgive me for insinuating myself into your life in this unconventional manner, but truthfully, I had no choice. Should a certain person in your household chance upon the contents of this letter, it would be nothing short of a disaster."
    "He means Grandma Bone," said Charlie.
    Pat on nodded grimly and continued.
    "Your name, Mr.Yewbeam, was given to me by one of the few people in this city whom I know I can trust. And the lady whose mailbox I had to make use of is also a friend to the children, so I am told. You know the children of whom I speak? Yes, the endowed descendants of the Red King, those vulnerable children who are trying to use their talents in a manner that honors the name of their ancestor, his most esteemed majesty, the magician-king himself. There are others, I know, who defile his name and abuse